5:00 pm---Crest comes into the game at 5-3, 2-1 in conference; Hunter Huss's record is identical. All three Chargers' losses have been by three points or less. Crest won possibly its biggest game of the season exactly four weeks ago on a Monday night, downing Ashbrook on the road 28-14.
It's certainly going to feel like football weather tonight, and wouldn't you know it, I couldn't find my heavy coat this afternoon before I left the house. I've got like four layers on though, along with my beanie for later, so hopefully I'll be okay. DRESS WARMLY IF YOU'RE COMING TONIGHT!!!
6:25pm---Here are some comparative scores between the Huskies and Chargers for those of you who believe in that sort of thing...
Crest 7, Kings Mountain 2
Kings Mountain 32, Hunter Huss 18
Crest 46, North Gaston 0
Hunter Huss 26, North Gaston 2
Advantage Crest??
7:00pm---Huss wins the toss and elects to defer the option until the second half. Crest will recieve the opening kickoff. Aldrick Watson returns the kick from the 11 to the Crest 29.
7:05---A penalty brought back a nice run by Justin Price to begin the game, but can't stop a Rhaheim Ledbetter 19-yard carry on 1st and 20 after that. After a couple more first downs, including a third and 5 conversion, Qourtez Wright carries up the middle for a 31-yard touchdown run. 7-0 Crest, 9:50, 1st qtr.
7:20pm---A Huss first down was the result of a couple Marshall Williams keepers, but the drive stalled near midfield. The snap then went over the Huskies' punter's head and Crest recovered at the Huss 34. Reggie Wilkins broke a 26 yard run, completed a pass and Ledbetter ran for a 3 yard touchdown. Kick is good, 14-0 Crest at 4:45 1st qtr.
7:35pm---It appeared Crest had forced a three and out but Huss faked a punt, with QB Williams running for a first down and more. Then on a 3rd and 15, a pass bounced off one Husky to another who rambled 48 yards down to the Crest 9. But a penalty and an Akeem Boyce sack moved Huss back to the 25 and three straight incompletions gave Crest the ball on downs. END 1ST 14-0 Crest
7:40pm---Teams have traded three punts, and with 5:00 left until half, it's still 14-0 Crest.
7:55pm---At halftime, it's still 14-0 Crest; neither team seriously threatened in the 2nd quarter, as Huss moved the ball to Crest's 42 early in the period, but that's as far as either team got. Huss seemed to establish some kind of rhythm on offense, and is still hanging around, the way they did two years ago at Crest in a late come-from-behind win. The feeling around the press box is that Crest needs another score to feel safe at all.
STATS---Huss- Marshall Williams, 3-for-8 passing for 73 yards, 10 carries for 66 yards. Brandon Garvin, 1 catch 48 yards. Tevin Lindsey 7 carries, 21 yards.
Crest- Reggie Wilkins, 8 carries, 58 yards, 2-for-9 passing 22 yards; Qourtez Wright 4 carries, 52 yards, TD; Rhaheim Ledbetter 3 carries, 23 yards, TD.
8:25pm---Huss gets the ball to begin the second half, gets a first down, then nothing else. A good punt traps Crest back at its own 10. 9:04 left 3rd qtr. 14-0 Crest
8:34pm---Huss gets in the end zone after a poor punt and two straight Crest personal foul penalties set them up inside the 10. Marshall Williams scored on a 2-yard keeper and Dennis Price then grabbed a botched snap and ran into the end zone left side for a 2-pt conversion. 14-8 Crest at 4:48 left 3rd qtr.
Crest starts their next drive from their own 40 and goes three-and-out for the second time this half. Momentum appears to have shifted...
The Chargers defense gets a big third and 7 stop on a pass to the left sideline broken up by a defensive back. 1:00 left 3rd, 14-8 Crest
Crest didnt have a first down in the 3rd qtr, but they made up for it to begin the 4th. 5 straight first downs included an 8-yard TD run by Wilkins and Crest leads 21-8 10:34 left. Was that the same Crest team???
8:57 pm---Now 7:30 to play in the 4th qtr after Crest forces a turnover on downs around midfield.
Crest now faces a 4th and less than a yard at Huss's 43. 4:41 left and a 1st down could be huge...Rhaheim Ledbetter got it and more with a huge burst through a hole on the left side. 1st down Crest at the Huss 25.
Two plays later, Wilkins ran right side on a 3rd and 3 untouched for an 18-yard touchdown run. That should pretty much do it, and Crest should have survived a horrible third quarter. 28-8 Crest, 2:32 4th.
A fumble ends it for Huss, 28-8 Final.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Random thoughts on a Monday
So the UNC football team lost in Charlottesville...again. What else is new? They haven't won a game in Scott Stadium since before I was born---1981! So I have no idea what a celebration would be like after a win at Virginia.
And after two days in deep thought (kind of), I still don't know what the most frustrating part of the loss was. Was it losing to a team the Heels are better than? Was it giving the game away in the last two minutes with a "prevent" defense when our normal defense had in fact prevented the Hoos from scoring a touchdown for 57 minutes? Was it knowing that was coming after watching Notre Dame almost do the same thing a week before? Was it probably losing a shot at an ACC title game appearance? Take your pick. They all suck!...
On a brighter note, Gardner-Webb absolutely steamrolled Presbyterian and showed that they have a lot of fight left in them after a frustrating loss at currently 23rd-ranked Georgia Tech that would have shook up the football world. The Bulldogs showed they can bounce back; look for a great game on homecoming day Saturday against VMI. Get out to Boiling Springs if you can; believe me, you won't regret it...
Can anyone believe Tampa Bay is in the World Series? I'm still in shock. This whole season of theirs has me in shock. I'm glad that either the Phillies or the Rays will break their string of futility and win a title! It almost seems like the Phillies have "earned" the right to win the big one, because of many, many years of struggling. While it seems like the Rays have struggled forever (and they have), it's only been a decade. Ask the Phillies. A decade of struggles are nothing. But whoever wins, it's a great story for the sport...
Congrats to the Kings Mountain football team, on their 21-0 win over Shelby Friday night. After 10 years of getting the brunt of an always solid Shelby team in the "Battle of Buffalo Creek", the Mountaineers pulled through, won the game, and now have the inside track on the Southwestern conference crown. Hopefully, Shelby will bounce back, Crest will keep winning, and Burns can come through with a couple wins over the last few weeks. It is starting to feel like playoff football weather, and I couldn't be more ready!...
And after two days in deep thought (kind of), I still don't know what the most frustrating part of the loss was. Was it losing to a team the Heels are better than? Was it giving the game away in the last two minutes with a "prevent" defense when our normal defense had in fact prevented the Hoos from scoring a touchdown for 57 minutes? Was it knowing that was coming after watching Notre Dame almost do the same thing a week before? Was it probably losing a shot at an ACC title game appearance? Take your pick. They all suck!...
On a brighter note, Gardner-Webb absolutely steamrolled Presbyterian and showed that they have a lot of fight left in them after a frustrating loss at currently 23rd-ranked Georgia Tech that would have shook up the football world. The Bulldogs showed they can bounce back; look for a great game on homecoming day Saturday against VMI. Get out to Boiling Springs if you can; believe me, you won't regret it...
Can anyone believe Tampa Bay is in the World Series? I'm still in shock. This whole season of theirs has me in shock. I'm glad that either the Phillies or the Rays will break their string of futility and win a title! It almost seems like the Phillies have "earned" the right to win the big one, because of many, many years of struggling. While it seems like the Rays have struggled forever (and they have), it's only been a decade. Ask the Phillies. A decade of struggles are nothing. But whoever wins, it's a great story for the sport...
Congrats to the Kings Mountain football team, on their 21-0 win over Shelby Friday night. After 10 years of getting the brunt of an always solid Shelby team in the "Battle of Buffalo Creek", the Mountaineers pulled through, won the game, and now have the inside track on the Southwestern conference crown. Hopefully, Shelby will bounce back, Crest will keep winning, and Burns can come through with a couple wins over the last few weeks. It is starting to feel like playoff football weather, and I couldn't be more ready!...
Monday, October 6, 2008
How good are the Panthers?
When wide receiver Steve Smith sent teammate Ken Lucas to the hospital with a broken nose during Panthers’ training camp in early August, outsiders might have been watching like vultures for a Carolina collapse in 2008.
But now it’s the Panthers who are picking apart the opposition.
And the thanks should go to head coach John Fox and his commitment to his beliefs.
Though it meant possibly getting off to a disappointing start, Fox suspended his star wide-out for the first two games of the season.
The move paid off in two huge ways.
First, the team answered the call without Smith in the lineup, figuring out ways to win both games during his absence. The Panthers young and improved running game, the poise of veteran Jake Delhomme, and the reacquisition of receiver Muhsin Muhammad—after a three-year exile in Chicago—helped in that regard.
And so did the defense, which it seems is always a team strength when the Panthers are good.
But secondly, (and I think more importantly) the move built team cohesion.
When Smith scored his only touchdown of the season, he gave the ball to Lucas, and it seems any riff between the two, if once there, is legitimately over.
Whether it’s pulling out late wins (like the win over the Chargers in week one) or blowing out teams by record margins (last Sunday against the Chiefs), it seems the Panthers are starting to believe they can overcome anything after surviving a personality conflict involving their star player.
There’s no telling how big of an “x” factor something as seemingly little as that could be as the Panthers look forward to a possible postseason berth and maybe more.
The Panthers now come to a crucial part of the season over the next two weeks, with division games at Tampa Bay and at home against New Orleans, a stretch that should show fans exactly what the team is made of.
Given the fact that they have the same coach, the same quarterback, and the same commitment to hard-nosed defense as the Panthers’ teams that reached Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004 and the NFC title game two years later, fans expect a lot from Carolina this year.
And rightfully so.
So how good will the Panthers be this year??? Give me your feedback on how they will fare this year!
But now it’s the Panthers who are picking apart the opposition.
And the thanks should go to head coach John Fox and his commitment to his beliefs.
Though it meant possibly getting off to a disappointing start, Fox suspended his star wide-out for the first two games of the season.
The move paid off in two huge ways.
First, the team answered the call without Smith in the lineup, figuring out ways to win both games during his absence. The Panthers young and improved running game, the poise of veteran Jake Delhomme, and the reacquisition of receiver Muhsin Muhammad—after a three-year exile in Chicago—helped in that regard.
And so did the defense, which it seems is always a team strength when the Panthers are good.
But secondly, (and I think more importantly) the move built team cohesion.
When Smith scored his only touchdown of the season, he gave the ball to Lucas, and it seems any riff between the two, if once there, is legitimately over.
Whether it’s pulling out late wins (like the win over the Chargers in week one) or blowing out teams by record margins (last Sunday against the Chiefs), it seems the Panthers are starting to believe they can overcome anything after surviving a personality conflict involving their star player.
There’s no telling how big of an “x” factor something as seemingly little as that could be as the Panthers look forward to a possible postseason berth and maybe more.
The Panthers now come to a crucial part of the season over the next two weeks, with division games at Tampa Bay and at home against New Orleans, a stretch that should show fans exactly what the team is made of.
Given the fact that they have the same coach, the same quarterback, and the same commitment to hard-nosed defense as the Panthers’ teams that reached Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004 and the NFC title game two years later, fans expect a lot from Carolina this year.
And rightfully so.
So how good will the Panthers be this year??? Give me your feedback on how they will fare this year!
Friday, October 3, 2008
Football Tonight: Watauga at Shelby
4:45 p.m.- It's almost three hours to kickoff, and I've got a few pre-game thoughts for you...It's homecoming night at Shelby, so they should be fired up. And it doesn't hurt that they haven't won two games in a row yet this year, and have a chance to do so with a win tonight. Watauga has its own streak to protect, having won four straight games coming in.
It figures to be a defensive struggle, at least on paper, as Watauga has allowed just 13 points over the last two weeks combined. Shelby has allowed an average of 12.3 points per game this year...More to come when I arrive at Shelby later on.
7:00 p.m.- It's a beautiful night for football in Shelby. Clear skies as the sun sets with temperatures in the mid 60's. A lot better than last week!
It will be interesting to see how the respective offenses try to move the ball against the defenses. Running back and Clemson commitment Larry Raper leads a Shelby ground attack that also features backs Jonathan Hopper and Michael Copeland. The three backs combined for over 200 yards last week in a win over Brevard.
Watauga may try to move the ball more through the air, as junior QB Devan Corum went 13-for-19 for 235 yards and three touchdowns last week. His favorite target was Baine Martin our of the backfield. Martin caught for balls for 146 yards and a score.
7:28- Watauga wins the toss and elects to kick to Shelby to begin the game.
7:41-Shelby began their first drive at their own 34 yard line. After a first down on the ground, Shelby quarterback Anthony Franklin lost seven yards on a keeper, but made up for it by converting a third-and long pass to Reid Houser down the sideline to the Watauga 33. But Watauga's defense held and moved Shelby back 10 yards, forcing a Lions' punt. On a short punt, a Watauga player touched the ball and Shelby is given an early break as the Lions recovered. 1st and 10 Shelby from the Watauga 18.
7:44-After gaining eight yards, Shelby fumbled the ball on third and two from the Watauga 10. A Franklin pitch to Hopper was high, and Hopper had the ball briefly before dropping it. Watauga recovered and they have the ball for the first time tonight. Shelby 0, Watauga 0, 4:55 1st quarter.
Watauga picked up nine yards on three plays, then lined up to go for a 4th and 1 play, but didn't have to, as Shelby jumped offsides. Then on a 3rd and 6, Watauga QB Devan Corum avoided the Lions' rush for a run across midfield. But Corum fumbled a couple plays later, and Shelby recovered. 1st and 10, Shelby, on their own 47, Copeland ran for 16 yards up the middle and Shelby is back across midfield. END 1st quarter. Shelby 0, Watauga 0.
7:55 p.m.- Shelby couldn't move the ball after Copeland's run and faced a 4th and 9 at the Watauga 34. They went for it, Frankiln rolled to his left and lofted a pass itno the endzone that was picked off. Watauga ball, 1st and 10 from their own 20. Still no score, and four turnovers combined!
8:00 pm- On a 3rd and long, Shelby's defense held again, with "Boom-Boom" Murray and R.J. Ussery combining for a sack. Watauga punts, and Shelby gets the ball back, 1st and 10 from the Watauga 38.
"Boom-Boom" is now lining up at wingback on offense! First play, Raper ran 38 yards across the right side for a TD...but, a penalty brought it back. Two plays later, the same play worked for the same result. 34 yard TD run Raper, no penalty--- extra point is wide right. 6-0 Shelby, 9:07 2nd quarter.
8:08pm- Boom-Boom is all over the field. A sack forced a Watauga 3rd-and-long, and on that play an attempted screen pass is intercepted by team co-captain Peter McInnis, who ran 11 yards the other way for a touchdown. He's still down in the endzone, however, injured. They are going to cart McInnis off the field. Turner Almond kick is good; 13-0 Shelby, with 7:05 left 2nd quarter.
Watauga went 3-and-out, with a dropped ball on 3rd down. On the first play from their own 43, Shelby's Anthony Franklin hooked up with Raper for a 55-yard TD pass deep over the middle, Raper's second TD. Wow, that was quick...5:09 2nd quarter, 20-0 Shelby.
8:30pm- Boom-Boom and company are still at it. Another Boom-Boom sack backed Watauga up after a couple penalties. Watauga had crossed midfield, but got backed way up by the time they had to punt. And then, the punt was blocked by Gerald Jennings, who fell on the ball at the Watauga 7. It looked like he could have picked the ball up and rambled in had he taken his time on it. And it's too bad for Shelby that he couldn't. After a procedure penalty, Shelby's Jonathan Hopper fumbled the ball a yard away from paydirt. Watauga fell on the ball, and the clock dwindled away into halftime after a couple sneaks. Shelby 20-0, Halftime.
8:50pm-For those interested, Shelby's 2008 homecoming queen is...Alexis Cannon.
9:05pm- Back now after a lengthy halftime...Watauga started the half with a big kickoff return and their best field position of the game, just on Shelby's side of the field. Two consecutive completions has the Pioneers at the Shelby 30, but a Ussery tackle for loss on third-and-long forces a punt. Shelby ball after the punt, 1st and 10 at their own 25. After a 20 yard carry by Hopper, Franklin fumbles the ball after tripping apparently. It was recovered by Watauga's Tanner Wilson and taken 47 yards the other way for a score. Kick failed, 20-6 Shelby, 8:34-3rd.
9:15pm-Shelby went three and out and after a punt Watauga is moving the ball a bit, they face a 3rd and 6 from the Shelby 47 yard line. It's hard to believe Watauga is still in this game right now!
Two penalties, and offsides and a pass interference keeps Watauga's drive moving. 1st and 10 at the Shelby 16. The offsides call was the third tonight that has resulted in a Watauga first down (Strangely, they have more first downs than Shelby 9-6, despite being seriously outgained in total yardage.) Watauga goes for it on a fourth down in the red zone, with the quarterback, Corum, being tackled short of the mark. Shelby's ball again, end 3rd quarter- Shelby 20, Watauga 6.
9:47pm- Sorry about the long delay...computer issues! Shelby's Michael Copeland and Jonathan Hopper gashed Watauga on the first drive of the 4th quarter, with Hopper taking the ball into the endzone for a score. A long kick return by Watauga on the ensuing kick was wiped off due to penalty. That was followed by a three-and-out and a long, winding punt return by Ussery. Quinton Hopper, the new Shelby QB, fumbled on his first play of the game. 3:00 left in the 4th quarter, Shelby 27, Watauga 6.
Final score- Shelby 27, Watauga 6
Look for the story on shelbystar.com by 11:45 or so...
It figures to be a defensive struggle, at least on paper, as Watauga has allowed just 13 points over the last two weeks combined. Shelby has allowed an average of 12.3 points per game this year...More to come when I arrive at Shelby later on.
7:00 p.m.- It's a beautiful night for football in Shelby. Clear skies as the sun sets with temperatures in the mid 60's. A lot better than last week!
It will be interesting to see how the respective offenses try to move the ball against the defenses. Running back and Clemson commitment Larry Raper leads a Shelby ground attack that also features backs Jonathan Hopper and Michael Copeland. The three backs combined for over 200 yards last week in a win over Brevard.
Watauga may try to move the ball more through the air, as junior QB Devan Corum went 13-for-19 for 235 yards and three touchdowns last week. His favorite target was Baine Martin our of the backfield. Martin caught for balls for 146 yards and a score.
7:28- Watauga wins the toss and elects to kick to Shelby to begin the game.
7:41-Shelby began their first drive at their own 34 yard line. After a first down on the ground, Shelby quarterback Anthony Franklin lost seven yards on a keeper, but made up for it by converting a third-and long pass to Reid Houser down the sideline to the Watauga 33. But Watauga's defense held and moved Shelby back 10 yards, forcing a Lions' punt. On a short punt, a Watauga player touched the ball and Shelby is given an early break as the Lions recovered. 1st and 10 Shelby from the Watauga 18.
7:44-After gaining eight yards, Shelby fumbled the ball on third and two from the Watauga 10. A Franklin pitch to Hopper was high, and Hopper had the ball briefly before dropping it. Watauga recovered and they have the ball for the first time tonight. Shelby 0, Watauga 0, 4:55 1st quarter.
Watauga picked up nine yards on three plays, then lined up to go for a 4th and 1 play, but didn't have to, as Shelby jumped offsides. Then on a 3rd and 6, Watauga QB Devan Corum avoided the Lions' rush for a run across midfield. But Corum fumbled a couple plays later, and Shelby recovered. 1st and 10, Shelby, on their own 47, Copeland ran for 16 yards up the middle and Shelby is back across midfield. END 1st quarter. Shelby 0, Watauga 0.
7:55 p.m.- Shelby couldn't move the ball after Copeland's run and faced a 4th and 9 at the Watauga 34. They went for it, Frankiln rolled to his left and lofted a pass itno the endzone that was picked off. Watauga ball, 1st and 10 from their own 20. Still no score, and four turnovers combined!
8:00 pm- On a 3rd and long, Shelby's defense held again, with "Boom-Boom" Murray and R.J. Ussery combining for a sack. Watauga punts, and Shelby gets the ball back, 1st and 10 from the Watauga 38.
"Boom-Boom" is now lining up at wingback on offense! First play, Raper ran 38 yards across the right side for a TD...but, a penalty brought it back. Two plays later, the same play worked for the same result. 34 yard TD run Raper, no penalty--- extra point is wide right. 6-0 Shelby, 9:07 2nd quarter.
8:08pm- Boom-Boom is all over the field. A sack forced a Watauga 3rd-and-long, and on that play an attempted screen pass is intercepted by team co-captain Peter McInnis, who ran 11 yards the other way for a touchdown. He's still down in the endzone, however, injured. They are going to cart McInnis off the field. Turner Almond kick is good; 13-0 Shelby, with 7:05 left 2nd quarter.
Watauga went 3-and-out, with a dropped ball on 3rd down. On the first play from their own 43, Shelby's Anthony Franklin hooked up with Raper for a 55-yard TD pass deep over the middle, Raper's second TD. Wow, that was quick...5:09 2nd quarter, 20-0 Shelby.
8:30pm- Boom-Boom and company are still at it. Another Boom-Boom sack backed Watauga up after a couple penalties. Watauga had crossed midfield, but got backed way up by the time they had to punt. And then, the punt was blocked by Gerald Jennings, who fell on the ball at the Watauga 7. It looked like he could have picked the ball up and rambled in had he taken his time on it. And it's too bad for Shelby that he couldn't. After a procedure penalty, Shelby's Jonathan Hopper fumbled the ball a yard away from paydirt. Watauga fell on the ball, and the clock dwindled away into halftime after a couple sneaks. Shelby 20-0, Halftime.
8:50pm-For those interested, Shelby's 2008 homecoming queen is...Alexis Cannon.
9:05pm- Back now after a lengthy halftime...Watauga started the half with a big kickoff return and their best field position of the game, just on Shelby's side of the field. Two consecutive completions has the Pioneers at the Shelby 30, but a Ussery tackle for loss on third-and-long forces a punt. Shelby ball after the punt, 1st and 10 at their own 25. After a 20 yard carry by Hopper, Franklin fumbles the ball after tripping apparently. It was recovered by Watauga's Tanner Wilson and taken 47 yards the other way for a score. Kick failed, 20-6 Shelby, 8:34-3rd.
9:15pm-Shelby went three and out and after a punt Watauga is moving the ball a bit, they face a 3rd and 6 from the Shelby 47 yard line. It's hard to believe Watauga is still in this game right now!
Two penalties, and offsides and a pass interference keeps Watauga's drive moving. 1st and 10 at the Shelby 16. The offsides call was the third tonight that has resulted in a Watauga first down (Strangely, they have more first downs than Shelby 9-6, despite being seriously outgained in total yardage.) Watauga goes for it on a fourth down in the red zone, with the quarterback, Corum, being tackled short of the mark. Shelby's ball again, end 3rd quarter- Shelby 20, Watauga 6.
9:47pm- Sorry about the long delay...computer issues! Shelby's Michael Copeland and Jonathan Hopper gashed Watauga on the first drive of the 4th quarter, with Hopper taking the ball into the endzone for a score. A long kick return by Watauga on the ensuing kick was wiped off due to penalty. That was followed by a three-and-out and a long, winding punt return by Ussery. Quinton Hopper, the new Shelby QB, fumbled on his first play of the game. 3:00 left in the 4th quarter, Shelby 27, Watauga 6.
Final score- Shelby 27, Watauga 6
Look for the story on shelbystar.com by 11:45 or so...
Thursday, October 2, 2008
New Burns, Brevard coaches trying to make adjustment
First-year interim Burns head coach David Devine and first-year Brevard coach Mark Barnes can definitely agree on at least one thing.
It isn’t easy to replace successful, long-tenured coaches.
Especially when your first season begins by losing a bunch of starters from the previous year’s team.
Devine came on staff with the Bulldogs in 1999 and was the defensive coordinator until stepping up to replace long-time coach Ron Green, who is out this season after having knee replacement surgery.
Devine also played on Green’s 1994 state championship team and was a two-way starter---at center on offense and linebacker on defense---so he knows the history of Burns football (which currently has six straight playoff appearances, including state quarterfinal losses in 2004 and 2006) better than anyone.
And he is finding out how tough it is to replace 16 starters from last year, including converted quarterback Keron Phelps, who is now playing defensive back at Gardner-Webb, and skilled utility man Donta Hopper, now a Guilford College defensive back.
Devine said that though he can’t completely control his team’s wins and losses, he is focusing on the things he can control.
“I give 110 percent of everything I’ve got every day,” Devine said. “No day’s different for me, no matter whether we’re winning or losing. The kids know I’m going to give then everything I’ve got every day. I’m never going to take a day off.”
Barnes, who spent 16 years at Scotland HS, and has 20 years of experience overall as a head coach, replaced retired coach Dan Esselberg, under whom Brevard had 39 wins in the last four seasons.
Brevard also lost a slew of players from last season, including their starting quarterback, running back, three linebackers, and three offensive linemen (including Brian Owens and Taylor Perez, both currently playing at Mars Hill College.)
Barnes, who said he is still getting used to to having guys playing on both sides of the ball at Brevard, knows his team is still adjusting to the new spread offense he brought in, as opposed to the power-I the team had been using.
“It’s a new system with a new coach, and there’s an adjustment period going on,” Barnes said. “But the guys have worked hard, and I hope our best days are in front of us.
“Most importantly, we want to make sure we’re getting better. We expect to have a chance to win each Friday night we take the field, and we know we’re going to have to play well to do that. We expect to have a chance to compete in our conference too; that’s what our community expects, and that’s what our players expect.”
It isn’t easy to replace successful, long-tenured coaches.
Especially when your first season begins by losing a bunch of starters from the previous year’s team.
Devine came on staff with the Bulldogs in 1999 and was the defensive coordinator until stepping up to replace long-time coach Ron Green, who is out this season after having knee replacement surgery.
Devine also played on Green’s 1994 state championship team and was a two-way starter---at center on offense and linebacker on defense---so he knows the history of Burns football (which currently has six straight playoff appearances, including state quarterfinal losses in 2004 and 2006) better than anyone.
And he is finding out how tough it is to replace 16 starters from last year, including converted quarterback Keron Phelps, who is now playing defensive back at Gardner-Webb, and skilled utility man Donta Hopper, now a Guilford College defensive back.
Devine said that though he can’t completely control his team’s wins and losses, he is focusing on the things he can control.
“I give 110 percent of everything I’ve got every day,” Devine said. “No day’s different for me, no matter whether we’re winning or losing. The kids know I’m going to give then everything I’ve got every day. I’m never going to take a day off.”
Barnes, who spent 16 years at Scotland HS, and has 20 years of experience overall as a head coach, replaced retired coach Dan Esselberg, under whom Brevard had 39 wins in the last four seasons.
Brevard also lost a slew of players from last season, including their starting quarterback, running back, three linebackers, and three offensive linemen (including Brian Owens and Taylor Perez, both currently playing at Mars Hill College.)
Barnes, who said he is still getting used to to having guys playing on both sides of the ball at Brevard, knows his team is still adjusting to the new spread offense he brought in, as opposed to the power-I the team had been using.
“It’s a new system with a new coach, and there’s an adjustment period going on,” Barnes said. “But the guys have worked hard, and I hope our best days are in front of us.
“Most importantly, we want to make sure we’re getting better. We expect to have a chance to win each Friday night we take the field, and we know we’re going to have to play well to do that. We expect to have a chance to compete in our conference too; that’s what our community expects, and that’s what our players expect.”
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