Four State Championship Appearances. One State Title

Football, The Nashville Graphic, , September 24, 2020, Page 1 NASH COUNTY FOOTBALL

Four state championship appearances. One state title. Two North Carolina State Athletes of the Year. And countless victories, memories and talented players -- many of whom went on to enjoy successful college (and even professional) careers. Certainly, the past 25 years proved to be a bountiful football experience for Nash County’s public high schools -- Northern Nash, Nash Central, Rocky Mount and Southern Nash. My name is Geoff Neville. For the past quarter-century, I’ve had the honor and privilege of being the sports editor for The Nashville Graphic and witnessing some of the most historic moments Nash County football has ever produced. I knew nothing about Nash County when I first arrived here in late-July of 1996. My first assignment was to shoot a gridiron practice at Southern Nash -- the first of Lord-knows-how-many-visits to that special place. After missing a few turns in the Pre-GPS Era, I finally found the practice field and was immediately captivated by a 6-foot-6 kid lined up at tailback. That kid -- Julius Peppers -- will be in the National Football League Hall of Fame in a few years I developed an immediate connection and friendship at Southern Nash with then-assistant Brian Foster. While so many other coaches have come and gone, we’ve been together for a quarter-century ride. I’ve seen the thrills, successes, everyday grunt work and personal and professional heartbreak that Brian and his staff have experienced. When put in that context, you fully understand how important the Firebirds’ trip to the state finals was last year -- and not just for the win-loss factor. It was truly a long-time journey. Every coach at SNHS will tell you it was well worth the wait and effort. With prep football unavailable this fall, we’ve decided to put together this section to commemorate the past 25 years of grid excellence in the county. It’s been fun catching up with some of the legends of the past, or simply calling a coach or former player I still keep in touch with to rehash some of those great moments. During my conversations with these people, one consistent theme was relayed to me by them -- it was a pleasure and a thrill to take some time and reflect on the past. Sometimes we might not appreciate a landmark event while we are experiencing it. We are simply too caught up in the moment, far more concerned about achieving a current goal, as opposed to philosophizing what that achievement might mean to us later in life. Reminiscing about days gone by can be both a blessing and a curse. But when it is done the right way, there are few things more pleasurable in life. My greatest hope is that this edition makes a few ‘old-timers’ smile -- and helps our younger readers learn about some of the heroes and tremendous moments of the past. I could not have made it through the past 25 years without the professional help of so many cohorts. I would like to thank Dave Buck, Anthony Barham, Carl Copeland, Chance Puckett, Joanne Cooper and Meryn Johnson (among many others) for being at events when I couldn’t make it. Y’all are fantastic. Two of my favorite ‘stringers’ are no longer with us -- Charles Alston and David Hahula. I think about you guys every day. Also, thanks to all of the coaches, players, managers, statisticians, chain gang members, fans and pretty much everyone involved in high school football for the past 25 years. In the sportswriter end, the people you meet become much more important than the results of the games you cover. Finally, I want to mention that picking the top all-time players from each school is one of the hardest endeavors I have ever undertaken. Some outstanding players did not make my final lists -- even guys who went on to compete on the Division I level. While I feel badly that not everyone could be on the lists, it also made me realize just how amazing Nash County football has been since 1996. I apologize to those who were left out. Enjoy this section! Page 2, Football, The Nashville Graphic, September 24, 2020 NASH CENTRAL BULLDOGS KEYWORDS - CONSISTENCY, IDENTITY

BEST PLAYER JALEN HENDRICKS Quarterback Jalen Hendricks was a man of few words but many actions during his storied football career at Nash Central High School. “The biggest quality Jalen had was that he was a quick learner,’’ said former NCHS head coach Kevin Crudup. “Things just came easy and natu- rally for him. “He was very cerebral -- he never got rattled. That was important because his teammates THE MAN WITH THE PLAN AT NASH CENTRAL. VETERAN SKIPPER CHRIS LEE IS ENTERING HIS SIXTH CAMPAIGN AS THE HEAD fed off him. He always COACH OF THE NASH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM. (PHOTO SUBMITTED BY ANTHONY BARHAM) kept a cool demeanor.’’ Hendricks was a three- trange as it year starter for the Bull- may sound, but dogs and helped the club not much has go 10-3 overall in 2011. changed within One of the highlights of theS Nash Central High that campaign was an School football pro- impressive victory over gram since its incep- defending state cham- tion in 2002. pion Tarboro -- with Hen- dricks playing a starring During that span of role on both sides of the almost ball. t w o That fall, Hendricks was decades, selected as the Big East the Bull- Conference Player of the dogs have Year after piling up 1,800 employed total yards and 21 touch- only three downs. He also scored head coaches and uti- four times on defense. lized just two offenses After graduation from NCHS, Hendricks joined -- the wishbone and the football program at the wing-T. Livingstone University, That’s an amazing where he excelled at the source of continuity, wide receiver position. especially for a pro- Hendricks was a two- gram that is still some- time All-Central Inter- what in its infancy. collegiate Athletic Association First Team Nash Central Foot- pick. During his junior ball began not under year, Hendricks paced the Friday Night Lights, the CIAA in both recep- but on Thursdays as tions and receiving yards. the Bulldogs kicked off In 2014, Hendricks was their fi rst year by play- selected as the Offensive ing against other new Player of the Year for both Livingstone and the schools in the area. entire CIAA. He was also HOKIE SIGNEE. Houshun Gaines, who went on to play at Virginia Tech, is remembered as one of the a standout punt returner See NCHS, Page 7B best players in the history of Nash Central High School football. (Photo Submitted by Anthony Barham) for the Blue Bears. OTHER GREATS • August 23, 2011• BRANDYN PETTAWAY GREATEST GAME Nash Central 38, Tarboro 28 LB, One of the most Few area high school prolifi c tacklers in football programs school history. boast the pedigree of Tarboro -- and the TRAVIS GRIFFIN His unbelievable QB Vikings were fresh off work in ‘17 shattered back-to-back state just about every championship runs Bulldog record. when they visited The Dawg Pound for an ALEX NOBLES early-season contest Two-way standout now playing at against the Nash Cen- North Carolina. tral Bulldogs. The task was cer- EMMANUEL tainly a daunting one RHYANT for a Central program Nash Central’s fi rst that was still in its fi rst excellent QB. Ran wish- decade of existence. bone to near-perfection And it didn’t help the CAM HOLLOWAY Bulldogs’ cause that Another talented the Vikings featured KEVIN CRUDUP signal-caller. Led Bull- one of the nation’s Due to weather, the dogs to best-ever fi nish top players in even- contest was moved to in state playoffs. tual National Football Monday from the pre- WILLENN BRINKLEY League superstar run- vious Friday -- a shift Early-day fullback. Still ning back Todd Gurley. that proved to be a one of the best-ever But the Bulldogs fortuitous one for the for the Bulldogs. were not to be denied Bulldogs. JEFF LUCAS as they rode the tal- “That Thursday, Jalen Linebacker went on ents of quarterback/ had been in a car acci- to play for defensive back Jalen dent,’’ said then-NCHS Western Carolina. Hendricks -- along coach Kevin Crudup. MICHAEL SPEIGHT with the contributions “Had the game been Tough-as-nails of many others -- en Friday, we are not two-way standout. BIG GAIN DURING A BIG GAME. Khalil Macklin was exceptional for the Nash route to a 38-28 vic- See NC GREATS, Pg. 7B Central Bulldogs against rival Tarboro. (Graphic photo by Geoff Neville) tory. See NC GAME, Pg. 7B Football, The Nashville Graphic, , September 24, 2020, Page 3 NORTHERN NASH KNIGHTS KEYWORDS - POTENTIAL, FLASHES OF GREATNESS

BEST PLAYER JJ ARRINGTON Some of JJ Arrington’s best childhood memories were forged during trips to Tarrytown Mall, where he would purchase as many football cards as his mother allowed. Arrington had no idea that that one day he would adorn several of those cards. Arrington’s road to the National Football League was an improbable one, beginning with his time as a member of the Nash- ville Hornets’ youth football team. Arrington eventually made it to the varsity roster at Northern Nash USHERING IN A NEW ERA. Former quarterback Davontae Wiggins (left), now at Fayetteville State University, played an impor- and enjoyed an excep- tant role in Northern Nash’s recent gridiron resurgence under Coach Andrew Farriss. (Graphic photo by Geoff Neville) tional career at running back, but didn’t receive eriods of great- any of the big-time col- ness. Periods of lege scholarship offers not much great- that he had been hoping ness. But so much for after graduating from Ppotential. NN in 2001. That’s the story of So, thanks to some Northern Nash Foot- contacts within the NNHS ball over the past- coaching staff, Arrington quarter century as the took a giant leap of faith to move away from Nash Knights have been County and play at Col- up-and-down on the lege of the Canyons in score- California. board at “(Then-NN coaches) times, Jim Brett and Russell but Weinstein knew some appear people out in California -- to be that is how that worked on an out,’’ said former Knights’ upward assistant Al Carter. “It trend as the program ended up being a great moves into the 2020s. move for J.J.’’ Arrington took his Current head coach game to another level in Andrew Farriss is in the Golden State and was the process of bring- an outstanding two-year ing the Knights back to performer on the junior the ‘glory days’, which college level. for most fans would be This time, Division I the Jim Brett Era of the scouts were plenty inter- ested, and Arrington late 1990s and early signed with the 2000s. Brett, the former See JJ, Page 6B DEFENSIVE STOPPER. Northern Nash has boasted several standout defenders through the years, but See NNHS, Page 6B few were as effective as Kendrick Richardson (9). (Photo Submitted by Anthony Barham) OTHER GREATS SHAIPHAN LEWIS Winningest QB in • December 14, 2002 • school history. Led NN to state title game. GREATEST GAME Northern Nash 28, E.E. Smith 7 CHAD GREEN The foundation for Rush end and star of Northern Nash’s land- Northern’s stingy mark 2002 football defense in 2002. season was actually QUAY MANN laid one year earlier, Defensive back who when the Knights went went on to play 10-1 but somehow did at Duke University. not qualify for the . ISAIAH GAY state playoffs. Now a senior DE at That slight, along University of Illinois. with a talented group Big East Player of players and coaches, of the Year for NN. helped push Northern . JERROD PERRY Nash to within one Heart and soul of victory of making the NN’s legendary Class 4-A State Finals 2002 squad as the next season. RB and LB. “We were ranked DAVONTAE WIGGINS second in the state AL CARTER QB now at Fayetteville and 2001 but didn’t E.E. Smith club that State. Played in get into the playoffs,’’ boasted four future East-West Game. said then-NN offen- Division I performers. RASHAD HEDGEPETH sive lineman Mark Due to the weather, Leading rusher for Wooten. “We came the game was pushed league title team in ‘10. back the next year back to a Saturday Signed with Northwood wanting to prove a (Michigan) after night -- and it was a prep career ended. point. Redemption -- cold December one in that was our motto all Cumberland County. KHI DOWNEY year.’’ One week earlier, the 1997 NN grad who Standing in the anchored O-Line before Knights had stomped playing at Pitt REASON TO CELEBRATE. Northern Nash offensive coordinator Russell Wein- Fighting Knights’ way Wilmington Hog- and Indiana (Pa.). sten poses with Shaiphan Lewis and Marcus Mercer after the Knights won in the Eastern Regional gard on the road in East-West selection. the East Regional Championship. Northern defeated homestanding E.E. Smith Championship was in Fayetteville to earn the crown. (Graphic photo by Geoff Neville) a touted Fayetteville See NN GAME, Pg. 6B See NN GREATS, Pg. 6B Page 4, Football, The Nashville Graphic, September 24, 2020 SOUTHERN NASH FIREBIRDS KEYWORDS - PATIENCE, PROSPERITY, ALL IN

BEST PLAYER JULIUS PEPPERS Nationwide, Julius Pep- pers is remembered as one of the National Foot- ball League’s all-time greatest defensive ends -- a standout destined to be enshrined one day into the NFL Hall of Fame. But Southern Nash football fans will fondly look back on Peppers’ days as a running back for the Firebirds -- albeit a shifty 6-foot-6 back with the size and skillset that nobody in Eastern North Carolina had ever seen before. Back then, the big talk about Peppers centered around where he would attend school, and what position he would eventually line up. Some smaller HOW IT ALL STARTED. Southern Nash High School’s move to the Double Wing Offense showcased the talents of several star schools had offered Pep- running backs, including Terron Huffman -- one of the fi rst players utilized in the strategy. (Graphic photo by Geoff Neville) pers an opportunity to ormer player and stay at running back, but current assis- the Division I ‘big boys’ tant coach Brian seemed to be divided on Peppers as either a tight Batchelor fondly end or running back. Fremembers his senior Some schools were season at Southern even offering basketball Nash back in 1996. scholarships, and there The Firebirds, led was also little doubt that by the great Julius Peppers could have been Peppers, a D-1 track and fi eld star posted a -- and potentially an all- winning time great decathlete. record and Certainly, Peppers could do it all. opened Peppers starred in the cam- football, hoops and track paign with at Southern Nash and a thrilling victory at played a key role in the powerhouse North Firebirds’ track and fi eld Edgecombe. state team champion- “We thought we had ship in 1998. That year, he done something great was selected as the North -- we had gone over Carolina High School Ath- .500,’’ Batchelor said. letic Association State Suffi ce to say, things Male Athlete of the Year. have changed con- Peppers ended siderably since then See JULIUS, Page 9B at Southern Nash, which has developed OTHER GREATS See SNHS, Page 9B LEGENDARY SOUTHERN NASH HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL COACH BRIAN FOSTER BRIAN BATCHELOR Prep teammate of Peppers. Played in E-W Game and then • December 6, 2019 • at William & Mary. Southern Nash 32, E. Alamance 29 QUINTON COOLEY GREATEST GAME Leading rusher in Southern Nash’s school history. Now journey to the East- at Wake Forest. ern Regional Finals ZONOVAN KNIGHT in 2009 was a memo- Teamed with Cooley rable one -- and most for an unbelievable, experts considered it victory-fi lled backfi eld. to simply be a matter Now at NC State. of time before the KWAMAINE BATTLE Firebirds would once Disruptive DL who again make it that far played at Virginia Tech. in the postseason. Despite a myriad TRACEY COPPEDGE of overall successes, Helped usher SN into a new offensive era including four straight before excelling conference champion- at Elon University. ships, the wait would last for 10 years at TERRON HUFFMAN Paired with Coppedge Southern Nash. for Dynamic Duo But it was certainly backfi eld in SN’s worth it. renaissance days. The Firebirds roared QUINTON COOLEY ZACK FOSTER through the 2019 cam- on the road and tail- Graduated as the paign with an unde- gating far in advance leading passer feated mark heading of kickoff as SN pre- in school history. into a meeting with pared to undertake its MATT FOSTER recent rival Eastern most important home Threat with arm and Alamance in the Class contest arguably in feet as starting QB 3-A East Regional school history. for state fi nalists. Finals. It would indeed be GARY THARRINGTON This time, the game a night to remem- DL who starred for was at Firebird Sta- ber as Southern App. State in ‘Upset of IT’S OURS. (L to R) Jason Bland, Quinton Cooley and Matt Foster celebrate dium, and the atmo- Nash outlasted the The Century’. with the regional title plaque. (Graphic photo by Geoff Neville) sphere was electric. Folks were parking out See SN GAME, Pg. 9B See SN GREATS, Pg. 7B Football, The Nashville Graphic, September 24, 2020, Page 5 ROCKY MOUNT GRYPHONS KEYWORDS - TRADITION, EXCELLENCE

BEST PLAYER TERRELL HUDGINS Terrell Hudgins seemed destined for greatness during his football career at Rocky Mount High School. It was simply a matter of fi nding out where Hudgins’ lofty assets would be best suited. Hudgins could have starred at any skill position for RM, but legendary Gryphons’ coach B.W. Holt eventually place him at quarterback, where Hudgins’ run-pass talents KEEPING THE TRADITION ALIVE FOR RM. Jason Battle, a former quarterback at Rocky Mount High School, has been amazing would prove to be a per- as a head coach for the Gryphons, and led them to the 2015 state championship. (Photo Submitted by Anthony Barham) fect fi t in Holt’s wing-T ocky Mount has system. always boasted From there, Hudgins and the Gryphons a competitive embarked on one of the football program greatest stretches in inR the area -- a school RM football history -- a that featured gridiron period laced with deep success, undying com- playoff runs. munity support and As a senior in 2008, an impressive list of Hudgins would set the former players that school passing record would raise the eye- while leading Rocky brow of any fan. Mount to a 12-1 overall record. Just before grad- But uation that year, Hudgins RM had was tabbed as the North not won Carolina High School a state Athletic Association Male football State Athlete of the Year. champi- But Hudgins’ career onship was just getting started since as he signed to play colle- 1963, when the school’s giately at Elon University, mascot was the Black- where he was immediately shifted to wide birds. receiver. Try as they may, the That decision would Gryphons could not end up being a part seem to get over the of Division I-AA Foot- hump, despite making ball lore as Hudgins set deep playoff run after 10 NCAA records and deep playoff run. became the fi rst D-A RM was fi nally able receiver to amass over to hoist the state title 1,000 yards in each of his plaque in 2015, but the four seasons. Hudgins’ school-best seeds for that title had career mark for recep- actually been sown a tions (395) and receiving few decades earlier. yards (5,250) are both PLAYMAKER SUPREME. Detrell Revis had a knack for making big plays for the Rocky Mount Gryphons second-best in the history See RMHS, Page 6B during their 2015 state championship march. (Photo Submitted by Anthony Barham) of FCS football. He was a fi rst-team All-American on two occasions. In 2018, Hudgins • December 11, 2015 • received Elon University’s ultimate honor as he was GREATEST GAME Rocky Mount 24, South Point 21 inducted into the school’s After so many near- Athletics Hall of Fame. misses during the B.W. Hudgins is now the Holt Era, some observ- succesful head football coach at Rocky Mount ers wondered if Rocky Academy. Mount would ever earn an elusive state football championship. OTHER GREATS The answer came SHERROD GREENE in the most improb- Fierce LB now at able of ways as the South Carolina. Gryphons secured a SHYHEIM BATTLE wild 24-21 victory over Starting DB at NC State. South Point to take the Class 3-A State Title at WHIT BARNES Kenan Stadium on the Great lineman, eventual campus of the Univer- star at Wake Forest. sity of North Carolina- STEPHAN VIRGIL Chapel Hill. Played DB at Va. Tech. RM was only 3-2 ROBERT HART early in the season and FORREST BELL Amazing LB in Holt Era. had just been topped mance in the regional championship game to MARQUAVIUS ALSTON by Greenville Rose by move into a matchup Owns several RM 40 points. against a touted South rushing records. But the Gryphons Point club that was DETRELL REVIS wouldn’t lose again on a 12-game winning All he did was and claimed four wins streak. make big plays. by seven points or less The Gryphons made JEMONTE BATTLE -- including a last-min- an early statement Starred at Catawba ute victory over Eden when B.J. Sanders and the CFL. Morehead in the third returned the opening CALVIN HUDGINS round of the postsea- kickoff for an elec- RB was Big East son. trifying touchdown. Player of the Year. CHASE IN THE CLUTCH. Chase Miller helped kick the Rocky Mount Gryphons RM then waltzed to the 2015 state championship. (Photo Submitted by Anthony Barham) past Eastern Ala- See RM GAME, Pg. 6B See RM GREATS, Pg. 7B Page 6, Football, The Nashville Graphic, September 24, 2020

NNHS continued from page 3B NN GREATS continued from page 3B legendary coach at Tarboro, (in 2000), I was very impressed KENDRICK NC State. BO BROWN brought instant respect when he with what Coach Brett was doing,’’ MICHAEL BUNN Great two-way RICHARDSON player from ‘02 arrived in Red Oak in 1999. He said former NN assistant Al Carter. Conference Player Big East Defensive group. Went on to brought along the acclaimed Rus- “Coach Weinstein was also there, of the Year as a Player of the Year excel at NC Wesleyan sell Weinstein as an offensive coor- and having him was a big thing. defensive lineman. as a senior as a linebacker. dinator, along with retaining several “The culture change that hap- Also played QB. LB in 2019. highly thought of assistants from pened was amazing. It was refresh- MARCUS MERCER ANTONIO WALKER DAVID GREEN Tremendous lineman the previous regime. ing to get over there and see how Wide receiver, DB Four-year starter who cleared the Also aiding the cause was the fact hard the coaches and players and special teams at linebacker way for powerful that Brett inherited a strong fresh- worked.’’ ace ended up during Northern’s offense in 2001. man class his first year -- and a few Brett eventually retired and the walking on at all-time best stretch. of those performers even started program bounced between suc- as ninth-graders, including quarter- cess and mediocrity for the ensu- back Shaiphan Lewis. ing 15 years while going through RMHS continued from page 5B “That group of freshmen -- we several coaches. had never lost a game with the NN did win the conference crown In theory, the quest coach at Nash Cen- named the head coach Nashville Hornets or in middle in 2010 behind star back Rashad began when Jason tral. “He demanded one year after Holt school,’’ said offensive lineman Hedgepeth, but the program would Battle transferred respect, whether you retired -- and the win- Mark Wooten. “We just had a con- ultimately struggle heading up to from Northern Nash to were the best player or ning process simply fidence about ourselves -- we felt the announcement that Andrew Rocky Mount in 1996 the last player on the continued. like we were going to turn things Farriss would be the Knights’ next and became the Gry- bench. His attention Another great around at Northern Nash.’’ head coach ahead of the 2018 phons’ starting quar- to detail was unbeliev- stretch for RM was In the 11th-grade year for that season. terback. able. You were going capped in 2015 when group, NN went 10-1, but somehow One year later, Northern Nash Battle eventually to do things his way, the Gryphons topped did not qualify for the playoffs. went 8-5 and made the second graduated and went to or you weren’t going South Point in over- That disappointment only fueled round of the playoffs before being North Carolina A&T to to play. time to win the Class the fire for the 2002 season as defeated at Southern Nash -- play baseball, but he “BW also came 3-A State Champion- Northern Nash was sternly focused though the Knights led the game in had developed a pas- around at the right ship. on a singular task -- making it to the second half. sion for RM that would time because we just Rocky Mount went the state finals. With that as a foundation, along help forge his career seemed to have an back to the state finals The Fighting Knights earned that with the fact that the Northern path. endless run of ath- one year later, drop- spot with a convincing victory over Nash youth program is booming, In the meantime, letes. And when you ping a close one to the E.E. Smith in the Eastern Regional it’s a safe bet to say that Death the Gryphons had have great athletes same South Point club. Championship. Valley will continue to be a tough gone back-and- willing to bend over Three more com- But an injury to Jerrod Perry place for visitors to play. forth between a few backward for their petitive seasons have at the end of that game left him “When I think about Northern coaches in the late coach, that’s a great followed, and the Gry- unavailable for the title contest, Nash, I’ve always thought about 90s before handing combination. Kids phons show no signs and Perry’s absence affected NN the potential that was there,’’ said the keys to B.W. Holt, loved playing for him.’’ of slowing down. on both sides of the ball. Wooten, who is now an assistant who is considered one RM went 71-12 “Rocky Mount has The Knights were defeated 14-7 at Tarboro. “When I was young, of Eastern North Caro- during Holt’s tenure always had good talent by Asheville Reynolds, but that myself and all of my friends wanted lina’s all-time coaching and made the East and good coaching,’’ didn’t diminish the fact that the to grow up to be Knights. masters. Regional Finals on a said Kent Cox, who school was able to enjoy its best- “You kind of see that coming Holt took over in trio of occasions -- but was an assistant at ever gridiron campaign. back. (Farriss) seems to have some 2003 and immedi- was unable to advance RM from 1999-2012. “When I came to Northern Nash good things in place.’’ ately developed Rocky past there. “There is just a lot Mount into a state During that time, of tradition at Rocky powerhouse during Battle was back in Mount. Expectations NN GAME continued from page 3B his six-year stint at the town working under are high every year. school. Holt, learning every- “Kids at Rocky the quarterfinals -- “We practiced that down chains). We were “BW brought disci- thing he could about Mount know what is and NN offensive mas- play all the time,’’ so pumped up coming pline to the entire pro- coaching from the expected of them and termind coordinator Wooten said. “But I out of the locker room. gram,’’ said former RM legend. what they have to do Russell Weinstein was had no idea we would “And even though assistant coach Chris The tutelage paid to be successful on the already plotting his try it in the regional we had a great offense, Lee, now the head off when Battle was football field.’’ upcoming strategy championship. I was our defense was really during the bus ride like ‘Are we going to the key. (EE Smith) home. run that right now?’ I couldn’t do anything RM GAME continued from page 5B “I asked Russell on never actually thought against us after that the bus what he had in we would do it in a early touchdown). We But the rest of the South Point opened championship since mind for next week,’’ game.’’ knew it was ours.’’ outing would be the extra session with 1963. said then-NNHS assis- The ball was put The only downer back-and-forth before a missed field goal to Bell, playing his tant coach Al Carter. on the ground and from the game came South Point went set up the drama for final game for Rocky “He told me it was scooped up by Chris when Jerrod Perry, ahead 21-14 early in Miller, who banged Mount, was selected time to bring out the Akpobiyeri, who raced a stalwart at running the fourth quarter of home a 20-yarder to as the Most Valuable old ‘T’ offense.’’ untouched for a touch- back and linebacker, action. give the Gryphons Player after throwing That was a formation down. Following the was injured late in the RM then faced a their first state football for 210 yards. that Weinstein was successful two-point game and was unable fourth-and-long situa- familiar with during conversion, NN took a to play the next week tion, and the Gryphons his days as a player at 14-7 lead into halftime. in the state champion- went for it with the Hometown Service You Can Count On! Tarboro -- under the “Chris was a guard ship game, which the season on the line. direction of the leg- who could pull and Knights dropped 14-7 Gryphons’ quarter- endary Jim Brett, who had a lot of speed,’’ to Asheville Reynolds. back Forrest Bell was was NN’s head coach said former NNHS “Not having Jerrod sacked on the play, but that year. assistant coach Al really hurt us on both he was face masked, But Weinstein had Carter. “I just remem- sides of the ball in the giving his club a key another trick up his ber how big his eyes state finals,’’ Carter first down. sleeve -- one the were when he was said. RM would take up Knights’ had been running and turned Still, Northern Nash much of the final practicing all season the corner. It was an had earned its first period with its time- long. incredible moment.’’ regional crown and churning drive that Quality Tires The famed fum- With the momentum successfully erased went 18 plays and 90 blerooski -- arguably secured, NN used its the bitter taste of its yards -- and didn’t Automotive the greatest play in scissors package out playoff exclusion one culminate until Nick NNHS school history. of the T to wear down year earlier. Bynum strolled into Repairs Late in the first half, the Golden Bulls in the “We knew all along the end zone from six the Knights were second half en route that we could play yards out with just & Maintenance behind 7-6, but were to a 28-7 triumph that with the best teams over three minutes driving into E.E. Smith sealed the Knights’ in the state,’’ Wooten left. territory. regional champion- said. “People didn’t The Gryphons, how- That’s when the ship. think we had much of ever, were called for fumblerooski play was “We didn’t have a chance against E.E. a celebration penalty, sent into the huddle any big plays in the Smith because they meaning Chase Miller’s -- to the shock of just second half,’’ Wooten had all of these big- potential score-tying Murray’s Automotive about everyone on the said. “We just had name guys. PAT would now be a offensive side of the these long drives and “But we knew we 35-yarder. ball. kept moving the (first- belonged.’’ Miller calmly split & Tire Center the uprights, and the 906 Eastern Ave. Nashville game would eventu- JJ continued from page 3B ally go to overtime. 459-7545 University of California to before his career was He caught two passes play in the PAC-12 -- and sidelined by a serious in the game for 35 yards attend one of the coun- knee injury. The highlight and also returned kick- try’s most regarded uni- of Arrington’s NFL tenure offs, but the Cardinals versities. came when he partici- dropped a 27-23 heart- After serving as a situ- pated in Super Bowl XLIII breaker to the Pittsburgh ational back as a junior, in 2009. Steelers. Arrington made his senior season one to remember as he set a Bears’ single- campaign school record with an amazing 2,108 rushing yards to go with 15 touchdowns. For his efforts, Arrington was a first-team All-PAC 12 pick and was also an All- American selection. Arrington was selected by the Arizona Cardinals We protect it. ™ in the second round of Insurance Center I’m here to help life go right – the National Football You live it. so you can enjoy it, while I League Draft and played Nashville help protect it. Let’s talk about four years in the NFL Sandy Frazier, Agent 459-3025 219 W Washington Street your life insurance options. 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NCHS continued from page 2B NC GREATS continued from page 2B Central had only freshmen and Chris Lee took over for Crudup JAROD inked with East at fullback Carolina University. and linebacker. sophomores on its roster, so the Bull- six years ago and implemented his RICHARDSON dogs were unable to compete versus wing-T offense -- one he learned RB/LB who competed DANNY ALLEN KENDALL WINSTON some of the ‘Big Boys’ in the area. while working at Rocky Mount in the East-West Speedy wideout Threat as rusher Kenneth Grantham was hired to under the legendary BW Holt. All-Star Game. was arguably and receiver the school’s on great squad coach the squad, and he almost After one tough season, Central’s HOUSHUN immediately brought an air of legit- fortunes began to push upward best receiver from 2017. imacy to the program. once again, culminating with a his- GAINES of all-time. DOMINIQUE TE/DE went on to “You have to consider the situa- toric 2017 campaign that featured DEVIN EVANS HOLLOWAY play for the Four-year starter tion -- we were coming into an area the most prolific offensive work in Virginia Tech Hokies. Was a threat to with established schools like Rocky school history. along the offensive score from Mount and Northern Nash,’’ said Travis Griffin shattered several MAURICE and defensive anywhere on the field lines during His performance during Kevin Crudup, who would serve school passing records that fall as MERCER high-powered era. as both an assistant to Grantham Central scored over 30 points on Another TE/DE, overtime victory and then the head coach during nine occasions. Mercer was Central’s ERIC MOORE versus Bunn was his time at Nash Central. “Our play- The Bulldogs also topped rivals first-ever ‘Big Time’ Exceptional one to remember two-way player for the ages. ers -- their parents had all gone to Rocky Mount and Northern Nash signee when he those schools. They were Gryphons and claimed their first-ever league and Knights. We were trying to crown -- a share of the Class 2-A continued from page 4B mesh all of those parts together. Eastern Plains Conference. SN GREATS “Coach Grantham was extremely “Everything just came together DAE’ONE WILKINS Played at East Carolina. Ended up starting at organized and knew what he that year,’’ Lee said. “That senior Safety was Big East DWAYNE HERNDON OL at NC State. wanted. He taught me how to be a class -- a lot of those guys had been MVP. Now a redshirt head coach -- all of the things you pressed into starting early in their sophomore at Furman. needed to do in addition to just careers. So they were now three- TYLER WHITLEY coaching (on Friday nights).’’ year starters, and they had devel- Best offensive lineman Little by little, Grantham brought oped a lot of confidence during on SN’s state semis club A R H E E L the Bulldogs toward area accep- that time.. in 2009. Some argue tances, and it wasn’t long before “We had some great players on best OL in school his- Central was making a deep run in the defensive side of the ball, and tory. AUTOSALES the playoffs. we had some great playmakers. We TAHJ DEANS T Grantham eventually left to return had a lot of very good athletes, and Three-year starter at Rand Ward • Bill Stephens home to Greene Central, leaving they all bought in.’’ safety at wide receiver. the keys to Crudup, who guided Central has not been able to rep- Phone: 252-937-4800 Fax: 252-937-7595 the Bulldogs to an amazing 10-3 licate that success since then, but 4595 SUNSET AVE • PO BOX 7731 • ROCKY MOUNT, NC mark in 2011 that featured a victory Lee considers his club to be an RM GREATS over Tarboro -- and several other annual threat in the EPC -- and he continued from page 5B area powerhouses. sees both himself and his staff in it The program then went on a for the long haul. NICK HAHULA downward curve, seemingly over- “I love the school and I love the Owns school records for whelmed by the strength of the people here,’’ Lee said. kicking. Also punted and Big East Conference, along with “I feel like we have a respectable started at fullback. 24 HOUR CRANE SERVICE • 600 TONS its usual difficult non-league work- program, and I feel like we can keep BRIAN GOODWIN • Industrial Construction sheet. it going.’’ Four-year starter, not • Crane & Rigging just great at baseball. • Pipe & Specialty Fabrication NC GAME continued from page 2B MIKE MASON • Industrial Electric WR at North Carolina. sure Jalen would have work with for the rest one that will never be JACOBI JENKINS • North Carolina • South Carolina • Virginia been able to play.’’ of the year. We ended forgotten. DB at East Carolina. 1-800-682-6816 • www.edwardsinc.com Hendricks deliv- up going 10-3 and ered a pair of touch- having a great season. down passes and “The win over Tar- scooped up a fumble boro was great for HOME MEDICAL SUPPLIES and returned it for a us. But I will say this Wellongate Center 110 Jones Road, Rocky Mount, NC We Buy touchdown to give the -- it took 11 people on Bulldogs the lead for defense to stop Todd Rocky Mount’s Oldest Home Medical Supply Business GOLD, Guns good at 26-20 in the Gurley on every play. Over 40 Years of Quality Service second stanza. He was amazing.’’ & COins! A wild first quarter That victory was Your Specialist in Home Healthcare Services ended with Tarboro only the beginning for ahead 20-14, but Cen- Nash Central during (252) 443-7598 (252) 443-7949 tral tied the score early what we be a star- in the second period. studded campaign. Shelia Alligood Offense had ruled With Hendricks the day to that point, leading the way, the but Hendricks’ fumble Bulldogs would win recovery pushed the 10 of their 13 outings. momentum toward Wilson Hunt would the home team once prove to be Nash Cen- Saluting 25 YearS and for all. tral’s greatest nem- of naSh countY Hendricks then esis as the Warriors football! threw a touchdown topped the Bulldogs Custom Framing pass to Justin Williams twice, including in the Jim & Beth Boykin just before intermis- Class 3-A State Foot- Limited Edition Prints • Custom Matting 2522 Sunset Ave • Rocky Mount sion, and the Bulldogs ball Playoffs. 112 E. Main St. • Elm City, NC 27822 • 252-236-3231 (252) 443-1668 added an insurance But the Tarboro Selected framing Open: MOn-Fri 9 tO 6 • Sat 10 to 1 tally in the third frame game was certainly 25% oFF PrintS 10% oFF courtesy of a touchdown burst from SALES • SERVICE Xavier Macklin, who scored twice during the game. 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SNHS continued from page 4B SN GAME continued from page 4B into one of the area’s patience, but I remem- took, came Southern’s Eagles 32-29 in a thriller to make it Southern Nash called on Cooley for top gridiron programs ber the day I knew it ultimate epiphany. to the state finals for the first time. 10 consecutive running plays, and -- year in and year out. was going to work,’’ The double wing was The score was tied 15-15 at half- he did not disappoint as the Eagles That development said Batchelor, who an instant success. time before the Firebirds moved would not touch the ball again. began in 1998 when eventually played at It allowed Southern ahead thanks to a field goal from When the final horn sounded, Brian Foster took over William & Mary before Nash to get two tal- Evan Barnes and a touchdown the overflow crowd raced on to the as head coach after returning to campus ented runners on the burst from senior star Quinton field to celebrate a championship a serving as an assistant as an assistant coach. field at the same time Cooley. long time in the making. under Ray Davis. “It was a Friday, and -- a trend that seems SN’s cushion was 25-15, but EA Cooley, who finished with an Foster vowed to we had a big game to continue year after could claw back to within three unbelievable 354 rushing yards, be at Southern Nash that night against Fike. year. points late in the third stanza of accepted the region title plaque for the long-term “Two of our best It also best served action. along with teammates Matt Foster and refused to take players were goofing the never-ending Now was the time for the Fire- and Jason Bland. short cuts to success. off in the weight room. string of good line- birds to use their double-wing “We had always kind of envi- Instead, he focused Coach Foster said they men who have come offense to seal the victory. sioned how that would be -- play- on building a founda- weren’t going to play through Stanhope, and That’s exactly what happened. ing at home for the regional title,’’ tion that would stand unless they stopped the offense was simple Daylon Whitley delivered a touch- said SNHS assistant coach Robbie the test of time -- and acting up. enough that the youth down run to help extend SN’s Kennedy. potential inevtiable “Being kids, they and middle school advantage once again, but EA “It was pretty much everything upswings and down- decided to test Coach programs could run it. would once again respond with a we thought it would be. It was a swings in talent. Foster. They didn’t Within two years, touchdown to shrink the Firebirds’ tremendous experience. The more “Our philosophy play that night. That the Firebirds had put lead to three with 5:37 left. I think about it, the more special it has always been the told me right there together an unlikely Needing to maintain possession, becomes.’’ same,’’ Foster said. what Coach Foster run to the state semi- “We wanted to have believed in.’’ finals, where they our former players Yes, the foundation dropped an overtime JULIUS continued from page 4B return as coaches. We was in place, but SN heartbreaker at South wanted to make sure still needed an iden- Johnson. the next-level suspense for Peppers’ name to in the 2000s and 2010s. the middle school pro- tity -- especially on It took 11 long sea- by accepting a football be called at the 2002 He amassed the fourth- gram did a lot of the offense. It seems like sons, but SN made it scholarship to attend National Football League highest sacks total in same things we did. all great area pro- back to the regional the University of North Draft as he was the NFL history while star- “We wanted to get a grams have something finals last year -- and Carolina, where he was second overall pick by ring for the Panthers, redshirted as a freshman his home-state squad -- Chicago Bears and Green youth program going they are known for topped Eastern Ala- and initially pegged as a the Carolina Panthers. Bay Packers. so these kids could be offensively, and oppo- mance to advance to tight end. Peppers would play an After retiring in 2018, together for a longer nents seem powerless the state champion- Somebody in Chapel amazing 17 seasons in Peppers became a period of time. We to stop it, even when ship. Hill eventually came up the NFL and was a nine- member of the Panthers’ wanted to get our ath- they know what is This time around, the with the idea to switch time Pro Bowl selection. front office and splits his letes involved in the coming. mach to the finals was Peppers to defensive He was tabbed for the time between Charlotte weight room, and we The Firebirds had hardly unexpected. end, and the rest is his- NFL’s All-Decade Team and Miami. wanted to start an off- tried a few different Not with the Firebirds tory. season workout pro- strategies, including reeling off four con- Peppers became an gram. a disastrous experi- secutive Big East Con- All-American at UNC and won the Chuck Bed- “Finally, we wanted ment with the spread ference crowns, along narik Award, given to the owelTow to make sure everyone in 2007. with consistently pro- home decor & more country’s best defensive T N at the school under- One day, Foster ducing high-level col- player. And oh yeah, he 252-446-9383 stood how much our walked into Batch- lege talent. moonlighted with the Tar of rocky mount players appreciated elor’s classroom and “We’ve come a long Heels’ basketball squad being at Southern put three manila fold- way,’’ said Southern and helped UNC to the Nash.’’ ers on his assistant’s Nash assistant coach Final Four as a key rota- Saluting the ... That foundation is desk. Robbie Kennedy. tion performer. Nash Central Bulldogs now in place, but it “I remember that It didn’t take long wasn’t an easy journey day vividly,’’ Batchelor Northern Nash Knights to this point. said. “Coach Foster Rocky Mount High Gryphons The early portion of came in and said he Southern Nash Firebirds the 2000s featured had been doing some Red Oak plenty of struggles research. The folders And 25 Years Of for Southern Nash, said wing-T, double Service Center Nash County Football!!! though bits and pieces wing and triple option. of future success He asked me to look 8312 Red Oak Blvd. were being foreshad- over them and see P.O. Box 281, Red Oak, NC HOURS owed as the Firebirds which one I thought Steve & Alice crickmore Mon-Fri 9:30-5:30 boasted some strong would be best. Owners Sat 9:30-4:00 running backs, nota- “Coach Foster then bly Alan Atwater and took a few steps out 252-443-7109 Jerry Howard. the door, but came 3022 Sunset Ave • Rocky Mount But the Birds back almost immedi- couldn’t get over the ately. He said ‘Forget hump against a com- that -- we are running petitive league sched- the double wing’.’’ Edmondson’s Plumbing ule. At some point, in “It took a lot of those few steps Foster • Unstop sewer lines, tubs, sink drains • Install water heaters, washer in faucet WE NOW SELL GRANITE! 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We salute Nash Central High School We salute Southern Nash High School Bulldogs Football Teams! Firebirds Football Teams! ~ Varsity • Jr Varsity Varsity • Jr Varsity FIREBIRDS STRONG! BULLDOG Strong! Your victory day is coming! You might not be on the field yet.... but the best is yet to come! Stay Strong. Stay Focused. You’ve got this! STAY STRONG! Firebirds... ALL IN!