Fairmont • Lumberton • Purnell Swett • Red Springs • St. Pauls
Transcription
Fairmont • Lumberton • Purnell Swett • Red Springs • St. Pauls
Fairmont • Lumberton • Purnell Swett • Red Springs • St. Pauls • South Robeson pg 2 Fairmont Golden Tornadoes Brad Crawford Staff writer faIrMoNT —Tyreke Addison did a little bit of everything on the football field last season as a junior at Fairmont High School. In Keith Wood’s first season on the sideline, the all-purpose athlete became the security blanket on offense for the Golden Tornadoes and, by design, touched the football numerous times each drive. If all goes as planned this fall, Addison will be the primary threat and one of many weapons on the Three Rivers Conference’s fastest unit. His workload shouldn’t be as burdensome. “I played everywhere,” Addison said. “Receiver, running back, quarterback, slot, you name it, I was there. You could see me at almost every position.” Addison scored 12 touchdowns in a variety of ways, registering over 900 yards from scrimmage and helping his team to a perfect 5-0 mark in conference play. Wood’s scheme, admittedly a work in progress throughout last season, caught fire in the second half as Fairmont averaged 35 points per game over its last seven contests. After stumbling out of the gate with five losses in their first six games, the Golden Tornadoes managed to total seven victories and advance to the second round of the state playoffs. Tailback Alex Gilchrist says the trial and error segment of Fairmont’s playbook is over and the athleteheavy starting 11 is focused on mastering the spread. Gilchrist will be the featured back to alleviate strain on Addison. Gilchrist scored six touchdowns a season ago. “Last year was a lot of seeing what worked and seeing what didn’t,” Gilchrist said, a two-way player who also starts in the secondary. “This year, we’re hungry and ready to go. We’ve learned a lot.” This summer, the Golden Tornadoes have tested the ironed out approach against some of the state’s top teams, including Jack Britt, and participated in multiple 7-on-7 tournaments, notably Pinecrest’s Air Raid Classic in Southern Pines. Wood says quarterback Demetrius Washington has improved his accuracy and ability to read coverages, two nuances of the game that frustrated him as a junior. Last season, Washington completed 36 percent of his passes for eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions. A handful of new receivers, including underclassmen Ethan Baldwin and Andrew Hill, will do their best to try and match the production left by all-conference wideouts Juwan Addison and Desmond Parker. “I’m more comfortable out there now … with a better feel for what’s going on,” Washington said. “It’s about communication on offense. I feel like we have better communication this year.” Fairmont’s coaching staff called plays last season using hand signals and colored wristbands. The re-invented no-huddle of 2011 includes poster boards with graphics. “It’s kind of like what Oregon does with the signs,” Addison said. “We have cards that we hold up with pictures on them.” Charlton Townsend, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound junior, makes the move from defensive end to linebacker and says Fairmont’s calling card will be its defense. All-county player Luke Hunt returns after collecting 74 tackles with four sacks and two forced fumbles last season. “We have almost the same exact group coming back,” Townsend said. “Defense will be our strength. We’re ready to go play.” Several Division I schools and local universities have sent interest letters to Wood’s foursome including N.C. State, South Carolina, Catawba and The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. N.C. State and UNCP is courting Gilchrist. South Carolina is looking at Washington and Addison. The Golden Tornadoes and their talented foursome open the season Friday against Union. GOLDEN TORNADOES CoACh: KeiTh WooD (2nd year) Last season: 7-6, 5-0; Three Rivers Conference champion, lost in second round of playoffs Key returners: Tyreke Addison (sr. RB), Alex Gilchrist (sr. SS), Luke hunt (jr. De) Strengths: POLLS .......................... Page 3 LUMBERTON .......................... Page 4 Team speed, athleticism Weaknesses: Wide receivers outlook: With most of its offense returning from last season’s championship team, the Golden Tornadoes are the clear-cut favorite in the Three Rivers Conference. Coach Wood says: “We’re going to be fast. We’ve got a lot of guys colleges are looking at and Demetrius (Washington) has really improved as our quarterback.” Charlton Townsend, Alex Gilchrist, Tyreke Addison & Demetrius Washington return to an experienced starting lineup in Fairmont. PURNELL SWETT .......................... Page 5 RED SPRINGS .......................... Page 6 ST. PAULS .......................... Page 7 SOUTH ROBESON .......................... Page 8 4A SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE .......................... Page 9 SOUTHEASTERN SCHEDULES .......................... Page 10 THREE RIVERS SCHEDULES .......................... Page 11 pg 3 COACHES MEDIA COACHES MEDIA Fairmont Fairmont Scotland (4) Scotland (4) East Columbus St. Pauls Richmond (2) Richmond (2) St. Pauls East Columbus Purnell Swett Hoke Red Springs Red Springs Hoke Purnell Swett South Robeson South Robeson Lumberton Lumberton West Columbus West Columbus Pinecrest Pinecrest BRINGING YOU THE BEST IN SURGICAL CARE Established in 1975, our Board Certif ied Surgeons have over 50 years of surgical experience. This experience, knowledge, and dedication will ensure you the very best in surgical care. Your good health is our top priority. Samuel E. Britt II MD FACS Peter L. Villani MD FACS Steven J. Muscoreil MD FACS Barry E. Williamson MD FACS Outpatient/ Ambulatory Surgery Vascular/Endovascular Surgery Acid Ref lux Surgery Gastric Banding Ser ving Lumberton, Pembroke & surrounding counties. Off ice Surgery Endoscopy Thoracic Surgery Lap Band/Weightloss Laparoscopic Surgery Colonoscopy Pediatric Surgery LUMBERTON SURGICAL ASSOCIATES PA 3001 N. Elm Street, Lumberton, NC 910.738-8556 • www.lumbertonsurgical.com pg 4 Lumberton Pirates KaleB roedel Sports editor stop him,” Brill said. “He’s just so dog-gone strong … and he can run, that’s his biggest attribute. He’s D1 all the way. He’s one of a kind.” faIrMoNT —Lumberton High Lesane and his defensive counterSchool senior defensive end Darius parts will undoubtedly be the strongLesane is strong. point for the 2011 Pirates, who return Bench-pressing 330-pounds seven starters on defense. strong. And for the first time in three Offensively, Lumberton isn’t as years, the reigning Robeson County steady. Defensive Player of the Year is playThe Pirates are molding its ing at 100 percent. schemes around two starting quarThe 6-foot-2, 215-pounder had terback candidates, Zach Wilcox and knee surgery in the offseason. Montrae Strother. Opposing offenses, take heed. “Defense is definitely the strength “I’ve just been working on my because we graduated so much on pass rushing. I’ve been hitting the the offensive side of the ball,” Brill weights hard. I’ve been working on said, referring to notables such as everything,” Lesane said. “(The surLarry Parker (627 rushing yards with gery) slowed me down (at first), but nine touchdowns last year) and I’ve been working hard all summer. Kendrick McGill (296 yards, four I’m probably faster than I was last touchdowns). Moreover, last year’s year.” quarterback Marquez North — proA season ago, Lesane collected an viding a bulk of last year’s offense area-high 11 sacks with 82 tackles, inwith 12 rushing touchdowns and 10 cluding a 14-tackle, 3-sack performpassing — transferred to Mallard ance against Overhills. Creek during the offseason. The thought of a healthy Lesane “We definitely don’t have what we wreaking havoc on opposing quarhad last year (on offense),” Brill said. terbacks, tailbacks and those in-be“But at the same time, what we’re tween, puts a smile on the face of asking them (the quarterbacks) to do Lumberton coach Mike Brill. is just manage the offense and don’t “If he plays like he’s supposed to hurt us.” there are not many people that can Helping steer the offense will be Last season: 8-4, 3-2; lost in first round of playoffs Key returners: Darius Lesane (sr. De), Brad Currie (sr. C), Dorian Davis (sr. CB), Connor haskins (sr. K). Strengths: Defense. The Pirates return seven starters from last season, including college prospects Lesane and Davis. Putting points on the board, however, will be a glaring question mark. if the Pirates find comfort on offense they could nip at the heels of the three SeC favorites (Richmond, Scotland and Purnell Swett). PIRATES Keep You Rollin e W Coach Brill says: “We can’t overlook anybody with our schedule. our conference is just unbelievable from top to bottom this year.” GIANT Over 20 Years Experience Monday thru Friday ~ 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM • Saturday ~ 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Credit Cards Accepted CoACh: MiKe BRiLL (5th year) outlook: Limiting opponents’ scoring shouldn’t be a problem for Lumberton. Performance • Passenger • Light Truck Brakes • Tune-Ups • Oil Changes 3280 M L K Drive Lumberton, NC Lumberton's Darius Lesane, Robeson County's reigning Defensive Player of the Year, returns to a stout defensive front four for the Pirates. Weaknesses: Quarterback. Without last year’s starter Marquez North, who was all-league and county, a big void is left under center. g HUNT’S New & Used TIRES senior center Brad Currie. “I kind of got to control the offensive line, get everybody in the huddle and know what’s going on with everybody,” Currie said. “All our offensive line is pretty experienced, so that should be another strength for us.” Not to mention, the return of wideout and cornerback Dorian Davis, a rising senior who led all Lumberton receivers last season with 17 catches, 332 yards and six touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, he had 33 tackles and two interceptions. “We got the defense down, we can get the job done,” Davis said. “We’re focused on the offense. We just try to keep everybody together and make sure they do their job. If one person makes a mistake, it could cost us.” Lumberton’s season kicks off Friday at home against Cape Fear. 910-738-7197 Fax 910-738-6225 RED TAG SALE 302 Chestnut Street (Downtown in Plaza) • Lumberton, North Carolina 910-738-1492 Brad Crawford Staff writer PeMBroKe —Two years ago, Travon Clark slipped on his pads in his first varsity practice unsure how his teammates would accept a 5-foot6, 160-pound runt in a backfield belonging to Ethan and Jock Clark. Almost 250 carries later, Purnell Swett’s bundle of steel has become the face of the offense as a bulldozer in short yardage situations that head coach Mark Heil calls on behind a veteran offensive line. “Travon gives us power back there and he has really good instincts for a running back,” Swett captain and senior quarterback Chase Armstrong said. “He’s one of the main reasons we think we can win a conference title.” Through an intense workout program in the offseason, Clark has bulked up to 180 pounds – mostly muscle – after missing nearly two full games a year ago with an ankle and shoulder injury. In 11 games, Clark rushed for 808 yards, scored 17 touchdowns and was Robeson County’s Offensive Player of the Year. “Travon’s such a good kid, a really tough football player,” Heil said. “He plays with a lot of heart.” At full strength heading into the opener for the first time in his career, Clark has high expectations for his final campaign, one he hopes ends with a state championship. “I’m looking forward to going out there and playing to the best of my abilities,” Clark said. “I feel pretty good and I’m waiting on somebody to underestimate me. I can’t wait to lower my pads on them.” Armstrong has started the last 14 games under center and, along with Clark, gives the Rams the top returning 1-2 punch in Robeson County. Add 27 other seniors with playoff experience to the mix and fellow coaches – and media – expect the Rams to finish in the top half of the 4A Southeastern Conference. The Rams were picked to finish behind Scotland and Richmond in the coaches poll and fourth by the media. “Coach thinks this could be one of the best teams he’s ever had,” Armstrong said. “Our expectations are really high because we know what we’re capable of, but I wouldn’t call it pressure. We aren’t worried about how good we should be.” The Rams’ offensive success will hinge on the performance of the offensive line, a physical group anchored by four returnees. Swett’s starting front five includes left tackle Codi Locklear, left guard Austin C. Locklear, center Joseph Locklear, right guard Austin D. Locklear and right tackle Dannellye Clark. Codi Locklear, a junior, is the only newcomer and started every game last season for Swett’s junior varsity squad. “We’re very confident in this group and as of right now, it’s one of the better units I’ve ever had,” Heil said. His running back agrees. “My mindset is positive with those guys because of how well we’ve practiced this summer,” Clark said. “It’s been so hot, but everybody’s been going hard. There’s a little pressure (on me) trying to equal last year, but it’s really up to our offensive line. “It’s up to them to block. My goal is to run for at least 1,000 yards and score 20 something touchdowns.” Armstrong says he’s matured at the line of scrimmage and has grown more intelligent in passing situations, especially the shotgun formation. “We’re trying to get out of the pocket quicker now, a faster spread,” Armstrong said. “The offensive line is important for that. With them, we feel pretty confident in our offense.” The Rams host Pine Forest in Friday’s season opener. Swett has won four straight over its former Two Rivers Conference rival. RAMS Purnell Swett tailback Travon Clark is one of 27 seniors returning to a squad that advanced to the second round of the state playoffs last season. CoACh: MARK heiL (5th year) Last season: 8-5, 2-3; lost in second round of playoffs Key returners: Chase Armstrong (sr. QB), Travon Clark (sr. RB), Telvin Clark (sr. FS) Strengths: experience, offensive line | Weaknesses: Wide receivers, linebackers outlook: The Rams return 27 seniors to a team that was a few touchdowns away from challenging Richmond in the Southeastern Conference. This could be Mark heil’s best team yet in Pembroke. Coach heil says: “We’re expecting most of our productivity out of guys like Chase (Armstrong), Travon (Clark) and Juwan (Jones). Those guys have been with us awhile. The SeC is a tough conference to win, but we hope to be pretty good.” pg 6 Red Springs Red Devils week — and scrimmages. He can only imagine what Fairley is capable of once the lights are turned on. Fairley is primed to impress. faIrMoNT —First-year Red “Being my senior year, I want to Springs High School football coach do way better than we did the years George Coltharp has coached his before. I just wanna win,” Fairley share of Division I talent — includsaid. He had 78 tackles and a teaming current NFL players Jason high six sacks as a junior. “We’re foHunter (Appalachian State), Aaron cused this season. Period. We’ve got Curry (Wake Forest) and Tank Tyler a good season ahead of us. I just (North Carolina State). want to help my team out. I want to Drayvon Fairley, Red Springs’ 6be the best man I can.” foot-4, 200-pound senior defensive Fairley and his teammates are end, may be one of the next DI going to have to do just that for a prospects under Coltharp’s watch. program looking to shake off recent He currently has interest from half a hardships. dozen DI schools, including North The Red Devils have struggled to Carolina, N.C. State, Appalachian 1-10 and 3-8 records the past two State, Clemson, Virginia Tech and seasons, ending with coaches findTennessee. ing the exit. Coltharp is the pro“He’s as good as any three of gram’s third coach in three years. those pros were in high school — he Hoping to turn things around on has those intangibles,” Coltharp said. offense will be senior running back “He has everything that you’re lookXavier McEachern, who rushed for ing for — the speed, the power, the 750 yards and nine touchdowns long arms … He’s got everything. last year en route to all-county hon“It wouldn’t surprise me if he ors. He’ll fill the holes created by ends up being a major college rean experienced offensive line ancruit.” chored by Robert Overton, who And this is all based on what stands 6-foot-1, 220 pounds. Coltharp has seen in limited full-conAnd the ball will be put in the tact practices — low numbers kept hands of sophomore quarterback Red Springs out of full pads until last KaleB roedel Sports editor of Lumberton is your Blake Greene, who Coltharp said is going to be “the man, the myth, the legend” by the time he’s a senior. Greene started seven games as a freshman last year. “I’d be remiss if I didn’t think we’re going to have a much better year than last year,” Coltharp said. “Obviously it’s a long season and you don’t know what’s going to happen. But we want to be a team that’s competitive in that third season (the playoffs).” Red Springs’ Drayvon Fairley will anchor the Red Devils defense this season. CoACh: GeoRGe CoLThARP (1st year) Last season: 3-8, 3-2; lost in first round of playoffs Key returners: Drayvon Fairley (sr. De), Xavier Mceachern (sr. RB), Robert overton (sr. oL), Blake Greene (so. QB) Strengths: offensive line, team speed | Weaknesses: experience, consistency outlook: Adjusting to a new coach (again) and playing with low numbers, the Red RED DEVILS Devils will likely feel the sting of growing pains. Being competitive in the top-heavy Three Rivers Conference should be Red Springs’ priority. Coach Coltharp says: “our goal is to come out and be 1-0. We’re going all in and trying to win the championship every week, that’s how we are.” SCHOOL UNIFORM HEADQUARTERS Boys & Girls Long Sleeve Knit & Woven Shirts • Pants Shirts • Skirts • Skorts • Jumpers Best Selection and Best Prices! Biggs Park Mall - Lumberton • 618-9143 Hours: Mon - Sat 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM • Closed Sunday Visit our counter to sign up for a league today! 910.739.4499 2205 Godwin Avenue | Lumberton www.lumbertonbowl.com St. Pauls Bulldogs pg 7 tured tailback Shawn Williams, who chalked up 140 carries for 534 yards and three touchdowns a year ago. “With Antonio and Shawn in the backfield, ST. PaUlS —Antonio Henderson the run has to be respected, which is what gave defenses fits last year as St. Pauls we’re looking for,” Sasser said. High School’s top wideout, grabbing 16 Henderson said that developing proper footballs for 375 yards and seven touchwork — for drop-backs, sprint-outs and rolldowns. outs — has been the biggest detail to hammer This season, however, Henderson down. won’t be receiving passes for the Bull“I trust my line,” he said. “The wide redogs — he’ll be delivering them. ceivers are looking good running things and Opposing defenses may scratch their everything. We’re looking real good.” heads when they see Robeson County’s Now, if only Henderson can find a way to deep threat receiver under center, but acthrow passes to himself. cording to St. Pauls coach Trey Sasser, “I’ve thought about that a couple of times,” Henderson fits the bill as St. Pauls’ playhe said. caller this fall. He replaces Kalem Hunt The Bulldogs’ quarterback experiment will who went 66-for-181 last season with get its initial test Friday when they travel to 1,140 yards and 17 touchdowns. Hope Mills to face Gray’s Creek. “We just thought in the offseason he was our best playmaker,” Sasser said of CoACh: (4th year) Henderson. “We’re looking to get more run production out of the Pistol offense. Last season: He throws the ball well and he moves 5-7, 4-1; lost in the first round of playoffs well. He’s our No. 1 guy.” The decision to pull his top wideout Key returners: from the receiving corps, however, Antonio henderson (sr. QB), Ladarius McQueen (sr. LB), wasn’t an easy one for Sasser. A year ago, Shawn Williams (jr. RB), Jhamel Leonard (jr. DB). with Henderson making big plays on the outside — he averaged 23.5 yards a catch Strengths: — the Bulldogs finished runner up in the Skill positions on offense. Three Rivers Conference to Fairmont. “When I was getting ready to make the Weaknesses: decision,” said Sasser, “My dad (Glenn) who is a long-time coach, he said, ‘Son, if Young, inexperienced offensive line. you don’t have a quarterback, I might as outlook: well be playing wideout for you’.” Led by all-county-receiver-turned-quarterback henderGood point, pops. son, the Bulldogs have their sights set on topping Three And lucky for Sasser, Henderson had Rivers champ Fairmont, which handed St. Pauls its only no qualms about making the move to league loss last season. Needless to say, Fairmont is circled extra thick on St. Pauls’ calendar. quarterback. “It was pretty easy to make that call,” Henderson said. “My coaches helped me Coach Sasser says: “i think we’re a little bit better than last year … i think get ready and I’m doing pretty good.” Fairmont is too. i think we have enough to challenge for Aiding the transition, Henderson will it (the conference title). That’s certainly one of our goals have the luxury of feeding the ball to fea- every year.” KaleB roedel Sports editor BULLDOGS TReY SASSeR OF LUMBERTON, NC St. Pauls coach Trey Sasser talks with his receiver-turnedquarterback Antonio henderson at an afternoon practice. Up to $8,000 Instant Credit! Purchase your new home today and qualify for up to $8,000 in Instant Credit. (910)739-6123 www.claytonlumberton.com 6684 Hwy. 41North • Lumberton, North Carolina Store Hours: Mon-Fri: 9am - 7pm | Sat: 9am - 5pm | Sun: Closed pg 8 South Robeson Mustangs Brad Crawford Staff writer PeMBroKe —Cautiously optimistic. Those are Garron Warwick’s words, South Robeson’s head coach who fielded a team last season that included 17 total varsity players at one point. Add two transfers from Purnell Swett High in the offseason and a strengthened core at the line of scrimmage and Warwick is confident the Mustangs will surpass last season’s win total — one. “We haven’t had a winning season since Barry Leonard’s group in 2002,” Warwick said. “We hope this year can be the start of the turnaround here.” Tezhawn McIntyre, South Robeson’s touchdown leader in 2010, is moving to wide receiver this fall to make room for junior quarterback Jeremiah Swett. Swett started for the Rams’ junior varsity squad last season and decided to join Warwick’s program rather than back up Chase Armstrong under center at Purnell Swett. Warwick handed play-calling duties over to assistant coach Taurius Baker who became the school’s offensive coordinator this summer. Swett, with quick feet and an accurate arm, gives the Mustangs an opportunity to run the spread Warwick learned while working as an assistant at Raleigh Athens Drive. “I’m still making the transition at QB,” Swett said, who has only played organized football for two years. “It’s been fun and my teammates have helped me with the position. I’m ready to try and help my team win.” CoACh: GARRoN WARWiCK (2nd year) Last season: 1-10, 0-5; did not make the playoffs Key returners: Tezhawn Mcintyre (Sr., WR), Charles Grissett (Sr., LB), Frank Campbell (Sr., LB) Strengths: Team speed, linebackers Weaknesses: inexperience, size outlook: Jeremiah Swett and Tezhawn Mcintyre lead a revamped South Robeson offense that head coach Garron Warwick's expects to be explosive. Joining Swett in Rowland is his brother Jordan, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound freshman defensive end. A third brother, Joseph, is Purnell Swett High’s starting middle linebacker. All three players are grandsons of former Lumbee tribe chairman, Purnell Swett. “We’ve certainly got some additions that we feel can help us win,” Warwick said. “Both of those guys are baseball players too and I know we have a great baseball program. Jeremiah didn’t think he’d get any playing time at Swett. Both are planning on playing for Bryan (McDonald) in the spring. “The best thing about these two is their character. They’re very coach- able, good kids.” More comfortable as a slot receiver, McIntyre said he gladly gave up his job as South Robeson’s signal caller. Warwick isn’t planning on using McIntyre in any gimmick formations despite his speed and athleticism. The Wild Mustang direct-snap offense is a thing of the past. “We’re not trying to fool anyone with smoke and mirrors,” Warwick said. “There’s teams that have won with the Veer, the Wing-T, the Spread … all of it. All that matters is how you run your offense. We need to save Tezhawn for other plays.” Warwick’s positive outlook on this season despite 10 losses in his first year should benefit the Mustangs, who face a challenging schedule. Including the Robeson County Jamboree, South Robeson participated in five scrimmages and are game-ready according to Warwick. All that’s left is building confidence. “These kids need someone who’s behind them, knows they care,” Warwick said. “We have a very disciplined group and that’s a positive. If these guys believe in themselves, we could have a pretty good football team. “If we finish with five or six wins, that’ll give us a jolt of energy heading into the future.” South Robeson is still a year or two away from being a contender in the Three Rivers Conference, and Coach Warwick’s mindset should be learn now and win later. Coach Warwick says: “We’re still trying to master the spread offense and we have a lot of new guys. our numbers have been good, so we’re cautiously optimistic.” MUSTANGS 4A Southeastern Conference pg 9 this season’s SEC Media Day in Raeford. “It’s so tough. Top to bottom, this is one of the best conferences in the state. Hoke’s good. Pinecrest is PeMBroKe —Two football good. teams are ranked in the state’s top “Of course Richmond is a power. five. Scotland is loaded. Lumberton’s Two others are prepared with talgood. Anybody can win in this conent, waiting to break out from the ference.” middle of the pack. Scotland, the preseason favorite The final squads, projected botand fifth-ranked team in the state, retom-dwellers, hold enough fireturns 10 all-conference starters from power and veteran coaching last season, including the backfield experience to win any Friday night. trio of quarterback Kwashaun Quick This is what makes the 4A Southand tailbacks Tony McRae and Caieastern Conference so difficult, lason Murphy. beled by its coaches as one of the “I don’t think that there’s a toughest six-team leagues in North tougher football conference in North Carolina. Carolina,” Scotland coach Chip “In every conference, there’s a Williams said. “I know there is a lot couple teams that everybody usually of argument over that, but I’ve been beats up on … not in this one,” Purin a bunch of them (conferences) and nell Swett coach Mark Heil said at Brad Crawford Staff writer I’m speaking from experience.” Richmond, the state’s preseason No. 5 team, has won back-to-back SEC championships and holds an 18game winning streak over the Scots. The Raiders lost 37 seniors from last season’s squad that won 12 games and were picked to finish second in the league. Paul Hoggard says he has to replace nearly every starter at the skill positions. “We have a lot of question marks,” Hoggard said. “It’s just going to be a matter of how long it takes the kids with experience to get where they need to be.” Swett has been on the cusp of success the last few years but hasn’t found a way to beat the Raiders, the team everyone is chasing. The Rams, who went 8-5 last season and won a playoff game, are hoping 27 return- ing veterans can contend for an SEC title. Lumberton and Pinecrest are expected to take a hit after heavy graduation losses depleted both teams. The Pirates also had their projected starting quarterback, Marquez North, leave the school in January after a move to Charlotte. “Offensively, we’re going to struggle,” Lumberton coach Mike Brill said. “I don’t have but three guys back (on offense) and we have three brand new quarterbacks and nine brand new running backs.” RAIDERS In Print... On Line... In Touch Contributed Photo Until a team knocks Richmond from its perch, the Raiders are still the team to beat in the 4A Southeastern Conference. pg 10 RED SPRINGS Fairmont SOUTH ROBESON Aug. 19 West Bladen Aug. 19 @ Union Aug. 19 @ Western Harnett Sept. 2 Granville Central Aug. 26 Hobbton Aug. 26 West Bladen Sept. 9 @ North Moore Sept. 16 @ Sun Valley Sept. 2 @ West Bladen Sept. 9 @ Lake View Sept. 16 @ Ashley Sept. 2 Trinity Christian Sept. 9 @ Southern Lee Sept. 16 Purnell Swett Sept. 23 Goldsboro Sept. 23 Jones Sept. 30 @ St. Pauls Sept. 30 South Robeson Sept. 30 @ Fairmont Oct. 7 @ West Columbus Oct. 7 St. Pauls Oct. 14 Red Springs Oct. 14 @ Fairmont Oct. 14 @ West Columbus Oct. 21 @ East Columbus Oct. 21 Red Springs Oct. 28 West Columbus Oct. 28 St. Pauls Oct. 28 @ East Columbus ST. PAULS EAST COLUMBUS WEST COLUMBUS Aug. 19 @ Gray’s Creek Aug. 19 @ Green Sea Floyd, S.C. Aug. 19 South Columbus Aug. 26 Fayetteville Christian Aug. 26 Whiteville Aug. 26 @ East Bladen Sept. 2 Southern Lee Sept. 2 Hobbton Sept. 2 @ North Brunswick Sept. 9 @ West Bladen Sept. 16 Fayetteville Christian Sept. 9 @ Whiteville Sept. 23 @ South Columbus Sept. 16 Southwest Onslow Sept. 30 @ East Columbus Sept. 30 West columbus Oct. 7 Fairmont Oct. 7 @ Red Springs Oct. 14 South Robeson Oct. 14 @ St. Pauls Oct. 21 @ St. Pauls Oct. 21 Fairmont Oct. 28 @ Red Springs Oct. 28 South Robeson Oct. 7 East Columbus Sept. 16 Harrels Christian Sept. 23 @ East Carteret Sept. 30 Red Springs Oct. 7 @ South Robeson Oct. 14 East Columbus Oct. 21 West Columbus Oct. 28 @ Fairmont pg 11 LUMBERTON Purnell Swett HOKE Aug. 19 Cape Fear Aug. 19 Pine Forest Aug. 19 @ Ashley Aug. 26 Jack Britt Aug. 26 @ Western Harnett Aug. 26 South View Sept. 2 South View Sept. 2 @ Hoggard Sept. 9 @ Seventy-First Sept. 9 New Hanover Sept. 16 @ Athens Drive Sept. 16 @ South Robeson Sept. 30 Pinecrest Sept. 30 Scotland Oct. 7 @ Hoke Oct. 7 @ Richmond Oct. 14 @ Richmond Oct. 14 @ Pinecrest Oct. 14 @ Scotland Oct. 21 Scotland Oct. 21 Hoke Oct. 21 @ Purnell Swett Oct. 28 @ Purnell Swett Oct. 28 Lumberton Oct. 28 Pinecrest SCOTLAND Richmond PINECREST Aug. 19 @ Seventy-First Aug. 19 Sun Valley Aug. 19 Jack Britt Aug. 26 @ New Hanover Aug. 26 Lee County Aug. 26 @ Overhills Sept. 2 @ Marlboro, S.C. Sept. 2 @ Anson County Sept. 9 Jack Britt Sept. 9 @ South View Sept. 16 Anson County Sept. 16 West Forsyth Sept. 30 @ Purnell Swett Sept. 30 @ Hoke Oct. 7 Pinecrest Oct. 7 Purnell Swett Oct. 14 Hoke Oct. 14 Lumberton Oct. 14 Purnell Swett Oct. 21 @ Lumberton Oct. 21 @ Pinecrest Oct. 21 Richmond Oct. 28 Richmond Oct. 28 @ Scotland Oct. 28 @ Hoke Sept. 2 Seventy-First Sept. 9 @ Sanderson Sept. 16 Cape Fear Sept. 23 @ Westover Sept. 30 Richmond Oct. 7 Lumberton Sept. 2 Cox Mill Sept. 9 Barron Collier, Fla. Sept. 16 Western Harnett Sept. 23 @ New Hanover Sept. 30 @ Lumberton Oct. 7 @ Scotland EARN A $1500 Scholarship toward college! Have your student athlete featured in The Robesonian. Add to your college resume. Minimum Monthly Winner Criteria: • Carry a “B” Average (minimum) • Be a member of (2) Varsity Teams • Captain of (1) Varsity Team • Involved in extra-curriculars SENTINEL FENCE Made in the U.S.A. (910) 735-1351 Hwy 711 between Lumberton & Pembroke Each month Mountaire Farms & The Robesonian will select one male or female student athlete as the Mountaire/Robesonian Scholar Athlete of the Month. For more information on how to nominate your student athlete, visit the sports page at www.robesonian.com. There’s a feature story in ALL of us! w w w. r o b e s o n i a n . c o m