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2021
F O OPreview
TBALL
Featuring
EAST SURRY EAST WILKES ELKIN FORBUSH
MOUNT AIRY NORTH STOKES NORTH SURRY
SOUTH STOKES STARMOUNT SURRY CENTRAL WEST STOKES
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2021- 22 VARSITY GRANITE BEARS FOOTBALL TEAM
Cory Smith | The Mount Airy News
GranitE City Strong
FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2021
By Cory Smith 4-3 overall, 4-1 conference, Northwest Honors: quarterback Holden Poindexter, the Year for the spring ‘21 season. Moore
csmith@mtairynews.com 1A Conference Runner-up, lost in the first running back Cameron Moore, Dalton led the Bears in yards rushing and rushing
round of 1AA State Playoffs Nance – who was honored as both a wide touchdowns, while Nance was the team’s
TEAM KEY LOSSES receiver and defensive back – and defensive leading receiver in yards receiving and re-
Mount Airy Granite Bears Mount Airy only graduated seven seniors back William Mayfield. ceiving TDs.
HEAD COACH in 2021, but many of those seniors played Poindexter graduated as Mount Airy’s On defense, Nance and Mayfield helped
J.K. Adkins, 24-8 record at Mount Airy critical roles for the Granite Bears. Four all-time leading passer and was named Mount Airy hold conference opponents to
LAST SEASON graduating seniors received All-Conference NW1A Conference Co-Offensive Player of just 23 points across five games. Nance led
5
MOUNT AIRY BEARS
Jimmy Kuhn | Special to the News
the team in pass deflections, while May- tackles per game in the spring. Fellow line- ell are strong returning players expected to tions last season. Tyler Mason and Mario
field led the Bears in forced fumbles. backers Isom and Taylor were recognized get reps on defense. He also noted Mason Revels add to Mount Airy’s speed in the
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS as All-Conference honorable mentions last Hill, who was an All-Conference selection secondary.
The Mount Airy defense returns its top seasons and look to make the top squad in on the offensive line last season, and Sao Zeb Stroup is also joined by his brother
six tacklers from the 2020-21 school year: the new-look NW1A Conference. The two Lennon will share some duties on defense. Walker, now a sophomore, in the second-
FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2021
Reece Deaton, Nic Isom, Kasen Taylor, De- were second and third on the team in total Zeb Stroup, a force on both sides of the ary.
ric Dandy, Zeb Stroup and Jonah Bilyeu. tackles as juniors. ball, returns for his senior season. The ath- Walker Stroup is one of two players com-
“We do return a lot of experience on that Dandy was an intimidating force on the letic cornerback had a pair of interceptions peting for placekicking duties. Adkins said
side of the ball,” said coach J.K. Adkins. defensive line as a 6-foot 4-inch, 210-pound to go along with two pass deflections in he has two really good options with Walker
“We have some tough, physical kids and freshman. He picked up four sacks and two 2020-21. and Dylan Tilley. Tilley kicked PATs for the
they’ve got a good understanding of what tackles for a loss during his first season “Zeb is a plug-and-play kind of guy,” Bears last season, hitting 24-of-27, and was
their job is. It’s no secret that any time you with the varsity squad. Dandy had 40 tack- Adkins said. “He does a lot of good for us 2-of-3 on field goal attempts.
have a good defense, you have a chance to les during the shortened 2020-21 season, wherever we need him.” “Dylan’s done a great job in the off-sea-
win football games.” and Bilyeu, a sophomore last season, had Mount Airy’s defensive backfield is filled son and has really strengthened his leg,”
Deaton is a two-time All-Conference 31 tackles. with athletes. The Bears also return safety Atkins said. “Walker is a great kicker in his
6
linebacker that led the Bears with 11.0 Adkins said Caden Joyce and Logan Dow- Peyton Fonville, who had a pair of intercep- own right, too.”
MOUNT AIRY BEARS
OFFENSE be a “ground-oriented, more option-based Mount Airy opens the season with games Wilkes on September 17. It will mark Ad-
Mount Airy had a mix of rushing and offense.” against three county rivals. The Granite kins’ first game against his former team and
passing offense in 2020-21 by averaging Of Mount Airy’s 31-total touchdowns in Bears played host in the latest edition of is the Bears’ first game in the new North-
212.0 yards on the ground and 141.2 in the 2020-21, 21 were scored by members of the the Sock Bowl against an improving North west 1A Conference. Elkin, East Wilkes and
air. However, the Bears come into this sea- class of 2020. Of the 10 scored by returning Surry squad in week one, and came away Starmount join the NW1A Conference after
son without their starting quarterback and players, Zeb Stroup and Tyler Mason each with a strong win, 43-0. Next, they will trav- leaving the Mountain Valley split confer-
running back from last season. had three, and the following players each el down the road to face the defending 1AA ence.
There are three candidates currently bat- had one: Deric Dandy, Peyton Fonville, Naz- West Regional Champs East Surry before “I’m far enough removed from that league
tling for the job of starting QB: Zeb Stroup, rel Bell and Josh Penn. ending with a road game against Surry Cen- that I’m not quite sure what other people
Ian Gallimore and Logan Fonville. Zeb is the Bell, Mason and Zeb Stroup each had tral, which makes the first meeting between have,” Adkins said. “I do think the new
only QB with varsity experience. He served more than 100 yards rushing last season. the teams since 2018. conference makes sense in our area with
as Mount Airy’s quarterback during the Bell and Stroup each had one rushing touch- Mount Airy’s schedule also includes enough 1A and 2A teams to split it up.”
2019-20 season and threw for 1,186 yards down, while Mason had three. games against the top two teams in the for- SCHEDULE
and 16 touchdowns with a .531 completion Adkins highlighted Mason as one of the mer Mountain Valley 1A/2A Conference: Friday, 8/20 vs. North Surry 7:30
percentage. Zeb also served as backup QB Bears’ projected running backs. The coach Ashe County and Elkin. Ashe went unde- Friday, 8/27 @ East Surry 7:30
in Mount Airy’s playoff game against Pine also mentioned Reece Deaton, Traven feated during the spring 2021 regular sea- Friday, 9/3 @ Surry Central 7:30
Lake Prep in the spring. Thompson and Josh Penn as viable options. son before falling in the first round of the Friday, 9/10 vs. Ashe County 7:30
Fonville is a junior and Gallimore is a The Bears’ run game is boosted by its two 2AA State Playoffs. Friday, 9/17 @ East Wilkes* 7:30
sophomore. Fonville served as the Granite returning All-Conference linemen: Mason Elkin finished 6-2 last season. The Elks’ Friday, 9/24 vs. South Stokes* 7:30
Bears’ JV quarterback during the spring Hill and Kandon Davis. Both will be seniors only regular season loss was against Ashe Friday, 10/1 @ Starmount* 7:30
2021 season, while Gallimore was limited this season. Hill received his first All-Con- County, and the team reached the Elite Friday, 10/8 vs. North Stokes* 7:30
due to an injury. ference selection in the spring 2021 season, Eight of the 1A State Playoffs before losing Friday, 10/15 OPEN
Adkins plans to use a “plethora of backs” while Davis has been honored the past two to the eventual state champion, Murphy. Friday, 10/22 @ Elkin* 7:30
to move the chains this season. He described seasons. Another interesting matchup will be Friday, 10/29 @ Alleghany* 7:30
Mount Airy’s projected 2021-22 offense to BIG GAMES Mount Airy’s conference opener at East *Conference
Cardinals
Bears roster
NO. NAME POS. YR. HT. WT. NO. NAME POS. YR. HT. WT.
1 Zeb Stroup QB, WR, CB Senior 6’ 2” 185 lbs 32 Deric Dandy DE, TE Sophomore 6’ 4” 210 lbs
2 Kasen Taylor LB, WR Senior 5’ 10” 180 lbs 42 Logan Finch HB, DE Junior 6’ 0” 185 lbs
3 Mario Revels WR, DB Sophomore 5’ 11” 160 lbs 44 Blake Hawks NG, WR Sophomore 6’ 1” 165 lbs
4 Reece Deaton LB, RB Senior 5’ 10” 205 lbs 50 Jonah Bilyeu OL, DL Junior 6’ 0” 215 lbs
5 Tyler Mason RB, DB Sophomore 6’ 0” 180 lbs 54 Hayden Bender Sophomore 5’ 10” 178 lbs
6 Nic Isom OLB Senior 5’ 10” 175 lbs 55 Matthew Bagley G, DE Senior 6’ 2” 230 lbs
7 Logan Dowell HB, DE Senior 6’ 0” 175 lbs 59 CamRon Webster OL, DL Junior 5’ 11” 210 lbs
FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2021
8 Josh Penn RB, DE Senior 6’ 0” 215 lbs 64 Kam Hawks OL, DL Sophomore 6’ 3” 210 lbs
10 Peyton Fonville FS Senior 6’ 0” 190 lbs 65 Landon Cox OL, DE Sophomore 6’ 1” 190 lbs
12 Logan Fonville QB, DB Junior 6’ 0” 160 lbs 66 Sao Lennon OL, DL Senior 5’ 10” 245 lbs
14 Avery Poindexter WR, MLB Junior 155 lbs 70 Mason Hill OL, DL Senior 5’ 11” 210 lbs
15 Ian Gallimore MLB, QB Sophomore 5’ 10” 183 lbs 74 Clint Riggs OL, DL Junior 6’ 4” 275 lbs
19 Nick Penn WR, DE Senior 6’ 1” 1 85 lbs 75 Caden Joyce OL, DL Sophomore 6’ 4” 240 lbs
20 Traven Thompson RB, LB Junior 5’ 11” 170 lbs 80 Dylan Tilley K Senior 5’ 10” 145 lbs
21 Walker Stroup WR, DB Sophomore 5’ 11” 1 75 lbs 87 Caleb Collins WR, DB Senior 5’ 9” 140 lbs
22 Brison George RB, DB Sophomore 5’ 5” 135 lbs 88 Josh Chavis WR, DB Junior 5’ 10” 165 lbs
7
25 Caleb Reid RB, DB Sophomore 6’ 1” 1 80 lbs
SURRY CENTRAL GOLDEN EAGLES
Continuing the Ascent
By Cory Smith tackles, five tackles for a loss, three sacks, and carry momentum moving forward. five pass deflections, four forced fumbles,
csmith@mtairynews.com one forced fumble and two fumble recover- “The brunt of our team was juniors, and three TFL and an interception.
ies. He also filled in on the offensive line. we didn’t have many sophomores on var- In addition to his defense, Priddy made
TEAM Whitaker, primarily a defensive end, set sity,” Southern said. “We’ve got what we waves in the spring as one of the top re-
Surry Central Golden Eagles a new Surry Central school record with feel like is a strong senior class that’s very turners in the state. As a junior, Priddy led
COACH 15.0 sacks. He also had 40 total tackles, versatile. We have a lot of skilled guys. the state with 348 yards on kickoff returns
Monty Southern, 57-97 record at Surry 14 TFL, two forced fumbles, two fumble This is a tight knit group that’s played to- in the regular season. He also had the lon-
Central recoveries and one blocked punt. gether their whole lives.” gest kickoff returned for a TD in the state,
LAST SEASON Woods and Holt were great two-way Four all-around athletes return to make- running 94 yards to score.
4-3 overall, 4-3 conference, Tied for players. Woods was the team’s leading re- up Surry Central’s secondary a deadly One of the few juniors on the team, Clay
third place in the Western Piedmont 2A ceiver with 357 yards and six touchdowns. weapon this season: Logan Priddy, Kar- Whitaker, has been impressive at safety.
Conference On defense, Woods had 31 total tackles, son Crouse, Memphis Bolatto and Da- Senior Kade Norman, an All-Conference
KEY LOSSES four TFL, one interception, one forced kota Mills. Priddy started the spring 2021 honorable mention with 37 total tack-
Surry Central graduated seven seniors fumble, one fumble recovery and one season as cornerback, but then moved to les last season, anchors the linebackers.
in 2021. Though fewer in numbers than blocked field goal. safety with Crouse as Mills found his fit Southern said one of his running mates
the 2019 and 2021 spring season, many of Quarterback Holt threw for 750 yards at corner. will be Cole Butcher, who spent his time
the seniors were longtime starters for the and eight touchdowns, while also being Crouse, Bolatto and Mills were all given on the defensive line in the spring.
Golden Eagles. second on the team in yards rushing with All-Conference Honors last season, while Andres Gonzalez, another returning
Four members of the class of 2021 re- 253. Holt also had 20 total tackles, five Mills – playing his first season of football All-Conference player, is one of the play-
ceived All-Conference Honors in the TFL and two interceptions. for the Golden Eagles – was an honorable ers that looks to fill the holes left by Camp-
spring 2021 season: Chase Holt, Ste- DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS mention. bell and Whitaker. He’s been on the varsity
ven Campbell, Sam Whitaker and Brady The spring 2021 season marked Surry Mills led the team with three intercep- squad ever since the midway point of his
Woods. Central’s first winning season since 2016. tions, and Bolatto had one as well to go freshman year. Gonzalez had seven TFL,
Campbell and Whitaker both made their A lot of the same players are playing this with his five pass deflections, a fumble re- five sacks and a safety last season.
biggest impact on defense. Campbell, a fall. Led by 17 seniors, Southern hopes to covery and a blocked punt. Krouse led the Blake Edwards is another player that
linebacker finished the year with 28 total bridge the gap between the two seasons team with 49 tackles in seven games, had will make a big impact on the defensive
Golden Eagles
Cardinals roster
NO. NAME YR. POS. HT. WT. NO. NAME YR. POS. HT. WT.
1 Dakota Mills Senior WR/DB 6’1 160 32 Wyatt Burton Senior WR/DB 5’9” 175
3 Cole Butcher Senior RB/LB 6’ 190 34 Lucas Johnson Freshman RB/LB 6’ 180
4 Karson Crouse Senior RB/S 6’/ 180 50 Kade Norman Senior OL/LB 6’1” 215
5 Carlos Martinez Junior AB/C 5’8” 140 55 Enoc Lopez Junior OL/LB 5’10” 200
6 Mason Jewell Freshman QB/S 5’1” 150 56 Andres Gonzalez Senior OL/DL 5’10” 220
FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2021
7 Logan Priddy Senior AB/S 6’ 180 58 Christian Robinson Senior OL/DL 6’3” 260
8 Ayden Wilmoth Sophomore AB/LB 5’11” 160 60 Cannon Gates Senior OL/DL 6’2” 230
9 Avery Wilmoth Senior QB/LB 6’1” 195 62 Reid Danley Sophomore OL/DL 5’9” 195
11 Spencer Leclair Senior AB/LB 6’ 170 71 Samuel Branch Junior OL/DL 5’8” 265
15 Jacob Edmonds Senior K 6’1” 170 73 Jose Rayo Senior OL/DL 6’ 220
16 Brady Edmonds Senior WR/LB 6’2” 170 74 Blake Edwards Senior OL/DL 5’11” 205
17 Brian Williams Freshman AB/DB 5’8” 135 75 Fisher Freeman Sophomore OL/DL 5’9” 260
19 Dante Watson Senior AB/LB 5’10 165 77 Graden Spurlin Junior OL/DL 6’4’ 315
21 Memphis Bolatto Senior WR/DB 5’11”/ 55 81 Cole Snow Junior WR/DB 5’8” 130
22 Clay Whitaker Junior WR/S 5’8” 155 82 Evan Wall Sophomore WR/DB 6’1”/ 40
24 Trevor Dutton Junior WR/LB 6’2” 160 84 Kyle Inman Sophomore WR/DB 5’7” 130
8
30 Allen Huffman Freshman AB/S 5’9” 145
2021- 22 VARSITY GOLDEN EAGLES FOOTBALL TEAM
line, Southern said. Edwards didn’t play in
the spring, but is someone that fits right
in with the group of nearly two dozen se-
niors.
Another of the seniors, Jacob Edmonds,
returns as the team’s placekicker. He
knocked down 16-of-22 PATs and 1-of-2
field goals in the spring.
OFFENSE
Surry Central’s offense returned two key
pieces in the form of Crouse and Priddy.
The two carried the ball nearly 90 times
combined last season and that was with
another running back in the rotation and a
mobile QB. They were first and second on
the team in yards per carry, with Priddy
getting 5.0 and Crouse 6.5, and combined
for 11 of Central’s 13 rushing touchdowns.
“We feel really good with those two,”
Southern said. “They’re two kids with a
lot of experience playing varsity football.” Amy Cave | Special to the News
Also in the backfield mix is running
back Dante Watson. Watson was able to formed Foothills 2A Conference that fea- Friday, 8/20 @ Alleghany 7:30 Friday, 10/1 @ Elkin 7:30
get more reps than expected last year with tures three teams from the former West- Friday, 8/27 vs. East Wilkes 7:30 Friday, 10/8 vs. Forbush* 7:30
Avery Wilmoth out with an injury. ern Piedmont and Mountain Valley Con- Friday, 9/3 vs. Mount Airy 7:30 Friday, 10/15 vs. North Wilkes* 7:30
Wilmoth is set to be the Eagles’ QB this ferences and one that was promoted to Friday, 9/10 OPEN Friday, 10/22 @ North Surry* 7:30
season. the 2A division from the Northwest 1A Friday, 9/17 @ West Wilkes* 7:30 Friday, 10/29 @ East Surry* 7:30
“We did a little bit more throwing this Conference. Friday, 9/24 vs. Wilkes Central* 7:30 *Conference
summer than we usually do, and he did 70- “I love it,” Southern said when discuss-
80 percent of the reps and looked great,” ing the Eagles’ new conference. “The trav-
Your Headquarters
Southern said. “He was our JV quarter- el is going to pretty similar; I just think
back before last year. He’s really smart and we will have a better crowd at schools now
a really conscientious kid.” and they’ll travel better coming here. I also
Central averaged just under 100 yards
for Surry County Sports
think it’s going to be really competitive.”
receiving in the spring. Woods accounted Central’s first big test comes on week
for 18 of the team’s 42 total receptions and three when the Eagles host Mount Airy
360 of the 699 total yards. Priddy was the for the first time since 2018. Scheduling
only other player with more than six re- conflicts kept the two county rivals from
ceptions, hauling in eight passes for 191
yards and a TD.
doing battle the last few seasons. Surry
Central last defeated the Bears in 2015,
Follow High School Sports
Southern said he feels good about air-
ing the ball out with athletes like Mills,
but Mount Airy has won almost every
other recent meeting.
Coverage in Print and Online
Bolatto and Brady Edmonds available for The Eagles have a tough road follow-
big plays, and then having players such ing their BYE week in early September.
as Watson, Priddy, Krouse and Whitaker The team hosts Wilkes Central (5-2 last
available as well. season), travels to Elkin (6-2 last season)
The Mount Airy News
Four of five offensive line starters from then hosts the 2020-21 Western Piedmont
FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2021
the spring returned for the 2021-22 sea- 2A Conference Co-Champion Forbush (6-
son. Andres Gonzalez is the only return- 1) last season.
ing All-Conference lineman, but Southern After a home game against North Wil-
expects him to be surrounded by players kes, Surry Central ends the season with
such as Christian Robinson, Kade Nor- road games at North Surry (4-3 last sea-
man, Cannon Gates, Jose Rayo and Blake son), who battled tooth-and-nail to defeat
Edwards.
“I’m excited,” Southern said. “This is a
the Eagles in the spring, and East Surry 319 N. Renfro St. – Mount Airy
(9-2 last season), who won the Northwest
really fun group to coach. The group in the 1A Conference Championship and 1AA 336.786.4141
spring was too.”
BIG GAMES
West Regional Championship this past
season.
mtairynews.com
Surry Central will compete in the newly SCHEDULE
9
70052335
SOUTH STOKES SAURAS
Sauras staying Sauras roster
focused
By Robert Money Jr.
NO.
1
2
3
5
NAME
Junior Hairston
Timothy Chalmers
Matthew Waters
DJ Goolsby
YR.
Sophomore
Sophomore
Senior
Senior
POS.
QB/DB
RB/LB
TE/DE
WR/RB/DB
rmoney@thestokesnews.com 6 Anthony Campbell Senior WR/DB
7 Evan Ashley Junior WR/DB
TEAM 9 Arlyn Durrell Junior RB/LB
South Stokes 10 Brendon Bradford Junior WR/DB
COACH
11 Isiah Lash Sophomore WR/FS
12 Jesse Carrick Senior RB/LB
David Diamont, 9-10 (300-163) 13 Nolan Coe Junior QB/LB
record at South Stokes 14 Michael Fallin Senior QB/SS
LAST SEASON 16 Daniel Martin Junior WR/DB
2-5, 0-5 conference, sixth place in the 17 Connor Cox Freshman QB/DB
18 Keelan Robertson Junior WR/DB
Northwest 1A Conference 20 Noah Booe Sophomore RB/LB
KEY LOSSES 22 Evan Patterson Senior RB/DB
The biggest losses for the Sauras are 25 Justin Joyce Freshman WR/DB
All-Conference players Johnny Dotson 30 Cameron East Freshman WR/DB
33 Austin Evans Senior RB/CB
and Jordan Mitchell. Dotson led the 35 Jason Hernandez Freshman RB/DB
team with 65 tackles and two fumble 43 Jaryd Galloway Junior FB/DE
recoveries on defense and played 50 Moises Jaramillo Sophomore OL/DL
several downs on the offensive side 51 Parker Barron Freshman OL/DL
relieving Mitchell at fullback. He gained
53 Nick Heavener Senior OL/DE
55 Carson Hall Senior OL/DL
126 rushing yards and two touchdowns. 56 Bryson Mabe Freshman OL/DL
Mitchell chimed in with 45 tackles and 58 Michael Werts Sophomore OL/DL
a sack from the defensive line. He was 59 Matthew Inman Junior OL/DL
second on the team in most rushing 60 Colton Pruitt Freshman OL/DL
61 Wyatt McBride Senior OL/DE
yards with 450 yards and was first with 62 Alex Johnson Freshman OL/DL
the most rushing touchdowns of six. 63 Logan Knight Junior OL/LB
Quarterback Tyler Patterson 64 Patrick Chaney Freshman OL/DL
controlled the Sauras offense and was David Diamont 65 Vinnie McManus Sophomore OL/LB
68 Jordan Fulp Sophomore OL/DE
selected as honorable mention All- 70 Dalton Hutchings Freshman OL/DL
Conference. Defensive players Gabriel 72 Alex LaRoche Sophomore OL/DL
Gibson (27 tackles), Zachary Warning of the kickoffs and sophomore Isiah 73 Bryce Epperson Freshman OL/DL
(23 tackles), and Arron Justice (27 Lash will take over the punting duties. 75 Landon Johnson Junior OL/DL
tackles) were solid at their positions. Waters averaged 42.1 yards per kick last 79 Dezmond Galloway Sophomore OL/DL
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAM season.
Returning starters from last year’s Carrick, Goolsby, Lash, Noah Booe,
team are scarce. The Sauras return four and JR Hairston will take turns handling
OPENING HOURS:
10 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2021
defensive starters: Matthew Waters, kickoff and punt return duties. Monday-Thursday
DJ Goolsby, Jesse Carrick and Wyatt OFFENSE 11am-9:30pm
Friday 11am-10pm
McBride. Carrick (27 tackles), who The team returns three on the Saturday 7am-10pm
was tagged honorable mention All- offensive side of the ball. Carrick will Sunday Closed
Conference last season, and Waters (49 carry the load out of the backfield. He
tackles) will anchor the defense in the missed one game due to a concussion, 1/2 Price Wine Night Enjoy our snacks Celebrate with us Drink Specials
middle, while Goolsby will lead a young but still ran for 488 yards with three Thurs. Nights! From cheese fries to wings! Bring the whole family! Great Deals every weekday!
secondary. McBride will continue his touchdowns. Joining him as a returning
excellence at the defensive end position. starter is offensive lineman Carson Hall 627 S Main St. •King, NC 27021
The Sauras are still looking for a and Moises Santana. info@townandcountrygrille.com
•T/336-983-3641 Enjoy your favorite wine for From cheese fries to wings, Bring the whole family to
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celebrate your special event every weekday!!!
with us!2021- 22 SOUTH STOKES VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM
Robert Money | The Stokes News
who will play various positions,” said big game simply because Coach David
Your Headquarters
Diamont. “Their ability to perform in Diamont led that program for many
different positions at different times years and their stadium is named after
during a game will be our ‘key.’ We need the legendary coach.
for Stokes County Sports
to improve our physical strength and North Stokes beat the Sauras last
setting out to be the best team member season breaking a South six-game
you possibly can become.” winning streak. The game is slated for
BIG GAMES the last game of the season and surely
West Stokes is always a big game for the stadium will be packed from the
the Sauras, as it is for the Wildcats. North and Southern part of the county
The King, Pinnacle and Walnut Cove
communities shared South Stokes
for bragging rights.
SCHEDULE Follow High School Sports
until West Stokes opened its doors in Friday, 8/20 vs. West Stokes 7:30 p.m.
the 1999-00 school year. The teams
didn’t play each other last year due to
Friday, 8/27 at Bishop McGuinness
7:30 p.m.
Coverage in Print and Online
COVID-19 restrictions, but the Sauras Friday, 9/3 at McMichael 7:30 p.m.
beat the Wildcats 12-8 in a season that Friday, 9/10 vs. East Surry 7:30 p.m.
FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2021
West made the 2A West Regional Finals. Friday, 9/17 vs. Alleghany 7:30 p.m.*
Bishop McGuinness and McMichael Friday, 9/24 at Mount Airy 7:30 p.m. *
are key non-conference games for the Friday, 10/1 at East Wilkes 7:30 p.m. *
Sauras. Both are very winnable games Friday, 10/15 at Starmount 7:30 p.m.
and it’s important for South to get early *
winnable games before entering its Friday, 10/22 vs. North Stokes 7:30
tough conference play. p.m*. 122 S. Main St. - King
Other big games for the Sauras are Friday, 10/29 vs. Elkin 7:30 p.m. *
East Surry and North Stokes. Although *Conference 336.591.8191
the Cardinals hold a lop-sided record
thestokesnews.com
11
against the Sauras, it’s going to be a Robert Money can be reached at 336-749-1193. 700523372021- 22 NORTH STOKES VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM
Robert Money | The Stokes News
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SUn 12:30-6:30 70052432NORTH STOKES VIKINGS
VIKINGS Vikings
STARTING A
roster
NEW ERA NO.
2
11
NAME
Elijah Cone
Justin Rogers
YR.
Senior
Junior
POS.
QB/DB
RB/DB
By Robert Money Jr. 12 Jamison Wood Junior QB/WR/DB
rmoney@thestokesnews.com
19 Ethan Garcia Sophomore RB/DB
20 Victor Martinez Senior RB/DB
TEAM
25 Tyler Wood Junior RB/LB
North Stokes Vikings
COACH 44 Ethan Puckett Senior RB/LB
Jamie Fortner, first year at North Stokes 50 CJ Smith Senior OL/DL
LAST SEASON 52 Garrett Smith Senior OL/DL
3-4, 1-4 conference, fifth place in the 54 Cameron Bullins Sophomore OL/DL
Northwest 1A Conference 55 Brian Tysinger Sophomore OL/DL
KEY LOSSES 60 Will Greer Sophomore OL/DL
The Vikings lost All-Conference players 62 Bryan Mabe Junior OL/DL
Jacob Murray and Adam Pollard and 63 Chris Hardin Junior OL/DL
honorable mention athlete Dylan James. 66 Ethan Roberson Senor OL/DL
Murray led the team with 508 yards 81 Tanner Horsely Senior WR/DB
rushing and recorded the most tackles Jamie Fortner 85 Josh Manring Senior TE/WR/DE
on defense with 72. Pollard anchored the
offensive and defensive line and James
position after throwing for 205 yards and
recorded 35 tackles and averaged 5.3 yards
two touchdowns on 15 completions. He Another big game for the Vikings is Friday, 9/24 at Starmount 7:30 p.m.*
per rush on 11 attempts.
also rushed for 311 yards on 65 carries, cross-county rival South Stokes. North Friday, 10/1 vs. Alleghany 7:30 p.m. *
Other key losses for the Vikings were
scoring two touchdowns. broke South’s six-game winning streak Friday, 10/8 at Mount Airy 7:30 p.m. *
Matthew Edwards (transferred to East
Martinez led the Vikings with 102 with a 22-8 victory last year. Friday, 10/15, vs. East Wilkes 7:30 p.m.
Surry), Deuce Chalmers (transferred to
carries last season gaining 504 yards SCHEDULE *
South Stokes), and linebacker Scotty
and three touchdowns. Puckett will get Friday, 8/27 at North Moore 7:30 p.m. Friday, 10/22 at South Stokes 7:30 p.m.*
Stevens, who decided not to play because
more carries in the backfield and Hardin, Friday, 9/3 at Chatham Central 7:30 p.m. *Conference games
of multiple injuries.
Manring, CJ Smith, and Garrett Smith will Friday, 9/10 vs. Patrick County 7:30 p.m.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS Robert Money can be reached at 336-749-1193.
hold down the offensive line. Friday, 9/17 vs. Elkin 7:30 p.m. *
The Vikings return six defensive
“With the number of players we have,
players: Ethan Puckett, Elijah Cone, Victor
keeping everyone healthy is the biggest
Martinez, Garret Smith, Josh Manring and
key,” said Fortner. “The team is working
Jamison Wood. Puckett led the defense
FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2021
tremendously hard and the younger players
with 58 tackles, Manring 31, Martinez
are picking up on the system well. If we
28 (two interceptions) and Cone 20.
keep the work ethics and positive attitude
Wood added 13 tackles and three passes
it will be a successful season.”
defended after starting midway through
BIG GAMES
the season.
The Vikings will open the season
OFFENSE
with non-conference opponents South
North Stokes returns seven offensive
Davidson, North Moore, Chatham Central Barretto Track Bobcat T-550
starters to the team: CJ Smith, Chris Trencher Track Loader Barretto Stump Grinder
and Patrick County. Each same is very Bobcat E32 Excavator
Hardin, Puckett, Cone, Martinez, Manring
winnable before the Vikings enter league 825 W. Lebanon St., Mt. Airy 636 S. Main St., King
and Garrett Smith.
play in one of the toughest conferences in 336-789-RENT 336-958-8222
13
Cone will return at the quarterback www.cookerentals.com 70051912
the area.2021- 22 WEST STOKES VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM
Robert Money | The Stokes News Johnson
Wildcats looking
to rebound from
2-4 season Terry Gaither
336-591-5534
201 W. Fourth St.
Walnut Cove, NC 27052
LUTCF, Agency Manager
By Robert Money Jr. high six sacks and added 38 tackles and
336-593-2801
rmoney@thestokesnews.com one interception. He was also the Wildcats’ 407 N. Main St.
punter. Barker had 12 punts with a long of Danbury, NC 27016
TEAM 47 yards.
West Stokes Wildcats Pack was a two-way starter and a two- 336-983-0361
time All-Conference selection. He helped 100 River Birch Ct.
COACH
the Wildcats to the West Regional Finals King, NC 27021
Chris Johnson, 2-4 (46-71) record at West
Stokes in 2019 and this past season paced the
FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2021
LAST SEASON defensive line with 40 tackles. Pack assisted
2-4, 2-4 conference, sixth place in the the offensive line in helping West Stokes
gain nearly 1,300 yards in offense. An Authorized Agency for
Western Piedmont 2A Conference
KEY LOSSES Shrewsbury mainly played on the
West Stokes graduated seven players offensive line, but got multiple snaps on
from its 2020-21 roster, two of which earned the defensive front. He recorded 14 tackles
All-Conference Honors and one Honorable and a sack, but he was more than that.
Mention: Cameron Pack, Gabriel Barker, Shrewsbury’s job was to clog the middle and
and Ayden Shrewsbury. All three players he was one of the best at doing it.
made an impact in their own way. Barker DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAM
missed the first game of the season against The Wildcats return five of its top seven
14
Surry Central, but still finished with a team defensive players. All-Conference player 70052321WEST STOKES WILDCATS
Dakota Barker led the team with 57 tackles
and nine tackles for loss. Honorable mention
selection Dillon Stanley added 44 tackles in
the No. 2 spot and Orasha Graham came in
with the fifth most tackles at 33. Defensive
lineman Bryan Gordon was sixth on the
Wildcats
list with 28, and even though Brighton
Berthrong only played in three games this
past spring, he finished seventh on the team
roster
with 16. NO. NAME YR. POS.
“With low numbers, we must have an
injury-free season,” said Johnson. “Our 1 Mason Cain Junior QB/FS
Chris Johnson 2 Spencer Betha Senior WR/DB
development and continuity of our line
play will be key to our success. We need year and Blackburn has to have an impactful 3 Brighton Berthrong Senior WR/DB
to be excellent tacklers even though the season. Rawley’s ability to make big plays 4 Dylan Roscoe Senior QB/DB
state putting restrictions on hitting during will be a must for us. Bryan Gordon has had 7 Dillon Stanley Junior RB/DB
practice.” a great camp and if he can continue at the 8 DJ Moore Junior OL/OLB
Jerry Adkins returns as the Wildcats’ pace he’s been on, it will help us immensely.”
kicker this season. He was 2-for-5 in field 9 Jasir Gaye Junior WR/DB
BIG GAMES
goal attempts and was 7-for-9 in extra-point 11 Demorick Blakely Junior WR/DB
The Wildcats opened the season with a
attempts. He also took care of the kickoff strong win against cross-county rival South 12 Hunter Ramey Junior WR/DB
duties with 20 attempts and two touch-backs Stokes, 49-6. Prior to this match-up, West 13 Keyon Rawley Sophomore WR/CB
last season. held an overall 16-05 record, but the Sauras 15 Gary Perminter Junior WR/DB
Stanley returned most of the Wildcats won 12-8 over the Wildcats in its last 19 Jacob Collins Senior WR/DB
kickoff returns last season with six and the meeting.
most punt returns with three. Sophomore 22 Carson Stevens Junior WR/DB
Last season West lost to North Surry in
Keyon Rawley will take over the punting 23 Dakota Barker Junior RB/LB
the last minute of the game and will look
duties. to square off against its former conference 24 Jerry Adkins Senior K
OFFENSE foe. Before last season, the Wildcats 26 Caleb Wood Sophomore WR/DB
Junior Mason Cain will quarterback the and Greyhounds battled for the WPAC 33 Shelton Blakely Senior SB/OLB
Wildcats with Stanley (All-Conference championship each season with one or the 50 Ben Smitherman Senior OL/DL
Honorable Mention) and Dakota Barker other winning it.
(All-Conference), and Berthrong returning 52 Conner Lankford Junior OL/DL
East Surry will be a challenge for the
to the offense. Berthrong missed the last young Wildcats, but the teams have battled 53 Zaid Dobson Senior OL/DL
three games of the season last year due to in some great games over the past decade. 56 James Spainhour Junior OL/DL
injuries and looks to rebound and lead the The Wildcats will return to a conference 58 Orasha Graham Junior OL/DL
young offensive team. that features state champions Reidsville and 59 Austin Blackburn Senior OL/DL
Joining Cain, Stanley, Barker, and McMichael. West faced Reidsville in the 63 Joseph Leake Junior OL/DL
Berthrong on the offensive side are tight West Regional finals in 2019 and is 0-5 all-
end DJ Moore, wide-receivers Jasir Gaye 72 Bryan Gordon Senior OL/DL
time against the Rams. McMichael is another
and Keyon Rawley and offensive linemen crucial game for the Wildcats. West holds a 73 Jullian Mendieta Senior OL/DL
Ben Smitherman, James Spainhour, Orasha 9-1 overall record against the Phoenix, but 78 Matthew Gupton Junior OL/DL
Graham, Bryan Gordon, Matthew Gupton those games have been close over the years.
and Austin Blackburn. Gaye will return SCHEDULE
to both sides of the ball after missing last Friday, 8/20 at South Stokes 7:30 p.m. 1937- GENTRY’S STORE
FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2021
season. Friday, 8/27 vs. North Surry 7:30 p.m. 2021 Celebrating 84 years of business in downtown King
Cain threw for 263 yards and three Thursday, 9/2 at East Surry 7:30 p.m.
touchdowns, while Barker led the team with Friday, 9/17 vs. McMichael 7:30 p.m. * We sell lawnmower parts. We stock
323 yards rushing on 46 carries and Stanley Friday, 9/24 vs. Walkertown 7:30 p.m*
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a huge factor and how quickly Jasir Gaye Friday, 10/22 at North Forsyth 7:30 p.m.*
gets back into football form after being Friday, 10/29 vs. Galax 7:30 p.m. 117 South Main St. • King, NC
out last year is going to be important us,” *Conference games
added Johnson. “ We need to have Barker
336-983-3440
15
and Stanley repeat the success they had last Robert Money can be reached at 336-749-1193. 70052282THE 2021- 22 EAST SURRY VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM
Cory Smith | The Mount Airy News
New Look, Same Goal
By Cory Smith Derek Sutterby and Jesse Whitaker. selected as defensive players on the All-Con- and defensive back.
csmith@mtairynews.com Baker and Whitaker started on the offen- ference team. DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
sive line, and Baker was an All-Conference Tilley was third on the team in tackles East Surry’s defense has a lot of question
TEAM selection as a junior and senior. The duo with 50, while also recording 7.0 TFL and marks ahead of week one because the Cardi-
East Surry Cardinals helped block for an offense that led the 1A a team-high 5.0 sacks. Tilley also forced nals are still putting things together.
COACH division with 4,072 yards of total offense. two fumbles, recovered three fumbles and “We haven’t had one day yet where our
Trent Lowman, 35-6 record at East Surry This included 1,824 yards rushing, most of blocked one punt. whole team has been here,” said Cardinal
LAST SEASON which came from Bullington, who ran for Needham led the team with six intercep- coach Trent Lowman during the second
9-2 overall, 5-0 conference, Northwest 1,091 yards and scored 20 touchdowns. tions and also had six pass deflections, a week of practice. “The way baseball went
1A Conference Champions, West Regional Bullington received All-Conference Hon- fumble recovery and 37 tackles. all the way through June, then there was
Champions, 1AA State Championship Run- ors on offense and defense. He recorded 51 Sutterby was fourth on the team in tackles basketball camp and Young Life camp…
ners-up tackles, 6.0 tackles for a loss and 3.0 sacks. with 47, including 2.0 TFL and 4.0 sacks. we’ve had kids out for different reasons and
KEY LOSSES Another two-way player, Gosnell, led the Sutterby was also the NW1A Conference haven’t had our full team together yet.”
East Surry lost 17 players from its 2020-21 team with 87 tackles, 11.0 TFL and 4.0 Specialist of the Year, hitting 48-of-51 PATs The already-shortened summer vacation
roster, seven of which earned All-Conference sacks. On offense, Gosnell had 669 yards re- and 2-of-3 field goals. took away time for every school to have off-
Honors: Mackenzie Baker, Luke Bullington, ceiving and seven receiving touchdowns. He Another Cardinal graduate, Carson season workouts. East Surry had even less
Benji Gosnell, Tye Needham, Kaleb Tilley, also had three rushing TDs. Hawks, was an All-Conference honorable
Needham, Tilley and Sutterby were all mention as a receiver, backup quarterback See CARDINALS | 26
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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2021
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70052284 70052249EAST SURRY CARDINALS
Cardinals roster
NO. NAME YR.. POS. HT. WT. NO. NAME YR.. POS. HT. WT.
1 Luke Bowman Senior WR/DB 53 Hayden Sammons Junior OL/DL 5-8 190
2 Folger Boaz Junior QB 6-3 185 54 Daniel Villasenor Junior OL/DL 6-2 180
3 Dylan Cox Junior RB/LB 5-11 180 55 Eli Blose Senior OL/DL 5-11 275
4 Trace Tilley Senior TE/LB 6-3 175 56 Gavin Atkins Junior OL/DL 6-2 230
5 Trey Armstrong Senior RB/DB 5-10 170 57 Kole Pruitt Junior OL/DL 6-4 290
8 Brett Clayton Junior RB/DE 6-3 195 60 Elijah Becker Junior OL/DL 6-2 185
9 Colby Johnson Junior WR/QB/DB 5-11 180 61 Andrew Flippin Junior OL/DL
10 Layton Allen Senior WR/DB 6-2 175 64 Ethan Slater Sophomore OL/DL 6-0 185
11 Kyle Zinn Junior RB/DB 5-9 158 65 Isaiah Gulledge Junior OL/DL 5-11 215
14 Matthew Keener Junior WR/DB 6-0 155 74 Anthony Ward Senior OL/DL 6-2 190
15 Daniel Creech Junior WR/DB 75 JT Simmons Junior OL/DL 6-6 280
16 Jacob Lowe Senior WR/DB 76 Michael McMillian Senior OL/DL 6-2 360
17 Gabriel Harpe Junior WR/DB 5-11 160 81 Bryson McBride Junior WR/DB 6-4 190
18 Joseph Grezmak Senior TE/DE 6-4 205 82 Doug Lambert Junior WR/DB 5-10 150
19 Isaiah Arrington Senior WR/DB 5-11 160
20 Luke Brown Junior WR/DB 6-4 165
22 Anthony Ayers Senior TE/LB Delivery
23 Anderson Badgett Junior WR/DB available
24 Stephen Brantley Junior TE/DE 6-3 220 through
25 Eli Beck Junior RB/NG 5-10 175 Mayberry
30 Will Jones Sophomore WR/DB 5-11 150
Since 1994 Takeout
32 Joshua Parker Junior RB/LB 5-11 180 and
36 James Dezarn Junior TE/LB
Door Dash.
40 Jose Campos Senior RB/LB 5-8 165
44 Delbert Perez Senior TE/LB 6-0 250
51 Connor Key Junior OL/DL 5-10 205
52 Sam Whitt Senior OL/DL 5-11 285
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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2021
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csmith@mtairynews.com in all of N.C. to have at least 103 tackles in DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS men. Even with most players returning, the
and Strategies
only seven games. He also recorded 20 tack- North Surry was one of the biggest come- Hounds are still relatively young with only
TEAM les for a loss – tied for third in 2A and tied back stories in the state last season. The six seniors.
Call or visit today.
North Surry Greyhounds for 16th in all state classifications – as well Greyhounds bounced back from an 0-3 start This year’s team consists of the six se-
The creditor and issuer of the Edward Jones MasterCard is Elan Financial
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Patrick Taylor, 11-8 record at North Surry fumble and four fumble recoveries. wins, three of which came on the road. freshmen. Six ©of2014
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LAST SEASON Montgomery was joined on the offensive The Hounds return 37 players from the named to the All-Conference team, and
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4-3 overall, 4-3 conference, Tied for third and defensive lines by Jenkins. On defense, spring 2021 season. Of the 43-man roster five played significant
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KEY LOSSES
North Surry graduated six veteran play-
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FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2021
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ers in 2021. This included four players that regulate the offensive line. Jenkins had 15 1810 N Bridge St Suite 101
were bestowed All-Conference honors their pancake blocks, and Moore had 30. The trio Elkin, NC 28621
helped block for the team’s 900+ yards rush- Frank H Beals 336-835-1124
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Montgomery was named Western Pied- 965 North Bridge Street
mont 2A Conference Defensive Player of athletic careers with Emory & Henry Col- Championship!
lege. Elkin, NC 28621
the Year in the spring. His 14.9 tackles per
game were the fourth-most in N.C.’s 2A di- The final All-Conference senior is wide 336-835-4411
vision, eighth in the state among all classifi- receiver Woods. As a senior, he recorded 22
cations and tied for 83rd in the nation. catches for 206 yards and five touchdowns.
He also played defense in the secondary, Member SIPC
Montgomery was fifth in 2A and 12th www.edwardjones.com
18
among all state classifications with 104 to- finishing the year with 23 total tackles, one 70052031 BRT-1941C-A-AD MembeNORTH SURRY GREYHOUNDS
Jahreece Lynch, Zeke Moore, Jake Sim-
mons, Ryan Simmons and D’Marcus France.
Lynch and France cover a lot of room in
the secondary. The duo have a deadly com-
bination of strength and speed, combining
operate out of the backfield. Vernon was
the secondary back last season, but has
impressed North’s coaching staff with his
speed. Brown didn’t play football as a junior,
but as a sophomore he surpassed the 1,000-
Greyhounds
for nine pass deflections last season. France yard mark with a combination of rushing
is just a sophomore, and Lynch is a junior.
North has no shortage of athletes to play
as defensive backs. Talen Vernon, Anthony
and slot receiving.
“A lot of people are going to focus on
Jake, and they should, but we’ve got a lot of
roster
Brown, Trevor Isaacs and James McCreary guys that can make you pay if you overlook
NO. NAME POS. YR.
are players that Taylor said would have reps them,” Taylor said.
in the secondary. Aaron Mauck came in as quarterback 1 Trevor Isaacs SKILL Senior
“With these guys we can do a lot of things midway through the spring 2021 season 2 Anthony Brown SKILL Senior
in multiple coverages,” Taylor said. “We and improved every week. Mauck ended the 3 Jahreece Lynch SKILL Junior
have a lot of versatility on that side of the year with 719 yards passing and 11 touch- 4 Kam McBride SKILL Junior
ball.” downs. He was just a sophomore then, and 5 Ryan Simmons SKILL Senior
Vernon, Lynch, Brown and France are just Taylor said he’s gotten much sharper in the 6 Jared Hiatt SKILL Junior
a few of the names that will also get time last few months. 7 Talan Vernon SKILL Junior
on the return unit. Lynch alone scored on a The QB talent doesn’t end with Mauck. 8 Jovanni Flores SKILL Sophomore
42-yard punt return and an 89-yard kickoff Taylor also highlighted James McCreary, 9 Jake Simmons SKILL Sophomore
return last season. who will also serve as the North Surry ver- 10 D’Marcus France SKILL Sophomore
Ryan and Jake Simmons return as line- sion of Taysom Hill by playing receiver and
11 Colten Allen QB/DB Freshman
backers. Ryan is the lone senior in the group, cornerback as well, and promising freshman
surrounded by Jake, a sophomore, another Colten Allen. 12 James McCreary QB/DB Junior
sophomore Garrett Shore and Kam Mc- The offensive line loses three key pieces 13 Owen McMillian WR/DB Freshman
Bride, a junior. Ryan had the second-most in Montgomery, Elijah Moore and Riley Jen- 14 Derrick Simmons WR/DB Freshman
tackles of any Greyhound in the spring with kins. Zeke Moore helps fill that gap, as well 18 Matthew Senter SKILL Junior
60, followed by Jake with 45 and McBride as Jace Hernandez, Ty Gwyn, Braden Fore 19 Aaron Mauck SKILL Junior
with 35. Ryan also led the team in tackles and Kendall Hawks. 21 Payten Sechrist WR/DB Freshman
for a loss with 23. The receiving corps is another area in 50 Ty Gwyn OL/DL Sophomore
Moore returns to the defensive line after which the Hounds are overflowing with 54 Braden Fore OL/DL Sophomore
a stellar sophomore season earned him All- athletes. Lynch led the team with 480 yards 55 Garrett Shore OL/LB Sophomore
Conference Honors. He recorded 30 total receiving and six touchdowns in the spring. 56 Zeke Moore OL/DL Junior
tackles, six TFL, one sack, four QB hurries He is expected to be joined by McCreary,
58 Joseph Ravit OL/DL Sophomore
and had one fumble recovery in the spring. Ryan Simmons and Trevor Isaacs out wide,
“Zeke trimmed off about 35 pounds over Kam McBride in the slot, and players such 59 Harley Felts OL/DL Sophomore
the summer,” Taylor said. “It sped him up as Jared Hiatt, Jovanni Flores and Brady 61 Aiden Martin OL/DL Sophomore
a lot without compromising strength. He Draughn at tight end. 64 Adam Slate OL/DL Junior
leaned up to about 260 pounds. He’s got un- North Surry’s young core started its as- 65 Jace Hernandez OL/DL Junior
believable quickness.” cent in the spring and looks to continue that 74 Eli Ramey OL/DL Freshman
Moore will be flanked by players such as in the fall. Even with all the players compet- 75 Bryson Wilson OL/DL Senior
Jared Hiatt, Jovanni Flores and even Ryan ing for reps, Taylor said he’s not worried 76 Kendall Hawks OL/DL Junior
Simmons. Taylor said there are a lot of qual- about how the players might react. 99 Edwin Villegas K Senior
ity candidates to rotate in the defensive line “We’ve got such a great group here and Brady Draughn DL/Y Senior
and that the team will learn more as the sea- these kids have bought into the fact that it
son progresses. takes a team to win a game,” Taylor said.
Flores will also serve as kicker when “We talk about it all the time: unity over self.
needed, though Edwin Villegas will cover They don’t care who scores or who makes a
FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2021
primary kicking duties. Ryan Simmons will big play because they all support each other
handle punting. and want to win as a team.”
OFFENSE North Surry brought in new coaches in
Many of North Surry’s defensive stand- the off-season to help develop the young
outs were also recognized on the All-Con- talent. Now, every position group on both
ference team on offense as well. offense and defense has an individual coach.
Jake Simmons set the North Surry fresh- “Are we still going to be learning this sea-
man record with 746 yards rushing on 133
carries last season. He also ran in six touch-
son, absolutely,” Taylor said. “I can’t tell you
where we’re going to land, but we are going
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downs.
North’s run game can hurt you with mul-
to play hard and get a little bit sharper each
week. Regardless of how much raw talent
Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-789-8217
tiple players. Simmons was the star in the
19
70051948
spring, but Vernon and Brown will also See GREYHOUNDS | 26STARMOUNT RAMS
Young Rams are Ready to Work
By Cory Smith and one touchdown. Grinton considers the Starmount second- there for returning,” Grinton said.
csmith@mtairynews.com Holbrook, Armstrong and Stokes were ary to be one of team’s strong suits. Cole- With such a young team, Grinton wasn’t
two-way threats on offense and defense. man, a free safety, is joined by players such comfortable giving names at outside line-
TEAM Holbrook was a linebacker, Armstrong a de- as Ryan Kimmer and Jayln Adams in the de- backer, saying there were a lot of players
Starmount Rams fensive back and Stokes a threat on the of- fensive backfield. under consideration, but did mention two
HEAD COACh fensive and defensive lines. Coleman also serves on the return unit. returning players at inside linebacker: Zach
Sandy Grinton, 16-18 record at Starmount Pardue and Watson were both linebackers He’s expected to be flanked by juniors Xavier Armstrong and Darren Shore.
LAST SEASON as well. Defensive stats were not available King and Mason Moxley, among others. “Both those guys are continuing to grow,”
3-4 overall, 3-4 conference, fifth place in for the 2020-21 season. “We’ll likely switch some people up back
R
See RAMS | 27
umple
the Mountain Valley 1A/2A Conference DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
KEY LOSSES Starmount comes into the 2021-22 season
Starmount graduated 13 seniors in the with a lot of youth. After losing 13 seniors
spring. Six of those graduates were All- to graduation, the team has just five seniors Family owned and
Conference players last season: Sterlin Hol- this season. Three of these seniors are ex- operated since 1957
brook, Denver Stokes, Jelani Powell, Alex pected to be big players on defense.
Armstrong, Kaden Pardue and Rodney Wat- The team’s only returning All-Conference 2021 Readers’
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Holbrook led the Rams’ rush-based of- sive back. Coleman was the Rams leader in Winner for
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bining for 70 carries for 294 yards and five been around,” said Starmount coach Sandy DELIVERY! 336-835-2013 • 888-298-8014
touchdowns. Grinton. “He’s an incredibly hard worker within
Armstrong also served as the team’s quar- and was voted team captain by the team. 50 mi 1313 North Bridge Street • Elkin, NC 28621
70052326
terback, completing 31 passes for 330 yards He’s been a great leader for us.”
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BE YOUR BEST! 70052328THE 2021- 22 STARMOUNT VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM
Photos provided by Starmount Athletics
THE 2021- 22 STARMOUNT JUNIOR VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM
GOOD LUCK
FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2021
TEAMS!!!
1521 North Bridge Street
Elkin, NC 28621
336-526-7400
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STARMOUNT RAMS
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70052327EAST WILKES CARDINALS
Photos by Kristian Russell | The Tribune
East Wilkes QB Briggs Gentry (18) fakes a hand-off against Ashe
East Wilkes’ Ethan Cass gets set on defense for the Cardinals in a spring 2021 game against Ashe County. County.
Cardinals are on the rise
By Cory Smith sive players. Weston Brown, Kole Lambert and Titus pass deflections, two fumble recoveries,
csmith@mtairynews.com Luffman, a linebacker, led the Car- Miller. Lambert was an All-Conference 41 tackles and 2.0 tackles for a loss.
dinals with 64 total tackles in seven honorable mention last season as a de- Weston Brown had the most tackles
TEAM games, averaging out to 9.1 per game. fensive back with two interceptions, two of any returning East Wilkes player with
East Wilkes Cardinals This included 4.0 tackles for a loss and
HEAD COACH 2.0 sacks. Luffman also had one fumble
Jonathan Wilmoth, 14-17 record at recovery and an interception.
East Wilkes Sidden was a defensive back for East
22 FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2021
LAST SEASON Wilkes and led the team with four inter-
2-7 overall, 2-5 conference, sixth place ceptions. He also had two pass deflec-
in the Mountain Valley 1A/2A Confer- tions and 36 total tackles.
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East Wilkes graduated seven seniors cluding a team-high 8.0 for a loss. He
following the 2020-21 season. Three of also had 2.0 sacks and a fumble recovery.
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these graduates were All-Conference se- DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS and Best Vape & CBD Store in
lections last season: Bryson Sidden, Da- East Wilkes has a host of young play- The Tribune’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards!
mion Spiva and Chandlar Luffman. ers looking to fill the spots of the three
950 N. Bridge St. beside Elkin Rescue Squad • (336) 526-0008
All three of these players were select- graduating All-Conference players.
Open 9AM-7:30PM Mon - Fri, 9AM-6PM Sat
ed to the All-Conference team as defen- Three of its top six tacklers return: 70052325You can also read
