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Shaun Draughn: Is it DRAWn or DRONE?
So I’m at the North Carolina/N.C. State game, and people around these parts of North Carolina are pronouncing redshirt sophomore running back Shaun Draughn’s last name DRONE.
Draughn is from Tarboro, where he was a star on the field for the Vikings.
In the Twin Counties, I’ve heard most people say DRAWn.
Which is it? You make the call.
Post here your thoughts.
By the way, N.C. State is blasting the host, 31-10, with 8:55 to play. Oh, and the Pack is about to score again.
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N.C. Wesleyan gives life to its basketball court
This from N.C. Wesleyan:
Donald L. Scalf, retired N.C. Wesleyan coach, athletics director, educator and local sports icon, has had yet another honor bestowed upon him. Earlier this fall, with a host of friends and former players in attendance, Scalf was ushered into Everett Gymnasium for the unveiling of “Don Scalf Court.” Scalf was not told of the naming and was truly surprised.
Considered one of the College’s most outstanding associates, Scalf came to NCWC in 1962 as a physical education instructor. He went on to serve the college for 36 years while coaching a variety of sports. Additionally, he was the second director of athletics in Battling Bishops’ history, a position which he held for six years.
During his NCWC tenure, Scalf organized NCWC’s intercollegiate basketball and volleyball programs, serving as the first head coach in each sport and leading NCWC to its first basketball conference championship during the 1965-66 season. All of his efforts and accolades culminated with his being named to NCWC’s inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame class in 1999.
As a coach, Scalf produced fellow Hall of Fame members Roger Taylor, Don Hines and Lloyd Nelson. He also coached Pratt, who organized the initiative to have the court bear Scalf’s signature. Pratt, along with several former players and friends of the college, wished to recognize Scalf’s many contributions to both the department of athletics and to the college as a whole.
“What a great tribute to a great coach who has touched so many people,” Pratt said. “This is just the right thing to do.”
Nelson added, “It’s a tribute to a first coach that is well-deserved.”
Thus, Don Scalf Court now plays home to Battling Bishops volleyball and basketball. His signature is proudly placed along each sideline and will serve as a memorial to the man who dedicated so many years of service to N.C. Wesleyan.
The formal dedication of the court will take place Saturday at the inaugural Eastern North Carolina Basketball Classic. The dedication will take place at halftime of NCWC’s 3 p.m. game against Emory & Henry.
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What did I just write about UNC and injuries???
This from North Carolina:
ZELLER BREAKS LEFT WRIST, LIKELY A SEASON-ENDING INJURY
CHAPEL HILL —- University of North Carolina freshman men’s basketball forward Tyler Zeller suffered a fractured left wrist in the win over Kentucky on Tuesday and underwent surgery today at UNC Hospitals. Doctors with UNC sports medicine say normal recovery time for this kind of injury is 12-16 weeks, which likely makes it a season-ending injury.
Dr. Don Bynum performed the surgical procedure that ended late Wednesday afternoon. The surgery was termed a success and Zeller is expected to make a full recovery.
The Washington, Ind., native started the first two games in place of injured National Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough. Zeller had a team-high 18 points in the season-opening win over Penn, and had two points and two steals in the 77-58 win over Kentucky.
He was injured with 1:26 to play in the game when he was fouled while going in for a breakaway dunk and landed on his left wrist. He broke both the left radius and ulna.
“I hate this for Tyler,” head coach Roy Williams said. “He’s such a great kid and he’s going to be a terrific player for us. It’s another big blow for our team, but it’s more adversity that we have to overcome together.”
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How good is North Carolina men’s basketball?
I’m sitting in the office right now, watching the North Carolina/Kentucky game.
Now, this ain’t your daddy’s Kentucky squad; let’s get that out of the way. This is a shell of what the Wildcats used to be.
They stink.
But UNC? My goodness, this team is good. But how good?
They don’t have Tyler Hansbrough right now. He’s the best player in the nation. Doesn’t matter to this squad. The Tar Heels are rolling without him.
They have a freshman starting in his place. The kid would be the best player if he was wearing a different shade of blue out there. (I’m talking about Kentucky blue, Duke fans. Relax. Quick point: I do not care which teams win and which teams lose. I really don’t. I don’t have a dog in any of these fights. My alma mater doesn’t pay much attention to athletics at all.)
They are fast. Very fast. When you watch the Tar Heels play, you might think they are all wearing roller skates. They just glide around the court like it’s a derby.
I’m amazed how little Kentucky can do to defend them. It’s a bit crazy.
They won’t win all their games. Get that out of your head. But they won’t lose many. Pressure games could hurt this squad, though, the squad is made of vets, which makes that unlikely. Injuries will be the largest hurdle all season. Trust me, more injuries will affect this — and every — college basketball team.
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I went to the Hurricanes game today
OK, I’m going to get the negatives out of the way. One, because they were obvious, and two, because they were ridiculous.
I’m doubting any of you good people were one of the folks at the game with visceral outbursts during the National Anthem. Could you be? Frankly, I hope not.
The whole deal to scream out single words from the anthem’s lyrics seems trite and insolent.
Examples of words shouted while a young singer, no older than 12, crooned from the ice: Oh (clearly taken from the traditional shouting at Baltimore Orioles games, which isn’t that vile, really, but that’s another story); Red (this one has been shouted in unison by the Caniacs for several years now); [note: from this point, the shouting is just plain embarrassing to all North Carolinians] Fight (really??? come on); Flag (what?); Wave (Just quit already); Brave (Go. Home. Now.)
Here is the Star-Spangled Banner:
O! say can you see by the dawn’s early light What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming. Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming. And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave
The situation just annoyed me. Red was cute. The rest were unpatriotic.
Second point: The Hurricanes can thank goalie Cam Ward for today’s 3-2 shootout win. That man earned his first star. How is this negative? It’s not. But he shouldn’t have been placed in the situation. The team played lifeless for most of the game. Only in bursts would the team make smart decisions with the puck.
The Hurricanes did not pass well, did not control the puck well and did not set up plays well.
When they did, they scored. When they didn’t, they bored.
What went well: Ward. Chad LaRose’s play. He’s a scrapper. Rod Brind’Amour. He’s a gamer. He doesn’t look 100 percent, but he’s the captain. He plays like a captain.
This team can win. This team must play with more intensity. Check more. This team must play with more focus. Make good passes. Don’t dump the puck so often. Pull it behind the blue line and reset if need be. Don’t force what’s not there. Shoot more one-timers.
Play to win.
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A college hoops book worth picking up
College Basketball Prospectus 2008-2009 by Ken Pomeroy and John Gasaway
I recently flipped through this one and was rather impressed. Yes, lots of the information can be found on the Internet or in newspapers — but not really all in one place. It’s a nice pickup for the most serious college basketball fan.
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Keeping up with the Blog
My life has turned a tad too cliche.
Days started blurring together like I was in a bad movie. I haven’t had time to catch my breath, let alone catch a game.
We are understaffed right now. Simple as that.
I’m not one for excuses, but going from a four-person, full-time staff to two people in a matter of a few months has been difficult to manage all that involves a newspaper’s Sports section.
To avoid you from boredom, and therefore never returning to this space of Web, I won’t go into any detail. Know this, though: I have paid Paul plenty with Peter’s money.
Peter’s money, in this case, included more blog entries.
I will be better at blogging, henceforth.
Also, once we have more staff members, we will provide you with more coverage, insight and analysis.
Of course, Jessie H. Nunery and myself will do our best every day, regardless. That’s our nature. That’s one of our moral precepts.
So keep reading. And thanks for your time.
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Dick Vitale freak?
Do you love Dickie V? Well, here’s your chance to meet him. It’s a bit of a drive for Rocky Mounters, but it certainly would be worth it.
Before I spread the details, let me add this: Dick Vitale is a very nice person. Many of the reporters I’ve worked with have commented on how friendly Vitale is. Plus, he’s a longtime Tampa Bay Rays season ticket holder.
OK, here’s the scoop:
Dick Vitale to Sign His New Book at the Bulls Head Bookshop, UNC Student Store on Tuesday, November 18
ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale will be on the University of North Carolina campus signing copies of his newest book at the Bulls Head Bookshop, UNC Student Store on Tuesday, November 18 from Noon to 1:30 p.m.
In his latest book, Dick Vitale¹s Fabulous 50 Players & Moments in College Basketball: From the Best Seat in the House During My 30 Years at ESPN, Dick Vitale, America¹s self-confessed number one college basketball junkie goes on the record ranking his favorite players and moments from 1 to 50. The book is also available for purchase through amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and ascendmediabooks.com.
Dickie V¹s personal pantheon may surprise any fan. The legends are included, of course, but there are some unexpected rankings as well. Kansas guard Mario Chalmers¹ three-point shot to force overtime against Memphis in the 2008 national championship game. Michael Jordan¹s game-winning shot against Georgetown in 1982 during his freshman year to North Carolina. Every basketball fan has his or her favorite: the perfect player, the magical moments. Only Dick Vitale goes on the record, ranking them 1 through 50, as a fan and a commentator.
For 30 years, Dick Vitale has been synonymous with the best in college basketball. His enthusiasm, knowledge, unique turn of a phrase and passion set the bar for the best in hoops coverage. From his wealth of experience sitting courtside at many pivotal moments in college basketball, Vitale gives us his reasons why he has chosen his top 50 players and moments out of the many he has witnessed during his years of broadcasting at ESPN.
Dick Vitale has been an integral part of ESPN since the network¹s early days in 1979. He has served as head coach on the scholastic, collegiate and professional levels, and was inducted as a member of the Class of 2008 in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame the highest honor in the sport.
Dick Vitale¹s Fabulous 50 Players & Moments in College Basketball is a book that comes from the heart. (Hardcover, 224 pages, suggested retail $26.95.)
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NCHSAA Football Pairings
These are preliminary, but here goes:
NORTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION 2008 BB&T/NCHSAA STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Teams were seeded based on 10-game records as submitted to the NCHSAA.
2008 STATE FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS
FIRST ROUND NOVEMBER 14
CLASS 4-AA EAST (10) West Johnston (7-3) at (7) Garner (7-3) (15) Southern Pines Pinecrest (6-4) at (2) Wilmington Hoggard (9-1) (11) Raleigh Wakefield (7-3) at (6) Apex (8-2) (14) Raleigh Enloe (6-4) at (3) Hope Mills South View (7-3) (9) Raleigh Millbrook (8-2) at (8) Richmond Senior (7-2-1) (16) Raleigh Sanderson (5-5) at (1) Fayetteville Jack Britt (9-1) (12) Durham Jordan (7-3) at (5) Lumberton (8-2) (13) Raleigh Broughton (6-4) at (4) Raleigh Leesville Road (8-2)
CLASS 4-AA WEST (10) Northwest Guilford (6-4) at (7) East Mecklenburg (8-2) (15) West Mecklenburg (5-5) at (2) East Forsyth (10-0) (11) Davie (7-3) at (6) Huntersville Hopewell (7-3) (14) Charlotte Ardrey Kell (5-5) at (3) West Charlotte (8-2) (9) Charlotte Z.B. Vance (6-4) at (8) West Forsyth (8-2) (16) Charlotte Myers Park (5-5) at (1) Charlotte Independence (10-0) (12) Charlotte Providence (6-4) at (5) Matthews David Butler (9-1) (13) North Mecklenburg (6-4) at (4) Charlotte Garinger (4-6)
CLASS 4-A EAST (10) Smithfield-Selma (6-4) at (7) Durham Hillside (9-0-1) (15) Raleigh Athens Drive (4-6) at (2) Wake Forest-Rolesville (9-1) (11) New Bern (6-3-1) at (6) Wilmington New Hanover (6-4) (14) Fayetteville Cape Fear (5-5) at (3) Southeast Raleigh (9-1) (9) Fayetteville Douglas Byrd (8-2) at (8) Apex Middle Creek (4-6) (16) Cary (4-6) at (1) Fuquay-Varina (10-0) (12) Northern Durham (5-5) at (5) Greenville Rose (6-4) (13) Fayetteville Pine Forest (5-5) at (4) Southern Durham (8-2)
CLASS 4-A WEST (10) South Caldwell (5-5) at (7) Winston-Salem R.J. Reynolds (6-4) (15) North Davidson (5-5) at (2) Asheville A.C. Reynolds (9-1) (11) South Mecklenburg (6-4) at (6) East Burke (7-3) (14) Watauga (5-5) at (3) Boiling Springs Crest (7-3) (9) Lumberton Purnell Swett (7-3) at (8) Fayetteville Seventy-First (9-1) (16) Gastonia Ashbrook (4-6) at (1) Winston-Salem Mount Tabor (10-0) (12) High Point Central (6-4) at (5) Greensboro Page (7-3) (13) Fayetteville Westover (5-5) at (4) Chapel Hill (8-2)
CLASS 3-AA EAST (10) Wilson Fike (8-2) at (7) Asheboro (8-2) (15) Winterville South Central (5-5) at (2) Greensboro Dudley (10-0) (11) Western Guilford (6-4) at (6) Erwin Triton (8-2) (14) Southeast Guilford (7-3) at (3) Jamestown Ragsdale (10-0) (9) Wilson Hunt (4-6) at (8) Northeast Guilford (5-5) (16) Western Harnett (4-6) at (1) Harnett Central (10-0) (12) Spring Lake Overhills (4-6) at (5) West Brunswick (6-4) (13) Trinity (4-6) at (4) Northern Vance (6-4)
CLASS 3-AA WEST (10) Sun Valley (7-3) at (7) Mooresville (8-2) (15) Hickory (6-4) at (2) Kings Mountain (8-2) (11) Asheville T.C. Roberson (6-4) at (6) Charlotte Olympic (8-2) (14) Hickory St. Stephens (6-4) at (3) Anson (8-2) (9) Winston-Salem Parkland (4-6) at (8) Asheville Clyde Erwin (6-4) (16) Northwest Cabarrus (4-6) at (1) Charlotte Catholic (9-1) (12) Waxhaw Marvin Ridge (6-4) at (5) Gastonia Forestview (8-2) (13) Lake Norman (6-4) at (4) Kannapolis Brown (9-1)
CLASS 3-A EAST (10) Havelock (8-2) at (7) Washington (7-3) (15) Bertie (5-5) at (2) West Craven (10-0) (11) South Granville (7-3) at (6) SouthWest Edgecombe (8-2) (14) Nash Central (5-5) at (3) Kinston (9-1) (9) Wilson Beddingfield (8-2) at (8) Oxford Webb (8-2) (16) Jacksonville (2-8) at (1) Rocky Mount (10-0) (12) Hope Mills Gray’s Creek (5-5) at (5) Eastern Alamance (9-1) (13) Eastern Wayne (5-5) at (4) Hertford (9-1)
CLASS 3-A WEST (10) Western Alamance (8-2) at (7) High Point Andrews (7-3) (15) South Rowan (5-5) at (2) Waynesville Tuscola (9-1) (11) R-S Central (7-3) at (6) Asheville (7-3) (14) Gastonia Hunter Huss (6-4) at (3) Winston-Salem Carver (9-1) (9) Monroe Parkwood (7-3) at (8) Statesville (8-2) (16) Franklin (5-5) at (1) Belmont South Point (10-0) (12) North Buncombe (7-3) at (5) Newton Fred T. Foard (8-2) (13West Iredell (6-4) at (4) West Rowan (9-1)
CLASS 2-AA EAST (10) Raleigh Cardinal Gibbons (6-4) at (7) Ledford (8-2) (15) Richlands (5-5) at (2) Marshville Forest Hills (8-2) (11) South Brunswick (8-2) at (6) East Duplin (8-2) (14) Central Davidson (5-5) at (3) Orange (7-3) (9) North Pitt (6-4) at (8) Southern Guilford (7-3) (16) West Stanly (4-6) at (1) Reidsville (10-0) (12) Mayodan McMichael (8-2) at (5) West Stokes (8-2) (13) Eastern Guilford (7-3) at (4) Pittsboro Northwood (9-1)
CLASS 2-AA WEST (10) Mount Pleasant (7-3) at (7) North Surry (4-6) (15) South Iredell (4-6) at (2) East Henderson (10-0) (11) Salisbury (6-4) at (6) Canton Pisgah (8-2) (14) Forest City Chase (4-6) at (3) Lenoir Hibriten (9-1) (9) North Lincoln (7-3) at (8) Lincolnton (8-2) (16) East Rutherford (4-6) at (1) East Lincoln (10-0) (12) Catawba Bandys (5-5) at (5) Ashe County (8-2) (13) Black Mountain C.D. Owen (4-6) at (4) Shelby (8-2)
CLASS 2-A EAST (10) North Brunswick (6-4) at (7) Southwest Onslow (8-2) (15) Whiteville (4-6) at (2) Northside (Jacksonville) 10-0) (11) Clinton (6-4) at (6) Northwest Halifax (8-2) (14) Greene Central (4-6) at (3) Elizabeth City Northeastern (10-0) (9) Kill Devil Hills First Flight (7-3) at (8) Franklinton (6-4) (16) Pasquotank (4-6) at (1) Tarboro (10-0) (12) Edenton Holmes (5-5) at (5) Goldsboro (8-1-1) (13) Newport Croatan (4-6) at (4) Bunn (9-1)
CLASS 2-A WEST (10) Monroe (8-2) at (7) Bessemer City (8-2) (15) Burlington Cummings (4-6) at (2) Newton-Conover (9-1) (11) Wilkes Central (6-4) at (6) West Bladen (6-4) (14) Providence Grove (5-5) at (3) Burnsville Mountain Heritage (9-1) (9) Brevard (6-4) at (8) Lexington (7-3) (16) Graham (4-6) at (1) South Columbus (10-0) (12) Red Springs (6-4) at (5) Boonville Starmount (8-2) (13) Maiden (6-4) at (4) West Davidson (8-2)
CLASS 1-AA EAST (10) Pamlico (6-4) at (7) Hampstead Topsail (9-1) (15) Gates (2-8) at (2) East Bladen (10-0) (11) Southeast Halifax (6-4) at (6) Pender (6-4) (14) Rocky Point Heide Trask (3-7) at (3) Louisburg (10-0) (9) North Johnston (5-5) at (8) Newton Grove Midway (9-1) (16) Wallace-Rose Hill (2-8) at (1) Warsaw James Kenan (10-0) (12) East Columbus (5-5) at (5) Ayden-Grifton (8-2) (13) Dixon (4-6) at (4) Camden (9-1)
CLASS 1-AA WEST (10) Polk County (7-3) at (7) East Surry (9-1) (15) West Wilkes (2-8) at (2) Murphy (10-0) (11) West Columbus (5-5) at (6) Siler City Jordan-Matthews (9-1) (14) Avery (2-8) at (3) Hendersonville (10-0) (9) Kernersville Bishop McGuinness (7-3) at (8) West Montgomery (7-3) (16) East Wilkes (2-8) at (1) Thomasville (10-0) (12) Swain County (5-5) at (5) Cherryville (4-6) (13) South Stokes (3-7) at (4) Albemarle (10-0)
CLASS 1-A EAST (10) Perquimans (6-4) at (7) Robersonville Roanoke (4-6) (15) Rosewood (2-7) at (2) Creswell (8-1) (11) Northampton-West (5-5) at (6) Cape Hatteras (4-5) (14) Pinetown Northside (2-8) at (3) Williamston (6-4) (9) Jamesville (4-5) at (8) Manteo (5-5) (16) Lejeune (2-8) at (1) Jones (10-0) (12) Northampton-East (4-6) at (5) Weldon (8-2) (13) Mattamuskeet (3-6) at (4) Plymouth (8-2)
CLASS 1-A WEST (10) Hayesville (5-5) at (7) Hobbton (7-3) (15) South Davidson (3-7) at (2) Elkin (9-1) (11) Alleghany (4-6) at (6) North Duplin (5-5) (14) North Stokes (3-7) at (3) Robbinsville (9-1) (9) Rose Hill Union (6-4) at (8) South Stanly (7-3) (16) Chatham Central (2-8) at (1) Mount Airy (10-0) (12) Princeton (4-6) at (5) Lakewood (6-4) (13) Rosman (3-7) at (4) Cherokee (8-2)
CLICK HERE FOR ANY CHANGES/UPDATES.
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Thanks, Matt.
Pleasure to work with you for two-plus years.
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I don’t know how to look at this World Series
I didn’t grow up a fan of these teams, but I feel like it’s a pleasant surprise that these teams made it. Maybe refreshing is a better word than surprise. After all, I thought the Phillies would hold on to their division. I did think the Cubs were better, but we won’t know how that NLCS would have played out.
Skipping ahead, this series is going to be good. We have one game in the books, going to the visiting Phils. I’m just happy it’s two teams that haven’t played for a WS in this century. That’s pretty cool.
If you had to pick the team that deserved to win, I’d pick the Phillies. They have more vets and that city could use a title.
If you had to pick the feel-good story winner, I’d pick the Rays. They are young, they all played in Durham for the Bulls at some point and they’ve been mocked to a depressing degree since the franchise’s inception.
Sometimes being removed emotionally can make the game more fun to watch. You watch for the sport and the talent more than the uniforms and the pride.
I’m sleeping well this week.
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Touring NASCAR in North Carolina
I haven’t been everywhere related to NASCAR in North Carolina, but I made a giant dent in the process Monday.
A friend of mine and I toured the Piedmont region of the state with simple goal — visit as many of the NASCAR Sprint Cup team shops as possible.
I stayed with my sister, who lives in Matthews (outside Charlotte) the night before, so we woke up and left around 8:30 a.m. and headed toward Wood Brothers, which is in Harrisburg.
Our next stop was the New York Yankees of NASCAR: Hendrick Motorsports. What a complex. The museum/gift shop was great, too. Hendrick is officially in Charlotte, but it’s near Lowe’s Motor Speedway, which is actually in Concord.
We went by the speedway next, primarily to see the new drag strip, which looks impressive. I’ve heard negative opinions of Bruton Smith, owner of Lowe’s in the past, but we should be able to all agree that he builds his events to the premium. The facade leading into the complex is awesome.
Haas was next, located up Interstate 85 in Kannapolis. Tony Stewart is taking it over at the end of this season.
We made our way to Ganassi Racing afterward, home of underachievers and disappointment. Seriously, Chip Ganassi is a great owner who knows how to win. NASCAR is unbelievably competitive right now. Ganassi is in Concord.
Next stop was Roush-Fenway Racing, just down the road from Ganassi. It’s a three-building setup that’s obviously tied to Yates and No Fear. Both were on the same street in Concord.
7/8. No Fear Racing (Boris Said) and Yates Racing share a facility next door to Roush. All are Ford cars, and Travis Kvapil is a Roush guy. Go figure.
Robby Gordon Racing was next on the list. It’s in Charlotte and next door to the future I-485 on the Northwest side of town.
Joe Gibbs Racing is in Huntersville. Nice facility. You can see the shop floor where the cars are built. Two of Kyle Busch’s No. 18 M&M cars were pink for an upcoming race to bring awareness to breast cancer. There’s also a really cool Redskins themed car that Terry Labonte drove for Gibbs. If you are a NASCAR/Washington fan, you need to make the trip.
I’ll list the second half of the list tomorrow.
Yes, I went to 20 shops in one day.
UPDATE: Round 2.
- After JGR, we swang by Michael Waltrip Racing. That was much cooler than I expected. At the shop, you can see down into each area where the fabricators et al are building racecars. Very cool. The people working there are all very nice and offered extensive information. Outstanding setup. It’s located in Cornelius.
12-14. We went up to Mooresville after that. First stop was Braun Racing. Not too much to see. Then we hit Rusty Wallace Racing. All these places are essentially on the same street, by the way, hence them all shoved together. Red Bull Racing.
Petty. It’s weird seeing it in Mooresville after all those years around Level Cross. I did a story on Petty’s museum in the Randleman area a few years back, so I had been that way, too. They’ve got some work ahead of them. I’ll add this: The Petty museum is very cool. A nice day trip.
JR Motorsports. It’s Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s shop. Very popular among fans. Especially given it’s only a Nationwide Series team.
DEI. The Man in Black’s shop was nice. I was impressed. A big tribute to John Wayne was set up in the lobby. Classy setup. All seven Winston Cup trophies are on display. What a legend.
Penske Motorsports. Might be the nicest looking shop on the trip. That man must be loaded.
We left Mooresville for Statesville to see Gillette Evernham. That was out of the way, and the setup stunk. Don’t recommend the trip unless you are a Kasey freak. Elliott Sadler is a cool dude, but there’s just not much there.
Childress Racing in Welcome. Small town’s centerpiece is the former home of Dale’s racing world. There is a museum, which I didn’t have time to see. (We got there at 4:40; they close at 5.) Apparently, Chocolate Myers (look him up) gives tours. A decent setup. The museum folks said that part is really cool. Next time for me.
I know I said 20, but we didn’t go in Rusty Wallace or Braun, so it’s tough to count those. No. 21 was Bill Davis Racing in High Point. We didn’t go in it either because we arrived at 5:30 — 30 minutes after it closed for the day. Mrs. Davis, apparently, gives tours herself. Supposedly the nicest people of all NASCAR shops. I’ll have to take others’ words for it.
Quite a day.
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Amazing Catch by Morgan State player
You have to see this catch.
I think it’s the best I’ve ever seen. Can you think of one that tops it?
UPDATE: The YouTube video was taken down. Here is a version from the television station’s Web site.
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Friday night’s football games
Hertford County at Rocky Mount High: I’ll go right into the big game. The Gryphons should win because of too many weapons on offense and a defense that won’t give up many points — if any. Simple as that. Hertford is good, but RMH is great. This is might be the best team RMH has ever had. (No offense, Danny Talbott.)
Wilson Hunt at Southern Nash: I’d love to hand the youthful Firebirds a win over an opponent they should beat. I’m just not sold on these guys yet. I like their future, but they’re probably a year away from really competing.
Raleigh Word of God at Rocky Mount Academy: Word is that Word of God is good. I don’t know much about the team this year, but the squad has always been pretty good for a few years now. But I’d bet on the Eagles here. I just like something about this team. Mac Allen knows what he’s doing from the sideline with these boys.
Nash Central at Washington: Washington is soft this year. This game will be a good test for Kevin Crudup. If the first-year coach can win this game on the road (much like the win over Smithfield-Selma), I’m inclined to think they are a decent team after all. That drubbing at the hands of Tarboro just put a bad taste in my mouth.
Tarboro at Roanoke Rapids. I underestimated the Vikings, which is why I had that bad taste toward Nash Central. I’d hate to be a member of the Roanoke Rapids booster club. They aren’t going to make much money on concessions tonight after halftime. Those fans are going home early.
Northern Nash at Bertie: I’m inclined to go with the home team here. I haven’t seen anything out of the Knights to make me think they are ready to win yet. My colleagues at the paper disagree. Prove me wrong, Knights.
North Edgecombe at Pinetown Northside: Pinetown Northside has a decent team. The Warriors do not. At least not right now. I think this season has come as a sad surprise to many around the storied North Edgecombe program. I’m not sure anybody thought they’d start 0-4. Tarboro and SouthWest Edgecombe were two big losses. Both are great right now, though. Maybe the Warriors will fare better in Season Two (conference play). I think they will. Not tonight, though.
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Will Steve Smith hurt the Panthers?
The obvious answer here is no, and for several reasons:
1: Smith is a receiver that gets the job done. He has for years, and this won’t change.
2: He’s a team leader, believe it or not. Or at least he has been. More on this later.
3: He’s adds another key dimension to the offense. QB Jake Delhomme and Co. need him for that very reason.
I think he won’t do wonders for the Carolina Panthers, who are 2-0 without Smith, however.
1.: He’s already beat up one teammate, which is why he was suspended in the first place. Tough to be a team leader that leads by fear. Do they call him Godfather? Don Steve?
2.: Delhomme said himself after the Panthers’ win over the Bears on Sunday that Carolina needs to be able to win without Smith. Delhomme didn’t mean it to say that they need to forget about their best receiver. He meant they need to be a talented team and not count on one man. I think he touched on something, though. If Smith is a distraction, like he was in the preseason and like he’ll be if he doesn’t receive enough touches, he won’t do much for morale in the locker room.
We’ll see if the undefeated Panthers gain or lose from this one.
Will Smith be a playmaker or a troublemaker?
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Panthers Game 2: Chicago at Carolina
Listen to the game here.
Follow the stats here.
PREGAME: Darius Rucker, former lead vocal guy for Hootie & The Blowfish, sang the National Anthem. Not bad. Apparently, Rucker is trying to make it as a Country music singer now.
FIRST QUARTER
13:00 - A blocked punt just gave Chicago an early lead. Darrell McClover blocked the kick and Brandon Lloyd returned it nine yards for the score.
7-0 BEARS
3:36 - What an important turnover for the Panthers. Jon Beason recovered a fumble at the Panthers’ 35-yard line to cut the Bears’ surging momentum. The Bears, under QB Kyle Orton, drove from their own 1-yard line to the Panthers’ 35 with little regard for the home defense. Julius Peppers did have a tackle for loss, however. He also has been instrumental in livening up the crowd by raising his arms, enticing the fans.
End of the First: 7-0, Bears.
UPDATE: 1:38 p.m. - I guess I really underestimated the Bears’ ability to move the ball. A friend asked me before the game if I thought the Bears would win. I said no, adding that I thought the Panthers might win by two touchdowns. I’m not looking too bright right now. The Bears have controlled every facet of this contest thus far. Except all the penalties. That’s the referees’ doing. This game has already seen eight flags (four per team).
SECOND QUARTER
15:00 - The Bears have possession at the 50.
9:09 - The Bears keep driving, and this time it paid off. Robbie Gould kicked a 26-yard field goal to put Chicago by 10. 17 plays for 81 yards.
Let’s see if Jake Delhomme and Co. can move the ball on the next drive after several stalemates.
10-0 BEARS
5:56 - The Panthers are punting, but Muhsin Muhammad just crossed 10,000 reception yards on his career with a short gain on second down.
2:02 - The Panthers just punted after penalties hurt their drive. Two penalties cost the squad a chance to move the ball from the 50-yard line and cut into the Bears’ lead.
Carolina now has eight penalties for 40 yards.
It really seems like there is a flag on every play around here.
0:12 - John Kasay just put the Panthers on the board with a 37-yard field goal as we head to a close of the first half.
10-3 BEARS
THIRD QUARTER
15:00 - Bears ball at the 18.
11:24 - Panthers tight end Jeff King just bobbled a catchable ball that fell into the hands of the Bears defense. Chicago returned it to the Panthers’ 23-yard line.
9:23 - Bears fullback Jason McKie ran one yard for a touchdown.
17-3 BEARS
7:09 - Holding just cost the Panthers a touchdown. Muhammad made a nice catch, but the penalty negated the play.
6:19 - Anyone know the NFL game record for penalties? They just keep coming. Every. Play. Up to 18 now for a total of 111 yards.
5:23 - Kasay cuts the lead to 11. The field goal was from 45 yards out.
17-6 BEARS
5:05 - Fumble by the Bears into the hands of Chris Gamble gives the Panthers great field position. First down at the Bears’ 26-yard line.
2:18 - Jonathan Stewart runs the ball four yards for a touchdown - his first in the home stadium.
17-13 BEARS
FOURTH QUARTER
10:52 - The Panthers have the ball at their 35-yard line after the defense held Orton and the Bears.
6:46 - The Panthers’ defense really has come alive in the second half. The Bears haven’t been able to move the ball in a while. Panthers ball on their 45-yard line.
3:52 - The Panthers take the lead for the first time today after Stewart rumbled to his second TD. He only had to go one yard for this six points.
20-17 PANTHERS
3:47 - The Bears have the ball on their 29-yard line. This is the most important possession on the ballgame.
2:42 - Bears punted. Panthers’ ball on their 20.
1:54 - The Panthers held the Bears on fourth-and-1 at the 50. Panthers’ ball.
Wait … wait. This play is under review.
And the play stands. Panthers’ ball.
FINAL: PANTHERS 20, BEARS 17
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Friday Followup
Most of the state knew Rocky Mount High was good, but the proof didn’t come until last night. The Gryphons’ 36-0 victory over host Greenville Rose was monumental.
Next week’s opponent, Hertford, pounded visiting Northern Nash on Friday. Chad Smith and the Knights are still growing together as a program. It’s going to be a couple more years before the ship is righted. Smith knows what he’s doing.
Hertford will be in trouble next week, though. It should be a great game, but I said that about the Rose contest, too.
Rocky Mount Academy earned a big win over Raleigh St. David’s. Mac Allen is building a true winner at RMA.
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ECU, Duke, N.C. State need big games today
- For East Carolina’s win over Virginia Tech to have a lasting effect, one where the Pirates can carry momentum into Conference USA play, the hometown squad needs to beat West Virginia today. OK, at least keep it close. Give the Mountaineers a scare. Make fans question the leadership of their new coach. That kind of thing.
A game that shows off ECU’s skills will paramountly thrust the squad among national media. ECU will truly be a team to respect this season. A blowout in favor of W.Va. would say in the minds of pundits that the VT game was an anomaly.
ECU UPDATE: Wow. After trouncing West Virginia this afternoon, East Carolina better receive the respect it deserves from the national poll voters. You read it here first: East Carolina is a top 20 team in the country. Maybe top 12. Tulane is next. Make it 3-0. Outstanding start for Skip Holtz and the Pirates.
- Yes, Duke won its first game. But it was James Madison for goodness sake. I-AA. (FCS, whatever.) Northwestern is a real I-A foe. From a good conference (Big Ten). And the Wildcats are known for academics, much like Duke, well before athletics. And it’s at Wallace Wade. If new coach David Cutcliffe wants to prove something, today’s the day. Not last week. Today. Win today. Not close. Not tie. Win. Then I’ll know he’s put the program on a true path.
I liked Ted Roof. He granted me a couple one-on-one interviews. He’s a nice guy. But he couldn’t win at Duke. Nor could Goldsmith. Nor could Franks. So if I’m to believe that Cutcliffe can do something different, I want to see it today. Today.
- Poor N.C. State. Coach Tom O’Brien is doing the right things for the Wolfpack. But preseason injuries, lack of depth and experience, and a pathetic performance against just-as-pathetic-performing South Carolina did nothing to instill confidence in players or fans. They need to pummel William & Mary. By at least 40. Maybe 50. Play everybody in the second half, but something’s got to give over there soon. Either win big today or keep everybody lacking confidence in the team, one that could be in for a long season.
Everybody will look forward to Sunday mornings instead of Saturdays if the Wolfpack can’t manhandle the Tribe today.
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No videos tonight, but several teams looked good
I didn’t have a chance to make it out of the office tonight after all, but several area squads showed their true colors Thursday evening.
Southern Nash held on to a tough win over Warren Co. Life editor Ross Chandler, who covered the game for me, said coach Brian Foster wasn’t pleased with the way his team played, but I’m sure he’ll take the win regardless. He has a good, young — emphasis on young — team. And he’s a good coach. The Firebirds will be challenging some of the big boys before too long.
Nash Central showed that their defense can slow down another team’s offense. Nice win over Wilson Beddingfield.
Northern Nash struggled against talented Tarboro, but so has everybody else. Tarboro crushed Nash Central and Washington before taking its show on the road Thursday. Again, this is a case where Jeff Craddock has built his program into a winner and Chad Smith is in Year Two of the process.
SouthWest Edgecombe bounced back in a grand way, dominating host North Edgecombe from start to finish. I look forward to the Telegram Football Insider to see what Raymond Cobb says about his 1-1 squad. Danny Ward is making the corrections to put his Warriors team on the track for a playoffs berth. Tonight certainly didn’t show it, but the Cougars were simply more hungry to bust out of the 0fer.
Rocky Mount Academy took it to Durham Cresset, 70-6. We’ll have more on it in Saturday’s edition and online Friday evening.
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Hanna’s coming - and fast
According to the NOAA’s 2 a.m. model/forecast of Tropical Storm Hanna’s movement, the storm should be in our area around 8 a.m. Saturday morning. That means we could see rain Friday day through Saturday afternoon.
Maybe that’s why Northern Vance wants to play Rocky Mount High on Friday night: A wet field means a wet ball, making it anybody’s game — or at least a messy one.
Here are our staff picks for each game. I’m going to have to cut this short given the hour. (I need some sleep.) We have been going extra this week to make sure we are ready for Thursday Night Football.
Enjoy the games tonight.
Oh, if I have time to leave the office tonight, I’m going to shoot some video. Check back here Friday for images.
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Reviewing the AP state high school football poll
Well, I had this long writeup here about the rankings, but due to computer malfunction, it went away.
I’m not going to elongate this post as much, frankly because I don’t have the time. But here’s an abridged version:
Rocky Mount High is No. 1 in 3-A. No surprise here. The Gryphons deserve it.
Nash Central earned two votes after beating a talented 4-A Smithfield-Selma squad at SSS. Bet you they didn’t see that coming.
SouthWest Edgecombe, which lost to West Craven on Monday, earned enough votes to be ranked (essentially) 12th, which is absurd to me because West Craven earned even less votes. Folks, West Craven is good. Clearly that squad is going to shock people this season. And let’s see how SWE does Thursday night against 1-A North Edgecombe before we start voting an 0-1 squad in the state top 10. Even voters seem forget these games are played on the field, not on paper.
The area’s lone 2-A school, Tarboro, is ranked No. 7 after blowing out its first two opponents. That’s a well-deserved ranking for the Vikings. Now let’s see if they can keep the momentum going. If the players become caught up into their current status, someone else will move up the chart ahead of them. That’s the way high school football works. The Northern Nash Knights won’t go quietly Thursday night. If, however, the Vikings are 5-0 when they meet SWE in the Function at the Junction, that will be one heck of a game to go see. (Sounds like it’ll be grand, regardless.)
I’ll have more about the status of this week’s games later on today. I did receive word that Rocky Mount Academy is moving its jv and varsity games around (both to Thursday like SWE/NE, Tarboro/NN, Southern Nash, NC). The Eagles’ varsity game will start at 7:30 p.m.
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Coming soon to a newspaper near you, Someone will be attempting to explain why Chad Smith has been forced to resign from his position at Northern Nash…
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