ON WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A COUGAR: "I was born and raised in Southern Edgecombe County and I went to school for 12 years at South Edgecombe. From Day One, I felt the pride because I really am back to where I grew up. I have a lot of pride in being back home and in being a part of something that I think is very special, being a part of this football program. When you look forward to coming to work every day and working with the great kids we have had, to see this program grow, ... it's an awesome thing." – coach Raymond Cobb

ON WORKING WITH THE COUGARS AFTER SO MANY SEASONS WITH THE NORTH EDGECOMBE WARRIORS: "I feel like the luckiest man in the world to have had 24 1/2 years at North Edgecombe. ... And I feel the same way about being here at SouthWest Edgecombe. I am so lucky to have been a part of two wonderful schools, two wonderful communities." – Cobb

ON FAMILY TRADITIONS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD: "My dad and my brother both used to play at quarterback for SouthWest (Edgecombe). I grew up listening to my dad talk about all the things he did when he was in high school, ... and then I used to always come to watch my brother's games, and I could not wait to play for SouthWest (Edgecombe). You have to keep it in the family." – senior quarterback Greg Horne

ON BEING A PART OF THE COUGARS – AND THE COUGARS FAMILY: "I have a great opportunity here that, more than likely, I wouldn't have had at another school. The teammates I have here are better than any teammates I've had. I feel like I can connect better here with anybody. It's the best opportunity of my life." – senior right tackle and defensive lineman Michael Elliott

Matt LaWell can be reached at 407-9952 or mlawell@coxnc.com.