The Wonder Football Web Page
"For the Discerning Wonder Football Fan"
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"The A.L. Brown Alma Mater"
Hail our Alma Mater: Brown High is the School: Fighting Spirit, Courage, Brave: Win our Loyalty: Long thy Praises in our Hearts: Ever will Ring True: Love Friendship, Knowledge Dwell: In our Memory: "The History of the Alma Mater" (The Alma Mater was written and arranged by Jimmy Parker. Parker was a member of the class of 1957. The lyrics were written by Robbie Hobbs, and Miss Oveda Poag. The song was adopted as the school alma mater during an assembly program on October 12, 1956. This is our legacy and heritage) |
"The Fight Song"
Fight for the Green and White: And all The Praises We'll Sing: We Will Fight for the Green and White: Till Hills and Valleys Ring: March, March on Down the Field: And We Will Break Right through the Line: Fighting with the Spirit True: For the School that's yours and mine: We'll Fight, We'll Fight: For Kelly Green and White: We'll Win, We'll Win: We'll Win this Game Tonight: Hey, Fight, Fight, Fight, Fight: Little Wonders Fight: |
The A.L. Brown Fight Song
"Performed by the 1986 Big Green Machine"
"Current Updates"
"Home Page" (Updated) New Message from the Editor. "Scores and Statistics" has just been updated with scores from the J.W. Cannon years from 1951 back to 1930. These updates are not yet fully completed as I have not yet completed my research of microfilm from 1937 back to 1924. Once these years are thoroughly researched and documented, I can begin further breakdowns of each season for statistical purposes. The new "Wonder Football 2015" page is currently under construction.
"Scrapbooks Vol-1" (Updated) Scrapbooks 2003, 2004, 2005 have just been updated with materials from the Kannapolis Citizen. New archival material has just been added to "1955 Scrapbook" These articles are from the personal scrapbook of Wonder standout from 1954-1955 Wayne Anderson. Lots of interesting information about the 1955 season. I have also added new materials
"Scrapbooks Vol-2" (No Updates) "1997 Featurette" has just been updated with images from the state championship program.
"Battle for the Bell" (No Updates)
"Hard Road to Glory" (No Updates)
"The Original Big Green Machine" (No Updates) Wonder Cheerleading page is now located under this tab in the main menu bar. This page is dedicated to Wonder Cheerleading from 1946 to the present day. Lots of pics and history on this proud, yet under appreciated facet of Wonder athletics.
"Scrapbooks Vol-1" (Updated) Scrapbooks 2003, 2004, 2005 have just been updated with materials from the Kannapolis Citizen. New archival material has just been added to "1955 Scrapbook" These articles are from the personal scrapbook of Wonder standout from 1954-1955 Wayne Anderson. Lots of interesting information about the 1955 season. I have also added new materials
"Scrapbooks Vol-2" (No Updates) "1997 Featurette" has just been updated with images from the state championship program.
"Battle for the Bell" (No Updates)
"Hard Road to Glory" (No Updates)
"The Original Big Green Machine" (No Updates) Wonder Cheerleading page is now located under this tab in the main menu bar. This page is dedicated to Wonder Cheerleading from 1946 to the present day. Lots of pics and history on this proud, yet under appreciated facet of Wonder athletics.
"From the Desk of Friday Nights in K-Town"
Hello Wonder Nation and Welcome Back to Friday Nights in K-Town: I hope everyone is staying warm now that we are in the claws of the winter season in K-Town. I'm in the process of publishing lots of new updates to this site as more and more new material keeps filtering in. As I told you in my last message from the editor. I was fortunate to have located several missing athletic programs which had not been added to the FIK classic athletic program library. FIK supporter Roger Bigham donated several missing programs he had in his own personal archives including years 1977, 1981, 1983, and 1989. Roger also donated his copy of the 1997 State Championship Program so it's contents could be scanned and added to the appropriate scrapbook.
I was able to locate several programs at the Hinson History Center from the 1950s which I did not know about, and have since scanned them and added them to the library located in "From the Vault" As of this moment, I am currently missing scrapbooks from the seasons of 1970, 1971, 1988 and 1993. If anyone knows where these programs can be found, I would appreciate you dropping me a line so I can get these scanned and added to the library. I located six years worth of publications from the Kannapolis Citizen covering most of the seasons from 2003-2008 and have scanned all of them for publishing in the appropriate scrapbooks. The Citizen did a fair job on covering the games, but unfortunately there were a few issues missing which left some games uncovered. A little is better than nothing, and the more I locate the more complete these scrapbooks become. I'm hoping to locate some former players who may have some of these clippings so I can add them in as well.
This is where you the fans and supporters of Friday Nights in K-Town can assist me. If you know of anyone who may have any old archival materials please drop me a line so I can get them to scan. I know I'm not going to find every complete season, but I'm giving it my best effort. I would really like to find some materials to add to the seasons of 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, and 1996 in particular. These are the seasons that have the least materials in the scrapbooks. If any of you know of someone who could possibly have materials from these years please contact them and give them my name. It is important to me that I find these materials so these years can be documented like they should be.
I have been diligently researching the Wonder football seasons of J.W. Cannon from 1951 back to 1930, as well as the Central High School years from 1930-1924. This has been a difficult proposition. Most of the research has come from studying archival newspapers and microfilm. If you haven't sat in front of a microfilm viewer, I highly suggest you do it in increments. Sitting in front of a monitor for hours at a time is tough and can really give you a splitting headache after a few hours. I'm trying my hardest on my off days to get as much research done so the site can be as historically correct as it can be. This takes time and dedication, and I want to again thank the good folks at the Hinson History Center for assisting me in this endeavor.
I have updated scrapbooks 2003-2006 with materials I just mentioned and they are now ready for viewing. Unfortunately by publishing these new updates, I also published the new page dedicated to Wonder Cheerleading as well. This was unavoidable as publishing any new update will automatically re publish the entire site. The page is not yet completed as I am waiting for more materials to come in. If you go on this new page just keep this in mind and don't think I have rushed to get this out. That is not the case at all. I want the page on Wonder Cheerleading to be just as good as the one on the Original Big Green machine. There is just no way for me to publish new updates without publishing pages that are currently under construction.
That's about all I have for now. I hope you will continue to check back with Friday Nights in K-Town in the weeks to come to see all the latest information that will be added as my research continues into Wonder football from the golden era. So until the next round of updates God bless, enjoy, and Go Wonders!!!! -The editor
I was able to locate several programs at the Hinson History Center from the 1950s which I did not know about, and have since scanned them and added them to the library located in "From the Vault" As of this moment, I am currently missing scrapbooks from the seasons of 1970, 1971, 1988 and 1993. If anyone knows where these programs can be found, I would appreciate you dropping me a line so I can get these scanned and added to the library. I located six years worth of publications from the Kannapolis Citizen covering most of the seasons from 2003-2008 and have scanned all of them for publishing in the appropriate scrapbooks. The Citizen did a fair job on covering the games, but unfortunately there were a few issues missing which left some games uncovered. A little is better than nothing, and the more I locate the more complete these scrapbooks become. I'm hoping to locate some former players who may have some of these clippings so I can add them in as well.
This is where you the fans and supporters of Friday Nights in K-Town can assist me. If you know of anyone who may have any old archival materials please drop me a line so I can get them to scan. I know I'm not going to find every complete season, but I'm giving it my best effort. I would really like to find some materials to add to the seasons of 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, and 1996 in particular. These are the seasons that have the least materials in the scrapbooks. If any of you know of someone who could possibly have materials from these years please contact them and give them my name. It is important to me that I find these materials so these years can be documented like they should be.
I have been diligently researching the Wonder football seasons of J.W. Cannon from 1951 back to 1930, as well as the Central High School years from 1930-1924. This has been a difficult proposition. Most of the research has come from studying archival newspapers and microfilm. If you haven't sat in front of a microfilm viewer, I highly suggest you do it in increments. Sitting in front of a monitor for hours at a time is tough and can really give you a splitting headache after a few hours. I'm trying my hardest on my off days to get as much research done so the site can be as historically correct as it can be. This takes time and dedication, and I want to again thank the good folks at the Hinson History Center for assisting me in this endeavor.
I have updated scrapbooks 2003-2006 with materials I just mentioned and they are now ready for viewing. Unfortunately by publishing these new updates, I also published the new page dedicated to Wonder Cheerleading as well. This was unavoidable as publishing any new update will automatically re publish the entire site. The page is not yet completed as I am waiting for more materials to come in. If you go on this new page just keep this in mind and don't think I have rushed to get this out. That is not the case at all. I want the page on Wonder Cheerleading to be just as good as the one on the Original Big Green machine. There is just no way for me to publish new updates without publishing pages that are currently under construction.
That's about all I have for now. I hope you will continue to check back with Friday Nights in K-Town in the weeks to come to see all the latest information that will be added as my research continues into Wonder football from the golden era. So until the next round of updates God bless, enjoy, and Go Wonders!!!! -The editor
(Picture Above) The Editor for FIK with Former Florida Gator Great Lawrence Wright @ West Charlotte
"So, Who Loves Friday Nights in K-Town?"
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Friday Nights in K-Town
"Loves WBTV Football Friday Nights"
WBTV Football Friday Nights Loves
"Friday Nights in K-Town"
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"The A.L.Brown Wonders are Proud Members
of the
MECKA 8 4A Conference"
"FIK Bulletin Board"
Points of Interest from Friday Nights in K-Town
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"Wonders Re Schedule an Old Cross Town Rival in 2015"
11-25-14: FIK has just learned that the Wonders will once again pick up their old crosstown rival Northwest Cabarrus for the 2015 football season. The Trojans will become one of our non conference games in 2015, but it is unknown as of yet where in the schedule they will play. The Wonders and Trojans have had a very colorful rivalry over the years and theres a lot of history between the two institutions. The Wonders hold a 37-3-1 advantage over the Trojans since the rivalry started back in 1968.
"Jay M Robinson To Leave MECKA 8 in 2015"
12-4-14: The Jay M Robinson Bulldogs petitioned the NCHSAA to drop back down to the 3A classification for 2015 and was granted that request. The Robinson Bulldogs have been a member of the MECKA 8 AAAA conference since 2013 and finished their second straight year in the conference without a win this season. It seems to be the better move for the Bulldogs who are poised to re enter the South Piedmont 3A Conference for the 2015 gridiron season. It is unknown who will be picked up in the MECKA 8 at this moment.
"Wonders and Mooresville in 2015?"
12-18-14: Rumor has it that the Wonders may be picking up their old rival Mooresville in 2015. With Jay M Robinson moving back down to 3A in 2015 this is a possible scenario that is circulating with a vacancy now in the MECKA 8. This would be a good game and good gate for the Wonders, especially with the addition of Northwest Cabarrus on the schedule. The Wonders and Blue Devils have a colorful rivalry that goes back to the golden era in the 1950s and 1960s. Hope this will come to pass.
Friday Nights in K-Town Endorsements
When it comes to High School Football in the Carolinas, Carolina Preps is the football authority. Chris Hughes and his staff have done an outstanding job compiling the very best information on all the top programs in North Carolina for high school football fans statewide. Carolina Preps keeps you informed of all the latest happenings going on in the 1A to the 4AA classifications as well as keeping you up to date with the latest going on in the NCHSAA. This is a great resource for the high school football fanatic, and one that Friday Nights in K-Town uses exclusively.
Want to take a sneak look around some of the state's high school football facilities? be sure to check out the Carolina Preps stadium project which features hundreds of photos that showcase all the fine football facilities in the state from the mountains to the coast and everything in between. Carolina Preps is on the cutting edge of High School football coverage in the Carolinas. Click on the button to visit today. Friday Nights in K-Town supports Carolina Preps.
Want to take a sneak look around some of the state's high school football facilities? be sure to check out the Carolina Preps stadium project which features hundreds of photos that showcase all the fine football facilities in the state from the mountains to the coast and everything in between. Carolina Preps is on the cutting edge of High School football coverage in the Carolinas. Click on the button to visit today. Friday Nights in K-Town supports Carolina Preps.
Kannapolis History Associates
The Kannapolis History Associates have been instrumental in the collection of material and information found on the pages of Friday Nights in K-Town. The Kannapolis History Associates are located at the Hinson History Room on the campus of A.L. Brown High School in Kannapolis. The Kannapolis History Associates are dedicated to the preservation of the rich history of the town of Kannapolis and take great pains in collecting and documenting that history through tons of archival materials donated to the center by many fine contributors. The Hinson History Room is the perfect place for any history buff or curious citizen who is interested in researching or reliving some of the historic moments in our town's stoic past.
The Hinson History Room has an extensive library of books, and other publications of historical relevance pertaining to the city of Kannapolis and of it's residents. They also have one of the most comprehensive collections of micro film from media sources such as The Daily Independent and Concord Tribune located in a special viewing room that is quiet and comfortable. It is a great place to come to do your research in a warm, relaxing environment. The Kannapolis History Associates knowledgeable staff including Ed Robinette, Shelley McBride, Norris Dearmon, Martha Johnson, and Hank Weaver are there through the week to assist you with any questions you may have navigating your way around the facility. The Kannapolis History Associates also boast two very qualified genealogy experts in Larry Hayer and Havis Mcdonald who can also assist you with their expertise. It is preferred that you call ahead of time at (704) 932-6125 ext 412 to assure that one of the genealogy experts is present if you are need of special assistance in that arena.
The Hinson History Room is located at 415 East 1st Street in Kannapolis just East of the Kannapolis Performing Arts Center. There are special reserved parking spaces for the History Room in the East parking lot on East 1st Street. To access the facility, just follow the signs located at the front of the building and ring the doorbell located on the wall beside the doors. The Hinson History Room is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can also visit their web page at kannapolishistory.org or by clicking on the button to the right of this paragraph. Friday Nights in K-Town supports the Kannapolis History Associates.
The Hinson History Room has an extensive library of books, and other publications of historical relevance pertaining to the city of Kannapolis and of it's residents. They also have one of the most comprehensive collections of micro film from media sources such as The Daily Independent and Concord Tribune located in a special viewing room that is quiet and comfortable. It is a great place to come to do your research in a warm, relaxing environment. The Kannapolis History Associates knowledgeable staff including Ed Robinette, Shelley McBride, Norris Dearmon, Martha Johnson, and Hank Weaver are there through the week to assist you with any questions you may have navigating your way around the facility. The Kannapolis History Associates also boast two very qualified genealogy experts in Larry Hayer and Havis Mcdonald who can also assist you with their expertise. It is preferred that you call ahead of time at (704) 932-6125 ext 412 to assure that one of the genealogy experts is present if you are need of special assistance in that arena.
The Hinson History Room is located at 415 East 1st Street in Kannapolis just East of the Kannapolis Performing Arts Center. There are special reserved parking spaces for the History Room in the East parking lot on East 1st Street. To access the facility, just follow the signs located at the front of the building and ring the doorbell located on the wall beside the doors. The Hinson History Room is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can also visit their web page at kannapolishistory.org or by clicking on the button to the right of this paragraph. Friday Nights in K-Town supports the Kannapolis History Associates.
Inside the Hinson History Room
Kannapolis Youth Sports
"Shaping the Future of Wonder Football"
(Picture Above) The Editor for FIK with KYS founder and Head Coach Chavis Maxwell
Accountability, Respectability, and Excellence as a Student Athlete. These are the core values of Kannapolis Youth Sports. Core values that over twenty years ago were taught to Chavis Maxwell by then Kannapolis head football coaches Robert "Bob" Boswell and Bruce Hardin. Now Maxwell is instilling these same values to kids who are participating in football sponsored by Kannapolis Youth Sports. "Building this program was a vision given to me by God as a way to give back to the community what has been lost or taken away over the years. Our mission is to effectively instill discipline, teamwork, integrity and a hard work ethic in tomorrows leaders today" He's starting off on course. It didn't take but just a few minutes listening to him address the group of fifty or more kids present this past Saturday during a special football camp sponsored by KYS at Kannapolis Middle School. Maxwell told the kids that football was a team sport and that there were no individuals who were successful at anything who tried to do it by themselves on the football field. Maxwell should know and he has a state title ring to prove it.
Head Coach Chavis Maxwell
In 1988 Chavis Maxwell was a young defensive back/running back playing for the Wonders of A.L. Brown High School under head coach Bob Boswell. The Wonders finished the season going 8-2 missing the playoffs due to a loss to Winston Salem Parkland back in the old Central Piedmont AAAA Conference. That was a hard pill to swallow for Maxwell stating that all the pieces of a AAA state championship team were present with that group in 1988. All that changed however in 1989 when Boswell stepped down as head football coach and the reigns were turned over to former West Charlotte head coach Bruce Hardin. The Wonders blasted through the 1989 season losing only once early in the year to a powerful Statesville team on their way to the schools first ever AAA state championship. Maxwell felt all the pieces just fell together that year under coach Hardin and in 1990 Maxwell graduated from Brown with a sense of accomplishment that many only dream of. After graduation Maxwell's love for the game of football pushed him to play semi pro ball with the Carolina Eagles as a defensive back/strong safety from 1998-2000. Married and a father of four Maxwell's continuing love for the game and for the Green and White that flows through his veins has him back where he belongs. Coaching football is a passion for coach Maxwell and his love for the game and the kids is what pushes him to give his all to this effort.
Head Coach Chavis Maxwell
Kannapolis Youth Sports is Maxwell's vehicle to give his knowledge to kids with a desire to one day feel the same thrill of walking off the field with a state title he felt twenty three years ago, but more importantly to try to teach kids the values that kids need in such a turbulent age. "I believe this is my ministry to teach and develop young men and give them the tools to become great football players and great citizens. Together with all my assistants we want to restore the pride back in Kannapolis youth football and to teach these kids, because many of them will end up playing football at A.L. Brown that it is a privilege to wear the Green and White not a right. We want them to understand and appreciate the tradition and the pride that comes from playing football at Kannapolis.
(Picture Above) Coach Chavis Maxwell Explains a Drill
There is also no shortage of student assistants and mentors from some of the neighboring high schools more than willing to help bring these kids along, and how does the great power at A.L. Brown feel about KYS? "I can't thank coach Newsome and coach Hagler enough for opening their arms and embracing what we are trying to do here. We are currently learning coach Newsome's system and starting these kids off early knowing what to expect later and knowing that when the time comes to put Green and White on they will be proficient in every aspect of the game. I love being the bridge for the future, and being the true feeder program for our Wonders. I love coach Newsome. He has coach Boswell's charm and discipline with coach Hardin's attitude and attention to detail which is everything you want in a head football coach" As far as coach Maxwell's plan for the future it's quite simple and that is to pump out quality athletes and quality young men into our football program and into the community. "I would love to one day coach at the middle school, but for now just being a part of young kids lives is enough for me. I've been offered positions at other schools, but my loyalty to Kannapolis and to the team I grew up watching and ultimately playing for won't allow me to pursue them.
So what does a young person wanting to learn football from some of the very best have to do to participate? Anyone wanting to register can do so every Saturday at KMS at 6pm. Every other Saturday we have Workouts or Mini-Camps where we also register. Cost is $100 and it covers the Season and everything we do during the summer. Special thanks to Double Diamond Sporting Goods for helping us make our dream a reality said Maxwell. Kannapolis Youth Sports is definitely the real deal and coach Maxwell is the type of person with a young person's best interest in mind, but why should I tell you. Go to one of the camps and see for you're self.
(Click Button Text to Access Kannapolis Youth Sports Web Page)
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(Click Button Text to Access Kannapolis Youth Sports Web Page)
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Friday Nights in K-Town Supports Kannapolis Youth Sports
"What Fans are Saying About Friday Nights in K-Town"
"Just checked out your site for the first time, I'm absolutely blown away at how well put together it is and how it tells the story of Wonder Football. My first visit lasted nearly two hours, I'm sure I'll spend more time in future visits going down memory lane. Well done!" -Chris Hughes Owner/Editor CarolinaPreps.com
I will be serving as the Principal of A.L. Brown High School. I reviewed your website in great detail when researching the possibilities of coming to Kannapolis. My undergraduate major was history; therefore, I have a great appreciation for the time and effort that you have devoted to developing the website. -Kenneth Bowen Principle A.L Brown HS
I just checked out your main web page, Amazing!!!! -Former Wonder Mike Morton
SPEECHLESS!!!! THANKS SCOTT. NO ONE DOES KANNAPOLIS SPORTS LIKE YOU.. THIS COMMUNITY, A.L. BROWN WONDERS, AND KANNAPOLIS YOUTH SPORTS ARE BLESSED TO HAVE YOU SUPPORTING US.
-Former Wonder Chavis Maxwell Head Coach at Kannapolis Youth Sports
You are truly a Wonder at heart!!! This kinda Support is why K-Town Will always be a powerhouse!!!
-Former Wonder Standout Tramaine Robinson Asst coach at Kannapolis Youth Sports
"I actually had plans for this evening, till I happened upon this site & got caught up for several hours getting a better education on Wonder Football. Great work! Thanks" -Steve Eudy
"Thank you for giving us fans this web site." -Phil Honeycutt
"What an awesome job you have done. I am definitely a fan of Wonder Football and look forward to reading about the history of the Wonders. -Crystal Pearson
"No doubt everything you have done to bring the past to meet the future is by far EXCELLENT. I have to say my eyes did tear up on so much that you have written about Kannapolis itself. Whatever you do , PLEASE continue
this site ! Much support and love from a WONDER mom." -Julie Odell Leslie
"This is awesome. You have done and are doing a GREAT job. Thanks for all your hard work and dedication." -Robin Taylor
"Great site that I have added to my favorites list and will be checking out on a daily bases." -Darell Canup
"I can't believe how well put together this site is, It tells the story of Wonder football." -Dane Laney
"I bleed Black and Gold, but this is by far one of the best team web sites I have ever seen. I really enjoy looking through the history of the Battle for the Bell. Very well put together. Wonder Nation should be thankful for such a dedicated fan as yourself. Keep up the great work" -CHS Spider Fan
This is a Wonderful website and you K-Towner's should be very proud of the work accomplished here. All Spider fans should visit the sight and go under the "Battle for the Bell" section. Without a doubt the best history of the rivalry game I have ever found!!! -SpidFan
I will be serving as the Principal of A.L. Brown High School. I reviewed your website in great detail when researching the possibilities of coming to Kannapolis. My undergraduate major was history; therefore, I have a great appreciation for the time and effort that you have devoted to developing the website. -Kenneth Bowen Principle A.L Brown HS
I just checked out your main web page, Amazing!!!! -Former Wonder Mike Morton
SPEECHLESS!!!! THANKS SCOTT. NO ONE DOES KANNAPOLIS SPORTS LIKE YOU.. THIS COMMUNITY, A.L. BROWN WONDERS, AND KANNAPOLIS YOUTH SPORTS ARE BLESSED TO HAVE YOU SUPPORTING US.
-Former Wonder Chavis Maxwell Head Coach at Kannapolis Youth Sports
You are truly a Wonder at heart!!! This kinda Support is why K-Town Will always be a powerhouse!!!
-Former Wonder Standout Tramaine Robinson Asst coach at Kannapolis Youth Sports
"I actually had plans for this evening, till I happened upon this site & got caught up for several hours getting a better education on Wonder Football. Great work! Thanks" -Steve Eudy
"Thank you for giving us fans this web site." -Phil Honeycutt
"What an awesome job you have done. I am definitely a fan of Wonder Football and look forward to reading about the history of the Wonders. -Crystal Pearson
"No doubt everything you have done to bring the past to meet the future is by far EXCELLENT. I have to say my eyes did tear up on so much that you have written about Kannapolis itself. Whatever you do , PLEASE continue
this site ! Much support and love from a WONDER mom." -Julie Odell Leslie
"This is awesome. You have done and are doing a GREAT job. Thanks for all your hard work and dedication." -Robin Taylor
"Great site that I have added to my favorites list and will be checking out on a daily bases." -Darell Canup
"I can't believe how well put together this site is, It tells the story of Wonder football." -Dane Laney
"I bleed Black and Gold, but this is by far one of the best team web sites I have ever seen. I really enjoy looking through the history of the Battle for the Bell. Very well put together. Wonder Nation should be thankful for such a dedicated fan as yourself. Keep up the great work" -CHS Spider Fan
This is a Wonderful website and you K-Towner's should be very proud of the work accomplished here. All Spider fans should visit the sight and go under the "Battle for the Bell" section. Without a doubt the best history of the rivalry game I have ever found!!! -SpidFan
The Wonder Wall of Championships
"Roots Run Deep in Fertile Soil"
"State Titles"
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NCHSAA AAA State Champions
1989, 1997 |
NCHSAA AAA State Runner Up
1984, 1991, 2008 |
WNCHSAA Co Champions
1960 |
"Conference and Playoff Championships"
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South Piedmont AAA Conference 1952,1982,1984,1989,1990,1992,
1993,1995,1997,1998,1999,2005, 2007,2008,2009,2010,2011 |
North Piedmont AAA Conference 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
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CPC AAAA Conference
1979,1980,1987,1988 |
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AAA Western Regional Champions 1984,1989,1991,1997,2008
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AAA Western Sectional Champions
1984,1989,1991,1997,2005,2008 |
AAA Western District Champions
1984,1989,1991,1992,1997 1998,2001,2005,2006,2008 2009,2010,2011,2012 |
"How the Wonders Have Fared
Against Their Big 3 Crosstown Rivals"
"Through the Years"
"Concord Spiders"
There is not a whole lot that can be said for this rivalry game that has not already been said. For a detailed account of this stoic eighty three year old rivalry I encourage you to visit the Battle for the Bell "A Retrospective" to get the full story, but to provide a short synopsis for this short score summary I will say this. It's the hottest most bitterly contested high school football game in the state of North Carolina bar none. It's just that simple, and the history is there to back it up. The Wonders and Spiders have hooked up a grand total of eighty three times since the rivalry began in earnest in 1931. Since 1931 the Concord Spiders hold a 42-38-4 advantage over the Wonders in the series. Since 1931 the Wonders have outscored the Spiders 1147-1104 giving the Wonders a positive point differential of 43 points. Of those eighty three meetings eleven of the Wonders thirty eight victories have come by way of shutout and out of the Wonders forty one losses twelve of those losses have come by way of shutout.
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1931-1940
1931, Concord 13-0 1932, K-Town 12-0 1933, Concord 20-6 1934, Concord 20-7 1935, Concord 13-8 1936, Tie 0-0 1937, Tie 0-0 1938, K-Town 18-12 1939, Concord 13-6 1940, Concord 7-0 |
1941-1950
1941, K-Town 19-13 1942, Tie 7-7 1943, Concord 26-7 1944, Concord 25-0 1945, Concord 27-0 1946, Concord 13-0 1947, Concord 35-0 1948, Concord 23-0 1949, Concord 12-7 1950, Tie 0-0 |
1951-1960
1951, Concord 7-6 1952, K-town 27-13 1953, K-town 32-0 1954, K-town 7-6 1955, K-town 41-0 1956, K-town 20-14 1957, Concord 7-0 1958, K-town 13-0 1959, K-town 7-0 1960, K-town 14-8 |
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1961-1970
1961, Concord 14-6 1962, Concord 6-0 1963, Concord 20-19 1964, Concord 13-12 1965, Concord 12-0 1966, Concord 13-6 1967, Concord 21-11 1968, Concord 21-8 1969, Concord 33-6 1970, Concord 13-11 |
1971-1980
1971, K-town 10-7 1972, K-town 30-13 1973, K-town 7-3 1974, Concord 14-6 1975, Concord 21-0 1976, Concord 7-3 1977, Concord 18-6 1978, K-town 33-0 1979, K-town 31-6 1980, K-town 41-0 |
1981-1990
1981, Concord 7-6 1982, K-town 14-10 1983, Concord 27-7 1984, K-town 26-8 1985, Concord 7-6 1986, Concord 14-0 1987, K-town 19-0 1988, K-town 9-7 1989, K-town 16-14 1990, K-town 20-19 |
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1991-2000
1991, Concord 30-20 1992, K-town 27-19 1993, K-town 28-6 1994, Concord 35-14 1995, K-town 5-0 1996, Concord 27-0 1997, K-town 33-14 1998, K-town 28-10 1999, K-town 10-7 2000, K-town 28-0 |
2001-2010
2001, K-town 1-0 (F) 2002, K-town 42-6 2003, K-town 13-12(OT) 2004, Concord 20-9 2005, K-town 19-14 2006, Concord 42-20 2007, K-town 45-25 2008, K-town 56-6 2009, Concord 13-10 2010, K-town 28-21 |
2011-2020
2011, K-Town 31-26 2012, Concord 21-14 2013, Concord 33-20 2014, Concord 20-14 Playoff Meetings 1991, K-Town 21-7 1997, K-Town 9-0 1999, Concord 20-7 |
38-42-4 Battle for the Bell Record Since 1931
40-43-4 Overall Record
"South Rowan Raiders"
In 1961 the two high schools of Landis and China Grove in Southern Rowan County merged into one central high school known as South Rowan High School. Historically speaking 1961 would be the inaugural year that this rivalry would officially begin pitting the Wonders of the proud textile heritage of Kannapolis against the Rebels of the proud agricultural lineage of the residents in Southern Rowan County. The first two meetings between these two institutions would result in a stalemate with the Wonders recording the very first victory in the rivalry 22-0 in 1963. Since 1961 the Wonders have held a commanding advantage over the Raiders who would change their name from Rebels to Raiders in 1968 to quell racial tensions during the years of segregation. Since 1961, the Wonders and Raiders have dueled 54 times with the Wonders earning a 44-8-2 record over the Raiders. The Wonders have outscored the Raiders a grand total of 1431-502 with sixteen of those victories coming by way of shutout.
Though the win/loss record leans heavily in favor of the Green and White, there have been some very memorable games played between the two schools during the Raiders heydays in the early eighties. The two teams have fought their way into overtime four times since the rivalry began with three of those overtime meetings coming in three consecutive games from 1983-1985. The most memorable of these overtime games would be a three overtime thriller in 1985 which saw the Wonders and Raiders deadlocked at 7 at the end of regulation. In the third overtime the Wonders would score and the defense would be called upon to win the game. On fourth and goal during the third overtime Raider QB Tim Jones would fumble the ball after he was blitzed by several Wonder defenders. Jones would fall on his own fumble just one yard short of the goal line dooming the Raiders to a 27-20 defeat. The final overtime game would come in 2003 when an underdog group of Raiders shocked the heavily favored Wonders 37-36.
Though the win/loss record leans heavily in favor of the Green and White, there have been some very memorable games played between the two schools during the Raiders heydays in the early eighties. The two teams have fought their way into overtime four times since the rivalry began with three of those overtime meetings coming in three consecutive games from 1983-1985. The most memorable of these overtime games would be a three overtime thriller in 1985 which saw the Wonders and Raiders deadlocked at 7 at the end of regulation. In the third overtime the Wonders would score and the defense would be called upon to win the game. On fourth and goal during the third overtime Raider QB Tim Jones would fumble the ball after he was blitzed by several Wonder defenders. Jones would fall on his own fumble just one yard short of the goal line dooming the Raiders to a 27-20 defeat. The final overtime game would come in 2003 when an underdog group of Raiders shocked the heavily favored Wonders 37-36.
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1961-1970
1961, 6-6 1962, 7-7 1963, K-Town 22-0 1964, K-Town 14-7 1965, K-Town 14-13 1966, K-Town 13-0 1967, K-Town 34-0 1968, SR 16-7 1969, K-Town 32-14 1970, K-Town 26-12 2001-2010
2001, K-Town 27-14 2002, K-Town 31-3 2003, SR 37-36 * 2004, K-Town 13-3 2005, K-Town 21-14 2006, K-Town 55-0 2007, K-Town 29-17 2008, K-Town 28-7 2009, SR 21-19 2010, K-Town 45-7 |
1971-1980
1971, K-Town 37-0 1972, K-Town 28-0 1973, K-Town 33-0 1974, K-Town 20-0 1975, SR 19-18 1976, SR 5-0 1977, K-Town 19-14 1978, K-Town 7-0 1979, K-Town 21-0 1980, K-Town 35-0 2011-2020
2011, K-Town 63-12 2012 K-Town 62-6 2013, K-Town 41-6 2014, K-Town 51-7 2015, ????? |
1981-1990
1981, SR- 20-8 1982, K-Town 19-6 1983, SR 33-32 * 1984, K-Town 24-17 1985, K-Town 27-20 1986, K-Town 18-8 1987, K-Town 9-0 1988, K-Town 12-0 1989, K-Town 20-0 1990, K-Town 42-0 |
1991-2000
1991, K-Town 19-17 1992, K-Town 35-6 1993, K-Town 14-7 1994, SR 14-6 1995, K-Town 31-23 1996, K-Town 31-23 1997, K-Town 41-3 1998, K-Town 48-0 1999, K-Town 53-31 2000, K-Town 28-7 |
44-8-2 Since 1961
"Northwest Cabarrus Trojans"
The A.L. Brown Wonders and Northwest Cabarrus Trojans began their crosstown rivalry in 1968 with the Little Wonders recording their first victory in this inaugural year 39-0. Since that time the Wonders and Trojans have mixed it up forty one times with the Wonders holding a commanding 37-3-1 advantage in the series. Though considered to be a fairly heated rivalry for it's time, the stakes got much higher in 1998 when the Wonders handed the Trojans their most humiliating loss in the rivalry's forty one year history. Affectionately known in Wonder football lore as "The Beatdown in K-Town" The Wonders and Trojans hooked up for this 31st meeting at Kannapolis Memorial Stadium in front of a sell out crowd who were there to watch the defending state AAA champions inch one game closer to a perfect season before their annual Battle for the Bell season finale against the Concord Spiders the following week. The Trojans were out muscled, out manned and out scored 97-0 at the end of regulation with three Wonder touchdowns having been nullified due to penalties. The Wonders and then Head Coach Bruce G Hardin were immediately accused of intentionally running the score up on the visiting Trojans who refused to come across the field at the end of the contest to shake hands with the Wonder team or any of it's coaches. Hardin who had taken the bulk of his starters out of the game in the second half was quoted as saying "I can't apologize for my team playing hard."
The lopsided margin left a bad taste in the mouths of Trojan supporters countywide, and in the following year in 1999 fans would see a much closer and harder fought game played at Northwest Cabarrus High School with the Wonders having to claw tooth and nail for a hard fought 21-7 victory. Though not an intentional running up of the score on the part of Hardin and his charges, Hardin caught much heat for the beating, and the rivalry grew in intensity for several years after this defeat. The only lull in the action between the two rival institutions came in the years of 2005-2008 when the Wonders dropped out of the South Piedmont Conference to enter the North Piedmont Conference for four years until re entering the SPC in 2008. The Trojans would move into the North Piedmont in 2008, but would reschedule the Wonders as a non conference opponent.
The Trojans would fall out of the Wonders schedule once again when the Wonders entered the MECKA 8 AAAA Conference in 2013. Since 1968 of the forty one meetings between the two schools the Wonders have outscored the Trojans a grand total of 1241-283 with sixteen of those victories coming by way of shutout. The series would reflect one tie in 1971 when the two schools battled to a 0-0 deadlock. On the upside for the Trojans, it can be boasted that all three of the Trojan victories over the Wonders in 1970, 1975, and 1976 were all shutouts on the part of the Black and Orange.
The lopsided margin left a bad taste in the mouths of Trojan supporters countywide, and in the following year in 1999 fans would see a much closer and harder fought game played at Northwest Cabarrus High School with the Wonders having to claw tooth and nail for a hard fought 21-7 victory. Though not an intentional running up of the score on the part of Hardin and his charges, Hardin caught much heat for the beating, and the rivalry grew in intensity for several years after this defeat. The only lull in the action between the two rival institutions came in the years of 2005-2008 when the Wonders dropped out of the South Piedmont Conference to enter the North Piedmont Conference for four years until re entering the SPC in 2008. The Trojans would move into the North Piedmont in 2008, but would reschedule the Wonders as a non conference opponent.
The Trojans would fall out of the Wonders schedule once again when the Wonders entered the MECKA 8 AAAA Conference in 2013. Since 1968 of the forty one meetings between the two schools the Wonders have outscored the Trojans a grand total of 1241-283 with sixteen of those victories coming by way of shutout. The series would reflect one tie in 1971 when the two schools battled to a 0-0 deadlock. On the upside for the Trojans, it can be boasted that all three of the Trojan victories over the Wonders in 1970, 1975, and 1976 were all shutouts on the part of the Black and Orange.
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1968-1977
1968, K-Town 39-0 1969, K-Town 46-12 1970, NWC 8-0 1971, Tie 0-0 1972, K-Town 16-0 1973, K-Town 42-13 1974, K-Town 29-13 1975, NWC 27-0 1976, NWC 18-0 1977, K-Town 7-0 |
1978-1987
1978, K-Town 34-0 1979, K-Town 21-7 1980, K-Town 39-0 1981, K-Town 26-0 1982, K-Town 18-0 1983, K-Town 28-0 1984, K-Town 18-0 1985, K-Town 27-0 1986, K-Town 5-0 1987, K-Town 14-0 |
1988-1997
1988, K-Town 47-0 1989, K-Town 35-12 1990, K-Town 21-3 1991, K-Town 48-3 1992, K-Town 41-0 1993, K-Town 55-12 1994, K-Town 28-13 1995, K-Town 29-13 1996, K-Town 46-7 1997, K-Town 70-0 |
1998-2012
1998, K-Town 97-0 1999, K-Town 21-7 2000, K-Town 21-7 2001, K-Town 35-7 2002, K-Town 29-20 2003, K-Town 48-14 2004, K-Town 13-6 2009, K-Town 35-21 2010, K-Town 20-13 2011, K-Town 44-7 2012, K-Town 49-20 |
37-3-1 Since 1968
A.L. Brown Wonders Football
"The Pride of the Working Class"
The backdrop in this picture from the Charlotte Observer in 1998 speaks volumes about the A.L. Brown Wonders and the tie that binds in the city of Kannapolis . At one time in our great history the Wonders were the pride of the working class people in Kannapolis and were thought of as part of an extended family. Every Friday night from August to November the stands at Kannapolis Memorial Stadium were filled to capacity with rabid Wonder fans anxiously awaiting to see their adopted sons take the field of battle to bring pride and victory home to the Wonder faithful. This was an era of big bands and pride in one's alma mater. "Times change, but Tradition remains" is the rally cry for Wonder supporters today. Fact is the demographics in the "City of Looms" has changed drastically since the closing of the textile giant Cannon Mills back in 2003, which served as K-Town's chief source of employment and household income for so many years. The textile mill was the backbone of the city, and that of it's economic infrastructure. It's tough blue collar workers produced tough, gritty offspring who made their way through the Pop Warner leagues in Cabarrus and Rowan Counties, and eventually to A.L Brown High School.
Today with a foundering economy, and lack of blue collar industry to sustain it's inhabitants, what we once knew in Kannapolis may have been lost forever. Bio-Technology and the change in skyline in the city of Kannapolis has brought forth a new age, with a new cast of characters, with a new mindset, and new priorities. With that change much of what made us so tough and so gritty is no longer a part of daily life. Friday Nights in K-Town is committed to preserving the history of our stoic past, and celebrating the achievements that put our football program at the forefront of high school football programs in the state. The smoke stacks are gone, and the skyline is quite different today than what we once knew and loved so many years ago, but the echoes of a long lost Wonder generation still reverberates within the confines of Memorial Stadium today. All one has to do is step back and look at the rows of old mill houses that still surround playing field, and all of those old ghosts echo the same sentiment. Get back to your roots!! -The editor
Today with a foundering economy, and lack of blue collar industry to sustain it's inhabitants, what we once knew in Kannapolis may have been lost forever. Bio-Technology and the change in skyline in the city of Kannapolis has brought forth a new age, with a new cast of characters, with a new mindset, and new priorities. With that change much of what made us so tough and so gritty is no longer a part of daily life. Friday Nights in K-Town is committed to preserving the history of our stoic past, and celebrating the achievements that put our football program at the forefront of high school football programs in the state. The smoke stacks are gone, and the skyline is quite different today than what we once knew and loved so many years ago, but the echoes of a long lost Wonder generation still reverberates within the confines of Memorial Stadium today. All one has to do is step back and look at the rows of old mill houses that still surround playing field, and all of those old ghosts echo the same sentiment. Get back to your roots!! -The editor
(Picture Above) Photo taken from the Charlotte Observer article "The Wonders Year" in 1998
"What's Causin All of This?" Woooooooo
Wonder Football has long been a standing tradition on Friday nights in the town of Kannapolis since A.L. Brown High School first opened its doors in 1952. Kannapolis or "The City of Looms" as it is translated in Greek terminology was a town built around the former textile giant Cannon Mills Inc, which at one time was the largest textile producing mill in the country. Kannapolis was a town full of hard nosed blue collar textile workers whose "common thread" if you will was football. Everything that is Kannapolis was centered around the high school football team. That team gave thousands of weary mill workers something to rally around every Friday night. The "Little Wonders" as they were known in the early days were the pride of Kannapolis, and belonged to the town almost liked adopted sons. Just about every employee of Cannon Mills had someone who was either directly or indirectly affiliated with the school in some shape or form, Whether it be the football team, the Big Green Machine, Cheerleaders, or any other school sponsored organization. From it's early roots as J.W. Cannon High School till A.L Brown came into existence the Football program has experienced its share of success, and failure. From the lean days of the middle sixties and middle seventies to the string of winning seasons from 1978 to the present, the Kannapolis football program has experienced it all. From the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, and everything in between. So where do you begin to tell the story of Wonder football without leaving out some pivotal moment in history? For the sake of our thirty six consecutive winning seasons I will begin after the 4-6 season of 1975, and former head coach Robert "Lope" Linder's final season as the head football coach at A.L. Brown High School. A time when there was no shortage of spirit, but limited success.
In 1976 former superintendent of Kannapolis City Schools, Dr. Greir A Bradshaw had become very unhappy with the lack of consistent success in the football program at A.L Brown High School. Bradshaw envisioned a program that would serve as the benchmark for high school football programs in the area and knew that could only be accomplished with superior leadership. So on the recommendation of Dr. Bradshaw in early 1976, the Kannapolis City School Board hired Coach Robert "Bob" Boswell who was working as head coach at T.Wingate Andrews in High Point as the new head coach of the Wonders. Boswell had also worked as an assistant to Lou Holtz at NCSU.
The systematic transformation of A.L. Brown High School into a football superpower began. Boswell, who already had achieved state notoriety with his Red Raiders at T. Wingate Andrews in High Point would come to Kannapolis to try and breathe some life into a Wonder football program that was fading on life support in 1976. Coach Boswell was given carte blanche at the authority of Dr Bradshaw to bring the Wonder football program up to speed in areas where it was lacking. The first thing to go was the out of date equipment, and overall lackluster appearance of the facilities including Memorial Stadium. The Bullock Gym was repainted along with the stadium brickwork and press box. Extensive weight training equipment was purchased to replace the old universal machine which ushered in a new realm of strength and conditioning. Next would be the outdated look of the Wonders themselves. New uniforms were purchased with specific emphasis placed on the programs most identifying mark. The small letter "k" which had been festooned on the side of the old antiquated white helmets from 1971 to 1975 met it's overdue demise. Coach Boswell opted for a logo which carried far more impact. The old Kentucky University big block "K" was introduced which ushered in a certain feel of bigness to the program. Big was the mantra for coach Boswell and his fledgling program, but there was nothing "BIG" in the name Little Wonders. Meeting with some backlash from the public, but in keeping with coach Boswell's "Big Vision" the word "little" was dropped from the name "Little Wonders" from 1976 on A.L. Brown High would become forever known as simply The Wonders. "There is nothing "Little" about us" coach Boswell would later say, and his decision would have devastating consequences for future opponents later on.
New look, New name, New feel, New attitude, and New vision gave everyone in Kannapolis hope for what looked to be a fading future. Of course as everybody knows, Rome wasn't built in a day, and in keeping with that philosophy coach Boswell, though poised and focused for victory would have to struggle through two losing seasons in his first two years in 1976, and 1977 before his big vision would begin to take shape. The Wonders would record their first winning season under coach Boswell in 1978, and there would be no looking back for the program from that moment on. Over three decades and thirty six winning seasons later the Wonders remain a legitimate threat to make a run for the state championship every year.
The systematic transformation of A.L. Brown High School into a football superpower began. Boswell, who already had achieved state notoriety with his Red Raiders at T. Wingate Andrews in High Point would come to Kannapolis to try and breathe some life into a Wonder football program that was fading on life support in 1976. Coach Boswell was given carte blanche at the authority of Dr Bradshaw to bring the Wonder football program up to speed in areas where it was lacking. The first thing to go was the out of date equipment, and overall lackluster appearance of the facilities including Memorial Stadium. The Bullock Gym was repainted along with the stadium brickwork and press box. Extensive weight training equipment was purchased to replace the old universal machine which ushered in a new realm of strength and conditioning. Next would be the outdated look of the Wonders themselves. New uniforms were purchased with specific emphasis placed on the programs most identifying mark. The small letter "k" which had been festooned on the side of the old antiquated white helmets from 1971 to 1975 met it's overdue demise. Coach Boswell opted for a logo which carried far more impact. The old Kentucky University big block "K" was introduced which ushered in a certain feel of bigness to the program. Big was the mantra for coach Boswell and his fledgling program, but there was nothing "BIG" in the name Little Wonders. Meeting with some backlash from the public, but in keeping with coach Boswell's "Big Vision" the word "little" was dropped from the name "Little Wonders" from 1976 on A.L. Brown High would become forever known as simply The Wonders. "There is nothing "Little" about us" coach Boswell would later say, and his decision would have devastating consequences for future opponents later on.
New look, New name, New feel, New attitude, and New vision gave everyone in Kannapolis hope for what looked to be a fading future. Of course as everybody knows, Rome wasn't built in a day, and in keeping with that philosophy coach Boswell, though poised and focused for victory would have to struggle through two losing seasons in his first two years in 1976, and 1977 before his big vision would begin to take shape. The Wonders would record their first winning season under coach Boswell in 1978, and there would be no looking back for the program from that moment on. Over three decades and thirty six winning seasons later the Wonders remain a legitimate threat to make a run for the state championship every year.
The Wonders have transitioned through three head coaching changes since Bob Boswell stepped down in 1988. Bruce Hardin would replace Boswell after the 1988 season and controlled the program from 1989 to 1999 leading the Wonders to state title games in three of his ten seasons. Hardin would capture the state AAA championship in his first season in 1989, and again in 1997. Hardin would also take a 3A State runner up title in 1991. Hardin would step down after the 1999 season, and the reigns were handed over to the former Kings Mountain Mountaineer head coach Ron Massey. Massey's Mountaineers defeated the defending state champion Wonders 26-21 in 1998 in a pivotal re match at Memorial Stadium making it one of Massey's most monumental victories.
Massey would assume the controls of power in Kannapolis from 2000 to 2010. During that time the winning tradition continued. The Wonders would make one state title game appearance in 2008 under Massey's leadership dropping that game to the Panthers of Greensboro Dudley 34-18. Massey would step aside at the conclusion of the 2010 season, and the reigns would be handed over to former Matthews Butler head coach Mike Newsome. Newsome had just come off back to back state 4AA title seasons with the Butler Bulldogs when he accepted the assignment citing the acceptance of the position as his "dream job"
Massey would assume the controls of power in Kannapolis from 2000 to 2010. During that time the winning tradition continued. The Wonders would make one state title game appearance in 2008 under Massey's leadership dropping that game to the Panthers of Greensboro Dudley 34-18. Massey would step aside at the conclusion of the 2010 season, and the reigns would be handed over to former Matthews Butler head coach Mike Newsome. Newsome had just come off back to back state 4AA title seasons with the Butler Bulldogs when he accepted the assignment citing the acceptance of the position as his "dream job"
The Wonder success story is extensive, and can be traced all the way back to the very golden age of football. The A.L. Brown Little Wonders were crowned Co Champions in the old WNCHSAA in 1960 along with Hickrory which goes down as one of the Wonders very first football state titles. The Wonders have been crowned champions of the Central Piedmont AAAA Conference in the seasons of 79, 80, 87, and 88. The Wonders have done most of their damage in the South Piedmont 3A Conference where they have accounted for championships in 82, 84, 89, 90, 92, 93, 95, 97, 98, 99, 05, 07 ,08, 09, 10,11.
The Wonders were also members of the North Piedmont 3A Conference for six years during the Ron Massey era, and were crowned champions in 01, 02, 03, and 04. Since 1960 the Wonders have made six appearances in the state title game in the seasons of 60, 84, 89, 91, 97, and 08 capturing titles in 89, and 97. Beginning the 2013 season the Wonders once again made the jump back into the 4A classification landing a spot for the first time in the Charlotte based MECKA 8 4A conference. Since 1952 the Wonders have recorded seven undefeated regular seasons coming in the seasons of 52, 82, 84, 87, 92, 98, and 99. Since 1960 the Wonders have made a total of eighty two playoff appearances winning fifty three games and losing twenty nine with one tie.
The Wonders were also members of the North Piedmont 3A Conference for six years during the Ron Massey era, and were crowned champions in 01, 02, 03, and 04. Since 1960 the Wonders have made six appearances in the state title game in the seasons of 60, 84, 89, 91, 97, and 08 capturing titles in 89, and 97. Beginning the 2013 season the Wonders once again made the jump back into the 4A classification landing a spot for the first time in the Charlotte based MECKA 8 4A conference. Since 1952 the Wonders have recorded seven undefeated regular seasons coming in the seasons of 52, 82, 84, 87, 92, 98, and 99. Since 1960 the Wonders have made a total of eighty two playoff appearances winning fifty three games and losing twenty nine with one tie.
The big block Kentucky "K" has become an iconic symbol of excellence in high school football in the State of North Carolina in company with the likes of Shelby, Richmond County, Maiden, Thomasville, Charlotte Catholic, and Concord. The A.L. Brown High School football program offers state of the art Strength and Conditioning complexes, knowledgeable coaching staff and medical trainers with the finest equipment available for it's athletes. Put all of these perks together, and you can begin to understand why the Kannapolis Football program ranks as one of the more elite programs in the region as well as the state.
Over the last several years there are several programs in the state who have accomplished multiple consecutive state title wins, but only a few of those programs can boast the continuous consistent winning tradition the Wonders of A.L. Brown High School have experienced over the last thirty six years.
Over the last several years there are several programs in the state who have accomplished multiple consecutive state title wins, but only a few of those programs can boast the continuous consistent winning tradition the Wonders of A.L. Brown High School have experienced over the last thirty six years.
Many coaches in the state of North Carolina will tell you, that the Kannapolis football program has long been the measuring stick for success for their programs, and to defeat a Kannapolis football team in a season will put you in your programs history book as one of it's most monumental victories. This site is a celebration, and homage to that winning tradition. A tradition that has withstood the test of time and like a fine wine seems to get better with age. A tradition that has exceeded the expectations of those who laid the bricks so many years ago and shows no signs of letting up anytime soon. The tradition of excellence that is Kannapolis football. -The Editor
"About the Editor"
(Picture Above) The editor for Friday Nights in K-Town with the Victory Bell in 2012
Hello Wonder Nation: My name is Scott Boggs, and I would like to take this opportunity to personally welcome you to my Wonder football web site Friday Nights in K-Town, the up and coming web page for supporters and fanatics of Wonder football in Kannapolis North Carolina. I am a 1984 graduate of A.L Brown High School and I was born and raised in Kannapolis a loyal Wonder supporter. The original Wonders I grew up with in Kannapolis were the bi products of a thriving textile mill known to all as Cannon Mills. Today with the passing of the textile giant, the mill houses that was once home to its blue collar workers and A.L. Brown High School are the last remaining reminders of that once thriving little mill town which has since shifted gears into the age of biotechnology.
Football in Kannapolis was, and still is the passion of many of those residents who remained in Kannapolis after the mill closed it's doors in 2003. I am one of those people. My first introduction to Wonder Football came at the very young age of eight when I attended my first Wonder Football game in 1973 at Concord High School. That night I watched the Little Wonders defeat the Concord Spiders 7-3 on those cold, hard concrete slabs at CHS. An obsession was born on that cold November night in Concord, and I have been an avid supporter of the Wonders since. I hold a special place in my heart for those early days and for those of you who were lucky enough to experience it you know what I'm talking about. For those of you who were not as fortunate "If I have to explain, You wouldn't understand" I'm just sorry you missed it. Wonder football was a real show, a spectacle if you will, from the football played on the field to the ever impressive Big Green Machine led by the master Louis V Bean. It was the greatest show on turf in every sense of the word.
(Picture Above) John Walter Boggs in 1950
All of my family members are avid Wonder supporters, and their loyalty to community and team is just as strong today as it was in their day. My family has roots that run deep in the Wonder Football tradition as well. My father the late John Walter Boggs was a QB/Punter for the Little Wonders of J.W. Cannon High from 1949-1950. He would graduate with the class of 1951 and would enter the United States Air Force after graduation where he spent his tour of duty as a tailgunner aboard a B-29 Superfortress during the Korean Conflict. My dad loved football and continued to be supportive of the Wonders till his untimely death in 1970. Both of my sisters Wendy Boggs Cope and Lori Boggs Madsen (Pictured Below) were all accomplished cheerleaders at A.L. Brown High School. Wendy cheered during the varsity years of 1974-1975 before graduating with the class of 1976. Lori was chief cheerleader from 1977 until graduating with the class of 1979. Both would go on to have very successful careers in their chosen fields of endeavor, and are still loyal Wonder supporters to this day.
(Picture Above) Wendy Boggs Cope in 1974
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(Picture Above) Lori Boggs Madsen in 1977
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I would go on to have a daughter (Tara Madison Boggs) in 1994 which changed my life completely. I started her right out of the gate going to Kannapolis Memorial Stadium every Friday night as I had done by the time she was eight years old. She would begin her love of cheerleading early in life on the fields of the Boys and Girls Club of Cabarrus County cheering for the Wonders on Saturdays. She would go on to cheer for the Eagles at the Kannapolis Middle School from 2007-2008 at which time she also started competing with Victory Cheer Company of Concord. Madison would begin her high school stint in 2009 where she was given the opportunity to go directly from middle school onto the Varsity cheerleading squad because of her technical prowess. Madison would graduate with the class of 2013 and is currently a cheerleader for the Charlotte 49ers.
KMS 2008
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Freshman 2009
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Sophomore 2010
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Junior 2011
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Senior 2012
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(Picture Above) Madison Charlotte 49ers 2013
Since those early days of long ago my personal path in life has taken many turns, but one thing has remained a constant, and that has been my love of Wonder Football. I originally started Friday Nights in K-Town on Facebook in 2009, and with all the interest surrounding the Wonders I thought I would explore this vehicle as an outlet to get the word of Wonder Nation out to the people in a broader form. My goal for this site is to keep Wonder nation informed with the current status of Wonder football today, but more importantly bring back to light the heroics and memorable moments of our stoic past which has been lost to a certain degree. Make no mistake, the story of Wonder football does not begin and end with the state championship teams of 1960,1989 and 1997 and to fully understand the entire story board you must go back further to where it all began at Central High School in the 1930's. Our past is something to be proud of and should be celebrated. It is my belief that the bricks to the foundation of the winning tradition we enjoy today were laid by those who came before, and it is to them that we owe our greatest debt.
Many of the features on this site you will recognize from the early days of Facebook only expanded. Each bullet in the navigation menu will take you on a journey into that particular facet of Wonder Football either past or present. My constant quest for new material has taken me into the homes of some of the finest Wonder athletes and supporters of Wonder football in Kannapolis. Such great Wonder stars as Lacy Brumley, Tim Davis, Joey Roseman, Todd Williford, John Tuttle, Ruben Wells, Tony Pethel, and Nick Maddox just to name a few. In doing this I have unearthed some timeless artifacts that I know all true Wonder fans will get much enjoyment seeing. My chief goal is to give every visitor to this site the deepest, and most complete immersion into the world of Wonder football you will find anywhere. From "The Battle for the Bell" to "The Hard Road to Glory" Friday Nights in K-Town is your one stop shop for everything that is Wonder football. Friday Nights in K-Town is on the cutting edge of Wonder football coverage in Kannapolis, and I am committed to making this site the very best bar none you will find anywhere. So take a few hours and step back in time to where the story of Wonder football began. Relive some of the program's most memorable moments and see for yourselves what it is that really makes Friday Nights in K-Town so special. Go Wonders!!!! -The Editor
Many of the features on this site you will recognize from the early days of Facebook only expanded. Each bullet in the navigation menu will take you on a journey into that particular facet of Wonder Football either past or present. My constant quest for new material has taken me into the homes of some of the finest Wonder athletes and supporters of Wonder football in Kannapolis. Such great Wonder stars as Lacy Brumley, Tim Davis, Joey Roseman, Todd Williford, John Tuttle, Ruben Wells, Tony Pethel, and Nick Maddox just to name a few. In doing this I have unearthed some timeless artifacts that I know all true Wonder fans will get much enjoyment seeing. My chief goal is to give every visitor to this site the deepest, and most complete immersion into the world of Wonder football you will find anywhere. From "The Battle for the Bell" to "The Hard Road to Glory" Friday Nights in K-Town is your one stop shop for everything that is Wonder football. Friday Nights in K-Town is on the cutting edge of Wonder football coverage in Kannapolis, and I am committed to making this site the very best bar none you will find anywhere. So take a few hours and step back in time to where the story of Wonder football began. Relive some of the program's most memorable moments and see for yourselves what it is that really makes Friday Nights in K-Town so special. Go Wonders!!!! -The Editor
(Picture Above) The Editor for FIK in 2014
"Keeping the Memories Alive"
That's Friday Nights in K-Town!!!!
"Inside the Office of Friday Nights in K-Town"
"Feel the Nostalgia"
The Big Four of Wonder Football
"Excellence at Every Position"
(Picture Above) No more feared individuals to ever wear the Green and White like the Big Four from 1978-1980
Ethan Horton Lance Smith Terry Baxter Brent Holbrook
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When you talk about "The Big Four" of Kannapolis football, anyone who knows anything about the history of Wonder football will know exactly who you are referring to. "The Big Four" from 1978 to 1980 were four of the best skill men at their position Wonder football has ever seen on one team as a collective unit. "The Big Four" consisted of QB #14 Ethan Horton, OT-DT #75 Lance Smith, RB #22 Terry Baxter, and HB-SS #42 Brent Holbrook. These four highly skilled athletes exemplified excellence at the position for three straight seasons in K-Town from 1978-1980. These athletes were a part of what is commonly accepted as three of the most talent laden Wonder football teams not to win a state title that A.L. Brown has ever produced. All four of these young men would go on to play major division one college football with two of them going on to have exemplary careers in the National Football League.
Ethan Horton would play his college ball at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and would go on to play for the Los Angeles Raiders of the NFL. Lance Smith would play his college ball at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and play for eleven seasons in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals. Terry Baxter would play his college ball with fellow teammate Lance Smith at Louisiana State University. Brent Holbrook would play his college ball at East Carolina University. It is understood that these four Wonder legends brought everything they had to the table every Friday night and made Wonder football history each season until graduation at the conclusion of the 1980 season. "The Big Four" are legends in Wonder football lore and will always be considered the best of the best in any conversation.
Ethan Horton would play his college ball at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and would go on to play for the Los Angeles Raiders of the NFL. Lance Smith would play his college ball at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and play for eleven seasons in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals. Terry Baxter would play his college ball with fellow teammate Lance Smith at Louisiana State University. Brent Holbrook would play his college ball at East Carolina University. It is understood that these four Wonder legends brought everything they had to the table every Friday night and made Wonder football history each season until graduation at the conclusion of the 1980 season. "The Big Four" are legends in Wonder football lore and will always be considered the best of the best in any conversation.
"The Quintessential Wonder"
Nick Maddox
"The Nick Maddox Files"
Arguably the most recognized athlete in all Wonder football history, Nick Maddox tore up the field at Kannapolis Memorial Stadium, and stadiums throughout the state of North Carolina beginning his freshman year in 1995 until his record breaking senior season in 1998. Maddox was a quick, elusive back with more moves than a roach in a cereal bowl. A Maddox run was never the same run twice. There was always a slight variable in each jaw dropping jaunt which left fans sitting in their seat awe struck. Maddox was a triple threat as a player. He could play the tailback position as well as lining up as a receiver. Maddox was also a very dangerous defensive back with great hands and instincts.
The Nick Maddox dossier is an impressive collection of athletic achievements and prestigious awards, but to those who knew him personally, this list of accolades do nothing to accurately portray Nick Maddox the teammate, the friend, and most importantly the man. I met Nick in the winter of 1999 shortly before he was to leave to begin his college experience at Florida State University in Tallahassee. That day I spoke to a very humble young man who was a little aprehensive about leaving home for the first time, but excited nonetheless. Nick signed a football helmet for me as well as a football that I still have proudly displayed beside my computer desk in the office of Friday Nights in K-Town. Below is a partial list of what Nick accomplished in high school prior to committing to Florida State. Like I said, the accolades do very little to describe Nick Maddox as anything other than just a superb athlete.
The Nick Maddox dossier is an impressive collection of athletic achievements and prestigious awards, but to those who knew him personally, this list of accolades do nothing to accurately portray Nick Maddox the teammate, the friend, and most importantly the man. I met Nick in the winter of 1999 shortly before he was to leave to begin his college experience at Florida State University in Tallahassee. That day I spoke to a very humble young man who was a little aprehensive about leaving home for the first time, but excited nonetheless. Nick signed a football helmet for me as well as a football that I still have proudly displayed beside my computer desk in the office of Friday Nights in K-Town. Below is a partial list of what Nick accomplished in high school prior to committing to Florida State. Like I said, the accolades do very little to describe Nick Maddox as anything other than just a superb athlete.
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One of the most sought after running backs in the country, Maddox totaled 2,536 yards and 33 touchdowns on 267 carries as a senior (9.5 yards per carry) Had 20 catches for 268 yards and eight scores. Added four punt returns for touchdowns of 50 yards or more. finished his career with 6,624 rushing yards and 114 touchdowns (a state record at the time)
A Parade All-American and first-team USA Today All-USA selection...the USA Today Player of the Year for the state of North Carolina. Tom Lemming's No. 1 prospect in the Mid-Atlantic and No. 2 prospect nationally. SuperPrep's No. 4 running back (No. 14 player overall) nationally. No.1 running back in the country by PrepStar and offensive MVP of the ACC region. Regarded as the No. 8 prospect in the country by The Sporting News. listed at No. 22 overall by the NRA. Named the 1998 Gatorade Circle of Champions high school player of the year for the Southern region and state of North Carolina (athletic/academic achievement). the No. 1 player in the state according to Bill Buchalter...also ran track and played basketball at Brown. led football team to 13-1 season as a senior. Carried 10 times for 102 yards and two scores (12 and 60-yard runs) in the North Carolina/South Carolina Shrine Bowl. reported 40-yard dash of 4.5. chose FSU over Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee and Notre Dame. |
After graduation in 1999, Nick Maddox pursued his college career at Florida State University in Tallahassee Florida, where he played on the 1999 National Championship team. After a successful college career Nick played at the next level as a runningback in the National Football League. Nick played for such organizations as the Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills, San Diego Chargers, ultimately finishing his football career with the Carolina Panthers. After football Nick returned home to Leon County where he obtained dual degrees in Business and Real Estate from Florida State.
After obtaining his degrees, Nick took a position as Director of Planned Giving with the Seminole Boosters at FSU. Maddox moved from the Boosters to once again join a team with his former head coach as the vice president of Development for the Bowden Foundation. In 2010 Nick Maddox threw his hat into the political ring seeking to run for County Commissioner At Large for Leon County winning a seat in the 2010 election. Commissioner Nick Maddox currently serves as the 2014-2015 Board Vice-Chairman and has served the citizens of Leon County since 2010. Commissioner Nicholas J. Maddox is one of two At-Large Commissioners for Leon County. Nick is married with one daughter.
After obtaining his degrees, Nick took a position as Director of Planned Giving with the Seminole Boosters at FSU. Maddox moved from the Boosters to once again join a team with his former head coach as the vice president of Development for the Bowden Foundation. In 2010 Nick Maddox threw his hat into the political ring seeking to run for County Commissioner At Large for Leon County winning a seat in the 2010 election. Commissioner Nick Maddox currently serves as the 2014-2015 Board Vice-Chairman and has served the citizens of Leon County since 2010. Commissioner Nicholas J. Maddox is one of two At-Large Commissioners for Leon County. Nick is married with one daughter.
Wonder Radio WRKB 1460 AM
"The Voice of Wonder Football in Kannapolis"
(Click Button Text to Go to Ford Broadcasting.com)
www.fordbroadcasting.com
"Friday Nights in K-Town Supports Ford Broadcasting, and Wonder Radio 1460 AM "
Wonder fans be sure if you can't make it out to Memorial Stadium for the game to tune into Wonder Radio on 1460 AM on your radio dial, or visit Ford Broadcasting online to get the live streaming. Randy Whitley, Dane Laney, and Buddy Amerson are live every Friday night to bring you all the Wonder football action in a way only they can do it. Friday Nights in K-Town is proud to promote these great friends of Wonder football.
"A.L.Brown High School Athletic Boosters"
Wonder Fans, Show your support for Wonder athletics by becoming a member of the Kannapolis Athletic Boosters. The Boosters are responsible for many projects at A.L. Brown High School, and need your support. For Booster information, Membership, and Corporate Sponsorship contact the following good people that spearhead the effort.
"Booster Board of Directors"
(Picture Above) 2014 Booster Board of Directors.
Doug Wilson (800) 230-8819 or email gwilsonjr1@carolina.rr.com
Dane Laney (704) 933-7502 or email ddlaney04@yahoo.com
"Proud Corporate Sponsors of Wonder Football"
Support These Great Sponsors Who Support the Wonders
"Recommended Links for High School Football"
"Recommended Links for Digital Photography"
Folks, here are some highly recommended sites for some great Wonder Football photos taken by friends of mine you probably see sharing the sidelines with me on Friday Nights in K-Town. Photographers David Livengood, Tyler Buckwell, Crystal Pearson, and Mike Grier all take top quality photos at most of the Wonder games. Just click on the button text below their name to go directly to their personal web sites for some great Wonder photos. Many of the photos they take can be purchased on their sites, so don't waste time if you are a serious Wonder Football fan looking for some classic shots to frame in your man cave or wherever your Wonder Football Shrine may be located. -The editor
David Livengood
www.flickr.com/photos/elmstreetphotography/
David Livengood has been involved in professional photography for a little over seven years, and is quite skilled at what he does. David is a 1988 graduate of A.L.Brown High School and has a special passion for shooting Wonder Football. If you subscribe to the Salisbury Post then you have probably seen a good bit of David's work on Saturday mornings covering Wonder Football. David is a very accomplished photographer,and his skills go way beyond the gridiron. David's handy work can be seen at www.flickr.com/photos/elmstreetphotography/ or simply click on the button text below to go directly to his site.
elmstreetphotography
Tyler Buckwell
www.kannonshots.com
Tyler Buckwell is a second year student at Appalachian State University with a genuine gift for photography and cinematography. Tyler is a 2012 graduate of A.L. Brown High School and is also a passionate Wonder fan. Many of Tyler's photo's have also been seen in the Salisbury Post and Independent Tribune. Tyler also makes some state of the art Wonder video that he is creating while attending App State. You can check out all of Tyler's work at www.kannonshots.com or simply click on the button text below to go directly to his page.
Kannonshots.com
"Special Thanks to the Many Contributors to FIK"
Friday Nights in K-Town would like to thank the following contributors for materials found within the pages of this web site. The Salisbury Post, The Concord Tribune, The Daily Independent, The Independent/Tribune, The Charlotte Observer, Patricia Curl at the Concord Library, The Cannon Library, all the fine folks at The Kannapolis History Associates, Time Warner Cable, Coach Mike Newsome, Deanna Baker, Mike Morton Sr, Chip Buckwell, Tim Davis, Lacy Brumley, Joey Roseman, Tony Pethel, Bob Boswell, Todd Williford, Keith and Fran Garver, John Tuttle, William Craft, Ryan Craft, Harry Greene, Ruben Wells, Nick Maddox, Pat Maddox, Matt Mcfaddin, Kendall Turner, Tramaine Robinson, Mike Grier, Ken Haney, Coach E.Z. Smith III, Mary and Haskell Stanback, Roger Bigham, Wayne Anderson, Donna Fowler Walton, Becky Brawley Thompson, A.L. Brown High School, NSC Helmets, My Personal Archives and Confidential Sources. Thanks for all your contributions and for making this site something Wonder fans can reflect on in years to come. I couldn't have done this without your assistance.
Special thanks to Tyler Buckwell for planting the seed for this project. To every Wonder athlete that has ever put on the Green and White and left your blood, sweat, and tears on the field at Kannapolis Memorial Stadium this site is for you Go Wonders!! To the players, coaches, cheerleaders, and members of the Big Green Machine of 1974, thanks for making such a lasting impression on a young Wonder fan. That season will always be special to me. Lastly, A very special thanks to my dear friend and inspiration the late Terry Lynn Fortson. It is because of your support and belief in my abilities that I continue creative writing. You are greatly missed. -The editor
Special thanks to Tyler Buckwell for planting the seed for this project. To every Wonder athlete that has ever put on the Green and White and left your blood, sweat, and tears on the field at Kannapolis Memorial Stadium this site is for you Go Wonders!! To the players, coaches, cheerleaders, and members of the Big Green Machine of 1974, thanks for making such a lasting impression on a young Wonder fan. That season will always be special to me. Lastly, A very special thanks to my dear friend and inspiration the late Terry Lynn Fortson. It is because of your support and belief in my abilities that I continue creative writing. You are greatly missed. -The editor
"Dedicated to the Memory of Blue Collar Kannapolis"
My Hometown and the Home of The Wonders
1887-2003
(PictureAbove) Downtown Kannapolis On West Avenue
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(Picture Above) The Heart of Old Kannapolis. Cannon Lake and Cannon Mills Company
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(Pictures Above) Courtesy of Cannon Mills FB Tribute Page
(Click to Visit Cannon Mills on Facebook)
**Disclaimer**
This site is dedicated to high school football played by the Wonders of A.L. Brown High School in Kannapolis North Carolina. This site is privately owned and operated, and is in no way directly or indirectly affiliated with A.L Brown High School or the City of Kannapolis. This is not the official site for Wonder football, and is intended to be a celebratory vehicle for the A.L. Brown Wonders, and Supporters of Wonder football. The Friday Nights in K-Town logo and all photos with the Friday Nights in K-Town watermark is considered the intellectual property of the editor for Friday Nights in K-Town and is subject to protection under federal copyright © law of the United States and Related Laws Contained in Title 17.
All materials contained within the pages of this site have been credited to the appropriate contributors. (Nothing in this site has been taken from any other site without the expressed permission of that contributor) Records, Stats and other statistical information that are deemed "Public Record" have been compiled by the editor through hours of personal painstaking research. Views, opinions, and accounts of the games expressed in this site are not that of the Faculty, Administration, or Coaching Staff of A.L. Brown High School, and are strictly that of the editor, and are protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. In God We Still Trust!!!
-The Editor
"The Tradition Continues"
GO WONDERS!!!!
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