"2012 Wonder Football Scrapbook"
"The Campaign Begins"
Week #1
Kannapolis
vs
Shelby
Kannapolis-44 Shelby-0
SHELBY — A.L. Brown made its fans sweat until the very end of the 2011 season opener. Those same fans barely broke a sweat this time. Despite losing a bevy of senior leadership to graduation, the Wonders may have gained some wisdom this off season. They certainly learned from last season’s season-opening debacle against the Shelby Golden Lions, who trailed by 30 at halftime but narrowly lost. History didn’t repeat itself in 2012. The Wonders unleashed a powerful running game and hammered Shelby 44-0 at Blanton Stadium Thursday.
“I think they made a big statement,” Brown coach Mike Newsome said of his players.“I think these guys have a big chip on their shoulders. They’ve heard all year about all the guys that graduated and how we wouldn’t be as good as we were last year. They want to prove to people that they are going to be better. They want to be the best team Kannapolis has ever had.”
This Brown team certainly has the potential to feature one of the best running attacks in school history. That’s big praise considering the numbers that Nick Maddox compiled in his career, but Kalif Phillips, Ricky Sherrill and Robert Pinkston formed a lethal triumvirate that rushed for 272 of the Wonders’ 369 rushing yards. Brown’s Malik Patterson threw in a 73-yard touchdown run for good measure. Newsome was especially pleased to see Sherrill, a South Rowan transfer who sat out the 2011 season, provide a dynamic, between-the-tackles option. He will likely handle much of the inside running for the Wonders, sparing the faster Phillips from taking a lot of unnecessary hits.
“He’s fast and I’ve got the power,” Sherrill said of Phillips. “It felt great to get out here. I wasn’t nervous. I was just ready to go. It’s been a long time. I just wanted to show people what I can do.”
Sherrill rushed for 120 yards on 10 carries, including bruising runs of 27, 28 and 23 yards early in the second half. Phillips rarely played in the second half of blowouts last season, and considering Sherrill’s ability to move the chains, that may be the case once again.
“If you just look at one of us, the other will break loose,” said Phillips, who rushed for 102 yards and two scores. “I love the way Ricky runs the ball. He’s a powerful back. That’s what we needed, somebody who will fight for that extra yardage. He’ll break the long ones, too.”
Outside of a 53-yard kickoff return in the third quarter, Shelby didn’t barely put together any big plays in a deflating effort. The Wonders led just 16-0 at the break, but a touchdown pass to Keeon Johnson three minutes into the second half – which was set up by Phillips’ 38-yard punt return – started the onslaught.“I’m very disappointed,” Shelby coach Lance Ware said. “We weren’t ready to play. That starts with me. I didn’t do a good job of getting us ready. They whipped us on both sides of the ball. I think they are really good, but I don’t think we played very well.” Shelby managed just 53 rushing yards and didn’t move the ball with much more consistency through the air, completing 12-of-18 passes for 103 yards. The Golden Lions punted seven times, fumbled twice, threw an interception and missed a field goal.The Wonders put the game away early in the second half, scoring touchdowns on four consecutive drives.
Early last season the running game carried the Wonders, and that may be the case again in 2012 as new starting quarterback Keenan Medley adapts to being under center. He was 4-of-9 passing, but showed an ability to link up with Johnson, the team’s big, dynamic receiver. The duo linked up for a one-yard gain on Brown’s opening play of the season. - Salisbury Post
“I think they made a big statement,” Brown coach Mike Newsome said of his players.“I think these guys have a big chip on their shoulders. They’ve heard all year about all the guys that graduated and how we wouldn’t be as good as we were last year. They want to prove to people that they are going to be better. They want to be the best team Kannapolis has ever had.”
This Brown team certainly has the potential to feature one of the best running attacks in school history. That’s big praise considering the numbers that Nick Maddox compiled in his career, but Kalif Phillips, Ricky Sherrill and Robert Pinkston formed a lethal triumvirate that rushed for 272 of the Wonders’ 369 rushing yards. Brown’s Malik Patterson threw in a 73-yard touchdown run for good measure. Newsome was especially pleased to see Sherrill, a South Rowan transfer who sat out the 2011 season, provide a dynamic, between-the-tackles option. He will likely handle much of the inside running for the Wonders, sparing the faster Phillips from taking a lot of unnecessary hits.
“He’s fast and I’ve got the power,” Sherrill said of Phillips. “It felt great to get out here. I wasn’t nervous. I was just ready to go. It’s been a long time. I just wanted to show people what I can do.”
Sherrill rushed for 120 yards on 10 carries, including bruising runs of 27, 28 and 23 yards early in the second half. Phillips rarely played in the second half of blowouts last season, and considering Sherrill’s ability to move the chains, that may be the case once again.
“If you just look at one of us, the other will break loose,” said Phillips, who rushed for 102 yards and two scores. “I love the way Ricky runs the ball. He’s a powerful back. That’s what we needed, somebody who will fight for that extra yardage. He’ll break the long ones, too.”
Outside of a 53-yard kickoff return in the third quarter, Shelby didn’t barely put together any big plays in a deflating effort. The Wonders led just 16-0 at the break, but a touchdown pass to Keeon Johnson three minutes into the second half – which was set up by Phillips’ 38-yard punt return – started the onslaught.“I’m very disappointed,” Shelby coach Lance Ware said. “We weren’t ready to play. That starts with me. I didn’t do a good job of getting us ready. They whipped us on both sides of the ball. I think they are really good, but I don’t think we played very well.” Shelby managed just 53 rushing yards and didn’t move the ball with much more consistency through the air, completing 12-of-18 passes for 103 yards. The Golden Lions punted seven times, fumbled twice, threw an interception and missed a field goal.The Wonders put the game away early in the second half, scoring touchdowns on four consecutive drives.
Early last season the running game carried the Wonders, and that may be the case again in 2012 as new starting quarterback Keenan Medley adapts to being under center. He was 4-of-9 passing, but showed an ability to link up with Johnson, the team’s big, dynamic receiver. The duo linked up for a one-yard gain on Brown’s opening play of the season. - Salisbury Post
FIK Players of the Game for Week #1
"Defensive MVP for Week #1"
Shakil Gore (DL)
"FIK Game Ball Performance for Week #1"
The recipient of the first Friday Nights in K-Town game ball for 2012 in the first game of the season goes to the Wonder defensive unit. The Wonder defensive unit held the Golden Lions to just 53 Yards Rushing while recording the seasons first shut out. Congratulations on a great first outing you deserve it!!!!
"Sights from Thursday Nights Action"
"Week #2"
Kannapolis
vs
South Rowan
Kannapolis-62 South Rowan-6
KANNAPOLIS — It was such a physical mismatch that trickery seemed a little unfair. But besides out-muscling and out-speeding South Rowan on Friday in a 62-6 romp, A.L. Brown’s Wonders hit the Raiders with a gimmick play that’s been dubbed “K-cubed.”
Or maybe it’s “K-kubed.” “The kids came up with the name for it,” A.L. Brown coach Mike Newsome explained cheerfully. “It’s Keenan Medley to Keeon Johnson to Kalif Phillips — the three Ks.”
It was 28-0 in the second quarter when “K-cubed” was unveiled on a first-and-10 snap. The play was a double pass with QB Medley tossing sideways to the towering Johnson, who was still lurking behind the line of scrimmage. Johnson, in turn, fired downfield to a speeding Phillips. He hit him in stride for an uncontested touchdown.
“We’ve been working on that, and, hey, that throw felt pretty good,” a beaming Johnson said. “I can throw a little.”
Newsome casually mentioned that the Wonders had more aces up their sleeves, but they backed off with the score mounting. Brown’s last points came when J.P. Lott galloped to the end zone with 2:23 left in the third quarter.
“We wanted to do a few more things and work on some things, but you’re kind of hampered a little bit when the score is out of hand like that,” Newsome said.
It was 21-0 after a quarter and 42-0 at halftime. When Brown broke a long scoring run for a TD with the score at 62-6, it appeared South would allow the most points it has ever surrendered in a football game, but a flag called the play back. The 56-point margin still was South’s most lopsided loss ever to the Wonders in a series that’s been maintained continuously since South opened in 1961. The previous most one-sided game was Brown’s 55-0 waltz in 2006. The Wonders won 63-12 in 2011. Trailing 49-0, South got on the board early in the third quarter when Nathan Lambert connected with Drew Glenn on a 70-yard pass play.
“A.L Brown is good — and that’s an understatement,” South coach Jason Rollins said. “But I thought our kids showed up to play tonight. Even when it went bad, they kept on playing, and I was proud of that. It wasn’t a situation where we looked lost. We were a much better team than we were a week ago.”
South’s Lambert, Antonio Hester and Dominique Garlin made some effective runs for double-digit yards, but the Raiders (0-2) never sustained a drive. Lambert threw for a net of 138 yards, but the Wonders pressured him into a 3-for-17 effort with a pick in the first half when it still mattered. Josh Medlin had four catches for 70 yards. Sophomore linebacker Burke Fulcher played well for South’s defense and recovered a fumble. Brown’s defense, which shut out Shelby in Week 1, was dominant. Lott had the pick. Kendall Holmes, Hamp Brown and Hunter Allman had sacks. Shakil Gore, Josh Caldwell and Malik Fowler had tackles for loss.
“Our offense was able to control the ball and our defense played very well,” Newsome said. “The touchdown that they got we just lost focus, and that can happen when you’ve got a big lead.”
Offensively, the Wonders did what they wanted when they wanted, Kalif Phillips blocked a punt, totaled 164 yards in rushes and receptions and scored three TDs as the Wonders (2-0) piled up 517 yards of offense. Medley threw a scoring pass to Johnson. Erik Amaya kicked eight PATs. A back named Pinkston — he answers to either Robert or Dante — ran for two scores. Ricky Sherrill, once the workhorse for South, did the heavy-duty work between the tackles and steamrolled for 91 yards on nine carries and scored a TD.
“We improved a little bit from our first game,” Johnson said. “What I liked is that even when we were up a bunch we kept on pushing.” -Salisbury Post
Or maybe it’s “K-kubed.” “The kids came up with the name for it,” A.L. Brown coach Mike Newsome explained cheerfully. “It’s Keenan Medley to Keeon Johnson to Kalif Phillips — the three Ks.”
It was 28-0 in the second quarter when “K-cubed” was unveiled on a first-and-10 snap. The play was a double pass with QB Medley tossing sideways to the towering Johnson, who was still lurking behind the line of scrimmage. Johnson, in turn, fired downfield to a speeding Phillips. He hit him in stride for an uncontested touchdown.
“We’ve been working on that, and, hey, that throw felt pretty good,” a beaming Johnson said. “I can throw a little.”
Newsome casually mentioned that the Wonders had more aces up their sleeves, but they backed off with the score mounting. Brown’s last points came when J.P. Lott galloped to the end zone with 2:23 left in the third quarter.
“We wanted to do a few more things and work on some things, but you’re kind of hampered a little bit when the score is out of hand like that,” Newsome said.
It was 21-0 after a quarter and 42-0 at halftime. When Brown broke a long scoring run for a TD with the score at 62-6, it appeared South would allow the most points it has ever surrendered in a football game, but a flag called the play back. The 56-point margin still was South’s most lopsided loss ever to the Wonders in a series that’s been maintained continuously since South opened in 1961. The previous most one-sided game was Brown’s 55-0 waltz in 2006. The Wonders won 63-12 in 2011. Trailing 49-0, South got on the board early in the third quarter when Nathan Lambert connected with Drew Glenn on a 70-yard pass play.
“A.L Brown is good — and that’s an understatement,” South coach Jason Rollins said. “But I thought our kids showed up to play tonight. Even when it went bad, they kept on playing, and I was proud of that. It wasn’t a situation where we looked lost. We were a much better team than we were a week ago.”
South’s Lambert, Antonio Hester and Dominique Garlin made some effective runs for double-digit yards, but the Raiders (0-2) never sustained a drive. Lambert threw for a net of 138 yards, but the Wonders pressured him into a 3-for-17 effort with a pick in the first half when it still mattered. Josh Medlin had four catches for 70 yards. Sophomore linebacker Burke Fulcher played well for South’s defense and recovered a fumble. Brown’s defense, which shut out Shelby in Week 1, was dominant. Lott had the pick. Kendall Holmes, Hamp Brown and Hunter Allman had sacks. Shakil Gore, Josh Caldwell and Malik Fowler had tackles for loss.
“Our offense was able to control the ball and our defense played very well,” Newsome said. “The touchdown that they got we just lost focus, and that can happen when you’ve got a big lead.”
Offensively, the Wonders did what they wanted when they wanted, Kalif Phillips blocked a punt, totaled 164 yards in rushes and receptions and scored three TDs as the Wonders (2-0) piled up 517 yards of offense. Medley threw a scoring pass to Johnson. Erik Amaya kicked eight PATs. A back named Pinkston — he answers to either Robert or Dante — ran for two scores. Ricky Sherrill, once the workhorse for South, did the heavy-duty work between the tackles and steamrolled for 91 yards on nine carries and scored a TD.
“We improved a little bit from our first game,” Johnson said. “What I liked is that even when we were up a bunch we kept on pushing.” -Salisbury Post
"FIK Players of the Game for Week #2"
"Defensive MVP for Week #2"
Gabe Lucero (LB)
"FIK Game Ball Performance for Week #2"
Friday Nights in K-Town's game ball performance goes to Wonder running back Kalif Phillips. Phillips rushed for seventy eight yards on five carries catching two passes for eighty six yards scoring four touchdowns for a total of 156 total offensive yards. Congratulations Kalif.
Kalif Phillips
Kalif Phillips
"Sights from Friday Nights Action"
"Week #3"
Kannapolis
vs
Rocky River
"Kannapolis-38 Rocky River-21
KANNAPOLIS, N.C. -- Kalif Phillips rushed for 251 yards and returned a kickoff for a touchdown to lead undefeated A.L. Brown to a 38-21 non conference win over Rocky River. The Ravens entered the game not only unbeaten but not having allowed a point in their first two games. But the Wonders (3-0) built a 28-9 halftime lead, then withstood a bid by the visitors’ balanced and big-play offense. Phillips started Kannapolis’ second possession by breaking a 65-yard scoring run. The first of Erik Amaya’s five PAT kicks put the Wonders ahead 7-0 with 4:59 to play in the first quarter. The Ravens averaged only 26 yards on five punts, and a 24-yard kick set Kannapolis up at the Rocky River 34-yard line. Quarterback Keenan Medley went four yards on third down for a 14-0 lead with 40 seconds left in the opening quarter.
Early in the second quarter, the Ravens had first-and-goal at the 1. But a wall of defenders held Rocky River to no gain on first down, then a five-yard penalty for illegal procedure set the Ravens back. Stops by linemen Shakil Gore and Tim Gallon led to a field goal, trimming the Wonders’ lead to 14-3. It didn’t stay that way for long. Phillips found an opening up the middle and ran 96 yards with the kickoff return for a 21-3 lead. After Rocky River quarterback Andre Rice broke an 80-yard scoring run, the Ravens were within 21-9. But the Wonders responded with an 80-yard drive, highlighted by Dante Pinkston’s 24-yard run and capped by Ricky Sherrill’s five-yard scoring run. With 41 seconds until halftime, the Wonders were ahead 28-9. The home team lost fumbles on its first two possessions of the second half, but Gore, fellow lineman Hunter Alman and linebacker Orlando Gray helped keep the Ravens from converting good field position.
Then, midway through the third quarter, the Wonders started from their 15. With Medley completing three passes to Keeon Johnson for a total of 33 yards, Kannapolis drove to a 37-yard field goal by Amaya and a 31-9 lead. This time, Rocky River answered quickly. Sidney Lawson returned the kickoff 92 yards and the Ravens trailed 31-15 with 32 seconds left in the quarter. With Rice passing to three different receivers, the Ravens went 65 yards in the fourth quarter to pull within 31-21 with 7:13 to play. But a two-point conversion pass fell incomplete. The Wonders turned to Phillips, who carried four times for 74 yards, finishing with a 49-yard highlight-reel run with 4:27 left to put the game away. (Independent Tribune)
Early in the second quarter, the Ravens had first-and-goal at the 1. But a wall of defenders held Rocky River to no gain on first down, then a five-yard penalty for illegal procedure set the Ravens back. Stops by linemen Shakil Gore and Tim Gallon led to a field goal, trimming the Wonders’ lead to 14-3. It didn’t stay that way for long. Phillips found an opening up the middle and ran 96 yards with the kickoff return for a 21-3 lead. After Rocky River quarterback Andre Rice broke an 80-yard scoring run, the Ravens were within 21-9. But the Wonders responded with an 80-yard drive, highlighted by Dante Pinkston’s 24-yard run and capped by Ricky Sherrill’s five-yard scoring run. With 41 seconds until halftime, the Wonders were ahead 28-9. The home team lost fumbles on its first two possessions of the second half, but Gore, fellow lineman Hunter Alman and linebacker Orlando Gray helped keep the Ravens from converting good field position.
Then, midway through the third quarter, the Wonders started from their 15. With Medley completing three passes to Keeon Johnson for a total of 33 yards, Kannapolis drove to a 37-yard field goal by Amaya and a 31-9 lead. This time, Rocky River answered quickly. Sidney Lawson returned the kickoff 92 yards and the Ravens trailed 31-15 with 32 seconds left in the quarter. With Rice passing to three different receivers, the Ravens went 65 yards in the fourth quarter to pull within 31-21 with 7:13 to play. But a two-point conversion pass fell incomplete. The Wonders turned to Phillips, who carried four times for 74 yards, finishing with a 49-yard highlight-reel run with 4:27 left to put the game away. (Independent Tribune)
"FIK Players of the Game for Week #3"
"Defensive MVP for Week #3"
Tim Gallon (DE)
3 1/2 Sacks
3 1/2 Sacks
"FIK Game Ball Performance for Week #3
Friday Nights in K-Town's game ball performance for week three of the regular season once again goes to Wonder running back Kalif Phillips. Phillips rushed nineteen times for 252 yards and two touchdowns. Of those two scores Phillips accounted for touchdown runs of sixty five and forty nine yards. Phillips also had the season's first kick off return for a touchdown of ninety six yards giving him three touchdowns for the evening. Congratulations Kalif on your second game ball for campaign 2012.
"Sights from Friday Nights Action"
"Week #4"
Kannapolis
vs
Porter Ridge
Kannapolis-14 Porter Ridge-41
KANNAPOLIS — A steady stream of well-wishers, all of them A.L. Brown fans, approached Blair Hardin in the minutes following Friday’s game. All in all, the Porter Ridge coach, once a state champion for the Wonders, found his return visit to Memorial Stadium to be a hospitable one. Down a score twice in the first half, the Class 4A Pirates roared back behind five unanswered touchdowns and hammered the Wonders for the second straight season, this time 41-14 in their first win inside Memorial Stadium. Hardin was a member of Brown’s 1997 state championship team and his father Bruce built the program into state power. He tried to downplay the significance of the victory in his return to Kannapolis, and those words might have resonated had it not been evident when he was addressing his players moments earlier how much the win meant.
“It’s a players’ game,” he said. “I was fortunate to grow up here and make great friends, but at the end of the day, our kids competed and played against a good football team. It’s a players’ game, and it always will be.
“The best thing about coming home is the people. … It’s just the memories and the people. It’s always good to see that “K.” Not from over there [pointing toward the visiting bench], but it’s always good to the see that “K.” The relationships we’ve built here as a family over the past 30 years [are amazing].”
The may start to fray if the Pirates’ domination over the Wonders (3-1) continues. In the first four meetings between the schools (2005-09), Brown won by an average of 43 points. That changed last year when Porter Ridge (4-0) handed the visiting Wonders a four-touchdown setback, their only regular-season loss A year hasn’t done much to change the status quo. Had Brown missed an extra point on Friday, the scores from 2011 and 2012 would have mirrored each other.
“If you had told me we were going to play the first half that we did and then play the second half that we did, I would have said, ‘No way,’” Brown coach Mike Newsome said. “We played a great first half and then just made too many mistakes in the second half.”
The mistakes actually started at the tail end of the first half. Down 14-7, Porter Ridge blocked a 43-yard field goal attempt from Brown’s Erik Amaya with 3:29 left in the first half. Facing three-and-28 on the ensuing drive, the Pirates gained 27 yards on third down and then converted the forthcoming fourth-and-1, setting the stage for Zach Danielson’s 27-yard, game-tying touchdown pass to Jerrick Robbins with 10 seconds left in the half.
“We always preach to our kids to make plays,” Hardin said. “We had kids step up tonight and do that with the blocked field goal. We made a few blocks, a few catches and a few tackles. Overall, it was a great team effort.”
After forcing a three-and-out on Brown’s first drive of the second half, the Pirates dominated until the final whistle. They gained 35 rushing yards on their first three snaps of the half, setting the tone for a 24 minutes that saw them run the ball at will against Brown’s vaunted defense. Porter Ridge rushed for 264 yards, averaging 5.7 per carry. Porter Ridge quarterback Nick Vagnone, who rotated with Danielson, opened the second-half scoring with a 16-yard touchdown pass to Luke Bayly. Three rushing scores then put the game out of reach. One of them was scored by Robbins, who caught a score, ran for a score and had two interceptions.
“The snowball just got rolling and got bigger and bigger,” Newsome said of the second half. “I thought our defense play great, even though they were scoring in the second half. We put their backs against the wall turning the ball over.
“We’ll learn from our mistakes. The best thing is they’ll go play in the 4A playoffs and we’ll be in the 3A playoffs.” -Salisbury Post
“It’s a players’ game,” he said. “I was fortunate to grow up here and make great friends, but at the end of the day, our kids competed and played against a good football team. It’s a players’ game, and it always will be.
“The best thing about coming home is the people. … It’s just the memories and the people. It’s always good to see that “K.” Not from over there [pointing toward the visiting bench], but it’s always good to the see that “K.” The relationships we’ve built here as a family over the past 30 years [are amazing].”
The may start to fray if the Pirates’ domination over the Wonders (3-1) continues. In the first four meetings between the schools (2005-09), Brown won by an average of 43 points. That changed last year when Porter Ridge (4-0) handed the visiting Wonders a four-touchdown setback, their only regular-season loss A year hasn’t done much to change the status quo. Had Brown missed an extra point on Friday, the scores from 2011 and 2012 would have mirrored each other.
“If you had told me we were going to play the first half that we did and then play the second half that we did, I would have said, ‘No way,’” Brown coach Mike Newsome said. “We played a great first half and then just made too many mistakes in the second half.”
The mistakes actually started at the tail end of the first half. Down 14-7, Porter Ridge blocked a 43-yard field goal attempt from Brown’s Erik Amaya with 3:29 left in the first half. Facing three-and-28 on the ensuing drive, the Pirates gained 27 yards on third down and then converted the forthcoming fourth-and-1, setting the stage for Zach Danielson’s 27-yard, game-tying touchdown pass to Jerrick Robbins with 10 seconds left in the half.
“We always preach to our kids to make plays,” Hardin said. “We had kids step up tonight and do that with the blocked field goal. We made a few blocks, a few catches and a few tackles. Overall, it was a great team effort.”
After forcing a three-and-out on Brown’s first drive of the second half, the Pirates dominated until the final whistle. They gained 35 rushing yards on their first three snaps of the half, setting the tone for a 24 minutes that saw them run the ball at will against Brown’s vaunted defense. Porter Ridge rushed for 264 yards, averaging 5.7 per carry. Porter Ridge quarterback Nick Vagnone, who rotated with Danielson, opened the second-half scoring with a 16-yard touchdown pass to Luke Bayly. Three rushing scores then put the game out of reach. One of them was scored by Robbins, who caught a score, ran for a score and had two interceptions.
“The snowball just got rolling and got bigger and bigger,” Newsome said of the second half. “I thought our defense play great, even though they were scoring in the second half. We put their backs against the wall turning the ball over.
“We’ll learn from our mistakes. The best thing is they’ll go play in the 4A playoffs and we’ll be in the 3A playoffs.” -Salisbury Post
"FIK Players of the Game for Week #4"
"Defensive MVP for Week #4"
Hunter Allman (DT)
"FIK Gameball Performance for Week #4"
The fourth game ball performance goes to the entire Wonder defensive unit. The Wonder defensive line played stellar in the first half holding down the powerful Pirate offense. In spite of the final outcome the Wonder defensive line played with poise and character earning them the game ball for week four. Congratulation Wonder D-line.
"Sights From Friday Night's Action"
Week #5
Kannapolis
VS
J.M. Robinson
"Conference Play Begins"
Kannapolis-69 J.M. Robinson-21
KANNAPOLIS, N.C. -- Kalif Phillips scored four touchdowns and Keenan Medley threw four touchdown passes Friday night as A.L. Brown opened defense of its South Piedmont Conference title with a 69-21 win over Jay M. Robinson. Robinson (2-3) led 7-0 after a 40-yard trick pass play from Darien Williams to Devon Gilbert set up Ramon Escano’s 12-yard scoring run. But not even an injury early in the game that sidelined Wonders’ running back Ricky Sherrill could slow the Kannapolis offense, which rushed for 438 yards and passed for 156. Phillips scored three consecutive touchdowns of 9, 72 and 10 yards as the Wonders (4-1) went up 38-7 before the second quarter was halfway over. He caught a 32-yard scoring pass from Medley to tie the game 7-7.
Medley also threw touchdown passes of 12 and 10 yards to Johnny Delahoussaey, and a 14-yarder to David Harris. Medley scored on a three-yard run and Nafiz Drayton broke a 30-yard TD run.
“The more we throw, I think the better I’m getting,” Medley said. “The offense is starting to pick up. I’m getting great protection from the offensive line, and that’s helping me out a lot.”
“He played phenomenally tonight, and we need him to play like that the rest of the season,” Wonders coach Mike Newsome said. “I couldn’t be more proud of him. I’m as hard as you can get on quarterbacks, and he gets it a lot from me. Sometimes I expect too much out of him, but tonight he rose to the challenge.”
J.P. Lott rushed for 150 yards on 10 carries to take game honors. Phillips carried 16 times for 123 yards.
“When Ricky Sherrill went out with injury, we had to move Kalif back to where Ricky played and then J.P. comes in for Kalif’s spot,” Newsome said. “That’s our rotation if we get any of those guys injured. We just can’t afford injuries. We’re so thin at our skill positions.”
Williams led Robinson with 112 yards on 11 tries. Erik Amaya, in addition to converting 8-of-8 PATs (Luke Hill kicked the ninth one), kicked field goals of 35 and 30 yards. Robinson scored in the second quarter on Williams’ 38-yard run and added a fourth-quarter score when Alex Thornton threw a 58-yard bomb to Carl Tucker. Medley passed for all 156 Kannapolis yards, while Thornton threw for 147 yards.
“I see a lot of guys looking up to me,” Medley said. “Coaches tell me it’s a big position. I’ve got a little brother and everything. So I just take all that in and try to use it on the field. I know a lot of people are watching. Some things negative; some things positive. I’m just blessed to be the quarterback forKannapolis. I’m loving it.”
Daveon Perry intercepted two passes and Orlando Gray added a pick for the Wonders, who played without injured receiver Keeon Johnson.
“He got hurt the week before (the Porter Ridge game),” Newsome said. “We don’t think it’s a big deal. I think it’s like turf toe. Hopefully we’ll get him back next week or the week after.”
One week after losing to Porter Ridge 41-14, the Wonders rebounded, just as they did a year ago in the same circumstance.
“One thing we really wanted to work on is elimination of turnovers,” Newsome said. “I think we were great at doing that. The big key for us was the quarterback-center exchange. We got that figured out (after struggling against Porter Ridge). I’m proud of our kids for coming together as a team and getting past that loss.”
-The Independent Tribune
Medley also threw touchdown passes of 12 and 10 yards to Johnny Delahoussaey, and a 14-yarder to David Harris. Medley scored on a three-yard run and Nafiz Drayton broke a 30-yard TD run.
“The more we throw, I think the better I’m getting,” Medley said. “The offense is starting to pick up. I’m getting great protection from the offensive line, and that’s helping me out a lot.”
“He played phenomenally tonight, and we need him to play like that the rest of the season,” Wonders coach Mike Newsome said. “I couldn’t be more proud of him. I’m as hard as you can get on quarterbacks, and he gets it a lot from me. Sometimes I expect too much out of him, but tonight he rose to the challenge.”
J.P. Lott rushed for 150 yards on 10 carries to take game honors. Phillips carried 16 times for 123 yards.
“When Ricky Sherrill went out with injury, we had to move Kalif back to where Ricky played and then J.P. comes in for Kalif’s spot,” Newsome said. “That’s our rotation if we get any of those guys injured. We just can’t afford injuries. We’re so thin at our skill positions.”
Williams led Robinson with 112 yards on 11 tries. Erik Amaya, in addition to converting 8-of-8 PATs (Luke Hill kicked the ninth one), kicked field goals of 35 and 30 yards. Robinson scored in the second quarter on Williams’ 38-yard run and added a fourth-quarter score when Alex Thornton threw a 58-yard bomb to Carl Tucker. Medley passed for all 156 Kannapolis yards, while Thornton threw for 147 yards.
“I see a lot of guys looking up to me,” Medley said. “Coaches tell me it’s a big position. I’ve got a little brother and everything. So I just take all that in and try to use it on the field. I know a lot of people are watching. Some things negative; some things positive. I’m just blessed to be the quarterback forKannapolis. I’m loving it.”
Daveon Perry intercepted two passes and Orlando Gray added a pick for the Wonders, who played without injured receiver Keeon Johnson.
“He got hurt the week before (the Porter Ridge game),” Newsome said. “We don’t think it’s a big deal. I think it’s like turf toe. Hopefully we’ll get him back next week or the week after.”
One week after losing to Porter Ridge 41-14, the Wonders rebounded, just as they did a year ago in the same circumstance.
“One thing we really wanted to work on is elimination of turnovers,” Newsome said. “I think we were great at doing that. The big key for us was the quarterback-center exchange. We got that figured out (after struggling against Porter Ridge). I’m proud of our kids for coming together as a team and getting past that loss.”
-The Independent Tribune
"FIK Players of the Game for Week #5"
"Defensive MVP for Week #5"
Daveon Perry (DB)
Two Pass Interceptions
Two Pass Interceptions
"FIK Game Ball Performance for Week #5"
The FIK game ball performance for week #5 of the 2012 varsity football season goes to Wonder runningback J.P. Lott who rushed ten times for 156 yards for his best outing of the 2012 campaign. Congratulations to JP on a great performance.
J.P. Lott
"Sights From Friday Night's Action"
Week #6
Kannapolis
VS
Central Cabarrus
Kannapolis-39 Central Cabarrus-7
CONCORD - The injuries keep mounting for A.L. Brown's star players. But, luckily for the Wonders, new stars are emerging in their absence. Brown was already without gifted receiver Keeon Johnson and lost game-changing tailback Kalif Phillips in the first half Friday, but their replacements more than picked up the slack in a 39-7 win over Central Cabarrus. Phillips finished with 110 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown on 11 touches. Yet, his senior campaign was slowed to a halt late in the first half, when he limped to the sideline and pulled himself out of the game with a left foot injury. Trainers were helping him to the locker room minutes later.
"I'll be back," said Phillips, who was expected to play a big role with Johnson missing his second straight game. "I don't know when I'll be back, but I'll be ready to play like always."
Brown (5-1, 2-0 SPC) coach Mike Newsome likely had serious concerns when Phillips limped to the locker room, but his offense didn't really miss a beat. Defensive dynamo J.P. Lott made a cameo at tailback and scored on a pivotal, 12-yard touchdown run with 36 seconds left in the first half, putting the Wonders up 17-7.
In the second half, backup tailback Ricky Sherrill, the bruising back in the Wonders' stable, and the Brown passing game, which has been hit or miss all season long, picked up the slack and put the game away.
"[Kalif] was out and they put the ball in my hands," said Sherrill, who finished with 104 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries, 15 of them in the second half. "We had to drive the ball down the ball. It was a long drive. We had to fight for it. They weren't giving up."
On the 13th play of a Brown drive that spanned the third and fourth quarters, Sherrill scored his first touchdown on a one-yard run. Less than two minutes later, he scored on a five-yard run. Up 33-7, Brown added a late touchdown pass from quarterback Keenan Medley to Johnny Delahoussaey. That was Medley's last throw. He finished with 176 yards on 9-of-14 passing, but Central Cabarrus coach Donnie Kiefer was obviously perturbed with Newsome's decision to throw the ball with the game already decided. After the touchdown, he stared down the Wonders bench for 90-plus seconds, outstretching his arms almost as if to ask: "Why?"
"That's their prerogative," Kiefer said. "They can do what they want. I'm not going to whine about it. I'm not going to cry about it. I hate that we gave up the deep balls. I'm not saying anything about them throwing them. I hate that we let them get behind us."
The Vikings (4-2, 0-2 SPC) put the Wonders in a hole early, making it apparent on the game's opening drive that Brown would have to work to extend its dominance in this series. The Wonders are now 24-0 against their cross-county rival. Central Cabarrus gained 43 yards on its first three offensive snaps and drove to the Wonders' 5 after a pass interference penalty, setting up Klugh's touchdown pass to Kenny Purvis. Klugh and Purvis were dangerous throughout the first half, racking up 104 rushing yards. But the momentum began to swing after Purvis left the game with a second-quarter injury. He didn't return, and neither did Central Cabarrus' ability to move the ball. The Vikings had just 201 total yards and many of them came late in the game.The Wonders had 412 yards and 20 first downs. Sherrill, who entered the game nursing a previous injury, led a running game that finished with 236 yards.
"We just told Ricky in the locker room that he was going to have to carry the load," said Newsome, who listed Phillips and Johnson as week to week. "He's had to do that in a couple of games. He stepped up as well tonight as he could. Coming off an injury, some guys might play a little timid. Not Ricky. I was proud of him."
"I'll be back," said Phillips, who was expected to play a big role with Johnson missing his second straight game. "I don't know when I'll be back, but I'll be ready to play like always."
Brown (5-1, 2-0 SPC) coach Mike Newsome likely had serious concerns when Phillips limped to the locker room, but his offense didn't really miss a beat. Defensive dynamo J.P. Lott made a cameo at tailback and scored on a pivotal, 12-yard touchdown run with 36 seconds left in the first half, putting the Wonders up 17-7.
In the second half, backup tailback Ricky Sherrill, the bruising back in the Wonders' stable, and the Brown passing game, which has been hit or miss all season long, picked up the slack and put the game away.
"[Kalif] was out and they put the ball in my hands," said Sherrill, who finished with 104 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries, 15 of them in the second half. "We had to drive the ball down the ball. It was a long drive. We had to fight for it. They weren't giving up."
On the 13th play of a Brown drive that spanned the third and fourth quarters, Sherrill scored his first touchdown on a one-yard run. Less than two minutes later, he scored on a five-yard run. Up 33-7, Brown added a late touchdown pass from quarterback Keenan Medley to Johnny Delahoussaey. That was Medley's last throw. He finished with 176 yards on 9-of-14 passing, but Central Cabarrus coach Donnie Kiefer was obviously perturbed with Newsome's decision to throw the ball with the game already decided. After the touchdown, he stared down the Wonders bench for 90-plus seconds, outstretching his arms almost as if to ask: "Why?"
"That's their prerogative," Kiefer said. "They can do what they want. I'm not going to whine about it. I'm not going to cry about it. I hate that we gave up the deep balls. I'm not saying anything about them throwing them. I hate that we let them get behind us."
The Vikings (4-2, 0-2 SPC) put the Wonders in a hole early, making it apparent on the game's opening drive that Brown would have to work to extend its dominance in this series. The Wonders are now 24-0 against their cross-county rival. Central Cabarrus gained 43 yards on its first three offensive snaps and drove to the Wonders' 5 after a pass interference penalty, setting up Klugh's touchdown pass to Kenny Purvis. Klugh and Purvis were dangerous throughout the first half, racking up 104 rushing yards. But the momentum began to swing after Purvis left the game with a second-quarter injury. He didn't return, and neither did Central Cabarrus' ability to move the ball. The Vikings had just 201 total yards and many of them came late in the game.The Wonders had 412 yards and 20 first downs. Sherrill, who entered the game nursing a previous injury, led a running game that finished with 236 yards.
"We just told Ricky in the locker room that he was going to have to carry the load," said Newsome, who listed Phillips and Johnson as week to week. "He's had to do that in a couple of games. He stepped up as well tonight as he could. Coming off an injury, some guys might play a little timid. Not Ricky. I was proud of him."
"FIK Players of the Game for Week #6"
"FIK Game Ball Performance for Week #6"
The FIK Game Ball Performance for week #6 goes to Wonder athlete Johnny Delahoussaey. Delahoussaey
Johnny Delahoussaey
"Sights from Friday Night's Action"
"Week #7"
Kannapolis
VS
Cox Mill
Kannapolis-38 Cox Mill-34
CONCORD - A number of A.L. Brown Wonders have had the chance to play hero this season. Keenan Medley finally got his on Friday. Receiver Keeon Johnson and tailback Kalif Phillips, both among the best in the state at their positions, were expected to routinely fill that role, but injuries have derailed their seasons. Neither played on Friday. Still, a number of Wonders have been capable of filling in for their big-play abilities, and Medley was the latest to fill the void in a 38-34 South Piedmont Conference win over Cox Mill.
He scrambled for a 23-yard touchdown with 1:19 left, saving the Wonders from an upset against the big-play Chargers. Brown's defense held on fourth-and-11 from the Cox Mill 41 to preserve the win on the ensuing drive.
Brown tailback Ricky Sherrill rushed for 225 yards and J.P. Lott had 121, but it was Medley who made the big play when the Wonders needed it most. He dropped back to pass on first-and-10 from the Cox Mill 23, but pressure forced him to scramble out of the pocket to his right. Two defenders had an angle on him, but he turned the corner on them, tight-roped the sideline and dove over a Cox Mill defensive back into the end zone for the winning score. It was a fitting conclusion for Medley, who has steadily grown as a quarterback and leader over the course of his first season under center.
"I just wanted to make a play for the team," he said. "I was going to do whatever it took. I couldn't really find anybody open on that last play. I knew I could move the ball with my feet. It happened so fast I can barely remember what happened.This win just shows we've got resiliency. Even when things aren't going well, we are going to work hard. It goes back to the summer and the way we trained for this season."
This was certainly a battle of will for the Wonders. Down 21-7 at one point in the first half, they battled back to take a 31-21 lead three and a half minutes into the fourth quarter on Erik Amaya's field goal. Yet, the Chargers wouldn't go away, scoring consecutive touchdowns to go up 34-31. But Brown ran the ball at will all night, and Cox Mill's defense was vulnerable again in the game's final minutes.
"Adversity will teach you a lot of things," Brown coach Mike Newsome said. "It's always better when you can fight through that adversity and still get in the win column."
Cox Mill quarterback Kelly Hall and receiver Ryan Hill nearly ended the Wonders' reign of dominance in the SPC. Hall threw for 305 yards and four touchdowns, completing 65 percent of his passes. Most of them went to Hill, who caught 10 passes, including all four scores, for 181 yards. Hill's 45-yard scoring reception with 3:19 left had given the Chargers the three-point lead that Medley cruelly snatched away exactly two minutes later. Hill also had touchdown catches of 19, 62 and 16 yards. He and Hall were practically unstoppable for most of the night. Hall, coolly running Cox Mill's spread option offense, rushed for another 91 yards, helping the Chargers gain 545 total yards. They outgained the Wonders by 20 yards, but Brown rushed for 451 yards, controlling the ball and slowly wearing down the home team.
"We fought and fought and fought," Cox Mill coach Greg Neuendorf said. "I couldn't be prouder of these kids. It's the toughest group of kids I've ever coached."
This game had a different feeling from the moment it finally kicked off. Delayed nearly an hour, the Chargers immediately made it obvious that they'd be no pushover. Linebacker Devin Martin picked off Medley and returned the interception 53 yards, opening the curtain on the Hall-to-Hill show. The Chargers quarterback gained 27 yards on four consecutive rushes to open the ensuing drive before throwing a 19-yard touchdown pass to Hill. It was just the beginning of their theatrics. Hall was 10-of-12 passing in the first half for 220 yards and three touchdowns. He started the game 7-for-7 and also rushed for 44 yards before halftime. All three touchdowns went to Hill, the senior receiver, who torched Brown's secondary for 113 yards on five first-half catches.
It took the Wonders just one play to answer Hill's first touchdown. Lott, the defensive stalwart playing a little more offense due to injuries, tied the score with a 64-yard touchdown run on the next play from scrimmage. But three plays later, Hill was back in the end zone, this time on a 62-yard score. His 16-yard touchdown strike put the Chargers up 21-7 four minutes into the second quarter, but Brown answered on the next drive with a touchdown pass to Robert Pinkston. Cox Mill had 303 total yards in the first half. The Wonders had 260 of their own, but 53 of them came on Medley's 53-yard quarterback draw on the last play of the first half. He scampered deep into Cox Mill territory but was brought down at the 10.
He scrambled for a 23-yard touchdown with 1:19 left, saving the Wonders from an upset against the big-play Chargers. Brown's defense held on fourth-and-11 from the Cox Mill 41 to preserve the win on the ensuing drive.
Brown tailback Ricky Sherrill rushed for 225 yards and J.P. Lott had 121, but it was Medley who made the big play when the Wonders needed it most. He dropped back to pass on first-and-10 from the Cox Mill 23, but pressure forced him to scramble out of the pocket to his right. Two defenders had an angle on him, but he turned the corner on them, tight-roped the sideline and dove over a Cox Mill defensive back into the end zone for the winning score. It was a fitting conclusion for Medley, who has steadily grown as a quarterback and leader over the course of his first season under center.
"I just wanted to make a play for the team," he said. "I was going to do whatever it took. I couldn't really find anybody open on that last play. I knew I could move the ball with my feet. It happened so fast I can barely remember what happened.This win just shows we've got resiliency. Even when things aren't going well, we are going to work hard. It goes back to the summer and the way we trained for this season."
This was certainly a battle of will for the Wonders. Down 21-7 at one point in the first half, they battled back to take a 31-21 lead three and a half minutes into the fourth quarter on Erik Amaya's field goal. Yet, the Chargers wouldn't go away, scoring consecutive touchdowns to go up 34-31. But Brown ran the ball at will all night, and Cox Mill's defense was vulnerable again in the game's final minutes.
"Adversity will teach you a lot of things," Brown coach Mike Newsome said. "It's always better when you can fight through that adversity and still get in the win column."
Cox Mill quarterback Kelly Hall and receiver Ryan Hill nearly ended the Wonders' reign of dominance in the SPC. Hall threw for 305 yards and four touchdowns, completing 65 percent of his passes. Most of them went to Hill, who caught 10 passes, including all four scores, for 181 yards. Hill's 45-yard scoring reception with 3:19 left had given the Chargers the three-point lead that Medley cruelly snatched away exactly two minutes later. Hill also had touchdown catches of 19, 62 and 16 yards. He and Hall were practically unstoppable for most of the night. Hall, coolly running Cox Mill's spread option offense, rushed for another 91 yards, helping the Chargers gain 545 total yards. They outgained the Wonders by 20 yards, but Brown rushed for 451 yards, controlling the ball and slowly wearing down the home team.
"We fought and fought and fought," Cox Mill coach Greg Neuendorf said. "I couldn't be prouder of these kids. It's the toughest group of kids I've ever coached."
This game had a different feeling from the moment it finally kicked off. Delayed nearly an hour, the Chargers immediately made it obvious that they'd be no pushover. Linebacker Devin Martin picked off Medley and returned the interception 53 yards, opening the curtain on the Hall-to-Hill show. The Chargers quarterback gained 27 yards on four consecutive rushes to open the ensuing drive before throwing a 19-yard touchdown pass to Hill. It was just the beginning of their theatrics. Hall was 10-of-12 passing in the first half for 220 yards and three touchdowns. He started the game 7-for-7 and also rushed for 44 yards before halftime. All three touchdowns went to Hill, the senior receiver, who torched Brown's secondary for 113 yards on five first-half catches.
It took the Wonders just one play to answer Hill's first touchdown. Lott, the defensive stalwart playing a little more offense due to injuries, tied the score with a 64-yard touchdown run on the next play from scrimmage. But three plays later, Hill was back in the end zone, this time on a 62-yard score. His 16-yard touchdown strike put the Chargers up 21-7 four minutes into the second quarter, but Brown answered on the next drive with a touchdown pass to Robert Pinkston. Cox Mill had 303 total yards in the first half. The Wonders had 260 of their own, but 53 of them came on Medley's 53-yard quarterback draw on the last play of the first half. He scampered deep into Cox Mill territory but was brought down at the 10.
"FIK Players of the Game for Week #7"
"FIK Game Ball Performance for Week #7"
The FIK Game Ball Performance for week #7 goes to Wonder QB Kenan Medley. Medley rushed for 107 yards on seven carries and scored two touchdown on runs of twenty eight and twenty three yards which includes the game winning score. Congratulations Kenan on an excellent performance.
Keenan Medley
"Sights From Friday Night's Action"
"Week #8"
Kannapolis
VS
Mt Pleasant
Kannapolis-49 Mt Pleasant-14
KANNAPOLIS - The way this season is going, A.L. Brown coach Mike Newsome will have a medical degree by the time the Wonders start their 2012 playoff run.Already dealing with injuries to standout receiver Keeon Johnson and tailback Kalif Phillips, the Wonders were dealt perhaps an even more significant blow in Friday's 49-14 South Piedmont Conference win over Mount Pleasant. After a rather innocuous three-yard, second-quarter scramble, senior quarterback Keenan Medley limped to the sideline with a right ankle injury and did not return.
"I think I need somebody to start laying hands on these kids or something," Newsome said. "[We're] definitely finding that injury bug. Right now it's a tough time to be hit with it or bit with it. But our kids keep stepping up."
The Wonders, who built a four-touchdown lead in the first half, certainly didn't need Medley against the Tigers, but much stiffer challenges await, especially if they are going to advance deep into the playoffs as they did in Newsome's first campaign last season. Medley's progression as a passing quarterback was starting to mirror that of 2011 starter Brandon Eppinger, who struggled early but became a dynamic passer as the season aged. Medley was beginning to show the same maturity. He threw for 70 yards before the injury Friday, including two perfectly flighted passes to receiver Robert Pinkston that led to long gains on the Wonders' first two scoring drives. Junior Andrew Ramirez, who has mostly appeared in mop-up duty the last two seasons, took over at quarterback after the injury, but the Wonders relied heavily on their running game, partially due to Ramirez's inexperience but also their big lead. Medley sat dejectedly on the bench for the rest of the second quarter and was on crutches when he reemerged from the locker room midway through the third quarter.
"I just got my ankle rolled up on," Medley said. "It just happened so fast I couldn't even really explain it to the trainers. I just knew that my ankle was hurting really bad. I think I should be fine. The trainers will take care of it. There is a bad luck thing going around here. I don't know what it is. But we're going to find a way to win games like we did today."
Despite Medley's injury, the Wonders (7-1, 4-0 SPC) had little trouble with the Tigers (3-5, 0-4 SPC) and extended their SPC winning streak to 18 games. After punting on their first drive - two penalties derailed that drive, a problem that's becoming more frequent for Brown - the Wonders did pretty much whatever they wanted on offense for the rest of the first half. The outgained the Tigers 136-14 in the first quarter and 222-80 in the first half. Brown led 28-0 at the half on the strength of rushing touchdowns from Ricky Sherrill (two), Pinkston and J.P. Lott, a two-way dynamo whose role in the offense figures to expand even more if Medley's injury is significant.
"Defensively we were on the field the entire first half, and they started wearing us down a little bit," Mount Pleasant coach Michael Johns said. "… We fought in the second half, but we had a couple of bad plays."
The Tigers were much improved in the second half, showing an ability to move the ball through the air and on the ground. Quarterback Michael Bingham's second passing touchdown cut Brown's lead to 35-14 late in the third quarter, and Mount Pleasant had a chance to pull closer after blocking a fourth quarter punt. However, the Tigers fumbled on their next play, and Brown polished off the win with two late touchdowns. Depending on Medley's status, the Wonder could be getting healthy for the stretch run. Phillips dressed on Friday but did not play. Johnson did not dress and continues to wear a protective boot on his injury left foot.
"I feel really good about No. 17 being back next week," Newsome said of Phillips. "That'll make a big difference. … Keeon is probably still out another week or two. His doctor's appointment this week didn't go as well as we had hoped."
"I think I need somebody to start laying hands on these kids or something," Newsome said. "[We're] definitely finding that injury bug. Right now it's a tough time to be hit with it or bit with it. But our kids keep stepping up."
The Wonders, who built a four-touchdown lead in the first half, certainly didn't need Medley against the Tigers, but much stiffer challenges await, especially if they are going to advance deep into the playoffs as they did in Newsome's first campaign last season. Medley's progression as a passing quarterback was starting to mirror that of 2011 starter Brandon Eppinger, who struggled early but became a dynamic passer as the season aged. Medley was beginning to show the same maturity. He threw for 70 yards before the injury Friday, including two perfectly flighted passes to receiver Robert Pinkston that led to long gains on the Wonders' first two scoring drives. Junior Andrew Ramirez, who has mostly appeared in mop-up duty the last two seasons, took over at quarterback after the injury, but the Wonders relied heavily on their running game, partially due to Ramirez's inexperience but also their big lead. Medley sat dejectedly on the bench for the rest of the second quarter and was on crutches when he reemerged from the locker room midway through the third quarter.
"I just got my ankle rolled up on," Medley said. "It just happened so fast I couldn't even really explain it to the trainers. I just knew that my ankle was hurting really bad. I think I should be fine. The trainers will take care of it. There is a bad luck thing going around here. I don't know what it is. But we're going to find a way to win games like we did today."
Despite Medley's injury, the Wonders (7-1, 4-0 SPC) had little trouble with the Tigers (3-5, 0-4 SPC) and extended their SPC winning streak to 18 games. After punting on their first drive - two penalties derailed that drive, a problem that's becoming more frequent for Brown - the Wonders did pretty much whatever they wanted on offense for the rest of the first half. The outgained the Tigers 136-14 in the first quarter and 222-80 in the first half. Brown led 28-0 at the half on the strength of rushing touchdowns from Ricky Sherrill (two), Pinkston and J.P. Lott, a two-way dynamo whose role in the offense figures to expand even more if Medley's injury is significant.
"Defensively we were on the field the entire first half, and they started wearing us down a little bit," Mount Pleasant coach Michael Johns said. "… We fought in the second half, but we had a couple of bad plays."
The Tigers were much improved in the second half, showing an ability to move the ball through the air and on the ground. Quarterback Michael Bingham's second passing touchdown cut Brown's lead to 35-14 late in the third quarter, and Mount Pleasant had a chance to pull closer after blocking a fourth quarter punt. However, the Tigers fumbled on their next play, and Brown polished off the win with two late touchdowns. Depending on Medley's status, the Wonder could be getting healthy for the stretch run. Phillips dressed on Friday but did not play. Johnson did not dress and continues to wear a protective boot on his injury left foot.
"I feel really good about No. 17 being back next week," Newsome said of Phillips. "That'll make a big difference. … Keeon is probably still out another week or two. His doctor's appointment this week didn't go as well as we had hoped."
"FIK Players of the Game for Week #8"
"FIK Game Ball Performance for Week #8"
Friday Night in K-Town's Game Ball Performance for week #8 goes to Wonder backup quarterback Andrew Ramirez. Ramirez came in the second half after Keenan Medley went down with an ankle injury to guide the Wonders on to victory. Ramirez went 3 of 6 in the passing department throwing one touchdown pass to Gabe Lucero. Congratulations Andrew for stepping up when called upon.
Andrew Ramirez
Andrew Ramirez
"Sights From Friday Night's Action"
Week #9
Kannapolis
VS
Hickory Ridge
Kannapolis-42 Hickory Ridge-63
"A Dubious Distinction"
HARRISBURG - As it turned out there were two caped protagonists on the field, one playing the role of Superman and the other the role of a magician. But the narrative likely didn't play out the way you would have figured. Hickory Ridge quarterback Nick Tyson put on a magic show and pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Cabarrus County history Friday, leading the Ragin' Bulls to a 63-42 win over A.L. Brown that handed them control of the South Piedmont Conference race and countywide bragging rights. It was Brown's first loss to a county team other than Concord since 1976.
Days after he was named to the North Carolina Shrine Bowl team, Wonders (7-2, 4-1 SPC) tailback Kalif Phillips returned from injury and stepped right back into his role as an unstoppable force. He rushed for 214 yards and two touchdowns while also catching two passes for 94 yards and another score. Yet, it was Tyson, the diminutive dynamo who stands just 5-foot-8, 158 pounds, who stole the show. He rushed for 154 yards and four touchdowns on 28 carries, most of them coming out of the option. And he completed 8-of-12 passes for 223 yards and two more scores. The final numbers were staggering, but it was how Tyson accrued them that was so impressive. He created plays when there seemingly was no opportunity to do so, slipping by tacklers and threading the needle through the air.
"In my 12 years of coaching I've never had a kid that could lead a team and take control of a game, yet distribute the ball to everyone," said Hickory Ridge (8-1, 5-0 SPC) coach Marty Paxton, whose team got 125 rushing yards from Romello Barnett and 132 receiving yards from Nick Mullen.
It was Tyson's magical shuffle pass to Mullen midway through fourth quarter that swung the momentum for the final time. Facing second-and-11, Tyson scrambled for yards but somehow managed to pitch the ball to Mullen just before crossing the line of scrimmage and getting sandwiched by two defenders. Mullen gained 37 yards, and five players later, Tyson scored the winning points on a one-yard touchdown run. Tyson iced the game two drives later, tossing a 24-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-8 to Nick Frazier, who was surrounded by three defenders on the play. Yet, none of them could get to Tyson's pass, allowing Frazier to pull it in and cruise into the end zone to start the celebration early.
"It means a lot," Tyson said of the win as Hickory Ridge's student body rushed the field. "It's great to be on top of the conference. We've been working so hard this summer. This is so awesome. This is the best feeling ever.
"We work on scramble drills. It's hard to stop when we get rolling. Not many teams can stop us. That's one of the best teams in the state. … I just love my team."
Brown coach Mike Newsome loves his team, too, but the Wonders haven't been as dominant this season as they were in 2011. Though they've still beaten less talented opponents rather handily, there were signs that an upset was potentially in the making, especially with quarterback Keenan Medley and receiver Keeon Johnson still on the injured list. Yet, Brown didn't have trouble scoring points on Friday. It was the defense that struggled.
"We had opportunities to get them stopped and just didn't get them stopped on defense," Newsome said. "It's tough to score 42 points and not win. Hats off to Hickory Ridge. Coach did a great job. We didn't play well. We didn't tackle well. We didn't play the fundamentals of football very well.
"We just killed ourselves. That's not to take anything away from Hickory Ridge, but we killed ourselves with missed tackles."
It looked for a while like the Wonders would survive the upset bid. Down 21-7 at one point, they stormed back to score the final two touchdowns of the first half on a touchdown run and reception from Phillips. The second touchdown was especially painful for Hickory Ridge because a drive earlier, the Ragin' Bulls had Tyson's 56-yard touchdown pass and then his 61-yard touchdown run called back by penalty. Brown was in the driver's seat after Phillips scored for a third time on a 16-yard touchdown scamper to open the second half, giving the Wonders a 35-28 lead with all the momentum.
"I'm thinking uh-oh," Paxton said. "… But there were a lot of seniors out there. They were a part of our game up there last year. They really wanted this game. But it was nerve-wracking at the time."
The game was tied at 28-all, 35-all and then 42-all before the Ragin' Bulls finally put the game away. This was thought to be the most points A.L. Brown has ever given up.
Days after he was named to the North Carolina Shrine Bowl team, Wonders (7-2, 4-1 SPC) tailback Kalif Phillips returned from injury and stepped right back into his role as an unstoppable force. He rushed for 214 yards and two touchdowns while also catching two passes for 94 yards and another score. Yet, it was Tyson, the diminutive dynamo who stands just 5-foot-8, 158 pounds, who stole the show. He rushed for 154 yards and four touchdowns on 28 carries, most of them coming out of the option. And he completed 8-of-12 passes for 223 yards and two more scores. The final numbers were staggering, but it was how Tyson accrued them that was so impressive. He created plays when there seemingly was no opportunity to do so, slipping by tacklers and threading the needle through the air.
"In my 12 years of coaching I've never had a kid that could lead a team and take control of a game, yet distribute the ball to everyone," said Hickory Ridge (8-1, 5-0 SPC) coach Marty Paxton, whose team got 125 rushing yards from Romello Barnett and 132 receiving yards from Nick Mullen.
It was Tyson's magical shuffle pass to Mullen midway through fourth quarter that swung the momentum for the final time. Facing second-and-11, Tyson scrambled for yards but somehow managed to pitch the ball to Mullen just before crossing the line of scrimmage and getting sandwiched by two defenders. Mullen gained 37 yards, and five players later, Tyson scored the winning points on a one-yard touchdown run. Tyson iced the game two drives later, tossing a 24-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-8 to Nick Frazier, who was surrounded by three defenders on the play. Yet, none of them could get to Tyson's pass, allowing Frazier to pull it in and cruise into the end zone to start the celebration early.
"It means a lot," Tyson said of the win as Hickory Ridge's student body rushed the field. "It's great to be on top of the conference. We've been working so hard this summer. This is so awesome. This is the best feeling ever.
"We work on scramble drills. It's hard to stop when we get rolling. Not many teams can stop us. That's one of the best teams in the state. … I just love my team."
Brown coach Mike Newsome loves his team, too, but the Wonders haven't been as dominant this season as they were in 2011. Though they've still beaten less talented opponents rather handily, there were signs that an upset was potentially in the making, especially with quarterback Keenan Medley and receiver Keeon Johnson still on the injured list. Yet, Brown didn't have trouble scoring points on Friday. It was the defense that struggled.
"We had opportunities to get them stopped and just didn't get them stopped on defense," Newsome said. "It's tough to score 42 points and not win. Hats off to Hickory Ridge. Coach did a great job. We didn't play well. We didn't tackle well. We didn't play the fundamentals of football very well.
"We just killed ourselves. That's not to take anything away from Hickory Ridge, but we killed ourselves with missed tackles."
It looked for a while like the Wonders would survive the upset bid. Down 21-7 at one point, they stormed back to score the final two touchdowns of the first half on a touchdown run and reception from Phillips. The second touchdown was especially painful for Hickory Ridge because a drive earlier, the Ragin' Bulls had Tyson's 56-yard touchdown pass and then his 61-yard touchdown run called back by penalty. Brown was in the driver's seat after Phillips scored for a third time on a 16-yard touchdown scamper to open the second half, giving the Wonders a 35-28 lead with all the momentum.
"I'm thinking uh-oh," Paxton said. "… But there were a lot of seniors out there. They were a part of our game up there last year. They really wanted this game. But it was nerve-wracking at the time."
The game was tied at 28-all, 35-all and then 42-all before the Ragin' Bulls finally put the game away. This was thought to be the most points A.L. Brown has ever given up.
"FIK Players of the Game for Week #9"
"FIK Game Ball performance for Week #9"
Friday Nights in K-Town's Game Ball Performance for week #9 goes to Wonder runningback Kalif Phillips. Phillips rushed for 214 yards on 24 carries and scored two rushing touchdowns. Phillips caught two passes for 94 yards and one touchdown reception. This was Phillip's first game back after a two game abscence due to injury. Congratulations Kalif on a great performance.
Kalif Phillips
"Sights from Friday Night's Action"
Week #10
Kannapolis
VS
Northwest Cabarrus
Kannapolis-49 Northwest Cabarrus-20
KANNAPOLIS - A.L. Brown fans must have spent a good portion of the season wondering what if. What if the Wonders' starting quarterback and star receiver weren't sitting on the sidelines on senior night and instead had combined with tailback Kalif Phillips to form what was projected to be one of the state's most dynamic offenses. The final script of the 2012 season has yet to be written, but the Wonders have found themselves facing adversity seemingly the entire campaign. The status quo hasn't changed heading into next week's regular-season finale against Concord. Brown didn't need quarterback Keenan Medley and receiver Keeon Johnson in Friday's 49-20 South Piedmont Conference win over Northwest Cabarrus, but this team would certainly be more dangerous had they - and Phillips, too - not suffered lower leg and foot injuries that derailed their senior seasons and this team's destiny.
"It felt good to come out here and get a win, but we really do miss our injured players," Phillips said. "We played for them. That's what we had to do. … If we get everybody back, this offense is unstoppable."
That's a big "if." It's unclear if Johnson will return this season and it appears even less likely that Medley will return. Yet, their teammates must push on. Despite all the bumps in the road, the Wonders (8-2, 5-1 SPC) still have a lot to play for. Even though Hickory Ridge beat Concord Friday, clinching at least a share of the SPC championship, the Wonders could still tie for the title. However, the Wonders would have to beat Concord next Friday and hope that J.M. Robinson upsets the Ragin' Bulls, which seems unlikely. Still, the Wonders are playing to retain the Victory Bell next week and to earn a high seed in the playoffs. A win over Concord isn't a sure thing - especially the way Brown is playing defense. Without its dynamic offensive stars, the Wonders barely outscored Cox Mill earlier this season and couldn't do it last week in a blowout loss to Hickory Ridge. The 63 points given up against the Ragin' Bulls is believed to be a school record.
Brown coach Mike Newsome pushed the Wonders in practice this week, focusing on the fundamentals of playing defense. But there were still plenty of chinks in the Wonders' armor against the Trojans (3-6, 2-4 SPC) Friday, when they gave up 194 first-half yards after a bevy of missed tackles. Sure, the score was 28-7 at halftime, but that wasn't the point. Newsome wanted to see growth from his defense, and at times it wasn't evident that any had occurred. Missed tackles doomed the Wonders against Hickory Ridge and that problem reared its ugly head once again.
"I think the guys just have to get more confidence in themselves," Newsome said. "We've got great athletes over there. I think maybe sometimes when you get into that slump of not being able to tackle real well it becomes an epidemic. They just have to gain their confidence back. This has just been [a problem] the last week or so. Early in the season we tackled well, and our coaches are putting an emphasis on it. I think they'll be fine. They did better this week than they did last week."
Still, the Trojans finished with 287 rushing yards, gouging the Wonders for long gains of 38, 33, 31 and 25 yards. Tailback Armon Dooley finished with 111 yards on 18 carries, and H-back Jarrin Hogue added 92 yards on 15 carries. Yet, they weren't as lethal as Phillips and Brown power back Ricky Sherrill. It was fitting they had big games in their last guaranteed home games. Phillips has been the star throughout Newsome's two-year stint in Kannapolis, and Sherrill has been the healthy rock for Brown's offense this year, often carrying the load for a unit that desperately needed it. Phillips rushed 13 times for 155 yards and three touchdowns. Sherrill rushed for only 41 yards but scored four touchdowns. They alternated scoring touchdowns on the game's first four scores, giving the Wonders a 28-point lead and putting the game away before halftime.
"We had a good plan against them defensively," Trojans coach Rich Williams said. "We were trying to stop him (Phillips), because we know he is the bulk of their offense. He was too good for us. They've got a good scheme. … We just couldn't stop their team tonight.
"We knew we weren't fast enough to get outside them (on offense), so we tried to bang the ball in the middle and throw a few screens and play-action against them. We were successful, but we weren't successful enough."
"It felt good to come out here and get a win, but we really do miss our injured players," Phillips said. "We played for them. That's what we had to do. … If we get everybody back, this offense is unstoppable."
That's a big "if." It's unclear if Johnson will return this season and it appears even less likely that Medley will return. Yet, their teammates must push on. Despite all the bumps in the road, the Wonders (8-2, 5-1 SPC) still have a lot to play for. Even though Hickory Ridge beat Concord Friday, clinching at least a share of the SPC championship, the Wonders could still tie for the title. However, the Wonders would have to beat Concord next Friday and hope that J.M. Robinson upsets the Ragin' Bulls, which seems unlikely. Still, the Wonders are playing to retain the Victory Bell next week and to earn a high seed in the playoffs. A win over Concord isn't a sure thing - especially the way Brown is playing defense. Without its dynamic offensive stars, the Wonders barely outscored Cox Mill earlier this season and couldn't do it last week in a blowout loss to Hickory Ridge. The 63 points given up against the Ragin' Bulls is believed to be a school record.
Brown coach Mike Newsome pushed the Wonders in practice this week, focusing on the fundamentals of playing defense. But there were still plenty of chinks in the Wonders' armor against the Trojans (3-6, 2-4 SPC) Friday, when they gave up 194 first-half yards after a bevy of missed tackles. Sure, the score was 28-7 at halftime, but that wasn't the point. Newsome wanted to see growth from his defense, and at times it wasn't evident that any had occurred. Missed tackles doomed the Wonders against Hickory Ridge and that problem reared its ugly head once again.
"I think the guys just have to get more confidence in themselves," Newsome said. "We've got great athletes over there. I think maybe sometimes when you get into that slump of not being able to tackle real well it becomes an epidemic. They just have to gain their confidence back. This has just been [a problem] the last week or so. Early in the season we tackled well, and our coaches are putting an emphasis on it. I think they'll be fine. They did better this week than they did last week."
Still, the Trojans finished with 287 rushing yards, gouging the Wonders for long gains of 38, 33, 31 and 25 yards. Tailback Armon Dooley finished with 111 yards on 18 carries, and H-back Jarrin Hogue added 92 yards on 15 carries. Yet, they weren't as lethal as Phillips and Brown power back Ricky Sherrill. It was fitting they had big games in their last guaranteed home games. Phillips has been the star throughout Newsome's two-year stint in Kannapolis, and Sherrill has been the healthy rock for Brown's offense this year, often carrying the load for a unit that desperately needed it. Phillips rushed 13 times for 155 yards and three touchdowns. Sherrill rushed for only 41 yards but scored four touchdowns. They alternated scoring touchdowns on the game's first four scores, giving the Wonders a 28-point lead and putting the game away before halftime.
"We had a good plan against them defensively," Trojans coach Rich Williams said. "We were trying to stop him (Phillips), because we know he is the bulk of their offense. He was too good for us. They've got a good scheme. … We just couldn't stop their team tonight.
"We knew we weren't fast enough to get outside them (on offense), so we tried to bang the ball in the middle and throw a few screens and play-action against them. We were successful, but we weren't successful enough."
"FIK Players of the Game for Week #10"
"FIK Game Ball Performance for Week #10"
Andrew Ramirez
"Sights From Friday Night's Action"
Week #11
Kannapolis
vs
Concord
Kannapolis-14 Concord-21
CONCORD - The regular season is done, but quite obviously, A.L. Brown's football team is not. The playoff-bound Wonders played their hearts out in Friday's SPC finale at Concord, only to have them broken in the game's final minute.
"It would have been interesting if we had scored," coach Mike Newsome said after Kannapolis dropped a 21-14 decision and relinquished its two-year grip on the famed victory bell. "We probably would have went for two and tried to win the ballgame. But you know, it's high school kids."
The Wonders (8-3, 5-2) never got the chance to find out. They lost the ball on a fumble on a first-and-goal play from Concord's 7-yard line with 45.9 seconds remaining - setting off a rollicking celebration. Concord's half of the nearly-7,000 strong who sardined themselves into Bailey Stadium had to be restrained from rushing the field.
"At the end of the day, we've just got to keep moving forward," K-town senior Tim Gallon said, offering a smile that masked pain. "It hurts really bad to lose this way. But if you dwell on this, it will eat you up."
Winning coach Glen Padgett wasn't surprised after 275-pound freshman nose guard Dez Scott made the game-clinching fumble recovery. "In this game, this rivalry, nothing surprises me any more," he said. "You're gonna have crazy plays and crazy things happening." Concord (9-2, 5-2) fired the battle's first volley after gaining possession on a first-quarter fumble. Shrine Bowl QB B.J. Beecher (12-for-22, 209 yards) completed three passes on a nine-play, 76-yard scoring drive, including a 32-yarder to Carter Mozingo on a slant pattern across the middle. Beecher capped the drive when he rifled a 7-yard touchdown pass to Alex Asbury.
"We had to find a way," Beecher said after tossing three TD passes. "I told the offensive line, 'We've worked way too hard all season to give in now.' If anything, this is what we're going to be remembered for."
Kannapolis, which punted following four of its first five possessions, suddenly logged on late in the first half. Junior quarterback Andrew Ramirez, subbing for the injured Keenan Medley, completed successive passes to wideout Keeon Johnson - one that gained 42 yards and another that picked up 30. On first down Ramirez handed off to Kalif Phillips, who barged into the end zone from 2 yards out.
"Andrew stepped up and played a fabulous game," Newsome said after Ramirez passed for 157 yards. "It's hard for a backup quarterback to come and play like this, in this atmosphere, and really play great."
The Spiders snapped the tie when Beecher spiraled a 59-yard bullet right down Broadway to Zosh Heilig, who outran everyone in the Kannapolis secondary with 1:29 to play in the third period. Then early in the fourth, Beecher and Asbury hooked up again on an 8-yard touchdown play, pushing CHS to a 21-7 lead.
"We're not the only team to watch film," Gallon said with a post-game chuckle. "They were watching us, too. Defensively, I don't think we did anything wrong. It just wasn't our night."
Kannapolis scored the game's final touchdown after possessing the ball for 6:47 in the fourth quarter. Robert Pinkston's fumble recovery on a mid-drive punt extended the opportunity - and fullback Ricky Sherrill cashed in when he scored on a 1-yard burst with 5:01 remaining. Moments later the Wonders were back in the driver's seat, navigating from their own 20 to the Concord 7 with less than a minute to play. But the march stalled when Ramirez mishandled a snap and Scott made his second fumble recovery of the night.
"The adreneline was rushing," Ramirez explained. "I was trying to get the ball to Kalif. But I guess I just pulled out too fast."
Newsome tried to console his dejected quarterback following the team's post-game huddle. "When you make a mistake in this game, it's magnified," he said. "They made mistakes, we made mistakes, it happens. These guys have to understand you can lose this game and still go win a state championship. That's what we've got to start doing on Monday."
"It would have been interesting if we had scored," coach Mike Newsome said after Kannapolis dropped a 21-14 decision and relinquished its two-year grip on the famed victory bell. "We probably would have went for two and tried to win the ballgame. But you know, it's high school kids."
The Wonders (8-3, 5-2) never got the chance to find out. They lost the ball on a fumble on a first-and-goal play from Concord's 7-yard line with 45.9 seconds remaining - setting off a rollicking celebration. Concord's half of the nearly-7,000 strong who sardined themselves into Bailey Stadium had to be restrained from rushing the field.
"At the end of the day, we've just got to keep moving forward," K-town senior Tim Gallon said, offering a smile that masked pain. "It hurts really bad to lose this way. But if you dwell on this, it will eat you up."
Winning coach Glen Padgett wasn't surprised after 275-pound freshman nose guard Dez Scott made the game-clinching fumble recovery. "In this game, this rivalry, nothing surprises me any more," he said. "You're gonna have crazy plays and crazy things happening." Concord (9-2, 5-2) fired the battle's first volley after gaining possession on a first-quarter fumble. Shrine Bowl QB B.J. Beecher (12-for-22, 209 yards) completed three passes on a nine-play, 76-yard scoring drive, including a 32-yarder to Carter Mozingo on a slant pattern across the middle. Beecher capped the drive when he rifled a 7-yard touchdown pass to Alex Asbury.
"We had to find a way," Beecher said after tossing three TD passes. "I told the offensive line, 'We've worked way too hard all season to give in now.' If anything, this is what we're going to be remembered for."
Kannapolis, which punted following four of its first five possessions, suddenly logged on late in the first half. Junior quarterback Andrew Ramirez, subbing for the injured Keenan Medley, completed successive passes to wideout Keeon Johnson - one that gained 42 yards and another that picked up 30. On first down Ramirez handed off to Kalif Phillips, who barged into the end zone from 2 yards out.
"Andrew stepped up and played a fabulous game," Newsome said after Ramirez passed for 157 yards. "It's hard for a backup quarterback to come and play like this, in this atmosphere, and really play great."
The Spiders snapped the tie when Beecher spiraled a 59-yard bullet right down Broadway to Zosh Heilig, who outran everyone in the Kannapolis secondary with 1:29 to play in the third period. Then early in the fourth, Beecher and Asbury hooked up again on an 8-yard touchdown play, pushing CHS to a 21-7 lead.
"We're not the only team to watch film," Gallon said with a post-game chuckle. "They were watching us, too. Defensively, I don't think we did anything wrong. It just wasn't our night."
Kannapolis scored the game's final touchdown after possessing the ball for 6:47 in the fourth quarter. Robert Pinkston's fumble recovery on a mid-drive punt extended the opportunity - and fullback Ricky Sherrill cashed in when he scored on a 1-yard burst with 5:01 remaining. Moments later the Wonders were back in the driver's seat, navigating from their own 20 to the Concord 7 with less than a minute to play. But the march stalled when Ramirez mishandled a snap and Scott made his second fumble recovery of the night.
"The adreneline was rushing," Ramirez explained. "I was trying to get the ball to Kalif. But I guess I just pulled out too fast."
Newsome tried to console his dejected quarterback following the team's post-game huddle. "When you make a mistake in this game, it's magnified," he said. "They made mistakes, we made mistakes, it happens. These guys have to understand you can lose this game and still go win a state championship. That's what we've got to start doing on Monday."
"FIK Players of the Game for Week #11"
"FIK Game Ball Performance for Week #11"
Friday Nights in K-Town's Game Ball Performance for week #11 in the 82nd Annual Battle for the Bell goes to Wonder wide receiver Keeon Johnson. This was Johnson's first game back since he was injured several weeks ago. Johnson caught five passes for ninety five yards with one pass play going for yards setting up Kalif Phillips one yard touchdown run just before halftime to tie the ball game a seven. Congratulations Keeon on this game ball performance.
Keeon Johnson
Week #12
Round #1
Kannapolis
vs
North Forsyth
KANNAPOLIS - Rarely would an onside kick return for a touchdown result in positive news for the kicking team. But if it was ever going to happen, A.L. Brown's 41-34 first-round, overtime win over North Forsyth in the Class 3AA playoffs was a prime candidate. In a game that featured a little bit of everything, oddly enough the beginning of the end came for the Vikings after they returned an onside kick 51 yards for a touchdown and a two-touchdown lead with 2:29 left. It was a dangerous onside kick from Brown's Erik Amaya, and an even better snag and runback by North Forsyth's Markeen Carmichael. He broke at least five tackles en route to one of the more amazing kick return touchdowns you'll see, but the irony is this: had any of those five tacklers managed to bring him down, the Vikings would have likely ran out the clock and the Wonders season would have ended with a first-round loss for the first time since 1993.
"I wasn't really thinking good thoughts," Brown coach Mike Newsome said. "But then coach [Jeremy] Ryan reminded me that that may have been a good thing. They didn't take much time off the clock and gave us an opportunity to get the football back. Really, it ended up being a good thing for us."
The Wonders covered 73 yards in seven plays and 65 seconds on the ensuing drive, capped by Kalif Phillips' 2-yard scoring run, to pull within a touchdown with 1:24 left. On Brown's second onside kick, another beauty from Amaya, Brown's Orlando Gray recovered a loose ball after it bounced off a member of North Forsyth's hands team, setting the stage for the Wonders to pull off a miracle comeback. Wonders quarterback Andrew Ramirez connected on 5 and 20-yard passes before hitting Robert Pinkston for a 17-yard score with 32 seconds left. Amaya hit the extra point that sent the game to overtime.
"It was exciting," Ramirez said of the tying touchdown. "I saw the safety go out with Keeon [Johnson] for a long route. Dante (Robert Pinkston) ran a great post, and I threw it right on the money to him for the touchdown."
The Wonders set up another bout with Hickory Ridge in next week's second round on Ricky Sherrill's 10-yard touchdown run on the first play of overtime. The Wonders defense, which has been suspect at times, held on downs to polish off the victory.
"We've got to make some plays," Vikings coach Pete Gilchrist said. "A couple of times we didn't make plays and let them back in it. If we recover the second onside kick, it's over.
"It's very difficult. You thought you'd close it out. We weren't able to close it out. They made plays at the end and we didn't. After that kickoff, we thought we would finish it and couldn't."
It was an especially amazing turn of events for Ramirez. Forced into starting after the injury to Keenan Medley, he's matured over the course of the season. But there are certainly moments when it's obvious that he's still learning how to play the position at a high level. He threw one bad interception Friday on an ill-advised throw late in the third quarter. The pass led to an easy pick for Sierras Hauser, who returned it 43 yards for a touchdown and North Forsyth's first lead at 20-13. The Vikings led by 14 twice in the fourth quarter, but still the Wonders found a way to win. They were buoyed by Ramirez who was 20-of-28 passing for 301 yards and three touchdowns.
"I've said all along that kid is a winner," Newsome said of Ramirez. "That's all that matters. He's not the prettiest quarterback. He's not the most extravagant quarterback. But he does the one thing you've got to do for your team and that's win."
The Wonders were held without a 100-yard rusher, but Johnson was pivotal in his second game back from an extended foot injury. He caught eight passes for 158 yards and a third-quarter touchdown. Unlike Brown's last meeting with Hickory Ridge - in which the Ragin' Bulls embarrassed the Wonders' defense - Johnson will be on the field to provide a deep threat on the perimeter. Brown will visit the Harrisburg school next Friday just as it did in the regular season.
"Our kids were looking forward to that," Newsome said. "We've got to go play. We can't play like we played the last time we played them. We've got the make tackles. Our defense has gotten better, but we've got to carry it over to next week. They are riding a big wave right now, so we've got to have a great week of practice."
Said Ramirez, "I'm ready. It's revenge time. It's time to go show them what it's like to play a real football team."
"I wasn't really thinking good thoughts," Brown coach Mike Newsome said. "But then coach [Jeremy] Ryan reminded me that that may have been a good thing. They didn't take much time off the clock and gave us an opportunity to get the football back. Really, it ended up being a good thing for us."
The Wonders covered 73 yards in seven plays and 65 seconds on the ensuing drive, capped by Kalif Phillips' 2-yard scoring run, to pull within a touchdown with 1:24 left. On Brown's second onside kick, another beauty from Amaya, Brown's Orlando Gray recovered a loose ball after it bounced off a member of North Forsyth's hands team, setting the stage for the Wonders to pull off a miracle comeback. Wonders quarterback Andrew Ramirez connected on 5 and 20-yard passes before hitting Robert Pinkston for a 17-yard score with 32 seconds left. Amaya hit the extra point that sent the game to overtime.
"It was exciting," Ramirez said of the tying touchdown. "I saw the safety go out with Keeon [Johnson] for a long route. Dante (Robert Pinkston) ran a great post, and I threw it right on the money to him for the touchdown."
The Wonders set up another bout with Hickory Ridge in next week's second round on Ricky Sherrill's 10-yard touchdown run on the first play of overtime. The Wonders defense, which has been suspect at times, held on downs to polish off the victory.
"We've got to make some plays," Vikings coach Pete Gilchrist said. "A couple of times we didn't make plays and let them back in it. If we recover the second onside kick, it's over.
"It's very difficult. You thought you'd close it out. We weren't able to close it out. They made plays at the end and we didn't. After that kickoff, we thought we would finish it and couldn't."
It was an especially amazing turn of events for Ramirez. Forced into starting after the injury to Keenan Medley, he's matured over the course of the season. But there are certainly moments when it's obvious that he's still learning how to play the position at a high level. He threw one bad interception Friday on an ill-advised throw late in the third quarter. The pass led to an easy pick for Sierras Hauser, who returned it 43 yards for a touchdown and North Forsyth's first lead at 20-13. The Vikings led by 14 twice in the fourth quarter, but still the Wonders found a way to win. They were buoyed by Ramirez who was 20-of-28 passing for 301 yards and three touchdowns.
"I've said all along that kid is a winner," Newsome said of Ramirez. "That's all that matters. He's not the prettiest quarterback. He's not the most extravagant quarterback. But he does the one thing you've got to do for your team and that's win."
The Wonders were held without a 100-yard rusher, but Johnson was pivotal in his second game back from an extended foot injury. He caught eight passes for 158 yards and a third-quarter touchdown. Unlike Brown's last meeting with Hickory Ridge - in which the Ragin' Bulls embarrassed the Wonders' defense - Johnson will be on the field to provide a deep threat on the perimeter. Brown will visit the Harrisburg school next Friday just as it did in the regular season.
"Our kids were looking forward to that," Newsome said. "We've got to go play. We can't play like we played the last time we played them. We've got the make tackles. Our defense has gotten better, but we've got to carry it over to next week. They are riding a big wave right now, so we've got to have a great week of practice."
Said Ramirez, "I'm ready. It's revenge time. It's time to go show them what it's like to play a real football team."
"FIK Players of the Game for Week #12"
"FIK's Unsung Hero for Week #12"
Erik Amaya
Wonder kicker Erik Amaya kicked an onside kick that was recovered by the Wonders which allowed them the opportunity to tie the game which sent the game into overtime. Onside kicks are perhaps one of the hardest kicks to execute and Amaya executed the kick to perfection. Erik Amaya is most definitely the unsung hero in this first round playoff game victory.
Wonder kicker Erik Amaya kicked an onside kick that was recovered by the Wonders which allowed them the opportunity to tie the game which sent the game into overtime. Onside kicks are perhaps one of the hardest kicks to execute and Amaya executed the kick to perfection. Erik Amaya is most definitely the unsung hero in this first round playoff game victory.
"FIK Game Ball Performance for Week #12"
Andrew Ramirez
The FIK Game Ball Performance for Week #12 Round #1 of the state 3AA Playoffs goes to Wonder quarterback Andrew Ramirez. Ramirez who was 20-of-28 passing for 301 yards and three touchdowns was instrumental in helping rally the Wonders from a fourteen point deficit with 2:19 left in the game to send the game into overtime. Ramirez led the Wonders brilliantly proving his leadership capabilities. Congratulations Andrew on your game ball performance.
The FIK Game Ball Performance for Week #12 Round #1 of the state 3AA Playoffs goes to Wonder quarterback Andrew Ramirez. Ramirez who was 20-of-28 passing for 301 yards and three touchdowns was instrumental in helping rally the Wonders from a fourteen point deficit with 2:19 left in the game to send the game into overtime. Ramirez led the Wonders brilliantly proving his leadership capabilities. Congratulations Andrew on your game ball performance.
"Sights From Friday Night's Action"
Week #13
Round #2
Kannapolis
VS
Hickory Ridge
Kannapolis-69 Hickory Ridge-55
HARRISBURG - Never again will A.L. Brown's offensive players take a possession for granted. They were stricken with endless anxiety in Friday's Class 3AA playoff battle with Hickory Ridge. Had they failed to score points on a single drive, it could have sent them home early as second-round losers. Yet, tailback Kalif Phillips and Co. rose to the occasion on their biggest stage, putting together an offensive masterpiece that will forever be linked with one of the most exciting games in Brown history. Phillips rushed for 328 yards and seven touchdowns, proving to be the difference in a 69-55 win.
"That was our plan," Phillips said. "We knew if the defense couldn't stop them, we had to keep the lead."
The Wonders weren't shy about their desire for a rematch with the Ragin' Bulls, who last month scored 63 points en route to the first win over Brown by a Cabarrus County team other than Concord in decades. It was always going to be tough for the South Piedmont Conference champions to beat the determined Wonders twice, especially when its defense had no answers for Brown's vaunted offense. Brown had 636 total yards, rushing for 450 and passing for another 186. Hickory Ridge had 667 yards, but the Ragin' Bulls fell behind after three first-half interceptions and couldn't get the needed second-half stops to give dynamic quarterback Nick Tyson (449 total yards and seven total touchdowns) a chance to outscore the Wonders.
"To have that many yards and that many points scored, it's just good to be on top," Brown coach Mike Newsome said with a sigh. We just have trouble stopping them, and we're pretty prolific on offense ourselves. So, when you get two good offenses, they are going to score a lot of points."
The Wonders (10-3) advanced to play arch-nemesis Charlotte Catholic next week. The Cougars blew out Weddington behind a 300-plus-yard night from tailback Elijah Hood. However, even he may not be as difficult to contain as Tyson was on Friday. The diminutive senior was 20-of-28 passing for 292 yards and three touchdowns. On the ground, he carried 20 times for 157 yards and four more scores, leading the way for an option offense that kept Brown guessing for eight quarters this season. Yet, Tyson threw a first-half interception that led to a Wonders touchdown. And both he and Nick Frazier had first-half fumbles that Brown also turned into touchdowns. Those three scores were ultimately the difference. Down 61-55 midway through the fourth quarter, Hickory Ridge picked off Brown quarterback Andrew Ramirez at the Ragin' Bulls 19. However, they went three-and-out and watched the Wonders seal the game on Phillips' seventh touchdown on the ensuing drive.
"It was an amazing effort by him," Newsome said of Phillips. "And you have to commend everybody. Our offensive line did an amazing job blocking for him. We said last time that if we ever got two scores up on them we'd win the game. And we never got two scores up. Tonight we did, and it turned out to be right."
Ramirez was 22-of-30 passing, hitting of 14 of his first 16 attempts (those two incompletions were drops). Hickory Ridge gave big cushions to Brown's receivers, and Ramirez and Co. moved the chains consistently with short, high-percentage completions. Johnson, who missed the first matchup with Hickory Ridge due to injury, caught 12 passes for 116 yards and a diving touchdown in the first half. It was, as expected, a shootout from the opening kickoff. The teams combined for 15 first-half drives and all but six of them lasted less than a minute. Neither defense had much success stopping the big plays - unless they were able to force turnovers. Neither team punted until the second half. Hickory Ridge trailed by just a field goal at halftime, 31-28, scoring on two second-quarter touchdown runs from Tyson after the Wonders had taken a 14-point lead. Phillips scored three times in the first half, including a 47-yarder. He had 205 yards on 14 carries, helping the Wonders compile 318 first-half yards. Despite their turnover problems, the Ragin' Bulls were even more prolific, racking up 358 yards. Yet, the team with more total offense wasn't the most efficient on offense, dooming Hickory Ridge's dream season in the second round. The Wonders, on the other hand, move on to face an all-too-familiar opponent.
"Charlotte Catholic again at their place," Newsome said. "It will be a fun one. Elijah Hood is a great player. We've got good players. Hopefully we can get them stopped. I feel a little better about playing the scrum offense than this offense, though."
"That was our plan," Phillips said. "We knew if the defense couldn't stop them, we had to keep the lead."
The Wonders weren't shy about their desire for a rematch with the Ragin' Bulls, who last month scored 63 points en route to the first win over Brown by a Cabarrus County team other than Concord in decades. It was always going to be tough for the South Piedmont Conference champions to beat the determined Wonders twice, especially when its defense had no answers for Brown's vaunted offense. Brown had 636 total yards, rushing for 450 and passing for another 186. Hickory Ridge had 667 yards, but the Ragin' Bulls fell behind after three first-half interceptions and couldn't get the needed second-half stops to give dynamic quarterback Nick Tyson (449 total yards and seven total touchdowns) a chance to outscore the Wonders.
"To have that many yards and that many points scored, it's just good to be on top," Brown coach Mike Newsome said with a sigh. We just have trouble stopping them, and we're pretty prolific on offense ourselves. So, when you get two good offenses, they are going to score a lot of points."
The Wonders (10-3) advanced to play arch-nemesis Charlotte Catholic next week. The Cougars blew out Weddington behind a 300-plus-yard night from tailback Elijah Hood. However, even he may not be as difficult to contain as Tyson was on Friday. The diminutive senior was 20-of-28 passing for 292 yards and three touchdowns. On the ground, he carried 20 times for 157 yards and four more scores, leading the way for an option offense that kept Brown guessing for eight quarters this season. Yet, Tyson threw a first-half interception that led to a Wonders touchdown. And both he and Nick Frazier had first-half fumbles that Brown also turned into touchdowns. Those three scores were ultimately the difference. Down 61-55 midway through the fourth quarter, Hickory Ridge picked off Brown quarterback Andrew Ramirez at the Ragin' Bulls 19. However, they went three-and-out and watched the Wonders seal the game on Phillips' seventh touchdown on the ensuing drive.
"It was an amazing effort by him," Newsome said of Phillips. "And you have to commend everybody. Our offensive line did an amazing job blocking for him. We said last time that if we ever got two scores up on them we'd win the game. And we never got two scores up. Tonight we did, and it turned out to be right."
Ramirez was 22-of-30 passing, hitting of 14 of his first 16 attempts (those two incompletions were drops). Hickory Ridge gave big cushions to Brown's receivers, and Ramirez and Co. moved the chains consistently with short, high-percentage completions. Johnson, who missed the first matchup with Hickory Ridge due to injury, caught 12 passes for 116 yards and a diving touchdown in the first half. It was, as expected, a shootout from the opening kickoff. The teams combined for 15 first-half drives and all but six of them lasted less than a minute. Neither defense had much success stopping the big plays - unless they were able to force turnovers. Neither team punted until the second half. Hickory Ridge trailed by just a field goal at halftime, 31-28, scoring on two second-quarter touchdown runs from Tyson after the Wonders had taken a 14-point lead. Phillips scored three times in the first half, including a 47-yarder. He had 205 yards on 14 carries, helping the Wonders compile 318 first-half yards. Despite their turnover problems, the Ragin' Bulls were even more prolific, racking up 358 yards. Yet, the team with more total offense wasn't the most efficient on offense, dooming Hickory Ridge's dream season in the second round. The Wonders, on the other hand, move on to face an all-too-familiar opponent.
"Charlotte Catholic again at their place," Newsome said. "It will be a fun one. Elijah Hood is a great player. We've got good players. Hopefully we can get them stopped. I feel a little better about playing the scrum offense than this offense, though."
"FIK Players of the Game for Week #13"
"FIK Game Ball Performance for Week #13"
Kalif Phillips
The FIK Game Ball Performance for week #13 Round #2 goes to Wonder running back Kalif Phillips who racked up 328 Yards Rushing on 30 Carries scoring seven touchdowns in the process. This goes down as one of Kalif's most devestating single game performances to date. Congratulations Kalif on this much deserved game ball.
The FIK Game Ball Performance for week #13 Round #2 goes to Wonder running back Kalif Phillips who racked up 328 Yards Rushing on 30 Carries scoring seven touchdowns in the process. This goes down as one of Kalif's most devestating single game performances to date. Congratulations Kalif on this much deserved game ball.
"Sights from Friday Night's Action"
Week #14
Round #3
Kannapolis
VS
Charlotte Catholic
Kannapolis-18 Charlotte Catholic-49
Charlotte Catholic knocked Kannapolis Brown out of the N.C. 3AA football playoffs for the third year in a row Friday night. Elijah Hood deserves most of the credit. The junior running back rushed for 299 yards, scored six of Catholic’s seven touchdowns and recovered a key fumble on defense to lead the Cougars (12-1) to a 49-18 win over Brown in Keffer Stadium. Catholic will play at Statesville in the West Regional final Friday.
“I always love to get the win,” Hood said. “Me and my teammates, we put an unknown amount of time and hard work into this ... I feel like it’s our hard work paying off.”
Hood scored his first touchdown of the night with 3 minutes, 32 seconds left in the first quarter, breaking several tackles on an 18-yard run to give the Cougars a 7-0 lead. Brown’s Kalif Phillips took the ensuing kickoff 88 yards down to the Catholic 10-yard line, but the Cougars’ defense held. The Wonders’ Erik Amaya kicked a 30-yard field goal to cut Catholic’s lead to 7-3. Kannapolis Brown (10-4) turnovers set up both of Charlotte Catholic’s scores in the second quarter. An interception and long return by Cougars linebacker Kevin Kirchmer gave Catholic the ball on the Wonders 15-yard line. Catholic scored four plays later on a 4-yard run by Hood. On Brown’s next drive, Catholic’s Karrington King sacked Wonders quarterback Andrew Ramirez and forced a fumble, which was recovered on the Brown 10-yard line by Jamie Choulas. Hood scored on a fourth and goal from the 2-yard line to give the Cougars a 21-3 halftime lead.
Hood scored on three long runs in the second half. He had a 45-yard score early in the third, a 43-yard touchdown later in the third and broke a 60-yard touchdown run with 3:41 left in the game. Drew Tomsho scored the final touchdown for Charlotte Catholic on a 20-yard run with 2:44 left. Brown scored a touchdown in the third quarter on a 12-yard pass from Andrew Ramirez to Robert Pinkston and then scored early in the fourth quarter on a 6-yard run by Phillips to cut the Catholic lead to 35-18. Kannapolis recovered an onside kick on the ensuing kickoff and was driving toward the Catholic end zone when Hood, playing linebacker, recovered a fumble on the 27-yard line.
“I’m just happy that I’m able to make plays for my team,” Hood said. “As long as we get the win, I’ll do whatever.”
CHARLOTTE- It was a painfully familiar ending to the A.L. Brown football season Friday night as Charlotte Catholic once again derailed the Wonders, 49-18. The Midwest 3AA third round battle featured two of the top running backs in state in Brown's Kalif Phillips and Cougar junior Elijah Hood. Phillips closed out his Wonder career with a solid 121 yard rushing performance and one TD. Hood, on the other hand, proved he is in another whole dimension. The 215 bruiser racked up 238 yards and scored six of the Catholic touchdowns including runs of 45, 42 and 60 yards. But it was his ability to keep his balance and drag defenders with him for tough yards that was most impressive.
"Mr. Hood is a man and he has a lot of heart, " winning Coach Jim Oddo. "He runs hard but he has a big heart."
Oddo, the veteran Cougar coach who has beaten Brown eight out the last nine seasons, felt his team performed well against a very tough opponent.
"They caught some bad breaks and we caught some good ones, " Oddo said, " but that is just part of the game."
The bad breaks were mostly of their own making as Kannapolis (10-4) coughed up four fumbles and a crucial first half interception. They made a brief rally midway in the second half but penalties and turnovers stifled that effort as well.
"Everything that could have gone wrong for us went wrong for us tonight," Brown coach Mike Newsome. "We have fought through so much adversity and a lot of injuries this season but I am proud of the way this team fought. ."
The winning Cougars (12-1) set the tone on their first possession with an 89 yard, 18 play drive that used up most of the first quarter. Hood capped the drive with an 18 yard jaunt to make it 7-0. The Wonders responded quickly when Phillips broke the ensuing kick-off 88 yards to the Cougar 10. A penalty and an incomplete pass forced them to settle for a 30 yard Erik Amaya to cut the lead to 7-3. Turnovers in the second quarter stifled the Wonders as one deep drive ended with an Andrew Ramirez interception and the next ended with Ramirez coughing it up on a sack fumble at his own 10. In each case Catholic made the Wonders pay as Hood dragged four defenders into the end zone from the four to make it 14-3. He then made the score 21-3 after the fumble with a two yard dive.
"I just want to help my team and get the win," a humble Hood said of his ability to move the pile as well as break the long ones. "All of my hard work and conditioning in the off-season pays off."
Hood opened the second half with a 45 yard sprint to widen the lead to 28-3. Kannapolis responded quickly when Ramirez hit Robert Pinkston with a 12- yard TD pass to cut the lead to 28-10. Hood had the answer again with a 42 yard breakaway late in the third to up the score to 35-1. The Wonders then decided to make one more run at it as they embarked on a 14 play, 76 yard drive behind the running of Phillips. He scored from the six and Pinkston added a two point conversion to make it 35-18. Brown pulled off a successful onsides kick and had momentum that took them al the way to the Catholic 31. But a key offensive pass interference call followed by a Ramirez fumble on a 10-yard scramble end the last threat of the night. Hood added a 60 yard score and reserve Drew Tomsho notched a 20 yard TD to close out the Catholic scoring late in the fourth. They now advance to the Western 3AA finals next Friday at Statesville.
"This game was played the way the game is supposed to be played," Phillips said afterward, surrounded by his emotional teammates. "We really played our hardest."
“I always love to get the win,” Hood said. “Me and my teammates, we put an unknown amount of time and hard work into this ... I feel like it’s our hard work paying off.”
Hood scored his first touchdown of the night with 3 minutes, 32 seconds left in the first quarter, breaking several tackles on an 18-yard run to give the Cougars a 7-0 lead. Brown’s Kalif Phillips took the ensuing kickoff 88 yards down to the Catholic 10-yard line, but the Cougars’ defense held. The Wonders’ Erik Amaya kicked a 30-yard field goal to cut Catholic’s lead to 7-3. Kannapolis Brown (10-4) turnovers set up both of Charlotte Catholic’s scores in the second quarter. An interception and long return by Cougars linebacker Kevin Kirchmer gave Catholic the ball on the Wonders 15-yard line. Catholic scored four plays later on a 4-yard run by Hood. On Brown’s next drive, Catholic’s Karrington King sacked Wonders quarterback Andrew Ramirez and forced a fumble, which was recovered on the Brown 10-yard line by Jamie Choulas. Hood scored on a fourth and goal from the 2-yard line to give the Cougars a 21-3 halftime lead.
Hood scored on three long runs in the second half. He had a 45-yard score early in the third, a 43-yard touchdown later in the third and broke a 60-yard touchdown run with 3:41 left in the game. Drew Tomsho scored the final touchdown for Charlotte Catholic on a 20-yard run with 2:44 left. Brown scored a touchdown in the third quarter on a 12-yard pass from Andrew Ramirez to Robert Pinkston and then scored early in the fourth quarter on a 6-yard run by Phillips to cut the Catholic lead to 35-18. Kannapolis recovered an onside kick on the ensuing kickoff and was driving toward the Catholic end zone when Hood, playing linebacker, recovered a fumble on the 27-yard line.
“I’m just happy that I’m able to make plays for my team,” Hood said. “As long as we get the win, I’ll do whatever.”
CHARLOTTE- It was a painfully familiar ending to the A.L. Brown football season Friday night as Charlotte Catholic once again derailed the Wonders, 49-18. The Midwest 3AA third round battle featured two of the top running backs in state in Brown's Kalif Phillips and Cougar junior Elijah Hood. Phillips closed out his Wonder career with a solid 121 yard rushing performance and one TD. Hood, on the other hand, proved he is in another whole dimension. The 215 bruiser racked up 238 yards and scored six of the Catholic touchdowns including runs of 45, 42 and 60 yards. But it was his ability to keep his balance and drag defenders with him for tough yards that was most impressive.
"Mr. Hood is a man and he has a lot of heart, " winning Coach Jim Oddo. "He runs hard but he has a big heart."
Oddo, the veteran Cougar coach who has beaten Brown eight out the last nine seasons, felt his team performed well against a very tough opponent.
"They caught some bad breaks and we caught some good ones, " Oddo said, " but that is just part of the game."
The bad breaks were mostly of their own making as Kannapolis (10-4) coughed up four fumbles and a crucial first half interception. They made a brief rally midway in the second half but penalties and turnovers stifled that effort as well.
"Everything that could have gone wrong for us went wrong for us tonight," Brown coach Mike Newsome. "We have fought through so much adversity and a lot of injuries this season but I am proud of the way this team fought. ."
The winning Cougars (12-1) set the tone on their first possession with an 89 yard, 18 play drive that used up most of the first quarter. Hood capped the drive with an 18 yard jaunt to make it 7-0. The Wonders responded quickly when Phillips broke the ensuing kick-off 88 yards to the Cougar 10. A penalty and an incomplete pass forced them to settle for a 30 yard Erik Amaya to cut the lead to 7-3. Turnovers in the second quarter stifled the Wonders as one deep drive ended with an Andrew Ramirez interception and the next ended with Ramirez coughing it up on a sack fumble at his own 10. In each case Catholic made the Wonders pay as Hood dragged four defenders into the end zone from the four to make it 14-3. He then made the score 21-3 after the fumble with a two yard dive.
"I just want to help my team and get the win," a humble Hood said of his ability to move the pile as well as break the long ones. "All of my hard work and conditioning in the off-season pays off."
Hood opened the second half with a 45 yard sprint to widen the lead to 28-3. Kannapolis responded quickly when Ramirez hit Robert Pinkston with a 12- yard TD pass to cut the lead to 28-10. Hood had the answer again with a 42 yard breakaway late in the third to up the score to 35-1. The Wonders then decided to make one more run at it as they embarked on a 14 play, 76 yard drive behind the running of Phillips. He scored from the six and Pinkston added a two point conversion to make it 35-18. Brown pulled off a successful onsides kick and had momentum that took them al the way to the Catholic 31. But a key offensive pass interference call followed by a Ramirez fumble on a 10-yard scramble end the last threat of the night. Hood added a 60 yard score and reserve Drew Tomsho notched a 20 yard TD to close out the Catholic scoring late in the fourth. They now advance to the Western 3AA finals next Friday at Statesville.
"This game was played the way the game is supposed to be played," Phillips said afterward, surrounded by his emotional teammates. "We really played our hardest."
"FIK Players of the Game for Week #14"
"FIK Game Ball Performance for Week #14"
FIK's Game Ball Performance for wee #14 goes to the entire A.L. Brown Varsity football team. You never gave up and whats more you made no excuses. It hurts to lose, but a team lives, wins, and loses as a team. There are no individual efforts in any outcome. You proved yourself to be champions in the end. It's how we play the game that matters not always the score that is reflected on the scoreboard. Congratulations on a fantastic season. Go Wonders!!!!