Wonder Football 2015 Scrapbook
2015 Varsity and Junior Varsity Record
Kannapolis-26 Concord-15
Kannapolis-67 South Rowan-0 Kannapolis-56 Northwest Cabarrus-7 Kannapolis-23 Mooresville-9 Kannapolis-42 North Meck-20 Kannapolis-31 Vance-14 Kannapolis-28 J.M. Robinson-21 Kannapolis-7 Hough-21 Kannapolis-27 Mallard Creek-37 Kannapolis-34 West Charlotte-7 Kannapolis-42 Hopewell-6 Playoffs Kannapolis-35 Reagan-32 Kannapolis-14 South Caldwell-23 10-3 |
Kannapolis-38 Concord-14
Kannapolis-49 South Rowan-0 Kannapolis-42 Northwest Cabarrus-6 Kannapolis-14 Mooresville-20 Kannapolis-26 North Meck-0 Kannapolis-31 Vance-21 Kannapolis-34 Hough-7 Kannapolis-13 Mallard Creek-26 Kannapolis-30 West Charlotte-6 Kannapolis-41 Hopewell-7 8-2 |
Meet the 2015 A.L. Brown Wonders
Positions/Staff
Game #1
Kannapolis
vs
Concord
After a three-year hiatus, the Bell is back in K-Town. A.L. Brown senior running back Jayln Cagle rushed for 166 yards and scored twice to power the Wonders past the Concord Spiders, 26-15, in the 86th Battle for the Bell Game on Thursday night at steamy Kannapolis Memorial Stadium.
“This feels real good and we had to bring the bell back home,” Cagle said. “It’s going to be a good season, that’s for sure.”
Although A.L. Brown (1-0) ran for 275 yards and quarterback Damon Johnson threw two touchdown passes -- both to senior receiver Dominique Washington -- Wonders coach Mike Newsome said his team needs to play better and not make costly mistakes that could have cost them the game. But even with A.L. Brown behind 15-14 at the start of the fourth quarter, after Concord’s Keenan Black scored on a 1-yard TD run and then punched in the 2-point conversion, Newsome was confident that his team could rally back to win.
“You always know that these games are going to come right down to the end, and this one was no exception,” Newsome said. “We made a lot of bad plays tonight, and I started thinking, ‘Is this going to happen again? We get down to the 1- or 2-yard line and shoot ourselves in the foot?’ But it didn’t. Our guys pulled it out, and they were tough when they needed to be tough.”
The Wonders got on the board first when Johnson fired a 24-yard strike to Washington. Ahead 7-0, the Spiders answered in the second quarter to tie it at the half, 7-7, when Black capped off a 10-play drive by taking it in himself from the 1-yard line. Earlier, Black connected with junior receiver Hamsah Nasirildeen on a 41-yard pass to put the Spiders in the red zone. Johnson’s second touchdown pass to Washington came at the halfway mark in the third quarter. Starting from their own 40, the Wonders moved the ball quickly into Concord territory in just six plays. On third down and 8, Johnson hit Washington to pull ahead, 14-7. Johnson completed just two passes in seven attempts for 69 yards, but both went for scores for the Wonders.
Newsome commended his squad for its dominant ball control in the fourth quarter. Behind 15-14, the Wonders went 19 plays and chewed close to five minutes off the clock before Cagle scored his first touchdown from the Spiders’ 10 yard line, giving A.L. Brown a 20-15 lead with 7:11 remaining. On Concord’s ensuing possession, the Spiders went three and out and were forced to punt to Cagle, who returned the ball 37 yards, allowing the Wonders to start the drive at the Spiders’ 13-yard line. Three plays later, Cagle scored again to put the Wonders ahead for good. Although his team had its three-game winning streak in the Battle for the Bell snapped, Concord coach Glen Padgett praised his players and urged fans not to give up.
“I am so proud of this group of young men,” Padgett said. “Our (fans) have just got to stay patient. We’re going to have a good football team, but we’re just so young and so inexperienced in some key positions.”
While the Spiders (0-1) definitely had their chances, Padgett said mental mistakes are what cost his team the victory.
“Our kids played their hearts out. A.L. Brown has a great football team and we knew that coming in,” Padgett said. “We’re rebuilding and we’re going to work hard to win every game. I know our kids are disappointed, but we’re going to come out Monday and work hard and get better.”
Black, meanwhile, put up some impressive numbers in his first outing of the season. He finished with 206 passing yards, completing 18 of 25 attempts. But he only had 17 rushing yards on 15 carries, getting sacked three times. Concord senior receiver Carter Mozingo had the lion’s share of receptions with 10 catches for 102 yards. P.J. Hall led the Spiders in rushing with 37 yards on 10 carries.
GAME SUMMARY
CONCORD 0 7 8 0 -- 5
A.L. BROWN 7 0 7 12 -- 26
First quarter
ALB -- Dominique Washington 24 pass from Damon Johnson (Nate Williams kick)
Second Quarter
C -- Keenan Black 1 run (Marisa James kick)
Third quarter
ALB -- Washington 45 pass from Johnson (Williams kick).
C -- Black 1 run (Black run).
Fourth quarter
ALB -- Jayln Cagle 10 run (kick failed).
ALB -- Cagle 3 run (kick failed).
“This feels real good and we had to bring the bell back home,” Cagle said. “It’s going to be a good season, that’s for sure.”
Although A.L. Brown (1-0) ran for 275 yards and quarterback Damon Johnson threw two touchdown passes -- both to senior receiver Dominique Washington -- Wonders coach Mike Newsome said his team needs to play better and not make costly mistakes that could have cost them the game. But even with A.L. Brown behind 15-14 at the start of the fourth quarter, after Concord’s Keenan Black scored on a 1-yard TD run and then punched in the 2-point conversion, Newsome was confident that his team could rally back to win.
“You always know that these games are going to come right down to the end, and this one was no exception,” Newsome said. “We made a lot of bad plays tonight, and I started thinking, ‘Is this going to happen again? We get down to the 1- or 2-yard line and shoot ourselves in the foot?’ But it didn’t. Our guys pulled it out, and they were tough when they needed to be tough.”
The Wonders got on the board first when Johnson fired a 24-yard strike to Washington. Ahead 7-0, the Spiders answered in the second quarter to tie it at the half, 7-7, when Black capped off a 10-play drive by taking it in himself from the 1-yard line. Earlier, Black connected with junior receiver Hamsah Nasirildeen on a 41-yard pass to put the Spiders in the red zone. Johnson’s second touchdown pass to Washington came at the halfway mark in the third quarter. Starting from their own 40, the Wonders moved the ball quickly into Concord territory in just six plays. On third down and 8, Johnson hit Washington to pull ahead, 14-7. Johnson completed just two passes in seven attempts for 69 yards, but both went for scores for the Wonders.
Newsome commended his squad for its dominant ball control in the fourth quarter. Behind 15-14, the Wonders went 19 plays and chewed close to five minutes off the clock before Cagle scored his first touchdown from the Spiders’ 10 yard line, giving A.L. Brown a 20-15 lead with 7:11 remaining. On Concord’s ensuing possession, the Spiders went three and out and were forced to punt to Cagle, who returned the ball 37 yards, allowing the Wonders to start the drive at the Spiders’ 13-yard line. Three plays later, Cagle scored again to put the Wonders ahead for good. Although his team had its three-game winning streak in the Battle for the Bell snapped, Concord coach Glen Padgett praised his players and urged fans not to give up.
“I am so proud of this group of young men,” Padgett said. “Our (fans) have just got to stay patient. We’re going to have a good football team, but we’re just so young and so inexperienced in some key positions.”
While the Spiders (0-1) definitely had their chances, Padgett said mental mistakes are what cost his team the victory.
“Our kids played their hearts out. A.L. Brown has a great football team and we knew that coming in,” Padgett said. “We’re rebuilding and we’re going to work hard to win every game. I know our kids are disappointed, but we’re going to come out Monday and work hard and get better.”
Black, meanwhile, put up some impressive numbers in his first outing of the season. He finished with 206 passing yards, completing 18 of 25 attempts. But he only had 17 rushing yards on 15 carries, getting sacked three times. Concord senior receiver Carter Mozingo had the lion’s share of receptions with 10 catches for 102 yards. P.J. Hall led the Spiders in rushing with 37 yards on 10 carries.
GAME SUMMARY
CONCORD 0 7 8 0 -- 5
A.L. BROWN 7 0 7 12 -- 26
First quarter
ALB -- Dominique Washington 24 pass from Damon Johnson (Nate Williams kick)
Second Quarter
C -- Keenan Black 1 run (Marisa James kick)
Third quarter
ALB -- Washington 45 pass from Johnson (Williams kick).
C -- Black 1 run (Black run).
Fourth quarter
ALB -- Jayln Cagle 10 run (kick failed).
ALB -- Cagle 3 run (kick failed).
The 85th Battle for the Bell goes Prime Time
Pre Game Gallery #1
Action Gallery #1
Action Gallery #2
Action Gallery #3
No 4Peat Tonight Spids, CHS History Stops Here!!
"To the Winner Belong the Spoils"
As the seconds ticked off on a hot, humid night in K-Town, and victory became a certain reality, It was time to stand back and let tradition and protocol take center stage for the 29th time. Tonight the coveted Victory Bell would go through it's twenty ninth exchange since the Concord Spiders won it outright in 1951. The Spiders hope for another history making moment in this classic rivalry was denied by a group of dedicated and focused Wonders who were determined that Spider history would not be made at the Wonders expense. As the Wonders stood patiently in a uniformed line across from the Concord Spider sideline, a dejected group of players and coaches made the long trip to midfield to complete the protocol that was laid out in 1950 by the Kannapolis Sports Club. For three consecutive years, the Wonders had been humiliated in this ongoing border war. Twice in Robert C Bailey Stadium in Concord and once in Kannapolis Memorial Stadium. The end of the road for CHS would stop here on this night.
"Listen Up Guys, This Bell has Been Black
Long Enough" -Mike Newsome
The Thrill of Victory
The Sting of Defeat
It's a Bell Ringer of a Party in K-Town
"Home is Where The Bell Is"
Game #2
Kannapolis
vs
South Rowan
LANDIS — South Rowan and Kannapolis A.L. Brown have been next door football rivals since 1961, but based on Friday night’s game, the two teams are currently miles and miles apart in terms of size, speed and athletic ability. The Wonders (2-0) put together a near-perfect first quarter at Donnell Stadium last night and dominated the Raiders in all phases to cruise to a 67-0 win. From a historical standpoint, it was the worst loss ever for a South Rowan team, both in terms of points allowed and losing margin. It was also South’s sixth-straight loss to their longtime rival. But first year Raider coach Daniel Yow found a number of positives.
“Kannapolis is a great ball team and they are going to win a lot of games,” Yow said. “Anytime you play a team of the caliber of Brown with their experience and size, it makes it so tough on us. But we battled them the whole fourth quarter and we fought hard throughout. ”
Yow noted it was no secret he has a very young team this season with 13 sophomores and three freshmen on the varsity team, so fans will need to be patient for the short term with the Raiders (0-2).
“We might be 0-2 in non-conference but we have a bye week, then start our conference play in two weeks against Northwest Cabarrus,” Yow noted. “All of our goals are still intact.”
Yet not much was intact for the Raiders right out of the gate against the Wonders. The first play from scrimmage was a 75-yard sprint for a TD by halfback Jayln Cagle. The Brown defense then sacked South quarterback Heath Barringer in the end zone for a safety. On the first play after the free kick, quarterback Damon Johnson raced 47 yards around left end for a 47-yard touchdown. After a South punt, Brown drove 68 yards in just six plays, capped by a perfect Johnson lob over a defender to Brandon Dry from 16 yards out. The Wonders then closed out the remarkable first quarter with another long drive with bruising running back Sandon McCoy scoring from the 10. After 12 minutes of play, Kannapolis had posted four touchdowns and a safety for a 30-0 lead and had another score on a 60-yard punt return by Cagle nullified by a clipping penalty.
“We like to start fast and put the other team behind,” Kannapolis coach Mike Newsome said. He noted that their emotional win last week over Concord in the annual “Bell Game” was huge but it was not what he considered a clean game in terms of how his team executed. Against South, it was a completely different story. “When we play clean like we did tonight, that will equate to a lot of points. We knew if we did not make any mistakes, the scoreboard would take care of itself,” he said.
The scoreboard continued to light up for the Wonders in the second period as they got an 11-yard TD run by Johnson, a 4-yard score from McCoy and a 5-yard TD from JaQuerius Bost. With another sack of Barringer for a safety by Agustin Granillo late in the half, Kannapolis pushed the halftime margin to 53-0 and assured a running clock for the rest of the game. Despite the running clock after intermission, Kannapolis did tack on two more scores from their reserves as Casey Ritchie scored on an 18-yard sweep in the third quarter and jayvee runner Jahia Mahatha broke free on a 48-yard gallop midway in the final quarter, making it 67-0. Placekicker Nate Williams was a perfect 9-for-9 on extra points. While Kannapolis was racking up 407 yards rushing and 126 yards passing, the Raiders were unable to generate any serious threats against the Brown defense. Barringer was sacked seven times, including the two safeties, as the team ended with a minus-2 net rushing and 23 yards passing. For the game, the Raiders only reached midfield once and had just 2 first downs. Wonder quarterback Johnson, who ran for two scores and passed for another, says his team has their sights on much bigger goals this season.
“Everything went really well tonight but, like the coach said, we are not practicing and playing to beat South or Northwest (next week’s opponent),” he said. “We want to beat the best of the best like Mallard Creek, Vance, Hough and Mooresville. We are practicing to be the best.”
So far so good for the dominating Wonders as they do play the Trojans next week in a non-conference battle. South will have a bye week next Friday then jump into a nine-game South Piedmont schedule beginning with Northwest Cabarrus at home Sept. 11.
“Kannapolis is a great ball team and they are going to win a lot of games,” Yow said. “Anytime you play a team of the caliber of Brown with their experience and size, it makes it so tough on us. But we battled them the whole fourth quarter and we fought hard throughout. ”
Yow noted it was no secret he has a very young team this season with 13 sophomores and three freshmen on the varsity team, so fans will need to be patient for the short term with the Raiders (0-2).
“We might be 0-2 in non-conference but we have a bye week, then start our conference play in two weeks against Northwest Cabarrus,” Yow noted. “All of our goals are still intact.”
Yet not much was intact for the Raiders right out of the gate against the Wonders. The first play from scrimmage was a 75-yard sprint for a TD by halfback Jayln Cagle. The Brown defense then sacked South quarterback Heath Barringer in the end zone for a safety. On the first play after the free kick, quarterback Damon Johnson raced 47 yards around left end for a 47-yard touchdown. After a South punt, Brown drove 68 yards in just six plays, capped by a perfect Johnson lob over a defender to Brandon Dry from 16 yards out. The Wonders then closed out the remarkable first quarter with another long drive with bruising running back Sandon McCoy scoring from the 10. After 12 minutes of play, Kannapolis had posted four touchdowns and a safety for a 30-0 lead and had another score on a 60-yard punt return by Cagle nullified by a clipping penalty.
“We like to start fast and put the other team behind,” Kannapolis coach Mike Newsome said. He noted that their emotional win last week over Concord in the annual “Bell Game” was huge but it was not what he considered a clean game in terms of how his team executed. Against South, it was a completely different story. “When we play clean like we did tonight, that will equate to a lot of points. We knew if we did not make any mistakes, the scoreboard would take care of itself,” he said.
The scoreboard continued to light up for the Wonders in the second period as they got an 11-yard TD run by Johnson, a 4-yard score from McCoy and a 5-yard TD from JaQuerius Bost. With another sack of Barringer for a safety by Agustin Granillo late in the half, Kannapolis pushed the halftime margin to 53-0 and assured a running clock for the rest of the game. Despite the running clock after intermission, Kannapolis did tack on two more scores from their reserves as Casey Ritchie scored on an 18-yard sweep in the third quarter and jayvee runner Jahia Mahatha broke free on a 48-yard gallop midway in the final quarter, making it 67-0. Placekicker Nate Williams was a perfect 9-for-9 on extra points. While Kannapolis was racking up 407 yards rushing and 126 yards passing, the Raiders were unable to generate any serious threats against the Brown defense. Barringer was sacked seven times, including the two safeties, as the team ended with a minus-2 net rushing and 23 yards passing. For the game, the Raiders only reached midfield once and had just 2 first downs. Wonder quarterback Johnson, who ran for two scores and passed for another, says his team has their sights on much bigger goals this season.
“Everything went really well tonight but, like the coach said, we are not practicing and playing to beat South or Northwest (next week’s opponent),” he said. “We want to beat the best of the best like Mallard Creek, Vance, Hough and Mooresville. We are practicing to be the best.”
So far so good for the dominating Wonders as they do play the Trojans next week in a non-conference battle. South will have a bye week next Friday then jump into a nine-game South Piedmont schedule beginning with Northwest Cabarrus at home Sept. 11.
Pre Game Gallery
Action Gallery #1
Action Gallery #2
Action Gallery #3
Game #3
Kannapolis
vs
Northwest Cabarrus
Kannapolis N.C. -- It took an extra hour, but the wait was worth it for the A.L. Brown football team, as the top-ranked Wonders handily defeated Northwest Cabarrus, 56-7, Friday night. The win keeps the momentum going for the Cream of Cabarrus No. 1-ranked Wonders (3-0), as they prepare to face fellow Class 4A opponents for the remainder of their schedule. After a long weather delay, quarterback Damon Johnson and running back Sandon McCoy led the way, as the Wonders scored on their first four possessions. An additional touchdown later gave A.L. Brown a 35-0 halftime lead. The Trojans (0-2) started the second half on the right foot, with quarterback Damian Bertino capping an eight-play drive with a 3-yard score. The Wonders, however, added another 21 points to finish the night.
“I was really impressed with how our kids handled the rain delay,” A.L. Brown coach Mike Newsome said. “We came out and played extremely well, and it was just another good game for the Wonders.”
Though it was a tough loss, Trojans coach Rich Williams said he saw some positives as he looks to rest of the season.
“I thought we improved a lot from our first game to this game,”Williams said. “Our kids fought, clawed and scraped the whole game. They kept playing, and that’s all I can ask of them.”
The Wonders have now started the season 3-0 for three of the past five seasons. This marks the first 0-2 start for the Trojans since 2010. On the second play of the Wonders’ second offensive possession, McCoy took the handoff to the left side, before turning upfield and sprinting 57 yards for the score.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Damon Johnson, A.L. Brown, The senior quarterback completed seven of 12 passes for three touchdowns to three different receivers for 176 passing yards.
“This win just helps us get better,” Johnson said. “My offensive line and receivers worked really hard tonight.”
WHAT’S UP NEXT? The Wonders will be at home for their final non-conference game next Friday against Mooresville (1-2). Northwest Cabarrus will travel to China Grove to face South Piedmont 3A Conference opponent South Rowan (0-2).
GAME SUMMARY:
A.L. BROWN 21 14 14 7 -- 56
NORTHWEST CABARRUS 0 0 7 0 -- 7
ALB- Casey Ritchie 34 pass from Johnson (Nate Williams kick)
ALB- Sandon McCoy 57 run (Williams kick)
ALB- Jayln Cagle 23 pass from Johnson (Williams kick)
ALB- Brandon Dry 50 pass from Johnson (Williams kick)
ALB- McCoy 3 run (Williams kick)
NWC- Damian Bertino 3 run (Alex Gomez kick)
ALB- Cagle 1 run (Williams kick)
ALB- Dry 5 pass from Zac Williamson (Williams kick)
ALB- Shymere Scott 13 run (Williams kick)
“I was really impressed with how our kids handled the rain delay,” A.L. Brown coach Mike Newsome said. “We came out and played extremely well, and it was just another good game for the Wonders.”
Though it was a tough loss, Trojans coach Rich Williams said he saw some positives as he looks to rest of the season.
“I thought we improved a lot from our first game to this game,”Williams said. “Our kids fought, clawed and scraped the whole game. They kept playing, and that’s all I can ask of them.”
The Wonders have now started the season 3-0 for three of the past five seasons. This marks the first 0-2 start for the Trojans since 2010. On the second play of the Wonders’ second offensive possession, McCoy took the handoff to the left side, before turning upfield and sprinting 57 yards for the score.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Damon Johnson, A.L. Brown, The senior quarterback completed seven of 12 passes for three touchdowns to three different receivers for 176 passing yards.
“This win just helps us get better,” Johnson said. “My offensive line and receivers worked really hard tonight.”
WHAT’S UP NEXT? The Wonders will be at home for their final non-conference game next Friday against Mooresville (1-2). Northwest Cabarrus will travel to China Grove to face South Piedmont 3A Conference opponent South Rowan (0-2).
GAME SUMMARY:
A.L. BROWN 21 14 14 7 -- 56
NORTHWEST CABARRUS 0 0 7 0 -- 7
ALB- Casey Ritchie 34 pass from Johnson (Nate Williams kick)
ALB- Sandon McCoy 57 run (Williams kick)
ALB- Jayln Cagle 23 pass from Johnson (Williams kick)
ALB- Brandon Dry 50 pass from Johnson (Williams kick)
ALB- McCoy 3 run (Williams kick)
NWC- Damian Bertino 3 run (Alex Gomez kick)
ALB- Cagle 1 run (Williams kick)
ALB- Dry 5 pass from Zac Williamson (Williams kick)
ALB- Shymere Scott 13 run (Williams kick)
Pre Game Gallery
Action Gallery #1
Action Gallery #2
Action Gallery #3
Game #4
Kannapolis
vs
Mooresville
KANNAPOLIS, N.C. – Although it had its hiccups at times Friday night, the 2015 A.L. Brown High School football team continues to find ways ink its own chapters in the program’s thick history book. The Wonders used impenetrable second-half defense, a record-breaking night from kicker Nate Williams and a sparkling all-around performance by Jayln Cagle to take a 23-9 victory over Mooresville at Kannapolis Memorial Stadium. A.L. Brown’s fourth consecutive victory marks the first time the Wonders have been 4-0 since the 2007 campaign. Cagle scored a pair of touchdowns, one on a 98-yard kickoff return and another on a 21-yard run, to lead the Wonders (4-0) against the oversized Blue Devils (2-2). Meanwhile, Williams went 3-for-3 on his field goal attempts, including a personal-best 42-yarder. Wonders coach Mike Newsome, as well as several offensive players, heaped praise on the defense, which allowed Mooresville to put up some surprising totals in the first half. For instance, Blue Devils running back Donshel Jetton had 118 yards in the first 24 minutes. In the second half, Jetton had just six yards, and Mooresville went scoreless.
“The defense stepped up,” Newsome said. “They take a lot of pride in not allowing a team to drive the ball on them. I know the defensive staff made some adjustments, but I’d like to think it was the pride in the kids when they came out in the second half. That’s what you want teams to do in close ball games. The offense did their part, the defense did their part, and Nate Williams and the special teams did a fabulous job. I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
A.L. Brown had its difficult moments, though. Wonder senior quarterback Damon Johnson’s first interception of the season helped Mooresville get into field goal range and take a 3-0 lead. Johnson had another interception later and finished 9-for-20 with 54 yards. To go with his two scores, Cagle had 12 carries for 55 yards and three catches for 31 yards. Sandon McCoy ran for 48 yards on 15 carries. The Wonders’ defense was downright destructive after halftime. A.L. Brown forced two second-half fumbles – one recovered by Juan Morgan and another by Cagle after Kaseim Black jarred the ball loose. The Wonders allowed the Blue Devils to cross midfield just once in the second half. That Mooresville drive, however, ended with an interception by Cinsere Allison.
“We were shaky getting into things, but once we saw what they were doing, we knew we could stop it,” Allison said. “We listened to the coaches, got our assignments, and there was nothing they could do to move the ball downfield on us.”
Earlier this season, the Wonders ended Concord High’s three-year reign in the Battle for the Bell. In Week 2, A.L. Brown defeated South Rowan, 67-0, to post the program’s largest margin of victory since 2011. Now, the team is taking solace in being the first Wonder squad in eight years to start 4-0.
“With a historic program like Kannapolis, going 4-0 means a lot,” Allison said. “That means that we’re able to do big things. We just have to show other people that we’re able to do big things so they can hop on the bandwagon with us and we can ride it out. I feel like this was a steppingstone in the milestones we’re trying to hit.”
WHAT IT MEANS: The Wonders have gone undefeated in non-conference play this season as they prepare to begin a rugged stretch in the MECKA 4A Conference.
PLAY OF THE GAME: Seconds after Mooresville took a 9-3 lead in the second quarter, Jayln Cagle took a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown, and Nate Williams’ extra point gave the Wonders the lead for good.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Jayln Cagle, A.L. Brown. The senior had an impact in every facet of the game for the Wonders, scoring on special teams, making key tackles as a safety, recovering a fumble and rushing for an offensive touchdown.
WHAT’S UP NEXT? A.L. Brown is idle next week but travels to North Meck on Sept. 25.
GAME SUMMARY:
MOORESVILLE 3 6 0 0 -- 9
A.L. BROWN 3 7 7 6 -- 23
M – Josh Armstrong 36 FG
ALB – Nate Williams 26 FG
M – Caleb Klucking 1 run (kick blocked)
ALB – Jayln Cagle 98 kickoff return (Williams kick)
ALB – Cagle 21 run (Williams kick)
ALB – Williams 42 FG
ALB – Williams 30 FG
“The defense stepped up,” Newsome said. “They take a lot of pride in not allowing a team to drive the ball on them. I know the defensive staff made some adjustments, but I’d like to think it was the pride in the kids when they came out in the second half. That’s what you want teams to do in close ball games. The offense did their part, the defense did their part, and Nate Williams and the special teams did a fabulous job. I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
A.L. Brown had its difficult moments, though. Wonder senior quarterback Damon Johnson’s first interception of the season helped Mooresville get into field goal range and take a 3-0 lead. Johnson had another interception later and finished 9-for-20 with 54 yards. To go with his two scores, Cagle had 12 carries for 55 yards and three catches for 31 yards. Sandon McCoy ran for 48 yards on 15 carries. The Wonders’ defense was downright destructive after halftime. A.L. Brown forced two second-half fumbles – one recovered by Juan Morgan and another by Cagle after Kaseim Black jarred the ball loose. The Wonders allowed the Blue Devils to cross midfield just once in the second half. That Mooresville drive, however, ended with an interception by Cinsere Allison.
“We were shaky getting into things, but once we saw what they were doing, we knew we could stop it,” Allison said. “We listened to the coaches, got our assignments, and there was nothing they could do to move the ball downfield on us.”
Earlier this season, the Wonders ended Concord High’s three-year reign in the Battle for the Bell. In Week 2, A.L. Brown defeated South Rowan, 67-0, to post the program’s largest margin of victory since 2011. Now, the team is taking solace in being the first Wonder squad in eight years to start 4-0.
“With a historic program like Kannapolis, going 4-0 means a lot,” Allison said. “That means that we’re able to do big things. We just have to show other people that we’re able to do big things so they can hop on the bandwagon with us and we can ride it out. I feel like this was a steppingstone in the milestones we’re trying to hit.”
WHAT IT MEANS: The Wonders have gone undefeated in non-conference play this season as they prepare to begin a rugged stretch in the MECKA 4A Conference.
PLAY OF THE GAME: Seconds after Mooresville took a 9-3 lead in the second quarter, Jayln Cagle took a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown, and Nate Williams’ extra point gave the Wonders the lead for good.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Jayln Cagle, A.L. Brown. The senior had an impact in every facet of the game for the Wonders, scoring on special teams, making key tackles as a safety, recovering a fumble and rushing for an offensive touchdown.
WHAT’S UP NEXT? A.L. Brown is idle next week but travels to North Meck on Sept. 25.
GAME SUMMARY:
MOORESVILLE 3 6 0 0 -- 9
A.L. BROWN 3 7 7 6 -- 23
M – Josh Armstrong 36 FG
ALB – Nate Williams 26 FG
M – Caleb Klucking 1 run (kick blocked)
ALB – Jayln Cagle 98 kickoff return (Williams kick)
ALB – Cagle 21 run (Williams kick)
ALB – Williams 42 FG
ALB – Williams 30 FG
Pre Game Gallery
Action Gallery #1
Action Gallery #2
Action Gallery #3
Game #5
Kannapolis
VS
North Mecklenburg
Huntersville NC -- Sandon McCoy scored four touchdowns to power the Cream of Cabarrus No. 1-ranked A.L. Brown Wonders past North Mecklenburg, 42-20, in their first MECKA 4A Conference game of the season at soggy Viking Field Friday night. A.L. Brown (5-0, 1-0) is now the only team in its conference to be undefeated overall. The Wonders haven’t been this perfect since 2005, when they clicked off six consecutive victories.
(Being undefeated) is great, but we’ve still got a long way to go and tough schedule ahead of us,” A.L. Brown coach Mike Newsome said. “The (MECKA 4A) is the toughest conference in the state, and we’re thin and not as big as a lot of these other schools, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to just rollover for them.”
McCoy’s first three touchdowns were on the ground, as he rushed for 170 yards on 25 carries. McCoy recorded his fourth score on a 15-yard reception in the third quarter and had 186 all-purpose yards. A.L. Brown quarterback Damon Johnson also had a big night, going 11-for-15 passing for 171 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for a pair of touchdowns. A.L. Brown got on the board first when junior wide receiver Lewis Harris caught a 29-yard pass from Johnson in the first quarter. Johnson and McCoy scored the next two on the ground to give the Wonders a 21-8 halftime lead. North Meck refused to quit in the third quarter, as it staged a comeback and pulled within eight points, 28-20, thanks to an impressive 93-yard kickoff return by De’Montrez Burroughs. But on the Wonders’ ensuing possession, McCoy put them back in control by capping off a 10-play drive from three yards out. With star running back Jayln Cagle out with a strained hamstring he suffered in practice Tuesday, junior Steven Howie -- a mainstay at outside linebacker -- made several key blocks for McCoy and Johnson.
“(Howie) just had a big night stepping in and playing for Cagle,” Newsome said. “When you take a kid and throw him in there on Wednesday at practice, that’s tough for anybody, and he really stepped it up. When you’re used to playing one side of the ball, that’s tough for somebody to do, and he did it.”
WHAT IT MEANS: The win is the Wonders’ best start in a decade and gives them momentum heading into next week’s conference road game at highly regarded Vance. The Wonders have also allowed the fewest points (51) of any team in the MECKA 4A.
PLAY OF THE GAME: After Sandon McCoy recovered a fumble on North Meck’s kickoff return in the second quarter, Damon Johnson bolted 22-yards untouched for the score.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Sandon McCoy, A.L. Brown, Without Cagle in the lineup, McCoy carried the Wonders to victory by being the main ball carrier and playing tenacious defense.
WHAT’S UP NEXT: A.L. Brown visits Vance. North Meck plays host to West Charlotte
GAME SUMMARY:
A.L. BROWN 7 14 21 0 -- 42
NORTH MECK 0 8 12 0 -- 20
ALB -- Lewis Harris 29 pass Damon Johnson (Nate Williams kick)
ALB -- Johnson 22 run (Williams kick)
ALB -- Sandon McCoy 23 run (Williams kick)
NM -- De’Montrez Burroughs 40 run (Yancey Hairston pass Kendall Coles)
NM -- Emanuel Wilson 30 run (conversion failed)
ALB -- Johnson 11 run (Williams kick)
NM -- Burroughs 93 run (kick failed)
ALB -- McCoy 3 run (Williams kick)
ALB -- McCoy 15 pass from Johnson
(Being undefeated) is great, but we’ve still got a long way to go and tough schedule ahead of us,” A.L. Brown coach Mike Newsome said. “The (MECKA 4A) is the toughest conference in the state, and we’re thin and not as big as a lot of these other schools, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to just rollover for them.”
McCoy’s first three touchdowns were on the ground, as he rushed for 170 yards on 25 carries. McCoy recorded his fourth score on a 15-yard reception in the third quarter and had 186 all-purpose yards. A.L. Brown quarterback Damon Johnson also had a big night, going 11-for-15 passing for 171 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for a pair of touchdowns. A.L. Brown got on the board first when junior wide receiver Lewis Harris caught a 29-yard pass from Johnson in the first quarter. Johnson and McCoy scored the next two on the ground to give the Wonders a 21-8 halftime lead. North Meck refused to quit in the third quarter, as it staged a comeback and pulled within eight points, 28-20, thanks to an impressive 93-yard kickoff return by De’Montrez Burroughs. But on the Wonders’ ensuing possession, McCoy put them back in control by capping off a 10-play drive from three yards out. With star running back Jayln Cagle out with a strained hamstring he suffered in practice Tuesday, junior Steven Howie -- a mainstay at outside linebacker -- made several key blocks for McCoy and Johnson.
“(Howie) just had a big night stepping in and playing for Cagle,” Newsome said. “When you take a kid and throw him in there on Wednesday at practice, that’s tough for anybody, and he really stepped it up. When you’re used to playing one side of the ball, that’s tough for somebody to do, and he did it.”
WHAT IT MEANS: The win is the Wonders’ best start in a decade and gives them momentum heading into next week’s conference road game at highly regarded Vance. The Wonders have also allowed the fewest points (51) of any team in the MECKA 4A.
PLAY OF THE GAME: After Sandon McCoy recovered a fumble on North Meck’s kickoff return in the second quarter, Damon Johnson bolted 22-yards untouched for the score.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Sandon McCoy, A.L. Brown, Without Cagle in the lineup, McCoy carried the Wonders to victory by being the main ball carrier and playing tenacious defense.
WHAT’S UP NEXT: A.L. Brown visits Vance. North Meck plays host to West Charlotte
GAME SUMMARY:
A.L. BROWN 7 14 21 0 -- 42
NORTH MECK 0 8 12 0 -- 20
ALB -- Lewis Harris 29 pass Damon Johnson (Nate Williams kick)
ALB -- Johnson 22 run (Williams kick)
ALB -- Sandon McCoy 23 run (Williams kick)
NM -- De’Montrez Burroughs 40 run (Yancey Hairston pass Kendall Coles)
NM -- Emanuel Wilson 30 run (conversion failed)
ALB -- Johnson 11 run (Williams kick)
NM -- Burroughs 93 run (kick failed)
ALB -- McCoy 3 run (Williams kick)
ALB -- McCoy 15 pass from Johnson
Pre Game Gallery
Action Gallery #1
Action Gallery #2
Action Gallery #3
Game #6
Kannapolis
VS
Vance
Mint Hill NC- If anyone doubted Kannapolis’ A.L. Brown High could challenge for the MECKA 4A title this season, the Wonders put a lot of doubts to rest Monday night. Behind Damon Johnson, Jalen Cagle and a tough defense, Brown – ranked No. 7 in the Observer’s Sweet 16 poll – took a 31-14 victory over sixth-ranked Vance to post its first 6-0 start since 2005. Johnson accounted for three of the Wonders’ touchdowns, throwing for 136 yards and two touchdowns and running for 64 yards and a score. Johnson, a senior, hit Lewis Harris on a 76-yard TD pass late in the first quarter that tied the game at 14-14, then hit Brandon Dry on a 19-yard score late in the second quarter that put Brown up 21-14 at the half.
Johnson then gave the Wonders some breathing room late in the third quarter, scoring on a 21-yard keeper that staked Brown to a 14-point lead. Cagle added 105 rushing yards and a touchdown, a 34-yard dash midway through the first quarter that gave Brown the early lead. Kicker Nate Williams capped the Wonders’ scoring with a 38-yard field goal midway through the fourth quarter. Vance quarterback Kingsley Ifedi accounted for two first-quarter touchdowns, both coming over an 88-second span late in the period. Ifedi put in a 10-yard keeper with 3 minutes, 26 seconds left to tie the game at 7-7. A short punt then set up the second score, a 27-yard TD pass to Johnathan Ifedi with 1:56 left that put the Cougars up 14-7.
Records: A.L. Brown 6-0, 2-0 MECKA 8 4A; Vance 4-2, 0-1.
Worth mentioning: The first half had an unusual ending – one that nearly led to a tie score. Vance’s Chris Smith II appeared to return a fumble 53 yards for a touchdown, only to have the score taken away when the game officials whistled the play dead. Giving the Cougars one untimed play, Myles Dorn nearly turned a short pass from Kingsley Ifedi into a touchdown, getting pulled down at the Wonders 8. … Monday’s game was originally scheduled for last Friday at Vance, but the weekend’s heavy rainfall prompted officials to move the game back three days and play it on Rocky River High’s artificial-turf field.
What's Next: It’s a short week, with both teams in action Friday – A.L. Brown hosts J.M. Robinson in a nonconference game; meanwhile, Vance travels to West Charlotte in a MECKA 4A game.
MiNT HILL, N.C. – A high school football season is winding and long, at least for those few programs that get a chance to play late into the year. Although the A.L. Brown Wonders have completed just six games this year, with the passing of each week, they’re looking more and more like a team that could be playing beyond Thanksgiving. In a game rescheduled and moved to a new location because of last week’s hurricane-affected weather, the Wonders effectively manhandled a highly regarded Vance team, 31-14, Monday night at Rocky River High School. The Cream of Cabarrus No. 1-ranked Wonders upped their unblemished record to 6-0 overall and 2-0 in the strong MECKA 4A conference. The start to this season is Wonders’ best since 2005, when they also won their first six games.
“This is just the beginning of something real big,” Wonders quarterback Damon Johnson said as he hurried to take the team bus back to Kannapolis.
Johnson was really big for the Wonders, as the senior threw a pair of touchdowns and ran for another. He had plenty of help, though. A.L. Brown senior Jayln Cagle, who missed the Sept. 25 victory over North Mecklenburg because of a hamstring injury, was electric Monday night, finishing with 112 yards and a touchdown. Senior running back Sandon McCoy gained 75 yards and had several key blocks. He also made key contributions for the stout A.L. Brown defense, which held Vance to more than 26 points below its season average.
“It was a great win for our whole team,” A.L. Brown coach Mike Newsome said. “This was a team effort. I don’t like postponing games, but this might have been a blessing in disguise because it gave Jayln Cagle two more days to get ready, and he was an integral part in us (winning) tonight. I told the kids that if they play the way they’re capable of playing, the sky’s the limit for them and they can beat anybody. Vance is a quality football team. That’s a tough team to beat, and I’m just proud of our team.”
The game started out close. Cagle’s 34-yard touchdown run gave the Wonders an early 7-0 lead, but Vance quarterback Kingsley Ifedi knotted the score when he ran in from 10 yards. The Cougars then took the lead when Ifedi hit his brother, Jonathan, for a 27-yard touchdown, making it 14-7 Vance with about two minutes left in the first quarter. That’s when A.L. Brown hunkered down. Johnson threw his first touchdown of the night -- a strike in the middle of the field that Lewis Harris snared and took 76 yards to tie the game. The Wonders took the lead for good when Johnson found Brandon Dry in the right corner of the end zone for a 19-yard touchdown 4 minutes, 25 seconds left in the first half. For the rest of the night, the A.L. Brown defense hurried Kingsley Ifedi into difficult throws and made it a chore for Cougar receivers to find space.
“We were mentally and physically prepared for this game,” Johnson said. “Everybody doubted us. We came out with a slow start, but actions speak louder than words, actions speak louder than votes. We did what we had to do to get the win, so that’s all that matters.”
WHAT IT MEANS: With the win, the Wonders remain in a tie with nationally ranked Mallard Creek for first place in the MECKA 4A conference. Vance fell to 4-2, 0-1 MECKA 4A.
PLAY OF THE GAME: Early in the first quarter, the Wonders started a drive on the Vance 27-yard line after recovering a muffed punt, but they promptly moved backward after consecutive carries for loss by Jayln Cagle and Sandon McCoy. Then, on third-and-17, Cagle took a handoff and ran around the left end. At first, it appeared Cagle would be forced out of bounds, but he turned on the jets and outran several defenders for the 34-yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Damon Johnson, A.L. Brown. The senior quarterback completed just four of eight passes, but two of them went for touchdowns, and he finished with 135 yards. Johnson also ran for 45 yards and a touchdown.
WHAT’S UP NEXT: The Wonders play host to Class 3A foe Jay M. Robinson (4-2) Friday at Kannapolis Memorial Stadium, while the Cougars travel to West Charlotte.
GAME SUMMARY:
A.L. BROWN 14 7 7 3 -- 31
VANCE 14 0 0 0 -- 14
ALB – Jayln Cagle 34 run (Nate Williams kick)
V – Kingsley Ifedi 10 run (kick good)
V – Jonathan Ifedi 27 pass from Kingsley Ifedi (kick good)
ALB – Lewis Harris 76 pass from Damon Johnson (Williams kick)
ALB – Brandon Dry 19 pass from Johnson (Williams kick)
ALB – Johnson 21 run (Williams kick)
ALB – Williams 34 field goal
Johnson then gave the Wonders some breathing room late in the third quarter, scoring on a 21-yard keeper that staked Brown to a 14-point lead. Cagle added 105 rushing yards and a touchdown, a 34-yard dash midway through the first quarter that gave Brown the early lead. Kicker Nate Williams capped the Wonders’ scoring with a 38-yard field goal midway through the fourth quarter. Vance quarterback Kingsley Ifedi accounted for two first-quarter touchdowns, both coming over an 88-second span late in the period. Ifedi put in a 10-yard keeper with 3 minutes, 26 seconds left to tie the game at 7-7. A short punt then set up the second score, a 27-yard TD pass to Johnathan Ifedi with 1:56 left that put the Cougars up 14-7.
Records: A.L. Brown 6-0, 2-0 MECKA 8 4A; Vance 4-2, 0-1.
Worth mentioning: The first half had an unusual ending – one that nearly led to a tie score. Vance’s Chris Smith II appeared to return a fumble 53 yards for a touchdown, only to have the score taken away when the game officials whistled the play dead. Giving the Cougars one untimed play, Myles Dorn nearly turned a short pass from Kingsley Ifedi into a touchdown, getting pulled down at the Wonders 8. … Monday’s game was originally scheduled for last Friday at Vance, but the weekend’s heavy rainfall prompted officials to move the game back three days and play it on Rocky River High’s artificial-turf field.
What's Next: It’s a short week, with both teams in action Friday – A.L. Brown hosts J.M. Robinson in a nonconference game; meanwhile, Vance travels to West Charlotte in a MECKA 4A game.
MiNT HILL, N.C. – A high school football season is winding and long, at least for those few programs that get a chance to play late into the year. Although the A.L. Brown Wonders have completed just six games this year, with the passing of each week, they’re looking more and more like a team that could be playing beyond Thanksgiving. In a game rescheduled and moved to a new location because of last week’s hurricane-affected weather, the Wonders effectively manhandled a highly regarded Vance team, 31-14, Monday night at Rocky River High School. The Cream of Cabarrus No. 1-ranked Wonders upped their unblemished record to 6-0 overall and 2-0 in the strong MECKA 4A conference. The start to this season is Wonders’ best since 2005, when they also won their first six games.
“This is just the beginning of something real big,” Wonders quarterback Damon Johnson said as he hurried to take the team bus back to Kannapolis.
Johnson was really big for the Wonders, as the senior threw a pair of touchdowns and ran for another. He had plenty of help, though. A.L. Brown senior Jayln Cagle, who missed the Sept. 25 victory over North Mecklenburg because of a hamstring injury, was electric Monday night, finishing with 112 yards and a touchdown. Senior running back Sandon McCoy gained 75 yards and had several key blocks. He also made key contributions for the stout A.L. Brown defense, which held Vance to more than 26 points below its season average.
“It was a great win for our whole team,” A.L. Brown coach Mike Newsome said. “This was a team effort. I don’t like postponing games, but this might have been a blessing in disguise because it gave Jayln Cagle two more days to get ready, and he was an integral part in us (winning) tonight. I told the kids that if they play the way they’re capable of playing, the sky’s the limit for them and they can beat anybody. Vance is a quality football team. That’s a tough team to beat, and I’m just proud of our team.”
The game started out close. Cagle’s 34-yard touchdown run gave the Wonders an early 7-0 lead, but Vance quarterback Kingsley Ifedi knotted the score when he ran in from 10 yards. The Cougars then took the lead when Ifedi hit his brother, Jonathan, for a 27-yard touchdown, making it 14-7 Vance with about two minutes left in the first quarter. That’s when A.L. Brown hunkered down. Johnson threw his first touchdown of the night -- a strike in the middle of the field that Lewis Harris snared and took 76 yards to tie the game. The Wonders took the lead for good when Johnson found Brandon Dry in the right corner of the end zone for a 19-yard touchdown 4 minutes, 25 seconds left in the first half. For the rest of the night, the A.L. Brown defense hurried Kingsley Ifedi into difficult throws and made it a chore for Cougar receivers to find space.
“We were mentally and physically prepared for this game,” Johnson said. “Everybody doubted us. We came out with a slow start, but actions speak louder than words, actions speak louder than votes. We did what we had to do to get the win, so that’s all that matters.”
WHAT IT MEANS: With the win, the Wonders remain in a tie with nationally ranked Mallard Creek for first place in the MECKA 4A conference. Vance fell to 4-2, 0-1 MECKA 4A.
PLAY OF THE GAME: Early in the first quarter, the Wonders started a drive on the Vance 27-yard line after recovering a muffed punt, but they promptly moved backward after consecutive carries for loss by Jayln Cagle and Sandon McCoy. Then, on third-and-17, Cagle took a handoff and ran around the left end. At first, it appeared Cagle would be forced out of bounds, but he turned on the jets and outran several defenders for the 34-yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Damon Johnson, A.L. Brown. The senior quarterback completed just four of eight passes, but two of them went for touchdowns, and he finished with 135 yards. Johnson also ran for 45 yards and a touchdown.
WHAT’S UP NEXT: The Wonders play host to Class 3A foe Jay M. Robinson (4-2) Friday at Kannapolis Memorial Stadium, while the Cougars travel to West Charlotte.
GAME SUMMARY:
A.L. BROWN 14 7 7 3 -- 31
VANCE 14 0 0 0 -- 14
ALB – Jayln Cagle 34 run (Nate Williams kick)
V – Kingsley Ifedi 10 run (kick good)
V – Jonathan Ifedi 27 pass from Kingsley Ifedi (kick good)
ALB – Lewis Harris 76 pass from Damon Johnson (Williams kick)
ALB – Brandon Dry 19 pass from Johnson (Williams kick)
ALB – Johnson 21 run (Williams kick)
ALB – Williams 34 field goal
Pre Game Gallery
Action Gallery #1
Action Gallery #2
Action Gallery #3
Game #7
Kannapolis
vs
J.M. Robinson
Kannapolis N.C. – Two things were confirmed Friday night at Kannapolis Memorial Stadium: The A.L. Brown High School football team is as good as advertised and has the dexterity to win close games as well as blowouts. And Jay M. Robinson’s turnaround just one year after going winless is real. Very real. Jay M. Robinson gave the Wonders all they could handle Friday, as they rallied from a three-touchdown deficit in the second half, but Brandon Dry’s interception in the waning seconds helped A.L. Brown survive with a 28-21 victory. After the non-conference matchup, the Wonders, at 7-0, are off to their best start in more than a decade. Jay M. Robinson dropped to 4-3, but the Bulldogs, too, have had a memorable start, having already surpassed their victory total from the previous three seasons combined. The Wonders were playing on just three days’ rest after defeating Vance Monday night in a game that was rescheduled because of massive rainfall. But A.L. Brown quarterback Damon Johnson, who injured his ankle late in the game after throwing a touchdown and rushing for another score, said his team would not use that as an excuse.
“This was a tough one,” said Johnson. “I give props to Jay M. Robinson – they came out very aggressively. That’s a really good team. It’s not that we took them lightly. I just think we lacked some elements in the game. But we just worked maybe a little bit harder and got a little break, and we got out of it with a win.”
This time last year, both teams were members of the MECKA 4A conference, but Jay M. Robinson moved back down to Class 3A for the 2015 season after two years at the state’s highest classification. Early Friday, it appeared the teams were in different classes in more ways than one. A.L. Brown scored on its first possession of the game – a Jayln Cagle 68-yard touchdown run – and followed that with an 81-yard touchdown pass from Damon Johnson to Cagle. After just four offensive plays, the Wonders held a 14-0 lead. But Jay M. Robinson kept its cool and relied on an effective combination of running and passing to keep the game close until Johnson scored on a 17-yard run to give the Wonders a 21-7 lead at halftime.
A.L. Brown led by three touchdowns heading into the fourth quarter, but that’s when the Bulldogs started surging. Josh Rutherford’s 9-yard score made it 28-14 with 10 minutes, 57 seconds left in the game. And on the Bulldogs’ next possession, Rutherford ran in for another score to cut the lead to 28-21 with 6:21 remaining. Neither team could make any headway for the next several minutes, but Jay M. Robinson took possession on the 50-yard with 36 seconds to go and a chance to tie. The Wonders subsequently were flagged for an illegal substitution, and the Bulldogs advanced to the 45. On the Bulldogs’ first play, however, quarterback Josh Dale’s pass was tipped, and Dry slid in to cradle the ball for the interception. Johnson said he has a sprained ankle but doesn’t expect to miss any time. Cagle, who finished with 150 yards rushing, also was helped off the field with an apparent leg injury late in the game.
“I knew that (the Bulldogs) were a good football team, much-improved,” Wonders coach Mike Newsome said. “They did a great job, but our kids played well enough to win the football game. We’re banged up and beat up now, but it’s next man up here.”
Rutherford led the Bulldogs with 123 yards and two touchdowns. Dale completed 15 of 21 passes for 125 yards and two interceptions. Bulldogs coach Joe Glass said it was difficult for his team to overcome the big early blow the Wonders delivered, but he took solace in the fact that Robinson battled back to scare one of the best 4A teams in the state.
“You can’t beat good football teams making mistakes,” Glass said. “But I tell you what: My kids fought and fought and fought and dug and clawed and never gave up. I couldn’t be more proud of them. “(The Wonders) will be a deep playoff team, and they’ll have a chance to be right there with Mallard Creek and Hough in the conference. But we were just as physical as they were, especially later on. I feel like we had a little more gas at the end. We just didn’t make the plays that we needed to.”
WHAT IT MEANS: The Wonders’ win allows them to stay in a tie for first place with Hough in the MECKA 4A conference standings.
PLAY OF THE GAME: A.L. Brown secured the victory when junior Brandon Dry intercepted a pass on his own 29-yard line with 23.4 seconds left in the game. “They were coming back, so I was just trying to make the big play,” Dry said. “I didn’t know if my player tipped it. I just saw the ball in the air, and I wanted to go get it.”
PLAYER PF THE GAME: Jayln Cagle, A.L. Brown. The senior running back appeared unstoppable at times, scoring touchdowns the first two times he touched the ball and ending up with 150 yards rushing and a touchdown while adding another score receiving.
WHAT’S UP NEXT: The Wonders welcome Hough to Memorial Stadium on Friday. Jay M. Robinson plays host to No. 6 Cox Mill.
GAME SUMMARY
JAY M. ROBINSON 7 0 0 14 -- 21
A.L. BROWN 14 7 7 0 -- 28
ALB – Jayln Cagle 68 run (Nate Williams kick)
ALB – Cagle 81 pass from Damon Johnson (Williams kick)
JMR – Josh Dale 7 run (Joseph Bruner kick)
ALB – Johnson 17 run (Williams kick)
ALB – Sandon McCoy 1 run (Williams kick)
JMR – Josh Rutherford 9 run (Bruner kick)
JMR – Rutherford 2 run (Bruner kick)
“This was a tough one,” said Johnson. “I give props to Jay M. Robinson – they came out very aggressively. That’s a really good team. It’s not that we took them lightly. I just think we lacked some elements in the game. But we just worked maybe a little bit harder and got a little break, and we got out of it with a win.”
This time last year, both teams were members of the MECKA 4A conference, but Jay M. Robinson moved back down to Class 3A for the 2015 season after two years at the state’s highest classification. Early Friday, it appeared the teams were in different classes in more ways than one. A.L. Brown scored on its first possession of the game – a Jayln Cagle 68-yard touchdown run – and followed that with an 81-yard touchdown pass from Damon Johnson to Cagle. After just four offensive plays, the Wonders held a 14-0 lead. But Jay M. Robinson kept its cool and relied on an effective combination of running and passing to keep the game close until Johnson scored on a 17-yard run to give the Wonders a 21-7 lead at halftime.
A.L. Brown led by three touchdowns heading into the fourth quarter, but that’s when the Bulldogs started surging. Josh Rutherford’s 9-yard score made it 28-14 with 10 minutes, 57 seconds left in the game. And on the Bulldogs’ next possession, Rutherford ran in for another score to cut the lead to 28-21 with 6:21 remaining. Neither team could make any headway for the next several minutes, but Jay M. Robinson took possession on the 50-yard with 36 seconds to go and a chance to tie. The Wonders subsequently were flagged for an illegal substitution, and the Bulldogs advanced to the 45. On the Bulldogs’ first play, however, quarterback Josh Dale’s pass was tipped, and Dry slid in to cradle the ball for the interception. Johnson said he has a sprained ankle but doesn’t expect to miss any time. Cagle, who finished with 150 yards rushing, also was helped off the field with an apparent leg injury late in the game.
“I knew that (the Bulldogs) were a good football team, much-improved,” Wonders coach Mike Newsome said. “They did a great job, but our kids played well enough to win the football game. We’re banged up and beat up now, but it’s next man up here.”
Rutherford led the Bulldogs with 123 yards and two touchdowns. Dale completed 15 of 21 passes for 125 yards and two interceptions. Bulldogs coach Joe Glass said it was difficult for his team to overcome the big early blow the Wonders delivered, but he took solace in the fact that Robinson battled back to scare one of the best 4A teams in the state.
“You can’t beat good football teams making mistakes,” Glass said. “But I tell you what: My kids fought and fought and fought and dug and clawed and never gave up. I couldn’t be more proud of them. “(The Wonders) will be a deep playoff team, and they’ll have a chance to be right there with Mallard Creek and Hough in the conference. But we were just as physical as they were, especially later on. I feel like we had a little more gas at the end. We just didn’t make the plays that we needed to.”
WHAT IT MEANS: The Wonders’ win allows them to stay in a tie for first place with Hough in the MECKA 4A conference standings.
PLAY OF THE GAME: A.L. Brown secured the victory when junior Brandon Dry intercepted a pass on his own 29-yard line with 23.4 seconds left in the game. “They were coming back, so I was just trying to make the big play,” Dry said. “I didn’t know if my player tipped it. I just saw the ball in the air, and I wanted to go get it.”
PLAYER PF THE GAME: Jayln Cagle, A.L. Brown. The senior running back appeared unstoppable at times, scoring touchdowns the first two times he touched the ball and ending up with 150 yards rushing and a touchdown while adding another score receiving.
WHAT’S UP NEXT: The Wonders welcome Hough to Memorial Stadium on Friday. Jay M. Robinson plays host to No. 6 Cox Mill.
GAME SUMMARY
JAY M. ROBINSON 7 0 0 14 -- 21
A.L. BROWN 14 7 7 0 -- 28
ALB – Jayln Cagle 68 run (Nate Williams kick)
ALB – Cagle 81 pass from Damon Johnson (Williams kick)
JMR – Josh Dale 7 run (Joseph Bruner kick)
ALB – Johnson 17 run (Williams kick)
ALB – Sandon McCoy 1 run (Williams kick)
JMR – Josh Rutherford 9 run (Bruner kick)
JMR – Rutherford 2 run (Bruner kick)
Pre Game Gallery
Action Gallery #1
Action Gallery #2
"Congratulations Homecoming Queen and Court"
2015
Action Gallery #3
Game #8
Kannapolis
vs
Hough
Kannapolis NC- After its best start in more than a decade, A.L. Brown High School’s football team suffered its first loss of the season, suffering a 21-7 defeat to Hough Friday night at raucous Kannapolis Memorial Stadium. The Cream of Cabarrus No. 1-ranked Wonders fell to 7-1 overall, and 2-1 in the MECKA 4A conference. Hough remains unbeaten in conference play at 3-0 and is 7-1 overall. Defensively, the Wonders were extremely stingy against Hough’s offense in the first half, giving up just three first downs and 70 yards total offense to the Huskies. Hough finished the game with 163 yards total offense. A.L. Brown also kept Huskies junior quarterback Jackson Gibbs from having a big night. The grandson of legendary NFL coach and NASCAR team owner Joe Gibbs threw for 72 yards on 9-of-17 passing, but he was also sacked six times.
“I don’t know if we could have played a better game defensively,” Wonders coach Mike Newsome said. “Offensively, if we could have gotten something going (in the first half), things would have been a lot better. (But) when you play good football teams like Hough, you can’t turn the ball over like we did.”
A.L. Brown senior quarterback Damon Johnson threw four interceptions, including a “pick six” to Marquill Osborne – who had two of the four interceptions -- to give the Huskies an early 7-0 advantage. Johnson,– who had thrown just three interceptions in A.L. Brown’s first six games, finished with 61 yards on 8-of-15 passing.
“Every quarterback has a game that just doesn’t go their way,” said Newsome. “The bad thing about a quarterback in the position (Johnson) plays is that everybody knows things didn’t work out. That’s also the greatest thing about that position, is that you want that pressure on you. Damon thrives on that pressure. Damon wants that pressure, and Damon excels (under) that pressure. This game just didn’t go his way, and that happens to every quarterback.”
Midway through the third quarter, A.L. Brown junior defensive back Cincere Allison stripped the ball from Hough running back Jarrett Nagy, which set up the Wonders’ only scoring drive of the game. Starting from the Huskies’ 47-yard line, A.L. Brown senior running back Sandon McCoy recorded his seventh rushing touchdown of the season, scoring on a 3-yard carry to tie the game at 7. However, with fewer than four minutes remaining in the third quarter, Johnson threw his third interception. That set up another Hough scoring drive, with Rashad Williams’ 5-yard run putting the Huskies ahead for good, 14-7. Johnson’s fourth interception, at the eight-minute mark of the fourth quarter, set up Hough’s final touchdown, a 1-yard run by Nagy.
WHAT IT MEANS: The defeat marked the third consecutive year that the Huskies have defeated A.L. Brown since it joined the conference in 2013. Hough also is in sole possession of first place in the MECKA 4A.
PLAY OF THE GAME: Marquill Osborne’s second interception late in the fourth quarter sealed the game for good. Osborne caught the ball deep in Hough territory and returned it to A.L. Brown’s 34-yard line.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Cinsere Allison, A.L. Brown- The junior defensive back’s fumble recovery in the third quarter, along with his relentless overall play, was one of the main reasons Hough wasn’t able to throw touchdown passes. Allison also recorded a sack and made a jarring hit on special teams to halt a possible lengthy punt return.
WHAT’S UP NEXT? A.L. Brown visits Mallard Creek, and Hough plays host to West Charlotte.
GAME SUMMARY:
HOUGH 7 0 7 7 -- 21
BROWN 0 0 7 0 -- 7
H -- Marquill Osborne 23 interception return (Zach Steans kick)
ALB -- Sandon McCoy 3 run (Nate Williams kick)
H -- Rashad Williams 5 run (Stearns kick)
H -- Jarrett Nagy 1 run (Stearns kick)
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Game #9
Kannapolis
vs
Mallard Creek
Charlotte NC – Their heads did not hang low. There were no slumped shoulders or tears left on Mallard Creek’s artificial turf field as the A.L. Brown High School football players walked out of the stadium Friday night. Although Mallard Creek delivered the Wonders their second consecutive defeat and effectively ended their season-long hopes of winning a conference title, the green and white team from Kannapolis didn’t leave Mecklenburg County with disappointment.
Instead, they left with resolve. The ballyhooed Mavericks topped Cream of Cabarrus No. 1-ranked A.L. Brown 37-27, before a rowdy homecoming crowd Friday night, but the Wonders immediately began using the loss as a rallying cry.
Mallard Creek, boasting a bevy of big-time college recruits, is considered one of the top teams in the country. The Wonders, who dropped to 7-2 overall and fell to fourth place in the MECKA with a 2-2 league mark, made the Mavericks fight to hold on for the win at the end.Mallard Creek (8-2, 4-1) led by three scores for much of the night, but the Wonders turned a 23-6 halftime deficit into a game that was played within 10 points for much of the second half. A 91-yard kickoff return by A.L. Brown’s Sandon McCoy made the score 37-27 with a little more than six minutes remaining in the game, but then the Mavericks went on a clock-eating, 12-play drive to secure the outcome. But pushing heavily favored Mallard Creek to the limit on its home turf, the Wonders say, is something A.L. Brown can use as fuel when it begins the state playoffs next month.
“You can’t get mad about this game -- you really can’t,” Wonders quarterback Damon Johnson said, looking up at the scoreboard. “If you think about it, people that came out to this game thought this was going to be a blowout. But we said, ‘You’re not doing it to us.’This game right here is going to prepare us for anything that we’re coming up against because if this is the best team in the state, we’re the second-best team in the state. Come playoff time, it should be slow motion to us. We should be able to click. I think we have a really high chance of going into these playoffs and winning something big.”
The good thing for the Wonders is that they won’t have to see Mallard Creek in the postseason. Despite their conference ties, for playoff purposes, the Mavericks compete at the Class 4AA level because of their larger student enrollment. They have won the past two state titles. A.L. Brown, meanwhile, plays for the Class 4A state title.
“Mallard Creek’s a great team, and we won’t play anybody else like them,” McCoy said. “(Friday), we showed that we won’t give up. We’re going to fight until the end, and that’s what we’re going to do in the playoffs.”
The Wonders did have their struggles against Mallard Creek. They had a touchdown by star running back Jalyn Cagle called back because of a holding penalty. That error was crucial because the touchdown would have whittled Mallard Creek’s lead to one score just before halftime. There also was a crucial safety on an errant snap on a punt, and the Wonders had trouble keeping up with Mallard Creek’s big, strong, fast runners and receivers. Still, the Wonders, whose only other defeat was to MECKA 4A leader Hough two weeks ago, were not dissuaded.
“We’ve played probably the two best teams in the state of North Carolina,” A.L. Brown coach Mike Newsome said. “We got through those (games) healthy, No. 1. And No. 2, we got through them with our pride intact, because we didn’t get blown out by either team. We’ve got to win these next two – we can’t falter. We can’t slip up. Because of the playoff seeding, we’ll be a middle-of-the-road playoff seed, but we’re going to be a tough first-round (opponent) for anybody we play.”
The Wonders should be favored to win their next two games – against West Charlotte next week and Hopewell in the regular-season finale on Nov. 6. After that, A.L. Brown’s resolve will be put to the test again.
It’s a test Newsome believes the Wonders can pass with flying colors.
“If we can stay healthy and get to the playoffs, this team’s capable of making a great playoff run and even doing unbelievable things,” Newsome said.
Charlotte- Mallard Creek isn’t ready to concede the MECKA 4A title – or more importantly, the state 4AA championship it has won the past two years. Thanks to James Smith and Ryan Jones, the Mavericks are still looking to win both, taking a 37-27 victory over A.L. Brown on Friday night in a battle of Sweet 16 teams. Smith threw for 265 yards and three touchdowns – all going to Jones, who had 122 receiving yards – and ran for a fourth for Mallard Creek, ranked No. 6 in the Sweet 16. Chauncery Bowman added 105 rushing yards and a touchdown for the Mavericks, who overcame 156 penalty yards and an early score by the fifth-ranked Wonders.
“The conference title would be great,” Mallard Creek coach Mike Palmieri said. “(But) our goal is the state championship. Our season really hasn’t started. We’re going to be tough to beat come November.”
Smith completed 16 of 22 passes, with touchdown receptions to Jones of 26 and 26 yards in the second quarter en route to a 23-6 halftime lead. He then hit Jones again on a 70-yarder in the third quarter. Smith also had a 13-yard keeper late in the first quarter that put Mallard Creek in the lead for good.
“All the teams have been counting us out because we’ve lost two games,” Jones said. “But we’ve gotten closer as a team, and we’ve all decided to work harder. Now we’re ready to show people what we can do.”
Damon Johnson threw for 140 yards and two touchdowns – both to Sherrod Sutton, of 26 and 34 yards – for A.L. Brown. The Wonders also got a 91-yard kickoff return from Sandon McCoy in the fourth quarter that allowed them to keep the game close.
Quote: “That’s a great football team down there – (Mallard Creek is) the best team in the state. They’re the defending state champions. I don’t care what their record is, until someone knocks them off and wins the state championship, they’re still the best in the state.” – A.L. Brown coach Mike Newsome.
Records: A.L. Brown 7-2, 2-2 MECKA 4A; Mallard Creek 8-2, 4-1.
Instead, they left with resolve. The ballyhooed Mavericks topped Cream of Cabarrus No. 1-ranked A.L. Brown 37-27, before a rowdy homecoming crowd Friday night, but the Wonders immediately began using the loss as a rallying cry.
Mallard Creek, boasting a bevy of big-time college recruits, is considered one of the top teams in the country. The Wonders, who dropped to 7-2 overall and fell to fourth place in the MECKA with a 2-2 league mark, made the Mavericks fight to hold on for the win at the end.Mallard Creek (8-2, 4-1) led by three scores for much of the night, but the Wonders turned a 23-6 halftime deficit into a game that was played within 10 points for much of the second half. A 91-yard kickoff return by A.L. Brown’s Sandon McCoy made the score 37-27 with a little more than six minutes remaining in the game, but then the Mavericks went on a clock-eating, 12-play drive to secure the outcome. But pushing heavily favored Mallard Creek to the limit on its home turf, the Wonders say, is something A.L. Brown can use as fuel when it begins the state playoffs next month.
“You can’t get mad about this game -- you really can’t,” Wonders quarterback Damon Johnson said, looking up at the scoreboard. “If you think about it, people that came out to this game thought this was going to be a blowout. But we said, ‘You’re not doing it to us.’This game right here is going to prepare us for anything that we’re coming up against because if this is the best team in the state, we’re the second-best team in the state. Come playoff time, it should be slow motion to us. We should be able to click. I think we have a really high chance of going into these playoffs and winning something big.”
The good thing for the Wonders is that they won’t have to see Mallard Creek in the postseason. Despite their conference ties, for playoff purposes, the Mavericks compete at the Class 4AA level because of their larger student enrollment. They have won the past two state titles. A.L. Brown, meanwhile, plays for the Class 4A state title.
“Mallard Creek’s a great team, and we won’t play anybody else like them,” McCoy said. “(Friday), we showed that we won’t give up. We’re going to fight until the end, and that’s what we’re going to do in the playoffs.”
The Wonders did have their struggles against Mallard Creek. They had a touchdown by star running back Jalyn Cagle called back because of a holding penalty. That error was crucial because the touchdown would have whittled Mallard Creek’s lead to one score just before halftime. There also was a crucial safety on an errant snap on a punt, and the Wonders had trouble keeping up with Mallard Creek’s big, strong, fast runners and receivers. Still, the Wonders, whose only other defeat was to MECKA 4A leader Hough two weeks ago, were not dissuaded.
“We’ve played probably the two best teams in the state of North Carolina,” A.L. Brown coach Mike Newsome said. “We got through those (games) healthy, No. 1. And No. 2, we got through them with our pride intact, because we didn’t get blown out by either team. We’ve got to win these next two – we can’t falter. We can’t slip up. Because of the playoff seeding, we’ll be a middle-of-the-road playoff seed, but we’re going to be a tough first-round (opponent) for anybody we play.”
The Wonders should be favored to win their next two games – against West Charlotte next week and Hopewell in the regular-season finale on Nov. 6. After that, A.L. Brown’s resolve will be put to the test again.
It’s a test Newsome believes the Wonders can pass with flying colors.
“If we can stay healthy and get to the playoffs, this team’s capable of making a great playoff run and even doing unbelievable things,” Newsome said.
Charlotte- Mallard Creek isn’t ready to concede the MECKA 4A title – or more importantly, the state 4AA championship it has won the past two years. Thanks to James Smith and Ryan Jones, the Mavericks are still looking to win both, taking a 37-27 victory over A.L. Brown on Friday night in a battle of Sweet 16 teams. Smith threw for 265 yards and three touchdowns – all going to Jones, who had 122 receiving yards – and ran for a fourth for Mallard Creek, ranked No. 6 in the Sweet 16. Chauncery Bowman added 105 rushing yards and a touchdown for the Mavericks, who overcame 156 penalty yards and an early score by the fifth-ranked Wonders.
“The conference title would be great,” Mallard Creek coach Mike Palmieri said. “(But) our goal is the state championship. Our season really hasn’t started. We’re going to be tough to beat come November.”
Smith completed 16 of 22 passes, with touchdown receptions to Jones of 26 and 26 yards in the second quarter en route to a 23-6 halftime lead. He then hit Jones again on a 70-yarder in the third quarter. Smith also had a 13-yard keeper late in the first quarter that put Mallard Creek in the lead for good.
“All the teams have been counting us out because we’ve lost two games,” Jones said. “But we’ve gotten closer as a team, and we’ve all decided to work harder. Now we’re ready to show people what we can do.”
Damon Johnson threw for 140 yards and two touchdowns – both to Sherrod Sutton, of 26 and 34 yards – for A.L. Brown. The Wonders also got a 91-yard kickoff return from Sandon McCoy in the fourth quarter that allowed them to keep the game close.
Quote: “That’s a great football team down there – (Mallard Creek is) the best team in the state. They’re the defending state champions. I don’t care what their record is, until someone knocks them off and wins the state championship, they’re still the best in the state.” – A.L. Brown coach Mike Newsome.
Records: A.L. Brown 7-2, 2-2 MECKA 4A; Mallard Creek 8-2, 4-1.
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Game #10
Kannapolis
vs
West Charlotte
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Game #11
Kannapolis
vs
Hopewell
Kannapolis NC – Entering Friday night’s game against Hopewell, the A.L. Brown High School football team was playing for more than momentum going into the state playoffs -- they were playing for Wonders star Jayln Cagle, who was injured in practice earlier in the week and was unable to attend the game. Grasping a sense of unity, the Wonders defeated Hopewell, 42-6, at Kannapolis Memorial Stadium with Cagle on their minds.
“It was a big deal. We wanted to represent our fallen player, Jayln Cagle,” Wonders coach Mike Newsome said. “The kids did a great job of that.”
The Wonders wasted no time setting the tone, as senior running back Sandon McCoy capped their opening drive of the night with a 20-yard touchdown run. On the second possession, the Wonders scored on just one play, as McCoy took the handoff from senior quarterback Damon Johnson, bounced off several tackles and went 54 yards for the score, giving the Wonders a 14-0 lead with 6 minutes 4 seconds left in the first quarter. The Titans answered with their own big play. On third down, Hopewell senior quarterback Tre Fasion ran 70 yards for a score to cut the lead to 14-6. But the Titans’ score only seemed to fire up the Wonders even more, as on the second play of the second quarter, A.L. Brown junior Steven Howie ran 19 yards for the touchdown. Continuing the onslaught, the Wonders scored on their next three possessions, with junior running back JaQuerius Bost scoring once and Howie and McCoy each adding to their total touchdowns on the night.
Howie finished the first half, and the night, with 89 yards on six rushing attempts with two touchdowns, while McCoy had 173 yards on 16 carries with three touchdowns.
“I was playing for Jayln Cagle tonight,” McCoy said. “We are chasing (state championship) rings. We’ve got to get far enough so that when Jayln Cagle comes back, he can play.”
WHAT IT MEANS: The Wonders finished third in the MECKA 4A conference with a record of 9-2 overall and 4-2 in league play. The Titans finished the season 1-10 overall, 0-6 in conference play, and ended the season with 10 consecutive defeats.
PLAY OF THE GAME: Trailing 28-6, the Titans needed to put together a drive to slow down the Wonders’ offense. Hopewell junior Isaiah Ely-Bembry, playing quarterback in place of Tre Fasion, who was injured on the previous possession, tried to scramble in the backfield when he was hit by a swarm of Wonders and fumbled. The Wonders recovered at the Titans’ 19-yard line and scored on the next play to increase the lead and eliminate the Titans’ chances of mounting a comeback.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Sandon McCoy, A.L. Brown McCoy had his second consecutive 100-yard game (173 with three touchdowns). McCoy’s performance put him over 1,000 rushing yards for the season.
WHAT’S UP NEXT: A.L. Brown waits to see who it will face in the state playoffs. Hopewell’s season is complete.
ALB – Sandon McCoy 20 run (Nate Williams kick)
ALB – McCoy 54 run (Williams kick)
ALB – Tre Fasion 70 run (kick failed)
ALB – Steven Howie 19 run (Williams kick)
ALB – JaQuerius Bost 5 run (Williams kick)
ALB – Howie 24 run (Williams kick)
ALB – McCoy 23 run (Williams kick)
“It was a big deal. We wanted to represent our fallen player, Jayln Cagle,” Wonders coach Mike Newsome said. “The kids did a great job of that.”
The Wonders wasted no time setting the tone, as senior running back Sandon McCoy capped their opening drive of the night with a 20-yard touchdown run. On the second possession, the Wonders scored on just one play, as McCoy took the handoff from senior quarterback Damon Johnson, bounced off several tackles and went 54 yards for the score, giving the Wonders a 14-0 lead with 6 minutes 4 seconds left in the first quarter. The Titans answered with their own big play. On third down, Hopewell senior quarterback Tre Fasion ran 70 yards for a score to cut the lead to 14-6. But the Titans’ score only seemed to fire up the Wonders even more, as on the second play of the second quarter, A.L. Brown junior Steven Howie ran 19 yards for the touchdown. Continuing the onslaught, the Wonders scored on their next three possessions, with junior running back JaQuerius Bost scoring once and Howie and McCoy each adding to their total touchdowns on the night.
Howie finished the first half, and the night, with 89 yards on six rushing attempts with two touchdowns, while McCoy had 173 yards on 16 carries with three touchdowns.
“I was playing for Jayln Cagle tonight,” McCoy said. “We are chasing (state championship) rings. We’ve got to get far enough so that when Jayln Cagle comes back, he can play.”
WHAT IT MEANS: The Wonders finished third in the MECKA 4A conference with a record of 9-2 overall and 4-2 in league play. The Titans finished the season 1-10 overall, 0-6 in conference play, and ended the season with 10 consecutive defeats.
PLAY OF THE GAME: Trailing 28-6, the Titans needed to put together a drive to slow down the Wonders’ offense. Hopewell junior Isaiah Ely-Bembry, playing quarterback in place of Tre Fasion, who was injured on the previous possession, tried to scramble in the backfield when he was hit by a swarm of Wonders and fumbled. The Wonders recovered at the Titans’ 19-yard line and scored on the next play to increase the lead and eliminate the Titans’ chances of mounting a comeback.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Sandon McCoy, A.L. Brown McCoy had his second consecutive 100-yard game (173 with three touchdowns). McCoy’s performance put him over 1,000 rushing yards for the season.
WHAT’S UP NEXT: A.L. Brown waits to see who it will face in the state playoffs. Hopewell’s season is complete.
ALB – Sandon McCoy 20 run (Nate Williams kick)
ALB – McCoy 54 run (Williams kick)
ALB – Tre Fasion 70 run (kick failed)
ALB – Steven Howie 19 run (Williams kick)
ALB – JaQuerius Bost 5 run (Williams kick)
ALB – Howie 24 run (Williams kick)
ALB – McCoy 23 run (Williams kick)
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Round #1
State 4A Playoffs
Kannapolis
vs
R.W. Reagan
Pfafftown NC - There was no stopping A.L. Brown High’s standout running back Sandon McCoy Friday night. With fellow running back Jayln Cagle sidelined with an injury, McCoy carried the load to help the 12th-seeded Wonders football team hold on and defeat fifth-seeded Reagan, 35-32, Friday night in first-round action of the Class 4A state playoffs. Last year, Reagan eliminated the Wonders in a first-round playoff game in Pfafftown.
“This was an extremely emotional win for us, and we’re moving on to the second round,” said A.L. Brown coach Mike Newsome, whose team will travel to fourth-seed South Caldwell next week.
McCoy had 23 carries for 238 yards and two touchdowns for the Wonders (10-2).
“It’s just great to be moving on to the second round, and we’re going to have something for (South Caldwell),” McCoy said.
The first quarter ended tied at 7 on a touchdown run by Jahia Mahatha, while Reagan quarterback Ben Skradski bolted 44 yards on a keeper. In the second quarter, the Raiders took a 10-7 advantage when Isaiah Anthony kicked a 32 yard field goal. On A.L. Brown’s next possession, senior quarterback Damon Johnson threw a 66-yard bomb to Lewis Harris to go ahead, 14-10. Regan fought right back with a 51-yard scamper by Trey Sullivan to go ahead, 17-14. That would be the last time the Raiders would lead the game. Before halftime, McCoy scored on a 32-yard run and then a 1-yard run to put the Wonders ahead, 28-17. The third quarter was a defensive battle, as neither team scored. But in the fourth quarter, JaQuerius Bost scored on a 6-yard run to put the Wonders up, 35-17. Still, Reagan refused to quit, as it rallied for 15 points. Reagan quarterback Trey Sullivan hit Anthony on a 25-yard strike, and then Sullivan threw a pass to Rathel Carter on the two-point conversion to pull closer, 35-24.
With 3 minutes, 30 seconds remaining in the game, it appeared the Wonders had Reagan in trouble, thanks to a nifty punt by Kevon Jacobs that put Reagan on its own 3-yard line. But Reagan made a charge, as Sullivan rolled out of the pocket on first-and-8 and heaved an 81-yard touchdown to Anthony. The Wonders failed to complete a first down on their next possession and had to punt. Starting from its own 24-yard line, Reagan drove the field and attempted a 51-yard field goal with 1.1 second remaining, but the kick sailed left.
“My heart was pounding out of my chest, and I really didn’t know what was going to happen,” said Wonders’ senior quarterback Damon Johnson, who went 4-for-6 passing for 87 yards.
WHAT IT MEANS: For the first time since 2012, the Wonders are moving on to the second round of the Class 4A playoffs.
PLAY OF THE GAME: JaQuerius Bost’s 6-yard rushing touchdown just minutes into the fourth quarter was monumental, considering Reagan scored 15 unanswered points late in the fourth quarter.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Sandon McCoy, A.L. Brown: With Jayln Cagle sidelined with an injury he suffered in practice last week, the Wonders had to rely heavily on McCoy. The senior Army commit carried the ball 23 times, far more than any other A.L. Brown player, and rushed for 238 yards and two touchdowns.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?: The Wonders move on to the second round and play at fourth-seeded South Caldwell next Friday night.
GAME SUMMARY:
A.L. BROWN 7 21 0 7 -- 35
REAGAN 7 10 0 15 -- 32
ALB -- Jahia Mahatha 7 run (Nate Williams kick)
RR -- Ben Skradski 44 run (Isaiah Anthony kick)
RR -- Anthony 32 FG
ALB -- Lewis Harris 66 pass from Damon Johnson (Williams kick)
RR -- Trey Sullivan 51 run (Anthony kick)
ALB -- Sandon McCoy 32 run (Williams kick)
ALB -- McCoy 1 run (Williams kick)
ALB -- JaQuerias Bost 6 run (Williams kick)
RR -- Anthony 25 pass from Sullivan (Rathel Carter pass from Sullivan)
RR -- Anthony 81 pass from Sullivan (Anthony kick)
“This was an extremely emotional win for us, and we’re moving on to the second round,” said A.L. Brown coach Mike Newsome, whose team will travel to fourth-seed South Caldwell next week.
McCoy had 23 carries for 238 yards and two touchdowns for the Wonders (10-2).
“It’s just great to be moving on to the second round, and we’re going to have something for (South Caldwell),” McCoy said.
The first quarter ended tied at 7 on a touchdown run by Jahia Mahatha, while Reagan quarterback Ben Skradski bolted 44 yards on a keeper. In the second quarter, the Raiders took a 10-7 advantage when Isaiah Anthony kicked a 32 yard field goal. On A.L. Brown’s next possession, senior quarterback Damon Johnson threw a 66-yard bomb to Lewis Harris to go ahead, 14-10. Regan fought right back with a 51-yard scamper by Trey Sullivan to go ahead, 17-14. That would be the last time the Raiders would lead the game. Before halftime, McCoy scored on a 32-yard run and then a 1-yard run to put the Wonders ahead, 28-17. The third quarter was a defensive battle, as neither team scored. But in the fourth quarter, JaQuerius Bost scored on a 6-yard run to put the Wonders up, 35-17. Still, Reagan refused to quit, as it rallied for 15 points. Reagan quarterback Trey Sullivan hit Anthony on a 25-yard strike, and then Sullivan threw a pass to Rathel Carter on the two-point conversion to pull closer, 35-24.
With 3 minutes, 30 seconds remaining in the game, it appeared the Wonders had Reagan in trouble, thanks to a nifty punt by Kevon Jacobs that put Reagan on its own 3-yard line. But Reagan made a charge, as Sullivan rolled out of the pocket on first-and-8 and heaved an 81-yard touchdown to Anthony. The Wonders failed to complete a first down on their next possession and had to punt. Starting from its own 24-yard line, Reagan drove the field and attempted a 51-yard field goal with 1.1 second remaining, but the kick sailed left.
“My heart was pounding out of my chest, and I really didn’t know what was going to happen,” said Wonders’ senior quarterback Damon Johnson, who went 4-for-6 passing for 87 yards.
WHAT IT MEANS: For the first time since 2012, the Wonders are moving on to the second round of the Class 4A playoffs.
PLAY OF THE GAME: JaQuerius Bost’s 6-yard rushing touchdown just minutes into the fourth quarter was monumental, considering Reagan scored 15 unanswered points late in the fourth quarter.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Sandon McCoy, A.L. Brown: With Jayln Cagle sidelined with an injury he suffered in practice last week, the Wonders had to rely heavily on McCoy. The senior Army commit carried the ball 23 times, far more than any other A.L. Brown player, and rushed for 238 yards and two touchdowns.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?: The Wonders move on to the second round and play at fourth-seeded South Caldwell next Friday night.
GAME SUMMARY:
A.L. BROWN 7 21 0 7 -- 35
REAGAN 7 10 0 15 -- 32
ALB -- Jahia Mahatha 7 run (Nate Williams kick)
RR -- Ben Skradski 44 run (Isaiah Anthony kick)
RR -- Anthony 32 FG
ALB -- Lewis Harris 66 pass from Damon Johnson (Williams kick)
RR -- Trey Sullivan 51 run (Anthony kick)
ALB -- Sandon McCoy 32 run (Williams kick)
ALB -- McCoy 1 run (Williams kick)
ALB -- JaQuerias Bost 6 run (Williams kick)
RR -- Anthony 25 pass from Sullivan (Rathel Carter pass from Sullivan)
RR -- Anthony 81 pass from Sullivan (Anthony kick)
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Round #2
Kannapolis
vs
South Caldwell
Hudson NC- Dealing with adversity was one of the messages A.L. Brown High School football coach Mike Newsome conveyed to his players Friday night. Despite his Wonders being ousted, 23-14, against fourth-seeded South Caldwell in the second round of the Class 4 state playoffs at Spartan Stadium, Newsome reassured his players, especially his seniors, that their efforts this season weren’t all for naught. As his fifth season at the helm of one of the most heralded programs in the state came to a conclusion, Newsome comforted nearly each player by offering words of encouragement -- in spite of such a bitter defeat. While South Caldwell’s band banged out a celebratory tune, and players and fans alike hooted and hollered triumphantly, Newsome embraced player after player in a heartwarming, father-like manner.
“This (loss) is a life lesson that these kids have got to learn,” said Newsome, whose 12th-seeded team finished the season at 10-3. “When you believe in something wholeheartedly and then it doesn’t go your way, that’s a life lesson.”
Were the Wonders overconfident? Absolutely not, Newsome said. Unprepared? Not one bit, Newsome added.
“These guys are going to face a lot more in life than the loss of a football game,” Newsome. “They’re going to do many things in their lives, and they are going to face (adversity) forever - we all do.”
When asked to comment on the performance this season of senior players such as quarterback Damon Johnson and running backs Jaylen Cagle and Sandon McCoy, Newsome became a bit emotional and had to briefly compose himself.
“This group of seniors has been unbelievable,” Newsome said. “This group of seniors has been really special. I’ve said it from the beginning, and I said it last spring: It will be a long time before we have a whole group of 18 seniors who led this team the way this group did.”
Besides the three aforementioned players, who Newsome referred to as “The Three-Headed Monster,” Kaseim Black, Casey Ritchie, Cameron Rodgers, Nate Williams and Dominque Washington and the other nine seniors will be sorely missed by not only Newsome but also by underclassmen on the team who looked up to them for leadership.
“It’s going to be tough to see this (senior) group go,” Newsome said. “It’s going to be a tough backfield to replace when you have to replace (Cagle, Johnson and McCoy). It’s just really going to be tough.”
Bell of a start: Besides making it to the second round of the state playoffs for the first time since 2012, the Wonders won what many fans in Kannapolis consider their most important game of the season - the annual Battle for the Bell game against nemesis Concord High School. The Wonders’ three consecutive seasons of futility in the Bell game ended in a scintillating 26-15 victory over the Spiders on Aug. 20. A.L. Brown had sounded the bell that this was going to be a special season. After the Battle for the Bell, for several weeks the Wonders kept on winning and dominated the Cream of Cabarrus rankings for the majority of the season. Offensively, the Wonders were a powerhouse, scoring 30 or more points in seven games and only having fewer than 14 in their first loss of the season against Hough High School. A.L. Brown then succumbed to nationally ranked Mallard Creek the following week, but only by 10 points.
“We got off to a great start, but coming up here and losing (against South Caldwell) was not how we envisioned the way our season would end,” Newsome said. “You can’t turn the ball over like we did (two fumbles, one interception) against a team seeded much higher than you are in the playoffs and expect to be successful.”
Johnson, meanwhile, said winning the Battle for the Bell and standing shoulder to shoulder with McCoy, Cagle and other seniors are memories he will treasure for the rest of his life. Choking back his emotions, Johnson did his best to put into perspective what wearing the green and white uniform emblazoned with “Kannapolis” across the chest meant to him since become the team’s starting quarterback as a sophomore in 2013.
“I’m going to miss all of these guys, and this was the very best team I had ever been on,” Johnson said. “It’s really sad for me to stand here and say our season is over. I’m going to miss all my guys and all of my coaches.”
When asked about his relationship with Newsome, especially the coach’s confidence in him, Johnson said there was no one better.
“I’ll never forget Coach Newsome,” Johnson said. “He believed in me, counted on me and taught me plenty about this game.”
Special 'K': Rodgers, meanwhile, said he had a hard time dealing with the fact that his high school football career was over, especially when the team returned to the A.L. Brown campus Friday night.
“Man, I didn’t even want to take my helmet off after the game,” Rodgers said Saturday morning. “There’s just something about playing with that ‘K’ on the side of your helmet. It’s just something that words can’t explain. It was real emotional (in the locker room), and all the coaches wanted to be there for you because they’ve all had such an impact on my life. It just really hurt to turn in my (equipment) for the last time.”
Considering the successful season A.L. Brown had, Rodgers said he felt the Wonders deserved to be a higher seed.
"We totally didn't get the respect we deserved (in seeding)," Rodgers said. "But we should definitely not lose to South Caldwell. We just didn't play to our potential."
In the team’s postgame meeting after losing to South Caldwell, Newsome told his returning players that there is no offseason and they’ll need to return to work on Monday in preparation for next year. Newsome also gave a spirited and parting message for his senior players.
“I will never forget the contributions and sacrifices all of you have made for this program,” Newsome said. “I am proud of all of you and will do anything in my power to make sure you are successful in life. No matter what it is, I am always here for you.”