prep football - Randolph Record

20 Aug

Prep Football: Randleman blanks Asheboro in opener; PG rolls; SWR, Trinity score big

Randolph RecordSportsAdam Cole, Asheboro Blue Comets, Blake Brewer, Chase Whitaker, Dominic Payne, Easton Clapp, prep football, Randleman football, Randleman Tigers, Shane Timmons, Stratton Barwick

Randleman’s Anthony Santos tries to pull away from Asheboro’s Julian Faz on Friday night. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record) ASHEBORO – Randleman clicked better in the second half of a 24-0 season-opening victory Friday night at Asheboro. The Blue Comets never got into a groove. Those factors allowed the Tigers to avenge last year’s season-opening loss. “They had to live with last year’s score all year,” Randleman coach Shane Timmons said of his players. Even as they wasted a few chances until late in the first half, there were reasons for the Tigers to be pleased. “They kind of got the butterflies…

18 Aug

Randleman must start season minus standout Dobias

Bob SuttonSportspiedmont athletic conference, prep football, Randleman athletics, Randleman football, Randleman Tigers, Shane Timmons, Thomas Dobias

Randleman’s Thomas Dobias won’t be on the field at the start of the season after knee surgery. (Bob Sutton/Randolph Record) Surgery means Tigers linebacker / running back will miss at least a month RANDLEMAN – Randleman junior Thomas Dobias, considered one of the top football players in Randolph County, underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus Thursday. He’s expected to play this season for the Tigers after missing four to six weeks. “I should be back for the start of conference play,” said Dobias, who plays linebacker and running back. Randleman, which opens the season Friday night at Asheboro,…

17 Aug

Southwestern Randolph Cougars find more roles for Clapp

Bob SuttonSportsAdam Cole, Easton Clapp, piedmont athletic conference, prep football, Seth Baxter, Southwestern Randolph Cougars, Southwestern Randolph football

Even in a new position, Easton Clapp should have ample chances to carry the ball for Southwestern Randolph. (File photo) After record season, Southwestern Randolph seeks to keep it going ASHEBORO – Trying to follow the best season in school history, Southwestern Randolph has moved one of its best players to another position. Makes good sense to the Cougars. They enter this season with Easton Clapp, the hard-running ball carrier, taking snaps at quarterback. Don’t worry, his mentality hasn’t changed. “I knew I was going to have to play quarterback this year,” said Clapp, who had been a running back.…

17 Aug

Experienced Providence Grove Patriots look primed for more on football field

Bob SuttonSportsCalvin Brown, Chase Whitaker, Luke Thomas, piedmont athletic conference, prep football, Providence Grove athletics

Chase Whitaker will remain a key part of Providence Grove’s defense, but his role might expand on offense. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record) Providence Grove’s large senior class could pay off CLIMAX – Two of the most productive players from Providence Grove’s special 2021 football team are gone. But don’t feel bad for the Patriots because they’re bustling with experience. “A lot of people assume that we’re going to be pretty good,” said coach Calvin Brown, whose roster has 22 seniors. “I think that experience and being a year older is going to make a difference. We’re not relying on a lot…

17 Aug

Asheboro Blue Comets intent on collecting confidence, winning in football

Bob SuttonSportsAsheboro Blue Comets, Asheboro football, Blake Brewer, Hakemme Butler, Mid-Piedmont Conference, prep football

Asheboro coach Blake Brewer, here at practice earlier this month, will try to help the Blue Comets head in the right direction. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record) Asheboro seeks change from five-year stretch of doldrums ASHEBORO – There’s no reason for members of the Asheboro football team to dwell on the past. What’s ahead is the exciting part for the Blue Comets. “The expectations are higher,” senior safety DJ Headen. “Another year to prove ourselves.” Asheboro has dipped to the depths in recent seasons, but that hasn’t depleted optimism. Coming off a one-win season, the Blue Comets are anxious to change the…

17 Aug

Randleman Tigers plan on quick football turnaround

Bob SuttonSportsChristian Long, piedmont athletic conference, prep football, Randleman athletics, Randleman football, Shane Timmons, Thomas Dobias

Quarterback Christian Long is hoping for a smoother season in his second year as Randleman’s starter. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record) Randleman reaches for rapid rebuild after rough season RANDLEMAN – The quest to return to the top is in the works for the Randleman football team. “We’re not who we want to be yet, but we’re getting pretty close,” senior quarterback Christian Long said. “I think the mentality going into this year is different. I don’t think we’re all the way there yet.” A sudden dip has given the Tigers a sense of urgency entering the season, which begins Friday night…

17 Aug

Eastern Randolph Wildcats load up for more football success

Bob SuttonSportsBurton Cates, Eastern Randolph athletics, piedmont athletic conference, prep football, Stratton Barwick

Stratton Barwick will be at the controls of the offense again for Eastern Randolph. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record) Eastern Randolph wants to build on last year’s dominance RAMSEUR – Remaining the best football team in Randolph County is only part of the quest for Eastern Randolph. The Wildcats would like to build on that. With a foundation along the offensive line and enough talent swirling around at other positions, they could be on their way. Third-year starter Stratton Barwick is at quarterback and four offensive linemen are back from a year ago. Eastern Randolph finished with a 10-1 record last season,…

17 Aug

Trinity, Wheatmore aim for upgrades in football season

Randolph RecordSportsprep football, Trinity athletics, Wheatmore athletics

Wheatmore cheerleaders, shown here last year at Asheboro, hope to have more to cheer about this season. (File photo) TRINITY – Trinity and Wheatmore will try to move up from the bottom spots in the Piedmont Athletic Conference football standings this year. Trinity was 4-6 a year ago, with its lone PAC victory against Wheatmore. Wheatmore was winless in five conference games and 3-6 overall. Trinity, which plays Friday night at Chatham Central under third-year coach Marlon Morris, might be able to count on versatile Dominic Payne and Dylan Hodges to spark the offense. Wheatmore has some offensive potential under…

16 Dec

Calling it an honor

Bob SuttonSportsnchsaa, prep football, state champion

RALEIGH — Derrick Isley had a grand experience at the North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s football championships and it didn’t even matter who won. Isley, a Ramseur man, held an officiating assignment for the Class 2-A final between Shelby and Wallace-Rose Hill in Raleigh. “There’s only a few who get this shot,” Isley said. “I’m very honored with this because I never saw it coming.” Isley completed his 21st year of officiating. This was the first time it concluded in the state championships. “That’s 21 years being on the field doing what I love,” he said. He’s an umpire,…

10 Nov

Eastern Randolph primed to begin playoffs

Bob SuttonSportshigh school playoffs, high school sports, playoffs, prep football, prep sports

RAMSEUR — A week off prior to opening the state playoffs might be a good omen for Eastern Randolph’s football team. When that happened during the past spring for the state playoffs, it worked out. “We really played our best game against Clinton,” coach Burton Cates said. “You’ve got to look at the positives.” The situation is different, though, this season. That was an upset victory for the Wildcats several months ago. Now, Eastern Randolph (9-0) opens the postseason as the top-seeded Class 1-A team in the West Region. The Wildcats are set for Friday night’s game against No. 16…