Free online concussion course offered for parents, students

A free online course on concussions in sports is available at www.nfhslearn.com and is designed to help parents and players understand how to recognize and manage concussions.

The Centers for Disease Control has endorsed the 20-minute online course.

Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/08/30/1656054/ardrey-kells-pickett-piles-up.html#ixzz0yBS89DxV

Two teams in, two out of new football Sweet 16

Two teams drop out of the Sweet 16 this week and Clover, S.C., and Charlotte Catholic zoom in.

Clover, a 4A team, jumps in at No. 16 after beating 2009 N.C. 3AA state champion Belmont South Point and N.C. 3A team Gastonia Ashbrook in consecutive weeks. Catholic, a 3A team, is in after beating 4A South Meck and 4A regional power Providence on back-to-back Fridays.

Catholic jumps all the way to No. 10.

Belmont South Point, which has lost to Clover and 2A Lincolnton in back-to-back weeks, drops out. The Red Raiders were No. 10 last week. Also dropping out was No. 16 Olympic, which was soundly beaten by Myers Park, 39-6 last week.

Also, Rock Hill South Pointe is down two spots, to No. 6, after losing 42-20 to city rival Rock Hill Northwestern Saturday; and Independence, despite not playing, drops three spots to No. 9, the Patriots lowest ranking in 10 years.

Independence (0-1) plays a key home game against Rock Hill South Pointe (1-1) Friday. South Pointe defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, the nation’s top overall recruit, had two sacks and nine tackles against Northwestern. Four of his tackles were for a loss.

Rk.	Team (Class)	Rec.	Prev.
1	Butler (4A)	1-0	1
2	Rock Hill Northwestern (4A)	1-0	2
3	Mallard Creek (4A)	2-0	3
4	West Rowan (3A)	2-0	5
5	Lenoir Hibriten (3A)	2-0	9
6	Rock Hill South Pointe (3A)	1-1	4
7	Kannapolis Brown (3A)	2-0	7
8	Charlotte Latin (IND)	1-0	8
9	Independence (4A)	0-1	6
10	Charlotte Catholic (3A)	2-0	--
11	Shelby (2A)	1-0	11
12	Charlotte Country Day (IND)	1-0	12
13	Newton-Conover (2A)	1-0	13
14	Salisbury (2A)	2-0	14
15	Albemarle (1A)	2-0	15
16	Clover, SC (4A)	2-0	--

United Faith's Paris Roberts-Campbell commits to ECU

United Faith senior boys basketball player Paris Roberts-Campbell has committed to East Carolina, United Faith coach Shaun Wiseman told the Observer.

Roberts-Campbell, a 6-foot-3 guard, averaged 14 points last season, helping United Faith win its second straight N.C. Independent Schools 1A state title.

Roberts-Campbell chose East Carolina over College of Charleston, Furman, Wofford and UNC-Wilmington, Wiseman said.

Catholic, Providence hope to top last year's prep football thriller

Only six miles separate Charlotte Catholic and Providence High School on N.C. 51. Last season, only one point separated the two teams, as the Cougars outlasted the Panthers 48-47 in triple overtime in the second game of the season for both teams.

This year, Catholic and Providence will again vie for bragging rights.

Providence (8-5, 4-2 Southwestern 4A in 2009) gave some of the best teams in the state - Butler, Independence and Richmond Senior - all they could handle. The Panthers are looking to prove they are among the top teams in North Carolina.

Meanwhile, Catholic went 7-5, well below its standards. But the Cougars and 37-year veteran coach Jim Oddo are eager to prove they are back among the best teams in Charlotte and the state.

"The fact that they are right down the road from us makes it a natural rivalry for the kids," said Providence coach Randy Long. "It was a great game last year, and I think it could be just as good this season."

Oddo, who will try to pull off his second win against the Panthers in as many years, feels the same.

"Oh yeah, we remember last year, and I think my guys may have reached back a little bit because it was my 300th win," said Oddo. "We ran the ball very well, and they passed the ball very well. It seemed like whoever had the ball last was going to win the game."

This story originally appeared in South Charlotte News. To continue reading, click here

First Assembly looks ahead to Friday's big game at Christian

Concord – NCISAA Division II State Champion First Assembly Christian School Eagles have a lot of new faces with high hopes and dreams. Last year the Eagles went undefeated (13-0) and won the State Championship for the second time in the past three years. They also lost thirteen senior starters and only have three returning starters from last season.

However, FACS Head Coach and former Carolina Panther, Mike Minter is very optimistic about the season. First Assembly beat Victory Christian 61-6 in its opening game last week.

“We are bigger and stronger than we have ever been," Minter said. "Just observing the team on the practice field one can see a significant size difference from last year."

Minter and First Assembly play what he calls the biggest game in school history at Charlotte Christian Friday. The Knights won the 2008 Division I state title and lost to Charlotte Latin in the 2009 championship game.

Minter's Eagles have several stand-out transfers who will fill key positions this season. At Quarterback, Andrew Goodman (Mallard Creek) was MVP of the Mallard Creek junior varsity as a freshman and was the back up quarterback on the varsity team last year behind North Carolina recruit Marquise Williams last season.

Goodman started in two games and threw for 300-yards and two touchdowns. He participated in the Shuman National Combine at the University of Oklahoma in July.

The team has several other transfers, including DT Ronald Evans (West Mecklenburg), DE Ugonna Awuruonye (Providence Day), DE CJ Little (Putman City, OK) and running back Jeremiah Walker (Northwest Cabarrus). Walker rushed for more than 720 yards and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore.

The returning starters include senior Christian Little, K/T Robbie Freeburg and MLB Easton Spraybary. Spraybary led the team in tackles last year with more than 8 tackles per game and 3 sacks for the season. Freeburg looks to be a Division I kicker prospect.

-- First Assembly News Release

East Meck girls basketball star transfers to Butler

East Mecklenburg girls basketball star Jaymee Fisher-Davis will be at Butler, when Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools opens tomorrow.

Fisher-Davis' father said the family had been redistricted to Butler, though Jaymee was in an IB program at East Meck and could remain there.

Jaymee, a Southwestern 4A all-conference pick and college recruit, decided to attend school with her brother, who plays three sports.

At Butler, she will join the N.C. 4AA state champions, who will return All-American Cierra Burdick, who was MVP of the Bulldogs title win last season.

West Rowan's Domonique Noble commits to Ga. Tech

West Rowan cornerback Domonique Noble, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound senior, committed to Georgia Tech Monday night, coach Scott Young said.

Noble chose the Yellow Jackets over N.C. State, Penn State, Georgia Tech and Wake Forest. He had more than 25 offers.

Noble had 10 interceptions last season.

"He's just a solid player," Young said. "Everybody loves his size. He's very athletic and a good basketball player and he gets it all done."

CMS adds $1 to football tickets to support programs

High school football teams will take the field for the first time this season tonight, Aug. 20. Seven home games will start at 7 p.m.

“This is an exciting time for our students, parents and fans,” said Vicki Hamilton, director of CMS athletics.

CMS has added $1 to ticket prices for athletic games this year. This means ticket prices are $6, rather than $5 and the increase supports school athletic programs.

School staff will monitor weather reports and assess field conditions for each game. Teams may play in moderate rain but not in severe weather. If lightning is heard or seen in the area, games are immediately stopped and all fans and players must seek shelter. Skies must be clear of lightning for at least 20 minutes for play to resume. If severe weather continues, game and school officials may postpone the game.

CMS hires Mecklenburg Emergency Medical Services staff and an ambulance for every game. In addition, the district has partnerships with local hospitals and doctors assigned to each team attend the games. Every school also has a first responder or licensed athletic trainer at games.

Here is the schedule for Friday night:
· West Charlotte at East Mecklenburg
· Garinger at Myers Park
· Mallard Creek at Independence
· Catholic at South Mecklenburg
· Hopewell at West Mecklenburg
· North Mecklenburg at Olympic
· North Gaston at Waddell
Away games include Providence at Richmond Senior and Butler at Mt. Tabor.

-- CMS media release

Soccer For A Cure Thursday games canceled; Sat schedule

Thursday's Soccer For A Cure tournament schedule was canceled due to heavy rain and storms around Ramblewood Park.

Ardrey Kell coach Jeff Mercado, whose team was scheduled to play Charlotte Latin in the marquee matchup Thursday, said he would try to reschedule that game for a later date.

Saturday's games are still on, weather permitting.

The tournament benefits cancer research.

Saturday at Charlotte Catholic: Butler vs. Sun Valley at 1:30 p.m.; North Meck vs. Porter Ridge at 3:30 p.m.; North Lincoln vs. Hickory Ridge at 5:30, and Covenant Day vs. Charlotte Catholic at 7:30.

Saturday at Olympic: Providence vs. Weddington, 2 p.m.; South Meck vs. Providence Day, 4 p.m.; Ashbrook vs. Olympic, 6 p.m.

Saturday at Charlotte Latin: Lake Norman vs. Mount Tabor, 2 p.m.; Ardrey Kell vs. Marvin Ridge 4 p.m.; Forestview vs. Charlotte Latin, 6 p.m.

National analyst on LeMay: 'It'll be all right'

Christian LeMay, the former Butler quarterback, won't play high school football this season, but Rivals national recruiting analyst Mike Farrell doesn't think it'll hurt him too much.

LeMay violated a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools' code of conduct in June and was given a 40-day out of school suspension. The suspension would've kept him off the field until November, and LeMay's father said the alternative CMS school LeMay would've had to attend didn't offer the credits he needed to graduate in January.

So if LeMay had served the suspension, he could not have have graduated until June.

Farrell said he hadn't heard of a situation quite like this.

"There have been situations where kids have had to miss their senior year due to academic ineligibility or injury," Farrell said, "but this is the first time for a quarterback, especially such a highly regarded quarterback, that I've heard of where it had nothing to do with academics or injury or assault. It was a mistake the kid made in judgment. I don't think this will affect his recruitment."

Farrell said if Georgia was going to change course with LeMay, it would've done so by now.

"Georgia has already made a commitment and had it been something worse ... if this was drugs or any sort of transgression more serious, I think they would drop him in a second," Farrell said. "But because it was a situation where it was bad judgment but not ... technically anything illegal - it was a stupid, stupid mistake on the kid's part - I don't think they'll punish him for that."

Farrell said he would not expect the time away from the game to hurt LeMay too much. By the time LeMay enrolls in college, he will not have played in a game in more than a year.

"You want to be out there in live action, reading defenses and taking hits," Farrell said, "and for him to go a full year without that will slow him down, but he's polished enough and smart enough where I think it'll be all right."

-- Langston Wertz Jr.

Christian LeMay to forgo senior season at Butler, focus on enrolling at Georgia in January

Quarterback Christian LeMay will not return to Butler High this year and will not play football at any school, his father said in statement released to the Observer Tuesday morning.

Stacy LeMay, Christian's father, did not say where Christian would attend school this fall, or whether he'd be home-schooled. He replied to a text saying Christian would attend school "in a private setting."

LeMay, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound senior, is ranked among the nation's top 20 overall recruits by many recruiting services. He threw for more than 3,000 yards and 44 touchdowns last season, leading Butler to an unbeaten season and the school's first state championship. He's committed to play in college at Georgia.

In June, LeMay violated a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools code of conduct rule. Sources say LeMay and a female student had a sexual encounter on campus. In the statement, LeMay's father, Stacy, said Christian was given a 40-day out-of-school suspension, which the family appealed.

On July 26, Stacy LeMay said school officials maintained the full suspension and also informed the family that after it was over, Christian could possibly return to Butler from a CMS alternative school. Stacy LeMay said Christian needs two credits to graduate and plans to do so in December.

"Adhering to such a severe ruling would not only prevent Christian from playing until November," Stacy LeMay said in his statement, "but it would also hinder him academically as the alternative school does not provide the required classes needed for him to finish in the fall of 2010 and move on to the University of Georgia in January."

Read more on this developing story in Wednesday's Observer.

Below is the full text of the LeMay's statement, edited for clarity:

-------------------------------------------------------
LEMAY FAMILY STATEMENT:
We first want to thank all of those who have supported our family during this time. The e-mails, letters, text and words of encouragement have been life fueling from supporters of Christian both locally and nationwide. We specifically want to thank (incoming Georgia recruits) Christian Conley and Ray Drew for standing with our son and contacting him daily, Panthers wide receiver Kenny Moore and QB training coach Steve Calhoun for working him out over the summer. Also, Sporting News and all the other recruiting networks that maintained Christian’s National Ranking on their boards.

As a result of Christian’s youthful infraction (that does not involve drugs, weapons or any form of violence), Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools imposed a severe punishment on our son ... which we appealed to their highest form of due process.

On July 26th the CMS board maintained the merciless ruling of a 40-day reassignment to an alternative school “to possibly be reviewed in 30 days”. (This was) in addition to a four-day suspension already served. The ruling also states that after completing the reassignment days, he could “possibly” return to Butler, meaning it is “possible” that he could not return to Butler.

Adhering to such a severe ruling would not only prevent Christian from playing until November due to the 10-day conditioning rule (if he returned to Butler HS), but it would also hinder him academically as the alternative school does not provide the required classes needed for him to finish in the fall of 2010 and move on to the University of Georgia in January.

Given the unwillingness of CMS to apply a more reasonable consequence for such a youthful infraction, as disheartening as it is, we must make the decision to move on and focus Christian’s attention to preparing for enrollment at the University of Georgia in January. Although, rumors suggest that Christian would likely transfer to one of the excellent programs such as (Duncan) Byrnes (S.C.), (Rock Hill) South Pointe, Greensboro Dudley and even Victory Christian Center, Christian could not imagine playing his senior season at any place other than with his brother Uriah and his teammates at Butler High School.

Therefore, having come to resolve that following the CMS consequence would not accomplish “student achievement” for Christian, we as a family have concluded that he will forgo his senior football season and focus on his preparation to attend the University of Georgia.

We are quite honored that other colleges continue to show strong interest in Christian attending their school. However, we have continued healthy communications with (Georgia) coaches and the commitment remains the same on both ends.

Christian will now prepare himself for the next season of his life as he takes this time to become stronger, spiritually, academically and physically. With the help of fitness trainer Andy Hendel of Cross fit Charlotte and QB coach Steve Calhoun of Armed and Dangerous, Christian will certainly be prepared to arrive in Georgia this spring ready to compete. We are fully confident that his best days are still yet to come. GO BULLDOGS!!!

The LeMay Family

Latin's Walls, son of former Panther, commits to Clemson

Charlotte Latin linebacker Colton Walls has committed to Clemson, his father, Wesley, told the Observer.

Wesley Walls is a former Carolina Panthers tight end who played 14 seasons in the NFL.

Colton Walls, a 6-foot-2, 230-pound senior, had 116 tackles, seven sacks and one interception last season after moving from defensive end to middle linebacker. He helped Latin win its fourth state title in the past five seasons.

In the state final win over Charlotte Christian, Walls had a sack, an interception and a blocked punt.

“(Colton) has been around the game his entire life and you can tell,” Latin coach Larry McNulty said. “He plays with an intensity that you don’t see that much in high school players. He is already very strong and explosive, but I only think he is going to get better and better.”

Former Butler coach hired at Queens Grant

Former Butler High assistant Maurice Jones is the new boys basketball coach at Queens Grant. Queens Grant is a Mecklenburg County charter school, located on Pineville-Matthews Rd., in between Butler and Independence High Schools.

Jones has coached at Anderson College, The Citadel, South Meck and West Meck, Queens Grant athletics director Lauren Mello said.

Jones replaces longtime Queens Grant coach Joe Badgett, a former Charlotte 49ers player.

Country Day football loses a friend, legendary athlete and coach

Charlotte Country Day assistant football coach Sam Cook died unexpectedly this week.

Cook was a 1966 graduate of Country Day. He has been an assistant junior varsity football coach since 1993.

His father, John Cook, coached the Bucs football team from 1959-86 and annually

Charlotte Catholic and Country Day play a non-conference football game with the winner taking the John Cook Cup.

Sam and John Cook were the first inductees into Country Day’s Athletic Hall of Honor in 1999.

“Sam was a leader and a motivator,” Country Day junior varsity coach Ed Walton said. “He was interested in all the players, not just the stars. He always helped the athletes make the most of of their talents.”

Bucs varsity coach Bob Witman said Cook will be dearly missed.

“He truly embodied (Country Day) football,” Witman said. “Sam watched his father build up the program from the purchase of the first helmet to a string of state championship wins. Whether as a player, a fan or as a coach, Sam always gave his full support and commitment to the program. He was a tremendous influence on the players and we are all going to miss him very much.”

Richmond Sr. vs. Butler moved to Memorial Stadium

The highly anticipated rematch between Richmond Senior and Butler has been moved to Memorial Stadium. The teams meet Saturday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m.

The game was originally scheduled for Butler, which seats less than 3,000. This game could draw more than 10,000 on a Saturday night since most high school teams play on Friday.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will host home games at 7 p.m. on Saturday Sept. 11 and at 8 p.m. on Saturday Sept. 18 due to the observance of two Jewish holidays.

United Faith's Peter Jurkin commits to Indiana

Peter Jurkin, a 7-foot center with United Faith Christian in Charlotte, has committed to Indiana.

"He felt comfortable with them," United Faith coach Shaun Wiseman said this morning. "They’ve been recruiting him for a while."

Jurkin will be a high school junior in the fall.

-- Ken Tysiac

Prep soccer: Latin coach, Catholic star get ESPN regional honor

Charlotte Catholic’s Matt Pacifici, a senior goalkeeper committed to Wake Forest, is listed as a member of ESPN Rise’s “Starting 11” for the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Other N.C. players on the team: Raleigh Millbrook keeper Spencer Lacivita, a Virginia commit; Raleigh Athens Drive forward Cooper Vandermaas-Peeler, who has committed to North Carolina; Greensboro Day midfielder Jonathan Campbell, Greensboro Page midfielder Matthew Mills, who has committed to Virginia and Durham Jordan midfielder Teddy Mullin, who has also committed to Wake Forest, also made the list.

 Charlotte Latin coach Lee Horton was named a MidAtlantic Region “Coach of Note” by ESPN. Horton starts his 30th season this fall and has a record of 406-134-58. ESPN said Horton is the only coach in the MidAtlantic region with more than 400 wins and counts Latin (20-2-1 in 2009) as the top contender to challenge Greensboro Day for the N.C. Independent Schools state title.

Prep Football Scrimmage Schedules

TUESDAY, AUG. 10
Blythewood (SC), Lake Marion (SC) at Rock Hill South Pointe, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY, AUG. 12
Butler, Concord, Berry at Olympic, 8 a.m.
Carolina Pride at Marvin Ridge, 7 p.m.
Charlotte Catholic at West Rowan, 6 p.m.
Concord First Assembly at Anson Senior, 7 p.m.
Fort Mill at Country Day, 6:30 p.m..
Gastonia Forestview at Mallard Creek, 9 a.m.
Harding at Anson Senior Jamboree, 6 p.m.
Independence, North Meck, Davie Co., Hopewell, Sun Valley, Ashbrook, Clover at South Meck, 6
Myers Park at South Point, 6 p.m.
Piedmont at Ardrey Kell, 9 a.m.
Vance, Weddington, Northern Guilford at Rocky River, 6 p.m.


FRIDAY, AUG. 13
Rock Hill South Pointe, Gaffney at York, time TBA
W. Meck vs. Bessemer City at Cherryville, 8 p.m.

SATURDAY AUG. 14
Ardrey Kell at Alexander Central, 6 p.m.
Carolina Pride at Country Day, 10 a.m.
Charlotte Catholic at Monroe, 9 a.m.
Charlotte Christian at Greensboro Smith Super 6 (Christian vs. Grimsley; Christian vs. E. Forsyth)
Charlotte Latin, Red Springs, Salisbury at Albemarle, 5 p.m.
East Meck at Gastonia Forestview, 8 p.m.
Harding at Ft Mill Battle of the Border, 5 p.m.
Hough at Independence, 6 p.m.
Maiden at Hickory, 7 p.m.
Mallard Creek at Gaston County Jamboree at Hunter Huss, 6 p.m.
Myers Park at Fort Mill, 6 p.m.
Olympic at Providence, 9 a.m.
Rock Hill South Pointe at City of Rock Hill vs. Spartanburg Challenge, District III Stadium, Rock Hill, Time TBA
Rocky River at Ashbrook, 7 p.m.
W. Iredell at Starmount, 10 a.m.

TUESDAY AUG. 17
Charlotte Country Day at Lancaster, SC, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY, AUG. 19
Berry at Hough, 6 p.m.
Harding at Rocky River, 6 p.m.


FRIDAY, AUG. 20
Hickory vs. Shelby at Cleveland County Jamboree, site/time TBA

Former Indy QB transfers to Victory Christian

Jarri McCoy-Williams, a former quarterback at Independence, has enrolled at Victory Christian, Kings coach Frank Crockett said.

Williams, a 6-0, 200-pound rising junior, backed up Patriots star Anthony Carrothers last season. Independence coach Bill Geiler said Evan Guest (moved by redistricting from Butler) and T'Shon Byers (last season's junior varsity starter at Independence) will compete for the Patriots' starting job this season.

Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/08/06/1604948/football-dates-changed-because.html#ixzz0vq7Gs1tw

CMS football teams will play on two Saturdays this season

Mecklenburg County high school football teams usually play on Fridays. This season, the district has scheduled games on back-to-back Saturdays in September.

There will be eight games played on Saturday Sept. 11 starting at 7 p.m., and there will be five more played on Sept. 18. Those games will start at 8 p.m.

The games were moved in deference to two major Jewish holidays. Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset Sept. 8 and runs through nightfall on Sept. 10. Yom Kippur starts at sunset Sept. 17 and runs through nightfall of Sept. 18.

Some county teams will play on those two Fridays but will be playing on the road at out-of-county opponents.

“For the past three years, the district has made a commitment to the Jewish religious holidays,” said Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ system athletics director Vicki Hamilton. “So we were able to move the Friday, September 10th games to Saturday at 7. For the September 18th games, we did everything we could to move games as late as we could in the evening.”

Hamilton said CMS didn’t move the games to Monday Sept. 20 because it usually reserves Mondays as an alternative playing date if regularly scheduled games are postponed due to inclement weather.

Games Moving
CMS is moving games scheduled for Friday Sept. 10 to Sept. 11 and games scheduled for Friday Sept. 17 will move to Sept. 18.
Friday, Sept. 10: Vance at Sun Valley; Berry at Forest Hills; Waddell at Porter Ridge
Saturday, Sept. 11: Hopewell at Providence; North Meck at Myers Park; Independence at W. Charlotte; Richmond Senior at Butler; West Meck at East Meck; Harding at South Meck; Weddington at Ardrey Kell; Garinger at Hough
Friday, Sept. 17: Ardrey Kell at Marvin Ridge; Mallard Creek at Chester, S.C.; Berry at Monroe Central; Waddell at Greensboro Smith; Butler at Lenoir Hibriten
Saturday, Sept. 18: South Meck at West Meck; Independence at Vance; Harding at Hopewell; Rocky River at Garinger; Ashbrook at Olympic

Football Preview: East Meck and Providence Day

EAST MECK

Last year was a tale of two seasons for the East Mecklenburg Eagles football team.

Or maybe three seasons.

The Eagles started strong at 5-1, the only loss coming to Mallard Creek.

After losing the seventh game, to Independence, East Meck seemed to fall apart, getting upset by Myers Park and hammered by Butler 52-13. Fortunately, the next week was a bye.

East Meck looked strong again, winning two of its last three regular-season games and charging all the way to the regional semifinals as a No. 12 seed, where the Eagles lost to eventual champion Butler.

The 2010 season should be an interesting year for the Eagles.

Read the rest of this story here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/08/04/1591681/eagles-hope-this-years-transition.html#ixzz0vdOgvoOl

PROVIDENCE DAY

Bruce Hardin knows he has a difficult job.

But when he took the reins of the Providence Day football program in 2008, Hardin wanted the challenge of trying to build the Chargers into one of the best teams in the state.

To do that, Hardin and company first must win in their own conference, the Charlotte Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA), which boasts the last nine state champions. The CISAA has been so dominant that both teams in the title game have come from the conference the last seven championship games.

Only once in that span has Providence Day been in the final game, in 2005.

The Chargers now hope their time is coming.

"Playing Country Day, Latin and Christian every year in the our conference makes it kind of like playing in the SEC or ACC," Hardin said. "We know it is going to be brutal. But we feel like this could be a breakout year."

Read the rest of this story here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/08/04/1591689/chargers-set-to-tackle-some-of.html#ixzz0vdOvlBWC

QB LeMay to meet with Victory Christian Thursday

Butler High quarterback Christian LeMay and his father have a meeting scheduled with Victory Christian school officials Thursday, a source close to the school told the Observer.

LeMay is considered one of the nation’s top 20 college recruits by most scouting services. He committed to Georgia in May. In June, LeMay broke a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ code-of-conduct rule and was given a 30-day out-of-school suspension.

The LeMays had an appeals hearing last week, though the results are not known. If the suspension was upheld, it would keep LeMay off the Butler football team until late October.

If LeMay were to transfer to a private or out-of-state school, he could potentially play immediately.

Efforts to reach LeMay’s father, Stacy, were unsuccessful.

Victory Christian coach Frank Crockett declined comment. The Observer contacted coaches at Concord First Assembly (Mike Minter), Providence Day (Bruce Hardin) and Charlotte Latin (Larry McNulty), who all said they have had no contact from the LeMay family.

Efforts to reach Charlotte Country Day coach Bob Witman and Charlotte Christian’s Jason Estep were unsuccessful.

LeMay passed for more than 3,000 yards and 44 touchdowns last season, with two interceptions, leading the Bulldogs to an unbeaten season and N.C. 4AA championship.

Editor's note: Comments have been disabled due to the nature of this story. Please refrain from profanity, obscenity, spam, name-calling or attacking others for their views.
 

Concord adds academic coach to football team

By Sergio Tovar
stovar@newsofcabarrus.com

Concord High coach Glen Padgett knows there's more to life than football.

That's why the second-year Spiders coach decided to hire an academic coach to help his program excel academically this season.

Padgett said the idea for the position came from years of listening to his athletes talk about wanting to play in college, but feeling helpless watching as talented players were unable to fulfill their dreams because of grades.

"Society in a lot of ways conditions them to think, 'If I'm good enough, things will take care of themselves,'" said Padgett.

"This is a way for our program to reinforce the importance of academic success to our kids."

With college programs providing tutors and other academic support to their athletes, Padgett thought that same principle could also work at the high school level.

"I feel like this is a way we can help them succeed and put themselves in a position that if college is what they want, then not going because they don't qualify won't be a problem," he said.

Padgett said that with an academic coach the team will be able to hold players more accountable for their schoolwork, which could help the program out in the long-run by keeping players eligible.

Padgett hired Howard Boyd, a behavior management technician at Concord High, to fulfill the position.

Boyd, who will also serve as a running back coach for the Spiders, said he was excited about the opportunity to help the players both on and off the field.

"I want to be a positive influence on their lives," said the 30-year-old. "Only good can come out of this."

To read the full story, click HERE

Butler No. 27 in National Prep Football Poll

The National Prep Football Poll is compiled by high school sports journalist Jamie DeMoney with input from sportswriters, experts, and coaches. The national Top 25 (plus web-only Top 101) and regional Top 10's (plus web-only regional Top 25's) follow with 2009 won-loss records:
# School Record Note LW
1. Euless, Texas, Trinity 14-2 seeks fourth 5A title in six years
2. Tampa, Fla., Plant 14-1 plays at No. 3 Abilene Sept. 16
3. Abilene, Texas 15-0 won 5A/II crown last season
4. Austin, Texas, Lake Travis 16-0 winning streak at 46
5. Batesville, Miss., South Panola 14-1 record eight-time state champ
6. Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Dwyer 14-1 defending 4A titlist
7. Fort Lauderdale, Fla., St. Thomas Aquinas 13-1 17 FBS signees last two years
8. Cleveland, Ohio, Glenville 13-2 faces No. 6 Dwyer Sept. 6
9. Sacramento, Calif., Grant 12-1 aims for 2nd state title in three years
10. Hoover, Ala. 14-1 six state titles since 2000
11. Chandler, Ariz., Hamilton 14-0 owns three 5A crowns in four years
12. Olney, Md., Good Counsel 11-1 opens Aug. 29 at No. 13 St. Xavier
13. Cincinnati, Ohio, St. Xavier 9-3 first four games vs. out-of-state foes
14. Concord, Calif., De La Salle 12-2 Prep Poll champ six times
15. Anaheim, Calif., Servite 14-1 reigning Division II state champ
16. West Monroe, La. 15-0 owns seven 5A titles
17. Hampton, Va., Phoebus 15-0 has 30-game winning streak
18. Kingsland, Ga., Camden County 13-2 seeks third consecutive 5A title
19. Round Rock, Texas, Stony Point 13-2 DT Jordan Wade headed to Oklahoma
20. Roebuck, S.C., Dorman 14-1 defending 4A/I titlist
21. Bradenton, Fla., Manatee 13-2 5A runner-up in '09
22. Ramsey, N.J., Don Bosco Prep 12-0 reigning Prep Poll champ graduated six FBS recruits
23. Wyndmoor, Pa., La Salle 14-1 4A champ last season
24. Mission Viejo, Calif. 12-1 led by Southern Cal-bound LB Tre Madden
25. Wheaton, Ill., Wheaton-Warrenville South 13-1 six state crowns under coach Ron Muhitch
26. Westlake Village, Calif., Westlake 14-0 offense triggered by returning all-state QB Nick Isham
27. Matthews, N.C., Butler 15-0 QB Christian LeMay a Georgia recruit
28. Valdosta, Ga., Lowndes 10-2 three 5A titles in the 2000s
29. Miami, Fla., Central 12-2 RB Devonta Freeman committed to Florida St.
30. Cincinnati, Ohio, Colerain 8-2 six of 14 returning starters have BCS scholarship offers
31. South Jordan, Utah, Bingham 13-1 four seniors are BYU recruits
32. Las Vegas, Nev., Bishop Gorman 15-0 eight offensive starters back from team that won by average margin of 44 points
33. Lansdale, Pa., North Penn 13-1 opens Sept. 3 against No. 23 La Salle
34. Miami, Fla., Northwestern 10-2 led by Miami-bound QB Teddy Bridgewater
35. The Woodlands, Texas 11-1 three starting offensive linemen and blue chip RB Daniel Lasco return
36. Seffner, Fla., Armwood 12-2 seeks first state crown since 2004
37. Dublin, Ohio, Coffman 12-1 DE Brad Carrico headed to Notre Dame
38. Katy, Texas 14-2 coach Gary Joseph is 82-9 in six seasons
39. Springdale, Ark., Shiloh Christian 13-1 led by Auburn-bound QB Kiehl Frazier
40. Moultrie, Ga., Colquitt County 11-3 hosts No. 5 South Panola on Aug. 27
41. Tampa, Fla., Jefferson 11-2 returning all-state QB Quentin Williams runs the show
42. Tulsa, Okla., Union 13-1 combined with No. 43 Jenks to win every 6A title since 1996
43. Jenks, Okla. 13-1 won six Class 6A crowns in the 2000s
44. Cocoa, Fla. 14-0 plays at No. 3 Abilene on Sept. 10
45. Indianapolis, Ind., Warren Central 13-2 five Class 5A crowns since 2003
46. DeSoto, Texas 9-3 six starters back from offense that averaged 43 points
47. Austin, Texas, Westlake 13-3 lost in OT to No. 1 Trinity in last year's 5A/I final
48. Katy, Texas, Cinco Ranch 13-2 features hard-charging RB K.C. Nlemchi
49. Lakewood, Calif. 11-2 led by blue chip DE Todd Barr
50. Corona, Calif., Centennial 10-3 offense that averaged 41 points returns seven starters
51. Temecula, Calif., Chaparral 11-3 CIF-SS Inland titlist returns 15 starters
52. Denver, Colo., Mullen 14-0 coach Dave Logan has five state titles at three schools
53. Kansas City, Mo., Rockhurst 9-3 seven starters return on both sides of the ball
54. Philadelphia, Pa., St. Joseph's Prep 9-3 plays No. 55 St. Peter's on Sept. 11
55. Jersey City, N.J., St. Peter's 9-3 led by blue chip RB Savon Huggins
56. Park Ridge, Ill., Maine South 14-0 back-to-back 8A champion
57. Cedar Hill, Texas 12-1 graduated seven FBS signees
58. Denton, Texas, Guyer 13-2 Oklahoma St.-bound QB J.W. Walsh one of six returning offensive starters
59. Franklinton, La. 14-1 returns nine offensive starters
60. Ashburn, Va., Stone Bridge 13-2 Virginia-bound DE Rob Burns one of 15 returning starters
61. Duncan, S.C., Byrnes 13-2 six-time state champ in the 2000s
62. Louisville, Ky., St. Xavier 14-1 coach Mike Glaser has 310 wins
63. Portland, Ore., Jesuit 12-2 led by all-state RB Jordan Talley
64. Murrieta, Calif., Vista Murrieta 13-1 Utah-bound QB Derrick Brown one of six returning offensive starters
65. Chesapeake, Va., Oscar Smith 13-1 plays No. 75 Pickerington Central on Sept. 6
66. Long Beach, Calif., Poly 7-5 nine starters back on both sides of the ball
67. Glen Ellyn, Ill., Glenbard West 13-1 leading rusher and three starting offensive linemen return
68. Orlando, Fla., Dr. Phillips 11-1 DB Ha'sean Clinton-Dix an Alabama recruit
69. Sandy, Utah, Alta 10-3 three offensive linemen are Division I prospects
70. Gardena, Calif., Serra 15-0 led by blue chip WR George Farmer
71. Mechanicsburg, Pa., Cumberland Valley 12-3 LB Kevin Snyder headed to Rutgers
72. La Puente, Calif., Bishop Amat 10-2 QB Rio Ruiz a two-sport star (baseball)
73. Suwanee, Ga., North Gwinnett 13-1 plays No. 77 Crenshaw on Sept. 3
74. East Grand Rapids, Mich. 14-0 only 13 losses last decade
75. Pickerington, Ohio, Central 10-2 nine starters back on both sides of the ball
76. Huber Heights, Ohio, Wayne 7-4 powered by Ohio St.-bound QB Braxton Miller
77. Los Angeles, Calif., Crenshaw 14-1 Open Division state runner-up in '09
78. Fayetteville, N.C., Britt 14-2 4AA runner-up back-to-back years
79. Centerville, Ohio 8-3 DT Michael Bennett headed to Ohio St.
80. Rock Hill, S.C., Northwestern 9-6 won eight of last nine to reach 4A/II title game last year
81. Hyattsville, Md., DeMatha 11-1 eight Washington Catholic titles in the 2000s
82. Rockford, Mich. 11-1 three state titles last six years
83. Westlake Village, Calif., Oaks Christian 13-1 jr. WR Jordan Payton committed to USC
84. Canton, Ohio, McKinley 8-5 DE Steve Miller an Ohio St. recruit
85. Warner Robins, Ga., Northside 13-2 Kevin Kinsler takes over for 300-win coach Conrad Nix
86. Coppell, Texas 11-2 returns eight offensive starters
87. Springdale, Ark., Har-Ber 13-1 defending 7A state champ
88. Scottsdale, Ariz., Chaparral 13-1 5A/II champion returns 15 starters
89. Cincinnati, Ohio, Moeller 9-2 seeks first state title since 1985
90. Eden Prairie, Minn. 12-1 won four state titles in the 200s
91. Pittsburgh, Pa., Woodland Hills 12-2 plays No. 21 Manatee on Sept. 4
92. Blue Springs, Mo. 12-2 Class 6 runner-up last year
93. Baltimore, Md., Gilman 7-3 has 15 returning starters
94. River Ridge, La., John Curtis 13-1 coach J.T. Curtis second-winningest coach in history
95. Belle Glade, Fla., Glades Central 13-2 third-most playoff wins in state history
96. Harrisburg, Pa., Bishop McDevitt 13-1 features Pittsburgh-bound RB Jameel Poteat
97. Oradell, N.J., Bergen Catholic 8-3 seven returning starters on both sides of the ball
98. Charlotte, N.C., Independence 13-2 seven state titles in the 2000s
99. Burke, Va., Lake Braddock 12-3 led by Connecticut-bound QB Michael Nebrich
100. Webster Groves, Mo. 13-0 reigning Class 5 titlist
101. Tyrone, Ga., Sandy Creek 14-1 defending 4A champion

Northeast Region
1. Ramsey, N.J., Don Bosco Prep (12-0)
2. Wyndmoor, Pa., La Salle (14-1)
3. Lansdale, Pa., North Penn (13-1)
4. Philadelphia, Pa., St. Joseph's Prep (9-3)
5. Jersey City, N.J., St. Peter's (9-3)
6. Mechanicsburg, Pa., Cumberland Valley (12-3)
7. Pittsburgh, Pa., Woodland Hills (12-2)
8. Harrisburg, Pa., Bishop McDevitt (13-1)
9. Oradell, N.J., Bergen Catholic (8-3)
10. Brockton, Mass. (9-2)
11. Amherst, N.Y., Sweet Home (13-0)
12. Monroeville, Pa., Gateway (12-1)
13. Langhorne, Pa., Neshaminy (9-3)
14. Marlton, N.J., Cherokee (11-1)
15. Easton, Pa. (13-2)
16. Westwood, Mass., Xaverian (13-0)
17. North Tonawanda, N.Y. (13-0)
18. Aberdeen, N.J., Matawan (11-1)
19. Bethel Park, Pa. (10-2)
20. Pittsburgh, Pa., North Allegheny (9-2)
21. Allentown, Pa., Central Catholic (12-2)
22. Selinsgrove, Pa. (16-0)
23. Melville, N.Y., St. Anthony's (10-1)
24. Rochester, N.Y., Aquinas (10-1)
25. West Haven, Conn., Notre Dame (11-1)

East Coast Region
1. Olney, Md., Good Counsel (11-1)
2. Hampton, Va., Phoebus (15-0)
3. Roebuck, S.C., Dorman (14-1)
4. Matthews, N.C., Butler (15-0)
5. Ashburn, Va., Stone Bridge (13-2)
6. Duncan, S.C., Byrnes (13-2)
7. Chesapeake, Va., Oscar Smith (13-1)
8. Fayetteville, N.C., Britt (14-2)
9. Rock Hill, S.C., Northwestern (9-6)
10. Hyattsville, Md., DeMatha (11-1)
11. Baltimore, Md., Gilman (7-3)
12. Charlotte, N.C., Independence (13-2)
13. Burke, Va., Lake Braddock (12-3)
14. Charlotte, Ala., Mallard Creek (11-2)
15. Richmond, Va., Hermitage (10-2)
16. Frederick, Md., Linganore (14-0)
17. Rockingham, N.C., Richmond (12-2)
18. Charleston, W.Va., South Charleston (13-1)
19. Gaffney, S.C. (10-4)
20. Rock Hill, S.C., South Pointe (10-4)
21. Chantilly, Va., Westfield (6-5)
22. Virginia Beach, Va., Ocean Lakes (4-6-x)
23. Stafford, Va., Colonial Forge (9-2)
24. Hampton, Va. (8-4)
25. Fairfax, Va., Robinson (10-2)

Southeast Region
1. Tampa, Fla., Plant (14-1)
2. Batesville, Miss., South Panola (14-1)
3. Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Dwyer (14-1)
4. Fort Lauderdale, Fla., St. Thomas Aquinas (13-1)
5. Hoover, Ala. (14-1)
6. West Monroe, La. (15-0)
7. Kingsland, Ga., Camden County (13-2)
8. Bradenton, Fla., Manatee (13-2)
9. Valdosta, Ga., Lowndes (10-2)
10. Miami, Fla., Central (12-2)
11. Miami, Fla., Northwestern (10-2)
12. Seffner, Fla., Armwood (12-2)
13. Moultrie, Ga., Colquitt County (11-3)
14. Tampa, Fla., Jefferson (11-2)
15. Cocoa, Fla. (14-0)
16. Franklinton, La. (14-1)
17. Orlando, Fla., Dr. Phillips (11-1)
18. Suwanee, Ga., North Gwinnett (13-1)
19. Warner Robins, Ga., Northside (13-2)
20. River Ridge, La., John Curtis (13-1)
21. Belle Glade, Fla., Glades Central (13-2)
22. Tyrone, Ga., Sandy Creek (14-1)
23. Tucker, Ga. (9-3)
24. Prattville, Ala. (12-3)
25. Brentwood, Tenn., Brentwood Academy (8-4)

Midwest Region
1. Cleveland, Ohio, Glenville (13-2)
2. Cincinnati, Ohio, St. Xavier (9-3)
3. Wheaton, Ill., Wheaton-Warrenville South (13-1)
4. Cincinnati, Ohio, Colerain (8-2)
5. Dublin, Ohio, Coffman (12-1)
6. Indianapolis, Ind., Warren Central (13-2)
7. Park Ridge, Ill., Maine South (14-0)
8. Louisville, Ky., St. Xavier (14-1)
9. Glen Ellyn, Ill., Glenbard West (13-1)
10. Grand Rapids, Mich., East Grand Rapids (14-0)
11. Pickerington, Ohio, Central (10-2)
12. Huber Heights, Ohio, Wayne (7-4)
13. Centerville, Ohio (8-3)
14. Rockford, Mich. (11-1)
15. Canton, Ohio, McKinley (8-5)
16. Cincinnati, Ohio, Moeller (9-2)
17. Kenosha, Wis., Bradford (11-1)
18. Hilliard, Ohio, Davidson (13-1)
19. Fort Thomas, Ky., Highlands (15-0)
20. Cleveland, Ohio, St. Ignatius (11-1)
21. Macomb, Mich., Dakota (9-3)
22. New Lenox, Ill., Providence (12-2)
23. Chicago, Ill., St. Rita (11-3)
24. Greenwood, Ind., Center Grove (10-4)
25. Novi, Mich., Detroit Catholic Central (14-0)

Midlands Region
1. South Jordan, Utah, Bingham (13-1)
2. Denver, Colo., Mullen (14-0)
3. Kansas City, Mo., Rockhurst (9-3)
4. Sandy, Utah, Alta (10-3)
5. Eden Prairie, Minn. (12-1)
6. Blue Springs, Mo. (12-2)
7. Webster Groves, Mo. (13-0)
8. Hutchinson, Kan. (13-0)
9. Omaha, Neb., Millard South (13-0)
10. Iowa City, Iowa, City High (14-0)
11. Florissant, Mo., Hazelwood Central (13-1)
12. Provo, Utah, Timpview (11-2)
13. Gardner, Kan., Gardner-Edgerton (12-1)
14. Plymouth, Minn., Wayzata (9-2)
15. Kaysville, Utah, Davis (10-3)
16. Parker, Colo., Chaparral (8-3)
17. Minnetonka, Minn. (8-3)
18. Arvada, Colo., West (11-2)
19. Creve Coeur, Mo., DeSmet (12-1)
20. West Des Moines, Iowa, Dowling Catholic (12-1)
21. Aurora, Colo., Grandview (6-5)
22. Littleton, Colo., Columbine (8-4)
23. Eagle, Idaho (11-1)
24. Murray, Utah, Cottonwood (8-4)
25. Olathe, Kan., North (13-0)

Southwest Region
1. Euless, Texas, Trinity (14-2)
2. Abilene, Texas (15-0)
3. Austin, Texas, Lake Travis (16-0)
4. Chandler, Ariz., Hamilton (14-0)
5. Round Rock, Texas, Stony Point (13-2)
6. Las Vegas, Nev., Bishop Gorman (15-0)
7. The Woodlands, Texas (11-1)
8. Katy, Texas (14-2)
9. Springdale, Ark., Shiloh Christian (13-1)
10. Tulsa, Okla., Union (13-1)
11. Jenks, Okla. (13-1)
12. DeSoto, Texas (9-3)
13. Austin, Texas, Westlake (13-3)
14. Katy, Texas, Cinco Ranch (13-2)
15. Cedar Hill, Texas (12-1)
16. Denton, Texas, Guyer (13-2)
17. Coppell, Texas (11-2)
18. Springdale, Ark., Har-Ber (13-1)
19. Scottsdale, Ariz., Chaparral (13-1)
20. Lufkin, Texas (8-3)
21. Cibolo, Texas, Steele (9-3)
22. Beaumont, Texas, West Brook (9-4)
23. Chandler, Ariz. (9-4)
24. Houston, Texas, North Shore (8-4)
25. Arlington, Texas, Martin (8-5)

West Coast Region
1. Sacramento, Calif., Grant (12-1)
2. Concord, Calif., De La Salle (12-2)
3. Anaheim, Calif., Servite (14-1)
4. Mission Viejo, Calif. (12-1)
5. Westlake Village, Calif., Westlake (14-0)
6. Lakewood, Calif. (11-2)
7. Corona, Calif., Centennial (10-3)
8. Temecula, Calif., Chaparral (11-3)
9. Portland, Ore., Jesuit (12-2)
10. Murrieta, Calif., Vista Murrieta (13-1)
11. Long Beach, Calif., Poly (7-5)
12. Gardena, Calif., Serra (15-0)
13. La Puente, Calif., Bishop Amat (10-2)
14. Los Angeles, Calif., Crenshaw (14-1)
15. Westlake Village, Calif., Oaks Christian (13-1)
16. Bothell, Wash. (12-1)
17. Loomis, Calif., Del Oro (11-3)
18. Oceanside, Calif. (14-0)
19. Honolulu, Hawaii, St. Louis (7-4)
20. Santa Ana, Calif., Mater Dei (6-5)
21. Ventura, Calif., St. Bonaventure (0-13-xx)
22. Huntington Beach, Calif., Edison (13-1)
23. Bellevue, Wash. (12-2)
24. Folsom, Calif. (11-2)
25. Sammamish, Wash., Skyline (12-2)

x-: All losses by forfeit
xx-Eleven losses by forfeit
FEATS OF THE WEEK:For the second time in three seasons, Euless, Texas, Trinity will begin the season as the top-ranked team in the National Prep Poll. The Trojans captured last year's Class 5A/I championship and will be seeking their fourth state title in six seasons. Coach Steve Lineweaver, who is 116-19 in 10 years at Trinity, returns 16 starters including at least seven Division I prospects in his senior class. The offense features a pair of electrifying runners in senior backs Tevin Williams and Terrence Tusan. Oklahoma recruit Brandon Carter, a decorated receiver as a junior, is expected to be the team's starting quarterback. Trinity's defense should be stout with the return of five all-district players, including three committed to Division I colleges. In addition to a rigorous schedule against in-state competition, the Trojans will face regionally ranked Springdale, Ark., Shiloh Christian at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Labor Day. The game will be televised by Fox Sports Net.
Past National Prep Poll champs, with records and coaches:
1987--Fontana, Calif. (14-0-0), Dick Bruich
1988--Prichard, Ala., Vigor (13-0-0), Harold Clark
1989--Odessa, Texas, Permian (16-0-0), Gary Gaines
1990--Aldine, Texas (15-0-0), Bill Smith
1991--Indianapolis, Ben Davis (14-0-0), Dick Dullaghan
1992--Valdosta, Ga. (14-0-0), Nick Hyder
1993--Cleveland, St. Ignatius (14-0-0), Chuck Kyle
1994--Concord, Calif., De La Salle (13-0-0), Bob Ladouceur
1995--Cleveland, St. Ignatius (14-0-0), Chuck Kyle
1996--Hampton, Va. (14-0-0), Mike Smith
1997--Hampton, Va. (13-0-0), Mike Smith
1998--Concord, Calif., De La Salle (12-0-0), Bob Ladouceur
1999--Shreveport, La., Evangel (15-0-0), Dennis Dunn
2000--Concord, Calif., De La Salle (13-0-0), Bob Ladouceur
2001--Concord, Calif., De La Salle (12-0-0), Bob Ladouceur
2002--Concord, Calif., De La Salle (13-0-0), Bob Ladouceur
2003--Concord, Calif., De La Salle (13-0-0), Bob Ladouceur
2004--Southlake, Texas, Carroll (16-0-0), Todd Dodge
2005--Southlake, Texas, Carroll (16-0-0), Todd Dodge
2006--Lakeland, Fla. (15-0-0), Bill Castle
2007--Cincinnati, St. Xavier (15-0-0), Steve Spech
2008--Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Aquinas (15-0-0), George Smith
2009--Ramsey, N.J., Don Bosco (12-0-0), Greg Toal

God smiles on high school football

At Olympic High, practice began a little after 7 a.m. under gray skies. It was barely 70 degrees.

Workers completed construction improvements to Olympic's bleachers and track, forcing the team to work out on the baseball field.

A week ago, during team minicamp, temperatures hit triple digits. Today, the players barely can break a sweat.

"It's nice for us fat coaches," Olympic coach Barry Shuford joked, "but I need some heat to get these kids into shape."