Cumberland County high schools started the official countdown to the 2023 football season Monday with the first day of preseason workouts.
Here’s a brief recap of how things went on opening day.
Jack Britt
Coach Brian Randolph had 96 players out, a turnout he said was close to expectations. He said the players arrived with a renewed focus on getting better and making every repetition count. He hopes to make sure every player gets an equal number of repetitions in practice along with an opportunity to show what he can do on the field.
Douglas Byrd
Coach Maurice Huey welcomed 65 players to the opening practice, a number that was above his expectations. He said the players are buying in to the program and excitement for the upcoming season is high. He hopes the team will adjust to the growth of the program.
Cape Fear
The Colts of coach Jake Thomas were 92 players strong on opening day, which was about what he was expecting. Thomas was impressed with the energy and leadership but is concerned about depth in the line and experience at quarterback.
Gray’s Creek
Coach Johnathan Sherman worked with 89 prospects, a number close to what turned out for voluntary workouts over the summer. He had hopes of 100 but was glad for a number close to 85 for a second straight year.
Sherman said energy was high and the varsity looked good on offense and defense. His biggest concern is youth across the board.
Pine Forest
Veteran coach Bill Sochovka said he had 90 players out, but some were unable to practice because their paperwork wasn’t completed. The turnout overall was better than he expected. The team showed up in better shape than Sochovka expected, and he has no major concerns at the moment.
Terry Sanford
Bruce McClelland had 75 players out the first day, close to the same number who attended summer workouts. His chief concerns early are numbers in the line and dealing with the August heat.
Seventy-First
Duran McLaurin had a turnout of between 75 and 80 players, which is about what he expected. Positive signs included strong leadership from the junior class. His main area of concern is quality depth.
E.E. Smith
First-year coach Antonio Wallace said there were 74 players on opening day. He added that he is not turning away any prospects who have a strong desire to play. His main concern is for the team to remain healthy and continue daily improvement on fundamentals, schemes and assignments.
South View
Coach Rodney Brewington had 91 players out for the first day, which met his expectations. Positive early signs were team chemistry while his main concern is depth.
Westover
Wolverine coach Ernest King had 65 players working. The bright spot early is depth at quarterback, but the offensive line is a concern.
Earl’s Pearls
Williams played on one of the best Reid Ross football teams in 1981, leading the Cougars to the short-lived NCHSAA Division II 4-A title with a 21-7 win over High Point Central in the championship game.
He was a rare two-sport athlete in college, playing football and baseball for the Tigers. His name is still in the Clemson record books in both sports. He is sixth all-time in kickoff return yards and sixth in stolen bases. In 2013, he was inducted into the Clemson Hall of Fame.
A long battle with diabetes led Williams to undergo a liver transplant. He eventually had his right leg amputated.
He devoted the final years of his life to recruiting 1,000 people to become registered organ donors.
To support his efforts and register as a donor, go to RegisterMe.org/RayWilliams.
Dorsey won the 800-meter run for girls in the 15-16 class, running for the Fayetteville Flyers. She posted a time of 2:09.10.
Dorsey also took fourth place in the girls 15-16 400-meter dash with a time of 56.67.
Cross is a cheerleader and soccer player for the Bears. She is also active in student government and works with younger cheerleaders and a local nonprofit charitable organization.
Follow Earl Vaughan Jr. on Twitter: @EarlVaughanJr
