The last group of Cumberland County schools wrapped up spring football drills before the summer break begins.
Here’s a quick recap of what the coaches learned and will be focusing on when summer practice starts later this month.
Douglas Byrd, Maurice Huey
Huey said his Eagles are stronger and faster with an improved football IQ. They are having great competition in practice. The summer focus will be on attention to details.
“The little things will get us over the hump and where we need to be,” he said.
Key players returning: Sincere Blount, senior., RB; Zachary Colon, senior, OL; Jayden Abney, senior, LB; Wyatt Rodger, senior, LB; Josiah Carpenter, junior, DB.
E.E. Smith, Antonio Wallace
First-year head coach Wallace has an enthusiastic group of young players with a desire to win immediately. He is looking at how his players handle individual decisions. He plans to install additional offensive and defensive schemes while building team unity.
“I know as we work together, we will become a very competitive team,” he said.
Key players returning: David Adams, senior, LB/TE; Adom Hemberick, junior., S; Melvin McDougle, senior, C/DT; Maicah Crumpler, senior, WR; Ni’Shawn Campbell, senior, WR.
Gray’s Creek, Jonathan Sherman
Sherman said the Bears have a good feel on offense with many key players back. There will be a lot of new faces on defense, but Sherman is optimistic heading into summer.
During the summer workouts, he hopes to continue offensive improvement and make some changes. Defense will focus on fundamentals with many new players in the fold.
Key players returning: Kaleb Caraway, junior, LB/TE; Tyler Davis, senior, WR/QB/DB; Javon Webb, senior, RB/LB; Elijah Oehlke, junior, QB; Nathan Fowler, senior, DL/H; Zavier Barrett, junior, OL/DL.
Jack Britt, Brian Randolph
Randolph said the Buccaneers had a lot of young players out who worked hard.
“They really put maximum effort into practicing,” he said. “We’ve got to put it together on the football field on Friday night.”
He’s looking for a couple of more players to solidify the offensive and defensive lines. His main concern is for his team to stay healthy over the summer and avoid trivial injuries that could slow players down come August.
Key players returning: Javonte Brooks, sophomore, WR; Jabari Rone, senior, TE/DL; Zach Pickel, senior, LB; Tyler Ivory, senior, C; Elijah Evans, junior, DE; Keith Tillett II, senior, RB; Justice Gray, senior, LT.
South View, Rodney Brewington
Brewington said his Tigers have the opportunity to be special. If it can stay healthy, he expects the team to be competitive this season.
Finishing every play will be the focus for the season, something Brewington felt last year’s team didn’t emphasize.
Key players returning: Tariq Clarida, junior, QB; Jahori Hood, senior, DL; Anthony Farrior, junior, WR; Rashad Dockery, junior, ATH; Christian Rutledge, senior, RB.
E.E. Smith Hall of Fame
E.E. Smith High School recently held the induction ceremony for the second class of members in the school’s sports hall of fame. The induction was at the Crown Coliseum Complex.
Here’s a capsule look at the members who were added:
Ida Askew: Teacher and coach from 1963-81. Won a state title in girls track in 1981.
Henry A. Black: Football and men’s and women’s basketball coach from 1929-40. His 1939 men were runners-up in the National Black High School basketball tournament.
Milton Butts: Head football coach for 15 years. Led team to six state playoffs runs, two conference titles and two 4-A Eastern finals
Joyce Vaughn Battle: Lettered in three sports. Played college basketball at Winston-Salem State and Fayetteville State universities.
Robert Brickey: Named North Carolina’s Mr. Basketball in 1986. Earned scholarship to Duke and helped the Blue Devils to three Final Fours and one NCAA championship game.
Allen Cole: All-State and Shrine Bowl running back. All-CIAA at Johnson C. Smith.
Alexander Cole: All-State running back.
Benjamin Cole: Lettered in three sports. Star running back and leading scorer on basketball team. Batted .375 as a senior.
Lamb Cole: Lettered in three sports. All-State running back. All-State sprinter and long jumper.
Nettie Toomer Council: Restarted girls basketball in 1946. Organized the first program for exceptional children and was the first principal of Walker-Spivey School.
Carl Galbreath: All-State in football and basketball. Four-time All-CIAA in football at North Carolina College. Had distinguished career in Canadian Football League.
Angela W. Hill: All-Conference in volleyball, basketball and track. Star basketball player at North Carolina A&T State.
Carey Hughley: All-State football and East-West All-Star game selection. Football standout at Hampton University.
Samara Dobbins Johnson: Standout in basketball and track. Basketball scholarship to North Carolina A&T State. Three-year starter there.
Connell Maynor: Three-year letterman, football and basketball. MEAC offensive player of the year twice at North Carolina A&T State. Won two CIAA championships as head football coach at Winston-Salem State. Played 12 seasons of Arena Football.
Earl McNeill: Started in three sports. Played basketball and baseball at Fayetteville State. Two-time All-CIAA in baseball.
Brandon Wallace: Twice school athlete of year. Four-time All-State wrestler.
Garvin Stone: Three-year letterman in football, basketball and baseball. Led 1968 football team to state title. Football star at North Carolina Central. Led MEAC in passing and total offense in 1973.
Bobby Earl Williams: All-State in football and baseball. Earned football scholarship to North Carolina A&T.
Colette Williams: Four-time school female athlete of the year. State triple jump and 100 meter hurdles champion. Track standout at South Carolina State.
Roszella Major Williams: Earned letters in three sports. Team MVP in three sports. Earned track scholarship to East Carolina. Four-time conference track coach of the year.
Also honored were the following teams: 1939 men’s black basketball tournament finalists and men’s 1950 state basketball champions.
Earl Vaughan Jr. @EarlVaughanJr