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PiedMonT Panthers coach Frank Ambrose is highly optimistic heading into the 2010 season. “Last year was only the fifth winning season in the school’s 50-year history,” he said. “We made it to the first round of the playoffs. I was pleased with our success after coming off a 1-10 record my first year at the school.” Ambrose has a simple philosophy: If the game is taught properly, wins will follow. “Prepare your team to the best of their ability. Trust your coaches to put your kids in the right spots and to coach their position,” said Ambrose. The second part of the philosophy is conditioning. “(We want) to be the best-conditioned team and control the line of scrimmage,” said Ambrose. “We will be bigger and stronger and in better shape than any team we play.” OFFENSE The Piedmont offense is built around “run and gun” – but a little more run than gun. Ambrose said his offense only passes when there’s a potential for a big gain. Last season, Piedmont averaged 18 yards per pass play, completing 69 percent. The Panthers are led by junior quarterback Ross Rushing, senior offensive tackle Stewart Hinson and senior wide receiver Cameron Leviner. Ambrose said that experience will translate into great leadership. by Mike Shaw sports@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com Football and life are the same to Piedmont offensive linemen Jacob Brewer, Lucas Fisher and Stewart Hinson – it’s a journey to prepare them for the future. “You get knocked down sometimes, but you have to get back up and learn from it,” Brewer said. “If you work hard, good things will happen.” And Brewer, Fisher and Hinson definitely work hard. What’s Brewing Brewer spent last season on the sidelines after suffering a season-ending knee injury. “Instead of giving up, (Brewer) worked extremely hard in the weight room in preparation for this year,” said Fisher. Brewer also attended camps this summer at colleges such as Duke, Wake Forest, N.C. State, East Carolina, Western Carolina, Wofford, Elon and Appalachian State. He hopes that helps his recruiting stock rise since he doesn’t have game footage from last season. “(Many) colleges have said that I’m very talented, but (they’d) like to see some of my senior www.unioncountyweekly.com game film before making any offers,” said Brewer. “I expect to be getting offers toward the middle of the season.” Brewer said his injury was a positive because he spent more time in the weight room. He gained 35 pounds and moved from guard to center. “It’s definitely made me a more dominant player,” said Brewer. Fisher’s example Fisher, who’s committed to Duke, worked equally hard in the offseason. “I play hard every play and will work harder than anyone that I go up against,” said Fisher. His teammates have noticed. “(Fisher) flies around the field, and I love that about him,” said Brewer. “Lucas is a great athlete and a great guy.” A guy who clearly cares about the team. “We have a good bit of underclassmen on this football team,” Fisher said. “If I set the example for them, they’ll be successful when they’re juniors and seniors.” The Big Stew At 6 foot 7, 268 pounds, Hinson’s a wall for the Panthers. He played tight end until the first game of his junior season. Panthers Piedmont has several talented players, including (front row, from left) Wesley Marsh, Ross Rushing; and (back row) Stewart Hinson, Cameron Leviner and Lucas Fisher. Mike Shaw/CWNG photo The Panthers also have junior Baron Morris, who Ambrose described as a quick receiver with great hands. DEFENSE Ambrose describes the defense as relentless. “You won’t see one of our defenders walking to the ball,” said Ambrose. “We’ll control the line of scrimmage and be fundamentally sound and sure tacklers.” The defensive line is paced by junior Kyle Eiss and seniors Justin Crump and Lucas Fisher. “These three have started every game the past three years, and they know what type of mentality we expect on defense,” said Ambrose. Piedmont senior linemen Lucas Fisher, Jacob Brewer and Stewart Hinson “The coaches thought it would be best to switch me to tackle, and that’s definitely where I (needed) to be,” said Hinson. A while later, colleges became interested in Hinson. This summer, on the same day they saw him compete at a one-day camp, East Carolina coaches offered him a scholarship. He accepted, and he plans to use hard work to excel even more. “I have improved every aspect of my game,” he said. “I have become quicker, stronger and overall just a better player. I have learned to be a better football player and person through all the good times and bad times in my career. I have learned that no matter what may happen in life you have to pick the ball up and keep going.” Football Night in Union SPECIAL TEAMS Last season, the Panthers were perfect on extra-point attempts. But Ambrose hasn’t decided who’ll kick this year. The only special teams role that Ambrose has decided on are the long snappers: Hinson for field goals and Leviner for punts. – Mike Shaw FAST FACTS head coach: Frank Ambrose, third season (8-15) Returning starters: Offense, 9; defense, 9 conference: Rocky River 1A/2A 2009 Record: 7-5, 6-2 2010 schedule Aug. 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .at Parkwood Aug. 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . at Porter Ridge Sept. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Concord Robinson Sept. 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Union Academy Sept. 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monroe Sept. 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .at Forest Hills October 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cuthbertson Oct. 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Central Academy Oct. 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .at West Stanly Oct. 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .at North Stanly Nov. 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .at Charlotte Berry Big Man on campus Campus Closer than a brother Brewer, Fisher, and Hinson work together to ensure that the offense is successful each snap. And they accomplish their mission by trusting that each one of them is doing his best every play. The three have a deep respect for each other. It’s evident in the way they talk about their bond. They inspire each other to work hard. “I love playing with Lucas and Jacob because they’re my best friends,” Hinson said. “They keep me motivated. We’ve been friends for a long time, and we love playing football together.” q UNION COUNTY WEEKLY • FALL 2010 13 Jim Dedmon/CWNG photo
Chris Hunt/CWNG photo Football Night in Union Porter ridge Pirates Porter Ridge junior quarterback Lee McNeil is expected to be one of the top players in the conference this season. In his second season, coach Blair Hardin turned the once-hapless Pirates into a winning team. Porter Ridge finished with a 7-5 mark and won a share of the Southern Carolina 3A/4A conference championship with three victories in five league games. Their two league losses – to Weddington and Sun Valley – were by only seven points. This season, however, the Pirates aren’t looking to share. After losing its first two Southern Carolina 3A/4A conference games last season, the young Spartans rallied down the stretch to force a four-way tie for the league championship. That team returns 15 starters this season. The Spartans hope experience at important positions will be the key to a stronger start in conference play and a league title they won’t have to share with any of their rivals. FAST FACTS head coach: Scott Stein, eighth season (46-39) Returning starters: Offense, 7; defense, 8 conference: Southern Carolina 3A/4A 2009 record: 9-4, 3-2 2010 schedule Aug. 20 . . . . . . . . . . . Gastonia Ashbrook Sept. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Charlotte Olympic Sept.10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Charlotte Vance Sept.17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .at Asheville Sept. 24 . . . . . . at Wilmington Hoggard Oct. 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .at Bessemer City Oct. 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anson Senior Oct. 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marvin Ridge Oct. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .at Parkwood Oct. 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weddington Nov. 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . at Porter Ridge In 2009, the Pirates tinkered with young players at several key positions. But Porter Ridge solidified those spots during the season and returns 13 starters with an eye on winning the league title outright. OFFENSE As a sophomore last fall, quarterback Lee McNeil beat out two teammates to become the starter and threw for 1,089 yards. Running back DeMario Alexander took off after the fifth game of the season. Both are now conference player of the year candidates. “Lee’s our guy,” said Hardin. “We threw him in the fire last year and won seven games. Our running backs can run a little bit, and a smart coach would give fast kids the football, so that’s what I’ll do.” Javonte Truesdale will share the backfield with Alexander. Four starting offensive linemen are back. DEFENSE The Pirates lost six starters, including Korey Smith, P.J. Freeman and Tyler Kirk, on a defense that held opponents below 20 points per game. But Porter Ridge is still strong at linebacker, where seasoned captains John Bryant and Zach Bevington pack some pop. Relentless defensive ends Aaron Johnson, Justin Oldja and Avery Worsham bring speed on the edge of the 4-3 format. Johnson, a senior, was one of the area’s top players last season. Alexander will also play cornerback. SPECIAL TEAMS Collectively, Porter Ridge could have the best Sun Valley linebackers (from left) Devin Gillette, Austin Smith and Bobby Viehmeyer Chris Hunt/CWNG photo FAST FACTS head coach: Blair Hardin, third season (10-13) Returning starters: Offense, 8; defense, 5 conference: Southern Carolina 3A/4A 2009 record: 7-5, 3-2 2010 schedule Aug. 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .at Monroe Aug. 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Piedmont Sept. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Forest Hills Sept. 10 . . . . . . . . . . .Charlotte Waddell Sept. 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . .at Hickory Ridge Sept. 24 . . . . . . . . . at Central Cabarrus Oct. 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .at Marvin Ridge Oct. 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Parkwood Oct. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . at Weddington Oct. 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .at Anson Senior Nov. 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sun Valley special teams unit in the county. As a freshman last year, Matt Wogan kept the opposition pinned near the goal line in the punting and kicking games. Hardin said he’s already a Division I college prospect. Return specialists Truesdale, Alexander and Jordan Oakley can score on any given play. – Chris Hunt Sun Valley sPartans OFFENSE Running back JaDarrius Williams may be small, but he’s lightning in a bottle. After missing the 2009 season opener, he rushed for 1,533 yards and 13 touchdowns in his sophomore campaign. To improve on last season’s effort, he’ll rely on an offensive line with four new starters. Junior quarterback Ryan Smith is the key to the Spartans’ explosive aerial attack, which averaged 27.5 points per game. In 2009, Smith led Union County with 2,505 yards and threw 30 touchdown passes. Smith has plenty of targets, including Jody Fuller, who finished last season with 35 catches for 428 yards and six touchdowns. Converted receiver Chris Duffy and tight end Steven Cole will also see plenty of opportunities after the graduation of Dustin Cook and Andre McManus, a tandem that combined for more than 1,400 yards and 17 touchdowns. As a freshman in 2009, Duffy ran for more than 100 yards in the season opener against Gastonia Ashbrook. Smith will also throw plenty of swing passes to his elusive tailbacks in the flat. “(Smith) understands our offense,” said Sun Valley coach Scott Stein. “He is a distributor. He reads the defense and gets the ball to our athletes in open space.” DEFENSE The defense lost leading tackler Jeremy Busby, but the speedy, undersized unit returns eight starters, including linebackers David Gillette and Austin Smith. Former fullback Bobby Viehmeyer will bring a sense of aggression to the linebacker spot left behind by Busby. SPECIAL TEAMS Williams and Fuller make up an explosive tandem in the kick return game. Williams is also a highlight reel waiting to happen as a punt returner. – Chris Hunt 14 FALL 2010 • UNION COUNTY WEEKLY www.unioncountyweekly.com
Page 1 and 2: Our PreseasOn suPer 7 Team-by-Team
Page 3 and 4: Football Night iN UNioN: LET’s dO
Page 5 and 6: Mike Shaw/CWNG photo Coach Tony Pyl
Page 7 and 8: Jim Dedmon/CWNG photo by Aaron Garc
Page 9 and 10: Jim Dedmon/CWNG photo by Aaron Garc
Page 11: Football Night in Union The Rebels
Page 15 and 16: Football Night in Union Weddington
Page 17 and 18: Football Night in Union SUMMER COAC
Page 19: If you want the perfect lawn, get t

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