Football

CHARLOTTE LATIN AND BUTLER START THE SEASON ON TOP OF THE SUPER SEVEN FOOTBALL POLL

The South Charlotte Sports Report Super 7 Poll starts the season with two perennial favorites holding down the first two positions.  The Charlotte Latin Hawks kick off the season with a slight edge over the Butler Bulldogs.  Both squads lost an abundance of talent to graduation, and will face the tough challenge of having many news players ready from the opening kickoff next week. (complete story)

CAN’T MISS FOOTBALL GAMES

Let’s take a trip over the next 11 weeks, a trip fit for a high school football junky!  Our trip will allow us to see all the teams in the South Charlotte Sports Report coverage area.  The talent level is high; the school spirit grows with each year.  So climb on board for an 11 week venture! (complete story)

BUTLER SENIORS TO REMAIN A BULLDOG FOR FOUR MORE YEARS

Butler High School senior Blake Peterson will trade in one Bulldog jersey for another next year. The six foot four inch lineman signed a National Letter of Intent to play football for the Gardner Webb Bulldogs recently.  The son of Ralph and Lorna Peterson chose the Bulldogs after being recruited by Louisville, Appalachian State, South Carolina, East Carolina and Western Carolina.(complete story)

RJ BLANTON WORKING HARD FOR NOTRE DAME SUCCESS

With a face full of sweat and a body full of burning muscles, Butler High School Senior, Robert “RJ” Blanton stepped away from the workout area at CrossFit Charlotte.  The strong, fast, cornerback for the Bulldogs is in full speed mode preparing for his freshman season at Notre Dame.  On February 6th, RJ will sign an NCAA National Letter of Intent to play for Notre Dame Head football coach Charlie Weiss.(complete story)

QUITE A RIDE FOR CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC FOOTBALL SENIORS

With a four year record of 59-6, the Charlotte Catholic High School Class of 2008 had the opportunity to celebrate quite a few football victories. Yes, that is 65 football games in a four year period, an amazing number.  This senior class played in four consecutive state championship games, winning in 2004 and 2005.    This remarkable streak seemed to play second fiddle in most media outlets to the run of success by Independence High School.  The South Charlotte Sports Report believes their achievements deserves equal if not greater attention.(complete story)

TRACY MURDEN FINDS A NEW SPORT

Soccer and baseball have always been the top sports for 16 year old Tracy Murden.  The Ardrey Kell Sophomore has traveled across the region playing soccer and baseball for many years. The last thing on his mind when Tracy connected with Mike Stricker, the owner of Dynamic Sports Performance, was starting a new sport in high school.   Mike, a former pro football kicker, asked Tracy to give football a shot.  Tracy listened and the rest is history.(complete story)

PRESTON TILLER LEADS THE CAVALIERS

One hundred percent effort.  It’s the name of the game for 14 year old Preston Tiller, an eighth grader at Community House Middle School.  The son of Vance and Vicki Tiller pours his heart into every game, giving his all to help his teams come out on top.  Preston, moved to Charlotte two years ago from Plano, TX and in no time at all developed a reputation as a superb athlete and an even better person.(complete story)

R.J. SWEENEY WORKS OVERTIME TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS

It’s a given that many athletes in the area are hard workers.  Many young athletes train everyday to be the best they can possibly be.  However, one would have to look real hard to find someone working harder to achieve success than Charlotte Catholic senior R.J. Sweeney.  The starting fullback for the Cougars works hard in school then goes as hard and he can at practice for almost three more hours and then when others call it a night; he begins a daily three hour tutoring session.  Why would someone need three hours of tutoring you may ask yourself? (complete story)

COMMUNITY TAILGATE PARTY COMMEMORATES FIRST HOME FOOTBALL GAME AT MARVIN RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL 

The Marvin Ridge Athletic Boosters are giving local families yet another reason to cheer this football season as they host an exciting pre-game Tailgate Party on Friday, August 17, 2007.  The event will precede the Marvin Ridge Mavericks’ inaugural home football game against the Prince Avenue North Bulldogs.  (complete release)

EVAN LLOYD NAMED POP WARNER ALL-AMERICAN SCHOLAR

Eleven year old Evan Lloyd was recently honored with All-American Scholar status by Pop Warner Football.  The fifth grade son of James and Jenny Lloyd earned the honor through an application process designed to award players based on grades, activities and achievements.  The Pop Warner Little Scholars  All-American Program requires a minimum 96% grade point average to apply for All-American status. After the applications have been processed, Pop Warner determines National First Team All-Americans (35 football, 25 cheer per grade), National Second Team All-Americans and National Honorable Mention Scholars. This past year was the first year for Matthews Area Recreation Association (MARA) to play under the Pop Warner umbrella.  (complete story)

RYAN CURRY HEADED FOR THE AIR FORCE ACADEMY

The Mission of the United States Air Force Academy is to educate, train and inspire men and women to become officers of character, motivated to lead the United States Air Force in service to our nation.  This mission falls right in line with the vision of Weddington High School senior, Ryan Curry.  The 18 year old son of Kevin and Kathy Curry recently received an appointment to The Academy from United States Congresswoman Sue Myrick. (complete story)

MIKE RUCKER SHARES ADVICE FOR STUDENTS

By Will Beamer, 5th Grade, Community House Middle School

I have had the chance to meet a lot of professional athletes, and Carolina Panther Defensive Lineman Mike Rucker was the nicest one by far. I traveled to his office at Vision Group Realty recently to interview him for my Step Dad’s newspaper, The South Charlotte Sports Report.  The most important lesson Mr. Rucker shared with me was that education should always come before athletics. (complete story)

CAROLINA PANTHER MIKE RUCKER KNOWS THE VALUE OF AN EDUCATION

By Grant Sheets, 6th Grade, Marvin Ridge Middle School

Mike Rucker, Carolina Panthers Defensive End, is respected and admired by fans around the country  for his talent and skill on the football field.  I had the chance to sit down with Mr. Rucker at his Real Estate office, Vision Group Realty to discuss his background, his advice to kids and his own role models.  As a kid, Mike’s role models were Derrick Thomas and Reggie White, partly because they played the same position as him, but also because of their personality and faith.  He also puts his parents at the top of the list because “They made sure I took care of my grades.  Once they pulled me away from football until my grades improved….that got my attention!”  (complete story)

FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

Marvin Ridge High School Scores Their First Touchdown

Still six months from opening, Marvin Ridge High School has already scored their first touchdown.  Athletic Director Tony Guylitto and Principal Bill Cook recently hired one of the top football coaches ever to grace the sidelines in North Carolina, Bruce Hardin.  This veteran coach has a remarkable resume of success; 29 years Head Coaching experience, 15 conference championships, 23 state playoff appearances, 5 state championship appearances and 2 state championships. Hardin’s overall record as a head coach is 283-88.(complete story)

RYAN MANION : TOUGH AS NAILS

“Tough as nails.” Those are the words coaches use to describe Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School sixth grader Ryan Manion.  The 12 year old son of Mike and Kelly Manion plays four sports, lacrosse, wrestling, football and basketball.  When asked to list a favorite sport, football is the choice. (complete story)

PEDAL TO THE METAL FOR THOMAS NANTZ

The gift of speed is priceless in for athletes. Twelve year old Thomas Nantz is known for being one of the fastest kids on the team in football, basketball and baseball. Thomas a sixth grader at Community House Middle School is the son of Richard and Rhonda Nantz.  He is always looking for ways to use his speed to his advantage. (complete story)

Photos from Butler vs Independence, Western Regional Finals, Memorial Stadium

THE GIRLS STEP UP IN ARDREY KELL POWDER-PUFF GAME

By Lauren Boone, 11th Grade, Ardrey Kell High School

            With many rescheduling dates, hard practicing, and an abundance of enthusiasm, Ardrey Kell High School was ready to hold their first annual PowderPuff Football game on Thursday, November 9th.  The Powder-Puff games give the girls of the student body a chance to prove to the guys and the other classes who really is the best at football and school spirit. (complete story)

CHAMPIONS ONCE AGAIN

…Weddington Middle School 8th Grade Football Team completes three year sweep

They did it again! The Weddington Middle School 8th grade football team, led by Head Coach Jim Davis captured their third consecutive Carolina Midget League Championship.  The Wildcats defeated Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School 28-18 to claim the title. The victory capped off a splendid three year run of titles for this group of talented young men. (complete story)

SOUTH CHARLOTTE SHOCKERS ARE ONE TOUGH TEAM

In the rough and tumble world of football, it always pays to be known as a tough-hitting football team.
The South Charlotte Middle School Shockers are without a doubt one of the tougher football teams in the
area.  They are led by fifth year head coach Jim Winnek.   Coach Winnek is in his 11th year of coaching football, 10 of those years have been in Charlotte.  Following a four year college football career in New York, Winnek entered into coaching football.  Away from the football field, he works as a school counselor. (complete story)

Drew Podrebarac Leads Weddington Middle School to 5 straight wins

Story by: Joey Skavroneck, 7th grade, Weddington Middle School


        Quarterback Drew Podrebarac, has led the Weddington Middle School 7th grade football team to 5 straight wins this season. In a recent key game in Weddington shutout their rival Holy Trinity 32-0, Drew was 7-8 passing the football,  throwing two touchdown passes and converting two point after touchdowns (p.a.t.’s).  Against Piedmont, Drew was 6-7 passing the football and had two P.A.T.’s shutting out yet another team 52-0. In Weddington’s most recent game against Sun Valley, Drew was 8-12 passing the football, completing two touchdown passes as well as running two touchdowns with one P.A.T. beating them 44-16. He led last years sixth grade football team to an undefeated season topping Holy Trinity 46-0 in the championship game. (complete story)

SEEING DOUBLE… DEREK AND THOMAS PASSENANT

By Maggie Hill, 8th grade, Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School

Fourteen year old twins Thomas and Derek Passenant are two of the top athletes at Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School. The outgoing twins were born in Scotch Plains, New Jersey and moved to Charlotte in the spring of 1998.(complete story)

Photos of South Park Falcons # 1 win over Olde Providence # 2

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT - RACHEL REARDON, MARA BOARD MEMBER

Looking for Rachel Reardon?  Just head to Arthur Goodman Park in Matthews and chances are strong that you can find her.  Rachel, is a member of the Matthews Area Recreation Association (MARA) Board of Directors and a MARA Football Committee member.  In addition to these two volunteer positions, Rachel is the proud mother of 11 year old MARA athlete Baileigh Reardon.  Rachel is also the mother to 22 year old Jessica, a nursing student at The University of Cincinnati.  Along with husband Bob, Rachel is a dynamic volunteer for MARA. (complete story)

Community House Middle School vs South Charlotte Middle School in Football

Community House Middle School Football Team

Community House Middle School vs. Jay M. Robinson in Football

Community House Middle School Cheerleader Photos

South Charlotte Middle School Cheerleaders Photos

MASON WATKINS IS ONE TOUGH KID

Nine year old Mason Watkins loves playing football for the South Park Falcons.  After a day of school at Olde Providence Elementary School, the fourth grader can’t wait to get home and prepare for practice.  Unfortunately this season has been full of potential roadblocks for the energetic son of Keith and Jenny Watkins. (complete story)

CAROLINA PANTHERS ANNOUNCE THE MARA COLTS MIGHTY MITES AS THE PET DAIRY TEAM OF THE WEEK

The Carolina Panthers have named the MARA Colts Mighty Mites as the Carolina Panthers Pet Dairy Team of the Week for the week of September 17th.  The Colts are a first year program under the direction of Head Coach Jeff Taylor. The team suits up 26 future gridiron warriors!  The team’s greatest strength is that they simply see football practice as FUN!  Head Coach Jeff Taylor and his staff have these energetic Colt Mighty Mites working hard in practice and these young men, all of whom have never played tackle football before, have been thoroughly taught the basics of the game to aid in achieving victory.  (complete story)

MARA COLTS FOOTBALL PHOTOS Courtesy of Rachel Reardon

Photos from South Park Falcons Junior Midgets Game

ARDREY KELL KNIGHTS WIN FIRST EVER GAME

In just the third game in their very young history, the Knights of Ardrey Kell High School captured their first ever win.  In a game which went down to the final second, the Knights, led by Head Coach Marty Woolbright defeated West Mecklenburg High School 13-12. (complete story)

POP WARNER FOOTBALL KICKS OFF IN SOUTH CHARLOTTE

With over 2000 South Charlotte boys playing Pop Warner football this season, excitement was high for the season opening Saturday. The action began at South Charlotte Middle School and many other fields across the area bright and early at 9:00am.   First time players and four year veterans proudly displayed their new uniforms.  The Colts, Falcons, Panthers, Titans, Ravens and other teams all played their hearts out in search of the first win of the season. (complete story)

FIRST GAME JITTERS FOR BUBEN FAMILY

The alarm clock goes off at 7:00am Saturday morning, Leslie Buben rolls out of bed to begin a very special day for her family.  Today is the first ever Pop Warner football game for her eight year old son Ben.  Leslie is feeling a little nervous, as most mothers would on the day of the first Pop Warner football game.  Ben has played other sports, and Leslie enjoyed those, but this is football and her son is about to be tackled, pushed and knocked to the ground. (complete story)

Photos from the recent MARA COLTS vs SOUTH PARK FALCONS Might Mites Game

Olde Providence Patriots Mighty Mite Football Photos

MARA Colts vs South Park Falcon Photos

Holy Trinity Catholic Bulldogs vs Weddington Wildcats Photos

ERIC SPALDING ENTERS HIS NAME INTO ARDREY KELL RECORD BOOKS

It certainly wasn’t the way Eric Spalding had planned to enter his name into the Ardrey Kell High School record books.  Eric had plans of scoring touchdowns and making game-saving tackles for the Knights varsity football team this season.  Instead, the tenth grader will enter the record books as the first football player to be injured in Ardrey Kell history.

During a morning practice session on August 7th, Eric was participating in a tackling drill when he heard a loud snap in his left ankle.  Athletic Trainer Margaret Lynch quickly went to work on Eric and stabilized the ankle.  A trip to Ortho Carolina revealed the break and Eric went into surgery that evening.  Dr. Ron Singer inserted a steel plate with six screws on the outside of the ankle and another 2 screws on the inside. (complete story)

Photos of Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School Football, 6th Grade Team vs Sun Valley

Photos of Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School 8th Grade Football defeats Sun Valley 21-6

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL KICKS OFF

Charlotte Catholic kicks the season off with a tough 15-8 win over a determined South Meck team. Check out photos from the game

Middle School Football Scrimmage Action, Featuring Holy Trinity Catholic School, Weddington, Piedmont and Porter Ridge

Carolina Pride Football Ready for 2006 Season

 The Carolina Pride football program provides an attractive alternative for many private school and home school students in the area.  Without a school football team to play for, the Carolina Pride is the perfect outlet for the students that love the game of football and want to continue their playing careers.  Head Coach Jamie Craft provides the positive leadership for this growing organization.

“These kids all love football and needed a place to play,” said Craft. “We practice just as hard as any school team and play as tough of a schedule as we can play.  The only difference in our organization and a school team is that our kids aren’t together building unity among themselves during the school day.” (complete story)

CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC FOOTBALL PLAYERS TO CONTINUE PLAYING CAREERS

After winning their second consecutive North Carolina State Football Championship, Charlotte Catholic High School Head Football Coach Jim Oddo is sending more kids to play college football. Recently, Greg Portal signed to play with Randolph-Macon College and Brady Buckley with Emory & Henry College. John Kula will also walk-on at Western Carolina University. These three join earlier signees Tyler Bullard, Elon, Mario Acitelli, Appalachian State and Craig Warnament, Hamden-Sydney. The South Charlotte Sports Report would like to congratulate these State Champions as they pursue continued success in college. Charlotte Catholic will begin their pursuit of a third straight State Championship in August.

OLDE PROVIDENCE ANNOUNCES FOOTBALL SIGN UP DATES.

Registration has begun for Fall Football and new this year — Football Cheerleading! The following are the dates still available for
signup's:

Saturday May 13, 9-12pm @ Olde Providence Elementary Thursday June 8, 6-9pm @ South Charlotte Middle School Thursday June 29, 6-9pm @ South Charlotte Middle School

Practices begin in August 2006. For more information, please check out the football page of our website. WWW.OPRASPORTS.COM