BRUNSWICK COUNTY- With just a little more than a week before the 2016 high school football regular season kicks off, teams are hard at work getting the x’s and o’s ironed out as programs in Brunswick County look to continue progress from off-season workouts to training camp.
West Brunswick
Coach: Kelley Williamson (second season)
2015 record: 5-7 overall, 2-4 conference
West Brunswick returns eight starters from one season ago as Williamson works to get the Trojans in form with a relatively young program.
Rising senior Tariq Thomas is back for his final season and looks to make an impact on both sides of the ball at defensive back and wide receiver. Classmate Bubba Mccray has been working back to form after an injury-laden junior campaign, while junior Owen McDowell and sophomore Dylan Jeffries take reps at quarterback.
Senior Tay Vereen has also been getting calls as a potential college prospect as the 6-foot, 3-inch, 245-pound will serve as a key component on the offensive line. West Brunswick might have a small but talented senior class, but Russ Gore is among one of 20 juniors expected to make an impact on the Trojans roster.
Scroll down to the bottom of this page to watch Coach Williamson’s interview from the BB&T Jamboree luncheon.
South Brunswick
Coach: Rocky Lewis (first season)
2015 record: 2-9 overall, 0-6 conference
A new era is underway at South Brunswick as Rocky Lewis prepares for his first full season as head coach of the Cougars. Lewis comes from a family tree where his dad, Bob Lewis, has become a living legend in the coaching ranks across North Carolina during his time at Clinton High School.
South Brunswick has 25-plus juniors on the roster, with five starters back on both sides of the ball. Senior center David Leonard anchors an up-and-coming group along the offensive line, with Chason Smith, Tyler Hunley and Campbell Woody progressing up front.
Scroll down to the bottom of this page to watch Coach Lewis’ interview from the BB&T Jamboree luncheon.
North Brunswick
Coach: Larry Brock (second season)
2015 record: 5-6 overall, 2-3 conference
North Brunswick may have one of the most talented groups of skilled players in the area, with Jayhlen Washington, J.C. Smith and Shaquan Graham topping the list. The trio has played a pivotal role in the success of the Scorpions track and field program over the last few years.
Jathan Deberry returns for his senior season at quarterback along with nine offensive starters back for the blue and gold. Six starters are also back on the defensive side, but North Brunswick’s defense will be an important part to their success this fall.
Just like their cross-county rivals, North Brunswick has a strong junior class heading into their final year as a 2A school as the Scorpions will move to the 3A classification and into the Mideastern Conference when realignment takes effect for 2017 and beyond.
Click here to watch Coach Larry Brock’s interview from the BB&T Football Jamboree luncheon below.
WATCH: @WBHS_Trojans head coach Kelley Williamson talk #brunsco #trojans football! pic.twitter.com/epBDVjaEq1
— Joe Catenacci (@JoeCats19) August 10, 2016
WATCH: @SBCougarFBCoach Lewis talkin Cougars football ahead of Fridays Jamboree! #brunsco @PortCityDaily.com pic.twitter.com/6VavZhmVz0
— Joe Catenacci (@JoeCats19) August 10, 2016
WATCH: @ScorpTown @CoachLarryBrock talkin North Brunswick football ahead of Jamboree #brunsco @PortCityDaily.com pic.twitter.com/mPfAFTAuW6
— Joe Catenacci (@JoeCats19) August 10, 2016
