Service and Dedication

There are many people in this world that can't continue to be athletes as they get older. Just about every school has that person, that does whatever they can to support the team. Roger Shearin of Northern Nash, is one of those people. Those of you who attend football games at Northern see Roger on the sidelines as the equipment manager for both varsity and JV football games. Roger loves his Knights! Roger continues to give back to Northern, the best way he knows how, and that is fixing helmets, facemasks and shoulder pads for all the players at Northern Nash. This Friday night in the Rocky Mount/Northern Nash football game, will be Roger's last home football game as the equipment manager. For 25 years he has been Mr. Dependability there for every game in the rain or mud, in victory or defeat, Roger has been Mr. Northern Nash Knight. Roger has done what he has physically able to do for Northern, and now it's time to step aside. Those of you who know Roger, know that he is a Christian man, and member of Parkwood Baptist Church. He has given his life to God and Northern Nash. For those who attend the big game, I expect there to be a few moments saluted to Mr. Roger Shearin, thanks for all that you have given to Northern and anyone else you have touched in your 25 years of excellence to high school sports. The Rocky Mount Gryphons have set up the season nicely after a big win over Southern Nash. In order to continue that nice setup, they have to win vs Northern or fall into chaos with a potential 3 way tie for 3rd place. The Firebirds with Nash Central on the schedule, will be favored in that game, so it comes down to who wins the NN/RM game, as it should be. IF NN wins, there will be a 3 way tie among SN, RM, and NN. With all 3 having beaten each other, who will win the 3 seed in the Big East? If it comes down to how you fared vs the top BE teams, the edge would go to SN as they were the most competitive. RM can solve this puzzle with a win against arch rival Northern Nash, and take a strong hold of 3rd place. So it comes down to Northern vs RM, the final game of the season. One has a chance to spoil the other. We aren't 100% sure of Northern's playoff stance if they lose, so you know Randy Raper will have them ready to play. For RM, there is no championship with a win, and maybe not even a home playoff game, but there motivation is in beating Northern Nash and securing 3rd place. Since neither can win the conference title, there is no better way then beating your arch rival. The way sports are suppose to be.