Football Career Takes Another Turn

I tried out for the 7th and 8th grade football team when I was in Junior high back in the olden days of the mid 60's.  During tryouts of my 7th grade year I started out as a running back but got moved to third string quarterback.  Cut day came and the 3rd team backs had all quit and with no need for a third team quarterback I got cut.

The next year I was a second team half back and third team quarterback.  I was a safety on defense.  I was a perfect safety man in a zone defense as I would lay back whenever a team did throw which wasn't much and step in front to make an interception.  One game at Colerain I stepped in front three times and dropped all three.

My freshman and sophomore years I was a backup left halfback in the T formation.  My greatest game came against Williamston when I carried three times for 50 yards.  One of those plays was a dive and I broke out in the open and  had only one man to beat at about the 10 yard line so I put a move on the safety and cut to the right and ran smack in to my left tackle Johnny White causing me to fumble.

My running days were over as I was moved to guard on varsity and on defense I was a 135 pound nose tackle if and when I ever got into a game.  I did recover a fumble one night at Northampton but that play had no effect on our 50-0 win.

I graduated high school in 1971 and in September was the color man as Ahoskie High open the season at The old West Craven High School.  There was no pressbox And we sat on a 2x12 board connecting two light poles near the concession stands that did not face the field.  I have done several games over the years sitting in the stands with people yelling at us any time their team did something good.  Those of you that know me know that I am a loud talker.  I think it comes from having to yell over crowds to be heard when on the radio.

Seems as if local radio has given up on broadcasting sports and my career has Turned  to PA announcing, blogging and over the years I have been on the sidelines maybe 20 times in my life working on the chain crew.  Bobby English ask me several years ago to fill in on the chain gang after the death on one of the gang.  The next year after that I was back in the booth doing Gryphon Sports.

I have rejoined the chain gang this year.  So over my career I have done almost everything there is to do concerning high school football from pressbox to the sidelines.  I think next year I might try refereeing.  Second thought the other night while carrying the down marker the quarter ended on the two yard line and had to sprint(ha ha) to the other end.  Luckily no pulled hammy or cramp.  Why today I'm ready for another four quarters.