I do my high school picks on Thursday but with everyone moving to varsity games to Thursday going to flip flop the NFL picks to Thursday and today the high schools.
We are down to nothing but conference games so the number of games has dwindled in the picks this week. Last week only had three games played and went 2-1 to register my picks to 43-11. Time for the quest for the playoffs to start.
SouthWest Edgecombe 1-5 @ North Pitt 1-5: North has played a quality schedule with four of their losses have been to teams with a combined 19-4 record. The Cougars have nothing to be ashamed of with their schedule. North Pitt 34 SWE 28
North Edgecombe 5-0 at Rocky Mount Prep 3-3: Prep is having one of their best seasons at 3-3. The Warriors are in the middle of year two of top notch football and should have no problem with the Jags. Warriors 38 Jags 6
Tarboro 4-2 @ South Creek 1-5: Don't be alarmed that the Vikings have two losses as both were to fairly good 3A schools in a 4 day period Northern Nash and Southern Nash. South Creek is not in their league of quality. This game has been moved to tonight instead of Thursday. Tarboro 34 South Creek 0.
Northern Nash 4-2 @ Hunt 3-3: Northern defense has played great all year except for one quarter against Northeastern. Hunt this season is not a four yards and a cloud of dust team that can dominant the football. I'll take the Knights 20-14. By the way just in case you did not see this Monday night. Hunt beat Cornith Holders 30-7.
Fike 4-2 @ Southern Nash 6-0: Both these teams have played a couple of teams alike and in all cases the Firebirds numbers compare favorably in all cases with Fike's numbers. No one can sweep through the league undefeated unless you win the first on. Southern Nash 38 Fike 24
Rocky Mount 5-1 @ Nash Central 4-2: The shoe will be on the Gryphons foot just like Southern Must win the first to play a biggie later on with Southern. Nash Central has improved on offense and can put points on the board. The Gryphons have had moments of defense dominance but passing biggest exposed part. No one has held the Gryphon Offense down. The Question is can the Bulldogs score enough to pull and upset. Gryphons 42 Nash Central 20.
Finally the Eagles of RMA have hit the meat of their schedule,RMA 6-0 @ St Davids 5-1. Southampton knocked off ST Davids last week for their only loss. Southampton the only other undefeated team left in 8 man football. RMA 34 St Davids 32
Sorry to hear that NorthEast Carolina Prep has so many injuries that they don't have enough players to finish season and have forfeited their remaining games.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Monday, October 3, 2016
Will Brian Goodwin Make Nationals Playoff Roster
All Thursday night JV football games in the Big East have been moved to Wednesday night at 6;30. All varsity football games scheduled for Friday have been move to Thursday night at 7:00pm. This change made due to uncertainty of the approaching hurricane.
Former Rocky Mount Gryphon Brian Goodwin who got his second call up from AAA Syracuse in Late August had a taste of Big League Baseball but the big question is was his stay enough to make the Washington Nationals playoff roster.
Goodwin's stay in the big leagues produced 42 at bats. A Total of 12 hits giving Brian a career batting average of 286. He had four doubles, a triple in his 12 hits. Goodwin's chance of making the playoff roster has several obstacles including former Syracuse teammate Trea Turner becoming the best lead off hitter in Nationals history.
Turner has converted to centerfield but his value is he can play short, second or all three outfield positions. There is a real possibility that Turner could play second and Daniel Murphy first in certain games. Murphy has been out the last two weeks and if he sits with injury Turner could move to second and give Goodwin an open spot.
The Nationals playoff roster has not been announced yet but as of Sunday the last day of the baseball season Brian is listed on the 25 man roster. Once the playoffs start, do you fill your roster with more than usual pitchers and that might leave Brian as odd man out.
If Goodwin is left off he might be the first alternate in waiting. Regardless of any injuries that occur during the divisional series injuries could be Brian's chance to make the National championship round if the National win round one Werth, Harper and Zimmerman all have nagging injuries and if either Werth or Harper go down just might be Brian's chance.
If the season is over for Brian Goodwin he surely has given himself a great opportunity
To make the roster next season or he has opened some eyes of other teams that might need an outfielder. Add his year in Syracuse Brian hit 285 in both Syracuse and Washington. There is no doubt playing fall ball in Venezuela plus getting completely healthy has change Brian Goodwin's career and next season may be on a major league roster opening day.
Former Rocky Mount Gryphon Brian Goodwin who got his second call up from AAA Syracuse in Late August had a taste of Big League Baseball but the big question is was his stay enough to make the Washington Nationals playoff roster.
Goodwin's stay in the big leagues produced 42 at bats. A Total of 12 hits giving Brian a career batting average of 286. He had four doubles, a triple in his 12 hits. Goodwin's chance of making the playoff roster has several obstacles including former Syracuse teammate Trea Turner becoming the best lead off hitter in Nationals history.
Turner has converted to centerfield but his value is he can play short, second or all three outfield positions. There is a real possibility that Turner could play second and Daniel Murphy first in certain games. Murphy has been out the last two weeks and if he sits with injury Turner could move to second and give Goodwin an open spot.
The Nationals playoff roster has not been announced yet but as of Sunday the last day of the baseball season Brian is listed on the 25 man roster. Once the playoffs start, do you fill your roster with more than usual pitchers and that might leave Brian as odd man out.
If Goodwin is left off he might be the first alternate in waiting. Regardless of any injuries that occur during the divisional series injuries could be Brian's chance to make the National championship round if the National win round one Werth, Harper and Zimmerman all have nagging injuries and if either Werth or Harper go down just might be Brian's chance.
If the season is over for Brian Goodwin he surely has given himself a great opportunity
To make the roster next season or he has opened some eyes of other teams that might need an outfielder. Add his year in Syracuse Brian hit 285 in both Syracuse and Washington. There is no doubt playing fall ball in Venezuela plus getting completely healthy has change Brian Goodwin's career and next season may be on a major league roster opening day.
Sunday, October 2, 2016
The Quest For A Conference Title Starts This Week
Last week with the formula that I created I gave you a look at what every team in the Big East has done to date and rated their schedule. Nothing matters of what has happened to date only the next five weeks tell all. Here is where I think the Big East is heading.
6th Hunt. Since Hunt High School was opened I think in 1978 I don't think the Warriors have ever finished last in any season. Major changes have taken place thus far this season with a new football coach and athletic director. Hunt still has a game tonight but at this point only Big East team on short side on the win column. I doubt they finish dead last but probably tied.
5th Nash Central. I don't care who you are in the Big East you had better not count on a win by just showing up. The Bulldogs can score but the biggest problem can they stop the upper tier teams who probably can slow they down some. The Bulldogs win at least one conference game.
4th Fike. To date the most inconsistent team in the Big East has been the Golden Demons. By this point six games in every team kind of has an idea one way or the other what direction they are headed. Fike could be good enough to finish as high as third or could dip to last.
3rd Northern Nash. They just may have the best defense in the Big East and if they don't let you score they might score enough to beat you. Would like to remind everyone they are the only team in the last year and a half to hold the Gryphons under 20 points(13) last season.
I do think third to sixth just like most years could could flip flop depending on who continues to improve as the season goes on. Now the top two.
2nd Southern Nash. The Firebirds are better than they were last year. If it turns out the way most figure they will host Rocky Mount in the conference game of the year. As always have a big line and runners galore. Their defense is better that last.
1st Rocky Mount. Only team to give Middle Creek a tussle. Dominated 4-a Hoke County and put 66 points up against Greenville Rose a team who is always a load against the Gryphons. This year's offense might be better than last year but at this point the defense has had moments but not as good as last year. Unlike last year the Gryphons have had a couple of games with turnovers which cannot happen in the big games.
Starting Friday night they are all big. As Jim Valvano use to say. The more you win the more important the next game is. I think Southern Nash and Rocky Mount could flip flop but unless either or both run into major injuries neither should be below second. There is not a game either can afford to not be ready for.
6th Hunt. Since Hunt High School was opened I think in 1978 I don't think the Warriors have ever finished last in any season. Major changes have taken place thus far this season with a new football coach and athletic director. Hunt still has a game tonight but at this point only Big East team on short side on the win column. I doubt they finish dead last but probably tied.
5th Nash Central. I don't care who you are in the Big East you had better not count on a win by just showing up. The Bulldogs can score but the biggest problem can they stop the upper tier teams who probably can slow they down some. The Bulldogs win at least one conference game.
4th Fike. To date the most inconsistent team in the Big East has been the Golden Demons. By this point six games in every team kind of has an idea one way or the other what direction they are headed. Fike could be good enough to finish as high as third or could dip to last.
3rd Northern Nash. They just may have the best defense in the Big East and if they don't let you score they might score enough to beat you. Would like to remind everyone they are the only team in the last year and a half to hold the Gryphons under 20 points(13) last season.
I do think third to sixth just like most years could could flip flop depending on who continues to improve as the season goes on. Now the top two.
2nd Southern Nash. The Firebirds are better than they were last year. If it turns out the way most figure they will host Rocky Mount in the conference game of the year. As always have a big line and runners galore. Their defense is better that last.
1st Rocky Mount. Only team to give Middle Creek a tussle. Dominated 4-a Hoke County and put 66 points up against Greenville Rose a team who is always a load against the Gryphons. This year's offense might be better than last year but at this point the defense has had moments but not as good as last year. Unlike last year the Gryphons have had a couple of games with turnovers which cannot happen in the big games.
Starting Friday night they are all big. As Jim Valvano use to say. The more you win the more important the next game is. I think Southern Nash and Rocky Mount could flip flop but unless either or both run into major injuries neither should be below second. There is not a game either can afford to not be ready for.
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Upset City
You have to give coach Jeff Filkovski of the Batting Bishops of North Carolina Wesleyan credit. He has done everything he can to play the top notch competition so far this season. They opened the season against Stevenson a team that now is number 20 in D 3 football. The second week they brought in the number one team in D 3 Mount Union. Today's foe Huntingdon rank 15th and scoring 55 points per game is in the Wesleyan house.
The Hawks came right out and had the look of a team that could score in the 50's as they took just over two minutes to score with the opening drive on a 47 yard toss by quarterback Luke Bailey to Nick Haas to lead 7-0 after the extra by Chase Young.
The Bishops responded on their opening drive and scored on a Gerrel Patton one yard dive. Chris Richardson tied it at 7. The Hawks scored on their second tried at 2:39 of the first when JaMichael Bibb caught a 17 yard td catch and the Hawks are rolling. It took the Battling Bishops 12 seconds to tie the score as Malik Adam took the kickoff 92 yards and both teams have 14 points each and it is still the first quarter.
The second quarter the Bishops scored twice and they got two big picks on defense and the second by Bobby Tucker was in the end zone. The Bishops scores came from Gerrell Patton 15 yard score at 14-54 in the half and Malik Adams scored for the second time when he corralled a 3 yard pass from Nathan Gardner to make the score 28-14 at the half.
Half time USA South conference Commissioner Tom Hart presented the Battling Bishops with the Men's President Cup signifying North Carolina Wesleyan as the best mens sports program during the 2015-2016 sports season.
The Bishops came right out of the locker room and pushed their lead to 21 when Andrew Tyson snatched a 12 yard pass from Nathan Gardner to push the lead to 35-14 with 11:44 in the third. The Hawks cut it to 14 and then seven after John Iwanick scored on a five yard run and again on a quarterback rub by Luke Bailey to cut the lead to 35-28. A Bishops field goal ended the third quarter at 38-28.
Both Defenses held each other to a field goal in the fourth but after the Hawks cut the lead to 38-31 the Bishops had a touchdown called back and a field goal taken off the board after the Hawks roughed Bishops kicker Chris Richardson. The score was then 38-31 and had just over three minutes left when the Bishops used two more minutes off the clock when they settled for the final field goal with 38 second left to cushion the lead to the final 41-31.
The Hawks had 532 yards of offense while the Bishops just 429. It was the first conference loss after winning their last nine for the Hawks. The win sends the Bishops tied for the lead to Maryville the team picked for second in the USA South. Not only have the Bishops. Played the meat of their schedule early but now faced the other team picked ahead of Bishops.
The Hawks came right out and had the look of a team that could score in the 50's as they took just over two minutes to score with the opening drive on a 47 yard toss by quarterback Luke Bailey to Nick Haas to lead 7-0 after the extra by Chase Young.
The Bishops responded on their opening drive and scored on a Gerrel Patton one yard dive. Chris Richardson tied it at 7. The Hawks scored on their second tried at 2:39 of the first when JaMichael Bibb caught a 17 yard td catch and the Hawks are rolling. It took the Battling Bishops 12 seconds to tie the score as Malik Adam took the kickoff 92 yards and both teams have 14 points each and it is still the first quarter.
The second quarter the Bishops scored twice and they got two big picks on defense and the second by Bobby Tucker was in the end zone. The Bishops scores came from Gerrell Patton 15 yard score at 14-54 in the half and Malik Adams scored for the second time when he corralled a 3 yard pass from Nathan Gardner to make the score 28-14 at the half.
Half time USA South conference Commissioner Tom Hart presented the Battling Bishops with the Men's President Cup signifying North Carolina Wesleyan as the best mens sports program during the 2015-2016 sports season.
The Bishops came right out of the locker room and pushed their lead to 21 when Andrew Tyson snatched a 12 yard pass from Nathan Gardner to push the lead to 35-14 with 11:44 in the third. The Hawks cut it to 14 and then seven after John Iwanick scored on a five yard run and again on a quarterback rub by Luke Bailey to cut the lead to 35-28. A Bishops field goal ended the third quarter at 38-28.
Both Defenses held each other to a field goal in the fourth but after the Hawks cut the lead to 38-31 the Bishops had a touchdown called back and a field goal taken off the board after the Hawks roughed Bishops kicker Chris Richardson. The score was then 38-31 and had just over three minutes left when the Bishops used two more minutes off the clock when they settled for the final field goal with 38 second left to cushion the lead to the final 41-31.
The Hawks had 532 yards of offense while the Bishops just 429. It was the first conference loss after winning their last nine for the Hawks. The win sends the Bishops tied for the lead to Maryville the team picked for second in the USA South. Not only have the Bishops. Played the meat of their schedule early but now faced the other team picked ahead of Bishops.
Friday, September 30, 2016
Slow Night On The Ball Field
You have to give the Eagles of RMA a lot of credit having had two games forfeited and a week off so they haven't played a game in a month. Tonight they traveled to Kinston to take on Arendell Parrott the defending state champs who will be a test for a team that hasn't played in a month.
When the mud had been slopped through the Eagles of Rocky Mount Academy score a touchdown in each of the first three quarters to take a 20 to zero lead and just maybe not playing in a month shows up in the fourth quarter as Parrott puts on a 4th quarter rally scoring twice on passes to cut the lead to 20-12. But when needed The Eagles put on a drive and get a field goal late and hold off Parrott 23-12. The Eagles are 6-0 and 2-0 in conference.
Saturday North Carolina Wesleyan Battling Bishops will have their second home game of the season. It is mighty hard to have any better first two home games as the Bishops will have. Their opener they played the top team in all Division three football in Mount Union. Today they will play the team favored to win the conference USA South Huntingdon.
So far this season Huntingdon has a 3-0 record. They just might not have a very good defense because in their three games to date they are giving up almost 34 points per game. The problem the Bishops face is Huntingdon is scoring 55 per contest. The game starts at 1pm at the sports complex.
A couple weeks back many high school teams had to alter their schedules to try to beat the tropical storm that passed. Tarboro and Northern Nash were rained out on Friday night and decided to play ten days later causing three games in eight days for both.
Hunt had their game washed out on that Friday and washed out again that Monday. Instead of trying to deal with a three games in eight days deal Hunt and Corinth Holders chose to play this past Wednesday. Both were off scheduled to be off tonight and wanted to play Wednesday night to give their players some time off before conference play starts next week. Rained out, let's try again Thursday rained out again. So both teams were forced to either cancell all together or play Friday which was suppose to be and off night. Sorry rained out again. They will try again at 6:30 Monday.
Just how much practice can any team have when you want to practice Monday and Tuesday for a Wednesday night game. I am sure they didn't practice Wednesdsy, Thursday or Friday because they thought they were playing that night until cancelled. Hunt plays Monday and can not start to get ready for Northern Nash until Tuesday.
Other Action
Northeast Carolina Prep at Pamlico postponed
Rocky Mount Prep 28 SE Halifax 20 2ot
When the mud had been slopped through the Eagles of Rocky Mount Academy score a touchdown in each of the first three quarters to take a 20 to zero lead and just maybe not playing in a month shows up in the fourth quarter as Parrott puts on a 4th quarter rally scoring twice on passes to cut the lead to 20-12. But when needed The Eagles put on a drive and get a field goal late and hold off Parrott 23-12. The Eagles are 6-0 and 2-0 in conference.
Saturday North Carolina Wesleyan Battling Bishops will have their second home game of the season. It is mighty hard to have any better first two home games as the Bishops will have. Their opener they played the top team in all Division three football in Mount Union. Today they will play the team favored to win the conference USA South Huntingdon.
So far this season Huntingdon has a 3-0 record. They just might not have a very good defense because in their three games to date they are giving up almost 34 points per game. The problem the Bishops face is Huntingdon is scoring 55 per contest. The game starts at 1pm at the sports complex.
A couple weeks back many high school teams had to alter their schedules to try to beat the tropical storm that passed. Tarboro and Northern Nash were rained out on Friday night and decided to play ten days later causing three games in eight days for both.
Hunt had their game washed out on that Friday and washed out again that Monday. Instead of trying to deal with a three games in eight days deal Hunt and Corinth Holders chose to play this past Wednesday. Both were off scheduled to be off tonight and wanted to play Wednesday night to give their players some time off before conference play starts next week. Rained out, let's try again Thursday rained out again. So both teams were forced to either cancell all together or play Friday which was suppose to be and off night. Sorry rained out again. They will try again at 6:30 Monday.
Just how much practice can any team have when you want to practice Monday and Tuesday for a Wednesday night game. I am sure they didn't practice Wednesdsy, Thursday or Friday because they thought they were playing that night until cancelled. Hunt plays Monday and can not start to get ready for Northern Nash until Tuesday.
Other Action
Northeast Carolina Prep at Pamlico postponed
Rocky Mount Prep 28 SE Halifax 20 2ot
Big Four Match Up
One third of the college football season is in the books and each and every week more and more conferences games occur. Running out of gimme games. Last week went 6-2 to push my college picks to 39-14. We start this week in Raleigh.
Wake Forest 4-0 @ NC State 2-1: Besides Notre Dame being 1-3 the surprise team of the year is Wake Forest. The big question is how strong is their schedule with Duke being one of the wins who by the way beat Notre Dame in South Bend. Dave Doeren job is in serious trouble If the Pack fails to win this one. State 34 Wake 24
Huntingdon 3-0 @ North Carolina Wesleyan 1-2: Huntingdon voted as pre season favorites and the Battling Bishops third. Hard way to start conference play against top seed. Expect high scoring game Huntingdon 35 Bishops 27
UCF 2-2 @ ECU 2-2: If the Pirates don't buckle their chin straps before the game they could get clipped in this one. Since opening night the Pirates have not played well and they had better in this one ECU 36 UCF 32
North Carolina 3-1 @ Florida State 3-1. This game might have 100 points scored in this one. The big question is can the Heels defense hold the Noles under 50. Seminoles 52 Carolina 37
Miami 3-0 @ Georgia Tech 3-1: I think we will find out in this one whether Miami is a player or a pretender in this game. Canes 38 Tech 24
Louisville 4-0 @ Clemson 4-0: This just might be the game of the year in the ACC. If two ACC teams were to make it to the playoffs these would be the two. However being in same division means one will not make it to the ACC championship game which is now set for Orlando. The Tigers win at home 42-38.
Virginia 1-3 @ Duke 2-2: Duke won where few others do. Looked like they were going to be blown out and yet they win in South Bend. Duke 40 Virginia 20
Marshall 1-2 @ Pitt 2-2: Pitt is a team that if you have them on the schedule for rest of the year you had better look out. Pitt 45 Marshall 24
Notre Dame 1-3 @ Syracuse 2-2: This will be the kind of game that tells us whether the Fighting Irish are this bad or not. If they struggle in this one they are bad. Irish should win this one easily. ND 38 Cuse 21
Buffalo 1-2 @ Boston College 2-2: BC has won twice against weaklings. They should get another BC 31 Buffalo 24.
Georgia State 0-3 @ App St 2-2: The Mounties truly need this one. App 42 GS 21
Wake Forest 4-0 @ NC State 2-1: Besides Notre Dame being 1-3 the surprise team of the year is Wake Forest. The big question is how strong is their schedule with Duke being one of the wins who by the way beat Notre Dame in South Bend. Dave Doeren job is in serious trouble If the Pack fails to win this one. State 34 Wake 24
Huntingdon 3-0 @ North Carolina Wesleyan 1-2: Huntingdon voted as pre season favorites and the Battling Bishops third. Hard way to start conference play against top seed. Expect high scoring game Huntingdon 35 Bishops 27
UCF 2-2 @ ECU 2-2: If the Pirates don't buckle their chin straps before the game they could get clipped in this one. Since opening night the Pirates have not played well and they had better in this one ECU 36 UCF 32
North Carolina 3-1 @ Florida State 3-1. This game might have 100 points scored in this one. The big question is can the Heels defense hold the Noles under 50. Seminoles 52 Carolina 37
Miami 3-0 @ Georgia Tech 3-1: I think we will find out in this one whether Miami is a player or a pretender in this game. Canes 38 Tech 24
Louisville 4-0 @ Clemson 4-0: This just might be the game of the year in the ACC. If two ACC teams were to make it to the playoffs these would be the two. However being in same division means one will not make it to the ACC championship game which is now set for Orlando. The Tigers win at home 42-38.
Virginia 1-3 @ Duke 2-2: Duke won where few others do. Looked like they were going to be blown out and yet they win in South Bend. Duke 40 Virginia 20
Marshall 1-2 @ Pitt 2-2: Pitt is a team that if you have them on the schedule for rest of the year you had better look out. Pitt 45 Marshall 24
Notre Dame 1-3 @ Syracuse 2-2: This will be the kind of game that tells us whether the Fighting Irish are this bad or not. If they struggle in this one they are bad. Irish should win this one easily. ND 38 Cuse 21
Buffalo 1-2 @ Boston College 2-2: BC has won twice against weaklings. They should get another BC 31 Buffalo 24.
Georgia State 0-3 @ App St 2-2: The Mounties truly need this one. App 42 GS 21
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Week Off For Most
Most every one has the week off as they prepare for conference play that starts next week. We already made this pick a couple weeks back.
RMA 5-0 at Parrott Academy 2-2: I worry it has been a month since the Eagles have put on the pads against any one else. They will have rust everywhere while Parrott has already played a meaty schedule already. I think Eagles are better despite layoff RMA 38 Parrott 28
Rocky Mount Prep 2-3 at SouthEast Halifax 2-2: This one is possible for the Jags. I doubt they win on the road. SE Halifax 26 RM Prep 24
North East Carolina a Prep 0-5 at Pamlico 0-5: Here's a game I doubt there will be any TV stations covering this one unless they need to get some football coverage for Friday night. Pamlico 27 NEC Prep 20.
There is one thing about college sports that when ever a player comes along and plays for us then we claim him as ours for the rest of their life. Every now and then one comes along who changes the world and since he crossed our state he is one of us. Arnold Palmer went to Wake Forest when the college was actually in Wake Forest. Sunday night the golfer who transform professional golf from the rich man's game to every man's game died at the age of 87.
He came along for golf just when TV was a baby and needed some type of sports for the weekends. Palmer was a go for broke player that when the TV camera came on he charged up every one sitting home and golf has never left TV. In fact as Palmer approached 50 the Seniors Tour was born just so the TV world would still be able to watch Arnold Palmer.
Heard this as all the Sports channels having been talking Palmer for most of the week and this will explain why Arnold Palmer became Arnold Palmer. Andy North who was walking with Palmer's senior group while playing on the senior tour had a second shot over water into a par five in which Palmer had no chance to make it over the water. He went for it any way and of course hit it in the water. While walking towards the water North asked Palmer why he even tried such a shot. Palmer's reply "The fans didn't come to see me lay up"
Like all athletes age wins out and another great golfer came along named Jack Nicklaus to replace him on the golf tour but because Palmer had a vision Palmer went into golf design, TV ads, and he never forgot where he came from. A couple of years ago on the golf channel it was reported that Palmer wrote a personal note back to everyone that had ever written to him ask for a picture or autograph even if they failed to send him a stamp they got their request. Palmer spent of his own money 125,000 dollars a year on postage to fans.
Even today he is in the top ten in money making at the age of 87. Just two years ago when I had the privilege to go to the practice round at the Masters I was able to get about 20 feet of him as he sat on the veranda and I felt like I was near royalty.
Tiger Woods had a chance to replace him as the most impactful golfer ever but his off the course values have sent him into obscurity. The world has lost a great embassador. Golf has lost the most impactful person in the history of golf. The state of North Carolina has lost a piece of their pride. We all lost Arnold Palmer THE KING!
RMA 5-0 at Parrott Academy 2-2: I worry it has been a month since the Eagles have put on the pads against any one else. They will have rust everywhere while Parrott has already played a meaty schedule already. I think Eagles are better despite layoff RMA 38 Parrott 28
Rocky Mount Prep 2-3 at SouthEast Halifax 2-2: This one is possible for the Jags. I doubt they win on the road. SE Halifax 26 RM Prep 24
North East Carolina a Prep 0-5 at Pamlico 0-5: Here's a game I doubt there will be any TV stations covering this one unless they need to get some football coverage for Friday night. Pamlico 27 NEC Prep 20.
There is one thing about college sports that when ever a player comes along and plays for us then we claim him as ours for the rest of their life. Every now and then one comes along who changes the world and since he crossed our state he is one of us. Arnold Palmer went to Wake Forest when the college was actually in Wake Forest. Sunday night the golfer who transform professional golf from the rich man's game to every man's game died at the age of 87.
He came along for golf just when TV was a baby and needed some type of sports for the weekends. Palmer was a go for broke player that when the TV camera came on he charged up every one sitting home and golf has never left TV. In fact as Palmer approached 50 the Seniors Tour was born just so the TV world would still be able to watch Arnold Palmer.
Heard this as all the Sports channels having been talking Palmer for most of the week and this will explain why Arnold Palmer became Arnold Palmer. Andy North who was walking with Palmer's senior group while playing on the senior tour had a second shot over water into a par five in which Palmer had no chance to make it over the water. He went for it any way and of course hit it in the water. While walking towards the water North asked Palmer why he even tried such a shot. Palmer's reply "The fans didn't come to see me lay up"
Like all athletes age wins out and another great golfer came along named Jack Nicklaus to replace him on the golf tour but because Palmer had a vision Palmer went into golf design, TV ads, and he never forgot where he came from. A couple of years ago on the golf channel it was reported that Palmer wrote a personal note back to everyone that had ever written to him ask for a picture or autograph even if they failed to send him a stamp they got their request. Palmer spent of his own money 125,000 dollars a year on postage to fans.
Even today he is in the top ten in money making at the age of 87. Just two years ago when I had the privilege to go to the practice round at the Masters I was able to get about 20 feet of him as he sat on the veranda and I felt like I was near royalty.
Tiger Woods had a chance to replace him as the most impactful golfer ever but his off the course values have sent him into obscurity. The world has lost a great embassador. Golf has lost the most impactful person in the history of golf. The state of North Carolina has lost a piece of their pride. We all lost Arnold Palmer THE KING!
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