CBA's three leaders are Brooks' blessing

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on November 14, 2013 1:48 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

PIKEVILLE -- Michael Eutsey, Neil Clark and TJ Morrow have put their stamp on the Charles B. Aycock football program this season.

And the trio of unselfish and athletic leaders has undoubtedly set the bar higher for future Golden Falcons.

Steve Brooks calls them a "blessing."

"They have led our football team all season long," said Brooks, who took over the CBA program in mid-summer. "They've been quality student-athletes, coachable kids and everything you could ever want as a head coach. They've all bought into everything I've asked them do from day one.

"They've played their hearts out for 11 weeks and I'm proud that I've had the opportunity to coach them."

Eutsey, Clark and Morrow -- along with their teammates -- will suit up at least one more time Friday evening. The Golden Falcons (4-7 overall) received an at-large berth to the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 3-A playoffs and will travel to Western Alamance in the opening round.

Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.

Aycock is making its second straight postseason appearance and ninth overall in program history since 1972, according to Association records.

Brooks learned about the talents of Eutsey and Clark through his assistant coaches, who directed the program in the offseason before his arrival. Morrow, a multi-sport transfer from California, has been a pleasant surprise.

Each has been a two-way starter in all 44 periods this fall.

Eutsey is the team's leading receiver, and spends time between the defensive end and outside linebacker positions on defense. A receiver turned running back, Clark has surpassed the 1,000-yard plateau in the ground game and handles either safety or OLB duties. Morrow directs the offense and plays safety.

"They play hard from the start of the game to the final horn," Brooks said. "I have to sometimes drag Michael off of the field. TJ and Neil are the same way. TJ has that type of motor that never quits ... is just built different than anyone I've ever seen.

"The closer we get to the end zone, Neil is not coming off the field."

When they do get a breather, their backups -- Jay Suber, Chandler Matthews and Jimmy Ellis -- have done a tremendous job. Suber takes over for Clark, while Matthews and Ellis sub in for Eutsey.

Morrow, Clark and Eutsey have combined for 3,632 yards of total offense and 35 touchdowns.

Their work on and off the field is getting noticed by college recruiters. Brooks coached 18 players who signed either Division I or II scholarships, and grants packages for Division III schools during his previous stints at Richlands and Ayden-Grifton.

"I really believe Michael and Neil thought that not having a head coach all spring really diminished their chances of playing college football," Brooks said. "They have the athleticism ... the grades, but were thinking 'who is really here to push me' and I really believe they thought time had passed them by from getting their shot.

"Those two have shown me they want to play at the next level."

And leave a lasting impression on the CBA program for years to come.