No surprise, Tigers, Bulldogs are the hunted in Carolina 1A football this season

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on August 11, 2014 7:51 AM

• Print
• Email

aetzler@newsargus.com

Every football coach in the Carolina 1-A Conference realizes they are chasing two teams on the gridiron this year.

But after that, it's all up for grabs.

Defending state 1-AA champion James Kenan and Princeton have set themselves apart from the rest of the conference, according to the preseason poll conducted by the News-Argus. James Kenan collected three first-place votes and 35 points, while the Bulldogs -- who drew two first-place nods -- compiled 32 points.

"I think everyone's chasing the top two (James Kenan and Princeton), and after that it's going to be a battle every Friday night," Lakewood coach James Lewis said. "Top to bottom there's a lot of really good teams."

Despite losing 16 seniors, coaches around the conference recognize James Kenan for its ability to continue to replace top players year in and year out. The Tigers will have their work cut out for them this year as they try to replace all-area defensive player of the year Keevon Miller at defensive end and North Carolina State signee Marcelias Sutton at running back.

The Bulldogs have been blessed with a rare talent -- running back running back Johnny Frasier. The senior racked up more than 3,000 yards rushing and 45 touchdowns in 2013.

"A guy like that doesn't come around very often, especially in 1A," Spring Creek coach Aaron Sanders said. "It's a situation where you look forward to playing them because you can see the best, but you better bring your 'A' game or it could get bad."

Princeton returns nine offensive starters who have played varsity since their sophomore years.

Lakewood was picked to finish third with 25 points. The Leopards lost 18 seniors, but seem to have the combination of size and athleticism that provides difficult matchups.

Rosewood returns a big senior class, but is also transitioning into a new offensive scheme. The Eagles were predicted to finish fourth overall with 20 points, followed by North Duplin.

Spring Creek and Hobbton finished tied for sixth in the conference standings with nine points. The Gators lost all-area performer DeVonte Faison, but return Gary Williams and Jordan Hicks.

"Spring Creek is coming off one of their best seasons in a while," Byrd said. "So you'd expect to be motivated to build on that."

Hobbton finished 1-10 last season, but returns two 1,000-yard rushers -- Raequan Bryant and Marque Surles.