One team, one fight in tiny Calypso

By Justin Hayes
Published in Sports on November 24, 2016 12:14 AM

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CALYPSO -- There is no telling how long the mural has been there, shining up the junction bricks on the corner of Centre and Trade Streets, at Pro Med, Inc.

Its slightly asymmetrical posture has faded in spots, going lighter in the glow of countless sunsets, obscuring for passers-by the identity of the North Duplin athletes it portrays.

Beyond it, just a veer formation to the north and east, a water tower looms over a flat run of dormant farmland, completing a visage that is straight out of country music 101.

Welcome to Rebel Nation, kiddos.

Time isn't in a big hurry here, and that's okay, because it takes some to reconcile just how in the wide-world-of-sports this one-stoplight football team and its professorial head coach perform beyond stereotype and make for contenders each fall.

In short, who are these guys?

They are Josh Powell, a five-foot ten right guard who does everything the Rebels need and likes it. He doesn't want credit for being early or acclaim for working overtime because, unlike many, No. 62 knows being a winner means more catching praise for doing the right thing.

They are also Guy McNeil, a junior tackle whose alter-ego competes as  as a reserve defensive end, often giving up size to his counterpart -- but never the fight.

"He's a tough football player," head coach Hugh Martin said, "and gets the absolute most out of his abilities as anyone we have... just loves playing."

These Rebels are also the likeness of Justin Swinson, another study in O-Line anonimity whose passion for preparedness rivals that of a young John Wooden.

Film study? Check.

Questions upon questions upon questions and a few more? Check.

But on Friday nights, without fail, he's the guy arriving first at the point of attack -- complete with a flow chart diagramming how he beat you there.

The green-and-gold is also Taylor Edwards, the grass-cutting AD's daughter and athletic trainer. Most days, you'll find the Calypso lifer in her elementary school room, preparing with grace the next generation of Martin's undersized overachievers.

But in case that's not enough, she also moonlights during football season -- by washing coolers on Sunday, no less.

It's just how things are done there.

By committee. For committee.

All the time.

And on Friday night, the Calypso caucus that few can believe made it back from the depths of an 0-3 start will take the field against fourth-seeded Cherokee, a juggernaut pillar of the rugged Smoky Mountain conference.

On paper, it doesn't add up.

The Braves, on average, stand just under six feet tall and weigh just over two hundred pounds, which would present a stern test even for an outfit borne out of a similar mold -- let alone one significantly smaller.

But these Rebels are the pieces that hold up a wall, mind you. Here's to not betting against them.