COLUMN
Wolverines exchange parts,
but don't lose steam
September 28, 2009
By Tommy Kopetskie, NorthRaleighSports.com
Why am I terrible at making predictions on high school football contests?
Because in my career I have realized the first five minutes I arrive at a game — pregame, mind you — is when I learn 10 things I didn't know before.
When you interview a coach or player in the days leading up to a game, you only have so much time to ask questions. High school coaches have lives of their own, and day jobs to get back to, so I try to limit myself to 8-10 questions and let them go.
(Plus, I'm no Chatty Cathy, I run out of things to say. And I always forget to ask one question — the most interesting one usually — which annoys me to no end.)
So, Friday night, when I walked into the Wolverines' stadium Friday to see Michael Sabb, K.J. Ward and Courtney Crews — all three starters for the Wolverines — on the sidelines in street clothes, I figured the squad might be in trouble.
I had heard Crews was out, but Sabb and Ward I didn't know were, too. And they are major pieces to the Wolverines' success. It doesn't take a long to figure out if you take away enough good pieces, and a squad could falter.
(I remember last year's Wakefield/WF-R contest when the Wolverines' Kevin Rojas was sidelined with a concussion. Although it takes a team to win and lose, having Rojas — now at Duke — on the bench, the Wolverines' room for error diminished significantly, and they lost 17-7.)
But despite its short-handedness, Wakefield thrived Friday, thumping Sanderson 32-6. Why?
Because the Wolverines have players stepping up when asked.
Moises Ramirez's (center) fumble recovery and touchdown helped Wakefield to a 22-6 first-half lead over Sanderson Friday night.
With Ward out, fellow defenders rallied in his absence.
Defensive back Dillon Carter foiled an extra point and later picked off a pass in the end zone.
Lineman Moises Ramirez scooped up a loose ball and ran 38 yards for a touchdown.
And on one third-quarter possession, linebacker Alex Crump laid a crushing hit on Sanderson QB Sam Bauckham, the power of the sack popping Crumps' helmet off. Two plays later, defensive end Darien Jones swooped in for his own QB takedown.
With Sabb unavailable, the Wolverines' offensive line turned to junior Josh Winstead, who only recently switched from defense.
But Wakefield didn't miss a beat.
Running back Mychal Jones later called Winstead the team's "unsung hero" for his smooth transition to offense.
With Crews sidelined, the Wolverines gave the running game over to Denzel Brown (six carries, 28 yards, and a TD) and Terrance Scott (11 carries for 37 yards).
It should be noted Jones' 19-yard TD reception in the first quarter also came out of the backfield.
Would the Wolverines like to have all hands on deck for the remaining of the season? Yes. But they are finding ways to win. And that's what good teams do.
After the game, Ramirez explained what he likes most about the Wolverines, and his answer had nothing to do with on-the-field accomplishments or 4-2 record.
"I really like our unity," he said. "We work hard as a team. If one person messes up, we all mess up. But we all work together to comeback from mistakes."
It's why Wakefield may have lost a few parts, but continue to roll forward.
Things that caught my eye from this weekend....
1. Pride tested, and it passes
Leesville Road's non-conference schedule featured a couple powder-puffs, which is the truth and not an opinion. Their opponents before Friday went a combined 4-20 to start the season.
But in its first challenge since opening night, the Pride showed its success isn't predicated on beating up on less-talented, dismantling Enloe 34-7.
The Eagles, I think can be a playoff team, having played a tough non-conference schedule, and hanging close with Southeast Raleigh and Pinecrest.
But Leesville pounded Enloe just like it defeated its four previous opponents.
During the stretch, the Pride's winning margin — yes, margin — has been 35.6 points.
Nobody seems to have the offense or defense to keep up with Leesville right now.
2. Turnovers bite Wildcats again
After Millbrook's near comeback against Southern Durham last week, I was convinced the Wildcats —if they could curtail their turnovers — should be a threat in league play.
But they got off to a tumultuous start against Broughton, just as they did against the Spartans one week earlier.
Their first half against Southern Durham included four turnovers and a turnover on downs in the red zone. Against Broughton, the Wildcats recorded two INTs, a fumble, safety and two turnovers on downs.
If Millbrook can't get out of their own way against Wakefield Friday, the Wildcats' homecoming festivities could be pretty subdued.
3. Don't forget O'Neal
This is my first year covering North Raleigh, and with it, I am surprised on a weekly basis by a kid I never really heard of before. Friday night, that kid was Sanderson senior Josh O'Neal (pictured), who pulled in seven catches for 85 yards.
While I've touted the Spartans' receiving corps in the past — with Matt James, Chris Lampkins and Kevin Ott, there is plenty of good things to say — but I've never mentioned O'Neal.
While the slick conditions caused a few drops for others, O'Neal appeared sure-handed and very capable in the clutch. He is definitely worth keeping an eye on.
4. Big-time leg
During a damp and drizzly contest Friday, Wakefield junior Niklas Sade booted a 30-yard field goal just before halftime, clearing the uprights with at least 15-20 yards to spare. It was an impressive kick, but after the game, as I conducted a few post-game interviews, I noticed my feet sinking into the turf. It was sponge-like and soggy. A mess.
And it makes Sade's kick even more jaw dropping.
If the placekicker can do that Friday, he should continue to have plenty of success as the calendar moves into October — and conditions get worse.
No. 1 thing which caught my eye outside of football
Wakefield girls golf scores its fifth straight Cap-7 Conference match. The Lady Wolverines are putting on a clinic on the links each and every week.
Best play I saw in person this week — football-oriented
During the Wolverines' opening second-half possession, QB Connor Mitch scrambled for a 12-yard gain on a critical third-down and eight play. As the freshman made it to the sidelines, Wakefield receiver Trip Foreman raced back and laid the wood on a Sanderson linebacker on the sidelines.
I can still hear the ringing in my ear from that hit. My friend caught some of the hit — and most of the sound — on the game's highlight video.
Worst thing I saw in person last week
Not to take away from the Capitals' 1-0 victory over the Wakefield soccer team Sept. 23, but the Broughton goal was scored following an apparent hand ball. Though the Wolverines weren't without fault either, grabbing Bjorn Johnsen's jersey as he scored the goal.
It was as if the officials waved off both, and let the goal stand instead of calling something.
The score was unfitting for an otherwise good, competitive match.
Toughest draw this week
This honor has to go to the Leesville's volleyball team which faces Millbrook Monday, WF-R Tuesday and Enloe Thursday. While none of the three are as dominant as Wakefield, that is still a pretty tough four-day stretch for the Pride.
Quote of the Week
"There is a copperhead on the trail right down there."
— said Kazem Yahyapour, Wakefield assistant cross country coach, at the Wolverines' meet against WF-R Sept. 24.
I had heard from people Wakefield's new course at B.W. Wells campground outside Wake Forest was tough. But I just thought they were talking about the hilly terrain.
Best piece of information I didn't include in a story
First-year Sanderson tennis coach Joe Mesiano lauded senior Courtney Trumps for working her way up to the Spartans' No. 2 position this year. After starting off at No. 6, Trumps' competitive nature has help her make the leap, Mesiano said.
Random thought
It was reported Cleveland Browns' head coach Eric Mangini fined a player $1,701 for not paying for a bottle of water, worth $3, from the hotel mini-bar upon checkout.
I like that flavored water stuff as much as any self-respecting man can, but that fine would make me think twice about pulling one out of the frig.
Semi-random thought
For you soccer fans who don't make it out to either Sanderson's home match against Broughton or Wakefield's home match against No.1-ranked Durham Jordan — both tonight (Monday) — you're an embarrassment.
I mean that kindly, but you are.
E-mail your thoughts to tommy@northraleighsports.com.
