Talking some football

By Barry Byers - bbyers@heraldonline

Wow.

Where have you been all season Mr. Football? I figured you would have called or stopped in by now with everything that’s going on.

“Been around, but before I spread my pearls of wisdom, let me ask you a question. Has any football season ever been as quick as this one. We are almost done and ready for the playoffs. Seems like we first kicked off a couple of weeks ago.’’

“Now that you mention, I have noticed it. Seems like season gets shorter and shorter. Maybe it’s because I’m getting old. But lets move on and I’ll ask you some questions. Can’t wait to hear the answers.’’

Any local teams got a shot as the state championship? Heck yes and I believe there are four contenders state-wide. Rock Hill has a chance in Division I in Class 4A, along with Byrnes, Dorman and Summerville. The Bearcats have to hunker down, though, and stop letting teams they should easily beat hang around.

Byrnes? There are haters out there, but you can’t thumb your nose at what they’ve done this decade.

Dorman? They are a lot better than people thought they would be.

Summerville? If John McKissick can get another, he’ll probably ride into the sunset on his dinosaur, finally call it quits.

How about Division II? Don’t laugh. My four teams to beat are South Pointe, Clover, Berkeley and Clover.

Berkeley is better than advertised and the Stags are 8-0. South Pointe is on a roll. Clover will rebound. Northwestern is 3-5 bust has found that winning touch. Never count out Ole Moose Wallace and those bushy eyebrows.

Who is the best area offensive player you’ve seen? Gotta give the nod to Northwestern QB Justin Worley. He’s had youth and inexperience working against him, but those newbies at wide receiver are starting to understand the offense and are coming on strong.

After that, pick one: Rock Hill tailback Jamal Tyler, South Pointe quarterback Corey Rawls, Clover running backs Tyron Douglas and Max Elliott; and Chester running back Julius Pendergrass, who doesn’t get enough pub. I’d take any of those guys and start a team.

And on defense? South Pointe defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, Rock Hill linebacker Mike McClure and defensive end Deleon Boulware and two more defensive ends, Northwestern Gerald Dixon and Clover’s Aukeem Ruff. Can’t pick a best here.

Biggest surprise? Not Northwestern since the Trojans are finally winning. I’d have to ,say Westminster Catawba at 6-2 and having one of their best-ever seasons. I know you go watch the “big boys’’ play every Friday. But give them a try. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Any disappointments: Now that you ask, I really hated to see that quarterback at Chester, Tony McNeal go down. He was having a fantastic season and I hope he doesn’t hurt his knee any worse if he comes back and tries to play in a brace.

Were you at South Pointe the night of the onsides kick? No, but I saw it on the replay. In all of my years watching football, I never seen on that good. That kicker (Landon Ard) ought to get some kind of award. He kicked it and ran down and recovered it.

Getting kinda off rusty there Mr. F. You never have to reach our for a name. Is there a problem? I’ve watched so much football this season that games and players are rattling around in my head. I guess I’m not the sharpest knife in the drawer any more.

How about all these good-looking new uniforms? Rock Hill’s is the best. How many sets of unis do those guys have. Northwestern new suits are the best I’ve ever seen them wear. Really sharp and a close second to the Bearcats. South Pointe looks just like Ohio State. I hate the Buckeyes, but they do dress well. One change I’d make. Not to fond of their logo. I’m might switch it for as horseshoe.

Who has done the best coaching job? I’d have to say Mr. Bushybrows. When you consider where Moose and his Trojans were at the start of the season and where they are now, he’s done a very good job.

Which team is your favorite to watch? Clover. Coach Jet Turner gives it his max and will gamble from anywhere on the field to keep the momentum in his team’s favor. And that double-wing offense? Never seen a team run it better.

Well that’s about all the time I have today Mr. F and I appreciate you taking time to talk with me. Planing on getting with me again this season? Might give my playoff predictions once the brackets are set. If it works out they way I’m thinking, we could have two teams playing for the Division II title again, just like last year. Man, I love this sport.