I'm not sure I like this move, but I will still support Tony Stewart and the rest of the Joe Gibbs Racing Team.
That's Racin' | 08/31/2007 | Kyle Busch confirms Gibbs teams will be running Toyotas
Friday, August 31, 2007
Kyle Busch confirms Gibbs teams will be running Toyotas.
I'm not sure I like this move, but I will still support Tony Stewart and the rest of the Joe Gibbs Racing Team.
That's Racin' | 08/31/2007 | Kyle Busch confirms Gibbs teams will be running Toyotas
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Wonders 12th in The Observer's Sweet 16
We keep dropping 2 spots, so we will be unranked in three weeks :)
Charlotte Observer | 08/28/2007 | The Observer's Sweet 16
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Wonders secure 2nd win over South Rowan!!
The Wonders traveled to China Grove to take on our old rival, South Rowan. I realize that it's hard to consider someone a rival, when they rarely win in the series. The Raiders have won only 4 times since I've been following Wonder football in 1978. The game for me has always been one of great emotions since I know more people who went to South than any other local school.
I can remember when my older sister, Sherry, who attended South Rowan in the 70's. The game seemed to always bring out some friendly "arguments" around the house between my Dad, a Kannapolis fan and my sister. I can remember Kannapolis winning the games and Sherry would stay over at her friend's house to get over the loss.
I have been friends or taught students who graduated from South over the years. Chris Williams, Craig Williams, Ritchie Chester, Donnie Canup Jr, Eric Chester, Anthony Frampton, Matt Biggers, Joseph Gainer, Joel Yow, Nathan Wrights, Chris Wingler, and Taylor Beaver to name a few (if I did not list you, I apologize and I can edit this article later).
The game would begin at 7:30, even though it was still in the 90's at game time. I really thought the Raiders pregame ritual was hilarious. Wonders have always enjoyed making fun of South's "Farming" history. Old McDonald was always a popular song the week of the South game when I was in school in the 80's. The band would play the song as we wrapped up many wins over the years. I would have thought if they were going to be led onto the field, that they would follow some type of John Deere Tractor or some other piece of farm equipment. Instead, the Raiders came on the field behind 3 motorcycles. I'm not sure what a motorcycle has to do with South Rowan in 07, but it was interesting.
The Wonders would look better than they did against Central the week before, but they still struggled with crucial mistakes at important times of the game. The Wonders would drive down the field on their second possession, but would miss a field goal. We would score on our next possession, but would miss the extra point but the Wonders would lead 6-0. The offense was better but we were still having trouble putting points on the board.
After a poor punt, the Raiders would have their first possession on the Wonder's side of the field. The Wonders Defense would hold, and South would attempt a 52 yard field goal. The kick was good and he had about 5 yards to spare. I believe that is the longest field goal that I've ever seen in a high school game. The Wonders lead was cut to 6-3. The Wonders defense had dominated the game, and had not allowed a first down all night. The Wonders would drive into South territory down to the 33 yard line. The Wonders decided to go for a 4th and 13 and called a draw play that went no where. South would then capitalize with the momentum, and would drive 67 yards for a touchdown with a few minutes to go in the half. I was shocked to see them drive down the field, since they had not been able to get a first down all night. South would go into halftime with a 10-6 lead.
At the half, I was looking for some free food or drinks. I thought I had 2 great opportunities to score either a drink or food. Chad Lingafelt was there working the game for WRNA (Ford Broadcasting) and I figured that the Raider Booster Club would take care of Raider Radio. I called Chad, but they did not have anything for free. Chad and I decided to check out my second option. Jonathan Martin and the Martin gang were once again on the Chain gang. I know they would have either food or drinks. They did have free drinks, but only enough for the chain gang. I struck out twice, but at least I did not have to watch the bands perform.
The Wonders would come out in the second half and would take the lead but have trouble putting South away. The Wonders would build a 22-17 lead, with two touchdowns and a safety. During the second half, Michael Carter and family came over to the Wonders side and we spent a lot of time socializing, as well as watching the game.
The play of the game came with just under 3 minutes to play. The Wonders were up 22-17 and had a 3rd and 5 for a first down. If the Raiders held, they would get the ball back and a chance to win the game. The fullback, a sophmore, went in motion and he got lost by the Raider defense. He was so wide open that there was not a Raider within 15 yards of him. It had to be the easiest pass in Efird's career at Kannapolis.
You can click on the link below to read the independent tribune article on the game.
Early in the second period, the
Wonders secure 2nd win - Independent Tribune - Concord and Kannapolis
Edwards lives dream at Bristol!
Junior only gained 5 points on Kurt Busch. It doesn't look good for Junior :)
Charlotte Observer | 08/26/2007 | Edwards lives dream
Allison injured in Vikings' loss!
This is not good news for our Wonder trying to make it in the NFL.
Salisbury Post | SPORTS | Allison injured in Vikings' loss
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Prep Football: A.L. Brown 29, South Rowan 17!
Here is the Salisbury Post article on the WONDER'S win against South Rowan!
Salisbury Post | SPORTS | Prep Football: A.L. Brown 29, South Rowan 17
Mount Pleasant stops Concord!
Spiders lose to start the season. Great News!
Charlotte Observer | 08/25/2007 | Mount Pleasant stops Concord
Friday, August 24, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Friday Night Hero: A.L. Brown's Fred Glenn
"Old McDonald had a farm, EIEIO"
Salisbury Post | SPORTS | Friday Night Hero: A.L. Brown's Fred Glenn
Duke Releases 2007-08 Men's Basketball Schedule
What great news on a Hot August night. The schedule is out and we play Davidson in Charlotte on Saturday, December 1st. Davidson is considered by some as a possible top 25 team. It should be a great game and if you are interested in going, let me know. I plan to be there.
Let's Go DUKE!!!
unc sux!!!
Duke Releases 2007-08 Men's Basketball Schedule - GoDuke.com—Official Athletics Web site of Duke University
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Sweet 16: Wonders drop to 10th!
I can't believe that we are still ranked, but polls are popularity contests!
Charlotte Observer | 08/21/2007 | The Observer's Sweet 16
Like it or not, Kurt Busch is back, Junior 174 points behind!
It looks like the "fat lady" is beginning to sing for Junior.
ESPN - Blount: Like it or not, Kurt Busch is back - Nascar
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Offense fizzles, Panthers lose to the Eagles!
Wow, that was a horrible performance on Friday night. I returned from the Wonder's game, and watched the first half of the Panthers game (I'm still old school, and watched it on a VHS tape). With the blunders and turnovers, I thought I was watching highlights from the 2006 season. I guess the only good news of the night was that it was a pre season game, and no one got hurt.
Charlotte Observer | 08/19/2007 | Offense fizzles, Panthers lose
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Wonders' D stands tall in Opening Win!
This is the Independent Tribune article about the Wonders' Win over Central Cabarrus.
Wonders' D stands tall - Independent Tribune - Concord and Kannapolis
A.L. Brown 7, Central Cabarrus 6 / Salisbury Post
Salisbury Post article on Wonders' Victory!
Salisbury Post | SPORTS | Prep Football: A.L. Brown 7, Central Cabarrus 6
Friday, August 17, 2007
Wonders Opean Season with 7-6 Win over the Vikings!!!
Wow, it was a historic night in K-Town. I have been attending Wonder Football for 29 years (yes, beginning in 1978)and it had to be the hottest game in history. The weather channel said it was 97 at 7:00pm when I left to go to Kannapolis Memorial Stadium. The game was postponed until 8:00pm because of the heat.
The Wonders were anything but Hot on this night. The Vikings came out and dominated the first quarter. Central Cabarrus would score the game's first touchdown, but their extra point was blocked to give them a 6-0 lead. The Vikings could have scored more in the first half, since they started 4 possessions on our side of the field but would have only 6 points to show for it. The Wonder's offense was not good at all in the first half, except for our only touchdown of the game. The Vikings fumbled a punt around the 50 yard line and the Wonders recovered. On the very first play, number 25 ran up the middle for our only score of night to take the lead 7-6 in the second quarter. The team was breaking in all new skill positions (RB, WR, etc)and it showed.
Central missed a field goal right before the first half ended. The Vikings outgained the Wonders 159-68 in the half. Our defense kept us in the game.
The Wonders' offense played much better in the second half but would not have any points to show for it. The Wonders outgained the Vikings 114-16 in the second half. The Wonders look like they have some talent, but they will be a work in progress in the first half of the season. One of the few offensive players with experience from last year, Jamil Lott, will be out for 6-8 weeks due to an injury.
The Wonders travel to China Grove to take on the Raiders of South Rowan on Friday Night.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
What to Watch in High School Football!
He ranks Kannapolis Memorial Stadium the third best in the region.
Charlotte Observer | 08/16/2007 | Langston Wertz Jr. | What to Watch
1 Day... WONDERS are ranked 8th in Sweet 16 Poll
I did not expect us to be ranked, but we do have a great reputation. Let's Go WONDERS!!!
Charlotte Observer | 08/16/2007 | Sweet 16 Poll
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
It's official, Kyle Busch joins Joe Gibbs Racing!
This is great news for Joe Gibbs. If I was a gambling man, I would say that Kyle will have more championships than Junior when their careers are over. What do you think?
That's Racin' | 08/14/2007 | It's official, Kyle Busch
joins Joe Gibbs Racing
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Monday, August 13, 2007
4 Days... Students Charged With Murder After Argument Over High School Football Teams in Alabama.
What a sad story. We have someone murdered over who's high school football team is better in Alabama. I love sports, and love a good argument, but I try to always remember that it is just a game, nothing more. I hope that Kannapolis and Concord fans would never stoop to that level.
Let's Go Wonders!!!
FOXNews.com - Students Charged With Murder After Argument Over High School Football Teams - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Stewart wins at Watkins Glen!
Tony continues his roll with a win at Watkins Glenn. I hate road courses, but Tony does well at them. He ties Jeff Gordon with 4 career wins at Watkins Glenn. He has now won 3 out of 4 races.
Junior finished 42 and is now 100 points out of the chase with 4 races to go. He will have to pass Ryan Newman and Kurt Busch to grab that last spot in the Chase. I guess time will tell.
ESPN - Gordon spin equals Stewart win at Watkins Glen - Nascar
Panthers pick up 1st win of Pre Season!
I thought the Panthers looked very good last night. I thought Jake and Carr both played well. It was good to see Steve Smith score the first TD and not be nursing a hamstring like last year. Deshaun Foster had some very nice runs, and he may be stepping up his game with D'Angelo Williams behind him. The Panthers may end up with a very good tandem at the running back position. I know it's early, but we will get a better test against the Eagles defense this week.
Charlotte Observer | 08/12/2007 | Panthers pick up 1st win
Saturday, August 11, 2007
QB a 2-man race at North Carolina.
I was wanting to pull for unc with Greg Paulus' little brother playing quarterback. It looks like they are going to redshirt him, so the holes will have another sorry QB this year.
Charlotte Observer | 08/11/2007 | QB a 2-man race at North Carolina
Friday, August 10, 2007
7 Days... A.L. Brown notebook
One Week to go!!!
Salisbury Post | SPORTS | Prep Football Practice: Mike London's A.L. Brown notebook
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Panthers safety Minter makes retirement official.
I sure will miss Minter. He was one of my favorite Panthers. He was both a great football player and an even better man. Minter would share his faith many times with reporters, and was never embarrassed to let others know that he was a Christian. He will be surely missed.
Charlotte Observer | 08/07/2007 | Panthers safety Minter
makes retirement official
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Spurrier blasts South Carolina's admissions process!
I sure hope that Coach Superior does not follow through on this threat. I would not be a happy camper.
Spurrier blasts South Carolina's admissions process | ajc.com
Monday, August 6, 2007
11 Days... Efird makes most of second chance
It's just around the corner. Let's Go WONDERS!!!
Salisbury Post | SPORTS | A.L. Brown practice: Efird makes most of second chance
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Kurt Busch dominates, wins at Pocono, moves into 12th place!
I hated to see Stewart's winning streak come to an end, but he did finish sixth. He is still 5th and will be in the chase this fall.
That's Racin' | 08/05/2007 | Kurt Busch dominates, wins at Pocono, moves into 12th place
Panther News
Here is an article about Jake Delhomme and David Carr.
http://www.charlotte.com/panthers/story/224688.html
The Panthers first round pick has finally sign and is expected at camp tomorrow. I'm glad they got this deal done, because who knows how many games Morgan will be able to play.
Barry Bond ties Hank Aaron at 755!
Wow, I can't believe that I actually like an article that Greg Doyle wrote. Doyle is one of the most obnoxious, biased, usually Duke hating writers in the sports world. I usually do not waste time reading him, but this article got my attention. I was pulling for Bonds and was actually watching the game last night to see it. It was pretty awesome, and I was surprised at how much cheering there was in San Diego. I know there were boos too, but not as many as I or even the ESPN Announcers were expecting.
Barry Bonds, Major League Baseball - CBS SportsLine.com
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Panthers Fan Fest 2007
The Carolina Panthers had their annual Fan Fest today at Bank of America Stadium. Admission was free to the stadium, but parking wasn't ($5.00). I thought about trying to find a parking space on the side of a road in Charlotte, but I learned my lesson a few years ago with the Bobcats. I thought that I was in a legal parking spot, but the no parking sign was hidden. They towed the car that day and it cost over $100.00 for parking that day. Five dollars today wasn't so bad.
I got to my seat around 10:40 and the refs were on the field warming up before the scrimmage. I was not sure if they were plotting how to make bad calls, or if they were checking the over/under line on upcoming games. I guess time will tell on that.
The 2007 Topcats came out to entertain the crowd for a few minutes. Sir Purr joined them later, but I did not get a good picture of the Panther's Mascot. I know whoever was inside of Sir Purr's costume had to lose 10-15lbs today. It was very warm and humid this morning and I would have not wanted to be in that costume today. I could use the weight loss, but I don't want to lose it that way. I hope that the new Topcats will not be traveling to anymore road games like those 2 did a few years ago in Tampa. It gave the Topcats a bad name but sure made the comedians happy for weeks.
At 11:00am, the Panthers finally came out on the field. They went through their typical football stretching and routine. It was cool to hear young kids around me talking about how they do the same drills and stretching. I know that helps the kids to relate to the pro players. One of the kids asked if they had to do "six inches" too, but the Panthers did not do that one to their disappointment.
The team then broke into individual group skill drills, and it was great to see John Kasay still with the Panthers. John is the only original Panther left from our first team (1995). He is 37 years old, so he has a few more years left. I think he is better today than he was when he got there. He was hitting field goals over 50 yards in practice, and ever tried a 63 yarder and missed by just a few yards. He is the 17th on the NFL All Time Scoring List. I know kickers do not usually make the Hall of Fame, but it would be nice if he can somehow pull it off.
I guess this was the most important thing of training camp. Steve Smith was able to participate. He injured his hamstring last year, and missed the first 2 regular season games for us last year. He is one of the most exciting players in the NFL and I'll never forget that TD against the Rams in OT on our way to the Super Bowl in 03. I enjoy hearing Steve Smith on WFNZ during the season also. He is a guest on the Morning Sports Page on a regular basis.
Jake Delhomme looked good at Fan Fest today in my opinion. He completed a high percentage of his passes in the passing drills, and he led the offense to a TD on their first drive of the scrimmage. It was good to see him not throw it to the defense, but the it was practice. Jake has a history of winning close games down the stretch (see 03) and of losing them too (see 06). It will be very important that he gets back to the "Got Jake" days. I saw some of those "Got Jake" t-shirts at the stadium today. They were very popular a few years ago.
I know that I'm excited to have David Carr as our backup, after year of having Chris Weinke. He looked a little nervous today, and I think that Jake Delhomme did look better that Carr today. Carr did not lead the offense to a touchdown in his scrimmage time, but he did make some good passes. He is an improvement over Weinke. It was very interesting to see the new philosophy of the offensive coordinator in action. Jake and Carr both had completions to the Tight End. I know it's amazing because I don't think we have used a Tight End since Wesley Walls. Wesley was one of my favorite Panthers "back in the day". I wonder what he is up to today, because you never hear anything about him. The tight end getting the catches was Jeff King, a second year player from VT.
In conclusion, I think the Panthers will have a good year and I'm excited that football is just around the corner. The Panthers play the Giants next Saturday for their first preseason game.
I love this final picture as you can see Old Glory surrounded by the North and South Carolina flags. I know that I'm proud to be an American and from the "Carolinas".
God Bless America!!!
Friday, August 3, 2007
14 Days...Football teams hold first official practice
In 2 weeks, the Wonders will be taking on the Vikings of Central Cabarrus. I can't wait!!!
Football teams hold first official practice - Independent Tribune - Concord and Kannapolis
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Jake Delhomme rarin' to go!
I sure hope so or he could get ran over by a Carr.
Charlotte Observer | 07/31/2007 | Delhomme rarin' to go
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Duke lacrosse case prosecutor Nifong apologizes, acknowledges no evidence of a crime.
This guy is such a loser. I think it's a little too late for apologies.
Duke lacrosse case prosecutor Nifong apologizes, acknowledges no evidence of a crime - Independent Tribune - Concord and Kannapolis
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