End of year .... WAY TOO EARLY ECC 2019

[DuplinCountyTiger]

As the season is over now it feels like it was August 1st last week. It’s crazy how quickly a football season can come and go. Sitting at the 3A State Championship on Saturday I thought of just how hard it is to make it to a State championship game, winning one is twice as hard. The ECC may not have had a team in it this year in what I consider I really poor year for the conference but I look for the ECC to have a team playing in the big one next year. Conference games were very exciting this season and I don’t know if next seasons games will be as good but they should be entertaining to say the least. These are way way too early predictions for next year and Im 100 percent sure on August 1st we will all look back and laugh at these but I will take a stab at it for fun as 2018 draws to a close.

1.) WRH - the Dogs are back. Good JV team, Roberts is only a SOPHOMORE, Dalrymple is back, 40 some Sophomores and Juniors (don’t know if that’s accurate) and they will be in Eastern Final, probably State Championship.

2.) Clinton - Kaba the animal will carry Clinton far, I don’t know how far. The new staff is building a really good team over there.

3.) Goldsboro - this pick is based completely on a crazy notion they may get a real coach, get their **** together and take advantage of the athletes in their backyard. They could easily (and probably will) not live up to this prediction.

4.) East Duplin- Battle is a great coach, but East Duplin will be a middle of the road team.

5.) James Kenan - Clark did very well in season 2 but my God we literally lose everything. The entire team it felt like was Seniors. Having to replace a ton of talent Clark once again has a tough road ahead of him and this will be a rebuilding year to say the least.

6.) Midway - I believe they lose the QB. They will beat Spring Creek.

7.) Spring Creek - Yea. Please leave the conference.

 

[tardog08]

heard their was some unhappiness in tiger land. Kids wanting to transfer out.

 

[tardog08]

WRH should be very very good next year. got to find a replacement for Baysden. Which I have heard they have. hopefully I hope they figure out how to cover on kickoffs also, and get someone who can kick extra points.

 

[BuckSweepSports910]

It will be WRH then everyone else.......i cant speak for other teams but for Clinton we return a good portion of the team will probably have some young guys with some promise moving up from a average JV team.....will be interesting to see what the staff can do with a full offseason this time....Kaba is a beast definitely making his college decision in April i think.....if we get back some kids that were unable to play this year it could get interesting but im not banking on that

 

[BuckSweepSports910]

Not next season but possibly in the next 2-3 years watch out for Midway they just had a really really good group come thru the Middle school....beat the brakes off Sampson Middle which is Clinton's feeder school

 

[DuplinCountyTiger]

heard their was some unhappiness in tiger land. Kids wanting to transfer out.

I haven’t heard that but I wouldn’t be surprised. Seems like we have some kids/parents get unhappy every season and want out. If that’s a choice they want to make that is fine, if they don’t like the way JK does things they have freedom to leave. I personally like what Clark is doing and the direction we are headed. Could be they know we are going to be down next year and see easy way out by leaving . Whatever it may be it is what it is. I know he will have at least 11 kids who want to be there by August.

 

[DuplinCountyTiger]

Not next season but possibly in the next 2-3 years watch out for Midway they just had a really really good group come thru the Middle school....beat the brakes off Sampson Middle which is Clinton's feeder school

Would be nice for them. They have been hurting for a long time. JK has a good young group in middle school.

 

[dogs79]

I haven’t heard that but I wouldn’t be surprised. Seems like we have some kids/parents get unhappy every season and want out. If that’s a choice they want to make that is fine, if they don’t like the way JK does things they have freedom to leave. I personally like what Clark is doing and the direction we are headed. Could be they know we are going to be down next year and see easy way out by leaving . Whatever it may be it is what it is. I know he will have at least 11 kids who want to be there by August.

It bothers me when I hear parents are only thinking about individuals over team. Teams have so many life lessons and builds leaders.

 

[BuckSweepSports910]

Saw where Will Clark was named ECC Coach of the year....and Mohammad Kaba and JT Avent were named players of the year

 

[dogs79]

WRH,Clinton tie for first. WRH is losing if I'm not mistaken the offensive line and QB. O line played great this year . Still think next year be transition year on offense and defense get better. I was impressed with Clinton first year coach. Beat WRH, a rival. Could do it next year. Battles team third. He will always field a good team. JK young team will surprisingly be most improved by seasons end. Clark's team now. Goldsboro fifth or midway. Don't think Goldsboro will rebound from coaching change. Should see signs of life at midway.

 

[FOOTBALLFANTIC_rivals]

It bothers me when I hear parents are only thinking about individuals over team. Teams have so many life lessons and builds leaders.

We have become an instant gratification society, and I think some loyalty has been lost with community schools, which is why we see so many players(particularly in basketball) go to academies.

 

[DuplinCountyTiger]

Would be nice if there was a short 7 on 7 season in the spring that took place on Saturdays so players still had chance to play other spring sports. I don’t even know if NCHSAA would allow it but it would good for all teams IMO.

 

[swampstomp]

7.) Spring Creek - Yea. Please leave the conference.

Done.

You know as bad as it inconveniences you, and whatever affiliation you have with a team to take that easy win from SC. It MIGHT be just as hard on the SC coaches, fans and players to get beat down night after night. That being said, it looks like SC will be independent in football next year.

 

[BuckSweepSports910]

Done.

You know as bad as it inconveniences you, and whatever affiliation you have with a team to take that easy win from SC. It MIGHT be just as hard on the SC coaches, fans and players to get beat down night after night. That being said, it looks like SC will be independent in football next year.

So im guessing all the other conference teams have to pick up another non conference game next season

 

[FOOTBALLFANTIC_rivals]

Done.

You know as bad as it inconveniences you, and whatever affiliation you have with a team to take that easy win from SC. It MIGHT be just as hard on the SC coaches, fans and players to get beat down night after night. That being said, it looks like SC will be independent in football next year.

Can they do that?

 

[Oldway44]

It's true that's why all the other teams are looking a game. They are out of conference in football.

 

[blackbulldog]

Dogs79 I think wrh could go undefeated with the talent coming in I think we just gonna be fine!!! Clinton will be good as well!! I’m not to concerned about the online my main concern is defense and special teams!!

 

[blackbulldog]

Next Season My Name Will Not Be Blackbull dog bit I Will Be Known As HaySeedSlim!!

 

[BuckSweepSports910]

Clinton needs to pick up 2 games then....we need to have a endowment game Hurricane hurt us this year missed out on a game and now gotta find one to replace Spring Creek

 

[swampstomp]

So im guessing all the other conference teams have to pick up another non conference game next season

All the coaches and AD's were informed several weeks ago. This was done ASAP to allow teams to work on the schedule.

 

[DuplinCountyTiger]

Well it’s news to me that Spring Creek is leaving but it’s honestly in the best interest of that school. And I’m sure it is very demoralizing and painful to show up and get blown out every game. It really was a injustice they were ever put in this conference to begin with. NCHSAA did them wrong. Is Spring Creek abandoning the football program completely?

 

[BuckSweepSports910]

Is it a coaching issue....they have athletes....they have some decent basketball teams over the years i mean i know its a difference but obviously they have some athletic kids at the school but i just didnt see it on the field.....i mean i seen some bad teams before but man.....

 

[Sportsnut17]

Excuse my ignorance, where is Spring Creek? Are they a charter school?

 

[DuplinCountyTiger]

When is the next realignment? 2019 with the first season of new conferences being 2020?

 

[DuplinCountyTiger]

Excuse my ignorance, where is Spring Creek? Are they a charter school?

In LaGrange right outside of Goldsboro and I do believe they are a charter school

 

[swampstomp]

Well it’s news to me that Spring Creek is leaving but it’s honestly in the best interest of that school. And I’m sure it is very demoralizing and painful to show up and get blown out every game. It really was a injustice they were ever put in this conference to begin with. NCHSAA did them wrong. Is Spring Creek abandoning the football program completely?

Football has just never taken off for whatever reason. Everyone at the school knew it was a death sentence when we were put in this conference. I mean we were in last place the last year in 1a.

*Spring Creek will play a independent schedule next year, so football will still be played.
*Spring Creek is in Seven Springs, Southeastern Wayne County.
*Spring Creek is a regular ole public school. It was opened in 1999 or 2000

 

[DuplinCountyTiger]

Football has just never taken off for whatever reason. Everyone at the school knew it was a death sentence when we were put in this conference. I mean we were in last place the last year in 1a.

*Spring Creek will play a independent schedule next year, so football will still be played.
*Spring Creek is in Seven Springs, Southeastern Wayne County.
*Spring Creek is a regular ole public school. It was opened in 1999 or 2000

So with a independent schedule that gives you freedom to play however many games you would like I imagine. Travel could be an issue because I don’t know how the open weeks are and I’m sure SC will be very selective on the teams they choose to play. I imagine that it will be a schedule heavy with 1A schools and small private schools. Best of luck I’m sure it will be something exciting for the fans.

My question and this is probably a dumb one but here is my example ... SC stacks schedule with weak 1A, manages to win 5 or 6. Would they be eligible for playoffs or by becoming independent do they give up right to be in playoffs. Also would they be in 1A or 2A If that scenario somehow ever played out.

 

[swampstomp]

I think the schedule is 90% complete last I heard, and the state regulates number of games. It will be mostly local 1A and 2A schools, who we have always played. I think the only distant team is Bear Grass Charter. Not really trying to stack the schedule, but losing to North Duplin 35-6 is a lot different than Wallace beating you 70-0.
Spring Creek will not be playoff eligible, but that's the least of our concerns.

 

[DuplinCountyTiger]

I think the schedule is 90% complete last I heard, and the state regulates number of games. It will be mostly local 1A and 2A schools, who we have always played. I think the only distant team is Bear Grass Charter. Not really trying to stack the schedule, but losing to North Duplin 35-6 is a lot different than Wallace beating you 70-0.
Spring Creek will not be playoff eligible, but that's the least of our concerns.

I didn’t think that the playoffs would be of concern but I was just curious as to how that would work. Would like to see that schedule when it’s finished

 

[Delendo]

Is it a coaching issue....they have athletes....they have some decent basketball teams over the years i mean i know its a difference but obviously they have some athletic kids at the school but i just didnt see it on the field.....i mean i seen some bad teams before but man.....

I mean this with no disrespect intended but I will explain why Spring Creek has struggled for the most part every year they have played football. THEY HAVE NO WEIGHT ROOM. They have a few weights in the corner in the gym but that is it. They gym is shared with PE classes at the same time. That may have changed but it was the situation in the past.

Spring Creek has some good guys there as coaches and they have had some really good athletes come through there. Until the school, community parents, players, etc comes together in a unified stance and starts demanding a bigger emphasis on football and get a weight room they will continue to be a bottom dweller in football. I hate it for the school, coaches and kids.

Swampstomp I hope I have not offended you or anyone at Spring Creek because that is not my intention. I just truly believe that holds Spring Creek back a tremendous amount.

 

[DuplinCountyTiger]

I mean this with no disrespect intended but I will explain why Spring Creek has struggled for the most part every year they have played football. THEY HAVE NO WEIGHT ROOM. They have a few weights in the corner in the gym but that is it. They gym is shared with PE classes at the same time. That may have changed but it was the situation in the past.

Spring Creek has some good guys there as coaches and they have had some really good athletes come through there. Until the school, community parents, players, etc comes together in a unified stance and starts demanding a bigger emphasis on football and get a weight room they will continue to be a bottom dweller in football. I hate it for the school, coaches and kids.

Swampstomp I hope I have not offended you or anyone at Spring Creek because that is not my intention. I just truly believe that holds Spring Creek back a tremendous amount.

Did not know they don’t have a weight room but in today’s time that is a necessity

 

[swampstomp]

I mean this with no disrespect intended but I will explain why Spring Creek has struggled for the most part every year they have played football. THEY HAVE NO WEIGHT ROOM. They have a few weights in the corner in the gym but that is it. They gym is shared with PE classes at the same time. That may have changed but it was the situation in the past.

Spring Creek has some good guys there as coaches and they have had some really good athletes come through there. Until the school, community parents, players, etc comes together in a unified stance and starts demanding a bigger emphasis on football and get a weight room they will continue to be a bottom dweller in football. I hate it for the school, coaches and kids.

Swampstomp I hope I have not offended you or anyone at Spring Creek because that is not my intention. I just truly believe that holds Spring Creek back a tremendous amount.

That's a lot of the problems in a nutshell. I don't have the time or desire to type out the rest of the issues. Even the schools football reputation drives kids out (Marcelias Sutton went to middle school at SC, and I think he lived in district the whole time he went to JK).
You're right Delendo, SC needs a weight room/field house desperately. That was an oversight by the county when SC became a high school.

 

[DuplinCountyTiger]

That's a lot of the problems in a nutshell. I don't have the time or desire to type out the rest of the issues. Even the schools football reputation drives kids out (Marcelias Sutton went to middle school at SC, and I think he lived in district the whole time he went to JK).
You're right Delendo, SC needs a weight room/field house desperately. That was an oversight by the county when SC became a high school.

Marcelias lived in Warsaw with his Uncle full time. He would visit his Mother on weekends.

 

[FOOTBALLFANTIC_rivals]

It will be WRH then everyone else.......i cant speak for other teams but for Clinton we return a good portion of the team will probably have some young guys with some promise moving up from a average JV team.....will be interesting to see what the staff can do with a full offseason this time....Kaba is a beast definitely making his college decision in April i think.....if we get back some kids that were unable to play this year it could get interesting but im not banking on that

Yes, I'm excited for next year now that the coaching staff has a full year to work with kids now. The staff can now begin to work more with the WRs. Remember when Coach said that he was going to try to pass at least 15 times a game? That didn't happen this year, simply because many times we didn't have to pass. But maybe next year we'll see the team try to be a little more balanced.

 

[BuckSweepSports910]

Yes, I'm excited for next year now that the coaching staff has a full year to work with kids now. The staff can now begin to work more with the WRs. Remember when Coach said that he was going to try to pass at least 15 times a game? That didn't happen this year, simply because many times we didn't have to pass. But maybe next year we'll see the team try to be a little more balanced.

Hope so also the fact that 6 kids that would of been key contributors didnt see the field this year because of grades hopefully that gets taken care of and they are able to play next year also i think with a younger more enthusiastic coaching staff you will start to see some kids that didnt play before come out there atleast thats what i heard they are trying to do.....nothing wrong with recruiting inside your own school

 

[DuplinCountyTiger]

Hope so also the fact that 6 kids that would of been key contributors didnt see the field this year because of grades hopefully that gets taken care of and they are able to play next year also i think with a younger more enthusiastic coaching staff you will start to see some kids that didnt play before come out there atleast thats what i heard they are trying to do.....nothing wrong with recruiting inside your own school

Recruiting inside the school is what it’s definitely going to take at JK.

 

[dogs79]

Recruiting inside the school is what it’s definitely going to take at JK.

Doing godly things in community will do it.

 

[FOOTBALLFANTIC_rivals]

Hope so also the fact that 6 kids that would of been key contributors didnt see the field this year because of grades hopefully that gets taken care of and they are able to play next year also i think with a younger more enthusiastic coaching staff you will start to see some kids that didnt play before come out there atleast thats what i heard they are trying to do.....nothing wrong with recruiting inside your own school

No, nothing wrong with that at all! We've been spoiled that last few years also with getting players from the soccer team wanting to play. And anyone can definitely see that the players have bought in to what Coach Johnson is teaching. If you can get kids to buy in, they'll run through a brick wall for ya!

 

[FOOTBALLFANTIC_rivals]

Doing godly things in community will do it.

I've noticed while watching other programs on Youtube and elsewhere that many successful programs get out into the community(car washes, plate sales, etc.).