Has West Montgomery played its last football game?

[fringe1]

With West Montgomery not making the playoffs, have they played their final game in the schools history? Looks as if school board is pushing for the new central high to start sports in 2019, before it is opened. Is this a done deal?

If so, the records will show four state runner-up finishes (one in 2-A and three in 1-AA).

 

[PrepFanNC]

Interesting.... I don’t think two schools can combine to compete as one team. But perhaps they could get around that rule if they go ahead and combine the schools as one, with two campuses?

 

[DeadpoolX]

Interesting.... I don’t think two schools can combine to compete as one team. But perhaps they could get around that rule if they go ahead and combine the schools as one, with two campuses?

The petition to the state has been made. West Montgomery may not have enough to field a team next season with dwindling numbers. They had 5 players above the Soph. level this year. Small incoming class for the middle school. Possible that the NCHSAA allows it due to it being a numbers game.

 

[fringe1]

They are proposing for all sports, not just football...

 

[PrepFanNC]

The petition to the state has been made. West Montgomery may not have enough to field a team next season with dwindling numbers. They had 5 players above the Soph. level this year. Small incoming class for the middle school. Possible that the NCHSAA allows it due to it being a numbers game.

It’ll be interesting to see what they decide. Two Orange County schools wanted to try this and were refused if I understand correctly. But that’s a little different since both schools easily have 1000 kids.

 

[PrepFanNC]

They are proposing for all sports, not just football...

I think it’d have to be all or none. Otherwise they’re setting a precedent that could come back to bite them.

 

[DeadpoolX]

It will be all sports. That was the stipulation. West will struggle to have 500 kids next year. Especially if the charters open up their enrollment like the rumors are saying. Lot's of West Montgomery kids will be heading to Uwharrie and Gray Stone.

 

[btango]

It will be all sports. That was the stipulation. West will struggle to have 500 kids next year. Especially if the charters open up their enrollment like the rumors are saying. Lot's of West Montgomery kids will be heading to Uwharrie and Gray Stone.

Did Gray Stone change their enrollment policy. I have been told no extra seats are planned. No idea on Uwharrie but most of the charters are limited on space.

 

[Old Mountaineer]

The petition to the state has been made. West Montgomery may not have enough to field a team next season with dwindling numbers. They had 5 players above the Soph. level this year. Small incoming class for the middle school. Possible that the NCHSAA allows it due to it being a numbers game.

Just wondering why. I know West is down to 511 students but most 1A schools have that many or less and still field a football team. Mitchell high have 489 students and 60+ players between JV & varsity. Are the boys just not going out for any sport or more playing soccer? But I will say Mitchell county did have to combine our two middle school teams and it might hit the highschool one day but the middle school enrollment is down to were we've gone from 4 middle schools too 2 and now the county just got a grant to build a new middle school just below the high school so soon we'll only have one middle school. But they must think that they can keep the football program going because the grant included money for AstroTurf for the football stadium.

 

[KnightyKnight63]

It's more than likely the fact they will be uncompetitive. You can't blame kids for not being enthused about playing at a "lame duck school". If they go ahead and combine, then they can begin building some school spirit. I think they should let them do it. I don't like a program as good as West Montgomery has been going out on such a sour note.

 

[PrepFanNC]

West Montgomery was 15-1 just two years ago and state runners up. Last year, after a coaching change debacle, they ended the year at 11-3.

The principal at WM is Benjie Brown, former high school coach and son of Thomasville coaching legend, Allen Brown.

I think the last poster is right about the “lame duck” theory. Plus, what coach is going to put a full effort into coaching a team that they won’t be the coach of next year.

So, since the ADM looks to be a combined 1100 kids, let them play as Montgomery Central next year in East Montgomery’s 2A conference and then place them in a 3A conference either the next year, or let the 2021-2022 realignment sort it all out.

 

[Old Mountaineer]

West Montgomery was 15-1 just two years ago and state runners up. Last year, after a coaching change debacle, they ended the year at 11-3.

The principal at WM is Benjie Brown, former high school coach and son of Thomasville coaching legend, Allen Brown.

I think the last poster is right about the “lame duck” theory. Plus, what coach is going to put a full effort into coaching a team that they won’t be the coach of next year.

So, since the ADM looks to be a combined 1100 kids, let them play as Montgomery Central next year in East Montgomery’s 2A conference and then place them in a 3A conference either the next year, or let the 2021-2022 realignment sort it all out.

Are they talking of just combining the teams or are they combining the schools themselfs and moving to one building.

 

[Mitchell county mountie]

Are they talking of just combining the teams or are they combining the schools themselfs and moving to one building.

There is going to be a Montgomery Central high school in the next year or 2. I think they are discussing consolidating sports next year, much like Harris and bowman in 75 before Mitchell open it's building in 79.

 

[DeadpoolX]

West Montgomery was 15-1 just two years ago and state runners up. Last year, after a coaching change debacle, they ended the year at 11-3.

The principal at WM is Benjie Brown, former high school coach and son of Thomasville coaching legend, Allen Brown.

I think the last poster is right about the “lame duck” theory. Plus, what coach is going to put a full effort into coaching a team that they won’t be the coach of next year.

So, since the ADM looks to be a combined 1100 kids, let them play as Montgomery Central next year in East Montgomery’s 2A conference and then place them in a 3A conference either the next year, or let the 2021-2022 realignment sort it all out.

Well not to call you out but you pretty much summed up what's being proposed. The numbers are down across the state of NC in football. With CTC being a big issue, the coaching staff pretty much mailing it in this year and the extremely small classes of the last two years and next year's incoming make it tough to field a team. You could go with 20-25 kids with 4-5 legit football players but many parents are turned off by what happened this season. Extremely sad for a program of this magnitude to have been coached in the manner that they were. If the state says no to combining the athletic programs both schools will suffer. If Akins remains the coach West Montgomery won't field a football team next year.

 

[Old Mountaineer]

There is going to be a Montgomery Central high school in the next year or 2. I think they are discussing consolidating sports next year, much like Harris and bowman in 75 before Mitchell open it's building in 79.

Well that's what I was wondering if it wasn't a situation like Bowman and Harris. So if that's the case then they should do like we did and go ahead and combine the teams. Like you say Mitchell played together for 3 seasons before the school building was open. When my kids were at Mitchell I used to complain that they had a Mitchell sports sign stating '78-'79 as the first season so in 2015 at halftime I got them to recognize the 40th anniversary of the first team. My older brother co-captian on that team is one reason it meant so much to me.

 

[atucker2]

I heard they will play next year in a 2a conference but be considered a 3a school. I’m assuming they will take EM spot in Rocky River conference.

 

[btango]

I heard they will play next year in a 2a conference but be considered a 3a school. I’m assuming they will take EM spot in Rocky River conference.

Is this just talk you have heard or did you actually have a conversation with an administrator who would have been involved in the process?

If they play in a 2A conference they cannot qualify for the playoffs in 3A or so it has been my understanding in the past. My guess is this will not be allowed for next school year but that is only a guess. If it is allowed I would expect them to replace East Montgomery in the 2A conference and remain 2A until the next realignment when they will be placed according to the ADM that is utilized.

 

[PrepFanNC]

Is this just talk you have heard or did you actually have a conversation with an administrator who would have been involved in the process?

If they play in a 2A conference they cannot qualify for the playoffs in 3A or so it has been my understanding in the past. My guess is this will not be allowed for next school year but that is only a guess. If it is allowed I would expect them to replace East Montgomery in the 2A conference and remain 2A until the next realignment when they will be placed according to the ADM that is utilized.

Exactly. Vance County High is playing 2A with 1400 plus students.

 

[BeachCarolina]

Who is the other school West Montgomery is combining with?

 

[rville20]

Exactly. Vance County High is playing 2A with 1400 plus students.

that sounds like they are showing murphy what to do when they, Andrews, and HD consolidate

 

[ocdavis31]

Who is the other school West Montgomery is combining with?

East Montgomery

 

[atucker2]

Is this just talk you have heard or did you actually have a conversation with an administrator who would have been involved in the process?

This is from someone who is actually involved in the process.

 

[atucker2]

They have turned in the paperwork requesting that they merge this upcoming school year.

 

[4yds-cloud-dust]

It’s crazy how a coaching change can make a program like west mont fall as far as they have. It wasn’t probably 5 years ago on the middle school level they had to bring 2 buses for all the football players. I remember watching them shake hands at the end of game. The kids just kept coming.

 

[DeadpoolX]

Program hasn't fallen as far as the record indicates. We had a lame duck coaching staff and a head coach that didn't want to be there and did nothing to prove otherwise. When the school was scheduled to close after this year nobody wanted to take over. He was coach by default. He will not be remembered in a positive way at West Montgomery. Sit back and watch what is unfolding..................................

 

[PrepFanNC]

Program hasn't fallen as far as the record indicates. We had a lame duck coaching staff and a head coach that didn't want to be there and did nothing to prove otherwise. When the school was scheduled to close after this year nobody wanted to take over. He was coach by default. He will not be remembered in a positive way at West Montgomery. Sit back and watch what is unfolding..................................

I’m fascinated by all the things that go into combining two high schools. So much to iron out.

So this, as you described, doesn’t seem like a situation that warrants combining two athletic programs.
It’s not numbers. It’s leadership. Lord, I can see South Davidson losing their minds. They’d kill to have 500 kids to pull from.

 

[DeadpoolX]

I’m fascinated by all the things that go into combining two high schools. So much to iron out.

So this, as you described, doesn’t seem like a situation that warrants combining two athletic programs.
It’s not numbers. It’s leadership. Lord, I can see South Davidson losing their minds. They’d kill to have 500 kids to pull from.

I see your point. You are correct. There is no justification other than the fact that the tradition holds for West Montgomery and even to some extent East Montgomery the inevitable fact that the two schools are closing has changed the environment. The fact that neither high school was able to hire a coach for a "temp" position was shown this season. That's not good for the kids playing now. At the end of the day, never forget, it's all about the student athletes. In all sports. Consistency matters. Coaching matters. For some of these kids the only way out of the cycle in MoCo is athletics. Throw in a few coaches that are working out their last 3 years to max out retirement and how fair is that to them? They will be playing together next year or the year after. Let the chips fall.

 

[Dogs9]

In defense of Danny Akins he initially went to West to be an assistant to Vance Hanners who left East Davison to be the head coach at West. I don’t know why Hanners left or changed his mind but he left right before practice was to start and Akins was was offered the job and kind and of took it by default because it was so late. He had a pretty good first year reaching the third round and of the playoffs but this year to be honest the talent they have had in past years was just not there. Whether this was West’s last season or not they had a pretty goo

 

[Dogs9]

The last sentence was supposed to be a pretty good run.

 

[ocdavis31]

In defense of Danny Akins he initially went to West to be an assistant to Vance Hanners who left East Davison to be the head coach at West. I don’t know why Hanners left or changed his mind but he left right before practice was to start and Akins was was offered the job and kind and of took it by default because it was so late. He had a pretty good first year reaching the third round and of the playoffs but this year to be honest the talent they have had in past years was just not there. Whether this was West’s last season or not they had a pretty goo

If Benji Brown is named principal at the new high school, the head football job should be in high demand. I see it being similar to Oak Grove attracting Holcomb from North Davidson.

 

[Dogs9]

From what I’ve read Benji Brown is the favorite to be named head coach at the new high school not principal.

 

[DeadpoolX]

From what I’ve read Benji Brown is the favorite to be named head coach at the new high school not principal.

Yes. Benji Brown is rumored to be the new Head Coach. That's a rumor being thrown around. He would be an amazing hire.

 

[btango]

I find it doubtful that the athletic teams will be combined. Secondly, I find it doubtful that a football coach will be hired in January. Personally, I would like to see all of that happen but do not think it will. If the school were to open mid year I think it would be happen but with at least one full school year left it makes it hard to believe.

Funny that the West folks who were up in arms about Montgomery Central are now onboard with combining before the school opens.

 

[Dogs9]

That’s what a bad football season will do.

 

[DeadpoolX]

I find it doubtful that the athletic teams will be combined. Secondly, I find it doubtful that a football coach will be hired in January. Personally, I would like to see all of that happen but do not think it will. If the school were to open mid year I think it would be happen but with at least one full school year left it makes it hard to believe.

Funny that the West folks who were up in arms about Montgomery Central are now onboard with combining before the school opens.

Doubt all you want. You find it funny that the county fought tooth and nail to the bitter end to preserve a proud tradition? You find it funny once all options were exhausted that everyone wouldn't jump on board and support the high school and community? Maybe the fine folks at Albemarle would benefit from the same dedication that West Montgomery fans have and support their team regardless of their record. Never forget, you take away the Gaster years and Albemarle is no better a program than South Davidson or Chatham Central. What he did was great. It's legal now. It wasn't then. You know it and every body else in North Carolina knows it. A less than mediocre school all of sudden becomes a power house. Then, all of a sudden they return to less than mediocre once again. Sorry you have sour grapes. Not a very good look for you.

 

[Dogs9]

I for one take exception that Albemarle was no better than South Davidson or Chatham Central other than the Gaster years. You have to remember that while in the WNCHSAA that Albemarle was the smallest school by far in the Old South Piedmont Conference which was one of the strongest conferences in the state. They weren’t mandated by school size but more by geography and most all in the SPC were city schools. If in those days they would have been in the State Association they would have been in the Rocky River Conference which would have meant a lot more wins during the 60’s and 70’s.

 

[PrepFanNC]

Ouch... to be mentioned in the same sentence with South Davidson and Chatham Central... if those two areas had the internet or (insert literacy joke here), a brawl would ensue.

 

[DeadpoolX]

I for one take exception that Albemarle was no better than South Davidson or Chatham Central other than the Gaster years. You have to remember that while in the WNCHSAA that Albemarle was the smallest school by far in the Old South Piedmont Conference which was one of the strongest conferences in the state. They weren’t mandated by school size but more by geography and most all in the SPC were city schools. If in those days they would have been in the State Association they would have been in the Rocky River Conference which would have meant a lot more wins during the 60’s and 70’s.

Well they weren't. And the numbers don't lie. Take away the Gaster years of openly pulling kids from all over Stanly County, a few from Montgomery County and what do you get? Exactly. Man up and own it. Albemarle today is exactly what it used to be. Albemarle is less than 20 miles from West Montgomery an they REFUSED to play West in non conference games for decades. Not that West Montgomery would have benefited from playing them but it was a not remotely close to an option. Even during the gas wars. Albemarle wanted nothing to do with it.

 

[Dogs9]

The years I am talking about were probably before you were born when there was 8 conference games and 2 non-conference games which were South Stanly and North Stanly for obvious reasons.

 

[ocdavis31]

Yes. Benji Brown is rumored to be the new Head Coach. That's a rumor being thrown around. He would be an amazing hire.

Can’t say it’s not true, but not what I’ve heard. Between the pay cut and his family dynamic, that would surprise me. Boosters had better come up with some big bucks. He’s had plenty of opportunities and hasn’t gone back to coaching, including in his hometown.