Athlete Spotlight Q&A: Southside's Javonn McCall
Southside’s Javon McCall Dominates with 300-Yard Night in Win over Pamlico
Southside senior running back Javonn McCall turned in one of the best performances in the state last week, rushing for over 300 yards and four touchdowns in the Seahawks’ victory over Pamlico. The explosive effort helped Southside improve to 3-5 on the season and secure its second straight win. McCall’s power, patience, and maturity have made him one of the most dangerous runners in the Coastal Plains 1A/2A Conference, and his steady leadership is helping the Seahawks find their rhythm late in the season.
Full Q&A with Javonn McCall, Southside High School
Q: Let’s start off with the obvious — over 300 yards in a game. That’s a lot. How did you feel going into it?
A: “I’m usually the one that’s hype, but not the one screaming or jumping around. This game was a rivalry game and also homecoming, so I had more energy coming into it. I think the energy coming into the game — not just with me but with my team — really boosted my play and that’s what helped me come out and do what I did.”
Q: How did you feel during the game? Did it feel different or were you just in a zone?
A: “During the game I’m not gonna lie, that first drive when I had that 60-yard run, I knew it was gonna be a good game for me. Throughout the game I kept getting big plays one after another, so I kind of felt like I was in a flow — in a zone. It was all due to that line, they really helped me out with that too.”
Q: What do you think caused such a huge breakout performance like that?
A: “Personally, I’ve gotten better at running the ball. I wasn’t that much of a low runner before or one to really stay tight and follow the blocks. But this week my coaches really emphasized staying tight, staying on my blocks, and letting them lead me to where I need to go. Once I get to my spot, it’s about taking off, making a move, and doing what I gotta do to get yards. That’s what helped me the most this week.”
Q: Who do you model your game after? Anyone you study or look up to at the college or pro level?
A: “At the professional level, I’d say Jahmyr Gibbs from the Detroit Lions. Another one is Jeremiah Love from Notre Dame. I’ve been watching a lot of film this year, especially on running backs. I was watching Love last Saturday — he went off.”
Q: If I asked Coach Q what your strengths are, what do you think he’d say?
A: “He’d definitely say I’m a smart player. I’ve got great vision — even when I stray from a block, I can still see where the tackle’s coming from and get to my spot to pick up good yards. I’m also one of the fastest on the team. My vision and speed are probably my biggest strengths right now.”
Q: What’s your go-to pregame music?
A: “NBA YoungBoy of course. We all be listening to him before games — it gets us going.”
Q: Madden or NCAA?
A: “NCAA. I don’t play Madden for real, but I play NCAA a lot.”
Q: Who’s your go-to team?
A: “Clemson.”
Q: Favorite pregame meal?
A: “Steak and baked potato. That meal right there was magnificent — I don’t know who cooked it, but it was perfect.”
Q: This season started a little rough, but you’ve picked it up with back-to-back wins. How tough was the start, and how rewarding has it been lately?
A: “We played some good teams early. I’d say that loss to North Duplin was one of our best games even though we lost, because we really played as a team. These last few weeks we’ve really gotten in our groove, playing together as one — as a family — instead of just individual players. We’ve really gotten better as a team.”
Q: How important is it to finish strong with the playoffs still in reach?
A: “It’s the most important thing. I want to leave something behind for the younger guys — like, make them want to do better for themselves. I want to take football somewhere after high school, but I also want to leave a lasting impact and help others become better too.”
Q: What’s your favorite lift in the weight room?
A: “Squat, for sure. I don’t have weightlifting class this semester, but when I’m in there, I take it serious. Bench is probably second, but squats are definitely my favorite. The weight room is really beneficial to me as a football player.”
Q: If you could go back to your ninth-grade self, what message would you tell him?
A: “Do more — be in the weight room more, put in more offseason work, and put yourself out there. I wish I went to more college camps and got more experience. Sometimes you get anxiety or think you’re not good enough, but you have to take that risk. If I could tell my ninth-grade self something, it’s to take that risk and do what you gotta do.”
Q: What kind of career or major are you looking for in college?
A: “Business. I definitely want to major in business and own my own company one day.”
Q: Is there anything else you want people to know about you?
A: “To be honest, I’m just a regular kid like everybody else here. Anybody at Southside or any other school can do the same thing I did — they can get those same 300 yards, even more. I just do what we talk about with our coaches and get the job done.”