North Davidson vs Davie Pregame Video

Now that my knees don't hurt from running up and down the sidelines all night on Friday, I found time to piece together the all the video and audio I took.  Let's start with the scene prior to the kick.  Make no mistake, this was as fine an atmosphere as you'll find at a game on ANY level. Here's what I saw during pregame on Friday:

Suddenly Saturday- North Davidson v.Davie Recap

  

Emotions ran high at War Eagle Stadium for the contest between the War Eagles and the Black Knights from North Davidson Friday night, both on the field and in the stands.  Davie High's venerable stadium was filled to capacity on both sides, with considerable spillover in the SRO areas in the end zone.  The game lived up to the hype as the Black Knights eventually prevailed 34-24, wrapping up the Central Piedmont 4-A championship and a perfect season in the process.

The Monday Mix- Davie vs Reagan

The night fell with such a quickness and crispness that it felt like...well, football.  It was Finally Friday and I was hanging at the home of the Reagan Raiders to watch what many felt was the game of the week in the Central Piedmont Conference.  For some reason, Reagan AD Alexis McCoy gave me access to the press box for the evening (for which I am eternally grateful).  The box was bustling with activity, as it was accommodating two radio crews.  One crew was from WSJS-600, which was doing its game of the week and the other was from WDSL-1520 from Davie County.  It was packed and there was certainly a buzz about the place.

While You're Waiting...

I realize some of you are waiting for my wrap-up of Friday's contest between Reagan and Davie, but sometimes blog posts have to take a back seat to 21 month-old little boy.  Actually, EVERYTHING takes a back seat to my pride and joy.

Finally Friday, Jr.

Anyway, my main man over at DEWshots made my job a lot harder by posting over 200 images from the game and they are fantabulous.  Please make a visit to his site and drop him a line thanking him for his hard work.  I mean, these are great.  In the meantime, I'll have the full wrap-up posted tomorrow morning.

Then I'm getting a water bottle.

An Open Letter to Reagan High School

Dear Reagan Raider Nation,

During the first week of the football season I was asked by WXII to cover your game against Glenn and provide some details for the highlight show.  I sat in the stands (live tweeting the game) and thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and, of course, the football.  A week later, this little blog was born and I was off and running.

Fast forward 7 weeks and I am finally making my return visit to Pfafftown and I want nothing more than to showcase the Reagan Raiders and their incredible fans!  So this is my plea to you, dear Raiders.  I'm asking you to help me, help you.  Because you see, my friends, things have changed around these here parts.

Almost Friday- Reagan vs. Davie

Marching orders have been given, cameras recharged and research begun as Finally Friday! heads to Pfafftown for this week's game between the Reagan Raiders and Davie War Eagles.  This is technically my second trip to Reagan, the first being their week one trouncing of the Glenn Bobcats.  At the time, however, there was no blog and @FinallyFri336 was mere hours old.  I also had the privilege of seeing the Raiders on my second trip to North Davidson a couple of weeks ago, and I'm looking forward to seeing them again.

ND vs Reagan Pregame

Captured at Homecoming: Stephanie Watts!

Man, the end zone at Davie High rules!  I completed the Homecoming trifecta by catching up with one Stephanie Watts, who is a 2012 Davie graduate now cheering for the North Carolina Tar Heels.  Full disclosure:  I've known Miss Watts through my step-daughter, Morgan, since they were in middle school.  She was cheering then, too!

Stephanie talked to me about her transition to college, and the thrill of cheering in Kenan Stadium for the first time.  She also discussed what it was like to be in War Eagle Stadium in street clothes for the first time, ever. Download our conversation here!

Talking to Stephanie really capped what was a great night in Mocksville for me and my blog.  Thanks to all who made the trip extra-special!

Captured at Homecoming: Adam Smith!

(Photo Courtesy of www.guilfordquakers.com)

Yes, it was a banner night for Finally Friday! as I also found former Davie quarterback Adam Smith hanging out in the end zone.  That is, after he emerged from the War Eagle locker room after halftime.  I half-expected Adam to be back in uniform (although Davie was handling their business just fine).  Adam is a freshman football player at Guilford College, and had just played the night before in what was their first Thursday night game since 1966.  You can read the full game recap at www.guilfordquakers.com here.

Adam gives us his thoughts on being back at Davie for a football game, his transition from quarterback to receiver, and the transition from high school to college.  Additionally, I say the word "outstanding" a minimum of three times (I'm new at this, okay?).

Anyhow, click here to listen to the interview on your favorite media player.

Captured at Homecoming: Davis Absher!

I had the pleasure last night of chatting with former Davie basketball standout Davis Absher, who had returned home for the weekend's festivities.  A four-year player for the Davie cagers, Absher is now a freshman member of the Averett University Cougar basketball team.  He offered some detailed insight on his transition from high school to college, including a "normal" day in the life of a student-athlete. You can download our chat here.  Special thanks to Davis for taking the time to talk with Finally Friday!

Suddenly Saturday! One Night in Mocksville

All that was missing was a crisp, biting Autumn chill. 

Otherwise, it was a perfect night for Southern Football in North Carolina.  Once again, if you are wondering why I capitalize "Southern Football", I'm sure there is a knitting show coming on HGTV in a few minutes.  It was Homecoming in Mocksville as the Davie War Eagles welcomed the Spartans from Mount Tabor, with second place in the conference up for grabs.

I arrived at War Eagle Stadium 80 minutes before kickoff, since there was so much I wanted to see and do...most of which had nothing to do with the contest on the field.

My Two Cents on the Mount Tabor Spartans

Tonight I get the pleasure of heading to Davie County for the first time this season.  It's Homecoming at Davie, and War Eagles are hosting the Mount Tabor Spartans and their top-notch defense.  The Spartans (4-3, 1-1 in conference) looking for a toe-hold on second place in the Central Piedmont.  Four of 6 teams in conference have identical 1-1 records, so Tabor needs both wins and help.  This marks the third time I've seen the Spartans this season, so I thought I'd add my two cents since they have been under the radar much of the season.

The Spartans' 4-3 record may be the most misleading statistic in their dossier, as they have fallen to East Forsyth, Fayetteville Britt and North Davidson.  Moreover, the losses to Jack Britt and North Davidson came by a total of 3 points.  Conversely, the Mount Tabor defense has allowed a combined total of 36 points in their 4 wins, while scoring 175 of their own.

In other words, Davie can't afford a Titan hangover tonight.