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.

Now this is cool, Reagan

No need to write anything here:

Finally!

It's here.

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

End-of-Year "Best Of" Lists

In the next two weeks I'm going to publish a list of the "Best Of" what I've seen this season.  Boy, is there a lot to choose from.  However, I offer this one caveat:  I've been to multiple places multiple times, and I've seen multiple schools multiple times.

So, my sample is limited in scope. 

Or, you could look at it this way:  I've been afforded ample time to closely examine most of the schools in the running.  Except Bishop McGuinness, who is at worst going to finish second in Cheer of the Year voting.

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!