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DECEMBER 2011 | VARSITY FOOTBALL
South Point racks up Big South football awards —
Three teams were represented in the Big South 3A Conference’s top football awards, and one school was a part of them all.
Big South champion South Point claimed three of the awards by itself as fullback Troy Leeper was named offensive player of the year, kicker Dayton Rogers was selected special teams player of the year and Mickey Lineberger was voted coach of the year in balloting by the league’s head coaches.
A Red Raiders player was also part of a three-way tie for defensive player of the year as linebacker Jordan Forney shared the award with Ashbrook defensive back Nortavious Otis and Crest defensive end Jonathan Bullard.
The coaches voted on the awards after the regular season and prior to the state playoffs.
FULL ALL-CONFERENCE LIST BELOW
Leeper, a senior, rushed for 2,105 yards and 36 touchdowns in 11 games, averaging 191.4 yards per game. In conference action, Leeper averaged 174 yards and 3.5 touchdowns.
Leeper set the school record for single-season rushing and finished fourth in Gaston County history. His 4,029 career rushing yards rank second in school history and ninth on the county list. Leeper’s 218 points this season and 404 career points are both good for second in school history and third in the county record book.
Rogers, a senior, kicked field goals of 26, 27 and 33 yards, went 72-for-72 on extra-point tries and was reliable on onside kick attempts.
Forney led South Point in tackles (136) and tackles for loss (seven). The senior also forced three fumbles, recovered one fumble and intercepted a pass. The other two defensive award-winners are Shrine Bowl selections. Otis tallied a team-high 91 tackles, plus seven tackles for loss, two sacks, two fumble recoveries, one interception and two punt returns for touchdown. Bullard led a strong Crest unit that held its conference opponents to 264.5 yards and 21.8 points per game, averages that ranked second in the league behind South Point.
Lineberger, in his first season as head coach, led South Point to sweep of the Big South. The Red Raiders defeated their conference opponents by an average of 40.5 points.
South Point led the 51-player all-conference team with 12 selections, including the top awards. Runner-up Crest had nine all-conference members. After tying for third place, Forestview, Kings Mountain and Ashbrook each earned eight spots while Hunter Huss had four and North Gaston three.
ALL-BIG SOUTH 3A CONFERENCE FOOTBALL TEAM
SOUTH POINT
Jeffrey Lawing, OL, Sr.
Jordan Kagen, OL, Sr.
David Braunscheidel, OL, Sr.
Troy Leeper, FB, Sr.
Patrick Horne, QB, Sr.
Devan Robbins, RB, Jr.
Tyler Bray, RB, So.
Jordan Forney, LB, Sr.
Jalen Porter, DB, Sr.
Josh Allman, LB, Sr.
Aaron Biggerstaff, LB, Jr.
Dayton Rogers, K, Sr.
Offensive player of the year — Troy Leeper, South Point, RB, Sr.
Defensive players of the year — Nortavius Otis, DB, Ashbrook, Sr.; Jonathan Bullard, DE, Crest, Sr.; Jordan Forney, LB, South Point, Sr.
Special teams player of the year — Dayton Rogers, K, South Point, Sr.
Coach of the year — Mickey Lineberger, South Point
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DECEMBER 2011 | FOOTBALL
2011 Fall Sports Banquet
Troy Leeper – Dr. Wade Breeland MVP and Big South Offensive Player of the Year
Patrick Horne – Wrather Johnson Sportsmanship Award
Dan Johnson – Shelia M. Rollins Memorial Award – Most Versatile Player
Jeremy Sanders – Co-Bennie Cunningham Most Improved Award
Deryk Dionne - Co-Bennie Cunningham Most Improved Award
Jeffrey Lawing – Gerald Cortner Memorial Award for Excellence in Football, Scholarship & Citizenship
David Brauscheidel – Dr. Eddie Lineberger Best Blocker Award
Jordan Kagen – Unsung Hero Award
Jordan Forney – Belmont Drug Defensive Player of the Year and Co-Big South Defensive Player of the Year
Dayton Rogers – Big South Special Teams Player of the Year
Jaquan Brooks – JV Football Best Offense Award
Jacob Hoyle – JV Football Best Defense Award
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NOVEMBER 2011 | VARSITY FOOTBALL
Week 12 Gazette prep football players of the week —
OFFENSE
Troy Leeper, RB, South Point — Carried 37 times for 261 yards and a TD in 23-17 loss to Weddington.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
Josh Allman, LB, South Point — Recorded five first-hit or solo tackles and a fumble recovery in 23-17 loss to Weddington.
Jordan Forney, LB, South Point — Had six first-hit or solo tackles and a fumble recovery in 23-17 loss to Weddington.
Eric Locklear, DB, South Point — Recorded six first-hit or solo tackles and a forced fumble in 23-17 loss to Weddington.
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OCTOBER 2011 | VARSITY FOOTBALL
Weddington 23, South Point 17 —
For much of the season, South Point High fans, players and coaches talked about how valuable senior quarterback Patrick Horne was to their team.
In Friday’s N.C. Class 3A playoff opener, South Point found out just how valuable as the unbeaten Red Raiders were eliminated from the playoffs 23-17 by Weddington.
The No. 1-ranked team in the state most of the season, South Point (10-1) was held scoreless in the second half in front of many disbelieving fans at Lineberger Stadium.
“For some reason, tonight just wasn’t our night,” said coach Mickey Lineberger, whose first season as head coach had featured a sparkling run to the Big South 3A Conference title. “Wednesday was the best practice we’ve had this season. But give them credit, they played well and we didn’t.
“We had lots of chances. It’s a game of inches and we came up short a couple of times. We just didn’t get it done tonight. We just didn’t get it done.”
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OCTOBER 2011 | VARSITY FOOTBALL
Gaston Gazette Prep football players of the week —
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
Jordan Forney, LB, South Point — Recorded an astounding 25 tackles (15 solo), including three for loss, as the Red Raiders shut out Crest after halftime for a 42-21 win that clinched the Big South 3A Conference title.
OFFENSE
Jordan Kagen, OL, South Point — Played center for an offensive line that also included Jeffery Lawing, David Braunscheidel, Jon Robert Stewart and Camden Van Pelt and produced 388 yards against Crest’s rugged defense in a 42-21 win.
Troy Leeper, RB, South Point — Rushed for 193 yards on 27 carries and found the end zone four times against the league’s then-leading defense, helping the Raiders beat Crest 42-21.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
Josh Allman, LB, South Point — Recovered two fumbles and recorded six tackles, including one for loss, in win over Crest.
Deryk Dionne, LB, South Point — Had 13 tackles and three for loss in win against Crest.
Jeremy Sanders, DB, South Point — Intercepted a pass and logged 12 tackles in win over Crest.
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OCTOBER 2011 | VARSITY FOOTBALL
South Point 42, Crest 21 —
After Crest gave South Point all it wanted in the first half, the Red Raiders showed why they’re the top-ranked 3A team in the state.
South Point pulled away from a one-point halftime deficit to beat the Chargers 42-21 and win the Big South 3A Conference championship Friday at Lineberger Stadium.
“It was good for our ball team to face some adversity,” Red Raiders coach Mickey Lineberger said. “We were down at halftime by one and I got to see what we were made of. I was real pleased with what I saw.”
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OCTOBER 2011 | VARSITY FOOTBALL
Gaston Gazette Prep football players of the week —
OFFENSE
Jeffrey Lawing, OL, South Point — Played offensive tackle for line that helped produce 460 yards of offense in 70-14 win at North Gaston.
Troy Leeper, RB, South Point — Gained 157 yards on 13 carries and scored five times in 70-14 rout of North Gaston.
Devan Robbins, RB, South Point — Needed only six carries to gain 135 yards and score once (on an 80-yard run) in 70-14 win at North Gaston.
DEFENSE
Deryk Dionne, LB, South Point — Had 10 tackles in win over North Gaston.
Jordan Forney, LB, South Point — Had 14 tackles in win over North Gaston.
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OCTOBER 2011 | VARSITY FOOTBALL
South Point 70, North Gaston 14 —
Could undefeated South Point actually be getting better?
After watching his team dismantle North Gaston 70-14, Red Raider coach Mickey Lineberger thinks his team is peaking at the right time heading into the last game of the season next week against Crest.
“We took advantage of our week off with some good practices and it showed tonight,” Lineberger said. “I think we’re getting better in every phase of the game, and that’s what it’s all about. We’re a lot better than we were at the first of the season.
South Point (9-0, 5-0) was expected to handle the winless Wildcats handily. But Lineberger didn’t want his team to take North Gaston (0-10, 0-6) for granted.
“We needed to stay hungry,” Lineberger said. “We’ve keep the focus on playing one game at a time and getting better. The most important game of the season is always your next game.”
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OCTOBER 2011 | VARSITY FOOTBALL
Gaston Gazette Prep football players of the week —
OFFENSE
Jeffrey Lawing, OL, South Point — Blocked for 373 yards of offense in 42-7 win over Forestview.
Troy Leeper, RB, South Point — Rushed for 137 yards and two TDs in 42-7 defeat of Forestview.
Devan Robbins, RB, South Point — Gained 114 yards on just five carries and scored twice in 42-7 defeat of Forestview.
Jon Robert Stewart, OL, South Point — Blocked for 373 yards of offense in 42-7 win over Forestview.
DEFENSE
Josh Allman, LB, South Point — Returned an interception for a touchdown and recorded 10 tackles and a quarterback pressure in 42-7 win over Forestview.
Aaron Biggerstaff, LB, South Point — Had eight tackles, two pass break-ups and one interception in 42-7 win over Forestview.
Tristin Fogarty, DB, South Point — Had nine tackles and an interception in 42-7 win over Forestview.
Jordan Forney, LB, South Point — Had 14 tackles and two quarterback pressures in 49-7 win over Forestview.
Deion Jones, DE, South Point — Recorded 10 tackles, forced a fumble and applied two quarterback pressures in 42-7 win over Forestview.
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OCTOBER 2011 | VARSITY FOOTBALL
South Point 49, Forestview 7 —
Five Forestview turnovers led to 35 points for the Red Raiders and South Point cruised to a 49-7 victory over the Jaguars Friday night at Joe Alala Stadium.
South Point (8-0, 4-0, Big South) stayed undefeated on the season while the Jaguars dropped to 2-5 overall and 1-2 in the Big South.
“I was real proud of our defense tonight,” said South Point coach Mickey Lineberger. “I thought we really stepped up.”
The Red Raiders’ defense forced two fumbles and picked off three passes, all of which led to touchdowns by the South Point offense.
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OCTOBER 2011 | VARSITY FOOTBALL
Gaston Gazette Prep football players of the week —
OFFENSE
David Braunscheidel, OL, South Point — Played tackle for line that paved way for 386 rushing and 416 total yards against Ashbrook.
Tyler Bray, RB, South Point — Picked up 107 yards on 11 carries and scored one TD in defeat of Ashbrook.
Patrick Horne, QB, South Point — Rushed for 159 yards and two TDs and completed two of three passes for 30 yards in win over Ashbrook.
Jeffrey Lawing, OL, South Point — Played tackle for line that produced 416 yards of offense in win against Ashbrook.
DEFENSE
Josh Allman, LB, South Point — Recorded 11 tackles and broke up a pass in win against Ashbrook.
Aaron Biggerstaff, LB, South Point — Broke up four passes and recorded 14 tackles in win over Ashbrook.
Jordan Forney, LB, South Point — Broke up one pass to go with 17 tackles in win against Ashbrook.
Jalen Porter, DB, South Point — Had eight tackles and a pass break-up in win against Ashbrook.
Devan Robbins, KR, South Point — Returned a kickoff 95 yards for a TD in win over Ashbrook. Also contributed on offense with 56 rushing yards and a TD.
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SEPTEMBER 2011 | VARSITY FOOTBALL
South Point 56, Ashbrook 7 —
Every team that prepares for South Point High’s football team this year knows it has to stop Red Raiders’ fullback Troy Leeper.
That included Ashbrook entering Friday’s homecoming game at South Point.
Leeper had another good night, but it was his quarterback, Patrick Horne, who left the opposing coach most impressed after the Red Raiders rolled up 416 yards in a 56-7 victory.
“We felt we had to control 44 (Leeper) and 7 (Horne),” Ashbrook coach Greg Hill said. “That 7 just killed us tonight. He really makes that thing go for them and he did a great job tonight.”
South Point improved to 7-0 overall and 3-0 in the Big South 3A Conference after a week in which Horne and Red Raiders coach Mickey Lineberger said they prepared for Ashbrook (3-3, 1-2) to try and take away Leeper.
“We worked all week long about taking what they gave us,” Horne said. “We know Troy is a great back for us, but we also know we have to find other way. The way our line blocked tonight, we had all sorts of ways to be effective on offense.”
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SEPTEMBER 2011 | VARSITY FOOTBALL
Gaston Gazette Prep football players of the week —
OFFENSE
Troy Leeper, RB, South Point — Scored five more touchdowns and rushed for 225 yards on 22 carries in win at Hunter Huss.
DEFENSE
Josh Allman, LB, South Point — Had nine tackles, including one for loss and a quarterback pressure in win at Hunter Huss.
Deryk Dionne, LB, South Point — Recorded 11 tackles, including three for loss, in win at Hunter Huss.
Jordan Forney, LB, South Point — Tallied 11 tackles in win at Hunter Huss.
Deion Jones, DE, South Point — Had two sacks, two fumble recoveries and a blocked punt in win at Hunter Huss.
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SEPTEMBER 2011 | VARSITY FOOTBALL
South Point 42, Hunter Huss 3 —
On a night when the offense wasn’t flawless for once, the South Point defense delivered another gem.
And it started from the first snap.
Hunter Huss fumbled on the game’s opening play, and the Red Raiders scored three plays later in a 42-3 road win Friday.
Deion Jones gladly took the role of the biggest defensive playmaker, recovering the opening fumble in a sign of things to come. The sophomore defensive end blocked a punt, recorded two sacks and eventually recovered a second fumble as South Point held Hunter Huss to 91 yards — its lowest total of the season.
“In practice, coaches teach us get after it, attack, sic ’em, and that’s basically our defense, really,” said Jones, who played at East Gaston a year ago. “My team needed me tonight and I did what I had to do and so did my teammates.”
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SEPTEMBER 2011 | VARSITY FOOTBALL
South Point 42, Kings Mountain 9 —
Kings Mountain High coach Greg Lloyd thought his defensive coordinator Mark Latham came up with a great plan to stop South Point fullback Troy Leeper.
South Point coach Mickey Lineberger agreed.
So how did Leeper rush for a career-high 285 yards and three scores in the Red Raiders 45-9 victory in the Big South 3A Conference opener for both teams?
“We’re just working together, practicing hard and doing the little things,” Leeper said of his offensive unit after it rolled up 549 yards as No. 2-ranked South Point improved to 5-0.
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SEPTEMBER 2011 | VARSITY FOOTBALL
South Point 45, Burns 42 (OT) —
When two unbeaten teams ranked among the state’s top three teams in Class 3A meet this early in the season, fans always hope for a thrilling finish.
Did they ever get that Friday night when No. 2-ranked South Point outlasted No. 3 Burns 45-42 in overtime in front of a capacity crowd at Lineberger Stadium.
“They ran their stuff and ran it well,” Burns coach Matt Beam said. “And we ran our stuff and we ran it well. That was one of the best games I’ve ever been a part of.”
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SEPTEMBER 2011 | VARSITY FOOTBALL
Gaston Gazette Prep football players of the week —
OFFENSE
Troy Leeper, RB, South Point — The senior fullback enjoyed another huge night, rushing for 132 yards and four TDs in Saturday’s win against East Gaston.
Tyler Bray, RB, South Point — Piled up 136 yards on the ground and scored once in defeat of East Gaston.
DEFENSE
Deryk Dionne, LB, South Point — Tallied 10 tackles in win over East Gaston.
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SEPTEMBER 2011 | VARSITY FOOTBALL
South Point 63, East Gaston 6 —
After a pesky storm shifted Black Friday to Saturday, South Point and East Gaston players had to get mentally ready all over again.
South Point looked every bit like its usual Friday self, coasting to a 63-6 home win over its eastern Gaston County rival.
“We were a little disappointed last night having the game called,” senior quarterback Patrick Horne said. “I think that fired us up a little bit for tonight.”
Troy Leeper rushed for 132 yards and four touchdowns and Tyler Bray added 136 yards and a TD on the ground as the Red Raiders (3-0) stayed undefeated entering next week’s home showdown against Burns.
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SEPTEMBER 2011 | VARSITY FOOTBALL
Gaston Gazette Prep football players of the week —
OFFENSE
Troy Leeper, RB, South Point — Put the Red Raiders on his back in Friday’s win at Lincolnton, carrying the ball 40 times for 283 yards and two TDs.
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AUGUST 2011 | VARSITY FOOTBALL
South Point 35, Lincolnton 21 — Ahead one touchdown with 6 1/2 minutes remaining, South Point needed to do one thing: run the clock.
That was rarely a problem on this night.
South Point played keep away most of the first half and put together one final clock-consuming drive to close out a hard-fought 35-21 win at Lincolnton on Friday.
Troy Leeper rushed for 283 yards and two TDs and provided the backbreaking 40-yard run with 90 seconds remaining to set up the final touchdown and help South Point (2-0) turn back a Lincolnton rally.
“We realized they were coming the second half, but we just turned it up,” said Leeper, who ran for 253 yards and two TDs in the matchup last year.
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AUGUST 2011 | VARSITY FOOTBALL
Gaston Gazette Prep football players of the week —
OFFENSE
Tyler Bray, RB, South Point — Gained 169 yards on 14 carries and scored twice in win over Clover.
Troy Leeper, RB, South Point — Rushed for 140 yards and three TDs in defeat of Clover.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
Josh Allman, LB, South Point — Recovered two fumbles in win vs. Clover.
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AUGUST 2011 | VARSITY FOOTBALL
South Point 63, Clover 0 — They beat their former head coach. They beat a South Carolina team for the first time. And, by the looks of things, it won’t be the last time they crush an opponent this season.
South Point dominated every phase of the game in a 63-0 whipping of Clover on Friday, ruining John Devine’s debut as Blue Eagles head coach in the stadium he had called home since 1990.
“We played football about as well as we could play tonight,” said Mickey Lineberger, promoted from offensive coordinator to head coach after Devine’s departure in March.
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AUGUST 2011 | JV FOOTBALL
South Point 35, Clover 17 — Donnie Hunter rushed for three scores and Jaquan Brooks added two more TDs on the ground in the Red Raiders’ season opener.
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