With the path to playing on fall Saturdays narrowing with every passing year, high school football coaches are working overtime in an effort to gain their athletes much-needed exposure.

“It’s happening a lot to where (football prospects) are having to bet on themselves. Last year, we had a few who fit into that category,” said Ashbrook football coach Darius James. “So we’ve tried to preach to our guys, sometimes you have to bet on yourself. You may have to start out at a junior college, a Lenoir-Rhyne or a Wingate, and go fight for what you want.”

James has been just as dogged in his pursuit to shed a spotlight on Ashbrook athletes, as well as those elsewhere in Gaston County and beyond. His praise was particularly effusive for a pair of Green Wave standouts, though, the sixth-year hea

See Full Page