Friday night was different right from the start. The cold, the crowd and a nearly full moon set the atmosphere for the third-round battle of the undefeated in the 2021 NCHSAA Football Championships-2A tournament. It was standing room only, about four deep at spots around Legion Stadium in Whiteville, with the bleachers at maximum capacity when the St. Pauls Bulldogs came to town to face the Wolfpack.
Those in attendance and listening on the radio already know it was an instant classic. They all also know the pack fell short 38-36.
It was turnovers that cost the Wolfpack this final game. It was an Eddrick James 60-yard pick 6 that seemed to jump start the Bulldogs after a sluggish beginning. It was a hard-fought game with many lead changes. The Wolfpack even got the ball back with under a minute left in the game but could not get it into the end zone or get close enough for a field goal attempt.
For almost an hour after the game the Whiteville players stayed on that cold Legion Stadium field. They were reflecting and saying farewell to those team members who just played their last game in a Wolfpack uniform.
The past few weeks here in Whiteville have been a whirlwind of excitement. All season, fans have watched as the Wolfpack has dismantled their opponents with ease. Confidence was high as the Pack got ready to take on the Bulldogs, who knocked WHS out of the playoffs last year.
The Pack’s No. 2 Zayvion Brady has been one of those players that immediately demands notice. He is a menacing six foot, almost 225-pound linebacker that strikes fear in his opponents.
“I think we had a great season even though it didn’t end how we wanted. We did some things that other teams couldn’t,” Zayvion said. Zayvion plans to attend East Carolina University on a full ride scholarship to play football. He also took time to “… thank the fans, my teammates, coaches and family for their support.”
Brandon Tyson is a dominating force on both sides of the ball. When you put the ball in his hands good things happen. Brandon makes it look easy, making textbook tackles and knocking back defenders as he crosses the goal line. Brandon shared his thoughts on the loss to St. Pauls.
“Well, it ended very unfortunate… We played probably the worst we played all year… but everything comes to an end eventually,” he said. “Our eyes are in the front of our head for a reason so I’m just getting ready for the future now.”
Brandon also plans on continuing his football career. Brandon currently has a Division 1 offer to play at Central, and he is waiting to see if additional offers come in before committing. He also added, “I’m in a grind mode right now. I feel like I gave Whiteville Football my all for four years and I appreciate everyone who rooted for us and how much the coaching staff cares about us. Outside of football, a lot of players don’t get to say that.
“I love my coaches and team no matter the outcome. We set the bar for the young guys.”
Zion Wilson, Levi Herring and Jude Stanley were not available for comment. The Pack was senior heavy this year, with a number of football players ending their Wolfpack careers. Among those leaving WHS this year are Tylek Bellamy, E.J. McLoud, Daejuan Thompson, Shaheem Shipman, Jermaine Shipman, Christian Rorie, Tyler Hammond, Jordan Kelly, Ethan Mercer, Grant Green and Lamarion Avant.
