Junior Varsity Rams On A Roll

October 8, 2009

By Joshua Gooding of Greene Central High School


    The Greene Central junior varsity football team is off to a perfect 4-0 season in 2009.
    “We have an outstanding group of freshmen guys who have helped with our success so far,” said head junior varsity coach Jeff Carrow.
    The coaching staff for 2009 consists of Kenneth Grantham, Spence Grantham, Andrea Quinerly, Jeff Carrow, Marvett Shackelford, Jayme Tilly, Patrick Sams, and Jason Bracey.
    “The goal of a junior varsity team isn't winning or losing but improving the whole program from the bottom up.  Everyone working with the junior varsity program works with the varsity program in the same capacity; this ensures consistency in the teaching process for each position, each year,” said head varsity coach Kenneth Graham.
    The junior varsity team has defeated Ayden-Grifton (18-6), Charles B. Aycock (34-16), Eastern Wayne High School (30-12), and North Lenoir High School (42-14) this season.
    “It is hard to say who exactly our leaders are because there are so many guys that step up and lead by example; if I had to name a few, they would be Rasheem Shackleford, Isiah Kirkmen, Raheem Best, Brian Greene, Rodney Johnson, and Alex Deans; these are all returners from last year's team that have stuck it out and have blossomed into good ball players and great young men,” said Carrow.
    The coaches came together and nominated two “Impact Players." These are players who have improved greatly through the junior varsity program.  The Offensive Impact Player is Rasheem Shackleford, and the Defensive Impact player is Raheem Best.
    “Rasheem Shackelford is a young man who had his growing pains last year at quarterback, but has developed into a smart player and at times a big time play-maker.  Rasheem Best has been a leader for us on and off the field; he is a strong defensive player and a developing offensive player; he is a pleasure to coach,” said Carrow.
    Throughout 2009, the junior varsity team will play a total of ten times.  Future opponents include Wilson Beddingfield, North Pitt, Tarboro, Kinston High, Southwest Edgecombe, and Farmville Central.
    “A junior varsity team is to provide the opportunity for a sophomore or freshman player to gain experience in that sport until they are prepared enough to contribute on the varsity team.  To build a solid program, you have to develop players physically, mentally, and emotionally, first,” said Grantham.
    “The thing that has helped me the most is the amount of practice time.  We practice full-speed plays until we get them 100% correct,” said sophomore Rasheem Best.
    By playing a full ten game regular season, the junior varsity players will become physically, emotionally, and mentally stronger.  This comes though rigorous physical training, victory, and defeat, and though the team has yet to experience defeat, it takes a mentally and emotionally strong individual to accept victory as well.
    “ We've enjoyed the successes of the junior varsity team to this point of the year, but I realize it doesn't correlate to success on the varsity unless these players make the kind of off-season commitment it takes to improve on what is already being done by the current varsity players,” said Grantham.