Valiant Effort Falls Short - Loss Doesn't Overshadow Remarkable Season For Red Raiders
November 18, 2012
Although falling just shy of the goal of a state championship, the significant accomplishments of this outstanding team of Red Raiders will ultimately be recognized for the immeasurable value to the South Point football program. Each year the goals are set high and without fail the young men who represent South Point High School on the field of battle rise to the challenge. This year's group, perhaps more than any other, not only met and overcame the challenges, but did so after having lost 27 seniors, many of them starters from last year's Big South 3A Champion squad. This fact alone is a testament to the leadership of the seniors who took the field in practice and on game day. Throughout the season, many of them were recognized for great plays on the field. All should be recognized for their devotion to the team. Senior players, Austin Barlow, Aaron Biggerstaff, Jordan Biggerstaff, Jeth Champion, Daniel Cole, Mykel Davis, Jack Gardner, and Josh Hunter, as well as Cooper Johnson, Tristan Ledford, Jonathan Painter, Devan Robbins, Nimar Smith, Jaydn Steele, Jon Robert Stewart, and Camden Van Pelt provided the example that defines South Point football. Their dedication and hard work helped the team improve as the season progressed.
To suggest that this year's team exceeded expectations is to imply that we had little confidence in their skill, talent, and heart. The expectations for Red Raider football is that games are won, championships are won, and the program maintains a level of high character and respect. This year's team met those expectations but what makes them special is that they accomplished their successes while depending upon several underclassmen to field key positions. A recap of the season reveals the outstanding accomplishments of the South Point Red Raiders who gave 100% effort!
In the first four contests of the season, South Point faced a defending state champion, a state runner-up, an arch rival, and a team that advanced to the semi-final round of the state playoffs last year. A single win against three losses in those matchups could have been understood; two wins and two losses would have been acceptable, and a three and one record would have been cause for celebration. But in those games the Red Raiders defeated Providence Day (34-21), pounded Lincolnton (49-8), crushed East Gaston (78-11), and whipped Burns (37-10). South Point had astoundingly and emphatically opened the 2012 season 4-0! Little did RaiderNation know that this start was a glimpse into the promising future for the Red Raiders.
The conference run proved to be more of the same as South Point cruised through the schedule. Kings Mountain (49-21), Hunter Huss (42-7), and Ashbrook (30-13) put up bigger aspirations than fight against the determined Red Raiders. Forestview (35-21) tried to challenge and North Gaston (49-0) did not qualify as a tune-up for the conference battle that would follow. The final game of the season was a matchup with Crest, another state runner-up, perennial contender, and "door mat" for the Red Raiders for the past five years! The conference heavyweights battled and when the dust finally cleared, South Point had grabbed their six consecutive Big South 3A Conference title! The 42-24 pounding of the Chargers completed an impressive 10-0 run through the regular season and accomplished another goal for the Red Raiders.
As the NCHSAA playoffs approached, South Point was well recognized among the elite teams across the state, an accolade they well deserved. A home playoff win against Berry Academy (55-25) set the stage for a rematch against Crest. The Chargers had easily dispatched Ashbrook the week prior, presumably just for the chance to avenge the conference title loss to the Red Raiders. South Point welcomed the opportunity to show the "D-1 factory" who owns the league! The Red Raiders ended the Chargers' season with a 46-33 victory! South Point's record stood at 12-0 with three games separating them from the ultimate prize. Unfortunately the goal would not be realized in spite of a valiant effort against a strong Statesville Greyhounds team. The Red Raiders finished the season with one loss (overall). To put this accomplishment in perspective, the western representative in the state championship will boast no better as both Statesville and Charlotte Catholic each lost one game in their regular seasons.
The successes of the season will be clouded for a short while, but will never be overshadowed! Because of the astounding heart of the 2012 South Point Red Raiders, RaiderNation will continue to proudly don the "Red!"
We are still RED RAIDERS! And WE'LL BE BACK!
Go Get 'Em, Red!
Notable Facts and Thoughts
Thanks to the parents, coaches, boosters, all who make possible the excitement and sense of community we experience each football season. The "ride" is always enjoyable! Remember, "You can't hide that Raider Pride," but then again why would we?!
