All in football
Lexington, NC – Friday nights under the lights are often where legends are born, and for Lexington Yellow Jackets senior Kamari McDonald, September 8th, 2023, will forever be etched in the annals of North Carolina high school football. In a dominant 40-0 shutout victory over East Davidson, McDonald didn't just make an impact; he rewrote the NCHSAA record books, recording an unprecedented three interception returns for touchdowns.
can still recall the first time I met Coach Mackey. Our interactions were filled with jokes and laughter, a testament to his genuine and approachable personality. He has a way of making you feel at ease, of brightening a room with his infectious humor. But beneath that lighthearted exterior lay an unwavering intensity and a fierce dedication to his craft. When it was time to work, Coach Mackey transformed. I remember the days of him yelling "set up for power cleans," pushing us to give every ounce of effort and leave nothing behind. He instilled in us a work ethic that was, above all, rooted in belief. He believed in our potential, and in doing so, he taught us to believe in ourselves.
May's professional journey began when he was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the seventh round of the 1992 NFL Draft with the 174th overall pick. He spent five seasons with the Chargers, from 1992 to 1996, establishing himself as a reliable player. After his time in San Diego, he moved to the Seattle Seahawks, where he played for three seasons from 1997 to 1999. Over his eight-season career, May's professional stats as a tight end included 26 receptions, 238 receiving yards, and 1 touchdown. While these stats may not be flashy, they reflect a player who was a crucial part of his team, often contributing through blocking and special teams, roles that are vital to a team's success but aren't always reflected in the stat sheet.
Ray was a standout multi-sport athlete at Thomasville High, excelling in football, basketball, and track. Beyond his athletic achievements, he was also a stellar student, graduating in the top 10 of his class with an impressive 3.9 GPA. For Ray, this academic excellence wasn't just a personal goal; it was a non-negotiable expectation set by his parents. "Education was always a must in our household," he states, crediting his mother and father for instilling in him the seriousness of his studies. This foundation of discipline and dedication would prove invaluable in the years to come.
This year, "The Huddle" is ready to take you closer to the action than ever before. We're not just reporting scores; we're immersing ourselves in the heart of the game. Our team will be bringing you live coverage from the sidelines, capturing the raw emotion, the crucial plays, and the unforgettable moments as they happen. Imagine being able to follow your favorite team's drive, cheer on a game-winning touchdown, or witness a crucial defensive stop, all in real-time, right there with Davidson Local.
On Thursday at Bulldog territory, Assistant Coach Travis Leonard of Thomasville High School discussed the lineman preparation at the school. He shared insights into how the program is actively building and working towards a winning season, focusing on developing plays and strengthening fundamental skills.
The Yellow Jackets showed impressive early form in their recent scrimmage, demonstrating a strong offensive and defensive presence that has fans optimistic for the season. Despite the promising display, Assistant Coach Clodfelter was quick to temper expectations, emphasizing the critical role of continued preparation. "This was a good start," Clodfelter stated, "but success in the regular season will hinge entirely on our dedication to daily practice and meticulous game planning. We need to preach preparation every single day."
