Minus Knight, Southern Nash still looking forward to big season

Despite losing star RB Zonovan "Bam" Knight to graduation, Southern Nash believes it could be in store for yet another strong season. Wake Forest University commit Quinton Cooley is going to be a major player for the Firebirds.

Posted 4:29 p.m. Jun 21, 2019 — Updated 5:52 p.m. Jun 21, 2019

Joel Bryant

, HighSchoolOT reporter

BAILEY, N.C. — Over the past 10 years, coach Brian Foster’s Southern Nash football team has been one of the most consistent programs in the eastern part of the state. Since 2009, the Firebirds have had a 96-30 overall record. Southern also hasn't lost a conference game since 2015.

As many know, Southern Nash has been the home to some outstanding talent in the past. The biggest example of that elite talent would be Julius Peppers. Recently, Zonovan “Bam” Knight was a terror running the rock for three seasons at the varsity level. Knight is currently bracing for his freshman season at NC State.

While the loss of Knight will certainly sting, Southern Nash is a formidable program that is capable of finding other ways to win. The Firebirds still have a significant amount of talent returning and are bringing up some athletes with potential from JV.

Last Year

Varsity Record: 10-1 (5-0 Big East 3A)

JV Record: 8-2

Thanks in part to Knight, the Firebirds averaged a ridiculous 57.3 points per game in 2018, which topped the state by the margin of a touchdown.

Southern Nash outpaced its four non-conference opponents 226-76.

When conference play began in October, the Firebirds put up back-to-back 60-point outings against Wilson schools Fike and Hunt. Southern's biggest test of conference pay happened on October 25th against Rocky Mount. The Firebirds held off the Gryphons 35-21. Southern flew past Franklinton in the following week and then beat Northern Nash in a 72-50 shootout to end the season.

In the first round of the playoffs, Southern Nash blasted C.B. Aycock 63-0.

Southern Nash's season ended in the second round vs. Eastern Alamance. Zonovan Knight had to exit the game with an injury and the Eagles were able to come back in the fourth quarter. Ultimately, Southern was one point away from taking Eastern Alamance to overtime. If Knight had not gone down with the injury, the Firebirds may have been able to hold possession long enough to prevent the 22-point comeback.

Players to Watch

Quinton Cooley, RB (Sr.) - The Wake Forest University commit rushed for 1,756 yards and 30 touchdowns as a junior. Cooley also had three receiving touchdowns.

Southern Nash RB Cooley commits to Wake Forest

Matt Foster, QB (Sr.) - In his junior season, Foster completed 20 of 40 passes for 362 yards and eight touchdowns. Son of coach Brian Foster.

Daylon Whitley, FB (Sr.) - Rushed for 338 yards and scored nine total touchdowns in his junior season.

Jackson Vick, CB (So.) - Vick had an impressive season as a freshman on varsity, tallying 36 tackles. Vick is expected to be a fixture of the defense as a sophomore.

Izaiah Walker-Warren, WR (Sr.) - Foster is excited to have Walker-Warren back after he transferred to Airport High School in South Carolina for his junior year. He holds an offer from NC Central.

What’s New this Year?

At Southern Nash, not much is ever going to change year-to-year. It’ll be the same scheme, same philosophies, and the same work ethic that followers have been accustomed to over the entirety of Foster’s stint as the head coach.

The Firebirds are still going to pound the rock and share the wealth offensively. While Knight has moved on to NC State, Quinton Cooley is still in the mix. Cooley had an outstanding junior season and has looked really good during the offseason. This season, Cooley will be a top running back in the entire state. Joining Cooley in the backfield will be fullback Daylon Whitley, who had a productive junior season as well. Southern Nash has had great success with running backs in the past largely due to Brian Rice, who has coached the backs for 15 years. Foster's son Mat will be back at quarterback. Foster thinks that Matt has gotten better over the offseason. Luke Watson, Daniel Batchelor, Zach Baker, and Jordan Sam will be back on the offensive line.

Defensively, there will be some new faces in the starting lineup. Southern Nash will have to replace its top four tacklers on last year's team. Rising sophomore Jackson Vick could have a big season for Southern. As a freshman, Vick tallied 36 tackles, two interceptions, six pass deflections, and a fumble recovery. Foster also expects guys like Hunter Thorne, Jason Bland, Devonte Edmundson, Cameron Thompson, and Allen Langley to have solid roles this year.