Charger Cheerleaders

We want to congratulate the Charger cheerleaders for bringing home the 1-A Carolina Conference Championship trophy back to Ayden-Grifton High School. It was a close battle between them and the Spring Creek Gators but the Charger ladies prevailed. We are so proud of all of your efforts. Keep up the good work.

End of season

The Charger football team lost their quest for a State Championship in the second round of the playoffs to East Carteret. The guys had a phenomenal season and are looking forward to next year already. We want to congratulate Coach Paul Cornwell and his staff on the awesome job they did this year.

Chargers finish in tie for first place in Carolina 1-A Conference

Ayden-Grifton fell behind by 15 points in the first quarter of this Carolina Conference football game but rallied by scoring 46 unanswered points to earn a share of the league championship on Friday night, defeating North Johnston 52-28.

At the 2:53 mark of the first quarter, the Chargers trailed 21-6. However, Ayden-Grifton (8-3, 4-1 Carolina) pecked away and took the lead for good before the game reached halftime. Matt Dougherty completed a 28-yard touchdown pass to Keith Jones with 1:13 left in the second quarter, pushing the Chargers ahead 22-21.

North Johnston fumbled the football away after a quarterback sack, and Ayden-Grifton scored one more time thanks to the passing ability of Dougherty. Courtney Fuller pulled in a 36-yard TD reception for one of his six catches that totaled 114 yards.

The Chargers ran the ball quite well, too, amassing 314 yards rushing. Perseus Williams rushed 13 times for 143 yards and J.D. Strickland added 113 yards on 18 carries.

Dougherty finished 13-of-16 passing for 173 yards.

Despite the convincing victory, Ayden-Grifton's luck wasn't all that great after the ballgame. The Chargers, North Johnston and North Duplin all finished with one loss in the conference, leading to a draw for seeding purposes for the NCHSAA playoffs. North Johnston received the No. 1 seed, followed by Ayden-Grifton and North Duplin.

Last regular season game next weekend vs. North Johnston

GO CHARGERS !!!!!!

AG vs. Princeton

The chance of someone finding something completely dry out in the elements on this rainy Friday night was about the same as Princeton winning this Carolina Conference football because of the play of Ayden-Grifton offensively and defensively.

Ayden-Grifton coach Paul Cornwell decided for the Chargers to be one of the few programs in eastern North Carolina to play its football game because he didn't want to push back the contest to Monday and set up short time to prepare for North Johnston with the conference championship at stake. Cornwell's team took the same approach it's used to win seven games in 10 tries.

"I am a pound-the-rock kind of guy," said Cornwell, whose team is 7-3 overall and 3-1 in the Carolina Conference.

Josh Hunter and J.D. Strickland did most of the pounding between the tackles, combining for 101 yards primarily on dive plays like Strickland's that went for a 14-yard touchdown run to cap a 24-point second quarter.

Perseus Williams and Jeremy Hardy had the honors of taking sweep plays around the end, which both did effectively, including Williams' 44-yard run for Ayden-Grifton's first touchdown. Williams had what would have been a 70-yard TD run erased by a penalty, but he still gained 149 yards on just 10 carries.

Princeton (2-8, 0-4) finished the first half with minus-14 yards. The Bulldogs' longest play went for just 10 yards until tailback Gerrell Bogle broke through Ayden-Grifton's line of second-string defenders for an 81-yard gain. Jarvis Murphy made a touchdown-saving tackle at the Ayden-Grifton 15-yard line. Princeton ran three more plays and advanced the football to the 1, but time ran out and the Chargers' reserves kept the shutout — their third of the season — intact.

"They showed a lot of toughness to have that big stand there at the end," Cornwell said. "That's pride. That's not trying to give up the score. Those guys practice hard every day. They wanted to make a play when they were in the game."

Cornwell is looking for his athletes to make plays next weekd against North Johnston, which had its game at Spring Creek postponed until Monday. Next Friday night's ballgame in Kenly is a must-win for the Chargers if they want a share of the league title because they lost last week at North Duplin.

"Our goals are still in front of us," Cornwell said. "We've still got a chance to win a conference championship. We've got to take care of business and we may need some help. We've got to come out and fight. We did a pretty good job of that tonight. I hope next week we'll come out with the same intensity and hopefully get another win."

New hat...Show your colors proudly!!!

I ordered some hats that will make great Christmas presents. Look at the Aycock hat to get an idea. The top will say Ayden-Grifton and the bottom will say Track and Field. The middle will be a gold Chargers. They are for sale for $15.00. Get yours while they last. The camo is similar to the Realtree design.I just ordered them Friday. They should be here in 3 weeks. Just in time for Christmas...

Chargers lose in a close battle

The Chargers lost a close game tonight against North Duplin by the score of 16-7. The Chargers are home again next week.

Game tonight

Ayden-Grifton face North Duplin tonight at their place. I will have after game highlights first thing tomorrow...Go Chargers.

Matt Dougherty

LITTLEFIELD — Matt Dougherty has gone from wet behind the ears to a key piece of the Ayden-Grifton football team in just more than a year.

Putting on the pads for the first time as a sophomore, Dougherty has become one of the top quarterbacks in the Carolina 1-A Conference this season, and the junior seems to be improving more each week.


Ayden-Grifton quarterback Matt Dougherty has become a leader for the Charger offense in just his second season of playing football.


"Ever since I was little, I always wanted to play quarterback, so I would go out and throw the football and things like that," said Dougherty, who has thrown nine touchdown passes and run for another this season. "My favorite player was Troy Aikman and I really looked up to him, so it's pretty cool."

Dougherty admits his signal-calling is still a work in progress and he's got a ways to go before reaching the level of his football idol, but for now, the Chargers (6-2, 2-0 Carolina) would just be happy if he could continue his recent play as they travel to North Duplin tonight.

And why not? Dougherty's recent efforts have led A-G to consecutive conference wins since a disappointing nonconference loss against North Pitt three weeks ago. In those victories, the Charger offense has averaged 50 points.

"We can't get ahead of ourselves, but we are doing a whole lot better than we were doing," said Dougherty, who says the team has learned from the mistakes it made against NP.

The adjustment to football was eased by Dougherty's natural athleticism, which has allowed him to also play basketball, soccer, baseball and run track for A-G. Also helping Dougherty become accustomed to the quarterback position have been a host of experienced players, who Dougherty says have also made things easier with their ability to make plays.

Among the weapons Dougherty has at his disposal are receivers Courtney Fuller and Keith Jones along with running backs J.D. Strickland, Jeremy Hardy and Perseus Williams. An improved offensive line has also made a difference.

"The coaches were kind of on them, but they've really picked it up lately," Dougherty said of the offensive line. "The team has really helped me out and talked to me to give me confidence, and I appreciate that. The coaches have also helped a lot, and I'm really happy with the way they work with me."

Dougherty's technique has been the biggest focus of the coaches who have worked with him since last year, and he says he plans to attend a football camp this summer to assist with that as well. In the meantime, Dougherty is still hoping to perfect an aspect of his game that only he can control.

"I want to step up and be a leader like coach has been asking me to do all year," Dougherty said. "That's very important when you're a quarterback, and I think I can be one."

Sidenote-Matt was a member of our 16oo meter relay team that were the regional champions last year. He also ran the 800 meter run, the mile and the two mile in addition to the 1600 meter relay. Great job Matt. We wish you continued good luck this season and we are all looking forward to track this year...Coach D.
Brock Letchworth/The Daily Reflector

Ayden-Grifton squashes Spring Creek

The Ayden-Grifton Chargers improved to 2-0 in Carolina 1-A Conference play as they routed the Spring Creek Gators 57-0 on Friday night. "This was the most complete game on both sides of the ball that I've seen since I took over this program," Ayden-Grifton coach Paul Cornwell said. The Chargers won the coin toss, elected to receive and never looked back. Jeremy Hardy took the opening kickoff at the Gator 18 and raced 47 yards to the A-G 35-yard line immediately putting the Chargers in business. The Chargers would score on their second play from scrimmage when Matt Dougherty hit Keith Jones with a 22-yard touchdown pass. After a Spring Creek fumble, the Chargers would score on a J.D. Strickland 3-yard run making the score 14-0 and that would end the scoring for the first quarter. The second quarter was no different as A-G continued to dominate, scoring on each of its two possessions, making the score 28-0 at halftime. The second half was much of the same as A-G continued to pound the ball, and score at will. The Chargers scored on every possession except one. The Ayden-Grifton defense recovered four fumbles and had one interception. The Charger offense took advantage of the turnovers, mounting scoring drives after each. Six different Chargers scored on the night. "We've had our ups and downs this season, and we're beginning to gel. I'm proud of our coaching staff because they made a plan and the kids executed," Cornwell said. The Chargers had 419 yards of total offense, and their defense held the Gators to just 114 yards in their shutout effort. Ayden-Grifton (6-2, 2-0 Carolina) will go on the road to face North Duplin next Friday night. Courtesy of the Daily Reflector

Homecoming

Homecoming

Tim Cook as Mr. A.G.

Brit and Chelsea with their game faces on...

Are you ready for some football???

Ayden-Grifton vs Spring Creek

Be there under the lights tomorrow night to see homecoming. Game time is at 730 p.m.

Homecoming at Ayden-Grifton High School

Our team. Go Chargers!!!

Our principal Mr. Frazier

Part of our homecoming court

Varsity Cheerleaders

Spectators supporting AG athletics. Thanks...

The McLawhorn's supporting AG athletics

Our State representative Ms. Marion McLawhorn and her husband watching our parade. Thanks for your support.

Homecoming week....Go Chargers

AGHS Announces Homecoming Activities - Tuesday, September 05, 2006 at 11:50
Ayden-Grifton High School’s homecoming football game this year will be Friday, October 13 against Spring Creek. Two key events are planned for the week that will build school pride and community spirit. On Wednesday, October 11 at 6:30, the town of Grifton will host the school’s 10th annual homecoming parade. Units will assemble north of Grifton School on Dawson Street. The parade will feature the Ayden-Grifton High School Marching Chargers, the fall athletic teams, and floats from various clubs and organizations. In addition, the community will have their first chance to see the 24 girls who have been elected to the 2006 homecoming court. Other clubs, schools, or organizations should contact the high school before Friday, October 6 if they would like to enter the parade.
The culmination of this year’s festivities will be at half time during Friday night’s football game when the 24 girls of the 2006 Ayden-Grifton High School Homecoming court take the field. Each class has elected six young ladies, and each lady will be escorted on to the field while the Ayden-Grifton High School band plays. After the girls have assembled, the Student Government Association will announce the princess from each class and the 2006 homecoming queen. The entire community is encouraged to support the school during this special week.

IHOP early in the a.m. Who says kids can't get up early?

Part of the AGHS football team enjoying some early morning fellowship Friday before their first conference game against rival Rosewood High School.
Go Chargers...

Chargers victorious again

Ayden-Grifton 43

Rosewood 21

GOLDSBORO — Ayden-Grifton won its first Carolina Conference football game on Friday night, whipping Rosewood 43-21.

The victory lifted the Chargers to 5-2 overall and 1-0 in the conference.

Ayden-Grifton will play host to Spring Creek next Friday night.

Ayden-Grifton pics from last night's game..

Cheerleaders taking a short break

2 Motivated Charger supporters

Jack and Matt

Our motivated band...Great job...You all are so awesome

Hard Core Charger Fans...

Hard loss to North Pitt

North Pitt came into Ayden-Grifton without a win last night. The Panthers scored twice to deal the Chargers only its second loss this season. The final score was 14-6. The Chargers are now 4-2. Next week the Chargers start conference play against rival Rosewood. The game is away and starts at 7:30 p.m.

Ayden-Grifton demolishes Farmville

A-G stormed out to a 28-0 first-half lead before eventually earning a 28-8 win over the Jaguars at Ayden-Grifton High School.
"I couldn't be happier," Cornwell said. "We've worked hard to make ourselves a better football team, and I think tonight we finally played the way we're capable of playing."
The Chargers (4-1) started their domination from the outset, marching 78 yards in 6 minutes, 22 seconds before fullback J.D. Strickland's 1-yard touchdown run capped the 13-play drive and gave A-G a 6-0 lead. After only five FC plays, Strickland struck again for the Chargers from 1-yard out to cap a 10-play, 69-yard drive that ate up 4:01.
Another stalled Jaguar drive gave rise to another lengthy drive by A-G — 11 plays for 60 yards in 4:58 — which concluded with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Matt Dougherty to a leaping Courtney Fuller in the back of the end zone to make it 22-0.
"Any football game when you play, you've got to be able to control the line of scrimmage and we talk about that every single day," Cornwell said. "It's not about going through the motions, it's about winning every play. That's what we tried to do tonight, win every play."
Pictured above is 100 and 200 meter sprinter Perseus Williams
Courtesy of Daily Reflector

The Chargers roll past Farmville to go 4-1

Chelsea and Katie

Keith Jones

Charger fan of the year

Coach Pearson

Coach Cannon joined by future football star!!!

The Chargers won tonight bringing their record to 4-1. What a great game. The team will face North Pitt at home next Friday night.

Head Coach Paul Cornwell

We want to congratulate Paul Cornwell and his awesome staff on the great job they have done so far this year. The is Coach Cornwell's second year at the helm and the guys are looking better than ever. Our Chargers are now 3-1. They will face cross county rival Farmville Central at home next Friday night at 7:30 p.m. Be there under the lights to support these great athletes...

Chargers win again

The Ayden-Grifton Chargers ran their record to 3-1, bouncing back from their loss to Greene Central last week to beat South Robeson, 22-6."We played good defensive football tonight," Ayden-Grifton coach Paul Cornwell said.
The Chargers struck quickly, scoring on their third play from scrimmage on an inside handoff to Jeremy Hardy. The junior running back scored from 13 yards out, which followed his second play of a 70-yard pass reception. That reception set up first and 10 on the 13. The Chargers converted on the two-point conversion attempt when Perseus Williams out-ran the Broncos' defense to the home field pylon making the score 8-0 with 10:41 left in the first quarter.
From that point in the game, it was three-and-out for both squads when the defenses stepped up. Early in the second quarter, Hardy scored again from 4 yards out to give A-G a 16-0 lead.
The Broncos came out for the second half pumped, taking their first possession and marching 69 yards in a 10-play scoring drive that ended with a 6-yard touchdown pass.
The Chargers added another score in the fourth quarter when Hardy ran for his third TD of the night. The Chargers were led by the running back duo of Hardy, who had 98 yards on 10 carries with three touchdowns, and J.D. Strickland, who had 133 yards on 24 carries.
The Charger defense held the Broncos to 160 yards of total offense and 15 tackles for loss, including five sacks.
Ayden-Grifton (3-1) will host Farmville Central next Friday.
Courtesy of the Daily Reflector

Ayden Collard Festival Road Race

September 9, 2006
Downtown Ayden, NC
5K Road Race: 8:00 am
1 Mile Fun Run/Walk: 7:45 am
T-Shirts
will be given to all 5K and Mile participants while supplies last
Awards
Top Overall Male and Female, Top Two in Each Age Group
Divisions
12 and Under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over
Registration --
mail form to:
PO Box 186, Ayden, NC 28513
Make checks payable to:
Ayden Collard Festival Road Race
5K Entry Fee
$15.00 on or before August 27, 2006
$18.00 after
Mile Fun Run/
Walk entry fee
$10.00

AG's Tough Defense

Josh Hunter and Andrell Tyson keep finding new ways to make themselves angry before stepping onto the football field.
But their scowls consistently keep smiles on the faces of Ayden-Grifton fans."To me, it's the only way I know how to play," Hunter said. "You've got to have that anger inside of you that makes you want to get to the ball. I think it helps a lot when you're playing defense."
Opposing quarterbacks would agree. The A-G senior defensive linemen have haunted signal-callers during their combined seven seasons of varsity play, and this year they've taken on a new responsibility — leadership.
It's the latter quality that Chargers coach Paul Cornwell is counting on most from Hunter and Tyson, and through the first two weeks of play the coach has liked what he's seen.
"They held it down last year for us, and now they're seniors and this is their chance to be on top," Cornwell said. "So far they've done a great job as kind of the anchors of our defense. If they're playing well then we've got a good chance, and if they're not then we're in trouble."
The Chargers (2-0) are coming off a shutout victory over Northside led by the efforts of Hunter and Tyson. Cornwell is hopeful he'll get a similar result from his squad tonight when it hosts cross-county rival North Pitt in a game that was moved up one day due to the forecast of heavy rain.
A-G rolled past NP by a 53-7 count last season in Bethel.
Sidenote- Josh finished 6th in the discus at the state track meet last year.
Courtesy of the Daily Reflector