On the Prowl: Football at High Point

[TheLeviticalLawKid3]

About three years ago...

High Point University to Sponsor Football Starting in 2009

HIGH POINT, NC- New High Point University Athletic Director Craig Keiletz announced yesterday that the University will start a football program, with the team taking the field in the fall of 2009.
In Keiletz's first ever press conference since joining HPU from Wake Forest, the major announcement was unveiled, and there's more to it than just a football team.
"High Point will not only play football in 2009, but it will be in the Football Bowl Subdivision as an independent, with plans to join a conference later on after success. The team will be the newest member of the 'Big Boys' of College Football, and we've got the blueprints for success starting with a head coach that has passion for starting football here for the Panthers."
The announcement wasn't so shocking. Rumors had floated around campus and President Quebin had hinted towards the possibility of a team this time last year. Panther students and alumni packed the press conference in eager for the big announcement. Finally, football here at High Point.
"This is great. [Keiletz] was a great hire and he made this all possible. The High Point family has been wanting football for some time now, and now this: a team plus the FBS upgrade," alumnus and High Point native Brad O'Reilly said. "I can't wait to see the new stadium."
Football stadium plans were unveiled along with the team announcement. The HPU Football Complex will be a state-of-the-art football stadium complete with an indoor practice facility, weight rooms, coaches' offices, and luxury box.
Candidates for head coach were released as well yesterday. The front runner right now seems to be former Auburn offensive coordinator and, more recently, ESPN analyst Junior Dewrell. The 59 year-old Dewrell has been out of coaching for three years but has expressed desire to build the program at HPU. Other candidates include Duke OC Kurt Roper and Gardner-Webb coach Steve Patton. More information on the team will be released soon, Keiletz says.

[Trakan31]

I for sure am following this I'm excited to see what Highpoint University is going ot do the next few years!! I fya need any help plz let me know

[AD2084]

Very nice intro man, this should be fun to follow.

[TheLeviticalLawKid3]

ESPN Analyst and Former SEC OC Named HPU's First Coach

HIGH POINT, NC- Insanely popular High Point athletic director Craig Keilietz announced the High Point Panthers' first ever football coach today. Junior Dewrell, former ESPN College Football Live analyst and Auburn Offensive Coordinator, was introduced as the Panther head man on the steps of the newly built HPU Football Complex's Office Building. Dewrell was the obvious choice for the Panthers, he expressed desire to build his own program several times in his three years as a college football analyst. After fellow analyst Bill Curry started up the program at Georgia State and hearing of the new team at High Point, Dewrell quickly became the #1 contender for the job.
"It comes as no surprise for me to introduce our new football coach. This is only to make this official. The rumors are true and Junior Dewrell is our man at High Point," Keiletz announced in front of hundreds of the HPU faithful, whose thunderous applause caused the new HC to smile.
"That's what I'm talking about," Dewrell said in his first sentence as the new head coach for the Panthers. "I am extremely excited about this job. It has always been my dream to build my own program from scratch and not worry about silly traditions and alumni breathing down my neck. These next three years will be filled with getting the top players to come to HPU with the draw of making history and immediate playing time.
"My coaching staff will be the best possibly I can assemble. No one will ever question my dedication to High Point. I came out of retirement for this job, and, when I'm done, I'll retire again," Dewrell boldly proclaimed to the roaring delight of the crowd.
"My days as a QB in the NFL and as an offensive coordinator at the most prestigeous conference in all of football, the SEC, has prepared me for this. I will call all of the plays offensively and our defense will be coached by one of my best friends and the finest defensive coordinator I know," Dewrell said. "The young and fiery Brad Montgomery will be my first hire as head coach of the Panthers."
Montgomery, the 26-year old DC for defending FCS National Champion Richmond will join the High Point staff, with his first official day being Monday.
Dewrell's final comment at the introductory press conference created what some call the loudest crowd noise they've ever heard at High Point, all without even a single down of football to be played in years:
"Get ready for some football, High Point. We will not be doormats. We will be champions."

[TheLeviticalLawKid3]

Jump ahead to May 2009...

The Wait is Over

HIGH POINT, NC- After years of waiting and more waiting, fans got to experience High Point football with the Panthers' first ever HPU Spring Showdown. The biggest scrimmage of Spring Training was open to all fans, and a packed house of 22,000+ filled the HPU Football Complex in anticipation of the game. Fans were treated to a showdown of the quarterbacks, as Brantley, AL native Dameyune Washington and Lafollette, TN's Dustin Buckner showed off their skills in a high scoring matchup.
"It wasn't just that our defenses were bad," HC Junior Dewrell said after the game. "It was more of our offenses overpowering the game. Our guys have picked up this offense really well and are cruising right along. Coach Montgomery's defenses made some great plays, but our offenses stole the show."
The Washington-led Black team pulled out an impressive 4th quarter rally to defeat Buckner's Purple squad, 49-38. The speedy Washington scored five touchdowns, three in the air and two on the ground, and running back DeAndre Warrick powered for the other two TDs for the Black. The Purple squad saw Buckner throw four TD passes, including one 78-yarder, and Hunter Perkins bounced outside on a toss play for the other six spot. The Black defense was the only one to force turnovers, with two fumbles and one Buckner interception.
"That INT was a perfect example of a great play. It looked like Buckner had found Jordan Kellogg wide open in the end zone, but PJ Sharp made an amazing one-handed grab and stayed in bounds to get the pick," Dewrell recalls. "Sharp prevented the Purple team from going up and that turnover led to the nail in the coffin, when DeAndre broke four tackles on his way to the endzone.
"If this game didn't get you excited about this season, nothing will. I have never seen a spring game like this. The fans were rabid and both teams gave all they had in this scrimmage. Over the past three years, these guys have been practicing for this moment, to step out in front of the faithful and show them what it's gonna be like this year.
"Our offense is going to be able to hang with anybody this year, regardless of how big they are. The defense has some bugs in it, but we'll work it out from now til September. The team is eager, our fans are eager, and I can't wait until that opener in Raleigh. The Wolf Pack better get ready, because we're ready to steal the show and get some national recognition. I had my doubts about their record this year, but, after seeing this game and this explosion on offense, I guarantee a winning record and a bowl game."
The first Saturday in September will be a big one, indeed. The Panthers will travel to NC State for their first ever ball game, and most say it will be a televised one. Expect a Raycom ACC game or a regional ESPNU early afternoon event. Mark the day on your calendars, because history will be made.

[AD2084]

Nice read man, I'm ready to see this season start. High Point lets get it! lol

[Trakan31]

Oh boy am I pumped up about me some HPU football!! Cmon boys lets go!! This is going to be an awesome story!!

[TheLeviticalLawKid3]

I just did bits and pieces of the Thursday night "broadcast". Enjoy.

The High Point Huddle
With Coach Dewrell
HIGHLIGHTS OF BROADCAST:

Trey West: Hello, everyone, to our first ever High Point Huddle with Coach Dewrell here on the new High Point ISP Sports Network, your home for the Panthers. After years of waiting, football is almost here at the University, and we’re here at the Red Eye Sports Grill to get set for this exciting inaugural season of HPU football. I’m Trey West alongside my broadcast partners Jamal Jackson and “Big Z”, Ezekiel Jones. Tonight we’ll hear from Coach Dewrell and other members of the Panther coaching staff, take some questions from callers and live audience members here at the Red Eye, and have a very special interview with AD Craig Keiletz. I’m excited for tonight and Saturday against the Wolf Pack, how you feeling, J?

Jamal Jackson: I can hardly wait for Saturday in Raleigh. Football was always special in my life, and it’s just plain wrong to have not seen it here at High Point during my basketball days and now as a commentator. Now it’s finally here to stay at HPU. I’m ecstatic.

TW: How about you, Z?
Zeke Jones: Man, this is something special. Like J, I played football all my life until my days here at the Point, and to be a part of something special like HPU Football as a sideline reporter…man, this is awesome.


TW: Coach Dewrell has now joined us. Coach, how you feeling tonight?

Junior Dewrell: Just like all of ya’ll…I’m anxiously awaiting Saturday. Been waiting on this day for three whole years. Just to get back on the sideline and see the program we’ve built from nothing come to life against a BCS school, it’s amazing. Can’t wait for Saturday.


TW: Coach, you’ve made some pretty bold predictions here since joining HPU. Guarantees of bowl games, national attention from upsets, that sort of thing. After seeing this crew starting to take shape, what do you have to say about those?

JD: I stand behind every word I’ve said since joining the HPU family. Promises and guarantees…all rock solid. This team is going to shock America.


ZJ: Coach, almost out of time for tonight. What are you most excited about this season?

JD: Our offense is rolling fast with the new playbook, the 3-3-5 is an amazing defense that Coach Montgomery has taught our kids, and the special teams might just be some of the best in the country. Dameyune Washington’s gonna be the starting quarterback, Dustin Buckner will run the Wildcat, and we’ll have a steady rotation of running backs in the offense. Defense is full of guys who aren’t stars, just hard-working athletes that have meshed extremely well as a team.

JJ: The special teams has two inexperienced starters. What do you expect from them?

JD: Aren’t they all inexperienced?

JJ: Haha. True, true, Coach.

JD: I’ll leave you guys and everyone else with this. Our specialists, Tay Foster and Jason Dooley may be inexperienced as football players, but they are the two finest athletes we’ve got on the team. Tay is the fastest player I’ve ever coached, and will be a nightmare for coverage teams. Jason kicks the stew out of the football, and will help us win ball games…plus he runs like a deer, so look out. Couple that with the most improved offense and defense in the spring I have ever seen, and we’ve got a force to be reckoned with. When I say we are gonna turn heads, we are. Count on it. It’s been a great show, guys. See ya’ll Saturday in Raleigh.

TW: Thanks, Coach. And we’ll see you too in Raleigh, or you can hear us right here on the new Panther ISP Sports Network. Coverage begins at 10 AM with the Kroger Kountdown to Kickoff and kickoff is scheduled for noon ET on Raycom ACC Football. Check local listings, or find your station wherever you are at HighPointPanthers.com. For Zeke Jones and Jamal Jackson, thanks for listening…and we’ll see you again Saturday for a historical afternoon in Raleigh as your HPU Panthers face the NC State Wolf Pack. I’m Trey West, saying so long, from an amazing atmosphere at the Red Eye. Good night, fans!

[Trakan31]

WOW! THta is absolutely amazing man! Your doing some tremedous work with this!! I cannot wait to keep following!!

Can we as fans ask coach dewrell ?'s or have them sent to be ask?

Heres mine,

Coach, What is the offensive mind set? Formations wise

Coach any news on what your offensive and defensive depth chart will look like before saturday?

Last thing coach, Are you a risk taker or more of a conservative guy?

[TheLeviticalLawKid3]

• We're gonna run that Gus Malzahn-style offense here at High Point. We used that and it worked extremely well at Auburn and the other schools I coached at.
• The main thing you'll probably see is Washington run the normal offense and the quick Buckner run the Wild Panther. Three running backs will rotate consistently, and the defense will be normal in and out.
• Risk taker. You can't be a conservative guy and win at this game. You will have to take risks. I'm not an idiot, I've got football sense, but we've got to take some risks. Get ready for them.