EZ Smith bringing the Bell to midfield to give it to the WONDER captains and the captains pulling it to the Kannapolis side of the field after the K-town victory in 2007>>>>>>.

Independent Tribune Player of the Game Award

2005...Sean Fortson(Kannapolis)
2006...Lance Lewis(Concord)
2007...Jonathan Efird(Kannapolis)
2008...Jamill Lott(Kannapolis)
2009...Jalen Brown(Concord) 

WCNC Player of the Week...2007 Bell Game

Our player of the week comes from another big rivalry game Friday night. A.L. Brown quarterback Jonathan Efird threw for 218 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 58 yards as the Wonders downed Concord 45-25 to win the Battle of the Bell.

Brown-Concord: Rivals since 1931

Publication Salisbury Post
Date September 15, 2004
Section(s) Sports
Page
Byline Mike London Kannapolis Citizen The neighboring schools had talked about playing for several years
Brief Brown-Concord: Rivals since 1931
By Mike London

By Mike London

Kannapolis Citizen

The neighboring schools had talked about playing for several years, but nothing happened until Concord and Kannapolis' Cannon High finally collided at Webb Field to open the 1931 season.

The weather was horrendous, but several hundred diehard fans showed up, anyway, and a very special rivalry was born.

There has never been a pause for breath. Concord-Kannapolis weathered War World II, desegregation, Vietnam and 9-11, and it will probably keep weathering all obstacles until the end of time.

Odd years the teams meet in Concord, even years in Kannapolis.

Yesterday, tomorrow and always.

The series that had its roots in September gradually became an October staple.

Eventually it found its niche as an end-of-the-regular-season classic in November.

Today, the series is the first one mentioned around the state when the discussion turns to great prep rivalries, and everyone from Murphy to Manteo can tell you that the schools play not only for community pride but for a "Victory Bell" that was donated decades ago by Southern Railroad.

Games have usually been played on Friday night, but the Little Wonders -- just plain Wonders after Bob "There's nothing little about us" Boswell took the coaching reins prior to the 1976 season -- and Spiders have also played on Saturdays, and even a couple of Mondays.

Fittingly, Concord won the first game in the series and Kannapolis the second. Both held serve at home.

It is important to note that Concord has never trailed in the series, mostly because Kannapolis has had a devil of a time winning at Concord's Webb Field and Bailey Stadium.

But it is equally important to note that Kannapolis is now as close to evening the series as its been since 1939.

That's mostly because the Wonders, who trailed by 15 games in the 1970s, have officially won every "Bell Game" since 1997.

If it doesn't seem like the Wonders have dominated to that extent it's because Concord won a monumental playoff matchup in 1999 and also wore out the Wonders in 2001, a game that was later forfeited to Brown's side of the column.

Some men have both played and coached in the series, most notably current Spider mentor E.Z. Smith III, who starred as a player in the late 1960s and early '70s and has led the Spiders into this contest for the last quarter-century.

Kannapolis' Buck McCarn played in the very first game in the series and later coached the Wonders with the same energy.

The best coach in the series? Hard to say. Bob Boswell, Bruce Hardin and Ron Massey have all hacked into that once enormous Spider lead.

The greatest player in the history of the series?

That question would start an argument in any Cabarrus eatery, but here's one vote for Terry Baxter (three monster rushing games of 150-plus yards in Wonder wins from 1978-80).

On the Concord side, you've got to give it up for late-60s running back Martin Livingston or early-90s force Jay Graham. Both ran roughshod over the Wonders more than once.

The best game in the series? Depending on your allegiance and your generation it might be 1941, 1960, 1963, 1970, 1971, 1988, 1990, 1997, 1999 or 2003.

Obviously, there are a lot of masterpieces to choose from.

My choice would be none of the above. Give me 1995 -- Wonders 5, Spiders 0 -- in the mud at Bailey Stadium. Mostly because both team's seasons rode on that one unbelievable defensive struggle. Both had terrific teams. The winner was playoff-bound; the loser stayed home.

Obviously, some things have changed in the football universe for the worse.

Just about the whole planet goes to the playoffs now, which is not ideal, and this game, tailor-made for November, must be played in September because the schools are in different conferences.

But some things don't change.

E.Z. is still here, classy and brassy as ever.

And the bell rings just as clearly as it did when he was playing against Haskel Stanback.

And while the size and speed of the players has changed dramatically, the intensity level hasn't diminished.

And the fan interest hasn't waned one millimeter.

In other words, it's still Kannapolis-Concord.

n

Many hours in the Post's microfilm room turned up first-hand accounts of most, but, unfortunately, not quite all of the 73 games in the storied series.

Below are all the scores, almost all of the dates the games were played and many of the heroes on both sides.

There's also a running tally of the series, plus a tidbit from that day's sports page to add just a little of the flavor of the times.

**********************

Game No. 1

Sept. 19, 1931

Concord 13, Kannapolis 0

Storyline: It was a disappointing afternoon for the Cannon team coached by Roy Dixon and assistant Conrad Hinson, but the Little Wonders shook off that bitter defeat and went on to turn in a solid 7-2-1 season.

A serious attempt was made to schedule a December rematch with Concord, but it fell through.

Schedules were considerably more flexible in those days. When the 1931 season began, Kannapolis' only confirmed opponents were Concord, Thomasville and Albemarle.

Series standing: Concord 1, Kannapolis 0

The star: Concord quarterback Ira Verble was the man, racing around end for a 70-yard touchdown to draw first blood in the series.

Warriors in defeat: Kannapolis end Buck McCarn and QB Tubby Bonds sparked the Wonders.

**********************

Game No. 2

Oct. 22, 1932

Kannapolis 12, Concord 0

Storyline: There was considerably more hype for the second installment of the series in Kannapolis.

The Kannapolis band serenaded fans in the streets prior to the game and got hundreds of folks stirred up.

Series standing: Concord 1, Kannapolis 1

The stars: The Kannapolis defense allowed only two first downs.

Sports page: Everyone was excited about golfing great Bobby Jones' visit to Charlotte to play in a charity event.

***********************

Game No. 3

Oct. 20, 1933

Concord 20, Kannapolis 6

Storyline: This meeting set the standard for all the upsets to come in the future.

Kannapolis was undefeated and heavily favored but ran into a buzz saw at Webb Field in front of 850 fans.

The ugly headline in the Salisbury Post said it all: "Concord defeats Kannapolis Grid Laddies!"

Series standing: Concord 2, Kannapolis 1

The stars: Concord's defense

Warrior in defeat: Wonder center and captain Mule Faggart played great.

************************

Game No. 4

Nov. 2, 1934

Concord 30, Kannapolis 7

Storyline: The series had become a serious event by 1934. Parades, political speeches and the welcoming home of alumni became part of the equation.

On the field, the game was rated a toss-up, but the Post cheerfully reported that Concord beat the Towel Citians "to a fare thee well."

The Spiders' victory was the first by a visiting team.

Series standing: Concord 3, Kannapolis 1

The star: The first hero of mythical proportions emerged in the series. A Spider referred to only as "Payne" -- ouch! -- torched the Wonders.

With one arm reportedly strapped to his side, he caught two TD passes in the second half. No kidding.

************************

Game No. 5

Nov. 9, 1935

Concord 13, Kannapolis 8

Storyline: One week later, "Lug"Leazer would unload his legendary 94-yard punt against Hickory.

Series standing: Concord 4, Kannapolis 1

The star: With Kannapolis clinging to an 8-7 lead, Concord's Lefty Bratton broke loose for a game-winning 52-yard TD run.

Warrior in defeat: Leazer, an immortal Kannapolis lineman, was a stone wall.

************************

Game 6

Nov. 7, 1936

Concord 0, Kannapolis 0

Storyline:More frustration for coach John Dupree's Wonders, who piled up an 11-2 edge in first downs, but fumbled away a victory.

A crowd of 1,300 turned out in Kannapolis despite threatening Saturday afternoon skies.

The series: Concord 4, Kannapolis 1, 1 tie

The stars: Red Brady and Raymond Hampton kept the Wonders marching up and down the field.

Warrior in defeat: Concord fullback Jim Beaver was one of the first casualties in the series. He was knocked unconscious and carted to the hospital after he was tackled into a bench on the sideline.

************************

Game No. 7

Nov. 5, 1937

Concord 0, Kannapolis 0

Storyline: Make it two scoreless ties in a row.

Kannapolis didn't mind the deadlock at Webb Field. The Wonders got banged up pretty good in the previous week's loss to the Orphans of Barium Springs.

Plus, the Wonders' captain was fighting an ear infection.

Series standing: Concord 4, Kannapolis 1, 2 ties

Sports page: There were lots of takers for a special train to Durham for the big Duke-UNC game. Coach fare was $3.20.

************************

Game No. 8

Oct. 14, 1938

Kannapolis 18, Concord 12

Storyline: Finally, Kannapolis got its second win in the series.

It was a down year for coach Harry Hollingsworth's Spiders, who went 4-5-1.

Series standing: Concord 4, Kannapolis 2, 2 ties

The stars: Harry Dayvault scored two TDs for the Wonders, while Charlie Crayton ran for the winning TD in the fourth quarter.

Sports page: Seabiscuit was in Laurel, Md., preparing for his big matchup with rival War Admiral.

*************************

Game No. 9

1939

Concord 13, Kannapolis 6

Series standing: Concord 5, Kannapolis 2, 2 ties

*************************

Game No. 10

1940

Concord 7, Kannapolis 0

Series standing: Concord 6, Kannapolis 2, 2 ties

*************************

Game No. 11

Oct. 17, 1941

Kannapolis 19, Concord 13

Storyline:One of the early classics. Kannapolis scored the winning TD on a pass play in the final minute.

Series standing: Concord 6, Kannapolis 3, ties 2

The stars: Wonders A.D. Stricker and R.D. Dayvault, who should have had a fancy nickname like the "Initial Twins."

Warriors in defeat: Concord used the whole closet -- its charge was led by "Shirt" Allen and "Boots" Beaver.

*************************

Game No. 12

Oct. 30, 1942

Concord 7, Kannapolis 7

Storyline: Reid Lemly and the Honeycutt brothers led the Wonders.

It was only 10 months after Pearl Harbor, and a check for the purchase of $1,200 worth of war bonds was presented at the game.

Many of the players would be headed to the war after graduation.

Series standing: Concord 6, Kannapolis 3, ties 3

The star: Concord's Paul Boulos scored his team's TD and kicked the tying PAT as Concord rallied for the tie.

Sports page: The Brooklyn Dodgers signed Branch Rickey to a five-year contract.

*************************

Game No. 13

1943

Concord 26, Kannapolis 7

Series standing: Concord 7, Kannapolis 3, 3 ties

*************************

Game No. 14

Oct. 27, 1944

Concord 25, Kannapolis 0

Storyline: One of the great individual performances in series history sunk the Wonders.

Series standing: Concord 8, Kannapolis 3, 3 ties

The star: Jimmy Dorton scored all four Concord TDs.

Sports page: Donkey basketball was way more popular than it should have been.

*************************

Game No. 15

Oct. 26, 1945

Concord 27, Kannapolis 0

Storyline: It was never going to be easy for the Wonders to win at Concord.

Series standing: Concord 9, Kannapolis 3, 3 ties

Sports page: Heavyweight Joe Louis had ham and eggs for breakfast. The champ was so popular, that was newsworthy.

*************************

Game No. 16

Oct. 26, 1946

Concord 13, Kannapolis 0

Storyline: Reportedly, the game got started on Friday before being halted by heavy rain. It was apparently finished on Saturday.

Series standing: Concord 10, Kannapolis 3, ties 3

*************************

Game No. 17

1947

Concord 35, Kannapolis 0

Storyline: It's still the biggest Concord romp in series history.

Series standing: Concord 11, Kannapolis 3, 3 ties

*************************

Game No. 18

Oct. 23, 1948

Concord 23, Kannapolis 0

Storyline: The game was postponed until Saturday because of a drizzly Friday.

Concord handled the postponement better than the Wonders in front of an estimated 2,500 fans.

Series standing: Concord 12, Kannapolis 3, 3 ties

The stars: Buddy Kluttz returned an interception 90 yards for a Concord TD, while Chuck Sapp did serious damage on the ground.

Sports page: Wofford tied Davidson 7-7. Believe it or not, it was the fifth straight tie for the team renowned as the "Tying Terriers."

*************************

Game No. 19

Oct. 21, 1949

Concord 12, Kannapolis 7

Storyline: Webb Field was dry and dusty, prompting a reporter to write that the players looked "like longhorn steers" as they battled through the dust clouds.

A record 4,000 fans looked on as Concord boosted its series lead to a whopping 10 games.

Series standing: Concord 13, Kannapolis 3, 3 ties

The star: Concord's Basil Talbert threw for one TD and rushed for another.

*************************

Game No. 20

Oct. 20, 1950

Concord 0, Kannapolis 0

Storyline: Assistant freight manager Gene C. Potter represented Southern Railroad, which donated an old bell to the Kannapolis Sports Club. The ringing of the bell would be "inspirational to the boys," he said, and that certainly proved to be the case.

Since the game ended in a tie, it was decided that Concord would get to ring the bell the next week at its home game against Spencer.

Kannapolis earned the right to ring the bell against Winecoff two weeks later.

Series standing: Concord 13, Kannapolis 3, 4 ties

The star: Cannon coach Bob Weant. The tie, the last of the four in the series, was a moral victory for the underdog Wonders, who still hadn't won in the series since 1941.

*************************

Game No. 21

Oct. 19, 1951

Concord 7, Kannapolis 6

Storyline: Wonder back Ken Argo had run wild all year, but the Concord defense was stingy.

Series standing: Concord 14, Kannapolis 3, 4 ties

*************************

Game No. 22

Oct. 17, 1952

Kannapolis 27, Concord 13

Storyline: It was the first of five straight wins for the Wonders, their first positive streak in the series.

Series standing: Concord 14, Kannapolis 4, 4 ties

The star: Buck Little got the Wonders rolling and broke Concord's long string of dominance.

Warrior in defeat: Don Eudy scored all 13 Concord points.

Sports page: Billy Ray Barnes rushed for 166 yards to lead Landis High to a 19-12 win over East High of Charlotte.

Game No. 23

Oct. 16, 1953

Kannapolis 32, Concord 0

Storyline: Fans had started to believe the Wonders would never win an easy one.

Series standing: Concord 14, Kannapolis 5, 4 ties

*************************

Game No. 24

Nov. 5, 1954

Kannapolis 7, Concord 6

Storyline: Starting with the 1954 contest, the series became as much a part of November as turkey and dressing. It became the season finale for both unless someone made the playoffs.

Series standing: Concord 14, Kannapolis 6, 4 ties

*************************

Game No. 25

Nov. 4, 1955

Kannapolis 41, Concord 0

Storyline: The Wonders continued to roll under coaches Ed Edmiston and Dan Hamrick, who had started turning things around in 1952.

This game remains tied for the biggest blowout in series history. The Wonders matched the score in 1980.

Series standing: Concord 14, Kannapolis 7, 4 ties

*************************

Game No. 26

Nov. 9, 1956

Kannapolis 20, Concord 14

Storyline: Marvin Query scored an early TD to get the Wonders rolling. With the victory, Kannapolis tied Albemarle for the SPC title.

Series standing: Concord 14, Kannapolis 8, 4 ties

The star: Conrad Sloop scored two TDs for the Wonders, one on a 75-yard dash.

Warrior in defeat: Sonny Basinger scored both Concord TDs.

Sports page: Don Zimmer hit two homers to lift the Dodgers to victory over the Japanese All-Stars.

*************************

Game No. 27

1957

Concord 7, Kannapolis 0

Series standing: Concord 15, Kannapolis 8, 4 ties

*************************

Game No. 28

Oct. 31, 1958

Kannapolis 13, Concord 0

Storyline: The Spiders came in undefeated in the league, but the Wonders pulled off an upset.

Series standing: Concord 15, Kannapolis 9, 4 ties

The star: Ronnie Hampton made all kinds of big plays for the Wonders.

Sports page: Ossie Cunningham led Kannapolis' Carver High to a big win over Price High of Salisbury.

*************************

Game No. 29

1959

Kannapolis 7, Concord 0

Series standing: Concord 15, Kannapolis 10, 4 ties

*************************

Game No. 30

Nov. 11, 1960

Kannapolis 14, Concord 8

Storyline: One of the games that made the series what it is. Both teams came in 8-0-1, and the game was billed as the biggest in the state. A throng of 7,500 turned out to watch.

The Wonders won with an 80-yard scoring drive in the fourth quarter.

QBRonnie Barlow accounted for 77 of those 80 yards and ran for the winning TD with 2:23 left.

Kannapolis wouldn't win again until 1971.

Series standing: Concord 15, Kannapolis 11, 4 ties

The stars: Harry Mills caught a TD pass fromBarlow and Gray Clark kicked two PATs.

*************************

Game No. 31

Nov. 10, 1961

Concord 14, Kannapolis 6

Storyline: This one started the Spiders' on a 10-game winning streak, the longest stretch of dominance in series history.

Series standing: Concord 16, Kannapolis 11, 4 ties

*************************

Game No. 32

Nov. 10, 1962

Concord 6, Kannapolis 0

Storyline: The game was played on Saturday following a rainout and featured the most methodical winning drive in series history.

Concord marched 84 yards in 9 minutes, 23 seconds to punch in a fourth-quarter score.

Series standing: Concord 17, Kannapolis 11, 4 ties

The star: Bud Garner scored the TD.

*************************

Game No. 33

Nov. 8, 1963

Concord 20, Kannapolis 19

Storyline: Concord came in 2-6-1 but still had the Wonders' number.

The star: Concord QB Bill Pendergraph threw two TD passes and ran for the Spiders' other TD.

Series standing: Concord 18, Kannapolis 11, 4 ties

Warriors in defeat: Wonder QBRocky Fisher threw two TD passes to Jim Fowler.

*************************

Game No. 34

Nov. 13, 1964

Concord 13, Kannapolis 12

Storyline: Concord finished 9-1 but still didn't make the playoffs. It tied Thomasville for the league title and the Bulldogs beat the Spiders head-to-head.

Series standing: Concord 19, Kannapolis 11, 4 ties

The star: Steve Kinney was an army of one for Concord.

He scored both TDs on short plunges and kicked the decisive extra point.

*************************

Game No. 35

Nov. 12, 1965

Concord 12, Kannapolis 0

Storyline: The Wonders couldn't get anything going in the mud against Concord's defense.

Series standing: Concord 20, Kannapolis 11, 4 ties

The star: Ronnie McRae scored both TDs for the Spiders on long runs. He broke loose for 73 and 94 yards.

*************************

Game No. 36

Nov. 11, 1966

Concord 13, Kannapolis 6

Storyline: The Wonders came in 8-1 and were supposed to win easily, but Concord salvaged a 5-5 season with an upset.

The star: Andy Smith's quarterback sneak in the fourth quarter won it for the Spiders.

Warrior in defeat: QBDan Dayvault led a 66-yard scoring drive for the Wonders and scored the touchdown.

Series standing: Concord 21, Kannapolis 11, 4 ties

*************************

Game No. 37

Nov. 10, 1967

Concord 21, Kannapolis 11

Storyline: Concord (9-1) forced six turnovers, including four interceptions.

Series standing: Concord 22, Kannapolis 11, 4 ties

The star: Concord's Howard Tucker rushed for a TD and scored another one on an interception return.

*************************

Game No. 38

Nov. 8, 1968

Concord 20, Kannapolis 6

Storyline: The beat went on and on and on. Concord won its eighth straight in the series.

Series standing: Concord 23, Kannapolis 11, 4 ties

The star: Ellis Thompson's interception return for a TD was the backbreaker.

Warrior in defeat: Haskel Stanback scored the Wonder TD on a 74-yard gallop.

*************************

Game No. 39

Nov. 7, 1969

Concord 32, Kannapolis 6

Storyline: The teams had identical 6-1 league records coming in, but the Spiders' hex continued.

Series standing: Concord 24, Kannapolis 11, 4 ties

The stars: Martin Livingston and UNC-bound Tommy Jones scored two TDs apiece for the Spiders.

Warrior in defeat: Again, Stanback scored the only TD for the Wonders.

Sports page: O.J. Simpson announced his intentions to go into acting after his football days were over.

*************************

Game No. 40

Nov. 6, 1970

Concord 13, Kannapolis 11

Storyline: The Wonders finished a dismal 4-6 season with their 10th straight loss to the Spiders in front of 8,000 fans.

Series standing: Concord 25, Kannapolis 11, 4 ties

The star: Concord's Punchy Whitaker blocked a fourth-quarter field-goal attempt by Billy Kremminger that would have won it for the Wonders.

Warriors in defeat: QB Randall Hastings scored the Wonders' TD and Kremminger kicked a 40-yard field goal.

***********************

Game No. 41

Nov. 5, 1971

Kannapolis 10, Concord 7

Storyline: Finally, the Wonders broke through after 10 straight losses to the Spiders.

With the win, coach Will Campagna's Wonders tied Salisbury for the SPC crown.

Bobby Trott scored Brown's TD.

Series standing: Concord 25, Kannapolis 12, 4 ties

The star: Kremminger got revenge. His field goal won it.

Warriors in defeat: Terry Tobin (TD) and E.Z. Smith III (PAT) scored for the Spiders.

*************************

Game No. 42

Nov. 3, 1972

Kannapolis 30, Concord 13

Storyline: Both teams came in with dismal 2-5 SPC records, but the Wonders brought more emotion.

Ken Erwin got a sack for a safety and Bobby Query recovered a fumble in the Concord end zone on the last play of the game.

Series standing: Concord 25, Kannapolis 13, 4 ties

The star: James "Butch"Anthony scored on runs of 38 and 69 yards for Brown.

*************************

Game No. 43

Nov. 9, 1973

Kannapolis 7, Concord 3

Series standing: Concord 25, Kannapolis 14, 4 ties

The star: Ronald Grier scored the only TD.

Storyline: Lots of defense by the Wonders made a first-quarter TD hold up. Brown finished off a 7-2-1 season, good for third in the SPC.

Sports page: The Carolina Cougars got a big game from Billy Cunningham and whipped the Kentucky Colonels 139-110.

*************************

Game No. 44

Nov. 8, 1974

Concord 14, Kannapolis 6

Storyline: Concord outrushed the Wonders 230-58 and knocked the state's ninth-ranked team out of the playoffs.

Series standing: Concord 26, Kannapolis 14, 4 ties

The stars: Concord's David Harrell and David House had big fumble recoveries.

*************************

Game No. 45

Nov. 8, 1975

Concord 21, Kannapolis 0

Storyline: Concord's defense held the Wonders to 67 yards in a game pushed back to Saturday because of rain.

Tracy Andrews' big return of a blocked punt was the key play as Concord (9-0-1) clinched another SPC title.

Series standing: Concord 27, Kannapolis 14, 4 ties

The stars: Concord's Andrews and Barry Cannon dominated.

*************************

Game No. 46

Nov. 5, 1976

Concord 7, Kannapolis 3

Storyline: Concord made it 13 wins in 16 years, and new Wonder coach Bob Boswell closed the books on a 2-8 season.

Both schools were down. The Spiders finished 4-6.

Series standing: Concord 28, Kannapolis 14, 4 ties

The star: Chip Irby scored the only TD.

*************************

Game No. 47

Nov. 4, 1977

Concord 18, Kannapolis 7

Storyline: The Spiders put it to the Wonders, sticking a fork in a 3-7 season.

The game marked a couple of turning points. After this win, Concord had a 15-game lead in the series, its widest margin ever.

This was also the last losing season the Wonders would ever experience. A few years later, Boswell would have them ranked No. 2 in the nation.

Series standing: Concord 29, Kannapolis 14, 4 ties

*************************

Game No. 48

Nov. 3, 1978

Kannapolis 33, Concord 0

Storyline: It was a down year for Concord (5-5), which took itself out of this game with two early fumbles.

Series standing: Concord 29, Kannapolis 15, 4 ties

The star: Wonder sophomore Terry Baxter, a dominant figure in three straight "Bell Games," racked up three TDs

*************************

Game No. 49

Nov. 9, 1979

Kannapolis 31, Concord 6

Storyline: Ranked No. 1 in 4A and considered by many to be the state's top team, the Wonders put on a show for 7,400 fans.

Series standing: Concord 29, Kannapolis 16, 4 ties

The stars: Derrick Cunningham and Baxter split 314 rushing yards.

Sports page: Muhammad Ali's offer to exchange himself for 80 hostages being held in Iran was turned down.

************************

Game No. 50

Nov. 7, 1980

Kannapolis 41, Concord 0

Storyline: The best Kannapolis teams ever? Boswell's 1979-80 squads, which included two future NFL standouts, would get plenty of votes.

Ethan Horton was at quarterback for the Wonders, while Lance Smith anchored the line.

New Concord coach E.Z. Smith III ran into a buzz saw in his first "Bell Game," and the Wonders, ranked No. 3 in 4A, equalled the most one-sided win in series history.

Series standing: Concord 29, Kannapolis 17, 4 ties

The star: Baxter became the first to surpass 200 rushing yards in the series in two decades. Headed for LSU along with Smith, Baxter accounted for 205 yards and three TDs.

*************************

Game No. 51

Nov. 6, 1981

Concord 7, Kannapolis 6

Storyline: A missed PAT did in the Wonders.

Concord (9-1) finished second to unbeaten South Rowan in the SPC.

Series standing: Concord 30, Kannapolis 17, 4 ties

The star: Donald Anderson intercepted a pass in the end zone to preserve the victory.

*************************

Game No. 52

Nov. 5, 1982

Kannapolis 14, Concord 10

Storyline: The Wonders capped an 8-0 SPC campaign with a come-from-behind win at home.

Series standing: Concord 30, Kannapolis 18, 4 ties

The star: Mark Smith scored the winning TD for the Wonders with 3:12 remaining.

Warrior in defeat: Concord's Hung Tran put the Spiders ahead with a scoring run.

Sports page: Pete Stout's Burlington Williams machine won its 43rd in a row by knocking off Cummings.

*************************

Game No. 53

Nov. 8, 1983

Concord 27, Kannapolis 7

Storyline: The Wonders were stopped on three early drives and Concord took over in the second half.

The Wonders had been ranked No. 1 in the state in 3A one week earlier, but an OT loss to South Rowan and the loss to the Spiders knocked them out of the playoffs.

Series standing: Concord 31, Kannapolis 18, 4 ties

The star: Spider back Scott Irby rushed 28 times for 198 yards and three TDs.

Warriors in defeat: Shelwyn Klutz threw a TD pass to Mack Maxwell for the Wonders.

Sports page: South Rowan's win over Wadesboro gave the Raiders a tie with Concord for the SPC title.

*************************

Game No. 54

Nov. 9, 1984

Kannapolis 26, Concord 8

The Wonders were unbeaten and ranked No. 1 in the state in 3A (they would finish runner-up) and wiped out the Spiders behind two scoring runs by Tracy Johnson.

Series standing: Concord 31, Kannapolis 19, 4 ties

The star: Chuck Elliott intercepted a pass and returned it for a TD.

************************

Game No. 55

Sept. 13, 1985

Concord 7, Kannapolis 6

Storyline: The schools were in different leagues because the Wonders had moved back up to 4A, so the game had to be squeezed into the schedule in September.

Concord upset the Wonders, who weren't special on special teams. They missed two field goals and a PAT.

Both TDs came on punt returns.

Series standing: Concord 32, Kannapolis 19, 4 ties

The stars: Andre White scored on an 82-yard punt return and Jay Hammett's PAT made the difference.

Warrior in defeat: Terrell Clemmons had a 79-yard punt return for the Wonders.

************************

Game No. 56

Sept. 12, 1986

Concord 14, Kannapolis 0

Storyline: Concord's Jamey Cox recovered a critical fumble at the Spider 5, and the Wonders were shut out.

Series standing: Concord 33, Kannapolis 19, 4 ties

The star: White was at it again. He rushed for 130 yards and two TDs.

Sports page: There was lots of buzz about Kansas City releasing former Wonder star Horton, the Chiefs' first pick in the draft the previous year.

************************

Game No. 57

Sept. 14, 1987

Kannapolis 19, Concord 0

Storyline: Playing on a Monday after a washout, the Wonders' defense dominated.

Lester Smith scored two TDs for the Wonders.

Series standing: Concord 33, Kannapolis 20, 4 ties

The star: With the game scoreless, Empsy Thompson recovered a fumble on a punt at the Concord 3 to set up Smith's first TD.

Sports page: Cal Ripken Jr.'s streak of consecutive innings played ended at 8,243 when he took a seat in the eighth inning. His consecutive games streak rolled on.

***********************

Game No. 58

Sept. 12, 1988

Kannapolis 9, Concord 6

Storyline: Played on a Monday for the second straight season, Boswell's last "Bell Game" as Wonder head coach was a defensive struggle.

It came down to a blocked field-goal attempt.

Series standing: Concord 33, Kannapolis 21, 4 ties

The stars: Mike Morton, Marcus Cannon and Corey Reid blocked a tying field-goal try by the Spiders.

************************

Game No. 59

Nov. 3, 1989

Kannapolis 16, Concord 14

Storyline: It was new Brown coach Bruce Hardin's first "Bell Game," and the Wonders presented him with his 100th career victory.

Brown was also headed to its first state title.

Series standing: Concord 33, Kannapolis 22, 4 ties

The star: Greg Jones blocked a punt for a safety, those points made the difference.

Warrior in defeat: Concord QB Jimmy Hitchcock threw two TD passes.

************************

Game No. 60

Nov. 2, 1990

Kannapolis 20, Concord 19

Storyline: As famous (or infamous if you live in Concord) as any game in the series and the fourth straight win for the Wonders.

A sprawling Scott Jordan caught Maurice Blakeney's tipped pass in the end zone as time expired to give the Wonders the win.

Series standing: Concord 33, Kannapolis 23, 4 ties

The stars: Barry Lipscomb had an 81-yard punt return.

Zra Lipscomb caught a 62-yard TD pass from Blakeney with about five minutes to go in the game to cut Brown's deficit to 19-14.

************************

Game No. 61

Nov. 8, 1991

Concord 30, Kannapolis 20

Storyline: A sweet night for Concord, which spoiled the Wonders' unbeaten season and grabbed the SPC championship in the process. Both teams were 7-0 in the league coming in.

The Wonders, however, would get revenge in the first state playoff meeting between the schools.

Series standing: Concord 34, Kannapolis 23, 4 ties

The star: Jay Graham rushed for 123 yards and three TDs for the Spiders.

Warrior in defeat: Michael Barnes scored twice and had 100 rushing yards for the Wonders.

************************

Game No. 62

Nov. 6, 1992

Kannapolis 27, Concord 19

Storyline: Wonder assistant coach Mike Lambeth figured out how to contain Concord's Graham in the second half, and the Wonders finished off a 10-0 regular season.

Concord dropped into a three-way tie for second with North Rowan and Central Cabarrus in the powerhouse SPC.

Series standing: Concord 34, Kannapolis 24, 4 ties

The star: Wonder running back Keenan Lott scored three TDs.

Warrior in defeat: Graham (a future NFL player) had 183 rushing yards before halftime and finished with 220.

************************

Game No. 63

Nov. 5, 1993

Kannapolis 28, Concord 6

Storyline: One of the few one-sided wins for the Wonders at Bailey Stadium, but Brown's D ruled on a soggy night that washed out many area games.

Series standing: Concord 34, Kannapolis 25, 4 ties

************************

Game No. 64

Nov. 4, 1994

Concord 35, Kannapolis 14

Storyline: Tied at halftime, but SPC champ Concord's power dominated the second half 21-0.

The Wonders would bounce back to record one of the biggest upsets in school history. One week later, they stunned No. 1 High Point Andrews in the first round of the state playoffs.

Series standing: Concord 35, Kannapolis 25, 4 ties

The star: Concord back Maurice Canaday pounded for 204 yards.

Warrior in defeat: Bobby Lawson rushed for over 100 yards for Brown.

************************

Game No. 65

Nov. 3, 1995

Kannapolis 5, Concord 0

Storyline: A Chris Duplisea field goal and a safety were enough.

The SPC got only one playoff spot that year, and Kannapolis claimed it by handing Concord its first loss.

Series standing: Concord 35, Kannapolis 26, ties 4

The star: Wonder linebacker Quentarus Brown stood out.

Sports page: Hornets honcho George Shinn tried to explain why Alonzo Mourning would not be back.

************************

Game No. 66

Nov. 8, 1996

Concord 27, Kannapolis 0

Storyline: Once-beaten Concord buried the Wonders, who lost QB Shaun Allen to a concussion early.

The Wonders (6-5) didn't make the state playoffs, the only Hardin-coached team that didn't.

Series standing: Concord 36, Kannapolis 26, 4 ties

The star: Jamie Scott ran wild for 215 yards on 34 carries.

************************

Game No. 67

Nov. 7, 1997

Kannapolis 33, Concord 14

Storyline: Concord was undefeated and was leading this one 14-7 when all heck broke loose.

Brown QB William Craft's TD run tied it, and his 47-yard pass to Nick Gill put the Wonders on top.

Nick Maddox scored two TDs as the Wonders made it a three-way tie for the SPC title between Concord, Brown and East Rowan.

The Wonders came out on the short end of that drawing, were seeded 14th and had to face powerful Asheville in the mountains in the first round.

But they would beat Asheville -- and Concord again in the playoffs -- on their march to their second 3A state championship.

Series standing: Concord 36, Kannapolis 27, 4 ties

The star: With Concord's defense swarming Maddox, Craft took over.

Warrior in defeat: Scott bulled for both Spider TDs.

************************

Game No. 68

Nov. 6, 1998

Kannapolis 28, Concord 10

Storyline: All the talk was about the amazing Maddox, who was being hailed as the nation's best back, but the Wonder secondary took charge, getting two picks each from Ravar "Speedy" Harris and Tremaine Robinson.

The Wonders had 20 interceptions in the last four games and posted the first 11-0 regular-season record in school history.

Series standing: Concord 36, Kannapolis 28, 4 ties

The stars: Maddox was "held" to 130 yards, but the D took over

Sports page: Maddox, who was being recruited by the entire world, was headed to Chapel Hill to watch the Tar Heels take on Maryland.

************************

Game No. 69

Nov. 5, 1999

Kannapolis 10, Concord 7

Storyline: Coach Hardin called it "the finest game I've ever been associated with."

The banged-up Wonders finished an 11-0 regular season with a monumental road win. They played without starting quarterback Justin Hardin, among others, but linebacker Josh Lee filled in admirably.

The joy turned to gloom for the Wonders just two weeks later, even though they were much healthier. Jamel Jackson and E.Z. Smith IV led a huge Concord upset in the second round of the 3A state playoffs in what would turn out to be Coach Hardin's final game.

Series standing: Concord 36, Kannapolis 29, 4 ties

The star: Wonder kicker Rush Rollins connected on a 32-yard field goal in the closing seconds.

************************

Game No. 70

Nov. 3, 2000

Kannapolis 28, Concord 0

Storyline: Wonder safety Charlie Fox intercepted a pass in the end zone on the final play of the first half to deflate the Spiders, and A.L. Brown head coach Ron Massey won in his "Bell Game" debut.

Series standing: Concord 36, Kannapolis 30, 4 ties

The star: Now the regular QB, Lee rushed for 55 yards and threw for 127.

Warrior in defeat: Concord back Josh Lott rushed for 115 yards.

************************

Game No. 71

Sept. 21, 2001

Concord 21, Kannapolis 0

Game later forfeited

Storyline: An odd game because realignment had placed the schools in difference conferences for the first time since the Wonders were 4A in 1988.

It also marked the most painful "win" in the series.

Concord gave the Wonders a brutal 21-0 spanking on the field, and Brown star Aundrae Allison had to pick his teeth up off the grass at Bailey Stadium after a big hit.

Weeks later, the Spiders had to forfeit, and the contest went into the books officially as a Wonder win.

Series standing: Concord 36, Kannapolis 31, 4 ties

The star: Franswa Sumlin scored two TDs and the aroused Spider defense held Brown to 96 yards.

Warrior in defeat: Wonder DB Terry Collins played the game of his life.

Sports page: In the wake of the 9-11 tragedy, fund-raising for the Dale Earnhardt Memorial was placed on hold.

************************

Game No. 72

Sept. 20, 2002

Kannapolis 42, Concord 6

Storyline: Searching for a quarterback after an opening-night injury to Drew Maher, the Wonders found one in former tight end Brandon Franklin.

The margin reached 42-0 in the fourth quarter, as Franklin fired four TD passes.

Series standing: Concord 36, Kannapolis 32, 4 ties

The stars: Franklin and sophomore wideout Josh Russell, who caught three of those TD passes.

Sports page: Carolina Panther fans were thinking that kicker John Kasay's hernia operation might be a pain in the posterior.

************************

Game No. 73

Sept. 12, 2003

Kannapolis 13, Concord 12

Storyline: A.L. Brown kicker Garrett Sherrill booted two field goals and the decisive extra point in overtime.

Series standing: Concord 36, Kannapolis 33, 4 ties

The star: Joining Sherrill in the headlines was DB Tauren Fisher, who blocked Concord's PAT attempt in OT.

Warrior in defeat: Concord QB Tommy Beecher threw two TD passes.

**************************

Game No. 74 Sept. 17, 2004..Beecher burns Brown for bell

Publication Salisbury Post
Date September 18, 2004
Section(s) Sports
Page
Byline Mike London
Brief Beecher burns Brown for bell
By Mike London, Salisbury Post

By Mike London, Salisbury Post

KANNAPOLIS -- E.Z. Smith's wall-to-wall grin, Josh Russell's throbbing ankle, Travis Howie's grass-stained biceps and Tommy Beecher's golden arm told the story on Friday night as Concord whipped A.L. Brown 20-9.

"I was beginning to think there was a black cloud hanging over my head," beamed Smith, after his team won for the first time at Memorial Stadium since 1996.

The Spiders (4-1) rang up three TDs in a span of 10 minutes in the first half to take charge of "The Battle of the Bell" and never lost control.

Two of Concord's rapid-fire TDs came on 57-yard passes by Beecher, a 6-foot-3, 210-pounder that Smith calls "one of the best in the state."

"Tommy didn't think he played well last week," said Smith. "I think he plays pretty good every week."

Beecher, who had 147 of his 183 aerial yards by halftime, figured the old railroad bell, which rang only sporadically on the Wonder side of the field during the second half, had just been misplaced for awhile.

"I think it's about time the bell came back to its rightful owners," offered Beecher, between kisses, hugs and pats on the back from delirious Spider fans.

Beecher said the gameplan on a field that was muddy, but certainly playable, was simple.

"Use the deep ball," he said. "We knew our wideouts had more speed than their DBs."

That line of thinking proved correct. With the Spiders down 6-0 with 3:03 left in the first quarter, Beecher found Lance Lewis running free down the right sideline. The cornerback on that side, Erwin Mingo, had blitzed. He didn't quite get to Beecher and the safety couldn't get over to pick up Lewis.

That gave the Spiders had a way-too-easy six. Chad Myers booted the PAT that put Concord ahead to stay.

With 6:23 left in the first half, Beecher made it 20-6 when he lofted a pass into the arms of Darius Cauthen, a sprinter who had blazed behind safety Ryan Query.

"We knew their receivers were fast, but they still got behind us," Brown coach Ron Massey said. "And when they did, Beecher put it on the money. He's a great quarterback, and you have to give him credit."

Give credit to Beecher's offensive line as well. The strength of Brown's team is its defensive front, and it never sacked Beecher. His arm was hit once, and he was hurried a couple of times.

"We tried hard to get to him, but he's fast throwing the ball," said Howie, Brown's most feared lineman. "Sometimes they stuck it to us -- but sometimes we stuck it to them."

Meanwhile, Brown's offense, which has scored only 50 points in four games, couldn't do much against a Concord defense that was hung in effigy after getting torched by Northwest Cabarrus for 36 points on opening night.

The Wonders took over on the Concord 36 on their first offensive possession and scored quickly when freshman quarterback Jonathan Efird hit William Preston for a 26-yard TD. But Brown's next 10 possessions netted only a second-quarter field goal by Garrett Sherrill.

The Wonders were guilty of the biggest mistake of the first half. Sherrill's fumble while in punt formation set up Concord's second TD.

Brown (2-2) also was hit with the two biggest penalties. Query was nailed for pass interference on a fourth-and-goal play from the Brown 4 when the Wonders had a chance to make a game-turning stand. Later, aTD run by Brown's other QB, Sean Fortson, was called back by a hold.

The second half was scoreless, with Concord relying mostly on Brandon Brown (101 yards) to bang away at the clock.

The Wonders went three-and-out on the first possession of the second half. Making matters worse, their most dangerous weapon, slotback Josh Russell, hurt his ankle in that series and didn't return. Russell injured the ankle in practice during Brown's bye week. Then someone fell on it last night.

Brown ran a number of productive trap plays early, but Concord adjusted by moving its linebackers back a few yards. After that, the Wonders, who had lousy field position almost the entire second half, never could get untracked.

"We've got to find some way to move the football more efficiently," Massey said.

Brown's one chance to rally came after a fumble recovery at the Brown 1. But Concord's Chris Aldridge intercepted Fortson with 5:58 remaining to seal it.

***********************

Game No. 75 Oct.14, 2005

A.L. Brown 19, Concord 14

Publication Salisbury Post
Date October 15, 2005
Section(s) Sports
Page   
By David Shaw
Salisbury Post

KANNAPOLIS -- A.L. Brown and Concord played for the coveted victory bell Friday night at Memorial Stadium, but there was so much more at stake.

Nobody understood that better than A.L. Brown senior

By David Shaw

Salisbury Post

KANNAPOLIS -- A.L. Brown and Concord played for the coveted victory bell Friday night at Memorial Stadium, but there was so much more at stake.

Nobody understood that better than A.L. Brown senior Sean Fortson. The slippery quarterback zigged and zagged his way to 173 yards rushing and scored three touchdowns in a had-to-have-it 19-14 victory.

"I just felt like there was a lot on me tonight," Fortson said after K-town moved into a tie for first place in the SPC standings. "I didn't play very well in this game last year, so tonight I just put everything on my shoulders and ran with it."

He ran like his helmet was on fire. Fortson served Concord a bowl of Special K, scoring on bursts of 8, 43 and 5 yards as the Wonders (8-1, 3-1) earned their second straight win and recaptured the bell in a maddening, post-game ritual.

"(Fortson) was a factor last year, and he was a factor this year," losing coach E.Z. Smith said after the Spiders (4-4, 2-1) self-destructed in the second half. "He took charge of this game. You let him break loose like we did, and he's gonna score. He can hurt you if you let him."

Kannapolis offensive coordinator Kirkley Russell tossed the prettiest verbal bouquet Fortson's way.

"We put the game in his hands, and he answered the call," he said as the overflow crowd thinned out. "He carried us tonight. That's the best he's ever played."

Before Fortson even stepped on the field, Concord jumped in front. The Spiders took the opening kickoff, gave the keys to their offense to wonderkind quarterback Jimmy Drye and quickly advanced to midfield. A fourth-down punt was fumbled by Kannapolis, and Dee Bost recovered for the Spiders. Three minutes later the guests had a 7-0 lead, courtesy of Drye's 8-yard touchdown pass to Lance Lewis.

"He's a good quarterback," said Bost, who also caught four passes from the sophomore triggerman. "But he's young and he makes mistakes. He still has a lot to learn."

That was evident in the second half, when Drye

(18-for-31, 215 yards) threw four interceptions. By then it was a 7-7 game thanks to Fortson's 8-yard TD on a pump-fake and rollout around right end late in the opening quarter.

The Wonders went ahead 13-7 shortly after Cordera Simmons picked off a Drye pass early in the third period. This time Fortson sold a fake handoff to fullback Ryan Fowler, found a seam up the middle, pirouetted into the Concord secondary and raced 43 yards to the end zone.

"I just split the safeties and everything was wide open," Fortson said. "The key was the fullback making such a great fake. That made the play."

Fortson made another one following an interception by teammate Eddie Silavong with 11:34 remaining in the game. He capped an 8-play, 45-yard scoring drive when sprinted home from the 5-yard line, providing a 19-7 lead with 7:26 to play. Here's the kicker: The play wasn't called for him.

"It was supposed to be a pass to the tight end (Jay Hosack)," said Russell, who called the play from upstairs.

"Since it was third down and the ball was already in the middle of the field, Sean could have thrown it away and we'd still have a field goal attempt. But when he saw the receiver was covered, he made a decision to tuck it and run."

That's exactly what the Wonders did with the bell as time expired. They bypassed the tradition midfield handshake, charged the Concord sideline like inmates sprung in a jailbreak and confiscated the prized piece of hardware.

"That was just instinct," said defensive end Kevin Cano. "There's no feeling like it in the world. It's a natural high."

*********************

Game No. 76 Oct. 13, 2006

Score Kannapolis 20, Concord 42

By Chris Puckett

Salisbury Post

CONCORD — Ask anyone in Cabarrus County about the "Bell Game," and he or she will tell you records mean nothing.

That was definitely the case Friday at Concord's Bailey Stadium as the Spiders steamrolled the ninth-ranked Wonders 42-20 to take back the most coveted prize in Cabarrus County.

Things looked good for the Wonders early as their defense forced a three-and-out on Concord's first possession.

Brown started with excellent field position on the Concord 42 and scored in 13 plays. Matthew Ouellette got the TD on a 1-yard run.

After that, disaster struck, starting with a blocked PAT.

Then the Spiders drove 57 yards in eight plays to take a 7-6 lead. The drive was helped by three personal fouls against the Wonders, leading to the ejection of Brown linebacker Cordera Simmons.

A.L. Brown (7-2, 2-2) would take its next drive 74 yards on 13 plays. The drive was culminated by a 20-yard TD pass from Jonathan Efird to Jesse Gillion.

Efird would finish the night with 180 yards passing and two touchdowns.

But Concord (5-3, 3-0 SPC) would go on to score on two of its last three drives of the first half and never looked back.

Friday the 13th would rear its ugly head at halftime as the entire stadium went black due to a power outage, resulting in a 45-minute delay.

With Concord facing third- -and-10 from the Wonder 16, Concord quarterback Dee Bost threw a pass into the end zone that was tipped and intercepted by the Wonders.

However, a pass interference penalty negated the interception and gave Concord new life.

Two plays later "Mike-Mike" Moore powered into the end zone from the 4-yard-line for the second of his three touchdowns.

Concord coach E.Z. Smith was understandably excited after the game

"I told our seniors, this is your last chance to beat Kannapolis," he said. " They really came out and played hard and played smart."

The Wonders try to regroup at home Friday against Parkwood, while Concord, now on top in the SPC, plays Sun Valley.

*****************

Game No. 77 Nov. 2, 2007

Score Kannapolis 45, Concord 25

WONDERS came ready to play. Got a good jump on the Spiders and never looked back.

Congrats to all the Seniors on Senior Night.

WONDER Artelle Louis went down in the 1st quarter. Don't know his status, but he never returned,. How about Johnathan Williams coming in at TB. He had a super game.

Jonathan Efird was the MVP selected by the Marine Corp, I-High, Great American Rivalry Series. .

The game went about as expected for the WONDERS...

Weather was cool and the Stadium full. The Bell Game again as the last game of the regular season as it should be. The atmosphere was electric. It doesn't get any better this this!!!!!

Prep Football: A.L. Brown 45, Concord 25
By Bill Kiser

Salisbury Post

KANNAPOLIS — All A.L. Brown quarterback Jonathan Efird could think about this week was the one thing he hadn't achieved in his career — a win over Concord.

Friday night, Efird was able to check that off his list, leading the Wonders to a 45-25 thrashing of the Spiders in the 77th-annual "Battle for the Bell" game at Kannapolis Memorial Stadium.

Efird threw three first-half touchdowns as Brown (10-1, 7-1 South Piedmont Conference) raced out to a 21-point halftime lead, then kept the Wonders under control as Concord mounted a third-quarter rally.

"This was one of my career goals — beating Concord," said Efird, who saw action in both of the Wonders' previous Bell losses to the Spiders (in 2004 and 2006).

"(But) this was a big win for us, especially after we played the four 'Ridges' that weren't very good, so everybody doubted what we could do against a good team. We responded with what we can do against a good team. Hopefully, this will make some people worried going into the playoffs."

Efird went 8-of-15 for 216 yards in Friday's game, with 191 yards coming in the first half. He hit three different receivers — 15 yards to Zach Massey, a 52-yarder to Johnathan Williams and a 58-yarder to T.J. Johnson — and added 59 yards rushing as Brown went up 28-7 at the break.

The Wonders — who shared the SPC title with Anson County — needed a lift from Efird and others after losing leading rusher Artrelle Louis late in the first quarter.

Louis had given the Wonders the lead with a 5-yard TD run with 3:37 left in the first quarter, but he went out with an injured right leg on Brown's next series.

That could have been a momentum-changing play for the Wonders, but Efird stepped up with his second TD pass of the game to keep things going Brown's way.

Williams and Quincy Kennedy, the Wonders' backfield reserves, stepped up as well. Kennedy ran for 41 yards in the second half, while Williams put up a game-high 62 yards and one score (a 3-yard run early in the fourth quarter).

"We were concerned with Artrelle went down," Brown head coach Ron Massey said. "But (Efird) probably played his best overall game. Then Johnathan and Quincy came in and picked up the slack.

"(Concord) is tough to run against. We were able to break a couple seams and keep them honest, then hit the passes when we needed to."

The Wonders' defense also made its presence felt, sacking quarterbacks Shawn Willix and Tony Moore five times and picking off three passes (two of them setting up scores). They also capped Brown's scoring with Demarkus Eddie's 40-yard fumble return midway through the fourth quarter.

"You can't let them get on a roll," Concord coach E.Z. Smith III said. "They're too good. We wanted to run it, but they were pinching us off. They took us out of some things we wanted to do."

A 23-yard Morgan McDaniel field goal put the Wonders ahead 31-7 early in the third quarter. Williams' TD run to push the Wonders' lead to 38-19.

*******************

Game No. 78 (11/7/08)

Score...A.L. Brown 56, Concord 6

Wonders roll to retain bell
By Paul Hershey | Independent Tribune

Published: November 8, 2008

CONCORD - Upsets can certainly happen, especially in rivalry games.

But the underdog almost always needs a good start.

A.L. Brown certainly made sure that didn't happen for Concord Friday night.

With touchdowns on three of their first five offensive plays, the Wonders never gave the undermanned Spiders a chance, rolling to a 56-6 rout in the most lopsided game in the history of the storied rivalry.

Jamill Lott accounted for five touchdowns as Kannapolis (9-2, 7-1) retained the Bell and also claimed at least a share of another South Piedmont Conference championship.

"It was a great team effort and a great win for us," Kannapolis head coach Ron Massey said. "It gets us at least a tie for the conference championship and hopefully a good seed for the playoffs.

"I'm just glad we were able to come out and play real well tonight."

For Concord (3-7, 2-6), it's likely the end of a disappointing season. The Spiders will probably be left out of the playoffs for the first time since 1995.

"They're that much better than us," Concord coach E.Z. Smith said. "They're faster, they were more aggressive, they're a super football team. I told Ron after the game, 'Good luck, and represent our conference in the state playoffs,' because that's what this is about. You play the game. When it's over with, you move on and you wish your opponent good luck."

The Spiders started with tailback Roger Smith at quarterback, but the Wonders' defense wasn't fooled, stuffing Smith for a couple of losses in the first four plays.

"We worked on it this week and talked about it on defense," Massey said of Smith playing quarterback. "We were prepared for it."

Josh Black then intercepted a Smith pass and, on the next play, Lott threw to T.J. Johnson in the end zone for a 23-yard touchdown.

"We knew they were going to run man coverage and we were going to throw the ball early and we were able to beat them," Massey said.
The Wonders needed just two plays to score their next two touchdowns. Lott threw to Colby Reid for a 42-yard score and then ran untouched for a 39-yard touchdown to make it 21-0 with 2:37 left in the first quarter.

Both of those scores followed short Concord punts. The longest of the Wonders' first three scoring drives was 41 yards.

"Every time we got an opportunity offensively we took advantage of it and that's what you've got to do to be a good football team," Massey said.

Concord got its only score of the came on a 9-yard pass from Ben Brill to William Propst which capped a long drive and made it 21-6.

But the Wonders answered right away. Johnathan Williams ran for 24 yards and Lott ran for 29 to set up a 1-yard scoring run by Travis Riley.

After an interception by Chris Moore on Concord's next possession, Williams ran off tackle for an 8-yard touchdown to make it 35-6.

The Wonders scored 28 points off Spiders' turnovers in the game.

In the second half, Lott added a 41-yard touchdown run and threw to Zach Massey for a 14-yard score – his third passing touchdown of the game.

An 11-yard scoring run by Riley early in the fourth quarter finally capped the scoring.

Lott ran for 128 yards on just six carries, while completing 5 of 10 passes for 93 yards.

Antwoine Jordan added 68 yards on eight carries as the Wonders totaled 245 rushing yards.

"I thought all our backs ran hard, the offensive line did a great job protecting," Massey said. "The defense got takeaways and held Roger in check a little bit.

"Our kids were really focused all week. Our seniors did a great job."

Especially considering very difficult circumstances on Friday. A.L. Brown graduates Kevin Cano and Jamie Gill died after being shot in Charlotte earlier in the day. Cano was a defensive lineman for the Wonders two years ago.

"It was a hard day for them," Massey said of his current players. "We brought the seniors in and told them they were the leaders of the school and they had to handle it. Our hearts go out to the families. I'm very proud of the way they handled themselves, though."

Smith rushed for 164 yards on 39 carries, with 106 in the second half.

Concord still leads the series 38-36, with four ties.

**********************

Game No. 79 (11/6/09)

Score...Concord 13, Kannapolis 10

From the Salisbury Post

By David Shaw

dshaw@salisburypost.com
KANNAPOLIS — A.L. Brown's football team picked a bad time to play a bad game.

The host Wonders lost their shot at an unblemished conference season — and a two-year hold on the coveted rivalry bell — with a 13-10 loss to Concord on Friday.

"We couldn't get any rhythm going," coach Ron Massey said after Kannapolis (9-2, 6-1 SPC) offered a well-meaning but clunky performance. "We'd make a play and they'd come back and undo it. Everybody's tried to stop our running game all year and we've been able to adapt. We just didn't do it tonight."

A standing-room-only crowd watched Concord (5-6, 5-2) blank the Wonders in the second half and close the regular season with its fifth straight win. Kannapolis rushed for 190 yards —including 116 by junior back Travis Riley — but that was more than 100 below its weekly average. And despite averaging 38.5 points per game, the Wonders were limited to a first-quarter touchdown and a second-period field goal.

"I think mentally we weren't ready for them," linebacker Desmond Gray explained. "We thought we would blow them off. This is what happens when you take someone lightly. They were the bigger men tonight."

They were. If this game had been a fish, the Wonders would be obliged to throw it back. They were three-touchdown favorites and never even held a lead.

"This wasn't supposed to happen," 255-pound right guard Tavis Bailey said in the despondent K-town locker room. "Not in my senior year. I didn't even think about losing this one. But here's what happened: we played a really bad game."

Offensively, Concord did just enough to prevail. The Spiders had only 12 first downs and 76 yards rushing. But they won the line-of-scrimmage battle and kept the Wonders chasing a carrot they never could catch.

"It was a great win against a great program," said CHS coach Glen Padgett. "I think in the second half we were able to win field position and that was a key. We contained (Riley) and our offense made a few big plays."

All the scoring came in the opening half. Concord struck first when wideout Jacquise Moore caught a 43-yard TD pass from freshman quarterback B.J. Beecher, spinning away from Kannapolis defensive back Quin Gill and down the left sideline. It was the longest play of the game and put the Spiders ahead 7-0 late in the first quarter.

"We made too many mistakes," linebacker Terrance Johnson said. "They might have been lucky on the first touchdown, but everybody on offense and defense could have done a better job."

The Wonders answered immediately with their most productive drive of the game. Quarterback Martel Campbell steered them 78 yards in nine plays for a game-tying touchdown. Key plays were Antwoine Jordan's 20-yard run into Concord territory and Riley's 11-yard burst to the 23. Then on fourth-and-6 from the Concord 19, Campell flipped a short pass to Tevin Jones in the left flat. Jones promptly pitched the ball to Riley, who hurdled a couple of defenders and scored on a 15-yard run.

"We have to be able to run the ball to be successful," Massey said. "We didn't do enough of it. It's not hard to figure out."

Concord regained the lead in the second quarter, aided by a shovel pass that gained 8 yards on an anticipated field goal attempt. Moments later Gray blocked a Concord punt on the 9-yard line, presenting a golden opportunity for the Wonders to take the lead just before halftime.

Instead their short drive fizzled like Coca-Cola and they settled for Brenden Brown's 23-yard field goal.

"Our defense gave us a chance and we didn't get in the end zone," Massey said. "Those guys kept us in the ballgame. The defense really played well and gave us decent field position throughout the second half. We just didn't get it done offensively."

Johnson watched intently as Concord's post-game celebration unfolded and the bell changed hands.

"Knowing we can lose may end up helping us," he said. "Now we know we can't lose again."