MT Airy/ North Surry ? Best RB ever

[Doppleganger#]

For MT Airy i know they have had alot of great RB in years past. Not sure if James Brimm was a RB or not, but one heck of an athlete. Others George Franklin, Darrell France, and Dobson from the late 2000. but can't remember his first name. Could Tyler Mason be the best RB to come out of MT Airy? Any others i probably left some names out.

For North Surry i guessing Joe Simmons or Andrea Moore.

Don't really know that much about either program, but hoping someone can shed some light.

 

[REWhitley]

For North Surry, Joe Simmons would be extremely hard to beat and then he had an outstanding career at NC Central.
Darrell France and Michael Dobson were both really outstanding Mt Airy running backs. Not sure about the 50's, 60's and 70's but there is a gentleman (Historian of all records Mt Airy) who could give the numbers.

 

[REWhitley]

I believe Tyler Mason will answer the question next year. If he physically matures a little more, he has all the skills to check the box as the best, or one of the best, running backs from Mt Airy. But to achieve that status I believe he needs 10 more pounds of muscle, a slight step up in speed, especially in burst away acceleration, and to maintain that mental toughness and drive that he demonstrated against Eastern Randolph, Draughn and Tarboro.

For Mt Airy's regular season except East Surry and North Surry, Tyler could play in a leg cast and be better than any opposing player, but for the 2 mentioned above plus the late round opponents, he needs that next step of development.

Also, the problem Tyler will have next year, in one regard, will be his own team mates. The talent that Caleb Reed and the Martin kid (current freshman) have would put any other team Mt Airy would play to shame. These two guys are lights out in and of themselves.

So Tyler's problem, and the problem for the Coaching staff may very well be how do they spread the ball around when Mt Airy scores every 3rd play, not every 3rd possession, every third play.

 

[REWhitley]

While not strictly a running back, I would call attention to a Mt Airy Fullback/LBer from the mid 90's. John Bradley had some really monster games for the Bears and went to Vanderbilt on a full scholarship.

Then there was Anthony Moore who had a great RB career for the Bears and went to James Madison.

 

[REWhitley]

Also, in asking the question for this thread, there might be a significant difference in those names of running backs over the course of 2 to 4 years and than for those that had one break out year.

For instance, back in the later 80's I think, Jamie Greene was the Tailback his junior year and was really good. But Coach Hollingsworth moved him a wide out/slot position his Senior year and put Travis Bruner (might not have the first name correct). But boy oh boy was that the right decision. It was not popular at first but it did not take long for everyone to realize the Bruner kid had become a stud! And a fast one at that.

 

[HeartPump]

Going way back.................
North Surry
Ben Norman played late 70's.
Colorado State
College Conference player of the year
Denver Broncos for three games until career ending injury.
Mt Airy
Joe Ray Moore
Late 70's also
Recruited by Ohio State as well as other big-time programs.
Did not play college ball.

 

[davisdorm]

Joe Ray Moore. (1970’s)Tailback, strong, fast, durable. Father of Anthony and grandfather of Cameron.
Buster Cox,(1968-1969) tailback senior yr and wide receiver junior yr. Played at Duke. Son played quarterback at Independence and Georgia
Comparable was East Surry’s John Hampton (1970’s)who later played at Appalachian State and Chris Griggs (1999-2002) a phenomenal athlete.
Biggest difference would be the above were carrying the ball out of the I formation with the opponent’s TOTAL attention on them. Tyler Mason is a similar athlete but in the spread the opponent can not just concentrate on one back. And today’s social media brings attention and weight rooms have made the offensive linemen much, much better!

 

[buzzcoach]

Also, in asking the question for this thread, there might be a significant difference in those names of running backs over the course of 2 to 4 years and than for those that had one break out year.

For instance, back in the later 80's I think, Jamie Greene was the Tailback his junior year and was really good. But Coach Hollingsworth moved him a wide out/slot position his Senior year and put Travis Bruner (might not have the first name correct). But boy oh boy was that the right decision. It was not popular at first but it did not take long for everyone to realize the Bruner kid had become a stud! And a fast one at that.

I played on the MA team that Jamie Green was on was very good. As well as Chris Brunner he was the other RB. They both Graduated 1991

 

[buzzcoach]

Also, in asking the question for this thread, there might be a significant difference in those names of running backs over the course of 2 to 4 years and than for those that had one break out year.

For instance, back in the later 80's I think, Jamie Greene was the Tailback his junior year and was really good. But Coach Hollingsworth moved him a wide out/slot position his Senior year and put Travis Bruner (might not have the first name correct). But boy oh boy was that the right decision. It was not popular at first but it did not take long for everyone to realize the Bruner kid had become a stud! And a fast one at that.

Cris Brunner would pop you in the mouth. Jamie unfortunately passed away in car crash several years ago.

 

[HeartPump]

As much as it pains me, based on accomplishments, Ben Norman all time MA/NS RB.
North Surry

 

[REWhitley]

Joe Ray Moore. (1970’s)Tailback, strong, fast, durable. Father of Anthony and grandfather of Cameron.
Buster Cox,(1968-1969) tailback senior yr and wide receiver junior yr. Played at Duke. Son played quarterback at Independence and Georgia
Comparable was East Surry’s John Hampton (1970’s)who later played at Appalachian State and Chris Griggs (1999-2002) a phenomenal athlete.
Biggest difference would be the above were carrying the ball out of the I formation with the opponent’s TOTAL attention on them. Tyler Mason is a similar athlete but in the spread the opponent can not just concentrate on one back. And today’s social media brings attention and weight rooms have made the offensive linemen much, much better!

There was a really outstanding East Surry athlete that went on to Lenoir Rhyne and still has several records their. What was his name?

 

[davisdorm]

Kenard France. LR wide receiver later transferred to NC State (possible answer to REWhitley) from East Surry, 1999. Same family as Jamie who played at Mount Airy and Ray, Doug, and Barry who played at East Surry

 

[bareman]

Michael Dobson (‘06-08) would have shattered every record at MA but team was so dominant Junior/Senior seasons he only played a 1/2 of each game

 

[Thunder_struck8712]

Dobson was so good. Top 5 all time in Surry County and the area. Maybe the best.

 

[buzzcoach]

Dobson was so good. Top 5 all time in Surry County and the area. Maybe the best.

Dobson was also one of best DBs I seen play.

 

[Thunder_struck8712]

All-around great player. Don't get that level of talent often.

 

[REWhitley]

Jonathan Smith has not been long gone from Mt Airy but his 4 years of being the primary running back was nothing short of outstanding, by any measure.

 

[REWhitley]

Also, beginning with the 2014-15 season the running clock started in NC High School. When comparing stats I believe it might be important to know that date as it is affecting current players such as Tyler Mason whom don't play much in the 2nd half of games due to their lopsided scores and shorten games versus players in tighter, high scoring games.

 

[greydog86]

I will add Tim Leake for Mt Airy. Kid had speed and talent and I knew him well.

 

[justathought]

Joston Phipps 08-10 NS - Had 2400 yds as a senior and 39 total TDs that year (4,700 career rushing yds) ....maybe not the best ever at NS, but definitely in the conversation. Signed to play at Concord (WVa) but came home.

 

[buzzcoach]

Most talented I ever seen at RB for MA was Tobias Rebels who played for Coach Cobb. But he had bad attitude and not so good work ethic, He could been special. Josh Penn was pretty good also along with the L Train Lionel Smith.

 

[buzzcoach]

MA #33 Rodney Mason was stud also went to WF.

 

[Slasher Killer]

North's RB pick is really interesting. I'm writing a write up about it for you guys.. it's detailed and will take a bit.

Off the top of my head like MA we've had so many good ones. Until when I came to the program and really halfway through my run we've been a run first team. It's what our bread and butter is. Now it's more even but when I was a little Slash we ran the ball all the time. When I played I played with one of the greats and had another right behind me.. if I was to be biased I'd pick either one but I"m gonna be fair and think this out.

See you all soon.

 

[buzzcoach]

North's RB pick is really interesting. I'm writing a write up about it for you guys.. it's detailed and will take a bit.

Off the top of my head like MA we've had so many good ones. Until when I came to the program and really halfway through my run we've been a run first team. It's what our bread and butter is. Now it's more even but when I was a little Slash we ran the ball all the time. When I played I played with one of the greats and had another right behind me.. if I was to be biased I'd pick either one but I"m gonna be fair and think this out.

See you all soon.

Do you remember Smoot?

 

[thewhisltleman]

Do you remember Smoot?

Smoot could have been great.

 

[buzzcoach]

Smoot could have been great.

Think his name was David Horton mean as a snake. Jimmie Mchone was good to at NS.

 

[thewhisltleman]

Think his name was David Horton mean as a snake. Jimmie Mchone was good to at NS.

Mean as a snake is accurate. Dang good FB and baseball player.

 

[REWhitley]

Guys, I do not know why we all have not said thank you to the greatest running back/quarterback/athlete ever to play at both North Surry and Mt Airy at the same time. I was talking with him just today and he reminded me of how he handled playing for both schools at the same time, being named player of the game in every game for the Greyhounds and the Granite Bears the same 2 years. How could we forget GEORGE SANTOS.

 

[buzzcoach]

Guys, I do not know why we all have not said thank you to the greatest running back/quarterback/athlete ever to play at both North Surry and Mt Airy at the same time. I was talking with him just today and he reminded me of how he handled playing for both schools at the same time, being named player of the game in every game for the Greyhounds and the Granite Bears the same 2 years. How could we forget GEORGE SANTOS.

What years?

 

[ocdavis31]

What years?

Whatever years benefit his political career. And subject to change on a whim.

 

[REWhitley]

I think someone saw the humor in my GEORGE SANTOS post. LOL

 

[buzzcoach]

Joe Ray 1981 I think. He did hold the all time rushing record at MA.

 

[granitebear4life]

Anthony Moore RB (1993-1996). Mt.Airy Granite Bears
Current All-time MA Leading Rusher 5,803
James Madison University 97-01
2022 Inductee- Greater Mount Airy Sports Hall of Fame

 

[Jmappfan5]

Joe Ray 1981 I think. He did hold the all time rushing record at MA.

Joe Ray Moore 1973-75. Buster Cox was a STUD!!! NSurry- Ben Norman

 

[Tarboroviking18]

Tyler Mason will be in this conversation if he isn't already.

 

[1uncheelS#]

Tyler Mason will be in this conversation if he isn't already.

Hard to get yards when only play half a game but yes still great running back.

 

[Tarboroviking18]

Hard to get yards when only play half a game but yes still great running back.

At the very least a MVP award in the state championship game last season should at least put him in the discussion lol.

 

[1uncheelS#]

So far this year the coaches have been sharing the wealth around to several running backs and receivers. Threw in a few twist tonight putting qb under center.

 

[DaddyDoug]

Not going to get into this discussion of who is the best.

For history that is not already mentioned, Charles "Red" Mayberry was a great one. Led MA to first State Championship in 1935. Went to Wake Forest where he led Wake Forest Freshman team to an undefeated season. Highly recognized in the entire country as one of the best. Would have been All-American but got hurt. We do not have any reliable rushing statistics for him. Billy Cox in the late 40's could do it all. He was a running QB with a deadly arm. Went to Duke, was All-American, cover of many magazines, and played for the Washington Redskins for 5 seasons. His teammate Fred Folger started for Duke University in the backfield and was their punter. Yep. two Mt. Airy boys in the backfield for Duke at the same time. They went to 3 consecutive State Championship while winning in 1948.