Football 2008: Clayton

The Clayton Comets finished fourth in Greater Neuse River Conference in 2007, and coach Gary Fowler thinks they can build on that this season. The Comets' defense was a big headline in 2007, but their offense struggled to score. This year, the Comet offense should be much better, with more experience. The defense, however, will be very young, but deep in the secondary. The quarterback position will be a question mark for Clayton as well, and how their young talent steps up will likely determine how the Clayton season turns out in 2008.

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Team Strengths: "Should be better on offensive line and at offensive skill positions. Also have good depth in defensive secondary. Also have punter and kicker back."

Team Weaknesses: "Youth - especially on the defense. We graduated several off of one of the state's best defensive unit. We will also have some inexperience at key positions like quarterback and linebacker."

2008 Outlook: "Our schedule is tough again. We will really use the non-conference games to work people at different positions to see what works best for our team. Our conference should have a lot of talented athletes and teams."

2008 Key Players

• SENIORS
  • Juwan Williams (#4) - RB/LB, 6-0, 233, 4.5; Recruited by several ACC schools; Weight class MVP at Elite Eight Combine.
  • Patrick Reynolds (#89) - TE, 6-6, 240; Committed to VMI; Still being recruited by several schools.
  • Cyrus Bullock (#20) - DB/WR, 5-11, 175; 4.48
  • Kyle Barbour (#70) - OT/DT, 6-4, 260
  • Marshall Tilley - WR/LB
• JUNIORS
  • Chris Ferguson - QB

2008 Schedule:

TBA

Need Directions?

From the Raleigh-Durham Area

Take I-40 E @ 10 miles depending on initial location. Take the NC 70E exit, exit number 306, towards CLAYTON/ SMITHFIELD/ GOLDSBORO. Merge onto NC 70 for 7.6 miles. When you enter the town of Clayton, look for McDonald's on the right. If attending an athletic event, turn left at McDonald's onto S. Robertson Street. The fields/gym will be on your right. If visiting the campus, go straight through the stoplight at McDonald's. The football field will be on the left. Take the first LEFT onto S. Fayetteville Street. The school is located on your left. Turn left into the second driveway.
Total Distance: @ 20 miles
Estimated Time: Allow 20-45 minutes depending on time and traffic.

From the Fayetteville Area

Take I-95 N for @ 27 miles. Merge onto I-40 West via Exit number 81. Follow I-40 West for @ 16 miles to the NC 42 Exit 312. Turn right onto NC 42E for @ 8 miles to the Clayton City Limits. Travel through two stoplights and under the US70 bridge. Take the first left after you pass under the bridge onto Hamby Street. Go straight for two blocks. You will be facing the school and parking lot.
Total Distance: @ 52 miles
Estimated Time: Allow @ 1 hour

From the Wilson Area:

Take I-95S until you reach the NC 42W Exit. Mileage will vary depending on initial location. Drive @ 25 miles until you reach Highway 70. Turn right onto Highway 70 for @ 2 mi. to the stop light at McDonald's. Turn right at the light. The fields/gym will be on your right.
Total Distance: @ 42 miles
Estimated Time: Allow @ 50 minutes to 1 hour

From the Wilmington Area

Take I-40 W @ 110 miles depending on initial location to the NC 42E Exit (312). Turn right and travel down NC 42E for @ 8 miles to the Clayton City Limits. Travel through two stoplights and under the US70 bridge. Take the first left after you pass under the bridge onto Hamby Street. Go straight for two blocks. You will be facing the school and parking lot.
Total Distance: @ 120 miles
Estimated Time: Allow 2 hours

(Courtesy: Clayton School Website)

2007 Football Friday Videos

• Bob Holliday: Clayton vs. South View
• Josh Hailey: West Johnston vs. Clayton
• Garner vs. Clayton
• Rick Armstrong: Fuquay-Varina vs. Clayton
• C.B. Aycock vs. Clayton