Sunday, June 20, 2010
Ravens lose to Bobcats
The High Point Ravens and the Morganton Bobcats (Morganton, NC) both came into this game, fighting for first place in the Piedmont Division. Both teams stood at 1-0 at the beginning of game, but only one team was going to be 2-0 at the end of the day. The Ravens "D" showed up and showed up big, causing turnovers and forcing 3 and outs all day. But right before halftime with just 1:30 left in the game, the Bobcats fumbled the football on a hand off and there was a fight for the ball. The Bobcats QB picked up the ball and throw a Touchdown pass. The Ravens looked for the "Illegal Receiver Down field" due to, two of Morganton's offensive lineman were down field, but didn't get the call. The Bobcats 2 point conversion was no good. Then 3 plays into the Ravens offensive drive, QB James Douglas of the Ravens, threw a interception and it was return for a TD by one of the Bobcats outside linebackers. 2 point conversion once again no good. The Bobcats took half-time with a 12-0 lead. The second half went scoreless for both teams, but the damage was done. The Ravens falls to 1-1 and will travel to Burlington, NC June 26Th, to take on the Burlington Trojans (0-2) before the bye week.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Man of Many Accolades
The 2009 season was a break-out year for Will Graham, AKA "Deuce," of the High Point Ravens. During this season, he accumulated several accolades, including: Team MVP and team Defensive Back of the Year, along with being named a Semi-Pro BCS 1st Team All-American and a National Football Events 2ND Team All-American. He was also a member of the Alliance Football League (AFL) Team and the Central Carolina Football League (CCFL) All-Star Team where he garnered the title of CCFL All-Star Defensive MVP. On top of these honors, he is currently the Ravens' All-Time Interception Leader with 10.
Will, in his second year with Ravens, is a team captain capable of leading his team on both sides of the ball, as he plays a variety of positions including corner back, kicker, punter & quarterback. He was named a team captain after the 2009 All-Star Game in St. Louis, MO. Being named a team captain is a honor bestowed upon few, and when Will was given this title, he was excited and ready to get back on the field with the rookies and returnees. He felt that after the 2009 season, "I was in a better leadership position, therefore giving another person an opportunity to go far, as well as the team."
Football is a passion in the Graham family, and Will's inspiration to play began before he could walk. "I pushed a little plush football around on the floor as I crawled. I continued playing throughout my childhood chasing my father & uncle's legacies, as they were top-notch players in high school, college and the Marine Corps." His inspiration to play after his childhood is due to this passion, as he "works hard on & off the field trying to improve skills in hopes of one day playing at the next level." Will's main focus, at the time, is going to school to get a degree to provide for his family (wife Sarah and son William V AKA Cinco), but he would love for football to become another source of income. Sitting in the stands at a majority of Will's games, you'll see his wife, son and mother, Awilda, Showing their support for this passion. "Being able to look up into the stands & see my wife, baby boy and mom sitting there gives me more inspiration to play even harder. Last season, my wife was working in PA, but this year, with her here, it's perfect!"
The Ravens have joined the Alliance Football League this year, playing in the Piedmont Division. This division includes teams from Greensboro, Burlington, Charlotte, Fayetteville, Morganton, Raleigh and Camp Lejeune. Per Will, "The new league has shown great promise from seeing the teams at the All-Star game. It seems to be more structured and has a higher caliber of competition. The website, for the most part, stays updated, and the league offers a Players' Association to help promote players to the next level they want to play at. I think the Ravens will bring a lot of fire and talent to the league and see some of the equal skill too!
The 2009 CCFL All-Star game was a shinning example of Will's talents and capabilities, as he was unanimously named the All-Star Defensive MVP, in his first year as an All-Star. He finished the game with two interceptions, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and five tackles. He continued to "ride the All-Star wave of success to St. Louis for the AFL All-Star Game " where he was joined by there of this teammates (Yancey Gregory, Xavier Locke and Chris Ingram). For this game, Will says " We went out there to play where people had no knowledge of us and left a lasting nightmare in their heads!" Will collected one interception, a forced fumble and some pass break-ups and tackles. Will, along with teammate Xavier Locke, was named Co-MVP of the All-Star Game by Coach James Littejohn.
Passionate, hard worker and dedicated are just a few words to describe Will, but if the 2009 season was an indication of this talents and capabilities, the 2010 seas offers a lot of promise for the chance to shine again. Hopefully at the end of the season, we'll see Will as a high roller in Vegas at the 2010 All-Star game!
By: Hope Layell
Will, in his second year with Ravens, is a team captain capable of leading his team on both sides of the ball, as he plays a variety of positions including corner back, kicker, punter & quarterback. He was named a team captain after the 2009 All-Star Game in St. Louis, MO. Being named a team captain is a honor bestowed upon few, and when Will was given this title, he was excited and ready to get back on the field with the rookies and returnees. He felt that after the 2009 season, "I was in a better leadership position, therefore giving another person an opportunity to go far, as well as the team."
Football is a passion in the Graham family, and Will's inspiration to play began before he could walk. "I pushed a little plush football around on the floor as I crawled. I continued playing throughout my childhood chasing my father & uncle's legacies, as they were top-notch players in high school, college and the Marine Corps." His inspiration to play after his childhood is due to this passion, as he "works hard on & off the field trying to improve skills in hopes of one day playing at the next level." Will's main focus, at the time, is going to school to get a degree to provide for his family (wife Sarah and son William V AKA Cinco), but he would love for football to become another source of income. Sitting in the stands at a majority of Will's games, you'll see his wife, son and mother, Awilda, Showing their support for this passion. "Being able to look up into the stands & see my wife, baby boy and mom sitting there gives me more inspiration to play even harder. Last season, my wife was working in PA, but this year, with her here, it's perfect!"
The Ravens have joined the Alliance Football League this year, playing in the Piedmont Division. This division includes teams from Greensboro, Burlington, Charlotte, Fayetteville, Morganton, Raleigh and Camp Lejeune. Per Will, "The new league has shown great promise from seeing the teams at the All-Star game. It seems to be more structured and has a higher caliber of competition. The website, for the most part, stays updated, and the league offers a Players' Association to help promote players to the next level they want to play at. I think the Ravens will bring a lot of fire and talent to the league and see some of the equal skill too!
The 2009 CCFL All-Star game was a shinning example of Will's talents and capabilities, as he was unanimously named the All-Star Defensive MVP, in his first year as an All-Star. He finished the game with two interceptions, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and five tackles. He continued to "ride the All-Star wave of success to St. Louis for the AFL All-Star Game " where he was joined by there of this teammates (Yancey Gregory, Xavier Locke and Chris Ingram). For this game, Will says " We went out there to play where people had no knowledge of us and left a lasting nightmare in their heads!" Will collected one interception, a forced fumble and some pass break-ups and tackles. Will, along with teammate Xavier Locke, was named Co-MVP of the All-Star Game by Coach James Littejohn.
Passionate, hard worker and dedicated are just a few words to describe Will, but if the 2009 season was an indication of this talents and capabilities, the 2010 seas offers a lot of promise for the chance to shine again. Hopefully at the end of the season, we'll see Will as a high roller in Vegas at the 2010 All-Star game!
By: Hope Layell
Monday, November 16, 2009
"What's In a Name"
The famous Shakespeare once wrote in one of his plays “What is in a name? Well there is a lot in a name when it comes to the High Point Raven’s CB, #2 William Graham IV! The Graham name has held many spots throughout its existence within William’s family, from his grandfather to his uncles, and his father. Football has always been a large part of the Graham’s from when his grandfather William Graham Jr. puts his own sons in the sport at young ages. They took it and ran long and far with it. Will’s two uncles both played quarterback at the high school and college levels, but ended their careers there. Will’s dad William Graham III played running back in high school where he won a state championship, before moving on to playing some college at Johnson C. Smith. He eventually went to the marines where he became a powerhouse running back, gaining recognition and offered tryouts for the Atlanta Falcons, before blowing his knee ending his career. This brings us to the man on the field, William Graham IV!
William also known as Will on the team began his playing days at the young age of five in the flag football league. He followed in his uncles footsteps playing Quarterback for his young years, well on to his High school days. Will, then went on to play tackle football at the age of eight helping his team to the city league championship game where they unfortunately lost. He then moved on to middle school where he helped lead his team to a division championship and an undefeated season. High during high school Will continued his position at quarterback, playing over at Grimsley High School, freshman and part of his sophomore year. He transferred to Page for the remainder of his sophomore year before he was redistricted to Western Guilford HS. Western would pose a challenge for Will, because the school already had a quarterback, so Will decided to try a new position and took on the Corner position. It took him no time to demonstrate skills at this position posting a record of six interceptions his senior year before leaving the team to focus more time on his Wrestling. As talented as Will was he did not excel on to the college level, despite the offers from colleges, do to his grades.
Will never gave up on his dream of playing football though, using his uncles and fathers as a fuel to his determination he sought out football wherever he could find it from pickup games to flag football leagues. It was not until 2008 that, Will found a home here with the High Point Ravens Semi- Pro team. He brought great talent to the team at the Corner spot, but become discouraged early into the season, and ended up leaving after a few games. He came back this year though with a new game plan, a game plan to “BE THE BEST,” as he says! He came into the preseason on fire along with fellow corner Chris Ingram, both grabbing 2 interceptions over their first four preseason games. It was not enough for Will though who began to pick up as the season went on. Will stepped up this season finishing out the season with 10 interceptions, three of which he grabbed against the Richmond Co. Golden Bears, in route to setting a new Ravens All- Time record. Will’s mind set worked out for him helping him land his first All-Star appearance in the CCFL where he went on to grab down two more interceptions. One was grabbed in the 2nd quarter and the second came right after the start of the 3rd quarter. Will had 1 forced fumble and recovery in the 4 quarter of the All-Star Game. Will also had 5 tackles adding to his other stats for the night helping Will go on to be named the 2009 CCFL All-Star Defensive MVP. Will still has one more All-Star Game this coming month for the Alliance Football League.
Will looks to start this coming season in a new league and hopes to be able to repeat his accomplishments if not improve them. He is also thinking about a position change back to quarterback, but keeps his main focus on his CB spot, which has become his passion. Will is also considering trying to take his game to the next level over to Europe or Canada or even to the Arena Leagues, but maintains focus on his Ravens for now. “I love my team like brothers, and have all of their backs if they ever need me to. I just want to take this past season remove the weak parts, and rebuild a stronger team that will go on to run this new league we are going to. If I get the chance to play in one of the Europe Leagues or Arena, or even the NFL or Canada then yea I will make my moves, to be able to create a better life for my wife and son, but until then you can find me making plays on the Ravens Defense or maybe even Offense. I’m going to push that Graham name to the max, and then step back and let my son take over. So stay tuned to the Ravens, we are about to make it happen in 2010!”
William also known as Will on the team began his playing days at the young age of five in the flag football league. He followed in his uncles footsteps playing Quarterback for his young years, well on to his High school days. Will, then went on to play tackle football at the age of eight helping his team to the city league championship game where they unfortunately lost. He then moved on to middle school where he helped lead his team to a division championship and an undefeated season. High during high school Will continued his position at quarterback, playing over at Grimsley High School, freshman and part of his sophomore year. He transferred to Page for the remainder of his sophomore year before he was redistricted to Western Guilford HS. Western would pose a challenge for Will, because the school already had a quarterback, so Will decided to try a new position and took on the Corner position. It took him no time to demonstrate skills at this position posting a record of six interceptions his senior year before leaving the team to focus more time on his Wrestling. As talented as Will was he did not excel on to the college level, despite the offers from colleges, do to his grades.
Will never gave up on his dream of playing football though, using his uncles and fathers as a fuel to his determination he sought out football wherever he could find it from pickup games to flag football leagues. It was not until 2008 that, Will found a home here with the High Point Ravens Semi- Pro team. He brought great talent to the team at the Corner spot, but become discouraged early into the season, and ended up leaving after a few games. He came back this year though with a new game plan, a game plan to “BE THE BEST,” as he says! He came into the preseason on fire along with fellow corner Chris Ingram, both grabbing 2 interceptions over their first four preseason games. It was not enough for Will though who began to pick up as the season went on. Will stepped up this season finishing out the season with 10 interceptions, three of which he grabbed against the Richmond Co. Golden Bears, in route to setting a new Ravens All- Time record. Will’s mind set worked out for him helping him land his first All-Star appearance in the CCFL where he went on to grab down two more interceptions. One was grabbed in the 2nd quarter and the second came right after the start of the 3rd quarter. Will had 1 forced fumble and recovery in the 4 quarter of the All-Star Game. Will also had 5 tackles adding to his other stats for the night helping Will go on to be named the 2009 CCFL All-Star Defensive MVP. Will still has one more All-Star Game this coming month for the Alliance Football League.
Will looks to start this coming season in a new league and hopes to be able to repeat his accomplishments if not improve them. He is also thinking about a position change back to quarterback, but keeps his main focus on his CB spot, which has become his passion. Will is also considering trying to take his game to the next level over to Europe or Canada or even to the Arena Leagues, but maintains focus on his Ravens for now. “I love my team like brothers, and have all of their backs if they ever need me to. I just want to take this past season remove the weak parts, and rebuild a stronger team that will go on to run this new league we are going to. If I get the chance to play in one of the Europe Leagues or Arena, or even the NFL or Canada then yea I will make my moves, to be able to create a better life for my wife and son, but until then you can find me making plays on the Ravens Defense or maybe even Offense. I’m going to push that Graham name to the max, and then step back and let my son take over. So stay tuned to the Ravens, we are about to make it happen in 2010!”
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Raven's Joins the Alliance Football League
The High Point Ravens have joined the Alliance Football league. Formerly of the CCFL, the Ravens have proven they are a quality team in the North Carolina as well as throughout the sport. The Ravens organization will now be on a national stage, when it comes to football . The Alliance Football League has expanded in Indiana, North & South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia and will announce more teams and each team individually. Coach Littlejohn stated " I feel this will be a great thing for our players. This will give them the chance to play teams from different states and also get a chance to travel to states, they may have never been before!" The AFL was formed in 1998 and the league consist of 31 teams going into the 2010 season. The 2010 season will start sometime in June or July, so please stay tune to more Raven's Football!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Another come from behind Win!
The High Point Ravens found away to win once again, vs the Richmond County Golden Bears. The Golden Bears drew first blood on a 65 yard scoring drive, that gave them the 6-0 lead. The Ravens found themselves losing 13-0 at halftime. The second half, QB Aaron Rutherford, found WR Markel Barnes for a 65 yard TD. The Golden Bears scored again on a 3 yard TD. Then scored a third time on a 45 yard TD run. The Ravens were losing 20-6, with 1:30 left in the 4th quarter. The High Point Ravens scored again and quick with a 55 yard TD pass from QB Aaron Rutherford to WR Darvell Gibson. With time running out, Darvell Gibson, now at QB found WR Cory Shepard in the back of the end zone, for the TD, to tie the game. The 2 point conversation fail and the game went into overtime. In over time, the Ravens won the toss and got the ball. The Ravens moved the ball up the field when RB Mike Davis, fumbled the ball on the Golden Bears 10 yard line. The Golden Bears moved the ball and on the 4 play, DL Ricky Easter, hit the RB and caused him to fumble the ball. LB Damien Gathings, pick up the ball and returned it 48 yards for the game winning TD. The final score was 26-20. The Ravens improved to 3-3 in the league and 6-3 overall. The Ravens are off next week due to the Labor Day, but will return to action vs the Carolina Eagles, in Concord, NC.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Raven's comes from behind again to grab the Win!
The High Point Ravens has done it again! After losing 13-0 at halftime to the Triangle Rattlers, the Ravens came back to win the game 16-13. The Ravens fumbled the football on their own 20 yard line and the Rattlers pick it for a TD. The Rattlers was leading 13-0, when QB Deon Williams connected with WR Jeremy Haskins for a 10 yard TD. RB James Littlejohn, ran in the 2 points conversation. The Ravens Defense played strong and got the ball back with 58 seconds left in the 4th quarter. QB Deon William teamed up with WR Jeremy Haskins again, but this time for a 65 yard TD pass. WR Markel Barnes score the 2 pt cov. The High Point Ravens improve to 2-3 in league play and 5-3 overall. The Ravens will be traveling to Rockingham, NC to take on the Richmond County Golden Bears, August 29th.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Ravens comes from behind to get the Win!
The High Point Ravens gets their first win, in league play for the season. The High Point Ravens hosted the Monroe Mustangs of Monroe, NC. The Mustangs scored first on a 78 yard TD pass. The game went into halftime with the Ravens trailing 8-0. The second half, both teams couldn't get anything going until late in the 4th quarter, QB Aaron Rutherford, connected with WR Markel Barnes on a 45 yard TD, 2 point conversation was good. With the game tied at 8-8, QB Aaron Rutherford passed for another TD, but this time, he connected with WR Jeremy Haskins for a 20 yd TD. The Ravens won the game 16- 8 and improved to 1-3 in league play and 4-3 overall. The Ravens will be hosting the Triangle Ratters of Durham, NC, on August 22nd.
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