NEXT LEVEL: Cherokee Braves linemen Byron Locust (left) and Will Davis signed a letter of intent during a ceremony held at the Charles George Memorial Arena on the afternoon of Wednesday, Feb. 21 to play football at Brevard College. (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather photos)
By SCOTT MCKIE B.P.
ONE FEATHER STAFF
Two more members of the historic Cherokee Braves 2017 1A State Championship team have signed letters of intent to play at the next level. Star linemen Will Davis and Byron Locust signed with Brevard College during a ceremony held at the Charles George Memorial Arena on the afternoon of Wednesday, Feb. 21.
“It’s a great day for Cherokee football, and it’s a great day for Cherokee High School,” said Kent Briggs, Braves head football coach. “We’re here to honor Byron and Will for their commitment to go to the next level.”
He went on to say, “To play college football, that’s fantastic in itself, but the things that they’re going to learn that college athletics teaches you will help them to be successful for the rest of their lives. It will give them tools to go out there and be really successful in the real world.”
David Napert, Braves line coach, commented, “I’ve coached a lot of linemen in my career. I’ve been coaching over 30 years. Several of those guys I coached, not because of me, made it to the NFL.”
BIG GAME, BIG HIT: Cherokee’s Will Davis (#55) hits Thomas Jefferson’s Nomi McMullens in the regional semifinal game at Ray Kinsland Stadium on Nov. 24, 2017.
Pointing to Davis, he noted, “That young man right there is one of the best ones I’ve ever coached…he’s the best football player probably in the state right now playing defensive tackle.”
Of Locust, he said, “Every big game we had, every close game, Byron came up with a big-time play to save us…I love these guys and I’ll be following them the rest of their lives.”
Craig Barker, CHS assistant principal and Braves defensive coach, said, “I could talk all day about Will and Byron. I’m just very proud of you. We put a lot of time, sweat, blood, and tears into you two and all of our linemen. We talk about legends, state champions, you did it.”
He added, “They’re certainly not choir boys out there playing football. We’re mean and nasty, and I’m looking forward to what you’re going to do at the next level. But, more importantly, I’m looking forward to you getting that diploma and furthering your education and becoming leaders of this Tribe.”
Locust, a four-year starter for the Braves as both a defensive and offensive lineman, was named to the NCPreps.com All-State team his senior year in which he had 43 solo tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks. He also played on the defensive line for the FCA East-West All-Star Game as well as the Border Bowl All-Star Game.
TACKLE: Cherokee’s Byron Locust (#70) tackles William Archer (#9), North Duplin quarterback, during the 1A state championship game at Carter-Finley Stadium on the campus of North Carolina State University in Raleigh on Dec. 9, 2017.
“I’m excited and looking forward to it,” he commented. “To play at the next level is what I’ve been looking forward to since I was playing football in pee wees.”
Davis, also a four-year starter for the Braves as a lineman on both sides, was named All-Smoky Mountain Conference his senior year in which he had 26 solo tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks. He played as an offensive guard in the FCA East-West All-Star Game and as a defensive lineman for the Border Bowl All-Star Game.
“I’m excited,” he said. “I’m looking forward to see what the next level is about. All of the competition is going to be there. I didn’t think I’d get to go play ball anywhere, but when Brevard told me they wanted me, I got really excited.”
To view or purchase photos from this event, visit: https://onefeather.smugmug.com/SPORTS/FOOTBALL/Davis-Locust-sign-with-Brevard-College-2-21-18/
