My N&O story: Xavier Pugh emerges from shadows in the playoffs

PHOTO: Millbrook running back Xavier Pugh. By TOM SHANAHAN Millbrook High’s running game needed something extra last week. The Wildcats, known for their explosive passing attack, faced top-seeded Hillside’s balanced offense in an East Region semifinal of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 4A playoffs. Xavier Pugh, Millbrook’s overshadowed running back, delivered — three times. The senior’s third rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter was the game-winner in a 19-14 victory. “Every game he got better and better…

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Two Triangle showdown games are a family affair

PHOTO: The Thomas family following an NC State game at Carter-Finley Stadium, Lex, Drake, Shelly, Trevor and Thayer. Visit my website homepage, TomShanahan.Report By TOM SHANAHAN They’re West Virginia transplants who’ve evolved into a Triangle first family of football. Trevor and Shelly Thomas and their three sons, Thayer, Drake and Lex, are in the middle of two heavyweight showdowns this weekend. First is a Thursday night game — moved up a day due to Hurricane Ian rain forecasts…

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Prolific quarterback play shapes Fortune’s path

Visit my website homepage, TomShanahan.Report By TOM SHANAHAN The path Millbrook High’s Mason Fortune traveled the past season and a half seemed a familiar one for a prospect hoping to attract college football scholarship offers. As a sophomore starter last season, he led Millbrook to an 11-2 record while throwing for 3,137 yards and 40 touchdowns, with only five interceptions. He was 192-of-292 passing for 241.3 per game and a .658 completion percentage. ... Click here for the…

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