Mr. Football finalist ignores accolades and snubs

The newspaper industry provided me a four-decade career experiencing inspiration, dedication and just plain fun. The start of my career covering the Chargers, college, high school sports and Olympic athletes came full circle with Don Coryell's Pro Football Hall of Fame induction on August 5 in Canton, Ohio. I helped Hall of Famer Dan Fouts with research on Coryell's remarkable record of first-time Pro Bowlers with the SAN DIEGO Chargers and Cardinal for Fouts' presentation to the voters.…

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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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