Comments (0) | |

Thursday, Feb. 04, 2010

Northside/Warner Robins rivals celebrate mutual success

WARNER ROBINS — The last time many Northside fans saw Jonathan Jackson of Warner Robins, he was celebrating in the end zone after scoring a last-minute touchdown that led to the Demons’ comeback win in the city championship in October.

On Wednesday, Jackson once again celebrated in the midst of his Northside rivals, but the circumstances were different. This was a mutual celebration of effort, success and opportunity.

An hour after inking their own deals, Warner Robins seniors Jackson, Andrew Lauritsen and Jeffrey Whitaker went to Northside to congratulate Eagles signees Greg Clark, Devon Pike and Brison Williams.

“Even though we’re rivals, we’re buddies,” Lauritsen said as the six mingled, mugged for photos and munched on party cake.

In fact, Clark and Lauritsen will be teammates at Valdosta State. They could wind up lining up next to one another on defense. Clark plays defensive end, and Lauritsen plays defensive tackle. Both were told they’ll have the opportunity to compete for playing time as freshmen.

“I’ve been lining up against (Lauritsen) and Warner Robins for years. Now we’re going to work together as teammates,” Clark said. “We made a visit (to VSU) together last week and got to know each other. The transition shouldn’t be too hard.”

Whitaker and Williams will remain rivals. Whitaker made official his choice of Auburn. Williams will play with SEC rival South Carolina. The Northside safety said he’s thrilled to have a chance to compete in the SEC, arguably the best college football conference.

“It means a lot,” he said. “That’s where the best players are. There’s a lot of good talent.”

Pike, who was recently chosen by The Telegraph as the decade’s top place-kicker for Middle Georgia, said the staff at Elizabeth City State was pleasantly surprised Pike hadn’t been snatched up by a bigger school. He told the coaches Sunday evening he was ready to join the Vikings.

Pike registered with National Collegiate Scouting Association and said Elizabeth City State was on him early.

“They’ve seen what I can do,” Pike said.

Meanwhile, Jackson will attend Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas. The Grizzlies are home to six NJCAA national championships. Jackson expects to be featured in Butler’s I-formation as a tailback.

“I just want to show them I can run,” he said.

All six spoke of how their time at either Northside or Warner Robins prepared them for the college game.

“Never slack off,” Lauritsen said of the lessons he learned. “Be a good witness. Live your life the right way.”

Those are sentiments both schools celebrated Tuesday.