Although the Foxes (2-5, 4-6) ended their season losing to Caroline (2-5, 2-8) 15-12, on Friday, in the larger picture, all is not lost. The Foxes were leading until the fourth quarter, when the Cavaliers offense broke the game wide open with an 85-yard touchdown run. Although the Cavaliers initially opened the scoring by returning a fumble for 38 yards in the first quarter, the Foxes received offense support from the backfield. In the second quarter, D.J. Lewis scored from 4 yards out to cut the Cavalier lead to 7-6. Tevin Jones also scored on a 1-yard run and a 59-yard touchdown completion to Steven Cocke. The Foxes also had to overcome two dropped touchdowns and four fumbles.

The Foxes have made substantial improvements since 2009 where they managed to win two games overall, and one in the district. Their offense led by Tevin Jones, DJ Lewis, Kelsey Monroe, D’Shon Brown, Henry Hughes, Wayne Wyatt, Derrick Joines, Delonte Chisley and Cocke brought back the big play aspect that was missing for many years. Defensively, the Foxes have been consistent throughout the season. Most notably, head coach Jeff Smith and his staff have instilled a sense of confidence that has created a winning atmosphere.

After 17 years of coaching basketball, baseball and football, Fox varsity head football coach Jeff Smith believes his program has finally seen the light and will bounce back to be a dominant force in area football.
“As a whole, the team has made tremendous leaps and bounds,” Smith said. “I wanted to slowly change the mentality of the kids. There were games where we were down, and played well in the second half — prior to this year, that would not have happened.”
With the loss of their talented corps of seniors to graduation, the Foxes will have a substantial cast of sophomore junior varsity players to select from. The junior varsity nearly made it into their second championship in row. Led by Xavier James, Jordi Estes, Quesean Jett and Antwan Brown the Foxes junior varsity finished the season with a 7-3 overall record.
Also, the key intangible of having a devoted fan base in the form of the 12th man has become a trademark of Friday evenings at Hunter Field or “The Pit.” With the support of the school, and the community, the atmosphere associated with Fox football will continue to grow.
“If you have a program where the kids believe in what you’re doing, you will be very successful,” Smith said.

Leonard M. Banks
Sports Editor