Powell Valley’s Mitchell Is The Difference

By Allen Gregory
Sports Writer / Bristol Herald Courier
Published: July 5, 2008

HAMPTON, Va. — Cedric Mitchell could feel the pressure.

The Powell Valley graduate sprinted to his left, evaded a group of angry rushers and hurled the ball high in the air.

“I was trying to make something happen,” Mitchell said.

Mission accomplished.

Mitchell’s 17-yard second-quarter touchdown pass to Derrick McCoy of Amherst County proved to be the difference late Friday night as the West stopped the East by a 7-0 margin in the Virginia High School Coaches Association All-Star football game.

Both teams searched for offense in a bizarre contest which was played without a working clock and featured rain, smoke and multiple fireworks shows from the surrounding resort area.

The West squad featured a strong Southwest Virginia flavor. In fact, Mitchell shared time at quarterback with former Lonesome Pine District rival Ethan Stewart from J.I. Burton.

While Mitchell completed two of his four pass attempts, the 6-foot-2 left-hander was chased often by the speed-laced East defense.

“This game was a lot different,” Mitchell said. “I tried the little moves that I did back home, but they kept up with me.

“The coaches told me the East players were going to be quick. I didn’t know they were going to be that quick.”

Operating out of the shotgun formation, Mitchell managed to confound several East defenders with spin moves and head fakes. His touchdown lob to the Virginia Tech-bound McCoy was more about innovation than design, however.

“The coaches told us to stay in the pocket because the quickness of the East, but I had to go outside on that play because of the rush,” Mitchell said.

“McCoy told me he was going to be open on the pattern. He saw me rolling out and I kept on rolling. McCoy was right there and made a great catch.”

Stewart and Mitchell rotated as the West quarterback with each series.

“I thought it was real cool that two quarterbacks from the same district played quarterback, especially when you consider how big an area the All-Star game covers,” Stewart said. “I thought we all executed real well and just played a good game overall.”

Despite the wet conditions, the West did not commit a turnover and made very few penalties. The 6-3, 210-pound Stewart contributed a big role to that efficiency, completing six of his seven pass attempts for 43 yards. Austin Fuller, a 6-2 athlete from Richlands, emerged as the favorite target for Stewart as the two connected for a pair of first downs.

Fuller, who worked on both offense and defense, finished with 42 yards receiving and three tackles.

“Austin is a good target,” Stewart said. “We connected real well in practice, and that transferred over to the game.

“We were all family for a week, and it feels good to get the first win for the West in three years. I’m sure I’ll look back some day and be glad that I got a chance to play with these guys and win the game.

The game did have a bittersweet taste for Stewart, however. After competing in three sports throughout high school, Friday might have been his farewell to competitive athletics.

Stewart, who said he wants to attend dental school, plans to attend the University of Virginia’s College at Wise where he will likely major in biology.

“I’m still thinking about it, but it’s looking like this was probably it,” Stewart said. “It’s a little bit emotional, but I’m ready for the next chapter in my life.

“I’ve enjoyed athletics a lot. To win in this game with all these athletes, I’m thinking that’s a good way to go out.”

Meanwhile, Mitchell plans to leave for San Diego Tuesday to continue his education and football career at Grossmont Junior College.

“I’m feeling good about this game, but it’s time to move on,” Mitchell said.

Running back Travis Tarpley (GW-Danville) was tabbed as the offensive MVP for the West, while linebacker Tyler Holmes (Blacksburg) was named defensive MVP. Meadowbrook running back Torrean Crowell earned offensive MVP honors for the East, while linemen William Jefferson (Hampton) and Aaron Harper (Courtland) shared defensive honors.

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