Recap
The Mid Eastern Conference early-season showdown went down to the wire. The New Bern Bears scored a touchdown with just under 2 minutes left to take the lead and the game. The final score was 44-41.
Scouting Report
New Bern
2012 DE Carter Roberts (6’4/215) - The senior defensive end was all over the field. Roberts used his great quickness to pressure the quarterback all night long. On a night full of offense, he was one of the few defensive bright spots. Roberts is hearing from several FCS programs. Appalachian State and Elon are recruiting him the hardest.
2012 DE Calvin Pate (6’3/220) - Pate was a force all night, showing good speed and athleticism. He made one of the more impressive plays of the night, intercepting a screen pass and returning it 85 yards for a touchdown. He is currently hearing from schools such as N.C. Central and North Carolina A&T.
2013 QB Josh Taylor (6’/175) - The junior quarterback accounted for 450 yards of total offense. He threw for 305 yards and
two touchdowns, while also running for 140 yards and another score. The knock on Taylor is his height, but he is a winner. He has a tremendous arm and very good speed. In four games this season, he has thrown for 816 yards, run for
442 and completed nearly 66 percent of his passes. Schools will start to notice him as the season progresses.
2013 WR/CB Chandler Powell (6’/170) - Powell is an impressive athlete, blessed with 4.4 speed. The junior has the ability to play on either side of the ball at the next level. He is a versatile prospect with a lot of potential. Powell has garnered early interest from North Carolina, N.C. State, East Carolina, and Duke.
2013 WR Shade Simpson (6’4/180) - Simpson is very impressive physically. He is a big, fast receiver on the outside that can really stretch the field. Simpson is a perfect fit for the Bears’ offense. He has attracted early interest from N.C. State, East Carolina, and Western Carolina.
2013 OL Christian Matau (6’3/295) - Matau plays offensive tackle for New Bern, but will probably play offensive guard at the next level. He is extremely strong and plays with good leverage. N.C. State is the first school to jump on Matau, but several more will follow.
Greenville Rose
2012 TE Anthony Rook (6’4/235) - Rook is a physical specimen. The Wake Forest commit only had 1 catch for 23 yards, but was a strong lead blocker for the Rampants’ running game. Virginia Tech and Maryland are still recruiting him very hard. Although he is firmly committed to the Deacs, Rook will likely take some visits before signing day.
2012 DE/OL Joe Wright (6’7/240) - Wright is a tremendous athlete, who showed good quickness and agility. The N.C State commit played both sides of the ball and rarely came off the field. However, it is on the defensive side of the ball where Wright is at his best. The tall, rangy senior has a good first step at line of scrimmage. He has all the tools to be a major contributor for the Wolfpack down the road. The senior has the frame to easily add 50 pounds when he gets to Raleigh. Wake Forest and East Carolina are still actively recruiting him.
2012 WR/CB/KR Marquis Gorham (5’8/175) - Although Gorham is undersized; there was nothing small about his performance. The Rampants’ senior was unstoppable. He finished the game with 441 yards of all-purpose yards. The jack of all trades had 140 yards receiving and 3 touchdowns. He also rushed for 80 yards and had a 92 interception return for a touchdown. Gorham is a legit 4.4 guy, who has no offers. That will change soon. He is tremendous player and someone will get a “steal” on signing day.
2013 RB/CB T.J. Tate – (5’8/165) Tate is also undersized, but extremely tough. He carried the ball 38 times for 164 yards and a touchdown. The junior is averaging over 150 yards per game and has 6 touchdowns. Tate is a patient runner and has good feet.
Scott Kennedy contributed to this report