Bob Sutton
Special to The Alamance News
Hundreds of high school football players gathered at Burlington Memorial Stadium and the adjacent baseball outfield on the Williams campus for the annual Fellowship of Christian Athletics 7-on-7/linemen challenge Tuesday.
The event was organized again by Williams alum Alex Mebane.
It was also a chance to see some coaching staff members in different attire.
Among them was Terrance Alford, who’s now on the coaching staff at Western Alamance. The Cummings alum served as interim coach last year for his alma mater, but he wasn’t selected for a coaching role for the 2026 season with the Cavaliers.
“Feeling good, looking good,” Alford said of his new coaching gear. “No need to stress about it. God has plans for us.”
Alford said he remains on the Cummings school staff in a role related to in-school suspension, though he has joined new Western coach Drew Hambright’s football staff.
Half of the 12 schools participating Tuesday were from Alamance County, with Cummings the lone non-participant among county football-playing schools. Bartlett Yancey, Chatham Central, East Chapel Hill, Eastern Randolph, Seaforth, and Western Guilford also competed.
[Story continues below photos from the event.]
There were drills and competitions geared for linemen, with Eastern Alamance reigning in one of the main events. There were various matchups in the 7-on-7 passing drills.
While the emphasis was largely focused on working on skill development, there were tense and spirited moments. A brief scuffle between members of the Southeast and Seaforth teams was an indication of that.
Some teams weren’t at full strength because of players with various other commitments. Most teams are holding team workouts for up to four times per week. The start of the season is about two months away, with games beginning August 21. Official practices can start July 29.
