Craven players thrive on big stage

Craven County was well-represented in Saturday's East Carolina-N.C. State game.

A total of eight local players took the field in the Wolfpack's 30-24 victory over the Pirates.

ECU tight end Davon Drew, who played quarterback for New Bern in high school, scored his first touchdown of the season Saturday, hauling in a 39-yard pass from quarterback Patrick Pinkney to give the Pirates a 14-7 lead.

Drew has 152 receiving yards on the season, ranking him third on the team. Meanwhile, West Craven grad Pierre Bell is leading the Pirates in tackles with 31.

New Bern grads Julian Carter, Chris Mattocks and Darryl Reynolds are also seeing action in the ECU secondary this season, along with West Craven grad DeAndre Jones.

However, Havelock grad Koyal George and New Bern's Julian Williams earned bragging rights during Saturday's game. The two redshirt juniors at N.C. State helped guide the Wolfpack to the upset in Raleigh. Williams serves as the team's starting left tackle, while George is listed as a backup defensive back.

Other former Craven County athletes finding success on the collegiate gridiron this season include:

Corey Weaver, Elon

The former New Bern football player has led the Phoenix to a No. 8 ranking in the FCS. Weaver is a starting outside linebacker and team captain. He has 18 tackles and one sack this season.

Against Georgia Southern last week, Weaver had four tackles and forced a fumble. The Phoenix earned a 22-20 victory and host Samford at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Bruce Carter, North Carolina

The former Havelock standout is developing nicely with the Tar Heels. During a nationally-televised game against Rutgers on Sept. 11, the sophomore linebacker returned an interception 66 yards for a touchdown.

Carter has 16 tackles, helping lead the Tar Heels to a 2-1 record. They return to action at noon Saturday at Miami.

Montario Hardesty, Tennessee

In his junior season with the Volunteers, Hardesty is playing the role of No. 2 running back, behind starter Arian Foster. The New Bern grad has 109 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 24 attempts.

The Volunteers are 1-2 on the season and play at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Auburn.

Bryan Hardy, Fayetteville State

Hardy has appeared in three of Fayetteville State's four games, throwing for 298 yards and five touchdowns.

The West Craven grad started at quarterback for the Broncos last week, leading them to a 28-0 victory over St. Paul's. He had 249 passing yards in the win.

Fayetteville is 3-1 and returns to action at 6 p.m. Saturday at Virginia State.

Milton Brown, Campbell

Starting at middle linebacker, the Havelock grad is leading Campbell with 32 tackles and two sacks.

The Camels are 0-4 and play at 8 p.m. Saturday at Carthage College.

Raheim Ellison, Campbell

Ogi Poluga, Campbell

Ellison, a West Craven grad, starts at outside linebacker and has 11 tackles for the Camels.

Poluga, a New Bern grad, is playing on the Campbell offensive line.

The Camels are fielding a football team for the first time since 1958 this season.