The crisp air of early morning and the fading light of dusk recently marked the highly anticipated kickoff of the 2025 High School Football NC season in Robeson County. All five formidable teams across the county officially began their rigorous Preseason Training this past Wednesday, signaling the return of gridiron action and competitive spirit that defines Youth Sports News in the region.
This initial phase of Robeson County Football unveiled diverse approaches to early conditioning, with some squads embracing the pre-dawn hours while others opted for evening sessions. The St. Pauls Bulldogs, led by veteran coach Mike Setzer, along with the Fairmont Golden Tornadoes and Purnell Swett, were among those lacing up their cleats before the sun ascended. In contrast, Red Springs and Lumberton preferred to conduct their first official practices under the glow of the evening sky.
A new chapter commenced for the Fairmont Golden Tornadoes, as Wednesday marked the official start of head coach Scott Loosemore’s inaugural season. Following a challenging winless record in 2024, the Golden Tornadoes players are palpably eager for this fresh beginning, driven by a desire to redefine their program’s trajectory and infuse new energy into High School Football NC.
Meanwhile, at St. Pauls, Coach Mike Setzer embarked on his 21st season as a head coach and his 12th tenure leading the St. Pauls Bulldogs. Setzer highlighted the distinct advantage of coaching a veteran squad, noting their maturity streamlines the initial stages of Preseason Training. He observed that this experienced group often self-coaches, contributing to a smoother, more efficient practice environment.
The Bulldogs carry the sting of a prior first-round playoff loss, which serves as a potent motivator for the upcoming campaign. Despite an impressive 8-3 record and a Southeastern Athletic Conference championship in 2024, the St. Pauls Bulldogs are now poised to compete in the newly formed Eastern Sandhills Conference for the 2025 season. Senior running back Yoshua McBryde encapsulated the team’s relentless focus, stating, “First day of practice, we just came out here to work and get ready for the Jamboree, the season, all that, just work.”
For Coach Setzer, this season also brings a poignant personal dimension. Following the graduation of his youngest son, Theophilus, who achieved Robeson County Heisman honors before enrolling at West Point, Setzer reflected on the unique feeling of coaching without his sons by his side. He articulated a profound commitment to his current players, driven by the belief that he must continue to do what is right for them, just as he did for his own family, underscoring the deep impact of coaching in Youth Sports News.
The intensity of Robeson County Football ramps up quickly, with all five schools scheduled for their first competitive outings in just nine days. The highly anticipated Robeson County Jamboree on August 8th, hosted at St. Pauls, will provide the initial test. These early sessions of Preseason Training are crucial stepping stones, preparing teams not only for the scrimmages but ultimately for Week 1 of the regular season, which looms just over three weeks away on August 22nd.
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