By: Calvin Hastings

What a day it will be…September 18th is the day set for the dedication of the new John Henry Moss Stadium at Gardner Webb University.   The ribbon cutting will be held for the Hamrick Gate at Moss Stadium at 12:45pm, followed by a dedication ceremony at 1:00pm.   Then, the current Gardner Webb baseball team will take on former Gardner Webb baseball alumni at 1:30pm.   Following the game, at 3:00pm, there will be an alumni reunion, and at 4:00pm a street party will be held outside Spangler Stadium with live music and food.  And finally, at 6:00pm it is football action with Gardner Webb taking on Western Carolina!  This past season the Gardner Webb baseball team had to play all their games away while the stadium was being completed.

The 2004 seventh round Major League Baseball draft pick, B.J. Richmond, formerly of South Point High School, is switching gears and is turning to football.   Richmond was a pick of the L.A. Dodgers and spent three years in professional baseball.  Richmond is now punting at Mars Hill.

Caldwell County American Legion Baseball coach, Gary Hamby, has resigned.  Hamby leaves the program with 403 wins in 14 seasons.   Hamby led Caldwell County Post 29 to state championships in 1990, 1991 and 2000.   Hamby has a streak of 21 consecutive winning seasons as coach since 1990.   The post has announced they are taking applications for the position.  To apply, contact Steve Bumgardner at 828-234-3073 or email your application to ltcsteve1@gmail.com.

Hats off to former Ashbrook star, Jheranie Boyd!  Boyd led the Tarheel comeback in their opening game loss 30-24 to LSU.  The Tarheels trailed 30-10 before mounting a comeback that ended on a late 4th quarter drive.   Boyd caught six passes for 221 yards and a touchdown.   It was a career high for the Tarheel sophomore and was second in North Carolina’s 121 year history.  Boyd’s 97 yard touchdown pass from T.J. Yates was the longest in school history.

Gardner Webb’s Jeffery Williams has been named the Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS National Defensive Player of the Week.  Williams also was named the Big South Conference Defensive Player of the Week.   Williams made 18 tackles including nine solo tackles in Gardner Webb’s win last week.  In addition, Gardner Webb freshman running back, Juanne Blount, was named the Big South Conference Freshman of the Week rushing for 134 yards and a touchdown.   The Bulldogs will be on the road to Akron, Ohio this Saturday.

Eighteen year old, Spencer Jones, of Shelby and playing partner Champions Tour professional, Russ Cochran, finished a combined 21 under par to win the Pro/Junior title in the Home Care & Hospice First Tee Open at Pebble Beach last week.

Fourteen year old, Elliott Grayson, of Shelby won the National Junior Golf Tour’s National Championship Tournament last weekend at the Myrtle Beach National West Course.   Grayson shot a 73 in round one and then a five under par 67 in the final round to win the event by one shot.

Hats off to Harry Jackson!  Jackson scored his first ever hole in one last week at Hole # 11 at the Woodbridge Golf Course.   The shot was witnessed by Sonny Jackson, Larry Jackson and Ronnie Ross.

Lewis Carpenter's Articles

By Lewis Carpenter

Another great week of high school football!  Lincolnton had a huge crowd for their game against Maiden, and I understand some other schools around the area had large gates as well.  There are more than a few local teams who will probably be in the playoffs come November: Shelby, Lincolnton, Burns, Crest, Kings Mountain, South Point, and Cherryville to name a few.  There will be many more come playoff time.  This area is blessed with fine coaching staffs that get the most out the talent they have to work with.  They set good examples for their teams and teach life skills as well as football.

Larry Carpenter, counselor and head athletic trainer for Ashbrook High School, has been to Wake Forrest for a bone marrow transplant.  He will have 6 months to year before he knows how it will turn out.  He is the son of Jerry Carpenter, former head football coach at Ashbrook.  Larry is one of the “good guys” respected by peers and students.  He and I worked together at Bessemer City High School.  I ask you to keep him in your thoughts and prayers.  Thank you.

I was 11-3 this week, bringing my total to 33-8 so far this season.  This is much better than where I started last season.  Some of these teams are so close in talent level, it is hard to always pick the winner.

MY PICKS FOR THIS WEEK IN ALL CAPS:

GASTON COUNTY GAME OF THE WEEK

Highland @ BESSEMER CITY - Neither of these teams have won a game yet.  Bessemer is playing at home and Highland has really struggled.  Someone will get their first win.  Catch this game on the internet at whatsupshopper.com.

CLEVELAND COUNTY GAME OF WEEK

CREST @ Shelby - This one is almost impossible to call.  Shelby is at home and playing very well.  Crest has been very strong this year and is also playing well.  This game should be close with maybe a mistake making the difference.  Game carried on WOHS 1390, Shelby or realcountry1390.com.

LINCOLN COUNTY GAME OF WEEK

East Gaston @ EAST LINCOLN - East Lincoln is not as strong this year, but they should be able to handle this one.  Check your paper to see if this game will be at home.  East Lincoln has been working on their stadium and may have to move it. Broadcast live on whatsupshopper.com.

THE REST OF THE BEST

WEST LINCOLN @ Thomas Jefferson - West has been playing very well this year.  Thomas Jefferson is still a relatively new program with the usual problems.

Hickory @ KINGS MOUNTAIN - Kings Mountain lost to Burns last week, but they are still a good team and will rebound against Hickory.

Burns @ ASHEVILLE - Asheville is usually a mountain power, and they are at home.  Burns is playing very well, and this could be the year they get the “Cougars”.  Should be close!

Ashbrook @ SOUTH CALDWELL - South is undefeated, and the “Green Wave” has yet to crest.

Forestview @ BYRNES SC - South Carolina teams are very tough.  This one could get ugly.

Hunter Huss @ CONCORD - The “Spiders” are not as strong as they have been in years past, but should be more than Huss can handle.

LINCOLNTON @ North Gaston - Several years ago, this was a competitive game.  Not anymore.  This one will get ugly, and Coach Cloninger will take it easy.  North is no match for the “Wolves”.  Catch this game on WLON 1050AM, Lincolnton or hrnb.com.

TC Roberson @ SOUTH POINT - Roberson is 4-A, but they are 1-2 this year.  South Point is hard to beat in Belmont and should take this one.  WCGC 1270AM in Belmont will carry this game.

Chase @ CHERRYVILLE - This one is close, could go either way. I pick the “Ironmen” to win at home.  Catch the action on WCSL 1590, Cherryville or hrnb.com.

North Lincoln @ NORTH IREDELL - Neither of these teams has won yet this year.  North Iredell is at home and should win this one.

Try to get out and see a high school game this week.  If you have questions or comments about this article, contact me at lccarpenter44@charter.net.

“Good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise,” I will see again next week in What’s Up Shopper.  - See ya, Lewis.

By Kevin “Hollywood” Hastings

Welcome back to our weekly football pick’em contest and my weekly NFL Super Bowl Countdown.  If you think you have what it takes to win $100 by picking NFL games then scroll down to the bottom of this page and check out this week’s games to pick.  All games are located inside the ads below.  Pick the games and send in your guesses by email, fax or on our website.

Each week during the season we eliminate 1 team from Super Bowl contention.  The season hasn’t started yet and we’ve already given the boot to the Cleveland Browns.  Next week we’ll get back to eliminating teams.  This week we’ll preview Week 1’s matchups.

Last season I predicted 66% of the games correctly, so this year we’re shooting for 75%.  Winners in ALL CAPS:

Vikings @ SAINTS - Week 1 is here folks, and the fun starts on Thursday night with a re-match of the NFC title game when the Vikings visit the New Orleans Saints. Both teams should be pumped for this one, but the Vikings won’t be able to handle the Superdome Voodoo.  The crowd alone should carry New Orleans to a victory while they celebrate last season’s Super Bowl team.

Panthers @ GIANTS - Last season Matt Moore led the Cats to wins in 4 of the last 5 games.  He won’t lead his team to a win Week 1 in the New Meadowlands.

FALCONS @ Steelers - I’m not going to feel too good on Pittsburgh until Roethlisberger is back.  That’s more than four weeks away.  The Falcons should be a pretty formidable team if their defense can keep up.

Browns @ BUCCANEERS - I feel sorry for anyone who has to attend or work at this game.  U-G-L-Y, you ain’t got no alibi, you UGLY!

BRONCOS @ Jaguars - The Broncos always start out like rockets then fizzle, and the Jags are consistently one of the hardest teams to predict.  I think Denver will win, and you will see Tim Tebow involved in a touchdown.

Colts @ TEXANS - The Texans have had all off-season to get ready for this game.  Undrafted rookie RB Arian Foster looks like a steal.

DOLPHINS @ Bills - Buffalo is real cold and it’s really hard to win there if you’re from South Florida.  But, the game is in September, and the weather will be beautiful.  Dolphins squeak by.

Lions @ BEARS - I think both of these teams will be improved this season.  With that said they did combine to win only 9 games between them so they have to improve.

Raiders @ TITANS - I think Vince Young and Chris Johnson will get their sprints in against the Raiders.

Bengals @ PATRIOTS - Don’t be surprised if the Bengals beat the Patriots here.  If I were a gambling man I’d stay away from this game.  If you have to pick it, go for the home team.

Cardinals @ RAMS - I want to say the Cardinals should easily win this game, but without Kurt Warner and the Rams welcoming #1 Overall Draft Pick, Sam Bradford, this has all the ingredients for a Rams victory.

49ERS @ Seahawks - Pete Carrol sure did high tail it out of USC when the NCAA came a knocking at his door.  Well Mr. Carrol, meet Mr. Singletary.  Your team doesn’t want any of Mr. Singletary in Week 1.

PACKERS @ Eagles - I’m pulling for new Eagles QB, Kevin Kolb, to throw 10 touchdowns and 500 yards.  He’s my fantasy QB until Big Ben gets back, but I don’t care if his team wins.  Just throw the bomb!  Packers take home a win.

COWBOYS @ Redskins - I don’t care how bad the starters have looked in the pre-season.  Dallas has got to win the opener in Washingotn to shut all those naysayers up. With all the turmoil with Haynesworth and coaching and quarterback changes the Redskins can’t have it together, can they?  I say not right now, but they will by season’s end.

RAVENS @ Jets - Coach Rex Ryan had better hope his team can back up all that smack he’s been talking this off-season.  Their quarterback is shaky and they’re facing  a potent Ravens offense.  The Ravens could be the AFC representative in the Super Bowl.

CHARGERS @ Kansas City - The Bolts lost LaDanian Tomlinson and they may lose Vincent Jackson but as long as they have Phillip Rivers and Antonio Gates, this team will compete.

There you have it folks, Week 1 predictions and observations.  Remember, all predictions are guaranteed wrong or your money back!  Enjoy this weekend’s games along with the beer and food.   Next week we will start eliminating teams once we’ve got a better handle on the situation.  Until, then buy your girlfriend or wife something nice this week because you will not see her on Sundays again until February.

Win $100 in Football Pick'em!

The 2010 Relay for Life Cleveland County Reward and Recognition Wrap-up Celebration will be held on the Court Square in Downtown Shelby. The event will take place on Tuesday, September 14th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.    This event is to celebrate our SUCCESS and recognize ALL who helped us surpass our fundraising goal in 2010 and to recognize the Grand Relay Members, and Team Winners of various specialty categories.

All Team Captains who participated in the 2010 Relay for Life Campaign, as well as members of the Executive Committee, should join us for the celebration and offer THANKS to those individuals and teams who will be receiving rewards.  We will have plenty of Cake and Ice Cream!!  So put on your Relay Gear, get in the Relay Spirit, and join us on the Court Square!  Remember, even though the 2010 campaign is over, Cancer Never Sleeps!

Please check the Website in case of rain:  www.relayforlife.org/shelbync.  The Rain Date is Tuesday, September 21st, with the decision to be made by 3:00pm on the 14th, if weather is questionable.  To help us be better prepared, please RSVP no later than Friday September 10th to randy.wieck@carolinashealthcare.org, or call 704.484.2535 and leave a message!

Remember, we must continue to Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back!!

Cole Brandon Spencer

What’s Up with Rubbin’s Racing

Articles

By Kevin Hastings

I’m reporting for Clint this week because Mr. Spencer has had a very busy weekend becoming a father for the first time. Congratulations Dad!  Clint and his wife, Alyson, welcomed Cole Brandon Spencer who arrived Saturday, September 4th at 2pm. He weighed 8 lbs. 4 oz. and was 21 inches long. He has a head full of curly black hair. He his healthy and doing well. Clint wondered aloud on Facebook whether Cole Brandon Spencer is a football player’s name or a NASCAR driver’s name.  I told Clint he knew very well that Cole Brandon Spencer is destined to turning left on Sundays.  Congratulations you two!

As for the racing in Atlanta this weekend, Tony Stewart won his first race in 31 tries.  Smoke needed the victory and extra bonus points heading into The Chase.  The victory was Stewart’s 3rd at Atlanta and 38th of his career, vaulting him from 6th to 4th in the standings and clinching a spot in this year’s Chase beginning in two weeks.

Carl Edwards finished second and Jimmie Johnson was happy with his third place finish: “To get a good race here, to be in that moment and to feel the pressure, is something we needed,” Johnson said. “That pressure is fun to have and it was a familiar excitement inside of me, and I was excited to be out there racing with everybody and being a part of it. Hopefully, we can go to Richmond and get in that moment again to be as prepared as we can for the Chase.”

This weekend in Richmond is the last chance for teams to make The Chase for the Sprint Cup.  With 10 drivers having qualified, there are two open spots left in the playoffs.  Ryan Newman, Jamie McMurray and Mark Martin are on the outside looking in at Greg Biffle and Clint Bowyer at 11th & 12th.  My prediction for this weekend’s season finale in Richmond:  Jimmie Johnson heads to victory lane and will let the rest of the field know that the NASCAR Championship goes through aisle 48 at Lowe’s.  Congratulations Clint, can’t wait to meet Cole!

Be The Champ of NASCAR Pick'em!

Articles

By Rusty Stroupe

www.rustystroupe.blogspot.com

When I left you last week, I was about to conquer one of my greatest fears. If you remember, I had somehow avoided throwing up after getting light-headed on some of the flipping and twisting rides at Carowinds. But emetophobia (the fear of vomiting), is not the greatest fear I face at an amusement park. I am particularly unfond of heights. (I realize unfond is not a word, but I was due for a made up word so that’s what I’m going with). “Acrophobia,” it’s called.

Other than the throwing up thing, I tend to seek out ways to conquer my fears instead of running from them. Therefore, on each of my seven trips to Carowinds this summer, the first ride the boys and I ran to every single time was the Drop Tower.  We were strapped into our seats, transported upward to a height of 160 feet, and dropped at 56 miles per hour. The boys and I must have ridden the Drop Tower at least fifty times this summer, and it scared me less and less every time.

At one point, on a particularly slow day, I snuck over to the Drop Tower while the boys rode the Hurler over and over (Recall that I avoid rides that make you throw up, so I wasn’t about to ride one named the Hurler).   I rode the Drop Tower three times in a row by myself. Literally. There was nobody else on the entire ride and nobody in line. So the three high school-aged attendants watched as a 46-year-old man ascended and descended over and over just for the heck of it.

At the highest point of the Drop Tower, one is afforded a full view of the granddaddy of all thrill rides, and I shuddered each time I viewed its majesty. The granddaddy of which I speak is something called the “Xtreme Flyer,” the closest thing to bungee jumping you can do without diving off a bridge.  I balked on the first six trips when it came to the Flyer. “Too expensive,” I told my boys. “Mom would get mad if she knew we risked life and limb,” I opined. “You’re just making excuses, Dad,” they said. “You’re chicken.” Fighting words.

We promised Mom just before leaving on our seventh trip to Carowinds that we would stay clear of the Xtreme Flyer. I think she knew we were lying.  A few hours later, as the cable attached to my boys and me lifted us to what seemed like the height of the Sears Tower, I openly questioned the functionality of those brain cells within me whose sole responsibility is to secrete good judgment. And just before we plummeted, the finer parts of my life flashed through my mind.

We yelled, we laughed, and we flew!  It was the most fantabulous ride of my life. I’m still not a fan of heights, but they don’t scare me anymore.  It wasn’t a bungee jump, but I’m crossing it off my “To Do Before I Die List” because it’s my bucket list and I get to make the rules.

If you’re skeptical, go to Youtube and type in “Stroupe Boys Fly at Carowinds.” Though she would never admit it, I think Mrs. Stroupe was impressed. .. at least until I told her what it cost (45 bucks plus $10 for the video).

Cherryville’s Larry Boyles is headed to the Carolina’s Boxing Hall of Fame, is located at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.   Larry Boyles will join two men whom he defeated in his career.   In 1956 Boyles defeated Hall of Famer, Bearl Davis, for the North Carolina Golden Gloves Championship.  The win gave Larry a chance to fight in Madison Square Garden, New York  where he lost his first match to Luis Ayala by a close decision.   Boyles also defeated Hall of Famer, Mike Bivens.   Larry was known as “The Dixie Kid” from Cherryville and fought for 12 years.  Boyles holds the record for the most fights in Golden Glove history in North Carolina.   Boyles is no 70 years old and still lives in Cherryville.

Winner of the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce’s Taste of Business Expo: L&L Southern Cafeteria. Presenting the winner’s plaque to L&L Southern Cafeteria owners, Curt Griffie and David Andrews, is Ken Kindley, Chamber President.

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By Evangelist  W.C. “Dub” Dellinger

Some say fasting is a thing of the past.  Not so with Christian living.  If you pray for something, and are willing to let a meal go by, or just some food that you like, and your prayer is not for self gain, that is the kind of prayer your Lord wants to answer.  Never just say a prayer and expect to hear some good came of it.  Prayer with Jesus is okay when all the conditions are met.  First, you must believe and know that you are right with your Lord.  He only answers a sinner prayer for himself.  On other thing is, if you have doubts of unbelief while you are praying, you might as well get in a chair and try to fall asleep.  Some do set down and write a prayer, then pray and think all the time that your God may answer your request.  To us mortals, it is always up to a true and living God whether to answer or not.  You can know by your Lord’s action back to you, and it does not have to be out loud.  That is His choice.  Never try to get up an argument with your Lord.  That is very unwise.  Many things have happened to people who are foolish enough to try that.  Good day, good prayer time.

Listen Live Sunday Mornings 9:00AM on WADA 1390AM & realcountry1390.com

By Linda Benfield

In this life we will always have problems. No one escapes the day to day challenges. If we are not careful to stay positively focused, we will end up in bondage. Bondage is anything that chains up your emotions and joy.  The Lord said nothing would be impossible for you with God, if we only believe.

“The Lord is our Shepherd and we shall not want,“ Psalm 23:1.  Do we believe that? He leads us in pathways of righteousness, but here is the rub. He leads, but we do not follow. We think we have a better idea of what we want life to be.

Our parents nurture, love us and protect us.  Then, when we learn to walk we start to go our own way, but they lead us back on the right track until we start noticing things and start to think for ourselves. No matter what our childhood was like, we still have a mind of our own. We have no control over who our parents are, but as we mature we have control over how we handle ourselves. We often blame anyone we can for the mistakes and faults we have when it is all a choice. No matter what has gone on in our lives, we should look to the Lord and claim what He has for us and choose to do the right thing in every situation.

Dwelling on ourselves and our problems often causes addictions of self-medicating with drugs and alcohol, which only makes us unhappy and stagnate in being productive and pleasant.  There are very few who fulfill their destiny.  Jesus says we do religious things, but neglect the hurting and needy. (Matt. 23:23) Ask yourself: “What am I doing today to help someone and put a smile on their face?” If we can just keep our minds off ourselves and reach out to others, we will see progress.

Life is like a roller coaster ride, there are twists and turns, peaks and valleys, and it all makes the ride exciting. We may scream and hold our arms up with anxious anticipation as the ride will make some sick, some afraid and some hilariously happy, but in the end we will roll into the station and exit safely.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Ps. 23:6) Now that’s a promise!

Cast off those bondage chains and have a great day!

“Life” is an Adventure, and the best is yet to come!