South View football program rallies to save season after devastating fire at school

Of all the high school football games played across the state Friday, one was more unlikely — and more deeply appreciated — than all the others.

South View kept its game date at Hoke County and delivered a 32-0 whopping to stay undefeated two weeks into the regular season despite losing practically all of its gear in a weekend fire at the school on Hope Mills' Elk Road.

It could have easily been a devastating blow to the program, potentially throwing an entire season into chaos. But South View coaches, administrators, county officials and a supportive community made sure that didn't happen.

"It has been impressive to see everyone just rally to make sure that these kids don’t lose their season," coach Rodney Brewington said Friday. "Yesterday, we were able to put helmets on for the first time. When we play tonight will be the first time we've put shoulder pads on all week long."

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Fellow football coaches Duran McLaurin of Seventy-First, Bill Sochovka of Pine Forest, Jon Sherman of Gray's Creek and Bruce McClelland of Terry Sanford have helped the Tigers with everything from equipment to facilities where they could wash uniforms.

Cumberland County Schools Superintendent Dr. Marvin Connelly has been on-site to support the program and news got all the way to former NFL star tight end Eric Ebron, who played for Brewington at Ben L. Smith High in Greensboro. He's making sure the athletes have socks.

Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas chairman Ronnie Blount, a Hope Mills resident, loaned a trailer the Tigers can use to house their equipment. Brewington even heard from his former coach Bobby Poss — the pair won a state championship together at South View in 1992.

"South View is rich with tradition and history, and a lot of people have come through these schools," Brewington said. "To see everyone give back, my hat goes off."

What happened?

When Brewington opened the gymnasium doors for Sunday's coaches' meeting, he smelled smoke.

He called 911 and went inside to find the gym filled with smoke.

Brewington’s office, team locker rooms, equipment rooms and the weight room had been damaged in a fire that is still under investigation. No foul play is expected.

"It was all burned to the ground," Brewington said of his office. "The soot — helmets, shoulder pads, jerseys, locker room, coaches offices, gym, cafeteria — all of that is full of soot."

Helmets and shoulder pads were sent to Prism Specialties damage restoration cleaners in Raleigh. County Athletic Director David Culbreth put in a special request to have those ready for Friday, and they arrived at 10 a.m.

Staffers have been working long hours to clean up the mess, and others have found more ways to help. Sophia Wilson has been tracking down executives at FedEx to expedite packages. South View Principal Phyllis Jackson secured cameras and iPads, assistant principal James Blue made sure games were coordinated and that the student-athletes had water bottles and coolers. BSN Sports equipment and apparel supplied mouthpieces, knee pads and more.

Brewington's days have been spent hustling through phone calls, leading practice from 6-8 p.m., and then back to problem-solving, usually until around midnight, along with his staff of Julian Brown, William Lucas, Jarod Kirby, John Bell, Patrick Pinkney, Dustin Jones, Dale Simmons, Brad Austin and Tonya Washington.

"My hat goes off to the coaching staff for being able to handle things I normally would do — scouting reports, schedules," Brewington said.

"It’s more than a team. It’s a program."

Moving forward

Thurday's JV game was postponed until Sept. 7, falling on the varsity squad's bye week.

As for Week 2 at Hoke County, the Tigers managed to secure the uniforms and gear needed to take the field. And they sailed to a shutout win on the road.

"They're just happy that they can play," Brewington said.

A special moment came when new helmets arrived and the coach unveiled them to his team.

"When we revealed the helmets, the place erupted," Brewington said. "We had told them there was a possibility we might be wearing eight different colors.

"Even the reps, as we were placing orders, didn't think we would get it," Brewington said. "We were able to get virtually everything we need to play in four days."

The team will likely spend the next few weeks using the gym while locker rooms are repaired. And, ultimately, more equipment will be replenished.

It's been a challenging week for the Tigers, but Brewington sees a bright side.

"Adversity reveals character," he said. "It's a life lesson."

How to help

The South View football program is accepting donations https://ccs.schoolcashonline.com.

Sports editor Monica Holland can be reached at mholland@fayobserver.com.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: fire at south view football leaves team with no equipment, uniforms