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Jeremiah “Jerry” Frazier started playing football when he was five years old. What began as pickup games in his backyard with his brother has turned into representing Manteo Middle School in the North Carolina All State Game.

Along with MMS students Jason Berry Jr., Jeremiah Gibbs and Kai McGilberry, Frazier traveled to Guilford College in Greensboro for a weekend of training and competition between some of the best athletes in the state.

The rising 9^th graders were nominated by coach Levi Curles for participation in the program, which was founded in 2004 with the stated goal to provide an environment for the best athletes to be recognized and rewarded for their success in preparation, skill and sportsmanship.

“The four nominated were a huge part of our team success this past season and [possessed] great individual talents. The four athletes we sent were asked to do things for our team that benefited the team more than themselves, so nominating them gave them a chance to showcase their abilities in the position that best suited the individual,” Curles said.

Frazier played running back, offensive line and defensive line for the blue team along with McGilberry playing receiver. They lost 14-8 to the red team with Berry playing running back and Gibbs playing on defensive line.

Frazier played football through parks and rec and started in both 7^th and 8^th grades at Manteo Middle School. He loves the atmosphere of the game – “I like being able to run around, to hold the ball in my hands, the feel of the ball, the grass on my feet,” he said.

And, added the 14-year old with a grin, “I also just like hitting people. I like the contact.”

During the weekend, the players received instruction and insights from the coaches. “I tried to really seize every moment this weekend and take in everything the coaches taught me,” Frazier said.

Participants practiced hard and were evaluated on speed and agility, for example, 40-yard dashes and vertical jumping tests. “I met a lot of talented guys,” Frazier added.

Curles said that the experience benefits athletes because they see competition from around the state, not just the local area. “They were able to see how they stack up against the best athletes in the state and had the opportunity to show their individual talents in the game and through combine drills.”

Ahead of the game, Frazier’s mom Marquita Govan said she was excited for this opportunity for the boys. “It’s a big deal coming from a small community for these boys to get the exposure and play with other elite people that we don’t normally get to compete against during the school season. This will be an eye opener for what they need to work on and what they’re good at,” she said.

The All State Game also supports local foster care programs, and to date has raised over $250,000 for this cause.

Even though his team lost, Frazier said he felt the Manteo players represented Dare County in a great way. “My advice to upcoming middle school kids is to work hard and practice harder because you never know who is watching to give you an opportunity like this. Opportunities like this will make memories that last forever.”

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