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Greetings!
As week 3 of the football season is behind us I want to say thanks to everyone who came out and supported the teams at Apex Middle this weekend. We had record crowds and the kids were in absolute heaven playing and cheering in front of the screaming fans.
I also want to thank all of the parents who purchased a Cougar Jersey with their son's name and number on them. That program looks like it is going to be a big success!
Last, but not least, I want to take a minute and thank all of the coaches and team moms who put in a ton of work, time and care to make sure that all of our kids are having a safe and exciting experience.
As usual if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to send me an email at jr@asacougars.com.
Jonathan Ressler
President
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NOW THAT'S COUGAR PRIDE - NOW SHOW YOURS!
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 NICE PAW PRINT!
Garrett Parker on the Jr. Midget Team is showing his Cougar Pride by shaving a cougar print in the back of his head!
Now you can show your pride in 2 ways. The first one is to buy a replica of your player's ASA Cougar jersey in your size with his name and number. They are all custom and come in sizes from Youth Small to Adult XXXL! A jersey with your player's name, number and team. All that for $40 bucks. What a bargain. Email football@asacougars for more information.
The second way you can show your pride is to become a fan of ASA Cougars on Facebook and tell all your friends to become fans too! We will be posting photos, scores, information and tons of other great stuff on our Facebook page so be sure to become a fan at FACEBOOK.COM/ASACOUGARS
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| FLAG BLACK SCHOOLS WILDERS GROVE AT APEX MIDDLE
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 APEX FLAG BLACK EXECUTES WITH PRECISION
Apex Cougar's "Black Flag" team hosted Wilders Grove at Apex Middle School. The Apex team was superb this Saturday morning pulling out a 6 touchdown to 3 touchdown victory.
Scoring was abundant for the Apex team due to the great blocking from the offensive line, ends and backs. Touchdowns were scored by Logan Gilbert, Tyler Roach, Kyle Ihle, Michael Lane and Luke Hille. First time running backs also helped move the ball downfield, Daniel Remington and Devin Boord. Great blocking and flag pulling was led by Sam Skaarup, Ethan Powell, Emmanuel Lassiter, Adrian Stone, Ben Muse, Michael Lish and Jack Tuscano. Coach Hille was proud to be able to get the ball in many of the kids hands and the execution was tremendous!
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TINY MITE BLACK STRIKES THE LIGHTNING
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 TINY MITE BLACK GOES TO HOLLYWOOD!
With the bright lights and cameras from NBC 17 at Apex Middle School, the Tiny Mite Black team faced off against the Wake Forest Lightning. Defensively the Cougars were missing 2 standouts on the line in Ryan McMichael and Reese Brown. Zach Vigue and Harvey Cooper filled those roles and the rest of the Cougars line stepped up to minimize the loss of McMichael and Brown. On the first series of the game the Cougars made their presence felt with tackles in the backfield by Alex Robertson, Vigue, and Cooper. The line pushed the Lightning back on every down. Randon Crider, Ben Julian, and Austin Tingen helped create this surge. Throughout the game the Cougars continued to make tackles in the backfield and when the Lightning did break the line Jake Mullins, Christopher Ingram, Aaron Ventura, Niko Gnann, and hard hitting safety Jonathan Paulino-Johnson were there to make the tackle. The Cougar defense ended the game with their second consecutive shutout. This season the Cougars have given up only one touchdown in three games.
Offensively the Cougars were led by great blocking from their offensive line. Adam Carter, Tony Molden, Zack Vasko, Moses Ventura, Jacob Berlin, Keenan Coley, and Josh Downtain consistenly opened holes for the Cougar backs to run through. Carter was making a switch this week from defense to offense and did a tremendous job. Daniel Rose took advantage of the holes opened by the Cougar line and scored three touchdowns on the day. Cooper Nowell set up the first touchdown with some great runs to get the Cougars in range for Rose to punch in a QB sneak. Rose also scored with lruns to the left and uns to the right on QB keepers. Harvey Cooper ran hard all day getting tough yards up the middle and breaking big runs on the outside. On the final drive for the Cougars they showed their ability to control the ball and had great runs from all of the backs including a 4th down conversion by Vigue on a gain of 7 yards to keep control of the ball and the clock. Niko Gnann validated the series with a great touchdown run up the middle behind Vasko, Berlin and M.Ventura.
Highlights of the game will be shown on NBC 17"s "Pintsize Pigskin" and should be aired this Wednesday. Next week the Cougars travel to Capital City Gold and take with them five consecutive halves in which they have not been scored on. The Cougars know this is a different Capital City team than the one they faced two weeks ago and will be preparing hard in practice this week.
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MITEY MITE GOLD DOMINATES TRI-COUNTY
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 MMG SHOWS BIG TIME TEAM EFFORT
The Apex Mighty Mite Gold team took on the Panthers of Tri-County Saturday at Apex Middle School. Captains Tyler Owens, Payton Smith and Kealob Mann won the toss and elected to take the first possession. Behind some solid blocking by Connor Mckinley, Jake Headlee, Hunter Kelley, Justin Tunley, Abby Shengulette, and Christian Bolton, the Cougars were able to advance the ball. The first half was a back and forth contest with help from the defense to give Apex the edge in the field position battle. Good up front pressure by Jake Wasley, Jake Vehslage, Zach Mullins, Jeremy Berkowitz and Mason Garrett forced the Panthers to run outside. But the Cougars secondary was up for the task. Kealob Mann, Payton Smith and Liam Murray did a good job of protecting the sidelines. And, speedy Jackson Marley made more than one touchdown saving tackle.
The dominance in field position was established once again by the Cougars in the second half. The defense was able to make some big stops allowing the offense to step in and drive for the only score of the game. A big run by Austin Kelley and solid running by Patton German and Owen McGeary set up a 30 yard touchdown run by Kevin Conroy. Austin Kelley ran for the conversion and the Cougars took a 7-0 lead. Tyler Owens delivered a solid effort at quarterback protecting the football and dishing it around with no turn-overs. And, the defense did their part by holding the Panthers scoreless for the game.
With time running down, the Cougars sealed the game with a fourth and four conversion at their own 40 yard line. With 35 seconds on the clock the Cougars took a knee and their first win of the season ! Coach Owens said "All the kids worked very hard in practice this week. This was truly a combined team win. We couldn't be prouder of these kids for how they played today!"
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MITEY MITE GREEN LOSES HEARTBREAKER TO THE WOLFPACK
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 TINY MITE GREEN PLAYS PHENOMENAL BUT COMES UP SHORT
Only two words can really describe what the Apex Green Mighty
Mite Cougars went through at Wilders Grove Youth Center in Raleigh.
"Heart-breaking" pretty much sums up the contest from a parents perspective.
The Cougars squared off against the WolfPack in what was a
thrilling game from start to finish that ended with a 13-6 defeat for the
Cougars. Unfortunately, the players and coaches did everything they could to
secure the win but they could not outplay the officials. Throughout the game
the Cougars played some of their most complete football of the season and
showed that the practice and preparation they were putting in week-in and
week-out had been paying off.
On the opening series from scrimmage the Cougars drove down
the field on the ground and through the air with the help of the a strong
offensive line (Seth Steiman, Hunter Wilknson, Derrick Harris, Jonathan
Heavner, Latavyn Daniel and Jalyen Mcelrath). A large 20-yard completion from
quarterback Jack Lowder to his receiver Zayne Brown got things moving for the
Cougars. After that it was a couple of runs from Josh Baker and a reverse to
Thomas Galarza with great down field blocking from Ali Shaw and Cole Spector to
get the Cougars near the goal line. Lowder then punched the ball into the end
zone on a quarterback sneak to give the cougars a 6-0 lead. The 2 pt. kick
looked good but bounced off of the left upright to keep the score at 6-0. The
cougars then came out on defense and on the first play Chris Gillis sacked the
opposing quarterback for a 6-yard loss. The WolfPack, then got on the board
with a long run play that went around the cougars' defense. The extra point
attempt was good giving the WolfPack a 7-6 lead.
The second quarter was similar to the first for the Cougars
as they were able to drive the ball down the field with ease. Passes from
Lowder to Galarza and Brown and several runs from Baker and Galarza brought the
ball down to the opposing teams 2-yard line. Unfortunately, the Cougars put the
ball on the turf and it was recovered by the WolfPack in the end zone for a
touchback. For the Cougars it was one of their only mistakes in an otherwise
well played game. The defense continued to hold strong against WolfPack offense
but fell victim again to a big play by the other team. The long touchdown run
gave the WolfPack a 13-6 lead
heading into the half. Even with the Cougars trailing they still held their
heads high and looked even more determined then when the game began.
The Cougar offense and defense both played strong football in
the second half. The defense stopped the WolfPack time after time. The
offense's only possession of the third quarter ended when one of Lowder's
passes went a little short and was picked off by the opposing defense.
The fourth quarter started with the ball in Wilders Grove's
hands. The offense and the Cougar defense went at it the entire way down the
field. A big play by Wilders Grove was usually followed up with a big play by
the Cougar defense. With about 2:30 left in the game the WolfPack went to their
bread and butter, which was running their quarterback around the outside. The
Cougars defense lead by Bailey,
Heavner, Clark, Gillis, Brown , Baker and Jack Capps were prepared and at the
5-yard line forced a fumble that was recovered by the Cougars. With time
running out the Cougars went to the air and the ground and even brought out
several trick plays to move the ball down the field. Play after the play the
Cougars moved closer to the goal line. The Cougars moved down to the 15-yard
line of Wilders Grove with only 12 seconds left on the clock. Unfortunately,
time was not on the side of the Cougars this night. The Cougars' final play
fell short and time expired leaving the final score at 13-6.
The Cougars moved the ball with ease all evening and this couldn't
have been possible if it wasn't for the solid blocking from Seth Steiman, Jonathan
Heavner, Hunter Wilkson, Derrick Harris, (add other lineman). They opened holes
that a semi could have driven through time and time again. The defenses despite
the 2 big plays were stout and continually made tackles in the backfield. The
Cougars also got a great effort from Chris Kucker, Cole Spector, Cade Spector,
Jordan McClendon, Shaun Kuye, and Will Donohue. They play multiple positions
thru out the game and help the team in all areas of the game. As hard as it was
for the Cougars the held their heads high and were true professionals in
defeat. It was a learning experience for them all and one that will make them
that much better for the next game.
The Cougars have a bye week on the 19th
of September but are back in action on the 26th at Apex High School
to take on Apex MM Gold.
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MITEY MITE BLACK PLAYS TO A 0-0 TIE
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 COUGARS PLAY HARD UNTIL THE FINAL WHISTLE!
Wow, what a game. Apex Mitey Mite Black took on a very experienced and much, much bigger Capital City Black team Saturday. The offense put up a heroic effort and moved the ball enough to keep the ball on their side of the field. The defense played lights out giving up zero TD's and only two so far this year. Every single player gave it everything they had for four quarters and battled to a 0-0 tie. This game was all about teamwork. There were several chances to give in but each player gave it their all until the final whistle. If you're on MM Black you should be proud of the way you played this weekend. Great Effort!
Mighty Mite Black Team Members:
Aidan Callahan
Spencer Stokes
Alex Falls
Austin Meunier
Zachary Hopper
Hunter Vaughan
William Kilpatrick
Sean O'Connell
Henry Taylor
Jacob Shaffer
Patrick Flynn
Samuel Katz
Jacob Mitchell
Bryson Smith
Brandon Rowley
Quentin Colvin
David Nowak
Anthony Mullins
Alexander McMichael
Max Tarrant
Mason Kirby
Cole Callahan
Kaleb Jones
Logan Wentz
Chase Cherry
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JPW BLACK COMES OUT ON TOP 13-6 IN APEX SUBWAY SERIES
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BOTH ASA TEAMS PLAY HARD AND SHOW TOUGHNESS
The ASA Jr. Pee Wee Black squared off against the ASA Jr. Pee Wee Gold team this week in a rare home/home
scenario. It was a "subway series"
of sorts as the teams practice next to each other, are good friends, and have scrimmaged in the past.
JPW Black came out on top by a score of 13-6 at the end of
the day, with both teams playing tough.
JPW Black's offense started to click in the second quarter when Addison
Pinkney scored on a running
play. The JPW Black offensive line
of Alex Leudeke, Zack Keck, Clayton White, Dana Kelly and Sy Snedeker fought
hard all day against strong defensive play of JPW Green players Dallin Bleak,
Tyler Hawker, Jude Upchurch, Danny Paulino and Austin Mitchell. Max Pietchottka, Eli Van Zanten, Alex
Kinne, Andrew Ihle, Nick Kroll, Andrew Zack and Mike Davis all blocked
extremely well for the JPW Black squad and moved the ball on the field.
JPW Black's first score came compliments of Addison "Freight
Train" Pinkney who ran the ball into the end zone. QB Eric Fox tried a keeper for the extra point but was
stopped short on the 1-yard line.
The second JPW Black score came in the third quarter when QB Ryan
Schneider broke a long run
compliments of a world-class block by Carl Dean to lead the way to the 1-yard
line. Schneider scored on a keeper
on the next play. Backs Hunter
Mullins, Carl Dean, Preston Davis, Koen McConnell, Darius Crawford and Addison
Pinkney all ran hard and gained
positive yardage. Harrison
"Hammer" Wynne, Patrick Egan and Charles Hester also delivered solid offensive
performances.
On the
defensive side of the ball the JPW Black team, faced The JPW Green "White Crush"
offensive platoon that ran the "up-the-gut" plays and deserves a
special call out. Matt Grieco (#33) was the big tailback on the White
Crush that bounced outside on a few plays early in the game for big gains -
including one that setup the first TD. Matt is also the kicker/punter and
had two long kickoffs and a good punt. Jeffquez Nichols (#85) threw a
couple of great pitch passes that all went for big gains. He also had a
few nice runs to the outside, including a 4th and long 1st down conversion with
the Y-reverse. Cole Johnson (#38) was the receiver on the pitch passes.
Cole also ran a few long X reverses, including a 4th and long 1st down
conversion. The JPW black squad
ultimately won the battle behind the
solid defensive line play from Alex Leudeke, Zack Keck, Bo Ressler, and
Will Prevost. Linebackers Pinkney,
Preston Davis, Hunter Mullins ,Dana Kelly, and Sy Snedeker all played very well
and had some key tackles to shut down the JPW Green offense. Defensive backs Dean, Fox, Crawford,
Pinkney and Kinne all played well and were key in defending some of the bigger
gains by Green.
All in all the boys had a lot of fun playing against their
friends and practice field partners and it was great to see them all shaking
hands and laughing and playing after the game was over.
JPW Black faces big time rival Durham next week at Apex High
School at 12:45PM
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PEE WEE BLACK STUNG BY SANFORD
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 THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT FOR PEE WEE BLACK IN
September 12, 2009 was a special weekend for the entire country and Apex was no different. The Pee-Wee Black team made a small attempt to honor those that America lost on 9-11 and to remember those who still protect us today from more harm.
The Cougars took the field behind the American Flag carried by The Famous Jack Hayden. The day would prove to be a true battle with a strong CapCity team on the Apex field. As the CapCity squad came out victors for the day, it was not without a solid fight from the entire team. Brendan Tapper was awarded the player of the day for his awesome play as defensive tackle. "Tap", spent a large portion of the day in the CapCity backfield disrupting plays and making tackles. Solid play by Defensive tackle and Special teams specialist Jalen McNish before his early exit with a knee injury on an illegal hit during a kickoff return. Replacement for Zach Baldwin at Defensive End was Jordan Purcell a two way starter and he did a great job containing the outside and forcing the ball into the middle of the field. Linebackers Justin Kidd, Mark Crider and Brandon co-captain Freer made tackles from sideline to sideline. The Gold offensive squad played very well this week. Tuck Burkinshaw ran the ball exceptionally well behind solid blocking by Benji Marino, Antnonio Logan, Walker "Country" Hooks, and Tackle Dave D.Lish.
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MIDGETS BEAT GARNER INTO SUBMISSION
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GARNER FORFEITS IN 4TH QUARTER WHEN DOWN 31-6
Coming off a bye week and an unforgettable 52-46 loss in 7 overtimes to Durham, the Apex Midget Gold went into Garner High School on Saturday looking to avenge the loss. And that they did, by stomping Garner 31-6. It was and all out team effort, with great blocking from our offensive line. The offensive line consisted of Alan Freer, Rimni Brown, Gunner Bishop, Tradd Deavers, Nathan Lewis, and Elias Griffith. The running game was dominant throughout the game.
Led by quarterbacks Omari Lan(2 TD's), Dorrell McClain(2 TD's), Bryan Kohn, Timmy Darcalien, and Jerell Herndon(1 TD), the Cougars were able to control the game by powering and sweeping their way to five scores. The defense played just as well with some key stops being provided by Steven Sanchez, Todd Kohn, Tradd Deavers, Nick Fornabio, Austin Wilder and Connor Frederiksen. The linebacker troop of Troy Athan, Dorrell McClain, Matt Marino, Zack Seibert, and Omari Lan did an excellent job containing their inside attack. Defensive Backs Ramir Reams, Kevin Lucas, and Robert Doughtrey did held strong and prevented any effort that Garner put forth in completing passes or running outside.
The Cougars could not get the ball through the uprights Saturday, but kicker Ramir Reams was able to complete a beautiful pass on a PAT fake to Dorrell McClain. Backup QB Ricky Smith not only led 2 touchdown drives, but also provided a sack. Garner was stunned at the dominance that was shown by the Cougars throughout. But not as stunned as the Cougars were to find out that Garner tapped out with about 5 minutes to go in the game. "It was a shocker to me, I have never seen that happen before", says Coach Wayne Mckoy. "Our guys played extremely well and have worked hard every week, and it showed in their performance on Saturday."
The Cougars are now 1-0 in the division and look to improve against a great Wilders Grove Wolfpack team on Saturday at 7:30pm. "It is going to be a really good game, between two really good teams", says Coach Mckoy. We look forward to the challenge, and look to come out with a victory. "We ask that anyone that has nothing to do Saturday night, to please come out to Wilders Grove and cheer on the Cougars".
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DID YOU KNOW ASA IS A PRIVATE NON-PROFIT 501-(c) (3) ORGANIZATION?
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 You Are ASA
Most people are surprised when they find out that Apex Sports Authority is a private not-for-profit organization that has nothing to do with the town of Apex. In fact, ASA was formed in order to make sure our kids would have the opportunity to participate in the sports the town of Apex was not providing. That is not to say we do not have a great relationship with the town, because we do, but we have to pay for everything and fight for fields like everyone else who wants to use them.
ASA is an organization made up of volunteers who make sure that our kids are getting every opportunity to participate in organized sports and all of the benefits that come them. Everything we do is paid for by you and for your kids through registration fees and fundraising so we want to take this opportunity to thank you and ask you to keep giving and participating so we can continue to grow and provide your kids with the highest quality sports experiences.
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