Ex-AC tailback Whinghter plays in prime time

Former Augusta Christian star tailback Joel Whinghter started his first game on national television this past Wednesday night when he and his Troy University teammates took on the Mean Green of North Texas. The game was televised on ESPN2, which had to be a thrill for Columbia County's all-time career rushing leader.

Unfortunately, Whinghter did not have one of his best games. He managed only 23 yards rushing on 7 carries, and caught one pass for 6 yards. Troy did pick up a 13-10 victory to raise its record to 2-3.

Whinghter, Troy's starting tailback, continues to lead the team in rushing on the season with 225 yards on 40 carries (5.4 yards per run). To date, his highlight is undoubtedly his 14-carry, 107-yard performance against Steve Spurrier's South Carolina Gamecocks earlier this season. ESPN announcers also commented during the telecast that Whinghter had worked extremely hard and waited on his chance to start, and that he was taking full advantage of his opportunity. I'm sure this was a big thrill for the entire Augusta Christian family.

Bragg a starter at Charleston Southern

Former Lakeside tight end Alex Bragg has found two new homes. First, he now plays football for the Charleston Southern Buccaneers in Charleston, S.C. Also, he is no longer a tight end. He now plays an interior line position.

Bragg, a redshirt freshman, has been moved from tight end to left guard by the Buccaneer coaching staff. He worked hard to put on 35 pounds and earned a starting role in the pre-season. With his frame (he stands 6-5), Bragg could become a big-time offensive lineman.

Bragg is not the only local player suiting up for Charleston Southern. Former Harlem standout Foster Moore, a 6-0, 220 pound freshman, is a linebacker for the Bucs. And former Butler teammates Tyrese Harris and Jonna Lee also play at Charleston Southern.

Clark working his way to playing time

Former Evans quarterback Travis Clark might have transferred to Lincoln County prior to his senior season, but it is hard to forget what a serious young man and a hard worker he was. Well, apparently, he has not changed his ways. Clark, a redshirt freshman at Southern Mississippi, has earned rave reviews from his coaches and teammates. He is called one of the hardest workers they ever had in the Golden Eagle program.

Clark spent his redshirt season adding 20 pounds of muscle and worked his way into a two-way battle for the backup quarterback job. He is fighting for playing time with sophomore Jeremy Young of Jackson, Miss. Both are behind record-setting signal caller Dustin Almond. Almond is among the school's career leaders in every passing category.

And don't forget: This is the same school that produced future NFL hall of famer Brett Favre.

In limited action this season, Clark has completed two of three pass attempts for 16 yards.

Also, he is gaining valuable experience from the sidelines that should help him in his quest to become the team's starting quarterback next fall.