Another of my rant columns; hold on we’re going through this pretty quickly.

Hawks ready…Chowan University’s women’s soccer team has struggled through injuries and stumbled just a bit down the stretch.

Make no mistake, though, Georgina Donnelly’s team is ready for the National Christian College Athletic Association regionals and, if they play to their abilities, will come away with a championship.

With Ashley Bradford and Clara Danzeisen having time to get healthy, the offense will be back on track and the defense is always tough.

Not on the hot seat…While football coaches throughout the nation are worried about their future, one that doesn’t need to stress is Chowan University coach Lorick Atkinson.

Sources at the school say Atkinson will be rewarded with a three-year contract extension once the season has ended.

While the past Chowan administrations have been quick to make changes in midstream, it appears current school President Dr. Chris White and Athletic Director Dennis Helsel know they have a winner in Atkinson and are doing what it takes to keep him in town.

NCISAA volleyball…While Ridgecroft School was impressive in their ability to rally back into a match with Kerr-Vance Academy, the overall trip to Durham was too short.

Neither the Rams nor the Warriors of Lawrence Academy got out of the gate quick enough and it cost them a chance to make the final four.

Both programs have good coaches and both over-achieved this season. They each have a lot to be proud of.

Collin, Collin, Collin…If there was any doubt who the local football coach of the year is, it was erased Friday night.

Northeast Academy pulled off an upset of Halifax Academy in the first round of the playoffs under first-year skipper Collin Sneed and proved once again how good he really is.

The Eagles have beaten Lawrence, Halifax and Hobgood in the same season. Does anyone remember the last time that happened?

Sad goodbye…It certainly appears Alan Spencer does not intend to return to Lawrence Academy for a sixth year as head football coach.

For the past two seasons, Spencer has indicated this would likely be the year he stepped aside.

I for one hope the coach changes his mind, but if he doesn’t, people at Lawrence should be thankful for the football prowess he has taught the kids in Merry Hill.

He has been a good football coach and a good person to deal with.

The game…I’ve been asked about ‘the game’ for more than a month now.

Everyone knew it was coming down to the 9-1 Bears visiting the 8-2 Falcons with the Northeastern Coastal Conference championship on the line.

To say this game is big doesn’t do it justice. This game is huge and I for one have been looking forward to it for the entire season.

Who will win? That prognostication I won’t make until Thursday’s edition of the Pigskin Prognosticators. This I will say, however, my bet is that it will be a high-scoring affair and will be a lot of fun to watch.

Those who plan to attend should plan on fun and fellowship. Please also plan to behave.

Remember this game is about these two teams and not about communities or gangs or any of the other crap that sometimes goes with it.

Questions? Comments?

You can reach me at thadd.white@r-cnews.com or call me at 332-7211.

Be careful out there and be good sports.