Vance County High School had a very successful 2022 football campaign making it into the state playoff and two of the reasons why are senior wide receiver Israel Terry and defensive star Chris Jones. Both young men have signed letters of intent to play college ball, Terry at Winston-Salem State and Jones with Barton in Wilson.
“It feels like home,” Terry said of Winston-Salem State where he is considering majoring in either the business field or sports training. About the challenges of moving up to the college level Terry says, “I just need to stay focused and locked on goals. I’m just an athlete and I’ll do what the coaches ask.” Terry also said he expects to play receiver for Winston-Salem State. At some point, he may even have to face another Vance Co. graduate, his brother Noah, across the field. Noah plays cornerback for Shaw University.
Jones, who athletic director Ray Noel called modest, will be heading to Barton. While primarily a defensive player with the Vipers, he did play running back on offense but at Barton he will be focusing on defense. “I want to be where I can make the plays,” Jones said about his preference for offense of defense.
Both players say Vance County’s success on the football field comes down to buying into the program that Coach Aaron Elliot put together. It allowed the team to bond. “Vance County (High School) is on the rise,” Jones said.
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