Pigskin Preview: New head coach and new QB bring fresh energy to East Columbus Football
COLUMBUS COUNTY, N.C. — The East Columbus Gators are looking to build on a season that ended with a historic breakthrough. The Gators finished 3-9 last year, but when the lights got brightest, East Columbus made history by winning a playoff game for the first time in 12 years.
Now, the Gators are turning the page with a new head coach, a new quarterback and a new offensive approach. Vinston Thorpe is taking over the program after serving as the offensive coordinator at Kinston. And he’s bringing a new standard with him.
“I want a deep playoff run, and I want them to be able to hang their hat on having a winning season for the first time in school history in a very long time,” Thorpe said. “One of the greatest things I’ve learned playing football over the years is that some of the greatest coaches I had were some of the guys who were the firmest with us.”
Thorpe said building relationships with his players while holding them accountable will be key to establishing that standard.
“I try to make sure I’m relatable to them, and I shelter them and give them a lot of love – but I also make sure I’m very transparent about the expectations and standards that we have,” Thorpe said. “I love my kids and I love them just like they are mine. So all 35 of those guys that commit to me, I commit to them.”
Thorpe won’t be the only new face in a key role. Eli Walker, a standout East Columbus baseball player, is making the transition to football and will take over at quarterback.
“It was just a good opportunity for me to come play under a smart head coach,” Walker said. “I just wanted to do what I could to help turn the program around.”
Walker said some of the skills he’s developed on the baseball diamond have already translated to the football field.
“So far, throwing on the run has transferred over, along with being athletic, being smart and being coachable,” Walker said. “I have all the confidence in this team. They did what they did last year and got that playoff experience, and I have playoff experience coming from the baseball program this year. I think we can all put it together for a deep run this year.”
With a new quarterback and a new scheme, the Gators are hoping to open up the offense and give Walker opportunities to make plays through the air. For East Columbus, the challenge now is turning last season’s playoff breakthrough into sustained success.
The first opportunity comes Friday, August 21, when the Gators open the season at home against the Green Sea Floyds Trojans.
