Pigskin Preview: East Columbus doesn’t want to repeat winless season

August 14, 2025

Colton Emswiler,

East Columbus Football1 — (Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)

LAKE WACCAMAW, N.C. (WWAY) — East Columbus football does not want to relive or be reminded of their 2024 campaign, in which they did not win a single game.

The Gators will now be a part of the Carolina Conference. They will also be the only 1A team in the Cape Fear, making them the area’s smallest school by default.

Head Coach Fred Pedro hopes to turn the small town club into big time winners after an offseason of work.

(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)

“One thing that we did from last year to this year, and I always think it back to my recruiting days in the Army, is that no matter, what you can allow failure to happen,” Pedro said. “But what do you do from there? We assess from that season. We’re able to build more team chemistry. Being able to build a team environment. I will say that these boys have really come together.”

Seven starters are back from a year ago, but that number is actually higher when considering a lot of them play on both sides of the ball.

(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)

The players hope greater availability will get them back in the win column.

“They’d show up on game day, but weren’t here throughout the week,” junior quarterback and linebacker Dawson Crosby said. “That’s what kind of killed us. Just stay disciplined. Keep my guys here. I kind of got leadership this year, so hoping I can do something.”

Only two seniors will be on the roster this season with the goal of turning their winless season on its head.

“I know we can do better this year,” senior linebacker and tight end William McDuffie said. “I’m hoping that through practicing and everything, we can just make everything better. I’d hope a winning season, but getting a win, getting three wins, getting four wins, I’d be happy. A winning season would be the best. Undefeated season would be even better.”