By Tommy Howard

thoward@gtowntimes.com

"Two country boys can look out for each other."

-- Penelope Chestnut

Those words from the mom of one of two Carvers Bay Bears who signed with the University of Central Florida on Wednesday were the icing on the cake of their upcoming adventures in college football.

Davious Chestnut and Clayton Geathers -- friends since 7th or 8th grade -- have played ball together throughout high school in Georgetown County.

This past year, when Geathers broke a bone in his foot over the summer, Chestnut stepped up for his friend and the team and exploded on the football field.

Both played in the Shrine Bowl in December, fitting capstones for their high school football careers.

Now, as coach Nate Thompson, principal Richard Neal and others commented at signing ceremonies on Wednesday in the auditorium at Carvers Bay, it's up to these two guys to set the stage for other athletes who come behind them.

Great program

Athletic director Jeff Mezzatesta said "We have a great football program." Coach "T" has led the Bears to the school's first and only state championship.

"I congratulate him and his coaching staff," Mezzatesta said.

Defensive coordinator Quin McCollum spoke for other coaches, saying "Today is probably their proudest day. The coaches are grateful for the opportunity to help these young men to continue their academic success."

One of a coach's best times is when a kid gets to go to college and achieve the next level, and be a productive citizen, McCollum continued.

"All of the accolades you get on the field can't compare to the awards you'll get from your academic achievements."

He noted that for Central Florida, the value of a four- or five-year scholarship is about $175,000.

"That amount of money the university is going to invest in these young men is not just for the kids, but for their parents," McCollum said.

Have a duty

Principal Richard Neal said "You two young men, Davious and Clayton, you have a duty to perform at the next level academically, and to maintain discipline as you pursue academic excellence."

Wednesday's signing ceremony "continues a long tradition of outstanding student athletes here at Carvers Bay."

It's almost become a "norm," Neal said, "sending kids to higher education."

"This is an opportunity every parent, administrator and school staff looks toward. It says a great deal about the community and the academic and athletic programs here in the Georgetown County School District."

Take academics seriously

Mezzatesta noted that Neal was an athlete at the former Choppee High School that merged with Pleasant Hill to form Carvers Bay.

"Mr. Neal is serious about athletics, as is Coach 'T'. The reason why they are so hard on you, is they want you to achieve and take academics seriously."

Coach "Mezz" noted that their fellow football players in the audience are depending on the signees to represent us well, represent the community. "What you are doing is just starting" on your careers.

Dr. Randy Dozier, superintendent of schools, congratulated the athletes.

"When you go to the big time," he said jokingly, "don't forget us. When you're in the NFL, remember we could use a field house or a stadium. We'd be glad to name it after you with a 'small' donation."

Just a few words

Davious Chestnut is well-known for his abilities on the football field and his brief comments before a microphone.

At first, he just said thanks.

Clayton Geathers didn't say many words, either.

"Thank God, my family, coaches, players, Coach Mezz, Coach T.

"I want to thank my best friend," and gave Chestnut a light, friendly slap on the arm.

Coach Thompson noted that Carvers Bay, a small school in a rural community, is a Division I A school.

"Very few if any IA, II A or III A schools have two Division I major college players signing today, and especially as small as Carvers Bay produces."

It's interesting to note that all of Georgetown County has 61,000 people. Enrollment at the University of Central Florida is 53,000 students. The Greater Orlando area has more than two million residents.

Clayton Geathers

Geathers admitted to being nervous and not feeling well earlier in the morning.

"I feel better now" after signing, he said.

"Keep up the great work. Don't let us down," his mom said.

Both Geathers and Chestnut plan to major in sports management while at the University of Central Florida. And each said after college and a possible NFL career, he'd like to coach sports.

Geathers comes from a family of talented sports players, mostly football but also basketball and other areas.

"It feels pretty good," he said, to join that family line. "Now I can say I'm in college."

"I'm going to try to go down there, do pretty good, and try to come out in three years," he said.

"But we want him to work on that degree," his mom added.

"I'm just glad for him," dad Clayton Geathers said. "Today's his day. I'm proud for him.

"I believe he'll do real good and be out in three years."

Davious Chestnut

"I got a chance to play on the collegiate level," Chestnut said.

"I want to thank my parents and everyone else."

While Clayton was unable to play because of the broken bone in his foot, Chestnut "felt good, knowing I had to lead the team and step up.

"I love it," dad Verna Chestnut said. "We've got a free ride. I'm very proud of him."

Mom Penelope Chestnut agreed. "I wish him the best."

"He will be in our prayers and thoughts. And, he's not going alone," Verna Chestnut said. "He's got his friend."

"Two country boys can look out for each other," Penelope Chestnut said.

Career Information

The University of Central Florida has a lot of information on its Web site about athletes signing with them on Wednesday:

ucfathletics.cstv.com/sports

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Here's the career information on the two local student athletes:

Davious Chestnut, DB, 6-1, 185, Hemingway, S.C. / Carver's Bay

Played for coach James Thompson at Carvers Bay High School...Helped team to Lower State Championship in 2007 and 2008 and a 33-4 overall record from 2007-09...Twice named to the South Carolina all-state team...Named all-region in 2009 at both defensive back and running back...Thrice named all-region as a defensive back...Team MVP...Played in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas...On defense he led the team with three interceptions and had 48 tackles...Rushed for 1,078 yards with 18 touchdowns as a senior while making 68 tackles and four interceptions on defense.

Clayton Geathers, DB, 6-2, 190, Georgetown, S.C. / Carver's Bay

Played for coach James Thompson at Carvers Bay High School... Helped team to Lower State Championship in 2007 and 2008 and a 33-4 overall record from 2007-09 ...Named all-state as a defensive back in 2009 and as a running back in 2008...Was the team's Offensive MVP as a junior, rushing for over 1,500 yards with 23 touchdowns while also making four interceptions on defense...A three-time all-region pick...Played in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas...Was also recruited by South Carolina and Georgia.