From staff reports

Nygel Pearson has been announced as the new head football coach at North Rowan High.

A full story on Pearson will be in Sunday’s edition.

Pearson has been the offensive line coach, run game coordinator and video coordinator for Catawba College. He joined Curtis Walker’s Catawba staff in 2017 after six years as as assistant at South Carolina State.

Pearson graduated from South Carolina State in 2008. He was an outstanding player, an All-MEAC lineman, as well as an outstanding student.

He earned a master’s degree in secondary education from SCSU in 2014.

He starred as a high school player in Darlington, S.C.

Pearson also steps into the P.E. teaching position vacated by former head football coach Ben Hampton, who was hired by Socastee High in South Carolina in February.

Pearson is married to Koontz Elementary assistant principal, Majoria Pearson. They have a 3-year-old son, Grayson, and a 2-year-old daughter, Addison.

“This is a good opportunity, a win-win,” Pearson said. “My family is really enjoying living in Rowan County. You want your kids to be able to say they grew up somewhere. We want that place to be here.”

Community event

A virtual event is planned on Friday, April 24, at 7 p.m. — “Friday Night Lights Community Q&A with Coach Pearson” and will be hosted by two North graduating senior players along with the AD Mark Woody.  The event may be accessed via: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_V-MHgs-CR6yqpZ46-qDk8w