Bryse Wilson: For the fourth time since July 21, Wilson earned a quality start for the Gwinnett Stripers of the AAA International League. On Friday, Wilson threw seven scoreless innings in Gwinnett’s 10-2 over the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders in Moosic, PA. It was his fourth straight win since being sent down by the Atlanta Braves on July 21. Against the RailRiders, Wilson conceded four hits and struck out nine. In his last four starts, Wilson is 4-0 with a league-best 0.33 ERA. In that span, opponents have hit .191 against Wilson. He has surrendered two runs (one earned) in the last 27 innings with six walks and 25 strikeouts. Wilson has helped Gwinnett take a two-and-a-half game lead over Durham for first place in the International League. He now has a 8-7 record in Gwinnett with a 3.58 ERA.
Training camp has started for college football teams across the country. Many former Orange High and Cedar Ridge High football players will be on the gridiron this season. In one notable case, it will be a notable return for a former Orange High All-State linebacker who hasn’t played a game in nearly two years.
Payton Wilson: A redshirt freshman for N.C. State, Wilson last played on October 27, 2017 against Cedar Ridge. He tore the ACL in his right knee on the opening kickoff, ending his high school career. After enrolling in Raleigh in January 2018, he tore the ACL in his same knee once again last summer. Now, Wilson is prepared to make an impact when N.C. State hosts East Carolina on August 31 at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh.
Coach Dave Doeren was asked about Wilson during ACC Kickoff in Charlotte last month.
“He’s chomping at the bit,” Doeren said. “I’m going to tell you, Payton is an incredible competitor. He was a great wrestler, incredible player in high school. He hasn’t been able to play in a long time. He’s healthy. He’s fully cleared. Probably more excited to play in training camp than anybody on our football team.”
Trent Gill: A redshirt sophomore at N.C. State, Gill will look to see more action in Raleigh this season. Gill, who graduated from Cedar Ridge in 2017, has yet to play for the Wolfpack. He was an All-Big 8 Conference performer in football, and also played soccer and tennis.
Stone Edwards: The 2017 Orange graduate is now a redshirt sophomore at Vanderbilt. In 2018, Edwards played in 12 games for the Commodores. He made seven tackles, one tackle for loss and one sack as Vanderbilt reached the Texas Bowl. They finished 6-7.
Kevin Wright Jr.: A sophomore at N.C. Wesleyan, Wright is gearing up to start at cornerback for the Battling Bishops this season. In 2018, Wright played in two games for Wesleyan, making two tackles and a tackle for loss. Wright is a history major in Rocky Mount.
Jackson Schmid: Now playing at Division III Wheaton College, Schmid is entering his junior season with the Thunder. After starting as Orange’s quarterback, Schmid is now a safety. In 2018, he played three games, making one tackle.
Colin Guentensberger: After suiting up for the East/West All-Star Game last month in Greensboro, Guentensberger will attempt to walk-on at Appalachian State. Guentensberger was the Orange High Player of the Year in 2018.
Francisco McKinley: A four-year starter as Orange’s placekicker, McKinley is also at Appalachian State. He will try to walk-on to the football team. In McKinley’s tenure at Orange, he’s probably best remembered for kicking the game-winning field goal against Southern Durham with less than a minute remaining on September 29, 2017, which paved the way for the Panthers to win its third consecutive Big 8 Conference Championship.