Raleigh-area high school football stars left lasting legacies at their respective schools

Anticipating Friday’s Thanksgiving week high school football playoffs games — even knowing it will be cold outside — reminds us, too, of another piercing truth. Each week, game and play clocks time out for talented student-athletes whose achievements wowed us.

Friday’s outcomes closed the secondary gridiron careers of two of the Triangle’s very best — Omarion Hampton (Cleveland) and Wesley Grimes (Millbrook).

Hampton’s 239 rushing yards and three touchdowns and Grimes’ four receiving touchdowns — and that both young men helped position their teams for winning opportunities — were to be expected, and are understood. Hampton’s and Grimes’ commitments to their schools and teams transcend their gaudy statistics to less measurable, but quantifiable evidence.

In a growing age of specialization in all sports, Hampton played offense and defense for the Rams. He averaged a tackle per game, and made key stops last Friday. Grimes served as a Wildcats’ special teams holder, and willed himself to continue in this role even when a calf injury precluded his offensive route running.

Hampton completed this regular season with zero fumbles. Grimes had 26 receiving touchdowns through Millbrook’s 13 games. Hampton and Grimes helped their teams to 11 or more wins and conference championships.

Hampton has distinguished himself as Cleveland’s all-time best player in the Rams’ short history (since 2010). Grimes has earned his place in conversations about Millbrook greats, including previous Wildcats wide receiver Bucky Brooks (North Carolina, five NFL teams).

Hampton, a North Carolina commit, and Grimes, headed to Wake Forest, will meet again when the Tar Heels visit the Demon Deacons in Winston-Salem next fall. Both schools’ fan bases will thrive per these young men’s excellence contributions.

May we be thankful, always, for the chance to have seen and marvel at them during their formative years.

This story was originally published November 22, 2021 at 7:00 AM.