Sunday, September 7 2008

The Seymour Herald — Seymour, TN

lopez embraces football, new opportunities

venezuela native excited about beginning college football at carson-newman

Seymour Herald/Chris Silcox

Former Seymour All-State kicker Carlos Lopez practices at his old high school recently. Lopez will begin his college football career this fall at Carson-Newman.

By Chris Silcox
csilcox@seymourherald.com

published: July 30 2008 12:12 PM updated:: July 31 2008 10:42 AM

Former Seymour Eagles kicker Carlos Lopez is well aware how far the game of football can take him.

A Venezuela native, Lopez was a soccer player who dreamed of playing football when he arrived at Seymour High School four years ago. Fast forward to 2008 and Lopez is a college football player with dreams of playing on the game’s biggest stage.

A three-time All-District and All-Region soccer player at SHS, Lopez passed up the chance to play the sport he started playing as a four-year old Venezuela farm boy in favor of an offer from legendary Carson-Newman College football coach Ken Sparks to be the Eagles’ next kicker on the football field.

“Soccer used to be my life,” stated Lopez, who received soccer scholarship offers from such schools as Milligan College and University of South Carolina-Sumpter. “I’ve been playing it since I was four-years old.”

In spite of his lifelong passion for soccer, it didn’t take Lopez long to fall in love with this football game that everybody in his new hometown is so crazy about.

He talked to Seymour High School head football coach Gary Householder before his sophomore year at SHS about possibly kicking for the Eagles football team. Householder thought it was a fine idea, considering the Eagles had graduated its starting kicker from the season before.

An excitable young man to begin with, the first time Lopez felt the energy created by a Friday night football game at Seymour’s Benton Householder Field, he was pretty much hooked.

“I started as a sophomore and that was a very good year for me,” Lopez recalled. “I remember we went to Powell Valley (Virginia) and I hit the game-winning field goal. Man, I was so excited about that. That gave me so much confidence and I just fell in love with football.”

After the brief taste of football glory that late summer night in the hills of Virginia, all the wide-eyed Lopez could think about was getting back out there.

"Then I came back the next year and I think I got a little better,” he said. “(The Seymour coaching staff) gave me every chance to succeed as they possibly could and I’ll always appreciate that. And then my senior year was so great. They had a lot of confidence in me to try any field goal and I got a lot more confidence in my self.”

After a big senior season in 2007, Lopez started garnering the attention of several football schools throughout the South who were intrigued by his efficiency at field goal kicking and his uncanny ability to land his kickoffs in the end zone.

Lopez hit 13-of-18 of his field goal attempts, including a school-record four against Rutledge and a 52-yarder vs. Gibbs, during his senior season. He also hit 98 percent of his extra points and over 90 percent of his kickoffs went for touchbacks.

Add to that his 3.89 grade point average in the classroom and it’s easy to see why colleges began looking at the talkative teenager as more than a good soccer player.

Lopez made it official last spring when he signed scholarship papers to play football at Carson-Newman, beginning this fall. Even though he’s relatively new to the proud football history in this area, Lopez understands that he’s getting a golden opportunity with Carson-Newman.

“I want to go and give it may all,” Lopez exclaimed. “I know Carson-Newman is a great college. I know they’ve won five national championships in football and I’m just excited to be a part of that. They’re strong every year. It’s like a family. Everybody treats everybody with respect. Coach Sparks told me that Carson-Newman has never had a kicker that made it in the NFL. I want to be the first. That’s my goal.”

Carson-Newman’s proximity to his new hometown of Seymour will add to his comfort level as he begins the next chapter in his life, says Lopez,

“It’s good for me because it’s not that far from home,” he remarked. “My mom was getting sad because I’m about to go away for college. But she’s happy when I tell her ‘I’m only going to be 30 minutes away.’”

Lopez was even more grateful for his athletic opportunities after spending a month in his Venezuela hometown this summer. He visited family in South America from June 18 until July 17.

“Seeing where I came from before makes me proud of how far I’ve came in my journey,” Lopez commented. “If I had stayed in Venezuela I probably wouldn’t even be playing sports. I’d probably be riding horses and working on the farm. Going back made me proud of where I come from and proud of where I am.”

Lopez admitted he’ll probably be longing to be back on the soccer field when the season gets cranked up this fall.

“I’ll probably see the Carson-Newman soccer team practicing this fall and I’ll wish I was out there with them,” he suggested. “Carson-Newman has a very good soccer team. If there was a way I could play both sports I would try, but since soccer and football are in the same season I can’t play both.

“I’m sad about that but I’m also not so sad about it,” he continued. “I had a lot of responsibilities on the soccer field, especially in high school. Now I can just go out and focus on being a good football player and focus on how I can help myself.

“It’s sad because soccer is the sport I’ve been playing for the last 14 years but I just felt like football was the way to go for my future.”

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User Comments

#1 Team mate commented, on July 30, 2008 at 5:54 p.m.:

I just hope Carlos that you will work hard on the football field and not give half effort like you did on the soccer field and that is coming from one of your brothers

#2 old timer commented, on July 30, 2008 at 6:58 p.m.:

Hey Team mate, jealous some? I saw that soccer team play this year and the Lopez kid would have been the best player if he'd played on one leg. Good luck at Carson-Newman.

#3 Team mate commented, on July 30, 2008 at 7:14 p.m.:

Best individual it takes a team to succeed

#4 SHS football commented, on July 30, 2008 at 7:43 p.m.:

hey team mate...how bout you step on the field with lopez on either one soccer or football he'll still stomp you anytime...one leg or no leg.

#5 Ha Ha commented, on July 30, 2008 at 9:45 p.m.:

I would love to see a pogo stick kicker

#6 Coach commented, on July 30, 2008 at 10:32 p.m.:

Good luck Carlos and congratulations! We will miss you this year

#7 Mom , Dad and Omar commented, on July 30, 2008 at 11:07 p.m.:

Good luck my son !!!!!
We will miss you at home and at SHS in both season (Soccer and Footbal).
We love you

#8 jess commented, on July 30, 2008 at 11:32 p.m.:

lol thats awesome! cool pictures :)

#9 Old decrepid Eagle commented, on July 31, 2008 at 1:08 a.m.:

As athletic as this kid was, I bet he would have made a heck of a WR or DB in high school ball. Good luck in college.

#10 Sabrina commented, on July 31, 2008 at 8:38 a.m.:

Congrats, Carlos! Stay focused and you will succeed!

#11 Seymour Mom commented, on July 31, 2008 at 12:21 p.m.:

Good Luck Carlos ! I hope you do well in school & on the field !

#12 Howard Cosell commented, on July 31, 2008 at 1:09 p.m.:

I used to enjoy watching this kid on the sidelines. He'd prance and preen and pose for the crowd like he was a tough guy like a linebacker. I used to laugh at his act knowing he was just a kicker.

#13 Oh! commented, on July 31, 2008 at 1:45 p.m.:

you mean acting like a premadona! That is what he is good at! But under pressure when it counts you cannot count on him. A-E game ring any bells

#14 Well....... commented, on July 31, 2008 at 3:58 p.m.:

A-E scored on a long interception return with less than a minute to play to put the game away. Lopez missed a 46-yard field goal into the wind in the second quarter but came back and hit a short one on like the final play of the first half. Seymour should have won that game last year. It sure as hell wasn't Lopez's fault. As far as a high school kicker, give me that kid in the clutch any day.

#15 Lou commented, on July 31, 2008 at 4:10 p.m.:

Carlos, thanks for the memories, We will be rooting for you.

#16 shs fan commented, on July 31, 2008 at 7:41 p.m.:

this comment is for team mate saying carlos played half effort...ok just as in half effort carlos scored a school record of 35 goals if it wasnt for his team he would have had 50 goals...i know youll do grat at carson newman..

#17 Jennifer commented, on July 31, 2008 at 7:58 p.m.:

I know that SHS soccer and football staff will miss the great Carlos Lopez for a long time....Good luck at Carson-Newman boy

#18 To the fan commented, on July 31, 2008 at 9:27 p.m.:

Did he score in any big games?

NO!

He disappeared!

#19 shs fan commented, on July 31, 2008 at 10:06 p.m.:

oh really how did he dissapeared if all the freakin goals were his? HE SCORED IN ALL THE BIG GAMES. you just dont know anything about soccer.. and im gonna go with what shs football said step on the field with lopez to see whos going to dissapeare..

#20 oh really commented, on July 31, 2008 at 11:26 p.m.:

did he score in the catholic game, did he score in the district championship against alcoa, no thank you for playing though

#21 alex commented, on July 31, 2008 at 11:55 p.m.:

carlos, u are great guy and i hope u have a good time at carson-newman.good luck with football! i will miss you!!!

#22 shs fan commented, on August 1, 2008 at 9:43 a.m.:

are you kiddin me he had the first goal againts alcoa and the assist for the second...and why dint anyone else do anythin againts catholic? cause everyone else sucked...and your probly one of the players that never got to play anyways so just keep your mouth close...

#23 so... commented, on August 1, 2008 at 11:27 a.m.:

how did carlos get the ball and score if everyone else sucks?

what about how did we not get scored on because our defense and keeper not Carlos

#24 shs fan commented, on August 1, 2008 at 4:53 p.m.:

listen little kid i dont know how old you are..but do you have a scholarship to go play something, somewhere? i dint think so.. but good luck this year in soccer without lopez..

#25 Chris23 commented, on August 1, 2008 at 6:26 p.m.:

Its just too bad he was the best soccer player hands down! He scored 35 goals as a midfielder!! I mean come on how is that half effort? Lol jealousy is showing there..as far as football goes he was the best kicker to ever step foot on Benton Householder field! An it showed..recieving all-state honors an division 1 offers..hmm pretty sure no one else recieved either,Good luck Carlos ..oh an DO WORK SON!!!

#26 Mom Cheek commented, on August 1, 2008 at 8:21 p.m.:

Keep your head held high Carlos/those of us that 'really' know you/know the kind of motivation and athletic ability that you have. We have already seen that displayed many times. Carson Newman saw this ability and that is why you have your scholarship.

#27 Division 1 commented, on August 1, 2008 at 8:22 p.m.:

yeah right how much and who nobody ?

Doug Clark Kicker Seymour
went to Kentucky better then Carlos
Jon Foulk
better then Carlos

#28 Excuse Me? commented, on August 1, 2008 at 11:27 p.m.:

# 25, he got D-1 offers and chose Carson Newman? Interesting...and dumb!
I hope he pulls a his groin.

#29 Well... commented, on August 1, 2008 at 11:41 p.m.:

What if Carlos is better than Carson Newman but he just did not work hard enough to get to those places he could be? And settled!

I for one think Carlos has division one talent I just think he has a highschool work ethic? It's a shame too!

#30 MomCheek commented, on August 2, 2008 at 12:13 p.m.:

Sounds like jealousy Division1/and Excuse Me - only a high schooler would make a comment that 'I hope he pulls a groin.'/and Well- you are right he does have the talent/and why would you think he 'settled' for CN - if this is truly where he wants to continue his education/be able to play a game he loves and be close to home. Sounds pretty smart to me.

#31 onlooker commented, on August 2, 2008 at 3:15 p.m.:

Carlos was one of the most talented athletes to ever don a Seymour Eagles uniform, of any kind. The problem is that sometimes talent, itself, just doesn't cut it. When he learns that, and I believe he will eventually, he will be one special player. As far as the name-calling and ill-will goes, we all have to remember this kid, and yes I mean kid, is just 17 or 18 years old.

#32 Chris23 commented, on August 2, 2008 at 3:56 p.m.:

Haha ok #28 you do not seem too smart when coming to highschool/college sports ..Nothing dumb about C-N Its a very good academic school as well as a football team thats always competiting for a title..an recieving a FULL scholarship as a kicker now days is rare at any school.Carlos has division 1 talent yes,but it involves help from coaches to send out game film an help with his recruting etc.Which Seymour has never been much of doing, his noticing of the division 1 schools was on nothin more than just him an his talent.I hope he does great which I know he will an all the abrupt comments will be nothing more than just wash ups talking with too much time on there hands ;)

#33 MMM.... commented, on August 2, 2008 at 6:02 p.m.:

to Chris23 I am pretty sure that Coach Norwood helped Carlos quite abit with the offers he recieved for soccer. I do agree that the football coaches could do more for the players out of Seymour than what they do.

#34 Carlos's Mother commented, on August 2, 2008 at 6:33 p.m.:

I want to thank all the people that said good things about my son and i also want to give thank you to those who only have to say negative things because ive never seen a report on the seymour herald that has this many comments, so to those who have nothing good say thank you for wasting your time because none of those comments will effect the accomplishment that my son has made in united states and the accomplishment he will have at carson newman... thank you all

#35 Chris23 commented, on August 2, 2008 at 7:21 p.m.:

Ya since I was talkin about soccer still (mmm) haha pay attention there,Seymour isnt a powerhouse for recruting obviously but they dont help enough when talent comes along.

#36 G.B. commented, on August 2, 2008 at 9:13 p.m.:

I agree that Carlos is probbably the best high school kicker I've seen. And as someone who has played on the same soccer field as Carlos I can honestly say he is one of the best I've ever seen at soccer. He had his games where he did only give half effort. And if you ask him he'll tell you he had games where he only gave half effort. But Everyone has those games occasionally. It's just more noticiable when Carlos doesn't give full effort because he is a level above the rest. As far as Carlos being the only player on the field and his team sucking as I believe SHS fan siad. That is probably the stupidest statement I've ever heard. Youy obviously have no knowledge of soccer. First off you can't win if yuo get scored on more than you score on the other team so mad props to the Dirty D. And then smeone has got to give the ball up to Carlos thats the midfields job. Without the rest of the team then Carlos wouldn't have scored any goals. So way to make yourself look ignorant with the whole he would have scored 50 if not for his team statement.

#37 G.B. commented, on August 2, 2008 at 9:15 p.m.:

By the way I love you Carlos and you better kick some ass at Carson Newman.

#38 Why Bother?! commented, on August 2, 2008 at 10:48 p.m.:

Soccer? You people are talking about soccer?! Damn, I'm done with this conversation. There's a reason soccer is a minority sport in the U.S. We're smart enough to see how badly it sucks!

#39 Well... commented, on August 3, 2008 at 12:40 a.m.:

It doesn't suck as bad as football at Seymour does!

Oh yeah Mom he is in college now he doesn't need you fighting his battles you have babied him and Omar enough!

#40 Well... commented, on August 3, 2008 at 11:36 a.m.:

I don't see anybody running his name through the mud. Just a few jealous teenagers with nothing better to do. This proves that Carlos has indeed accomplished a lot like the story says. This is the most comments I've seen about a story. Carlos should be proud.

#41 Well... commented, on August 3, 2008 at 1:44 p.m.:

Why should ther be an open forum for this to even take place it is a disgrace for our community.

It is odd though how anything duragatory toward this paper or the people associated with it is deleted within 10 minutes but anyone else is open game.

Somewhat of a double standard I would say.

If I were a coach at Seymour i would refuse to do any write ups in your paper until this stops!

#42 Coach commented, on August 3, 2008 at 8:32 p.m.:

I heard Seymour Middle Footbal quit letting the herald cover them for the same reason last year the middle school kids were doing the same thing that is happening to Carlos this is sad

#43 well... commented, on August 3, 2008 at 9:06 p.m.:

I think this is great. And what is happening to Carlos, exactly. I see a thousand-word article talking about how good of an athlete he is and a bunch of people writing congratulations like its some kind of message board, along with a couple ignorant, jealous kids with nothing better to do. Who wants to read about middle school kids anyway?

#44 Fulton Carter commented, on August 3, 2008 at 9:52 p.m.:

You think this response is something. You wait and see what happens if Househoulder continues this season the way he's coached the last several. Just show the fat man to the door and let's get back to greatness.

#45 ut scout commented, on August 4, 2008 at 8:27 a.m.:

We all want our kids to be noticed on the field. And yes it helps when HS coaches send out film and local news papers cover (the team) and not just one player. We look at stats and can tell when the push is on for the local hero. I attend many HS games in this area and never announce myself because the players are under enough pressure already. But a word to those who say the coaches at Seymour High could do better in promoting their players you need to know this fact. The coaching staff at your school does more promoting of its athletes than most schools in this area. I have 44 schools that I watch and Seymour would be in the top four schools that promotes its players. You have a top notch program and you should be proud. And the last thing, and most important is the player’s grade average. Without a good GPA you can forget playing for an SEC team. Please check out this web site http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=9... for recruiting here at U. T. and you will see what we look for. Thank You.

#46 Seymour Grad commented, on August 4, 2008 at 6:52 p.m.:

I'm not trying to start anything; however, I'm very curious. Why are no SHS football players listed in CN's 08-09 roster. No one from Seymour is listed, freshman from other towns are listed but no one from Seymour. Good Luck CL - I'm pulling' for you.

#47 recruiting junkie commented, on August 4, 2008 at 7:31 p.m.:

I think the freshmen you see from other towns are redshirt fresshmen. Aloa's Chris Shiverdecker is listed as a freshman still on that roster on the C-N web site. The latest signing class prob hasn't been put on roster yet.

#48 Seymour Grad commented, on August 4, 2008 at 8:11 p.m.:

Thanks for the help rj. That "sort-of" makes sense. I didn't even notice Shiverdecker....

#49 leo commented, on August 6, 2008 at 3:55 p.m.:

i love sou much brother in law iam happy and that congratulacion for you play, thanks for is in good friend and brother. kiss leo

#50 BALLCHEEZ commented, on August 10, 2008 at 8:31 p.m.:

Poor SHS. If your team scored enough points the kicker wouldn't have to bail you out. And calling a kicker a primadonna? They're ALL flakes! you can't be normal and be a kicker. It's against the laws of nature! Lets defer judgement until Carlos completes his first year at CN. In fact what are we doing judgeing a kid that just wants to play a game?

#51 amanda kidd commented, on August 14, 2008 at 8:17 a.m.:

i just adore you and want to have your babies. your the best kicker i ever did see. by the way dont tell rusty!!!! love ya
4ever and ever