By TAFT COGHILL JR.
Courtland High School junior varsity football coach Mike Moon wouldn't normally be eager to jump in a ring to fight a 350-pound man.
But on Saturday, it will be for a good cause.
The 5-foot-10, 150-pound Moon will wrestle Kamala The Ugandian Giant in a professional wrestling exhibition at Courtland High School. It's one of several matches on the slate. The fighting begins at 8 p.m., with an autograph session starting at 6.
"I don't know how much fighting I'm going to be doing," Moon said. "I'm going to run from that big man as much as I can."
Tickets for Saturday's event are $20, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit two separate scholarship funds named for deceased Courtland student-athletes Baron Braswell and Justin Armitage.
Braswell, who was a standout football player for Courtland, was stabbed to death at a party in Spotsylvania County this past January. He was 16. Armitage, a former Cougars soccer star, was killed in an automobile accident in March. He was 19.
Moon said both Braswell and Armitage were important members of the athletic family at Courtland.
"They were two great young men," Moon said. "They did a lot for our school. This is just a small thing I can do to honor them."
Other matches on the schedule include Buff Bagwell against The Barbarian and Scott Steiner versus Rick Steiner in a steel cage match. That will be the main event.
"It's a fantastic community event," Courtland athletic director Ronnie Lowman said. "Not only for the athletic department, but to show support for two young men that we've lost this year. Those two guys are irreplaceable."
This won't be the last event to honor Braswell and Armitage. A golf tournament in Armitage's name is planned for May 20.
Tickets for the wrestling match can be purchased in advance at Courtland High School, Wings to Go restaurant and Gamers Pro Shop. Tickets can also be bought at the door.
Passing tournament upcomingThe Battlefield District football race figures to be wide open in 2006. Courtland is the defending champions, but the Cougars lost several key starters including quarterback Jeremy Gardner.
Spotsylvania is the only team in the district returning a quarterback who started every game. However, the Knights struggled to a 1-9 record last year with Stevie Jackson under center.
On Saturday, five of the seven Battlefield teams will get a first look at their passing game against other competition.
Spotsylvania High School will host a seven-on-seven passing tournament, beginning at 9 a.m. The tournament will wrap up with the championship game at 5 p.m.
Spotsylvania, Courtland, Riverbend, Caroline and King George will take part in the tournament. Stafford and Colonial Forge of the Group AAA Commonwealth District will also participate.
Spotsylvania coach Myron Matthias said events like this help him get an early understanding of his team's strengths and weaknesses in the passing game.
"It's important for your team's confidence and cohesiveness," Matthias said. "You want to get everybody on the same page."
One thing to look out for on Saturday may be the play of King George quarterback Tremayne Dameron, who is expected to be recovered from a broken leg he suffered early last season. Dameron showed potential before his injury.
Also, Courtland and Riverbend will break in brand-new quarterbacks. Caroline returns Hagan Driskell, who started a few games last year.
Two other Fredericksburg-area passing camps are also upcoming. James Monroe will host one in early June at Maury stadium. Colonial Forge will host one on June 10.
Lineman camp on May 20-21Jim Dotson will host an offensive lineman camp at Spotsylvania High School May 20-21. Dotson is the offensive line coach at University of Virginia-Wise.
There will also be other college coaches in attendance.
Admission to the camp is $80 in advance and $90 at at the gate. It is open to all kids who will be in grades 7-12 next school year.
For information on the camp, call Matthias at 582-3882, ext. 2336.
To reach TAFT COGHILL:
Email: tcoghill@freelancestar.com