Staff Writer
Van Holland
TARBORO —
The Tarboro Vikings football team got a surprise visit Wednesday after school and received an award that they have come accustom too. They were presented the WRAL Fabulous 15 trophy by Tom Suiter.
For the second year straight and the third time in four years, the Vikings received the Fabulous 15 trophy.
Going into the NCHSAA 2-A state championship game, the Vikings were No. 1 in the Fabulous 15 poll followed by Jack Britt and Carrboro. All three teams lost in their title game, but the Vikings were awarded the trophy.
WRAL sports anchor Tom Suiter said the Vikings were the top team in the final poll since all three teams were defeated in their championship game because of what the Vikings had been able to do through the previous five years.
Tarboro has been able to put together an impressive 72-6 record over the past five seasons and have made it to the championship game in each of those years.
The Vikings have become one of the most recognized programs in the state during their run in the state title games and have become a very respected program.
The Vikings will move down to 1-A next season because of the NCHSAA realignment and could possibly make it back to the title game next year.
Tarboro was led the season by a newcomer, Travonne Marshall. He transferred in from Northern Nash to play his senior campaign for the Vikings. He led the Vikings with over 120 tackles this season and played on special teams and at fullback on the offensive side of the ball. He gained over 800 yards on the ground and scored 16 touchdowns.
Another player who helped guide Tarboro this season and has been a big part of the run is Ohio Sate commit Tyquan Lewis. Lewis was presented the Defensive Player of the Game award Saturday in Winston-Salem. Lewis' career took off during his sophomore season when he started on the varsity team at defensive end and helped the Vikings earn their first of three titles with an amazing performance in the 2009 championship game.
Lewis will be graduating early and enrolling at Ohio State for the second semester of school next year. Before he does that though he will play as a high school player one more time when he suits up and plays in the Shrine Bowl this month.
Quentin Roberson was the key leader on the offensive side of the ball for the Vikings this season. Roberson was honored with the Offensive Player of the Game Saturday after he rushed for 202 yards on 25 carries and scored two touchdowns. Roberson finished his senior year with over 1,500 yards rushing and scored 27 touchdowns.
Final Fabulous 15 poll
1. Tarboro (14-1)
2. Jack Britt (13-3)
3. Carrboro (15-1)
4. Garner (14-1)
5. Leesville Road (12-1)
6. Hunt (13-1)
7. E.E. Smith (11-2)
8. Orange (11-3)
9. Cleveland (12-2)
10. Middle Creek (11-2)
11. Cardinal Gibbons (11-1)
12. Wakefield (11-2)
13. Hoke County (9-3)
14. WF-Rolesville (9-3)
15. Triton (10-1)
