By Scott Cole

Ayden-Grifton defeated Washington, 24-15, on Friday, which solidified Paul Cornwell as A-G’s all-time winningest football coach. Cornwell now stands at 121 career victories as the head coach of the Chargers with the win over the Pam Pack.

“You know, when your dad takes you to your hometown games as a little boy, you dream of playing for them someday,” Cornwell said. “Then you get to play for them and then years later coach that same team. To be able to coach in your hometown is a dream. But you don’t do it for the record. You do if for the kids. One day, I can look back on all this and cherish it all.”

Cornwell has been the head coach of the Ayden-Grifton Chargers since 2005. The highlight of his career was in 2011 when he guided the team to a state championship game berth. The Chargers defeated perennial football powerhouse Wallace-Rose Hill in the state semifinal before falling 20-14 against Swain County.

“To be able to be here today and have passed the many great coaches who have led many young men here is an honor,” Cornwell said. “They have built up a great tradition that I have been happy and proud to build upon.”