GC's Mora excels in soccer, football to help Rams to undefeated week

Greene Central’s Ulises Mora, center, posted four goals and two assists in soccer before kicking seven extra points in football, helping his teams go 3-0 last week. Mora stands with Rams football coach Jay Wilson, left, and soccer coach Matt Gnau. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News

By Junious Smith III

SNOW HILL — Greene Central had a strong week and Ulises Mora played a vital role.

First, the senior helped the Rams continue their stellar 13-2 soccer season with wins over Washington and North Lenoir to grab a share of first place in the Eastern Carolina 2A Conference. Mora had a hat trick and assist in a 5-3 win against the Pam Pack Oct. 7, then followed with a goal and an assist in a 4-2 victory against North Lenoir two days later.

Heading into Monday’s game against C.B. Aycock, Mora is second on the team in goals (14) and first in assists (15).

“This was a nice week and one we were looking forward to playing knowing the competition was ramping up in the conference,” Rams soccer coach Matt Gnau said. “He’s definitely one of the more creative players we have on the team and whether he believes it or not, other players on the team really look up to him. He’s set a strong example and inspires the other guys when he’s at his best.”

Mora wasn’t finished, going from soccer to football as he hit all seven of his extra points in a 59-26 win over South Lenoir on Homecoming Oct. 11. Mora is now 9 of 10 on extra points this season, his first playing football.

“It was a great week and it felt good to get past Washington and North Lenoir before Homecoming,” Mora said. “Football’s been fun and hopefully I can get an opportunity to continue playing in college.”

Rams football coach Jay Wilson said what started as more of a joke turned into Mora playing a significant role.

“Last spring he came to me for track season, wanting to get more conditioning in for soccer,” Wilson said. “We were joking around one practice, I pulled out a kicking tee and he just boomed one — it had me thinking about getting him to play football and he did work this summer in both sports. We hadn’t had too many opportunities for him to kick this year, but (last Friday) I told the guys ‘if we score, we’re going for 1.’ He can definitely kick and had he started sooner, he would definitely be a prospect on someone’s list.”

Gnau said he had no problem with Mora playing football and encourages it. Mora has suited up for every Rams football game with the exception of the Oct. 2 contest against North Pitt. As soccer is his first priority, Mora had a hat trick and two assists in the team’s 9-0 win over Ayden-Grifton on the same day.

“I’ve always encouraged my guys to be kickers and he’s been more than happy to do that,” Gnau said. “He’s got the confidence to knock it in and it hasn’t affected his play soccer-wise.”

Mora, who has connected from as far as 50 yards in practice, said he be ready when he’s called upon.

“I wanted to have a better opportunity to play in college and if I’m asked to make a kick, I’m going to nail it,” Mora said.