Patriots' Run Falls Just Short, but Seniors Leave Lasting Legacy
Arendell Parrott Academy’s football season was one for the books, even if it ended in heartbreak. After a rocky 5-5 campaign last year, the Patriots rebounded in 2024, finishing 10-2 and proving why they were early favorites to hoist another state championship trophy. Led by head coach Matt Beamon—who boasts four state titles of his own—the Patriots showcased a dynamic mix of experience and youthful talent, but ultimately fell in the second round of the NCISAA playoffs.
The journey began on unfamiliar ground in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where APA faced the Evangel Lightning, six-time consecutive national champions, in the Black Bear Brawl. Despite the Patriots’ best efforts, the heat and unforgiving turf played their part, and APA fell 38-19. The loss marked Evangel’s 32nd straight victory, a testament to their dominance.
For APA, however, that setback became the launchpad for a season of redemption. From there, the Patriots went on a tear, outscoring opponents 555-229 over the next 10 games. With an offense averaging 52 points per contest, and a defense that held three opponents to just one touchdown, APA was unstoppable. Only one of their 10 opponents managed to break 30 points.
The Patriots' offensive success was anchored by senior running back Jaylen Solomon, whose transformation over the past three years has been nothing short of remarkable. I never thought there would never been a player of Ashton Brinson caliber for a long time and boys was I wrong. From a quick-footed slot receiver as a sophomore to a powerhouse in the backfield, Solomon amassed 2,341 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns this season, averaging an astounding 13.2 yards per carry. His career totals—4,328 total yards and 59 touchdowns—cement his status as one of the school’s all-time greats.
Supporting Solomon’s efforts were key players like junior quarterback Chris Stimson who stepped up in his first varsity season. Stimson completed 60 of 105 passes for 1,229 yards and 13 touchdowns, with just two interceptions. His go-to target, junior Ben Barrett, pulled in 32 receptions for 751 yards and nine touchdowns, setting the stage for what promises to be a breakout senior season.
On the defensive side, senior linebacker Cade Mixon epitomized old-school, hard-nosed football. Mixon racked up an eye-popping 193 tackles, nearly doubling the output of APA’s next leading tackler, Luke Stocks, who tallied 99. Mixon’s relentless pursuit also led to four sacks, tying him with defensive lineman Zadock Fanning, and he added two interceptions for good measure. Mixon legacy is set in stone with 442 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 5 interceptions and two game winning fg blocks.
Safety Will Stimson locked down the secondary with four interceptions, while Stocks made his presence felt on both sides of the ball, chipping in two interceptions and 99 tackles.
The Patriots’ season came to a crushing end in the second round of the playoffs, a rematch against rival John Paul II. Despite having handily defeated JPII earlier in the year, APA found themselves in a dogfight. The Patriots gave it their all but came up one point short, falling 23-22 in a game that could’ve gone either way.
After the game, Coach Beamon reflected on his seniors:
"They’ve left a heck of a legacy. I told them life isn’t fair—they deserved to win a state title, and I wish I could’ve done something different to give them that."*
At halftime, Beamon reminded his team to leave everything on the field. When the clock hit zero, he had no doubt they had done just that.
"I love them like sons. They’ll always be part of the Parrott family, and if they ever need me, I’ll be there for them."
The seven seniors—Jaylen Solomon, Cade Mixon, Luke Stocks, Braeden Shaver, Evan Sugg, Thomas Jones, and Oliver Luquire—may not have captured the championship, but their contributions to the program will echo for years. They’ve set a high standard for the underclassmen who now carry the torch.
APA’s season may have ended in disappointment, but the journey was filled with unforgettable moments, relentless effort, and a camaraderie that defines championship-caliber teams.
Attention all local sports enthusiasts! Do you have insider information on your favorite local sports team? Submit to The Score below and let our team of experts bring it to life. Don't miss out on the chance to share what happened at your local sporting event - submit now and become part of the story!
Neuse News Sports is a locally-owned small business startup in downtown Kinston. Our goal is to cover all schools, all sports, and all athletes in Lenoir, Greene and Jones counties.
We provide this free sports news by having supportive advertisers and we encourage you to click on their ads, shop with them, and eat with them. Every bit of financial support is important to help us sustain free, hyper-local sports news.
Please consider supporting Neuse News Sports with as little as $5 one-time or via a monthly option. Every little bit helps us, help you.
