Earnest Carter, Jr., became enamored with the game of football at an early age. The plummet into a love affair with the gridiron was a rather simple one: He comes from a family that loves the game, and many relatives suited up at various points throughout his life.
One family member in particular would help usher him into a new world that would prove to be just as welcoming as it was beneficial. One year his senior, Earnest’s cousin, Terry, transferred to Valwood School to play for the Valiants. Earnest watched his games often, and he quickly became attached to the tight-knit community that the school offered. His family talked it over, and midway through his eighth-grade year, Earnest made the transition to Valwood as well.
Moving from J.L. Newbern Middle School, part of the Valdosta City School System, to the private academic institution caused slight concern for him; however, with a family member already settled into the atmosphere, the conversion was seamless.
“Terry is like my brother, man,” Earnest said. “I used to watch him at Valwood, and I just like what I saw. Having him at the school already made things very simple as far as transitioning to the school.”
Both cousins have since then left their marks on the Valiant program. Terry, a 2016 graduate, was named to the GISA Class AAA All-Region Team in 2014 and 2015 and was also a member of the All-State Team in 2015. Earnest is following in his footsteps, having been named to the All-Region Team last season as well. But there is a much more meaningful accolade that the cousins will share for the rest of their lives: They were both key members of a Valwood team that captured the 2015 GISA Class AAA State Championship.
“That moment was unforgettable,” Earnest said. “I remember the Region Championship against Deerfield-Windsor. We were pretty good last season, but we went into that game and lost 34-7. We got to work immediately. Memories push us. We made ourselves remember that, and after pushing ourselves, we saw them again…and we beat them, 28-26, to take home that state title. I love teamwork, and I value hard work. I’m proud to say I was a part of that team last year.”
The team is looking to repeat that feat this season. As of this writing, the Valiants are 6-2 in the season. Furthermore, they are still undefeated on the year; their most recent 26-7 win over Tiftarea Academy moved them to 4-0 in Region 3-AAA.
The consensus across campus is that Earnest Carter is the embodiment of hard work. On the field, he is a defensive tackle and guard who continues to make his school and teammates proud. On the court, he does the same as a power forward and center. And in the classroom, he is a hardworking student who is also a member of Key Club and Interact Club.
Everyone has a role model. Everyone has someone that they look up to for leadership and guidance. In Earnest’s case, the decision is a rather simple one.
“Ray Lewis,” Earnest said. “First off, he went to (the University of) Miami; that’s my favorite team to watch. Then, when he went to play for the Ravens, I started watching them, too. I started researching him, and I learned a great deal. I just really like how he carried himself as a player. And his performances on the field…he’s just a leader.”
While Ray Lewis provides motivation for the field, there are numerous other valuable role models in Earnest’s life. His father, Earnest Carter, Sr., and his grandmother, Queen Carter, played an integral role in raising the driven young man. And throughout the halls of the Valwood campus, there is one major figure that helps push him to be the best possible student-athlete he can be: Valwood head football coach Ashley Henderson.
“Coach Henderson is awesome,” Earnest said. “He’s a good coach, but with him, it’s about so much more than football. He really cares about us and our well-being, both on and off the field. He’s just honestly a great person.”
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. As the football season nears a conclusion, the reality set in that Earnest will soon be departing the Valiant halls. He is currently drawing interest from Harvard, Columbia, Yale, and Stetson Universities. Although a decision hasn’t been made, he is debating a college path of pursuing a business degree.
Valwood crafts champions. No matter the aspect, this is one ideal that rings true. Whether it be on the football field or in the classroom, the school strives to present only the most determined and adamant individuals to the world after they earn their diplomas. From the way things are looking, Earnest Carter, Jr., will be the latest in a long line of intelligent and hard-working Valwood graduates.
“I think they’ll say that I was a leader,” Earnest said. “I was humble, honest, and I cared about everyone. But most of all, I was a leader. It’s about more than just words…I led by example. I made sure that people knew I practiced what I preached.”
In the Game/December 2016
Earnest Carter
Valwood School
Hahira, Georgia
No Substitute for Hard Work
Written by: James A. Washington
Photos by Micki K Photography
