For nearly three decades, Rob Carter wasn’t merely the coach of the Franklin Mustangs youth football team; he was responsible for the complete operation of the Franklin-Southampton County youth football league. That was an enormous task, no doubt, and one that could only be carried out by someone whose heart and soul were truly devoted to the league, his team and the countless boys he helped develop into young men during his tenure.

By all measures, including the success of the league and former players’ reverence for their former coach, Carter’s heart and soul were indeed devoted. It takes a special person to dedicate that much time and energy to the community’s youth, and this community is better off because of Coach Rob Carter.

Last week, it was announced that the Cover 3 Foundation would be given operating control of the youth football league. Cover 3’s founder, Greg Scott, is a man with the same commitment to our community’s youth as that of Coach Carter. Scott has huge shoes to fill, but, like Carter, we feel he is the best man for the job.