WINDSOR – A trio of Bertie High School football players are moving on to the collegiate level.

Last week, Thomas Perry, Corbin Rascoe and Darius Moody each made commitments to continue playing football at the next level. Perry agreed to head to Morgan State University while Rascoe and Moody are each going to Fayetteville State University.

“I’m excited for these three young men and what the future holds for them,” Bertie High School Head Football Coach Greg Watford said. “Each of them will do well at the next level.”

Perry, who will play linebacker for the Bears, chose Morgan State after receiving several other offers. Through a slight twist of fate, it was rival Hertford County High School that helped him get there.

“Morgan State actually went to Hertford County and Coach (Scott) Privott sent them here,” Perry said. “They talked with me and Coach Watford and offered me a visit.”

Once he went to the Baltimore, Maryland campus, the All-Roanoke-Chowan Defensive Player of the Year was hooked.

“I went on a visit and the coaches really made me feel like they would take care of you,” Perry said. “The environment was something I had never experienced before and I liked it.”

He said he really enjoyed the feel of the campus as well.

Heading to Maryland won’t mean that Perry will forget his roots.

“My coaches made the difference,” Perry said. “The coaches and the players around me and my love for the sport were what helped me get this opportunity.”

He said he will always remember what he learned at Bertie.

“I learned home training, discipline and to have my own personality,” Perry said.

Perry’s coach said Morgan State was getting a great player.

“Morgan State is getting a steal,” Watford said. “Had he developed earlier in his career and gotten the exposure, he could have been playing in the Southeastern Conference or the Atlantic Coast Conference.

“He has good size, tenacity and ability,” he continued. “I really can’t stress enough what a great player Morgan State is getting.”

Watford also expressed thanks to his counterpart in Ahoskie.

“I don’t think this would have happened without Coach Privott,” Watford said. “He did an outstanding thing for Thomas in vouching for him and I can’t say enough how much I appreciate it.”

Rascoe said he liked what he saw when he traveled to Fayetteville.

“I like the program and the campus,” Rascoe said. “When I went down there, I really liked what I saw.”

He said his dream was to play collegiately and he was glad to have the opportunity.

That chance came about in large part due to what he learned at Bertie High.

“I learned to work hard and be dedicated to football and chasing my dream,” he said. “I also learned to have pride.”

With Rascoe, Watford said FSU would have someone with great speed.

“Corbin has that next level speed,” Watford said. “If you get him out in the open, he can take it to the endzone, no matter where he is on the field.

“He also had a great work ethic in the weight room, which will be very beneficial,” he added.

Moody chose FSU for basically the same reason as his teammate.

“I like the football program,” he said. “I also like that they have my major.”

FSU received a tape of his efforts at Bertie and offered him the opportunity to play for the Broncos at running back and slot.

He said he was appreciative of the opportunity and grateful for what he’s learned in high school.

“I’ve grown good character and learned to treat people with respect,” he said of his time at BHS.

As for Moody, Watford said he would be a special person for the Broncos.

“He’s a special kid because despite his size, he plays with power,” Watford said. “He will run over some people and he’s hard to knock off his feet.

“I think the coaches will be pleased with how hard he plays,” he added.