CHOCOWINITY — Marshall Medlock signed on Tuesday to continue his football career with Methodist. He quarterbacked Southside to its second-consecutive regional-championship appearance this past season.

Medlock spent some time under center as a sophomore, too. As a junior, he played tight end on the first of those back-to-back teams to play Plymouth for the regional title. He had 71 receiving yards on a run-heavy team, and was effective with his blocking.

“I’m extremely proud of Marshall,” coach Jeff Carrow said. “He’s worked his tail off since he was a freshman. He’s got a chance to go play ball. It’s a great thing for our school, and a great thing for Marshall and his family. Methodist is a good fit for him.”

Medlock added, “They said I looked great (on film) and they look forward to me playing there.”

Carrow said that the Monarchs’ coaching staff is one of a few that comes by Southside every year. He gave the coaches Medlock’s name, along with a few others, and they seemed interested.

“He can play quarterback and he can play tight end. He’s had both opportunities here,” Carrow said. “Having that opportunity is great for him.”

As did Medlock. Methodist felt like home to him. Southside’s athletics program provided a very similar feeling for him, so that was a contributing factor to his decision. He melded with the coaches, and the players he met were friendly and encouraging.

“It felt like home. To be honest, it felt like the coaching staff here,” he said. “I fit in really well with them.”

Carrow added, “He told me he loved the atmosphere. They have new facilities, so that was a plus. He just felt at home, so that was a good choice for him.”

On the gridiron, on the basketball court or on the baseball diamond — Medlock has poured himself into Southside athletics. He accomplished a lot with the football team, which was one of the most successful in program history, but also helped the baseball team grow to where it is early in this season.

Medlock leaves behind him an example for younger athletes.

“He’s a great example. He’s always a hard worker,” Carrow said. “I’d say it’s been that way since his freshman year. He’s a very deserving kid getting an opportunity to go play ball.”

In the classroom, Medlock wants to study physical education and mathematics. He would like to return to Southside as a coach one day.