Nine members of the Pinecrest football team formalized their college intentions during a national signing day ceremony held at the school’s auditorium this afternoon.

Three of the players that have already completed their course work at Pinecrest and are now second semester students at the colleges of their choice. Bryce Kennedy, Steven Pollard and Travis Scales spoke to the audience of teammates, family members and friends via videos.

Kennedy received a total of 15 scholarship offers. He originally made a verbal commitment to UNC, but reconsidered after a coaching change. He is going to N.C. State. Pollard, a three-year starter at center, joins two other former Patriots, Josh Scales and Blade Shoop, at Fayetteville State.

Quarterback Travis Scales, who ran and passed for over 2,000 yards last fall, is continuing his career at Lenoir-Rhyne.

The signing class of head coach Chris Metzger includes three other members of the offensive line. Jerod McKenzie signed with St. Augustine’s College. Mitch Monska joins the new program at UNC-Charlotte that begins play in 2013. Tyler Conley also signed with Lenoir-Rhyne.

Three players are going to junior colleges with historically successful programs as a stepping stone to eventually playing at four-year schools.

Defensive back David Alston signed with Louisburg College. Linebackers Dee Kirkpatrick and Julius Steele are going to Rochester Community and Technical College in Minnesota.