MOUNT ULLA, N.C. -- West Rowan High School students and teachers are mourning the loss of two students. Grief counselors were at the school Tuesday, following a car crash that took the lives of two sophomores, Cody Rives, 16, and Terry Johnson, 15.

Troopers say speed was a factor, and counselors say it's serving as a warning for teenage drivers.

"It was one of those things where it just kind of takes your breath away," said Lee Linville. He said he taught both students in his math class last year. "Both of them were really good kids, they worked hard in class and got along with people around them."

Herman Peterson with the ROTC program says Johnson was a star student. The school's flag was flying at half staff in his honor.

"Their friend is gone, one of our leaders is gone, the ROTC program is shaken," said Peterson.

Rives and Johnson were heading home together Monday after their first day back at school. Troopers say Rives was speeding on Sherrills Ford Road where the limit is 55 mph. Rives lost control of his convertible and crashed with an oncoming SUV. Both boys died at the scene.

"We will continue counseling all week if students need that time," said Allison Doby, one of 10 counselors available at West Rowan High School this week. She said many students seeking support are still in disbelief. She said she believes the accident serves as a wake-up call for students and parents.

"It really is, I've been speaking to a lot of the parents and they've been having a lot of conversations with their sons or daughters about driving and the safety of driving and hopefully we can get across the importance of that," said Doby.

School administrators say it's likely funeral services will be held this weekend.