South Lenoir’s Rey Salinas took on Greene Central’s Xavier Turner in Tuesday’s Eastern Carolina Conference match. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News

DEEP RUN | In the first conference meet of the season Tuesday, North Lenoir and South Lenoir had the chance to analyze what needs to be done moving forward.

The Blue Devils hosted the match with the six wrestling teams in the Eastern Carolina Conference — Ayden-Grifton, Greene Central, North Lenoir, South Lenoir, Washington and West Craven — all participating. The Blue Devils (5-4) defeated the Rams 63-17 and the Hawks 48-36, but fell to Washington 57-18.

South Lenoir coach Carlos Dodd said there won’t be any excuses made despite having a young team.

“We have a lot of work to do,” Dodd said. “There’s a lot of potential on our team, but we haven’t gotten to the point to exercise it. This sport’s unlike any other — you’ve got to learn the moves, how to score and it’s a lot harder just to understand what’s going on.”

North Lenoir (12-7) participated in two matches, but fell in both of them including a 42-30 defeat to West Craven.  Despite the losses, Hawks coach Jeff Yourdon said there were some positives to take from Tuesday and the season is still moving well.

“We see where we need to improve in a couple of weight classes and saw what has been working for us in the weight room,” Yourdon said. “Overall, as a team we’re doing very well.”

South Lenoir’s next scheduled meet is Saturday at North Pitt while North Lenoir went to Smithfield-Selma Thursday before a tournament Saturday against Eastern Wayne.