Oct 5

Oct 5 Hawks no longer undefeated after road loss to Washington

North Lenoir’s undefeated run came to a screeching halt on Friday.

The Hawks suffered a 33-6 road loss to Washington on homecoming at Wagner Stadium. Both teams came into this game looking to make a statement in the Eastern Carolina 2A conference, but in the end, it was the Pam Pack who excelled at the line of scrimmage and controlled time of possession.

North Lenoir (6-1, 1-1 ECC) had a great start to the game with a huge kickoff return, however, a blocked 40-yard field goal attempt on the opening possession set the tone for the Pam Pack (5-1, 2-0). Washington would respond with a 10-play, 43-yard march that was capped off by a Mykel Warren 9-yard rushing touchdown.

“We didn’t play well tonight,” Collins said, “but the game couldn’t have started better for us. We just stalled out after a great return and we had a couple of penalties that stopped our momentum. These are things that we’re going to correct during the bye week.”

North Lenoir had another chance to score, but a 35-yard field attempt was wide left, keeping the Hawks scoreless. Jaden Hambric added a 12-yard rushing touchdown midway through the second quarter. Terry Moore scored from two yards out to make it 19-0 with two minutes left in the first half.

The Hawks responded with a really important drive to keep themselves in the game, as Ny’jai Koonce had a 10-yard rushing touchdown just before the half.

While North Lenoir was able to move the ball in the first half, Washington’s defense made adjustments to hold the Hawks in check. The Pam Pack started the second half with a quick touchdown drive capped off by Moore’s 13-yard scamper.

“Our kids made a statement tonight,” Pam Pack head coach Jon Blank said. “There were some distractions with all of the festivities for homecoming, but we were ready to play. Beating an undefeated team says a lot about our focus and toughness.”

Moore would score again to complete a hat trick as he finished with 82 yards rushing and three touchdowns.

The Hawks were shut out in the second half, but they had a lot of support at this game. Former Hawks standout wide receiver Terrence Copper Jr. was among the North Lenoir alumni in attendance.

“It was special,” coach Collins said about the fans who made the trip from La Grange. “People want to see what we’re doing and we have a good thing going. This wasn’t the result we wanted tonight, but we’re going to refocus and prepare for a very good West Craven team.”

Washington 33, North Lenoir 6

NL 0 6 0 0 — 6

W 7 12 6 8 — 33

First Quarter

W — Mykel Warren 9 run (Ridge Zerniak extra point), 4:34

Second Quarter

W — Jaden Hambric 12 run (kick failed), 8:56

W — Terry Moore 2 run (kick failed), 2:07

NL — Ny’jai Koonce 10 run (kick failed), :41

Third Quarter

W — Moore 13 run (run failed), 10:51

Fourth Quarter

W — Moore 2 run (Hambric run), 3:06

NL W

First Downs 9 16

Rushes-yards 39-159 43-266

Passing 0-0-0 2-4-0

Passing yards 0 28

Total yards 159 294

Punts-avg. 1-27.0 1-25.0

Penalties 4-30 4-40

Fumbles-lost 1-0 1-0

Individual statistics

RUSHING—North Lenoir: Ny’jai Koonce 12-45, Jelly Shackleford 5-39, Malik Jones 8-35, Filipo Sualevai 5-33, Jaden Kilpatrick 6-12, Savion White 3- -5. Washington: Antwone Godley 14-85, Terry Moore 13-82, Jaden Hambric, 9-79, Mykel Warren 4-19, Kris Hill 2-1.

PASSING—North Lenoir: None. Washington: Godley 2-4-0, 28.

RECEIVING—North Lenoir: None. Washington: Walt Gerard 1-18, Issac Roberson-Cooper 1-10.