North Lenoir head football coach Jim Collins talks to his team during Monday’s scrimmage at C.B. Aycock. Photo by Laieke Abebe / Neuse News

PIKEVILLE — After a couple of weeks practicing against only themselves, two area squads had the chance to play against new competition Monday.

North Lenoir and Ayden-Grifton’s football teams competed at a jamboree hosted by C.B. Aycock, with Wilson Fike, Wilmington Laney, Newton Grove Hobbton and Clayton Cleveland also participating. 

For North Lenoir, the Hawks are running a new offense in 2019. After utilitzing a spread offense in a winless campaign last season, they’re transitioning into the Wing-T offense. Overall, Monday’s jamboree was a good first look at what the Hawks hope to accomplish this season, said NL coach Jim Collins.

“Our offense is is going to look ugly,” Collins said. “It’s going to be 2 yards, 2 yards and then a big play. We did some good things on defense, but there are some fixable things on both sides of the ball that we can improve on before next Friday.”

As for the Chargers, Paul Cornwell’s squad struggled to get out of the gates, but got into a nice groove as the night went on.

“We started slow,” Chargers senior defensive end and tight end J.C. Darden said. “At the end of the day, we were still able to execute like Coach wanted us to. I think we have to do well with our conditioning and we have to practice harder. There are a lot of things we can do to prepare for the regular season and we should be ready.”

North Lenoir is traveling to Smithfield-Selma High School to play in the Muddy Water Classic today. The Hawks will host East Columbus to start the regular season on Aug. 23. 

Ayden-Grifton will host its football jamboree Friday, which will include South Central, Goldsboro and West Carteret. The Chargers begin their season Aug. 23 against Chocowinity Southside at home.