By Junious Smith III

LA GRANGE — North Lenoir’s season-opener was delayed, but the team provided hope for another strong season Wednesday.

The Hawks tied East Duplin 1-1 at home, two days after its match with defending NCHSAA 2A champion Clinton was postponed due to inclement weather. North Lenoir is now 30-12-3 since the 2017 season, including a share of the conference title that year and a second-round playoff appearance.

Despite losing several vital seniors from last year’s team and still needing work with conditioning, head coach Chris Evans said there were plenty of positives to take against a tough opponent.

“Our whole back line got replaced from last year, and these guys stepped up tonight,” Evans said. “East Duplin is a very good program — they always go deep in the playoffs — and I was really proud of our effort tonight.”

The Hawks were more aggressive in the first half offensively, and took the lead in the 27th minute when Taiwan Hines took a long pass from Jose Sanchez before scoring.

“I saw Jose sending the pass, it went over the defender’s head and I just took off,” Hines said. “I was able to pop one in the corner.”

The Panthers (0-0-1) responded by peppering the net in the second half, outshooting the Hawks 12-0. Hawks goalkeeper Orlando Gallardo made 10 of his 12 saves in the half, but a goal in the 61st minute by North Lenoir prevented the shutout.

“I tried to play my role in this one because I knew East Duplin would be coming in the second half after we went up one,” Gallardo said.

Evans said he has high hopes for the Hawks, who will look to contend with other Eastern Carolina 2A powerhouses such as Greene Central and Washington in conference play. The Rams and Pam Pack had a share of last year’s conference title with the Hawks finishing third.

“This year, I expect these guys to compete for a conference championship,” Evans said. “Of course, we’ve got to go through Washington and Greene Central, (but) I just want these guys to compete, get better each week and let’s go deeper than the first round of the playoffs.”

North Lenoir’s next game is on the road Aug. 27 against North Johnston.