The Football Friday Roundup
North Lenoir continues best start in school history
LA GRANGE — The Hawks are still flying at unprecedented heights.
North Lenoir defeated Greene Central 22-8 Friday to improve to 6-0 on the season. The Hawks won their Eastern Carolina Conference opener for the first time since a 47-24 victory over Goldsboro on Oct. 7, 2016 while continuing the best start in school history.
The Hawks have started 4-0 on three different occasions prior to this season, most recently in 1980. North Lenoir gave up a long run to Greene Central (2-3, 0-1) early in the game, then were tied at 8 heading into the fourth before pulling away.
“The big thing is we’re 1-0 in conference (play),” North Lenoir coach Jim Collins said. “If we can control the clock, I know our defense can set the table for a victory and that’s what happened in the second half. They won the game for us last week (against Eastern Wayne) and they kept us in it this week.”
Greene Central coach Jay Wilson said the Hawks protected the ball well and executed throughout.
“Hats off to North Lenoir — they came out well-prepared and ran it at us,” Wilson said. “For 80 percent of our defensive snaps, we played great but unfortunately for us North Lenoir played a clean ball game. We went from forcing eight turnovers (last week) to not being able to break out the turnover chain tonight. We had some good shots at scoring, but couldn’t execute, and the Hawks took advantage.”
Greene Central travels to face North Pitt Wednesday while North Lenoir takes on Washington Oct. 4 on the road.
West Craven shuts out South Lenoir
VANCEBORO — South Lenoir’s trend for the season continued in a 45-0 loss to West Craven Friday.
The Blue Devils (2-3, 0-1) have lost their odd-numbered games this season, alternating victories with defeat. South Lenoir coach Jeremy Joyner said there were positive moments throughout though.
“Our guys played hard, and we were in a position to make plays at times,” Joyner said. “We didn’t execute and have to get better at the fundamentals. Offensively, we’ve got to do better whether it’s a missed throw or a running back not hitting the hole. The main thing is getting better every week.”
The Blue Devils host Kinston Oct. 4 and Joyner said the team will look to answer the call.
“Kinston is a great team that’s athletic and well-coached,” Joyner said. “We have to compete in all phases, play a four-quarter game and not give up the big plays.”
