Greene Central Dominates North Lenoir 46-14 in Season Opener
SNOW HILL—In a thrilling season opener between two schools just 11 miles apart, Greene Central hosted North Lenoir, marking the first game for North Lenoir's new head coach, Larry Dale.
The game began with a fumble by Greene Central's Justice Debro, giving North Lenoir momentum. Malik Fuller capitalized with a 44-yard touchdown, putting the Hawks ahead 6-0 with 3:15 left in the first quarter. Fuller finished the game with 21 carries for 171 yards and two touchdowns.
Greene Central responded with electric runs from senior running back James Ballard, who had 14 carries for 139 yards, setting up Debro for a 1-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 6-6 early in the second quarter.
The Rams continued to press, with sophomore quarterback Will Radford connecting with Rayshon Mason for a 21-yard touchdown, making it 12-6. Mason, who made four to five pass breakups during the game, was a key defensive player for the Rams.
The Rams then recovered an onside kick and marched downfield, scoring on a 24-yard touchdown run by Debro, who finished with 15 carries for 104 yards and three touchdowns, plus one reception for 21 yards and a TD.
After another stalled drive by the Hawks, Debro caught a 17-yard touchdown pass from Radford, who finished 3-7 for 49 yards with two touchdowns, extending the lead to 25-6 at halftime.
The second half saw continued dominance by Greene Central, with key defensive plays by Tyler Williams and Mason. Debro added a 15-yard touchdown run, making it 32-6.
North Lenoir's Fuller responded with a 52-yard touchdown, but the Rams answered with a 19-yard touchdown on a jet sweep by Jaylen Wynn.
The final score came from a bobble snap by North Lenoir, recovered by Michael Suggs Jr. for a touchdown, sealing a 46-14 victory for Greene Central.
"I know every week won't be the same thing, but it's great to get off to this start right here and establish that we can put points on the board, and do our jobs defensively," said Jay Wilson, GC head coach. He praised Williams and Debro, stating, "Tyler Williams is a name people need to know in eastern North Carolina, and he IS A DAWG and he will do work all season."
Justice Debro reflected on his early fumble, saying, "When I fumbled, they were already talking, calling me trash, and I really didn't say nothing, I just backed it all up."
North Lenoir's Coach Dale saw room for growth: "We got 48 minutes of tape to improve on, that's the bottom line. Talent-wise they were pretty equal to Greene Central; it's execution, discipline, and the love for each other."
Montreal Yancey Moore also contributed to Greene Central's victory with 7 carries for 85 yards.
North Lenoir will travel to face Farmville Central next Friday, while Greene Central will hit the road to play at Kinston, setting up another exciting week of local high school football.
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