Greene Central Shuts Out North Lenoir, Containing Fuller in Dominant 25-0 Win
LAGRANGE— Greene Central’s offensive line set the tone from the opening snap, paving the way for a 25-0 shutout victory over North Lenoir in their home opener on Friday night. The Rams leaned heavily on their powerful front line, allowing their rushing attack to move the chains all night and control the tempo of the game.
Greene Central’s defense was equally impressive, particularly in containing North Lenoir’s star running back, Malik Fuller. Fuller, who ran for 1,600 yards last season, was held to just 68 yards on 15 carries—a testament to the Rams' relentless defensive effort. “We told them earlier, you’ve got to cut the head off the snake,” said Greene Central head coach Jay Wilson. “You cannot allow him to get those big runs and get going, and our guys did just that. He broke off some good runs, but every time he did, we keep hitting him and laying him down.”
The Rams’ defense was at its best in critical moments, forcing two key turnovers that shifted the momentum firmly in their favor. The game was still within reach for North Lenoir at the start of the second half, with Greene Central holding a slim 7-0 lead after Dejuan Cobb’s first-half touchdown. However, North Lenoir’s opening drive of the second half ended in disaster when Hawks Garrett Smith threw an interception to Greene Central’s Kam Vandiford at the 15-yard line. Vandiford returned the ball to the North Lenoir 20-yard line, setting up another Cobb touchdown that extended the lead to 13-0.
In his first varsity start, Rams junior cornerback’s interception was a turning point in the game. “Vandy made a huge interception; we knew he was a playmaker,” said Wilson. From that moment on, North Lenoir struggled to regain any offensive momentum. Despite driving into the red zone twice, the Hawks failed to capitalize, committing costly turnovers and penalties that stifled their chances.
“The two red zone drives really defined the game,” said North Lenoir head coach Larry Dale. “We punch those in, it’s two scores to two scores. It really came down to that. After that interception, I feel like we were deflated a little bit.”
As the game wore on, Greene Central’s offensive line continued to wear down the North Lenoir defense. Rams running back Dejuan Cobb in his first varsity start ate up the Hawks defense with 18 carries 130 yards and two big touchdowns.
"I had to put the team on my back. This is a season opener we wanted and the start of the revenge tour for the Rams" GC running back Cobb said.
Cobb was also aware how his success was a team effort behind his dominant offensive line. "They do their job at practice, they do their job on the field, and we executed as a team"
Senior running back Mike Suggs Jr. took over late in the fourth quarter, breaking off two big touchdown runs to put the game out of reach. Suggs finished with four rushes for 73 yards and two TDs.
“I am really pleased,” Wilson said after the game. “It was 7-0 at the half, we talked to the guys, made some adjustments.” Those adjustments paid off as Greene Central’s offensive line dominated the trenches, helping the Rams amass 226 rushing yards on 29 carries.
For North Lenoir, the loss marked the continuation of a tough streak against Greene Central. The Hawks have been outscored 121-14 in their last three matchups with the Rams, including Friday night’s defeat. “Coach Dale is doing an amazing job; his guys fought until the end, but we were the stronger team, we were more in shape and ready to finish that game, and it showed in the end,” Wilson added.
“25-0 is a great start to the season,” Wilson concluded. Greene Central will look to continue their strong start to the season next Friday when they host Kinston in Snow Hill. Kinston is coming off a 34-7 lost to South Central.
North Lenoir will host Farmville Central in what will be a crucial game as they try to rebound from this early-season setback. Farmville is coming off a 30-6 win over Goldsboro.
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