Hawks fall to Farmville

FARMVILLE, N.C. — North Lenoir, still reeling from a 46-14 loss to Greene Central in their season opener, faced a formidable Farmville Central team on Friday night. Farmville Central, fresh off a 57-15 rout of Goldsboro, continued their winning ways, defeating the Hawks 74-36.

The Hawks managed to cut the lead to 26-12 with a 15-yard touchdown run by Joe Hendley. A subsequent defensive stop gave North Lenoir another scoring opportunity, which they converted when quarterback Malachi Ramsey found the end zone from 11 yards out. The Hawks trailed 26-18 with 3:44 remaining in the first half.

Farmville Central's Landon Barnes orchestrated another scoring drive, extending the Jaguars' lead to 33-18 at halftime. The Jaguars maintained control in the second half, ultimately routing the Hawks 74-36. Despite the loss, North Lenoir showcased moments of brilliance, including multiple long runs by Fuller and an 85-yard kickoff return touchdown by Jayden Swinson.

"We just gotta keep fighting; that's what we're trying to change. It's hard when you keep getting kicked, but tonight we kept throwing punches back, and I love to see it," said North Lenoir's head coach, Larry Dale.

Dale also lamented the missed opportunities, stating, "We had four turnovers; if we get those back, it's a one-score game."

Fuller's performance did not go unnoticed by his coach. "I think the world of him; he is unselfish and will do anything you ask him to do," Dale added.