North Lenoir Hawks Show Grit, but James Kenan Tigers Prove Too Much in 63-14 Defeat
Despite a valiant second-half effort, the North Lenoir Hawks couldn't overcome a dominant performance by the undefeated James Kenan Tigers, ultimately falling 63-14. The Hawks, now 3-5 on the season, struggled early but showed fight after halftime, with standout performances from key players like Braxton Myers and Malik Fuller.
A Tough Night for the Defense
Facing the challenge of taking on the 7-0 James Kenan Tigers, North Lenoir's defense had their hands full all night. Throughout the game, the Hawks gave up 181 rushing yards and 53 passing yards to the Tigers' well-balanced attack. James Kenan took advantage of these defensive lapses, steadily building a commanding lead.
By the time the teams headed into halftime, the Tigers held a 35-0 lead, leaving the Hawks looking for answers.
Second-Half Surge
After a difficult first half, the Hawks came out of the locker room determined to turn things around. Braxton Myers delivered a much-needed spark, taking the opening kickoff of the second half all the way for a touchdown. Myers, who also notched an interception earlier in the game, showcased his versatility and gave North Lenoir new life.
Just two plays later, Malik Fuller added to the momentum with a key fumble recovery, putting the Hawks in prime position to score again. Fuller then followed up his defensive play by scoring on a 50-yard touchdown reception on the next drive, bringing the score to 35-14 and showing that North Lenoir wasn’t going down without a fight.
A Deficit Too Large to Overcome
Despite the energy boost from Myers and Fuller, James Kenan quickly regained control. The Tigers' defense clamped down, preventing the Hawks from finding the end zone again. Their defense made another big play in the second half, returning an interception for a pick-six, which sealed the game for James Kenan.
The Tigers' relentless offense continued to wear down North Lenoir, piling on more points through their rushing attack and securing their 63-14 victory.
Bright Spots in a Tough Loss
While the final scoreline wasn’t what North Lenoir hoped for, there were still reasons for optimism. Braxton Myers stood out with his kickoff return for a touchdown and an interception, proving himself as a playmaker in all phases of the game. Malik Fuller’s fumble recovery and 50-yard touchdown reception highlighted his ability to make big plays when the team needed them most.
The defense, although stretched thin against a high-powered James Kenan offense, showed resilience in the second half by forcing key turnovers. With those positive moments to build on, the Hawks will aim to fine-tune their game as they look toward the remainder of the season.
Rivalry Week on the Horizon
Next week, North Lenoir will face their biggest rival, the South Lenoir Blue Devils (0-7), in the much-anticipated Bragging Bowl on Senior Night. This matchup holds extra weight, not just for the team but for the entire community. Coach Larry Dale captured the importance of the rivalry, saying,
"It means not only to this group but to the community. Last time we had the Bragging Bowl here, they knocked us off, so I hope that sour taste is still in my seniors' mouths."
With rivalry pride on the line and the chance to bounce back, North Lenoir will be eager to secure a victory in front of their home crowd. The Hawks will look to build on their second-half performance against James Kenan and bring that momentum into this critical rivalry game
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