North Lenoir: Change is Coming!
The North Lenoir High School football program recognized the need for a transformation after a challenging season last year, ending with a 1-9 record under coach Robbie Dunn. Dunn subsequently resigned and returned to New Bern, leaving behind a team that had struggled with consistency, achieving only one winning season in the past 16 years.
Enter Coach Larry Dale.
Dale arrived at North Lenoir with a clear plan and identity, ready to reshape a team that had often appeared disorganized, sporadic, and unproductive. The change was evident from the start. When I attended Midnight Madness at the beginning of August, I immediately noticed that these were not the same Hawks. North Lenoir displayed two key traits that have ignited excitement for football in the community: organization and physicality.
The team was focused and serious, treating the game as a business on the field. But what stood out most was the newfound physicality. The Hawks were thumping, getting after it, and making it clear that they were no longer going to be the ones taking the most hits. They were transforming into the Hammer, ready to make their mark on the season.
Head Coach Larry Dale - North Lenoir
Summary: Coach Larry Dale of North Lenoir discusses the summer preparation, the team's performance, and the expectations for the upcoming season. He emphasizes the discipline, love, and physicality that the team will bring to the field. He also highlights some standout players, including Malik Fuller, Malachi Ramsey, and Petey Wiggins.
Quote: "We're sure we're gonna be disciplined, we're gonna love each other, and then we are going to be physical." - Coach Larry Dale
Coach Anthony Lofton (AKA Copperhead) - North Lenoir
Summary: Coach Anthony Lofton, also known as Copperhead, shares his excitement for the new season and praises the new coach's efforts in getting the players to buy into his system. He talks about his relationship with the coach and their friendly rivalry over football teams. Lofton also discusses working with the quarterbacks and backs, introducing read options, and the excitement around the new plays.
Quote: "It's gonna be exciting, we're running some like some options, we get the quarterbacks some read options, so it'll be good, it'd be exciting to see how they respond to that." - Coach Anthony Lofton
Coach Tony Hill - North Lenoir
Summary: Coach Tony Hill of North Lenoir, who is also a teacher at the school, discusses his background and connection to the community. He emphasizes the importance of getting the program back on track and praises the community's support. Coach Hill also provides insight into the defense, describing it as dynamic and expressing optimism about the team's readiness for the upcoming season.
Quote: "It's going to be dynamic, you know week to week it's going to change, but I think for the most part, you know, we've got quite a few stars returning on the defense, I think you can see some exciting stuff flying around the ball." - Coach Tony Hill
Junior Linebacker Petey Wiggins - North Lenoir
Summary: Petey Wiggins, a junior linebacker for North Lenoir, discusses the influence of his father, who played football at Duke, on his love for the game. He shares his thoughts on his playing style, emphasizing his intelligence and effort on the field. Williams also talks about his desire to be a leader on the team and the pride he takes in that role.
Quote: "His love for the game has just made me love the game, and I fell in love with it as soon as he started coaching me." - Petey Wiggins
Junior Running Back Malik Fuller - North Lenoir
Summary: Malik Fuller, a junior running back for North Lenoir, expresses his excitement for the upcoming season. He praises the team's athleticism, intelligence, and coaching staff. When asked to describe his playing style, Fuller emphasizes his versatility, ability to catch, run people over, and his intelligence on the field.
Quote: "A very good athlete, you can do it all, he can catch, he can run people over, very smart football player." - Malik Fuller
WR/DB Koron Worthington - North Lenoir
Summary: Koron Worthington, a player for North Lenoir, discusses the differences between the previous season and the upcoming one. He feels that the team has improved, with better training and harder work from teammates. Worthington describes himself as an all-around player with good speed and a commitment to playing his role to the best of his ability. He also expresses motivation from the previous season and a determination to do better.
Quote: "I'm really an all-around player and do the best I can, I got good speed, good health, do the best I can, just play my role as the best." - Koron Worthington
Outlook:
OFFENSE— Expect a significant shift in North Lenoir's offensive strategy with a heavy emphasis on the triple option. This is Coach Dale's signature offense, and he's committed to running it. However, he's adapted it to fit today's style of play, executing it out of the spread offense.
Leading the charge will be Junior Quarterback Malachi Ramsey, a tall and athletic player with experience in the starting role. Though he played in a different style offense last season, his agility and skill set make him a natural fit for Dale's approach.
Joining him in the backfield is Junior Malik Fuller, one of the area's top running backs. Fuller's running style is aggressive and fearless. He can outrun opponents when he sees an opening, but he won't shy away from powering through them to gain extra yardage. Fuller's abilities should align perfectly with Dale's offensive strategy.
The Hawks' offensive line brings a physical edge, with a group of linemen who relish the gritty aspects of the game. Leading this pack is West Broadway, whose physicality sets the tone for the entire unit.
Keep an eye on sophomore running back Genesis Wiggins as well. After scoring multiple big-play touchdowns on JV last season, Wiggins could be a breakout player this year. His potential as a complementary option to Ramsey and Fuller adds another exciting dimension to North Lenoir's offense, making them a team to watch in the upcoming season.
DEFENSE— The physicality that's defining North Lenoir's offense is expected to carry over to the defensive side of the ball as well. With a roster filled with upperclassmen and the lingering sting of last season's losses, the Hawks are poised for significant improvement.
The defensive front line is anchored by two powerhouse seniors, Mike Jones and Tony Stephens. Jones, standing at 6-foot 305 pounds, and Stephens, at 5-foot-8 255 pounds, are both formidable forces. Their strength and presence should create challenges for opposing offenses.
Behind this stout defensive line is one of the team's leaders, Petey Wiggins. A 6'2", 190-pound linebacker, Wiggins is a true student of the game. His instincts for the ball and ability to quickly pick up on opponents' tendencies and keys make him a vital asset to the defense.
Also worth watching is Koran Worthington. Perfect cornerback frame being tall and slim, Worthington possesses all-around skills that could make a significant impact in the secondary this year. His versatility and athleticism add another layer of depth to a defense that's shaping up to be a formidable force.
In conclusion: A change is coming! The elements for success are aligning: star power in the backfield, unyielding toughness in the trenches, and steadfast leadership on defense. With 21 of 22 starters focusing solely on either offense or defense, the team's depth is a significant asset. My only concern is how long does it take to put all the pieces together, there is no doubt the Hawks are coming to play and will get better each week.
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