As the summer enters its hottest month, the talk surrounding three local football teams is beginning to heat up. Preseason summer workouts have ended and players are resting, preparing for the four, hopefully five-month grind that sits readily on the horizon.

The Washington Pam Pack, Northside Panthers and Southside Seahawks will begin officially preparing for the 2014 high school football season on Friday. Role players will emerge, leaders materialize and storylines play out.

Head coach Sports Sawyer and the Pam Pack are coming off one of the best seasons in recent memory, finishing with a 12-3 record and semi-final playoff appearance in its inaugural season in the Eastern Plains Conference. Head coach Jeff Carrow and the Seahawks are looking to make some noise in the Coastal Plains Conference, putting 2013 behind them. Head coach Keith Boyd and the Panthers have improved every year since 2011 and will hunt for their first winning record in a decade.

Expectations are high for head coach Ruffin McNeill and the East Carolina Pirates, a team looking for a smooth transition from the Conference USA to the top-heavy American Athletic Conference.

The NCHSAA football season opens Aug. 22, while the Pirates kickoff their 2014 campaign on Aug. 30.

 

WASHINGTON PAM PACK

Aug. 22 — at Havelock

The Pack is looking for a statement win against one of the best teams in eastern North Carolina. After winning the 3-A state championship last season, the Rams lost their two leading rushers to graduation.

Aug. 29 — at Tarboro

A formidable 1-A opponent, the Vikings and their balanced offensive attack are looking to bounce back after a six-point loss to Washington last year.

Sept. 5 — at D.H. Conley

The final stop on a grueling stretch of road games, Conley enters 2014 without two of last season’s three leading rushers. Washington will look to derail an old conference foe.

Sept 12 — vs. West Craven

With the loss of offensive focal point Alkeim Harley to graduation, the Eagles will have a daunting task in knocking off the Pack in their home opener.

Sept. 26 — at Riverside

After their best season in three years, the Knights will try to upset the neighboring county’s top team.

Oct. 3 — vs. Kinston

The Vikings should have a tough time containing Sawyer’s dynamic rushing attack. Washington will look to build momentum in its final game before conference play.

Oct. 10 — at Farmville Central*

The Jaguars scored just six points in last season’s Eastern Plains opener against Washington.

Oct. 17 — vs. Southwest Edgecombe*

Despite a solid offense, the Cougars allowed about 20 points per game in 2013.

Oct. 24 — at Beddingfield*

The Bruins finished second in the Eastern Plains Conference last season and should be returning a slew of starters on offense.

Oct. 31 — vs. North Pitt*

The Panthers are seeking revenge after falling to Washington in the first round of the 2013 state playoffs.

Nov. 7 — at North Johnston*

The Panthers failed to win a game in 2013. This season’s matchup should be an excellent confidence booster for the Pam Pack heading into the postseason.

 

NORTHSIDE PANTHERS

Aug. 22 — at Creswell

Aug. 29 — vs. North Duplin

Sept. 5 — at Southside*

Sept. 12 — vs. South Creek

Sept. 19 — at Edenton Holmes

Oct. 3 — vs. North Pitt

Oct. 10 — vs. Southside*

Oct. 17 — at Pamlico County*

Oct. 24 — at Jones Senior*

Oct. 31 — at East Carteret*

Nov. 7 — Lejeune*

 

SOUTHSIDE SEAHAWKS

Aug. 22 — at North Duplin

Aug. 29 — vs. Rosewood

Sept. 5 — vs. Northside*

Sept. 12 — at Riverside

Sept. 19 — Spring Creek

Oct. 3 — at South Creek

Oct. 10 — at Northside*

Oct. 17 — vs. East Carteret*

Oct. 24 — vs. Jones Senior*

Oct. 31 — at Lejeune*

Nov. 11 — at Pamlico County*

 

EAST CAROLINA PIRATES

Aug. 30 — vs. North Carolina Central

Sept. 6 — at South Carolina

Sept. 13 — at Virginia Tech

Sept. 20 — vs. North Carolina

Oct. 4 — vs. Southern Methodist*

Oct. 11 — at Southern Florida*

Oct. 23 — vs. Connecticut*

Nov. 1 — at Temple*

Nov. 13 — at Cincinnati*

Nov. 22 — vs. Tulane*

Nov. 28 — at Tulsa*

Dec. 4 — vs. Central Florida*

 

*denotes conference opponent