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Northside, Southside and Washington High School held their first official football practice Wednesday under hot, humid conditions around Beaufort County.

All three schools have held workouts most of the summer, but Wednesday marked the first day of mandatory practice in shorts and helmets. The teams will transition to full pads next week, then take part in scrimmages before the season opener August 23.

Second year head coach Matt Taylor welcomed 54 players to practice and was pleased with his players energy and enthusiasm.

“We’ve been out here for a few days each week over the summer, but there’s more of a sense of urgency starting today,” Taylor said. “We’re all excited for the start of the season and we know there’s a lot of work ahead.”
The Pack is coming off consecutive 3-7 seasons and is breaking in a new starting quarterback, senior Evan Makepeace, who stepped into the starting role when incumbent Cam Whitley transferred to South Central in Winterville.

“Evan is eager to improve and has shown great maturity and leadership,” Taylor said. “His enthusiasm for football is infectious and he brings his teammates up to his level. His arm is improved over the summer, and he can make all the throws in our playbook.”

Ironically, Washington’s first scrimmage is Aug. 9 at J.H. Rose in Greenville, and the opponent will be South Central.

“We didn’t plan it that way, but it will make things a little more interesting,” Taylor said. “We were in two scrimmages last year and it helps the guys get into the flow of real game speed and makes them work on their focus.”

Eight teams will participate with each pair of opponents playing for an hour.
Next up is the Beaufort County Jamboree at Northside on Aug. 14 before the opener on the 23rd at home against Croatan.

“The calendar works in our favor this year as there is an extra week from now until our opener,” Taylor said. “Time is a valuable commodity, and we’ll take advantage the best we can.”