Hearing the public-address announcer in “Choppy” Wagner Stadium declare a touchdown scored by Terrance Copper brought back memories for Washington football fans.

Copper, a 2000 Pam Pack graduate, amassed 2,826 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns on 159 catches during his time in the navy and white. He went on to play down the road for East Carolina, and then enjoyed an eight-year career in the NFL as an undrafted free agent.

After such an illustrious career in Washington, it was a bit odd for Copper to be sitting with the visiting fans cheering on the Pam Pack’s opponent. His son, Terrance Copper Jr., is a standout running back for North Lenoir. This past Friday marked his first time playing on his father’s former stomping grounds.

“It felt good. I just love seeing him play, and getting a chance to get out here and see him play on the same field I played on,” Copper Sr. said “He went out there and played well. (North Lenoir) didn’t get the win, which is unfortunate, but it was nice to see him play.

“It felt good, but it felt weird sitting on the wrong side. Usually I’m on (the home) side of the field, but I support my son in everything he does. I’m always going to be behind him, supporting him and his team.”

Nostalgia no doubt flooded Copper as he and his son prepared for the game. Regardless, his advice going in was the same as it would be for any game.

“He just told me to play hard,” Copper Jr. said. “Don’t think about nothing. Just play your game.”

The junior Hawk certainly excelled playing his game. While North Lenoir fell, 45-12, Copper Jr. scored both of his team’s touchdowns. He made an impact right away with a 50-yard pickup that moved the chains on second-and-29 and put the Hawks in the red zone.

Copper Jr. put North Lenoir on the board first with a 6-yard touchdown to cap off the opening series. He helped put together another scoring drive after Ka’ci Foreman ripped off a 42-yard score to give the Pam Pack a 21-6 lead in the second. He scampered in from 25 yards out for his second touchdown of the day.

“Cutting in. They had it wide open for me. I just took it,” Copper Jr. said of his strategy running the ball. “It was very exciting to see some of my friends and play against them.”

Copper Jr. has thrived just seven games into his first season on the varsity squad. He and the Hawks pieced together a three-game win streak during non-conference play, but are still trying to hit their stride in the 2-A Eastern Carolina Conference.

North Lenoir looks to rebound from the loss at Greene Central on Friday.