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There were plenty of new faces for Chocowinity Middle School football fans to get familiar with during last week’s jamboree against Bear Grass, Washington County and Pamlico County.

Only four players return for head coach Alan Swain’s team that finished 4-2 last season. Northeast Elementary won the Inner Banks Conference title last fall to stop the Indians four-year run at the top.

“We went back and taught them a lot of football fundamentals during our summer workouts while working on our offensive and defensive systems at the same time,” Swain said. “Our guys have improved a lot and we’re looking forward to a fun season.”

Swain expects linebackers Timari Moore and De’Shawn Grimes to lead the defense, while Triston Cobb and Christian Paschall will be the offensive playmakers.

CMS hosted the jamboree for the first time and Swain said it was a good opportunity for his team to experience actual game conditions.

“Our inexperience showed during the first part of it, but we finished on a high note,” he said. “I thought the crowd was great despite the heat and we competed well overall.

CMS hosts Martin County Wednesday at 5:30 in the regular season opener.