By By BRIAN HAINES
Sports Writer
Nobody said defending a state title would be easy. The 2007 NCHSAA 1-A champion Plymouth Vikings got off to a rough start at Friday’s Washington Jamboree, but head coach Robert Cody’s squad was able to finish strong, wrapping up the five-team scrimmage on a positive note.
The Vikings graduated a majority of their starters from last season’s team, and on Friday, Cody got a good look at the new crew as it battled with Washington, Southside, Mattamuskeet and First Flight (2-A).
The five-team scrimmage featured tons of big plays and heavy hits, as well as a lot of standout performances by players on every team. Cody said that there were a few players on his team that stepped up on Friday.
As the Vikings creep closer to their season opener at home against Farmville Central (Aug. 22), Cody said his biggest concern Plymouth’s special teams.
Fielding a team of relatively green players, Cody said a real big key to the season might be confidence.
Lakers finally get to hit an opponent
By BRIAN HAINES
Sports Writer
Mattamuskeet faced its first test of the preseason at the Washington Jamboree on Friday, and Lakers’ coach Richard Perry handed his team a passing grade.
The Lakers, which field a roster of roughly 13 players, don’t get a chance to do 11-on-11 drills at practice, so Friday’s jamboree was the team’s first chance to crack some pads.
The jamboree featured the reigning NCHSAA 1-A state champion Plymouth Vikings, Southside, First Flight (2-A) and the hosting Pam Pack.
The limited Lakers struggled at times against some of the bigger schools, but overall, Perry said he was pleased with his team’s play.
The 6-5 Beard is usually slotted to play wide receiver, but senior starting quarterback Laquan Collins on injured reserve, so Beard was handed the signal calling duties.
For a freshman, Beard showed some promise in the Lakers four-wide offense. With his lanky frame, Beard was able to see over the defense. However, Beard needs to tack on a few pounds and gain experience.
On the other side of the ball, Perry felt his defense put up a good effort, and took home a few lessons.
The jamboree is a good place for players to make a name for themselves, and Perry said he had a few players that caught his eye.
Perry hopes his team’s progress will continue as the Lakers prepare for their first game of the regular season on Aug. 22 at Northside.”