SL prepares for season with tough competition in Duplin Co.

South Lenoir’s Jon Howard surveys the East Duplin defense during Wednesday’s DC4 Football Fanboree at James Kenan High School. Photo by T.J. Edwards / Mount Olive Tribune

By Junious Smith III

WARSAW — South Lenoir isn’t shying away from tough competition this preseason.

The Blue Devils competed in Wednesday’s DC4 Football Fanboree at James Kenan, facing off with East Duplin and the host Tigers in scrimmages before inclement weather shut the event down early. South Lenoir coach Jeremy Joyner said he believed the team played well throughout and was pleased with the way the Blue Devils operated.

“The mistakes we made were young mistakes that are going to come with time as we grow and take reps in practice,” Joyner said. “Our effort was good and a lot of times our execution was good — it was a pretty even matchup with those two (teams) and those are good measuring sticks going into the conference later in the year.”

Matias Blount said that, besides the level of competition, the chemistry has continued to grow with his team.

“I felt like we got a lot of it,” Blount said. “We were able to fellowship with each other and bond as a football team should. We made some mistakes, but learned from them and I believe we’ll be a pretty good football team by the end of the season.”

Kokou Missebukpo shared similar sentiments.

“I feel like we’re taking great steps moving forward, coming together to play great football,” he said. “Our teamwork helped us (Wednesday) and our communication was good.”

South Lenoir’s regular season opener is on the road Aug. 23 against North Duplin.