
North Duplin offensive coordinator Brad Rhodes works with the lineman during a practice drill. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
CALYPSO — Tradition and legacy. Those two traits have surfaced during North Duplin’s opening week of the 2023 prep gridiron campaign.
Throughout practice, the older, experienced returners have taken the newcomers under their wings, offered advice and worked with them on techniques. They’ve quietly ingrained into their teammates the Rebels’ rich heritage that’s existed for more than five decades.
“It’s fantastic,” ND head coach Hugh Martin said.
Even more is a tremendous increase in participation.
More than 40 players have attended morning practices. They’re beginning to understand the basic offensive and defensive packages, which is a carryover from their preseason workouts.
“We have had a great work ethic this week,” Martin said.
It’s been a challenge, too.
The coaching staff has diligently worked to get JV players repetitions on individual drills during a fast-paced practice. They’re separated from the varsity for full-team sessions. Martin said the JV has shown growth from early- and mid-summer workouts.
Strength has improved as well.
“Our players have consistently lifted since last fall and they are stronger than they were,” Martin said. “We have also seen several grow in leadership and become more vocal than this past year.”
The official season kicks off Aug. 18.
Before then, North Duplin will play a single-game scrimmage at North Edgecombe on Aug. 9. Two days later, the Rebels travel to South Lenoir for a multi-team jamboree.
Those live contests should answer plenty of questions.
“We have to continue to work on the timing and continuity of our offense. It takes a lot of consistent reps to get an offense ready for game night,” Martin said. “The scrimmages will help us lock down some positions as well where there is good competition for spots. That is true on defense as well. Defensively, we are still learning how to align vs. various formations and to consistently have our vision in the right place.
“Of course we have to install most of our kicking game as well.”