North Duplin head football coach Hugh Martin, back, takes a hit from Marcus Hill during a trap blocking skill during practice Friday morning in Calypso. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
CALYPSO — Gently hobbling on his left knee, Wesley Holmes pulled a teammate aside to explain movement on a blocking drill Friday morning.
Austin Wolfe worked with another teammate.
The two returning starters displayed the leadership characteristics North Duplin head football coach Hugh Martin expected during the offseason.
“One of the areas we definitely have to build up on is verbal leadership and some of these young guys are going to have to step up in terms of that,” Martin said.
One of the team’s top tacklers last season, Holmes is waiting to undergo an MRI. Holmes injured his left wrist during practice and had it wrapped by athletics director Ricky Edwards.
While Holmes watched from the shade of pine trees, Wolfe was one of 50 Rebels to work through different stations on the dew-covered grass behind the baseball field.
Once the drill sessions ended, the players broke into different groups. Coaches worked with linemen on first steps. The offensive unit went through its offensive playbook.
“We’ve had a great week,” Martin said. “We had a two-day team camp to end summer workouts and three really good days of practice. Our numbers and commitments are outstanding with 56 players … enough from each class that we can field a JV team for the second consecutive year.”
North Duplin returns to practice Monday.
The NC High School Athletic Association requires that first two days of workouts are conducted in helmets, T-shirts and non-padded shorts.
Martin’s team practiced in shoulder pads and can continue that trend through next Tuesday. Teams can dress out in full gear and execute body-to-body contact on Wednesday.
