After months of preparation, the upperclassmen on the New Hanover High School football team finally get to take the field against a familiar foe in (5-0) New Bern. New Bern handed the Wildcats two of their three losses last season, which included a season-ending loss in the third round of the state playoffs.
There’s a strong group of seniors on the New Hanover squad, who coach Kevin Motsinger said have been working out together and getting ready for a rematch since “the Monday after losing to New Bern in the third round.”
New Bern comes to town ranked number three in the state with a handful of players slated to play big-time college ball next year. They include running backs Chandler Powell (Navy), Bra’lon Cherry (NC State) and the team’s leading rusher Jacquin Watkins. New Bern’s quarterback Josh Taylor also is considering a number of schools, with 1,299 total yards this season and 15 touchdowns.
“We’re a little banged up on defense, and our guys that are coming in are going to have to play the best games of their lives,” said Motsinger.
The biggest challenge for New Hanover on offense will be to mix up the pass and run game to utilize the team’s strengths behind quarterback Ward Coleman, senior wide out Trevon Brown, and senior running back Montrell Baldwin. Coming off an ACL injury last year, Baldwin has bounced back as the team leader in rushing with 57 carries for 443 yards and nine touchdowns. Brown has been double and tripled teamed due to his deep threat capability. He broke out in week four with four touchdown catches in a win over Purnell Swett.
“We feel like we’ve got a good idea of what they’re going to do on defense. We know each other extremely well,” said Motsinger. “We’re going to take what they give us, be patient and try to protect the football,”
The two teams are extremely explosive and have the potential to light up the scoreboard in tonight’s game under the lights. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Legion Stadium.
