PITTSBORO — In its inaugural season, the Seaforth varsity football team is focused on celebrating the little things.
With an undermanned roster of fewer than 25 players, the Hawks’ glaring deficiencies have been exposed early in the season. After losing its first home football game to Broughton, 53-0, on Friday night, the first-year varsity squad fell to 0-2.
Despite being shut out for the second straight game, the defeat didn’t come without myriad program-building plays for the Hawks — a product of the team’s consistent mentality.
“(We) always play 100% all the time — always,” sophomore cornerback Walter Entrekin said.
On Seaforth’s first possession, sophomore running Broden Jones established himself between the tackles. An eight-yard run showcased Jones’ physical running style, something that would punish Broughton’s front seven on numerous occasions.
However, the Hawks failed to produce much on its initial drive, as the Capitals forced a quick three-and-out. After being forced to punt, Broughton made quick work of Seaforth’s defense and scored the night’s first touchdown.
To make matters worse, the pattern of a Seaforth three-and-out followed by a Broughton touchdown replayed itself for nearly the entire first half. Even so, head coach Terrance Gary knew his team was fighting for every yard.
“We’re just trying to focus on what we can control,” he said. “We’re young and people may be faster and bigger, but nobody will out-effort us.”
The Hawks’ effort eventually paid off. Midway through the second quarter, Jones broke free and carried multiple Capital defenders with him for a seven-yard gain. The bruising run earned Seaforth a first down, its first of the night, which was met with an uproar of cheers from the Hawks faithful — a celebration of the usually mundane accomplishment.
Despite Seaforth’s drive ending on the next set of downs, the Hawks returned to the sideline with a renewed life and energy.
“Getting the motivation and getting drives is what we need as a team,” Jones said. “The little things are what we can use to get the momentum.”
In the same quarter, the Hawks built upon its recent success. Trailing by 28 points, Seaforth looked on its way to surrendering its fifth touchdown of the game.
Entrekin had other plans, however, as he intercepted Broughton quarterback Warren Wade.
Seaforth’s first forced turnover of the night didn’t result in any points on the ensuing drive, but it was yet another moment celebrated by the Hawks. Slowly, the undermanned boys in maroon began to string together a few more momentous plays.
To start the second half, Seaforth took a gamble and recovered an outside kick attempt. Moments later, Jones powered the Hawks inside Broughton’s red zone for the first time. Ultimately the drive came up empty, as the Capitals blocked Seaforth’s ensuing field goal attempt.
“It felt good to drive the ball down the field, but it didn’t end the way we wanted it to,” Jones said. “It would’ve been nice to put some points on the board.”
The promising drive proved to be the final punch thrown by the Seaforth offense, and Broughton’s run game continued to gash the Hawks on the other end. By the final whistle, the Capitals had handed Seaforth a 53-point loss in its first home varsity football game in school history.
But as the Hawks shift gears to their third game against Willow Spring on Thursday night, the team understands what’s at stake. The Storm are also in their first season as a varsity program and enter the game 0-1 after a 61-0 loss to New Bern in Week 2.
With the playing field seemingly even for the first time, the Hawks are confident they can rebound from their first two losses, and this time maybe celebrate their first win.
“We’re definitely looking to bounce back against Willow Spring,” Entrekin said. “We’re all really excited for that game.”