The Hawks stay socially distanced after practice on Saturday.
Triton has had enough adversity to deal with in getting ready for its second varsity football season in 2021. COVID issues have caused the Hawks to miss two scrimmages, practice time and their scheduled season opener last Friday night at Jordan.
Practice resumed Saturday morning.
The good news is that Triton does have experienced elements of a ground attack that produced 286.3 yards per game in the season that finished in the spring. The Hawks were 4-3 after an 0-2 start, including 4-1 in the Tri-County Six 3-A Conference. COVID also curtailed preparations in the shortened spring season.
Triton is in the All American 3-4/4-A Conference now. Harnett Central and Western Harnett carry over in the new league with the Hawks. Additions include Overhills (4-A), Pine Forest (4-A), E.E. Smith, Terry Sanford and Westover.
Triton returns all five starting offensive linemen.
“Having all five starters coming back, especially after the successful season we had last year in terms of running the football, is tremendous,” said Hawks coach Ben Penny. “We’re very fortunate. … They have a strong brotherhood. They stay together. They’re always hanging out.
“That’s what it takes for offensive linemen. … They’re not always front and center in highlights, but that’s the backbone of the team. That’s where it starts. These guys have had an incredible offseason and we’re looking forward to it. … We’ve got another senior, Skyler Webb, that’s going to get in there and get some playing time.”
A former Hawk, Cross Barker, is the offensive line coach.
“Obviously, having Cross, as a former player of mine, former offensive lineman, leading those guys, is special,” Penny said.
Triton runs from a pistol Wing-T spread. Sophomore Jalen Evans is projected to start at quarterback.
“We need to play assignment football, do our assignments and make sure we dominate up front,” said Hawks offensive coordinator David Weathersby. “We’ve got to be very physical and we pull a lot so they’ve got to be in shape as well. They’re the backbone of this offense. It doesn’t run without them.
“We rep it every day in practice and they’re leaders when we go. It’s hot when we practice, but they get their reps in. We’ve got to force them to get out. That’s what they do to get ready.”
Offensive linemen seldom get recognized, but the group responded to questions that provide some insight to the Hawks’ 2021 pit crew.
Tanner Campbell, No. 62, left tackle
Height: 6-4
Weight: 250
First football team you played on: Dunn Greenwaves recreation
Favorite college team: N.C. State
Favorite pro team: Carolina Panthers
Favorite food: Chicken pastry
Favorite subject in school: Math
Favorite TV show: The Flash
Hero: My dad, Derek Campbell
Pet: Dog, Cash
Nickname: None
Goal for season: Play the best I can, make sure the team does the same and make it to the playoffs
Plans after high school: Campbell, hopefully, for mechanical engineering
Noah Jackson, No. 55, left guard
Height: 6-0
Weight: 220
First football team you played on: Dunn Greenwaves recreation
Favorite college team: N.C. State
Favorite pro team: Philadelphia Eagles
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite subject in school: Math
Favorite TV show: The Office
Hero: My dad, Brent Jackson
Pet: None
Nickname: G (middle name is Grant)
Goal for season: Finish top in conference and make the playoffs
Plans after high school: Go to college and be an engineer
Karon Kirk, No. 51, right tackle
Height: 5-10
Weight: 235
First football team you played on: Matt Williams Middle School Mustangs
Favorite college team: N.C. State
Favorite pro team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Favorite food: Chicken nuggets with honey mustard
Favorite subject in school: English, love reading
Favorite TV show: George Lopez
Hero: Captain America
Pet: No, dog, Dixie, died
Nickname: K
Goal for season: Go undefeated and win state
Plans after high school: Attend a 4-year college for business management and start my own business
C.J. Herring, No. 61, right guard
Height: 6-0
Weight: 215
First football team you played on: Coats-Erwin Middle School
Favorite college team: Auburn
Favorite pro team: Carolina Panthers
Favorite food: Grilled chicken
Favorite subject in school: World History
Favorite TV show: All American
Hero: My dad, Chad Herring
Pet: Dog, Goose
Nickname: McLovin
Goal for season: Make playoffs and go as far as we can go
Plans after high school: Play pro, if not work construction or in landscaping
Jayden Giles, No. 60, center
Height: 5-10
Weight: 265
First football team you played on: Erwin Midgets
Favorite college team: N.C. State
Favorite pro team: Carolina Panthers
Favorite food: Tacos
Favorite subject in school: American History
Favorite TV show: Ballers
Hero: My dad, Kelly Giles
Pet: Dog, Rocky
Nickname: Chunk
Goal for season: Win conference championship
Plans after high school: Play college football anywhere I can
Kneeling from left are senior right tackle Karon Kirk, junior right guard C.J. Herring, senior center Jayden Giles, senior left guard Noah Jackson and senior left tackle Tanner Campbell. Standing are offensive coordinator David Weathersby (left) and coach Ben Penny.
Triton linemen roll on command in a grass drill on Saturday.
