Jalik Ledbetter runs for the Hawks during practice on Thursday morning.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Al Myatt)

Triton began official football practice on Wednesday morning with 91 players on hand.

Varsity coach Ben Penny reported 40 out for the older team and 51 for junior varsity. David Reece will direct the younger team.

Penny likes the attitude of the Hawks.

“I am very pleased with the work ethic and drive of this group,” he said. “We are super young with only 10 seniors.

“We have a lot of young kids stepping up and helping with leadership. This is going to be a fun group to develop.”

The developmental process includes scrimmages at Smithfield-Selma on Friday, August 8, with the JV at 7 p.m. and the varsity at 9.

Triton starts evening practice on Monday.

Triton can have full equipment and hitting on the sixth day of preseason practice, according to NCHSAA regulations.

The Hawks match up with Midway on August 15 in the Sampson Jamboree at Clinton.