Pigskin Preview: West Bladen excited for local rivalries
BLADENBORO, N.C. (WWAY) — West Bladen football went 2-7 last season, but their new schedule has undergone perhaps the most drastic change of any team in the Cape Fear.
The Knights were previously the only school out of 16 that was not in a conference with any others in the area. After realignment, they are now in the brand new Southeastern Conference. That will give them three brand new local foes to look forward to every year.
Head Coach Preston Worley enters his second season leading the program and is very happy for the change.
(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
“I always enjoy going up against Whiteville and South Columbus,” Worley said. “I’m a Columbus County boy at heart. Grew up at South Columbus. It’s always fun going up against your former school and that big rival Whiteville. That will always be a big rival for me. And just going up against a new face in South Brunswick. That adds a new flavor to the conference. We’re excited about that.”
After a full offseason with Worley at the helm, the players feel they are settling in nicely.
“It’s tough for the players, a new head coach coming in,” senior tight end and linebacker Hunter Hester said. “New playbook and everything like that. I know our offense has been running better this year. We’re understanding the plays better. Our defense is looking better also.”
(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
The Knights have 13 seniors on the roster, which is more than double the six they had last year. It will be up to them to guide the rest of the squad.
“Teamwork, discipline and people doing their job,” senior defensive end Hunter Hester said. “Learning the fundamentals of the game. The seniors need to take control and tell the younger guys when they’re doing something wrong or doing something right.”
(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
West Bladen will have seven starters returning on offense and seven on defense. Their 15 total is tied for the most in the Cape Fear with county rival East Bladen.
