LA GRANGE -- A previously injured Cedric Summers has one last season to blow the Hawks away.
The North Lenoir running back is entering his senior year and says he's in the best shape ever.
"I'm feeling good," Summers said. "I'm ready to go. All I can think about is that first snap -- that's all I can think about."
The Hawks open their season Friday against Eastern Wayne, where several of Summers' relatives play.
"I know their skillset," he said of the Hawks' Week 1 opponent. "They've got a lot of good skill, but they don't have the linemen base that they normally would, so it's going to be a good game."
Summers is from La Grange and began playing as a youngster, following the footsteps of his older brother Billy, who attends North Carolina A&T State University.
"I can't describe it, I just love (football)," said Summers, who also runs track in the spring.
After his senior season, he hopes to attend UNC Pembroke to play football, but for now, he wants to focus on winning more games than last year. The Hawks finished 2-8 in 2012 and lost 20 seniors from that team. Many sophomores will have to play big this season.
"I'm just trying to get all the younger boys on the same page," Summers said. "Last year, we won three games and got one taken back. We just want to try to win some more games this year."
Under the newly-aligned Eastern Carolina 2A, Summers said the Hawks may have a shot at doing better in the conference. He hopes to be in the playoff running at the end of the season.
"I expect him to step up and be a leader, not only because he'll be a senior this year, but because he's been in the system …," said North Lenoir coach Calvin Sutton. "He's been one of the forerunners, and I've seen him develop real well."
Summers said he worked out during the offseason to prepare for his last year, where he plans on leaving a message.
"I want to change the way people look at North Lenoir," he said. "Doing better than last year, that's my main goal."
Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 and Jessika.Morgan@Kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan.
