DEEP RUN - Justin Howard solemnly admitted having a new coach every year gets tough, but he thinks Ken Grantham is the one.
South Lenoir’s senior offensive lineman thinks the first-year Grantham is here to stay.
“When we got the new coach last year, I think we fell for him,” Howard said. “I think everybody thought he was going to stay and be a leader.”
Under one-year coach Tim Jenkins, the Blue Devils finished 1-10 last year. Grantham will take over the program this season after five years with Greene Central.
“Really this year, I think this is the coach,” Howard said. “I think he’s here to stay. I mean, I believe he took all of his hard work and dedication into the field, he makes sure all of us have water and he takes good care of us.”
Grantham said South Lenoir’s strength will come from its offensive line, which more than pleases Howard.
The lineman said the special skills athletes get the credit, but not without the work of the offensive and defensive line.
“On the offensive line, it’s all up to you,” Howard said. “All of the running backs get credit, the quarterbacks get credit, but nobody ever looks at the offensive line and defensive line. To me, I believe if it weren’t for (us), there would be no running backs or quarterbacks ever getting any glory.”
He said ball movement depends on the players in his position.
The rare times the starting OL is on the sideline, he’s reminded of what a great school he thinks of South Lenoir.
He started playing football as a 9-year-old in Pink Hill recreation programs and progressed through Woodington Middle to South Lenoir.
“South Lenoir is one of the better high schools in my opinion,” said Howard, who’s played on varsity two years. “The record may not show it, but the coaches push us. There’s always a negative thought with South Lenoir. I’ve been here (four years), and I loved every bit of it.”
After graduation, Howard will pursue a degree in agriculture if his football or baseball careers don’t continue.
Until he finds out, he will focus on notching a successful senior season under a realigned Eastern Carolina 2A.
“The new conference could change a lot of things for South Lenoir,” Howard said. “I think everybody’s wanting to win more. I want to win every game we can. I would like to go to the state finals; we haven’t been there in a while.
“I have not been there, and that’s all I want to do.”
Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 and Jessika.Morgan@Kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan.