ICARD – East Burke coach Derrick Minor said his Cavaliers football team still has some work to do, but despite the season-opening loss, it “feels good” to be on the field against a tough opponent.
“This is a great opportunity,” Minor said after a 26-0 loss to Christ School on Friday at Danny Williams Field.
“We still need to improve a few things, but we played against a tough opponent,” Minor said. “Our guys were on equal terms with those guys.”
Timetable change
The Cavaliers (0-1) added the Greenies (1-0) to the schedule after original opponent Patton decided not to field a varsity team this fall. Christ School in Arden entered the season as the No. 4 ranked Division I team in the NC Independent Schools Athletic Association.
“Twelve days ago we couldn’t find an opponent,” Minor said. “Sometimes you can’t be picky.”
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The East Burke football offensive line assembles during the Burke County Jamboree on August 10 in Icard.
Justin Epley, The News Herald
Room for improvement
Minor said the Cavaliers’ offense “still needs to get a little better,” but “the defensive line was solid.” Minor praised the play of linebackers Jordan Fox and Trevor Fraley, defensive backs Zac Bennett and Kendale Cook, and defensive lineman Kolby Byrd.
“It was good to see who the playmakers were going to be,” Minor said. “We knew our opponents were going to be fast and physical. We’ll go back and make some adjustments.”
Fat Friday 50
In week two, the Cavaliers not only battle one of the top four private schools, but will now play archrival Freedom for the 50th time. The rivalry, which dates back to 1974 when East Burke opened a year after Freedom, will be renewed Friday in Morganton.
“We know it’s going to be tough,” Minor said. “We beat them last year (29-13). We know they have their sights set on this game.”
Ray Duckworth can be reached at [email protected].
