It’s time.

A brand new high school football season begins tomorrow night (Friday) with four Roanoke-Chowan area teams in action including a pair facing off against each other.

HERTFORD COUNTY at GATES COUNTY

“Last week we had two successful scrimmages,” said third-year Bears head coach Terrance Saxby. “We executed on offense and the defense was sound. A lot of kids played which will develop depth for us.”

“We had good competition in our scrimmages last week,” said Gates County head coach Matt Biggy. “We found out what we have to work on.”

This Friday, Hertford County will play at Gates County in the season opener for both teams.

“Gates County is a solid team,” added Saxby. “They will not beat themselves. They have a strong running game which will set up their passing game. Coach Matt Biggy will have them ready to play.

“For us to be successful on Friday we have to get the ball in the hands of our playmakers on offense and the defense needs to tackle well,” Saxby concluded. “We have to play fast and gang tackling will be important.”

“Hertford County will give us a spread look on offense,” said Biggy. They play a four-man front on defense and they’re big, fast, and very talented. We will be playing a classic Hertford County team.

“For us to be successful Friday night we have to execute on offense and defense,” Biggy closed by saying. “We have to make plays and be sound on defense.”

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY at ROANOKE RAPIDS

“In our two scrimmages last week (including the Jaguars Jamboree in Creeksville) our defense was strong and our offense needs working on,” said Northampton County head coach George Privott.

In the season opener for the Jags they will make a trip across the county line to Roanoke Rapids – the second straight year the two clubs have met.

“Roanoke Rapids has good running backs that are fast and elusive,” the coach added. “They’re big on defense and this will be a tough game for us.

“For us to be successful on Friday we will have to play good defense and protect the ball on offense. Roanoke Rapids is a good team,” Privott concluded.

LAWRENCE ACADEMY at PARROTT ACADEMY

Lawrence Academy will face defending 2A independent schools state champion Arendell Parrott Academy Friday night in the Warriors’ season opener in Kinston.

Head coach Lee Hoffman begins his second season at the helm of the Green-and-Gold.

“Playing the defending state champs in your first game after graduating five starters makes this a tough game,” said Hoffman. “Our offense needs to be effective and help us keep the ball for sustained drives. Defensively, we need to improve our tackling; with low numbers we cannot allow long drives that tire us out.”

Hoffman will have several veterans on offense, including senior quarterback Jarrett Harrell, who begins his third season under center.

“He’s a big senior leader being a four-year starter,” concludes the coach. “He’s been really good working with the younger players in practice and pushing his teammates to work hard and improve.”