By Gattis Hodges

Senior Analyst

AHOSKIE – Bear Stadium on the campus of Hertford County High School didn’t see a familiar sight in 2011 as the home standing Bears captured only one victory in five tries on their home turf and that came in the win over Bertie in the regular season finale.

However, the 2012 edition of the Bear football program has a chance to match that lone win on Friday Night as they host 3-A Coastal Conference member South Central at 7:30 p.m. in their season opener.

There will certainly be some anxiousness on both sides of the field as the two teams are coming off identical 4-7 seasons, but one of South Central’s wins came in last season opener over the Bears 27-14.

“This first game is very important for our kids, especially from a confidence standpoint.” said fourth year Hertford County Head Coach Scott Privott. “Our participation and preparation throughout the summer and in the pre-season has been terrific, I’m hoping it is going to pay dividends for us”.

A year ago in Winterville, South Central took advantage of some early HC turnovers and was able to stuff the Bear’s running game en route to the win in the first ever meeting between the two schools.

That turnover filled first outing for the Bears would be somewhat of a theme for the 2011 campaign and most of the miscues led to those seven losses. On the year, Hertford County would finish at minus-6 in the turnover margin.

This game could be a “wide open” affair as both teams will operate offensively from the “Spread” formation.  Matter of fact, this is change for the Falcons under second year coach Tim Carter, as he has revamped the offense from a triple option look to the spread attack.

“Fortunately, we run the same type offense so it makes a little easier for us to prepare for them from a scheme standpoint,” explained Privott as he spoke about his team’s defensive preparation. “A lot of teams are going to this style offense and when you have the athletes and speed like South Central it is a tough offense to defend”.

South Central returns eight starters on offense, however they will have a new signal-caller in senior Ethan Rogerson (6-4, 172 lbs.). Carter feels that Rogerson could be successful in the new offensive scheme due to his height, pocket presence and a talented group of receivers.

Hertford County will also have new quarterback in junior Ryan Weaver (6-1, 170 lbs.) as last year’s starter Dorian Askew who accounted for 1,140 yards of offense has made to move to wide receiver.

“I like the progress Ryan has made starting back in the early part of the summer to this point,” commented his head coach. “I think the play of our offensive line in the two scrimmages has made him more comfortable back there, plus we have some kids that can catch the ball”.

Game time at Bear Stadium is 7:30 p.m., the contest can also be heard on WDLZ 98.3 beginning with the pregame show at 7:15 p.m.

Results will be in Saturday morning’s edition of the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald and can be found online at www.r-cnews.com Friday night.