Cetnar, Ingram power Greene Central past North Lenoir in opener

LA GRANGE — Greene Central’s season opener was moved up because of Friday’s weather forecast, but the Rams did not wait to take control.

Greene Central scored 21 first-quarter points, answered North Lenoir’s second-half push and pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 49-20 win over the Hawks on Thursday night.

Greene Central quarterback Josh Cetnar completed 9 of 11 passes with three touchdowns and added a rushing touchdown. Donovan Ingram led the Rams’ ground game with 172 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries as Greene Central finished with 220 rushing yards.

“We left prolly two touchdowns on the field but anytime you put up almost 50... you are pleased with the win,” Greene Central coach Jay Wilson said.

The Rams led 21-0 after the first quarter and carried a 21-8 advantage into halftime. North Lenoir got on the board before the break when Connor Bryant connected with Marreo Bester on a 30-yard touchdown pass.

North Lenoir responded in the second half behind Jaylen Wooten, who carried 19 times for 247 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Wooten broke free for two runs of more than 40 yards as the Hawks cut into the deficit. Greene Central led 34-14 after the third quarter.

North Lenoir coach Justin Clark said the Hawks showed fight, but mistakes kept them from staying closer.

“I feel good with the way our kids fought, we gotta fix a lot of stuff,” Clark said. “If you take out all of the foolishness or the times were we hurt our selves, it get into a pretty close ball game were we can fight and compete.”

Penalties piled up in the second half, and Clark said the focus was trying to keep his team composed.

“I was just trying to get these kids to calm down and understand the brand of ball we are going to play,” Clark said.

Greene Central regained control in the fourth quarter. JoJo Sanders and Trey Bynum delivered late scoring plays, and Treylan Eatmon added an interception after also contributing sacks defensively. A potential pick-six by Eatmon was called back because of a penalty.

Bynum, who scored two touchdowns, said the Rams stayed confident late.

“I felt good, I felt confident in my team we were going to come out and do what we gotta do,” Bynum said.

Greene Central’s offensive line helped set the tone early, and captain Elijah Phillips said the Rams were able to regain control after the Hawks’ third-quarter response.

“I think we dominated pretty heavily,” Phillips said.

The matchup followed last year’s 55-0 result between the programs, but North Lenoir generated more offense this time behind Wooten’s rushing performance. Clark said Wooten gave the Hawks a needed spark.

“He does alot of stuff for us that can help us and tongiht her answered the call,” Clark said. “He is a fantastic footbal player, he is going to be a really good football player.”

Greene Central opens the season 1-0 and will host Goldsboro next. North Lenoir begins 0-1 and will host South Lenoir in a rivalry game next week.