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Wayne County Focuses on Physicality for Upcoming Football Season

Wayne County High School football team practicing

News Summary

The Wayne County War Eagles prepare for a competitive high school football season, emphasizing physicality and resilience to establish themselves as a tough team. With a goal to restore their historical success and community pride, they aim to build on last year’s playoff victory. Key players and coaches highlight the importance of a strong offensive line and commitment to excellence as they face upcoming challenges, beginning with their season opener against Williamson High School.

Wayne County Prepares for Key Football Season with Focus on Physicality and Resilience

Wayne County is gearing up for the upcoming high school football season with a clear emphasis on physical dominance and resilience on the field. The War Eagles, the local high school team, aim to be recognized as the most aggressive and tough team during this competitive period.

Team Goals and Attitude

The War Eagles’ coaching staff and players have set a goal to establish a reputation for being a physically formidable team. Junior linebacker Anthony Mercer highlighted their strategy for the season, emphasizing their intention to overpower opponents through relentless physical play. Head coach Jack Hankins reiterated this vision, aiming to develop a team known for resiliency, never backing down, and consistently giving their best effort in every play.

Recent Momentum and Past Achievements

The team enters the season with increased confidence following a notable achievement last year—their first playoff victory since 2019. Despite facing injuries during the previous season, the War Eagles demonstrated resilience and determination, setting a positive tone for the upcoming games.

Strengths Anchored in Offensive Line

The team’s physicality is largely attributed to the strength of their offensive line, which Coach Hankins considers a core advantage. Senior running back Steve Morgan expressed confidence in this unit, stating that he enjoys running behind their protection. Morgan, who missed parts of the previous season due to an ankle injury, is motivated to lead by example this year. He emphasized that his performance is crucial, acknowledging that the team relies heavily on his efforts to succeed.

Player Motivation and Community Support

Morgan noted that his return is vital for the team’s success and reaffirmed his commitment, suggesting that the team’s fortunes start with his contributions. He also expressed hope that winning a playoff championship could revitalize community support, recognizing that the town is eager for a return to the glory days of the past, when Wayne County secured multiple state and regional titles.

Historical Context and Program Goals

Historically, Wayne County’s football program has enjoyed significant success, winning four state championships and eight district or region titles between 2002 and 2015. The current team aspires to elevate their performance and restore the program’s previous prominence by competing for top honors once again.

Team Identity and Community Expectations

Mercer expressed a desire to bring back the traditional character of the team, referencing the “old Wayne County, the old white and orange,” and emphasizing versatility and toughness on all sides of the ball. Morgan believes winning a championship could resonate deeply with the local community, potentially reigniting pride and enthusiasm for the program, noting that it has been a long time since the team secured a championship trophy.

Season Opener and Future Goals

Looking ahead, Coach Hankins reaffirmed that despite a successful last season, the team’s ultimate objective remains to compete in the state championship game and bring home a true “gold ball” title. The War Eagles will open their season at home on Friday, August 29, with a game scheduled to start at 7 p.m. against Williamson High School from Mobile, Alabama.

As preparations continue, the Wayne County War Eagles are focused on building a physically tough, resilient team that aims for high achievement and community pride through a strong and disciplined football program.

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STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER

VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and the American Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Virginia Beach, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense that power the local economy such as the Virginia Beach Convention Center and Northrop Grumman. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.

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