Rivalry renewed: Rams excited about game against New Bern

Linebacker Robbie Hollister doesn't know what will happen on the field when the Havelock High football team hosts county rival New Bern Friday night. But, he does know what's going to happen in the stands.

"It will be full," he said. "It will be the biggest crowd I've every played in front of."

The crowds are back at Havelock High School, where the Rams are off to a 3-1 start to the season. Havelock has had three straight losing seasons, but there's more enthusiasm about the team this year, Hollister said.

"My dad used to ask last year where all the crowds were," Hollister said. "But this year, there's nowhere to sit. The stands are full. I'm hearing about football when I'm at work or out in town."

The Rams take on New Bern at 7 p.m. Friday at Havelock High. The Bears are the defending state 4-AA champs and have won the last seven against Havelock and 13 of the last 14.

But this year, Havelock players have a lot of confidence, especially after three straight victories.

"They're a good team, but I think we have more heart and we want it more than they do," junior R.J. Bryant said of the Bears.

New Bern is 2-1-1 on the season. The Bears last played Wilmington Laney, holding off the Buccaneers 22-18 on Sept. 12.

Havelock defeated Wilmington Laney 29-14 on Sept. 5.

One of the reasons for Havelock's improved play is its defense. The Rams allowed just one offensive touchdown each in victories over Laney and Jacksonville before limiting White Oak to 82 total yards in Friday's 19-0 victory.

"Defensively, we've stayed more disciplined," said Tré Jones. "All we need to do is keep doing what we've been doing and watch the deep ball."

The Havelock players are excited about this year's game against the Bears.

"We're pumped. I can't tell you how pumped we are," Hollister said. "I can't wait until Friday. The whole team can't wait."

A victory would not only end a seven-year losing streak to New Bern, but also give the Rams a 1-0 start in the Coastal Conference.

"It would mean a lot to win," Bryant said, "not just for us but for everyone in Havelock."