Bunn, Franklinton, S. Granville pose threats in Northern Carolina

The Northern Carolina 2-A conference should be a strong overall league in 2014 with an improved Bunn Wildcat team leading the way.

David Howle’s squad went 8-5 last year and expects this team to be even more physical. The team has several running backs with prior experience that should help gain yards in the ground-heavy Wing-T offense. The Wildcats also have a sophomore quarterback in Quenten Wright who saw substantial time on varsity as a freshman.

Conference rival Franklinton typically has athletes all over the field but lost 23 seniors from a team that made the playoffs in 2013. The team has experience on the offensive and defensive line and a do-it-all linebacker in Shyheim Jones, who has started every game since his freshman year. Coach Jeremy Buck expects to give Jones carries at running back this year as well.

The South Granville Vikings lost a quarterback from a 9-3 team but running back Sean Bowman is one of the best players in the conference. He racked up 2,328 yards and 22 touchdowns on the ground in 2013. With just two other returning starters on offense and only three on defense, the Vikings hope to find leadership at skill positions that can carry them to the playoffs.

Up in Roanoke Rapids, the Yellow Jackets managed just two wins last year but return the majority of their team on both sides of the ball, including all-conference rusher Dejuan Walker and college-prospect kicker Caleb Pratt.

Warren County and Southern Vance will also hope for improvement in the tough league.