By By BRIAN HAINES, Sports Writer
GREENVILLE - Sitting in East Carolina University’s Murphy Center, Plymouth coach Ulysses Hooker sat happily soaking in the atmosphere at Monday’s introductory meeting of this year’s NCHSAA sectional winners.
The Plymouth coach has every right to be pleased as he led his Vikings to the Class 1-A regional competition for the first time in his career.
After beating Gates County 40-27 for the sectional championship, Hooker reflected on his 18-2 season and said he his proud of how far the Vikings have come.
Hooker hopes his team can continue to defy the odds this Thursday when it plays Pender High School at 8:30 p.m. at J.H. Rose High School.
The Vikings coach admitted he was not familiar with the Patriots, but said that they are guaranteed to be a tough opponent.
Though they are facing an unfamiliar opponent, Hooker said his Vikings must stick to the same routine that got them this far.
Joining Pender and Plymouth in the East Region is Weldon (21-3) and East Bladen (22-6), who has made five straight trips to the sectional finals.
Weldon and Bladen will tip off Thursday at 7 p.m., right before the Plymouth, Pender game.
Thursday’s winners will play Saturday at 5 p.m. for the regional championship, and the right to advance to the state championship.