By Mike London [email protected] SPENCER — The only place where North Rowan football isn’t stout is sheer numbers.
The Cavaliers have speed and strength in abundance, but depth is a challenge for North as it is for almost all 1A programs. Lots of players must go both ways. Injuries hit harder than they do at larger schools.
The 3As and 4As have a next man up waiting his turn. North doesn’t have that luxury. That why a Swiss Army knife player like Yasir Wactor is so important for the Cavaliers.
“My role as a senior has been to be whatever my team needs me to be,” Wactor said cheerfully. “Whatever we need that night, I try to give it.” Wactor is about as versatile as it gets.
He was an All-Central Carolina Conference player as a junior offensive lineman. He played guard and tackle. As a senior, he’s been employed mostly on the defensive side of the ball.
He can play inside or outside on the defensive line. He still gets some snaps as a backup on the the offensive line, and the Cavaliers will even use No. 54 at fullback.
He’s carried 19 times for 87 yards and a touchdown. Wactor is a large man to be running the ball, but he’s learned to stay low and use his power to deliver the blow and punish tacklers. He’s eager for the chance to run the ball every time his number is called.
“He’s having another all-conference type of season,” North head coach Josh Sophia said. “He’s really made himself a very good defensive lineman. He’s one of ou.
