Blue Devils off to a promising start thanks to former Northside star

Duke's football team is off to a 2-0 start this season. The Blue Devils are ranked 21st in the country and a big reason why, and we do mean big, is former Northside of Jacksonville star Maurice McIntyre. Big number 71 is back from a lower leg injury that cost him most of last season.

And he's starting at left guard. He has helped pave the way for the Blue Devils offense which has put up 70 points in two games so far. Now they are getting ready for the SAT Bowl with Northwestern. Head Coach Mike Elko says having Big Mo from Jacksonville back healthy has been a bonus.

Another former ENC star is also making plays for the Blue Devils. Former Washington Pam Packer Terry Moore switched from running back to safety this year and number 23 racked up his first tackle for loss against Lafayette.

The Blue Devils will host Northwestern on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

NC State is hoping to rebound from their first loss of the season after Notre Dame pulled away late. Now the Pack gets ready to host VMI. It's a game that coach Dave Doeren hopes they can use to get better at scoring. Kickoff is at 2 p.m. at Carter Finley Stadium.

Wake Forest kicks off early again when they visit Old Dominion at noon. Unbeatens Minessota and UNC will play at 3:30. ECU visits App State at 3:30. Charlotte hosts Georgia State at 6 p.m.

NFL

The Panthers are getting ready for their home opener. The game will be a Monday Night Prime Time Game. bryce Young and the Cats will host the Saints. Coach Frank Reich says the rookie's debut was OK and he's hoping for plenty of improvement from Game 1 to Game 2. Kickoff is Monday night at 7:15 p.m.

Former Kinston star Derek Rivers is getting another shot with the Houston Texans. He is being promoted from the practice squad for this week's game against The Colts. Derek has not played in a Texans regular season game since Dec. 19, 2021. He was injured all of last year.

Baseball

The Down East Wood Ducks started the playoffs with a win in Zebulon.

Brock Porter, the Rangers number 4 pitching prospect, went five innings with eight strikeouts.

The Woodies can wrap up a semi-final series with a win at Grainger Stadium on Thursday night. First pitch is at 7 p.m.