GRIDIRON GUIDE 2017

GRIDIRON GUIDE

WASHINGTON PAM PACK NORTHSIDE PANTHERS SOUTHSIDE SEAHAWKS ECU PIRATES Photo by ASHLEY VANSANT

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2C • Saturday, August 12 – Sunday August 13, 2017

Gridiron Guide www.TheWashingtonDailyNews.com

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Gridiron Guide

Saturday, August 12 – Sunday August 13, 2017 • 3C

4C • Saturday, August 12 – Sunday August 13, 2017

Gridiron Guide www.TheWashingtonDailyNews.com

WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL Change has been taking place in Washington. Just two short years removed from a trip to the state-championship game, the Pam Pack faces the challenge of rebuilding its winning culture.

New head coach Jon Blank, his additions to the coaching staff and players that have bought in are all dialed into taking the first step to getting back to championship contention. There will be growing pains as the Pam Pack strives to best its three-win 2016 season.

The season should still be an exciting one even as the roadblocks manifest themselves.

Returning quarterback Frederick Holscher will spearhead a fast-paced offense developed by new coordinator Perry Owens.

Meanwhile, Blank hopes to bring some consistency in the defense he has coached for years.

Washington entering a new conference compounds all these changes. The Pam Pack has to endure a tough non-conference schedule featuring Conley, Tarboro and Northside before meeting new league foes like Greene Central, Ayden-Grifton and West Craven.

Wins will be tough to come by this year, but the season will be judged years later by the foundation it establishes.

BY THE NUMBERS

POSITION BREAKDOWNS QUARTERBACK This time last year, with the season opener at Havelock mere days away, Frederick Holscher was just getting the news that he would be thrown into the starting quarterback role. This season, Holscher, has an entire offseason of work that let him learn the intricacies of Washington’s offense. The senior signal caller should get to demonstrate his passing abilities thanks to the strategy tweaks made by offensive coordinator Perry Owens.

OFFENSIVE LINE Washington will have a combination of athleticism and sheer mass to protect Holscher. With a varsity lineup consisting of almost entirely upperclassmen, the Pam Pack will have a deep group of linemen that allows it to effectively pass and rush block. Seniors Travon Campbell and Ethan Cooper bring the most size to the offensive front. There are also big juniors in Logan Nichols, Derian Machado Orozco and David Spain. Strong, athletic linemen include Chase Ambrose and Logan Craft. The line may struggle against bigger non-conference foes like Conley and Tarboro, but should be ample protection for Frederick Holscher, who has been working on distributing the ball quicker.

RUNNING BACK While the Pam Pack will try to air the ball out more this season, it traditionally moves the ball on the ground. Seniors Jaquez Ruffin and Hykeem Ruffin will be looked upon to lead a group of promising, younger athletes. Junior Quashawn Gaynor ranked third on the team last season with 135 rushing yards on 30 touches. Washington will hope Ka’ci Foreman can make a seamless jump to varsity after scoring 14 touchdowns on JV a year ago. Treyvon Nellums, Michael Clark and Montrice Selby will provide the Pam Pack with a bit more power out of the backfield. Expect a sort of committee approach to begin the season as the coaches hope to find a few playmakers to emerge.

WIDE RECEIVER Frederick Holscher proved last season he can make plays through the air. Nazzir Hardy, a senior who played mostly on the defensive side of the ball last year, has the skillset to become a go-to target.

He’s far from the only option, too. Fellow seniors Dawson Elks, Daniel Garrett, Davon Campbell and Cameron Allen give the Pam Pack experience at the position. The team also has junior Tyshawn Roberson making the transition to varsity. He scored 14 touchdowns on JV last season.

TIGHT END Seniors Cooper Anderson and Drew Ferguson look to combine their experience and skill to impact Washington’s rebranded offense. Anderson has been one of the Pam Pack’s most dynamic athletes. His strength and agility can let him break open for plays over the middle. The same is true for Ferguson, who caught three passes for 45 yards last year. As integral as Anderson and Ferguson are to the team’s defense, Mohammad Ashkar may also get his fair share of time on offense. The three will also be responsible for helping up front, which was an area of concern in 2016.

The number of returning players that had at least one catch last season. Should it want to take full advantage of Frederick Holscher’s arm, the Pam Pack will need receivers to collectively take the next step after losing Matt Black.

BEFORE THE SNAP COLORS: Blue, white STADIUM: J.G. “Choppy” Wagner Stadium CONFERENCE: 2-A Eastern Carolina Conference HEAD COACH: Jon Blank (Overall and at Washington: 0-0) OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Perry Owens STAFF: Kevin Chapman (OL, JV head coach), Dewayne Kellum (RB), Mark Freeman (WR), Jeremy Ambrose (TE), Mike Nichols (RB), Jerome Tyson (DT, JV defensive coordinator), Kent Hill (DB, JV defensive coordinator), Alex Heck (DE), Eric Peartree (LB), John Story (DB), Sam Crawford (LB), Jeff Mault (athletic trainer).

LAST CONFERENCE TITLE: 2015 RETURNING STARTERS: 4 offense, 5 defense PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB Frederick Holscher, RB/CB Jaquez Ruffin, WR/LB/DB Nazzir Hardy, ILB/RB Michael Clark, OL/DL Ethan Cooper.

RISING STAR

Junior running back and defensive back KACI FOREMAN is one of Washington’s most exciting, athletic prospects for this season.

As a sophomore on the junior-varsity squad, Foreman shredded opposing defenses. He’ll add depth and explosiveness to the Pam Pack’s ground game.

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DEFENSIVE LINE The Pam Pack lost some of its best players in terms of pressuring the quarterback. The same players that bring size on the offensive line will do the same on the defensive side of the ball. On the edges, Chase Ambrose and Drew Ferguson will bring strength and speed. Washington has lengthy athletes that will challenge opposing offensive lines

LINEBACKER A handful of seniors and a standout junior in Michael Clark will help round out Washington’s front this season. Clark ranked third on the team last season with 74 tackles. Cooper Anderson, who will be moving from defensive back to linebacker, notched 65 takedowns himself. The knowledge he gained from years of watching the defense from the back will help the linebackers and defensive line work as a cohesive unit. Uriah Lawrence had 61 tackles as a sophomore last season. The coaches expect him to take another step forward this year.

DEFENSIVE BACK Nazzir Hardy proved to be one of the Pam Pack’s biggest playmakers in 2016. He showed he has arguably the best hands on the team as he notched six interceptions during his junior campaign.

Washington will have plenty of athletic bodies in its defensive backfield. Junior-varsity standouts in Kaci Foreman and Tyshawn Roberson will be expected to contribute to coverage. Seniors Dawson Elks and Cameron Allen will also bring leadership to the table.

SPECIAL TEAMS Backup quarterback Hunter Hall will also man the kicking and punting duties for Washington this year. The team traditionally shies away from field-goal attempts, so his placekicking may be limited to kickoffs and point-after tries. When it comes to returning kicks and punts, there are a number of Pam Pack players like Jaquez Ruffin and Kaci Foreman that have shown the speed and shiftiness to be effective.

RESULTS

SCHEDULE

(3-8, 3-2 2-A Eastern Plains Conference) L at Havelock 38-0 L at Tarboro 28-0 L vs. Conley 44-7 L at Roanoke Rapids 26-18 L vs. Kinston 12-0 L vs. Plymouth 17-14 W at Farmville Central 21-10 W at Beddingfield 16-12 W vs. North Pitt 21-19 L at North Johnston 33-6 L vs. Southwest Edgecombe 44-20

Aug. 18 Aug. 25 Sept. 1 Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 27 Nov. 3

at East Carteret vs. Tarboro at Conley at Northside vs. Bertie at Greene Central* vs. North Lenoir* vs. Ayden-Grifton* at South Lenoir* vs. Kinston* at West Craven*

* denotes conference game

5C • Saturday, August 12 – Sunday August 13, 2017

Gridiron Guide www.TheWashingtonDailyNews.com

IMPACT PLAYERS CONFIDENCE IS KEY

PAM PACK’S LEADER IN A NEW ERA

By MICHAEL PRUNKA Washington Daily News

Photo by MICHAEL PRUNKA

A year ago, quarterback Frederick Holscher was easing his way into varsitylevel football. He was getting a firmer grasp on the system and developing synergy with the running backs.

Holscher was the backup quarterback. He knew that, with that job, he needed to be ready to go at any time. He didn’t expect that time to be mere days before Washington’s season opener at Havelock. It took some time for him to get accustomed to starting.

After all, he was thrown right into the fire that was the Pam Pack’s non-conference stretch. The season opened with road trips to Havelock and Tarboro — two of eastern North Carolina’s top teams. “(My mentality) is more relaxed. I know what I’m getting into now instead of getting thrown into it,” Holscher said. “… As the backup, you have to be prepared for that kind of thing, but it was kind of chaotic.”

It wasn’t until Week 3 against Conley that

COACH’S CORNER

Photo by ASHLEY VANSANT

“

It’s a new offense, so it’s going to have its growing pains. But, I love the up-tempo and I love the multiple formations. (Offensive coordinator Perry Owens) is doing a great job. At the same time, he’s scrimmaging against a pretty decent defense.

Holscher’s offense was able to find the end zone. It was a 22-yard dash by Suae Poe that gave the Pam Pack its first points of the season.

Holscher said it took four or five games last season until he felt like he settled into the role. Incorporating more passing into the offense helped him feel comfortable.

He threw for his first career touchdown in a loss to Plymouth. It was a 22-yard connection with Matt Black, who broke in behind a pair of defenders.

It was a tough season, though. That loss to the Vikings marked Washington’s fifth straight to open the season. There were still highlights along the way. The Pam Pack hit a stride and won its first three conference games. Holscher said his favorite memory from 2016 was hitting Nazzir Hardy for a 51-yard touchdown just before halftime of Washington’s homecoming win over North Pitt.

The senior signal caller has had an entire offseason to prepare for another season starting under center. He’s been able to

spend time with new offensive coordinator Perry Owens, who strives to bring a faster offense that lets Holscher move the ball through the air.

“It’s been a lot better this summer because I’ve been able to learn the plays and get most of the reps,” Holscher said. “…

(Owens) has really helped me with learning how to read the defense and make reads.”

The result is confidence.

“I think his confidence is 100 percent improved. He was thrown into the fire this time last year,” head coach Jon Blank said. “I don’t know that we prepared him correctly at that point. I don’t know that he was prepared, mentally, at that point. So, a year under his belt and a new system that he is pretty comfortable with, confidence is the biggest thing.”

One thing is for sure: Holscher is prepared this time around. He’s seen some of the toughest competition around.

It’s been his mission since the 2016 season ended to do all he can to lead Washington into this new era.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR 1. Washington looks to move the ball through the air more this season. Frederick Holscher is confident under center. He has plenty of targets at wide receiver and tight end, and can also opt to throw to running backs coming out of the backfield.

2. Running back and defensive back Jaquez Ruffin is a player that worked to claim the top spot on the depth chart during the early part of the preseason. Washington was able to use him in multiple spots on defense during the preseason, meaning he’ll bring depth to the unit.

3. Cooper Anderson moves from defensive back to linebacker for his senior season. He’s spent his high-school career watching the entire defense work from the back. Now he can use his leadership and experience to help run things from the middle of the field.

Photo by MICHAEL PRUNKA

PAM PACK ROSTER

NO. NAME 1 Kaci Foreman 2 Tyshawn Roberson 3 Hykeem Ruffin 4 Jaquez Ruffin 5 Ganeryan Parker 6 Frederick Holscher 9 Dawson Elks 10 Cameron Allen 12 Lamanz Koroma 18 Jahno Bryant 21 Quashawn Gaynor 22 Treyvon Nellums 24 Hunter Hall 28 Nazzir Hardy 30 Davon Campbell 32 Uriah Lawrence 34 Jamari Barnes 42 Montrice Selby 44 Michael Clark 45 Quota Hyman

POSITIONS RB, DB WR, DB RB, LB RB, WR, DB FB, DE QB, DB WR, DB WR, CB RB, LB WR, DB WR, DB, LB RB, DE QB, DE WR, OLB, DB WR, CB WR, RB, OLB WR, DB TE, DE RB, ILB RB, LB

YEAR Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr.

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HEIGHT 5-9 5-10 5-10 5-9 5-9 5-10 5-11 5-9 5-6 5-11 6-1 5-11 6-2 5-11 5-10 6-1 5-10 6-0 5-8 5-5

WEIGHT 155 165 210 152 191 164 129 155 148 160 175 179 181 175 144 190 137 182 195 175

NO. NAME 50 Treshon Smith 52 Derian Machado Orozco 55 Logan Craft 56 David Spain 60 Clay Brantley 62 Isaiah Bailey-Pope 64 Dylan Modlin 65 Saquan Hicklin 69 Chase Ambrose 70 Logan Nichols 72 Nigel Keyes 74 Ethan Cooper 75 Travon Campbell 78 Daniel Garrett 81 Cooper Anderson 84 Jare Jackson 88 Drew Ferguson 89 Mohammad Ashkar 99 Kavon Langley

POSITIONS OL, DT OL, DE OL, DE OL, DT OL, DT OL, DE C, LB OL, LB OL, DE OL, DT OL, DT OL, DT OL, DT OL, DT WR, ILB WR, DB TE, DE TE, DL OL, DT

YEAR Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr.

HEIGHT 5-6 5-10 5-11 5-8 5-5 5-10 5-8 5-6 5-10 5-9 5-9 5-9 6-1 5-8 6-0 5-10 6-1 5-8 5-10

WEIGHT 175 252 206 239 186 205 141 189 180 233 201 301 244 214 161 148 177 195 247

6C • Saturday, August 12 – Sunday August 13, 2017

Gridiron Guide www.TheWashingtonDailyNews.com

NORTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL Northside faces an offensive rebuild as it comes off of its best season in over a decade. The likes of Jackson Midgette and James Barrow helped the Panthers to an eight-win campaign that featured a firstround playoff win.

While they only return one starter on the offensive side, the Panthers have the tools to do some damage. Quarterback Matthew Marslender understands the ins and outs of the system. His synergy with center Zachary Griffin and a stout line in front of him should help plug players into increased responsibilities.

Defense will lead Northside for at least the early portion of the season. It returns significant talent among linebackers and in the secondary. That should also help give players like Johnathan Clark time to adjust to the increased workload.

The Panthers enter their first year in a tweaked 1-A Coastal Plains Conference.

The league loses a powerhouse in East Carteret, but gains another in Tarboro.

Other familiar foes joining the league include Riverside and South Creek.

There’s only one homestand on the schedule this season. South Creek and Tarboro visit Pinetown in the first half of October. Northside is going to have to play well on the road to pick up the wins needed to earn favorable seeding come the postseason.

BY THE NUMBERS

The percent of touchdowns (28 of 34) scored by last season’s senior class. Northside’s offense will need to put in a collective effort to replace the contributions made by feature players like Jackson Midgette and James Barrow.

BEFORE THE SNAP

POSITION BREAKDOWNS QUARTERBACK Northside loses mobile quarterback Jackson Midgette, but will have senior Matthew Marslender slotting into the signal-calling role. Marslender saw some snaps as Midgette’s backup last season.

He provided one of the season highlights when he gashed Jones Senior for a 43-yard, last-minute touchdown run to steal a 20-12 win. While Marslender doesn’t bring the same level of raw athleticism Midgette did, he does possess plenty of football sense. His knowledge of the system will help newer players make an easier transition into larger roles this season. Behind Marslender will be sophomore Carter Boyd.

OFFENSIVE LINE The Panthers’ talent on the offensive line will be key to helping their running backs adjust to taking on more responsibilities. It starts with center Zachary Griffin. His chemistry with Matthew Marslender and his leadership on the line will help the offense run smoothly. Senior guards Anthony Oro and Ryan Carawan also bring experience. At tackle, Gray Lewis (290 pounds), Samuel Aria (285) and Jon’Malik Foreman (315) will provide the raw power to create gaps.

RUNNING BACK Northside graduated its five-best rushers from last season — including James Barrow, who eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark. He and Midgette combined for over 1,600 yards and 22 touchdowns on the ground.

Johnathan Clark showed flashes of brilliance as a sophomore and should get more carries this year.

Senior Raydarius Freeman will provide Northside with a power option. A handful of other two-way players will help fill the void, making up what should be more of a committee approach than last year.

WIDE RECEIVER Passing isn’t a big part of what the Panthers do. Last season, a lot of the throwing they did was either to players out of the backfield or on trick plays. Even so, they have a handful of talented, albeit younger players at the receiver position this season. Senior Tyreck Brown will lead the group. At nearly 6-foot, he can use his athleticism and height to beat defenders in one-on-one scenarios.

TIGHT END The tight end position will provide Northside with another avenue to move the ball. The Panthers have two experienced, different players at the role in seniors Parker Boyd and Dawson Jackson. The strength Boyd has added since last season will let him block effectively, or make a catch in traffic and fight for yards. Jackson brings know-how to the position. He showed consistency as a junior in 2016.

He led a run-heavy squad with seven catches for 109 yards and a touchdown.

DEFENSIVE LINE Most of the offensive line will hold down the front on defense, too. Northside will have a healthy combination of size on the line and speed on the ends. Big Panthers like Jesse Black will help stop the ball from being run through the middle. Longer players like Ryan Carawan, Zachary Griffin and Raydarius Freeman — who will likely see time at linebacker and defensive end — will help curb the loss of Rhys Alligood.

LINEBACKER Northside appears to have more talent at linebacker than any other position. Seniors Cameron Cahoon and Parker Boyd return and will hope to build on a fantastic showing last year. Cahoon led the Panthers with 93 tackles, and Boyd ranked third with 69 tackles. On the outside, another senior in Raydarius Freeman showed his ability to get behind the line of scrimmage in 2016. His 5.5 tackles for loss were third best on the team. Dawson Jackson and a handful of other capable, younger players should add depth at the position, too.

COLORS: Black, white, silver STADIUM: Bing Mitchell Stadium CONFERENCE: 1-A Coastal Plains HEAD COACH: Keith Boyd (at Northside and overall: 45-81) STAFF: Walt Davis (defensive coordinator, QB, ILB), Sonny Robbins (assistant defensive coordinator, S, RB), Jay Mason (RB, CB), Ernie Cornelius (OL, OLB), Jason Adams (OL, DL), Chris Bollow (WR, DL), Jeronte Johnson (ILB, OL).

LAST CONFERENCE TITLE: 1992 RETURNING STARTERS: 1 offense, 5 defense PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB Matthew Marslender, MLB/TE Parker Boyd, DE/OLB Raydarius Freeman, RB/CB Johnathan Clark, C/LS/DT Zachary Griffin.

DEFENSIVE BACK Even though Northside lost two top defensive backs in Jackson Midgette and Chris Slade, this year’s secondary seems like a stronger group. Matthew Marslender will be a defensive leader just like he’s the leader on offense. Shikeem Carter and Tyreck Brown are two seniors at the cornerback position that, from an athletic standpoint, should be able to effectively cover opposing receivers. The Panthers also have another senior in Tyree Blount, and junior Johnathan Clark showed flashes of brilliance last year. With Marslender at strong safety, they also have Tanner Alligood at free safety to lock down the entire defensive backfield.

SPECIAL TEAMS Samuel Arias and Parker Boyd have been working toward filling the need for a kicker and punter.

From a coverage standpoint, Northside’s experience on defense gives it plenty of smart and athletic players that can contribute on special teams. The Panthers also have numerous athletic players that can return kicks, although it will be tough to replace the explosiveness brought by James Barrow.

RESULTS

SCHEDULE

RISING STAR

Junior JOHNATHAN CLARK was brilliant early on in the 2016 season. He had a 50yard pick-six in Northside’s season opener last year. He saw plenty of action on defense and special teams. The Panthers are hoping he can bring the same playmaking skills as he takes on more offensive responsibilities.

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2016 RESULTS (8-5, 3-2 1-A Coastal Plains Conference) W at Creswell 47-0 W vs. North Duplin 28-10 W at Southside 23-6 W vs. South Creek 24-7 L at Riverside 61-14 L vs. North Pitt 33-14 L vs. Southside 22-6 W at Pamlico County 34-16 W at Jones Senior 20-12 L at East Carteret 59-0 W vs. Lejeune 50-0 W vs. Rocky Mount Prep 61-12 L at North Edgecombe 16-14

Aug. 18 Aug. 25 Sept. 1 Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3

vs. Perquimans at North Duplin at Columbia vs. Washington at Manteo at Riverside* vs. South Creek* vs. Tarboro* at Southside* at Jones Senior* vs. Pamlico County*

* denotes conference game

7C • Saturday, August 12 – Sunday August 13, 2017

Gridiron Guide www.TheWashingtonDailyNews.com

IMPACT PLAYERS LOVING HIS ROLE

IT’S MARSLENDER’S SHOW TO RUN

By MICHAEL PRUNKA Washington Daily News Northside quarterback and safety Matthew Marslender is right where he likes to be. He watched over the defense last year, helping lead from the back of the secondary.

Now he inherits the keys to the offense after years of learning the system.

Even during baseball season, Marslender enjoys his role as catcher because he gets to watch the entire field from behind the plate.

“They’re very similar. I like seeing the whole field. It’s just like in baseball when I’m catching,” he said. “So, it’s nice to make calls and make sure everybody is in the right spot. It helps me out as a quarterback, too, by playing safety on defense. I’ve always got something going through my mind, and I’m looking everywhere.”

Head coach Keith Boyd added, “He’s always been a leader. That’s what you need at your quarterback spot.

He’s doing a great job for us.”

As he calls the shots on offense, Marslender will be tasked with following in the footsteps of Jackson Midgette and the prolific offense he quarterbacked. The Panthers only return one starter on that side of the ball. New faces and players taking on greater responsibilities means Marslender will have his hands full.

From a chemistry standpoint, though, the senior signal

caller feels good about the players around him. It starts with center Zachary Griffin snapping him the ball.

“When other centers get in, little things like that can mess up the offense,” Marslender said. “Zach being in there, it just goes smoothly.”

The Panthers have been mixing in plenty of players to fill voids at running back. It can be hectic for Marslender to see so many people come in and out of the backfield.

One of the players he’s enjoyed working with is Raydarius Freeman.

“I was a little nervous at first. He’s so big,” Marslender said of the 6-foot-3, 205-pound back. “He hasn’t really ran the ball. He’s really only played defense, but he’s worked hard in the weight room and got big. We’ve got a really good mesh.”

Marslender also mentioned Tyree Blount. Even though Blount is newer to the Northside program, he and Marslender played together in middle school.

When it comes to throwing the ball, Marslender is plenty comfortable. Walt Davis has joined the coaching staff, and is working hard with the Panther quarterbacks on their technique. It also helps that Marslender, standing at 5-foot-7, has a handful of quality tight ends to toss to.

“Coach Davis has been working hard with all the quarterbacks. I think all of us are getting better at throwing the ball,” he said. “… Tanner (Alligood) is a big target. I always like throwing to Tanner. Parker (Boyd), too. I guess

COACH’S CORNER

Photo by ASHLEY VANSANT

I’m a little, short guy and I pick the tall guys. They’re easy targets.”

The defensive situation is entirely different. Marslender is one of five returning starters. He has the strong safety role locked down, and will have Alligood by his side at the free safety spot.

Photo by ASHLEY VANSANT

THINGS TO LOOK FOR 1. With only one returning starter, Northside’s offense may take a few weeks before it’s firing on all cylinders. Quarterback Matthew Marslender knows the offense and has chemistry with key players, but getting everyone on the same page takes time.

“

2. Northside and Southside had been playing each other twice a season — once in conference, and once out of conference.

The Panthers and Seahawks will only meet once this year, but Northside added a local matchup against Washington.

We’re old, but we don’t have much experience, so it’s going to be a work in progress. … The new guys are old guys. They’re mature. They don’t play around as much. They listen and they’re picking things up quick.

3. South Creek and Riverside are now conference opponents for Northside. It faced both during non-conference play last year. The Panthers topped South Creek as part of their 4-0 start to 2016, but were thrashed by the Knights.

Photo by MICHAEL PRUNKA

PANTHERS ROSTER NO. NAME

5 7 10 11 14 15 20 21 22 23 24 31 32

Johnathan Clark Memphis Slade-Credle Jonah Jordan Matthew Marslender Carter Boyd Zakkai Wilson Tyree Blount Raydarius Freeman Cameron Cahoon Blake Cordon Tanner Alligood Alex Daleo Shikeem Carter

POSITIONS

CB, RB SS, WB CB, WE QB, SS QB, ILB FB, OLB CB, HB DE, OLB MLB, FB FS, WB FS, WB WR, OLB CB, HB

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YEAR HEIGHT WEIGHT

Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

6-0 5-6 5-9 5-7 5-11 6-3 5-11 6-3 5-10 5-10 6-1 5-10 6-0

160 160 170 160 160 195 180 205 160 180 170 150 175

NO. NAME

40 42 52 52 55 60 70 72 73 75 79 84 85

Clark O’Neal Parker Boyd Trent Linton Zachary Griffin Jesse Black Ryan Carawan Anthony Oro Samuel Arias Matthew Adams Gray Lewis Jon’Malik Freeman Dawson Jackson Tyreck Brown

POSITIONS

DT, TE MLB, RB G, ILB C, LS, DT T, DT G, DT G, OLB T, DT G, DT, C T, DT T, DT TE, OLB, WR CB

YEAR HEIGHT WEIGHT

So. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. So. Sr. Sr.

6-2 6-2 5-8 6-2 6-0 6-0 5-9 6-0 5-8 6-3 5-11 6-2 5-11

180 180 170 220 270 185 190 285 250 290 315 185 170

8C • Saturday, August 12 – Sunday August 13, 2017

Gridiron Guide www.TheWashingtonDailyNews.com

SOUTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL Southside is the mark of consistency when it comes to Beaufort County football.

Even after losing their quarterback and two most productive running backs in recent memory, the Seahawks were able to earn their second-straight trip to the regionalchampionship game last season.

It has everything to do with the team’s “next man up” mentality. Southside has been able to spend time developing those players that are the next to step up. Junior Will Warren has had two years to learn the offense, which remains relatively consistent year-to-year.

Other players — from Cody Modlin to Demetrius Ebron to Brandon Sullivan — have had plenty of time to slowly grow.

Most of the seniors that will factor into the Seahawk offense in 2017 have spent past years making plays on defense.

Southside’s defense will bring a mix of physicality and athleticism. Senior linemen Aiden Kelley and Teddy Minor will provide leadership up front. Sullivan appears to be among the team’s hardest-hitting players, and Demetrius Ebron brings speed and finesse to the secondary.

Top to bottom, Southside will field another strong team this year. Carrow and the Seahawks weren’t content last year after their regional-championship appearance in 2015. They’ll be looking to take another step forward once again.

BY THE NUMBERS

The number of tackles for a loss made last season by returning defensive players.

Pressuring quarterbacks and getting behind the line of scrimmage will again be a staple of the Seahawk defense.

BEFORE THE SNAP COLORS: Navy, teal, old gold STADIUM: The Nest CONFERENCE: 1-A Coastal Plains HEAD COACH: Jeff Carrow (at Southside and overall: 35-20) STAFF: Andrea Quinerly (defensive coordinator, assistant head coach), Kam Rouse (RB, JV offensive coordinator), Davelle Whitney (DB, JV defensive coordinator), David Dixon (LB), Johnny Sullivan (DL), Kenneth Grantham (QB), Stanley Dixon (WR), Sean White (athletic directory, stats), Charlie Clark (head manager), Otis Harrell (EMT), Sam Williams (EMT).

POSITION BREAKDOWNS QUARTERBACK Southside will have a new man under center for the second season in a row. Head coach Jeff Carrow let Will Warren and Grant Jensen battle it out over the summer, but Warren nabbed the starting role early in the preseason. He has an intricate knowledge of Southside’s wing-T offense. He thinks quickly on his feet, and his accuracy may let the Seahawks use their receiver corps to move the ball through the air more this year.

OFFENSIVE LINE Carrow has lauded senior linemen Aidan Kelley and Teddy Minor for the leadership they’ve displayed in the offseason. They bring a combination of know-how and size that will make them staples on the offensive line. Quinton Vick and Tyler Sparks — upperclassmen standing at 6-foot-3 and 6-foot, respectively — bring the length to make the offensive line versatile enough to run and pass the ball.

Robert Tello didn’t see much action during his sophomore campaign last year. If he can take the next step, his 6-foot-4, 289-pound frame can be a difference maker.

RUNNING BACK The ground game is Southside’s bread and butter. While Carrow hopes to throw the ball more than in the past, don’t expect much of a shift in the wing-T offense. With so many talented backs, the Seahawks will use a similar committee approach as last year. However, they’ll be without Zikijah Crawford and Kyle Hill, who combined for over 42 percent of the carries and over 1,800 yards. They’ll have a good mix of power from the likes of Brandon Sullivan and Trajan Rhome, and finesse from Jonquil Haywood and Amari Peele. Just like last season, any player is liable to erupt on any given Friday.

WIDE RECEIVER Not only does Southside have the quarterback to be able to move the ball through the air, they also have capable receivers to make it work. Demetrius Ebron, a senior who caught four passes for 95 yards last season, has some of the best hands in Beaufort County. Fellow senior Cody Modlin had the most receptions (seven) in 2016. Modlin and Ebron caught two touchdowns apiece in 2016. In addition to those standouts, all the running backs will be expected to make grabs out of the backfield.

TIGHT END Hunter Tyler, a 6-foot-4 senior tight end, showed notable improvements last year. He only had four catches for 63 yards last season, but also had a few passes just barely out of his reach. Combine his route-running abilities, length and another year of experience, and he should be an aerial threat over the middle. Senior Syheem Peele will be another player at the position able to bring extra blocking or make a catch over the top.

DEFENSIVE LINE Even with the loss of an impact lineman in Josh Keyes and the reliable Noah Trogdon, Southside’s defensive front appears to be as deep as ever. Teddy Minor and Quinton Vick led the Seahawks with 9.5 combined sacks last season. Aiden Kelley brings speed and power on the edge. Behind the handful of seniors is a slew of juniors boasting a mix of athleticism and size that are ready to see more time on the field.

LINEBACKER Southside is going to have some big shoes to fill after the graduation of top-notch linebacker and team captain Hunter Sparks. His 118 tackles led the team, and he also got in the backfield plenty for 11.5 tackles for loss. Brandon Sullivan, who tallied 52 takedowns in 2016, will be asked to build on an impressive junior year. Trajan Rhome and Tyler Jeter are two other seniors with plenty of experience at the position. They don’t bring the sheer size Sullivan does, but are speedy and able to get to the ball. At 6-foot, 225 pounds, sophomore Connor Kelley may be a player to look out for, too.

DEFENSIVE BACK Southside will have plenty of talent and leadership in its defensive secondary this season. Demetrius Ebron had 46 tackles — good for fifth best on the team — and three picks last season. His conditioning will be something to watch should he play more snaps on offense this year. Seniors Grant Jensen and David Vines at safety give the Seahawks experienced players in the back. Combine that with the plethora of athletic bodies able to play cornerback and safety, and Southside has plenty of depth.

Defensive coordinator Andrea Quinerly may find himself needing to send defensive backs on blitzes more often to make up for the loss of players up front that did well pressuring the quarterback.

SPECIAL TEAMS Southside has a pair of junior kickers in Santiago Serralde and Luke Matthews. The Seahawks generally opt for 2-point conversions over point-after tries, though. For kick returns, Amari Peele proved two years ago as a sophomore that he’s dynamic on special teams. Carrow and company have a plethora of athletic players they can field for returns.

RETURNING STARTERS: 6 offense, 4 defense LAST CONFERENCE TITLE: 2005 PLAYERS TO WATCH: DB/SE Demetrius Ebron, OLB/FB Brandon Sullivan, OL/DL Teddy Minor, QB Will Warren, DB/SE Cody Modlin.

RISING STAR

Sophomore JAMARI NELSON has to fill out his 6-foot frame to maximize his effectiveness, but showed as a freshman last season that he’s an opportunistic player with the ball in his hands. He scored twice in five appearances as a freshman last year.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

RESULTS

SCHEDULE

(10-5, 3-2 1-A Coastal Plains Conference) W W L L W W L W L W W W W W L

vs. North Duplin vs. Dixon vs. Northside at Riverside vs. Spring Creek at South Creek vs. East Carteret at Northside vs. Jones Senior at Lejeune at Pamlico County vs. South Creek vs. KIPP Pride vs. Northampton County at Plymouth

28-23 22-0 23-6 26-20 (OT) 20-18 41-16 26-0 22-6 36-30 58-0 66-12 8-0 60-8 39-12 7-2

Aug. 18 Aug. 25 Sept. 1 Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27

vs. Ayden-Grifton at Dixon at Perquimans vs. Gates County vs. North Duplin vs. Tarboro* at Pamlico County* at Jones Senior* vs. Riverside* vs. Northside* at South Creek*

* denotes conference game

9C •Saturday, August 12 – Sunday August 13, 2017

Gridiron Guide www.TheWashingtonDailyNews.com

IMPACT PLAYERS THE MAN

EBRON READY TO BE ALL-AROUND THREAT

By MICHAEL PRUNKA Washington Daily News Demetrius Ebron has a knack for going to wherever the football is. He was featured heavily on defense during his junior season a year ago. He came up with three interceptions and recovered four fumbles.

On offense, Ebron notched four catches — two of which resulted in touchdowns — on a run-heavy Southside team that only had 31 completions over 15 games.

Now, the dynamic Seahawk aims to become more involved with the offense.

He will be relied upon to lead the team on and off the field, as well. Southside’s mantra is “next man up.” Well, Ebron appears to simply be “the man” for this year’s team that has its sights set on following up consecutive trips to the regional-championship game.

Ebron has the raw athleticism and skill to make an impact anywhere on the field. Since last season, one of his most noteworthy strides has been evolving from a lead-by-example player to a vocal leader on both sides of the ball.

“There’s a lot more talking this year,” he said. “If somebody has a good play, or somebody does a bad play, it’s picking your teammates up. ‘Hey, keep your head up and keep your focus strong.’”

Head coach Jeff Carrow added, “As far as maturity since last year, we’ve really worked hard with him, leadership-wise, with him stepping up. He’s starting to become more vocal this year. He’s taking on a vocal-leadership role.”

In the past, Ebron let his play do the talking. He would speak up occasionally, but didn’t always need to last year. Now he’s a player Carrow and the coaches lean on.

“We were dragging a little bit in practice.

All I had to do was put a little bug in his ear, and he got the whole team hyped and ready to go,” Carrow said of an instance during the first week of the preseason.

“Practice picked up just like that.”

Communication is vital to Ebron’s role in the secondary. As a safety, he sees the way the Seahawks’ defense — which has been stout for the past few seasons — forms right in front of him.

Ebron said that watching film throughout the offseason and preseason has helped him hammer down the intricacies of Southside’s entire system. It’s important as he readies himself to be targeted more as a receiver.

“Me and Will (Warren) have got a really good connection. If I’m open, he just puts the ball where it needs to be,” Ebron said.

He flashed an impressive catch radius and the ability to maneuver in coverage when Southside took part in a 7-on-7 scrimmage at Riverside in late July. “It’s kind of coming naturally. I’ve still got to work on things here and there.”

The key is to stay the course. Maintaining focus on what’s made him a gamechanging defensive back will let him continue to excel on that side of the ball.

Carrow said Ebron had a strong summer from an offensive standpoint. He’s guided the team exactly how the coaches hoped he would.

Ebron is exactly the kind of player that can provide a spark in each game. Watch as the Seahawks rally around his actions and words.

Photo by MICHAEL PRUNKA

COACH’S CORNER

Photo by ASHLEY VANSANT

THINGS TO LOOK FOR 1. Like last season, Southside has different options in the backfield. Someone like Brandon Sullivan brings power, while Amari Peele is more effective in breaking into open space. Last season featured a committee approach, but Zikajah Crawford showed the most consistency. Who will end up being the most reliable running back?

“

We want to be disciplined, and we want to be crisp with what we’re doing. … We want to be ahead of where we’ve been in the past few years. Especially offensively, I feel like we’ve got a number of returning guys that got some playing time. I feel like we should be ahead of defense.

2. Demetrius Ebron may have the best hands in Beaufort County, and Cody Modlin is a reliable receiver. With targets available, Southside may use Will Warren’s arm to move the ball through the air more than it would have in the past.

3. Head coach Jeff Carrow has lauded Teddy Minor and Aiden Kelley for their leadership qualities. With the loss of linebacker Hunter Sparks, those two will important in helping to direct Southside’s defense.

Photo by MICHAEL PRUNKA

SEAHAWKS ROSTER NO. 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 20 21 22 25 28 31 33 34 35

NAME Trajan Rhome Taiwan Ebron Grant Jensen Shamari Walters Yahkiel White Amari Peele Trey Carter Brandon Sullivan Hundley Stallings Jamari Nelson Demetrius Ebron Will Warren Richard Shavender Jamison Bennett Jonquil Haywood David Vines Xavior Simmons Chris Brinkley Cody Modlin Dominic Howard Hayden Mayo Carlos Casiano

POSITIONS DL, OL, LB RB, SE QB, S DB, SE DB, RB RB, DB, ATH RB, LB OLB, FB QB LB, RB FS, SE QB, FS LB, TE SS, RB RB, DB RB, S DB, RB DB, SE DB, SE RB, LB LB, OG LB, RB

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

YEAR HEIGHT WEIGHT Sr. 6-0 176 Sr. 5-9 136 Sr. 5-11 147 Sr. 6-0 160 Sr. 5-8 130 Jr. 5-11 182 Sr. 5-8 175 Sr. 6-0 215 Fr. 5-8 155 So. 6-0 158 Sr. 5-10 160 Jr. 6-2 154 Jr. 5-11 143 Sr. 5-8 158 Jr. 5-7 149 Sr. 5-10 153 So. 5-7 140 Jr. 5-8 149 Sr. 5-8 135 Sr. 5-5 150 Jr. 5-9 153 Jr. 5-7 167

NO. 40 43 50 52 54 55 56 60 62 63 65 66 70 74 75 77 79 80 83 90 99

NAME Marcus Jones Shyheem Peele DQ Gorham Quinton Vick Teddrion Minor Connor Kelly Aidan Kelley Josh Rowe Tyler Jeter Dawson McKay Tyler Sparks Dequan Wiggins Chris Waters Colby Curlings Jarrett O’Neal Robert Tello Iverson Peller Hunter Tyler Mike Davenport Santiago Serralde Luke Matthews

POSITIONS DE, RB LB, TE LB, OL DE, OL DL, OL T, DT OL, LB, DE DE, OL LB, OL DE, OL OL, DT DL, OL OL, DT OL, DT DT, G OL, DL OL, DL TE, DE DB, SE K K

YEAR HEIGHT WEIGHT Jr. 6-0 189 Sr. 6-0 191 Jr. 5-11 205 Sr. 6-0 186 Sr. 5-8 222 So. 5-11 231 Sr. 6-0 205 Jr. 6-0 193 Sr. 5-11 185 Jr. 5-10 182 Jr. 6-0 200 Jr. 5-10 255 Jr. 5-8 189 So. 6-0 220 Sr. 5-0 178 Jr. 6-4 289 So. 5-10 269 Jr. 6-3 185 Sr. 5-8 119 Jr. 5-6 120 Jr. 5-9 158

10C • Saturday, August 12 – Sunday August 13, 2017

Gridiron Guide www.TheWashingtonDailyNews.com

EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY East Carolina’s 2016 season was riddled with growing pains in every phase of the game. It seemed one side of the ball would shine one week and then struggle the next. The Pirates enter this year intent on finding some degree of consistency.

Scottie Montgomery enters his second year at the helm of the program. While he impressed on the recruiting trail over the summer, fans are clamoring for tangible proof of improvement after a three-win showing last year.

Washington product Jimmy Williams leads an always-impressive receiving corps. Whether it’s Gardner Minshew or graduate transfer Thomas Sirk slinging the ball, Williams will be one of many targets available.

Defensively, the Pirates will be able to field plenty of playmakers. Jordan Williams embarking on his senior year as the leader of a defense implementing a new scheme. ECU’s secondary is arguably its strongest unit, and the defensive front will look to use upgraded depth to improve.

The schedule will be unforgiving. ECU’s season opens with defending FCS champion James Madison.

The non-conference portion also features Virginia Tech, BYU and West Virginia. The Pirates struggled in the American Athletic Conference and were picked to finish near the bottom again.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR 1. ECU’s eight sacks last year ranked last in FBS football.

There isn’t quite an impact player on the defensive line, but the hope is added depth and an aggressive mindset will help pressure the quarterback.

2. Derrell Scott and Tyshon Dye have impressed during preseason camp. The Pirates have other running backs like Devin Anderson and Hussein Howe that are ready for more touches, but it will be hard to crack what could be largely a two-man rotation.

3. Gardner Minshew and Thomas Sirk will battle for the starting quarterback role throughout camp.

Scottie Montgomery has been insistent that he wants one quarterback to have the job, but Sirk proved to Montgomery while at Duke that he’s a red-zone threat.

BY THE NUMBERS

The number of graduate students on the roster. ECU hopes maturity will help find some success now while younger players at positions like defensive line and running back continue to gain experience. Six of the graduate students are transfers, so their experience on the gridiron should help them adjust to a new program quicker.

POSITION BREAKDOWNS QUARTERBACK Part-time 2016 starter Gardner Minshew and Duke transfer Thomas Sirk are battling to determine who will start at quarterback on Sept. 2 when ECU hosts James Madison. Minshew saw some starting action in 2016. This offseason marked his first chance to slow down and figure out the ins and outs of the Pirate offense. Sirk, on the other hand, is a dual threat. The coaching staff said the 23-year-old former Blue Devil is 100 percent after a slew of Achilles tendon injuries. While head coach Scottie Montgomery said he wants one man at quarterback, Sirk can be a red-zone threat should Minshew win the starting role.

OFFENSIVE LINE Montgomery tabbed junior Garrett McGhin as the leader of this offensive line. The hope is that not only can this front protect the quarterback better, but also improve on its pass protection. Montgomery wants to see the ball get out quicker. Brandon Smith, at 6-foot-8 and 327 pounds, brings size and length to the right tackle position. Those two are more mature players, but the coaches are also looking for sophomore D’Ante Smith to take the next step at left tackle. He is one of a handful of younger players that could add depth to the offensive line.

RUNNING BACK Two transfers appear to be the front runners in the Pirate running back committee. Clemson graduate transfer Tyshon Dye has dazzled with his shiftiness during the early parts of the preseason. Montgomery said the 5-foot-11, 220-pound back has the feet of a 180 pounder. Eastern North Carolina product Derrell Scott, who played his high school football at Havelock, has cut his body down to a lean 194 pounds. His vision and explosiveness made him one of the standouts of the spring scrimmage. Behind those two are other capable players like Devin Anderson and Hussein Howe. Anthony Scott was ruled academically ineligible for the season.

WIDE RECEIVER Trevon Brown got his academics cleaned up to be eligible this season, but has been hampered since spring with a lingering injury. His status remains up in the air, which changes the landscape of the receiving corps. Brown brings explosiveness as a deep threat. The Pirates still boast an impressive collection of pass catchers. Pam Pack product Jimmy Williams was a strong complement to Zay Jones in 2016. Without Brown, Williams will slot into the No. 1 role. He’ll have other playmakers like Davon Grayson lined up opposite of him, and Quay Johnson in the slot. Others, like a lengthy Terrell Green, are fighting for increased responsibilities.

TIGHT END Montgomery and company hope that senior Stephen Baggett can revitalize a group that was quiet last year. Montgomery believes that Baggett’s experience in the system will help him understand exactly what the position means to the offense. Baggett is a player that got to learn under Bryce Williams, who was recently signed to the Carolina Panthers. ECU has another senior tight end in Devin Carlos.

The Pirates are also hoping to see growth from sophomore Anthony Watley.

DEFENSIVE LINE Over the course of one year, ECU’s defensive line went from being a trouble area to one of its deeper positions. Junior college and graduate transfers will help fill gaps and add immediate help as a young group of linemen matures. Gaelin Elmore — a 6-foot-6, 275-pound Minnesota transfer — is expected to take on a key role on the defensive front. Two other graduates in Mike Myers and Randall Anderson add experience. ECU’s defensive line was worn down during the latter stages of the season because of lack of depth. Montgomery hopes to see roughly twice as many players see significant action this season so the entire unit is fresher come November. Junior Yiannis Bowden is academically ineligible.

LINEBACKER ECU’s defense is shifting to a 4-2-5 scheme so as to cover more space in the secondary. The change will help keep fresher linebackers on the field. However, pressuring the quarterback was a weak point of the front last season, so aggression will be a point of emphasis. Jordan Williams will be running the show on defense. The Fayetteville native led the Pirates in tackling in 2016. Defensive coordinator Kenwick Thompson said Williams spent a lot of last season learning on the job, so he and Montgomery are expecting a big campaign from the senior. He and Ray Tillman will see a lot of the field, but also have a handful of capable upperclassmen behind them.

DEFENSIVE BACK The amount of talent in the secondary is one of the reasons for the change to a 4-2-5 scheme. Pirate mainstays Corey Seargent and Bobby Fulp look to lead a group featuring a number of transfers and younger players. Fulp seemed locked into the strong-safety role in camp while Korrin Wiggins, formerly of Clemson, slotted in at free safety during camp. That leaves Auburn transfer Tim Irvin, who sat out last season, to be moved around. The likes of graduate transfer Travon Simmons and sophomore Colby Gore add more than just depth.

SPECIAL TEAMS Sophomore Jake Verity was ready to handle placekicking and punting duties this season. The Pirates ended up locking down Eastern Michigan graduate transfer Austin Barnes before camp started up. He’s impressed with his punting early in the preseason. When it comes to the return game, Montgomery and coordinator Shannon Moore are committed to finding the most athletic players to put in the back fielding punts and kickoffs. They hope focusing on fundamentals and learning from last year will help provide the consistency that was absent in 2016.

BEFORE THE SNAP COLORS: Purple, gold STADIUM: Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium CONFERENCE: American Athletic Conference

RESULTS

SCHEDULE

HEAD COACH: Scottie Montgomery (Overall and at ECU: 3-9) OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Tony Peterson DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Kenwick Thompson STAFF: Ryan Anderson (ILB), Keith Gaither (WR), Brandon Lynch (DB), Shannon Moore (special teams, TE), Jason Nichols (RB), Robert Prunty (DL), Geep Wade (OL).

LAST CONFERENCE TITLE: 2009 RETURNING STARTERS: 6 offense, 6 defense PLAYERS TO WATCH: WR Jimmy Williams, LB Jordan Williams, OL Garrett McGhin, DB Corey Seargent, DE Gaelin Elmore

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

(3-9, 1-7 American Athletic Conference) W W L L L L L W L L L L

vs. Western Carolina vs. N.C. State at South Carolina at Virginia Tech vs UCF at USF at Cincinnati vs UConn at Tulsa vs SMU vs. Navy at Temple

52-7 33-30 20-15 54-17 47-29 38-22 31-19 41-3 45-24 55-31 66-31 37-10

Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 Nov. 4 Nov. 11 Nov. 18 Nov. 25

vs. James Madison at West Virginia vs. Virginia Tech vs. USF* vs. Temple* at UCF* vs. BYU at Houston* at Connecticut* vs. Tulane* vs. Cincinnati* at Memphis*

*denotes conference game

11C • Saturday, August 12 – Sunday August 13, 2017

Gridiron Guide www.TheWashingtonDailyNews.com

IMPACT PLAYERS JIMMY WILLIAMS FAITH, EFFORT, RESILIENCE

By MICHAEL PRUNKA Washington Daily News Jimmy Williams has been preparing for this since his days in the blue and white at Washington. His days as Pam Pack quarterback gave him the drive to be a goto playmaker in Division I college football.

Now, in his final season of eligibility, Williams enters 2017 as East Carolina’s top receiver. He ranked second behind secondround draft pick Zay Jones with 45 catches for 818 yards, and his eight touchdowns tied Jones for best on the team.

Williams has one of the top receiver jobs locked down. He’s had the mindset of being a top guy, but practices and plays like he always has something to prove.

“I never practice that way. I go out and give my full, everything I’ve got in everything I do,” Williams said. “… I’m going to bring it every single day as if I’m not starting. That’s

how I like to live as far as the football field goes. You’ve got to practice like you’re a two or you’re a three. That’s the only way you’re going to get better.”

And he has gotten better. Williams, a former walk on, earned a scholarship in 2014. With Jones lined up opposite him, Williams was able to gash opposing defenses for an average of 18.2 yards per catch in 2016. Now he has another experienced pass catcher in Davon Grayson beside him, and Quay Johnson dashing through the slot. There are numerous targets on the field, but Williams knows he had to continue improving to shoulder the responsibilities of being the No. 1 receiver.

As important to working his way to the success he enjoyed last season was staying healthy. Williams has struggled with injuries since high school. In fact, last season would have been his last if not for a medical-hardship waiver granted by

the NCAA. “To get through that, that’s why you have your teammates,” Williams said. “You go down, they were calling me and texting me. Coaches were calling me, texting me, making sure I’m at meetings and at lifts.

They were keeping me around even though I wasn’t playing. I feel like that kept me up a lot.

“Even my friends back at home. They talked to me and told me I’d be all right.

My mom, just telling me to keep my faith.

I just feel like, when I did get hurt, I would get down. The people I had around never allowed me to lose my faith.”

Faith, skill, and a lot of hard work have led Williams to this point. His athleticism, work ethic and leadership are the perfect storm to make this ECU receiving corps even better than last season’s that was led by college football’s most prolific pass catcher.

JORDAN WILLIAMS HOW TO COMMUNICATE

By TORI POOLE For the Daily News It’s said that offenses win games, but the defense wins championships. This season, East Carolina is putting this to the test as they move to a 4-2-5 defensive scheme with returning linebacker Jordan Williams leading the way.

The new system isn’t actually all that new.

The Pirates rolled it out in the spring. Before then, it was a package they’d use in thirddown situations.

This scheme will be taking a linebacker out of the formation and adding an extra defensive back. Several ECU coaches said that the idea was to have the best athletes on the field, and this defensive scheme allows that to happen.

“We want to try and get our best football players on the field,” defensive coordinator Kenwick Thompson said. “It’s not about what we play, it’s more about how we play. We want to play fast and physical, smart and create turnovers and takeaways.”

Senior linebacker Jordan Williams will lead those changes. He began his collegiate career

at Shaw University in 2013 before transferring to ECU in 2014. In his first season with ECU, Williams played in nine games primarily with special teams, but he quickly made his way into a starting linebacker spot in 2015 with 10 starts at the “buck” inside-linebacker position.

After leading the Pirates in tackles (77) last season, Williams has secured his spot on the field in 2017. Head coach Scottie Montgomery said that his communication skills have also improved, which will help on the field.

“Last year, (Williams) knew what to communicate, now he knows how to communicate it,” Montgomery said. “Whether he’s demonstrative or he’s helping somebody, bringing them up, or bringing the safety up or sending the safety back, he knows how to get it done now.”

During his junior campaign, Williams tallied two games with double-digit tackles: 10 against Western Carolina and 12 against Southern Methodist. He also picked up a sack against American Athletic Conference rival, Connecticut.

As a senior, Williams has stepped into a leadership role on the team, and he said that he embraces it.

“I’d say that being an older guy, the younger guys follow you automatically,” Williams said.

“So I just embrace that role. I take it on and lead the team.”

Although change can sometimes come with doubts, Williams said that he feels the change to the defensive scheme will be positive for the team and lead to more wins in the 2017 season.

“I feel like, defensively, we set a few plays so guys know what they’re doing so we can go 100 percent,” Williams said. “I feel like that’s definitely going to help us win ball games this year.”

When it comes to Williams, coaches have said that he has embraced his role as a leader. With any kind of change on the field, that leadership will be important in the Pirates’ success in 2017.

“He looks and he sees all the young guys, and that was him a couple years ago.

He looks around and he sees that,” inside linebackers coach Ryan Anderson said. “That was the biggest thing I challenged him with this offseason. I told him, ‘You’re going to be a leader this year. It’s your time.’ And he’s done a great job running with it.”

ECU ROSTER

No. Name 1 Deondre Farrier 1 Tim Irvin 2 Kingsley Ifedi 2 Xavier Smith 3 Anthony Scott 3 Travon Simmons 4 Malik Gray 5 Gardner Minshew 5 Corey Seargent 7 Jordan Williams 8 Tahj Deans 8 Bobby Fulp 9 Reid Herring 9 Jake Verity 10 Yiannis Bowden 10 Thomas Sirk 11 Blake Proehl 12 Cannon Gibbs 12 Mydreon Vines 13 Davondre Robinson 14 Travis Phillips 15 Terrell Green 20 Austin Teague 20 Ockwan Tyson-Hart 21 Ray Tillman 22 Tyshon Dye 22 Marcus Holdton, Jr. 23 Quay Johnson 24 C.J. Maybin 24 Derrell Scott 25 Devin Anderson 26 Colby Gore 27 Darius Pinnix

Position WR DB QB DB RB DB WR QB DB ILB WR, RS DB QB, RS PK/P DE QB WR ILB WR DB DB WR DB WR ILB RB DB WR ILB RB RB DB RB

Year So. So. Fr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Fr. So. Jr. Grad.

Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Grad.

Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Fr.

Ht. 6-1 5-9 6-3 6-2 5-9 5-10 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-0 6-2 6-4 6-3 6-1 6-5 6-4 6-1 6-2 6-1 6-0 5-11 6-4 6-0 5-8 6-1 5-11 6-0 5-10 6-4 5-11 5-9 5-11 6-0

Wt. 185 192 214 189 190 188 197 216 168 222 186 204 180 170 227 220 170 230 170 190 178 208 191 173 207 220 165 184 229 194 208 172 225

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

No. 28 30 31 32 33 34 35 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62

Name Hussein Howe Joe Carter Keyshawn Canady Trace Christian Rowe Mellott Devin Carlos Chris Love Trevian Hicks Bruce Bivens Delvontae Harris Nate Harvey Tony Baird Devon Sutton Dedrick Hawkins Eric Weber Kendall Futrell Kenyon Taylor Chance Purvis Anthony Ratliff Anthony Gutierrez Ben Norris Shaun James Aaron Ramseur Dqmarcus Shaw Ja-Quane Nelson Garrett McGhin Tyree Owens Taijh Alston John Spellacy Chandon Hickerson Austin Lee Colton Oliver Brandon Smith

Position RB ILB DB, RS RB DB TE DB DB ILB DB RB ILB DB DB TE DE DB, RS DE, RS LS ILB ILB DT ILB, RS OL DL OL DL DE OL DE, RS OL, RS LS OL

Year So. Jr. Fr. Fr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Jr. So. So. So. So. So. Fr. Fr. So. Sr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Sr.

Ht. 5-9 6-2 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-1 5-10 5-11 6-0 6-0 6-1 6-3 5-11 6-2 6-2 6-2 6-2 6-4 6-0 6-2 6-3 6-4 6-1 6-4 6-3 6-6 6-4 6-4 6-1 6-3 6-1 6-3 6-8

Wt. 183 223 188 220 180 261 170 208 220 185 223 232 198 200 236 230 198 226 208 227 225 274 213 316 280 327 285 212 285 231 287 280 327

No. 63 64 66 67 68 70 73 74 75 76 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98

Name Jaison Fournet Des Barmore Erik Lenzen D-Ante Smith Jack Doyle Cortez Herrin Matt Morgan Justin Sandifer Sean Bailey Branden Pena Messiah Rice Dalton Montgomery Anthony Watley Jimmy Williams Jayden Borders Cam Marshmon Leroy Henley Davon Grayson Stephen Baggett Michael Swift Trevon Brown Raequan Purvis Randall Anderson Caleb Pratt Mike Myers Jalen Price Alex Turner Bennett Boateng Kiante Anderson Demage Bailey Brandon Henderson

Position OL, RS OL OL OL OL, RS OL OL OL OL, RS OL OL OL TE WR WR WR WR WR TE TE WR DT, RS DE PK DT DT DT DT DE DT DL

Year Fr. Jr. Jr. So. Fr. So. Fr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Jr. So. So. Sr. Fr. So. Fr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr.

Ht. 6-1 6-6 6-5 6-4 6-4 6-3 6-5 6-5 6-6 6-2 6-5 6-6 6-3 5-11 5-11 5-9 6-1 6-2 6-5 6-3 6-2 6-2 6-4 6-3 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-1 6-4 6-5 6-5

Wt. 292 333 292 336 256 346 276 295 328 286 294 275 233 198 176 159 187 187 247 233 211 278 257 197 283 299 287 305 243 294 275

12C • Saturday, August 12 – Sunday August 13, 2017

Gridiron Guide www.TheWashingtonDailyNews.com

Get back to the life you love Rely on our experts to keep you at your best Vidant Orthopedics in Washington offers comprehensive orthopedic care serving Beaufort County and surrounding communities. We feature a patient-and-family-centered approach offering a wide range of office and hospital-based services. Our specialists will get you back to doing the things you love.

Our providers offer total joint replacement, sports medicine, fracture care, trauma care, arthritis surgery, arthroscopic surgery, foot and ankle care as well as treatment for a variety of bone and joint injuries for adults and children.

Meet our providers

James Barwick, MD

Richard Couch, DO

Accepting new patients. Schedule an appointment at 252-946-6513.

1207 Highland Drive, Washington VidantHealth.com

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

David Baker, PA

Richard Lovenburg, PA

Jennifer Richardson, FNP