Gridiron guide 2014

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2014

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE

WASHINGTON DAILY NEWS

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Washington Pam Pack Northside Panthers Southside Seahawks Other area teams

COLLEGE FOOTBALL East Carolina Pirates Atlantic Coast Conference

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10C • Friday, August 22, 2014

Football www.TheWashingtonDailyNews.com

ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE By the Associated Press

Here are 10 things to watch while the ACC prepares for another season:

ENTER LOUISVILLE, EXIT MARYLAND: Fast-rising Louisville is in the ACC after founding member Maryland left for the Big Ten.

When I say “good,” you say “neighbor.”

The Cardinals seem to have the players — and the resources — to remain competitive during their step-up in competition.

PRODIGAL PETRINO: The new coach for the ACC’s newest team isn’t really all that new: Bobby Petrino is back in charge at Louisville. He took a circuitous path that included a messy scandal at Arkansas to lead him back to the Cardinals.

THE GOLDEN DOME: This is the first year of Notre Dame’s scheduling arrangement with the ACC. The independent Irish play four games against ACC schools as part of their membership in all other sports the league sponsors. Notre Dame will play host to North Carolina and Louisville, will visit Florida State and

will face Syracuse in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

QB QUESTIONS: Only four schools return their full-time starting quarterbacks from 2013, and only one of those players (Duke’s Anthony Boone) started a game before 2013. The QB with the most career starts? Winston, the redshirt sophomore who started all 14 games of the Seminoles’ national title run.

CLOUDY COASTAL: The Coastal Division could be a crapshoot.

Miami was voted as the preseason favorite even though both defending champ Duke and North Carolina each received more first-place votes than the Hurricanes. “I believe anybody can win it,” Tar Heels coach Larry Fedora said.

MIAMI’S DUKE RETURNS: Miami running back Duke Johnson says he’s at 100 percent after breaking his ankle last season against Florida State. Johnson appears to be the league’s top offensive player not named Jameis Winston.

DUKE REDUX? What can Duke do for an encore? The Blue Devils are coming off the best season in school history — winning 10 games, claiming the Coastal title, finishing at No. 23 in the AP Top 25 and reaching the Chick-fil-A Bowl.

ACC Coach of the Year David Cutcliffe says he believes his program is getting stronger.

REALLY SPECIAL TEAMS: ACC teams combined to return 16 kickoffs and punts for touchdowns last season, and North Carolina’s Ryan Switzer tied an

NCAA single-season record with five punt returns for scores.

SECOND TIME AROUND: Both Pittsburgh and Syracuse went 7-6 and reached low-level bowl games in their debut ACC seasons. They both want to do more in Year 2. Said Pitt coach Paul Chryst: “As proud as we are to be members of the ACC, our goal and objective is to make an impact on it.”

BIG GAMES: There are a few marquee nonconference games early in the ACC season.

Florida State opens with Oklahoma State in Irving, Texas, while Clemson heads to Georgia.

The following week, Virginia Tech visits Ohio State, and later, Southern California heads to Boston College and Miami travels to Nebraska.

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Football

Friday, August 22, 2014 • 11C

NC STATE WOLFPACK WR CONSISTENCY: Sophomores Bra’Lon Cherry, Jumichael Ramos and Marquez Valdes-Scantling must grow into reliable targets. Doeren said Cherry has been the most improved among last year’s young receivers, while January enrollee Bo Hines could contribute as a freshman.

MORE DBS: N.C. State will use a 4-25 defensive formation as its base scheme this year. Doeren said adding that fifth defensive back will get more speed on the field. “I know we love getting more

DBs on the field,” Tocho said. “We’re looking forward to the switch. We’ve adapted well in practice.”

RUN DEFENSE: Will the Wolfpack be able to stop the run? N.C. State was next-to-last in the ACC in rushing defense (180.2 yards per game) but gave up a league-worst 5 yards per carry — a total inflated by Boston College’s Andre Williams running for 339 yards in a 38-21 win. N.C. State allowed a 100yard rusher in each of its last three games.

FINISHING GAMES: The Wolfpack certainly had chances to avoid that winless ACC record. N.C. State was tied with Syracuse midway through the fourth quarter before yielding two touchdowns. It trailed rival North Carolina 21-19 entering the fourth but couldn’t rally. It led at Duke 20-17 with 6½ minutes left before giving up three touchdowns in 26 seconds. “Our main focus is finishing,” McGill said, “because that’s what we didn’t do last year and that’s what gave us the record we had.”

EARLY CONFIDENCE: N.C. State needs a good start. Doeren’s team opens at home against Georgia Southern and Old Dominion, then travels to South Florida (2-10 last year) followed by a home game against Presbyterian.

Things get tougher from there, starting with a visit from reigning national champion Florida State and Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston on Sept. 27. There’s also trips to Atlantic Division opponents Clemson, ACC newcomer Louisville and Syracuse in that five-game stretch.

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12C • Friday, August 22, 2014

Football www.TheWashingtonDailyNews.com

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2C • Friday, August 22, 2014

GRIDIRON GUIDE

2014

Football www.TheWashingtonDailyNews.com

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Football

Friday, August 22, 2014 • 3C

PLYMOUTH

RIVERSIDE

SOUTH CREEK

2013 RECORD: 14-1 (6-0) CONFERENCE: COASTAL TEN COACH: ROBERT CODY

2013 RECORD: 8-5 (5-1) CONFERENCE:TWO RIVERS COACH: ASIM MCGILL

2013 RECORD: 1-10 (0-5) CONFERENCE:TWO RIVERS COACH: GRANTLEY MIZELLE

Coming off its secondconsecutive state championship appearance, the Vikings will once again rely on their profound wing-T offense to drive them to the title game. After averaging more than 43-points per game and coming one-point short of an undefeated season, head coach Robert Cody returns Malik Webb, a dual-threat quarterback who rushed for over 1000 yards last season and starting running back Chad Dance, who notched 1325 yards on the ground. On defense, Plymouth will have to replace seven seniors, including standout linebacker Bryant Wilkins Robinson. With the top-four leading tacklers gone, seniors like William Hollingsworth and Deandre Keyes will have to step up.

Fresh off the best season in the Asim McGill era, the Knights return in 2014 without Daniel Everett and Iran James, arguably two of the top football players in the area. With two 800-plusyard rushers in 2013, Riverside was able to put up more than 30 points per game, including an 80-point performance against Rocky Mount Prep.

Both running backs Jeremiah Wilson and Malik Smith return, along with Stephen Allen, who quietly averaged 5.7 yards per carry. On the other side of the ball, the Knights enter the season without five of a team’s top-five tacklers last season and will look to some of their young talent to fill holes.

VIKINGS

KNIGHTS

COUGARS Being one of the smallest schools in the Two Rivers Conference, South Creek didn’t have much of a talent pool to select from in 2013. Coach Grantley Mizelle will have a daunting task in turning around a five-year old program from irrelevance to, at the very least, mediocrity. However, the team does return a few key starters.

Senior Romalik Parker will likely be the focal point of the offense, while quarterback Brandon Battle should also improve upon his 2013 campaign in his final year.

But the offense wasn’t the problem for South Creek last season, it was the defense, which allowed 44 points per game. Kendric Deloatch returns for his senior season after notching 92 tackles during his junior campaign.

Under new leadership, the Cougars have the chance to grow as a program and collect a few more wins in 2014.

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4C • Friday, August 22, 2014

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WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

PAM PACK

C

oming off its best season in the Sport Sawyer era, the 2014 edition of the Washington Pam Pack is looking to elevate over some repetitious hurdles and continue to capitalize on the 2013 class demotion. It begins with the reigning Class 3-A State Champion in Havelock in the opening game, an overly formidable test of strength in what could potentially be a season-defining game. Senior quarterback Patrick Thompson will attempt to navigate the Pam Pack offense past the Rams for the first time, well, since his brother did it in 2008.

First game aside, Washington returns a slew of starters on both sides of the ball, enough to solidify the Pack as favorites in four of their six out-of-conference games.

Unarguably, the Pam Pack should be able to take the Eastern Plains Conference rather easily.

But Sawyer will have to build his offense around a new set of playmakers. Gone are Brodie West and Stevie Green. In is Thompson, who will look to limit mistakes and operate a systematically run pistol offense, driven by running back Markel Spencer.

Washington should have enough firepower this season to plow its way through the regular season and make an even deeper playoff run.

OFFENSE: PISTOL Head coach Sport Sawyer believes in designing his scheme around his playmakers. The Pam Pack hit the ground running last season, quite literally, with a dual running back set that had opposing defenses on the run and the offense averaging about 27 points per game.

With athlete Stevie Green gone, his counterpart, senior Markel Spencer, will assume the majority of the carries and become the catalyst in a revamped, run-heavy attack. Spencer enters his final season in Washington with 3123 career rushing yards, averaging 7.5 yards per carry.

At quarterback, out is Brodie Moore, whose primary job was game management last season. Senior Patrick Thompson will take over the starting role. Thompson, who last played in 2012-2013 behind current ECU receiver Jimmy Williams, impressed at this summer’s Cam Newton Foundation 7-on-7 Tournament, showcasing increased arm strength, accuracy and mobility. Above all else, Sawyer loves his field general’s ability to lead, both by example and off the field, as well as control pressure.

With Spencer, Thompson and a collection of athletic offensive role players, including Javon Whitney, Trey Spurill and Rayekwon Satterwaithe and a pair of dynamic tight ends in EJ Peartree and Kyle Krajewski, the Pam Pack will run their customary pistol offense with multiple variations of the Wing-T out of the spread.

And with Thompson at the helm, Sawyer will open the passing game up with some quick screen slants and inside receiver

post routes. While the receivers will see some action, Peartree and Krajewski will be the focal points behind the passing game, targeted through down hill, play actiontype plays.

Washington will rely on its experience up front with five of the six starters returning. Connor Sawyer, a center focused on repetition, will be responsible for covering Thompson’s 12 o’clock.

Also returning on the line are two 6-foot, 230-plus-pound bruisers in Neil Jennings and George Briley.

Sawyer is also looking to the 6-2, 255-pound Lane Jackson to open up space for Spencer.

with stuffing the run and matching their predecessors’ football intelligence. Joining Rome and Clark on the line will be Jeremiah Windley, who gives Sawyer a more versatile option up front.

If the line is weak, the focal point of the defense is undoubtedly the returning core of linebackers, led by Jamond Ebron and Brandon Jackson. Jackson, coming off a 136-tackle sophomore season, could potentially reach the 500-career tackle mark this season as a middle linebacker, while Ebron, a three-year varsity starter, provides a rock solid 6-foot, 180-pound frame at outside linebacker. The pair will work in unison with Lexroy Brown and Rayekwon Satterwaithe, two 200plus backers with the ability to explode off the line on the blitz. The Pam Pack linebackers should be among the best in the conference and Class 2-A overall.

Flexibility in the secondary allows Blank to throw different looks at opposing offenses. Depending on the situation, Washington has the ability and willingness to expand the field, employing a 4-2-5 when needed. Ebron and Satterwaithe’s quickness gives them the ability to drop back in coverage.

DEFENSE: 4-4

SPECIAL TEAMS

Defensive coordinator Jon Blank inherits the toughest duty of all Pam Pack coaches, replacing the most productive and feared defensive line in the conference.

While Sawyer says “replacing” the 305-pound Baylone Guilford and Travon Wallace is unmanageable, finding players to pressure opposing offenses up front is a must for this Pam Pack squad.

It’s a line that needs new playmakers to step up. Focusing of positional flexibility, Sawyer and Blank believe Jarquez Keyes and Josh Smith have the physical makeup and mobility to pressure the quarterback at the defensive end positions, dropping back in coverage when needed.

Out of the gate, Sawyer plans on swapping positions to find each player’s ideal role, but the 6-foot, 280-pound Jayshawn Rome and 6-4, 305-pound Malik Clark have solidified spots on the first team.

The pair of lineman will be tasked

Despite having a relatively productive 2013 campaign on special teams, Sawyer still sees room for improvement. That begins with the Pam Pack’s state champion return man, Stepfon Rodman, who finished first in the 400-meter dash last spring. Rodman is everything you want in a returner, bringing uncompromised speed, agility and elusiveness to the table. Rodman, Clinton Pope and Trey Spurill will be the primary options on special teams.

With the graduation of kicker Christian Crompton, Sawyer tapped into the Pam Pack soccer program and plucked out a few defenders in Ben McKeithan and William Page, a returning starter in head coach Jim Kozuch’s backfield. Both should be welcomed additions to the special teams and could even be an upgrade at the position. Sawyer will look to McKeithan, Page or Thompson to assume the punting role

No. Name Pos. Yr. Ht. Wt. 1 Eric Peartree TE/DE Sr. 6-2 210 2 Trey Spruill RB/ATH Sr. 5-10 185 3 Xzavier Clark RB/LB Sr. 5-8 180 4 Clinton Pope RB Jr. 5-7 150 5 Diavontrei Moore CB Sr. 6 163 6 Markel Spencer RB Sr. 5-9 175 7 Rayekwon Satterwaithe OLB,ATH Sr. 6-1 210 9 Jarquez Keyes RB/LB/DE Jr. 6 185 10 Hasaan Credle WR/S Jr. 6-1 170 12 Patrick Thompson QB Sr. 6 175 18 Javon Whitney WR/DB Sr. 6 160 21 Aaron Smith CB Sr. 5-9 140 22 Brandon Jackson ILB/FB Jr. 6-1 230 24 Lexroy Brown ILB/FB Jr. 6 225 28 Stepfon Rodman RB/CB/PR Sr. 5-7 140 30 Tyrik Thigpen WR Sr. 32 Jeremiah Windley DL/FB Sr. 5-8 235 34 Josh Padgett LB/DE Jr. 6-1 170 42 Jamond Ebron OLB/ATH Sr. 6 180 45 Chris Lee WR Jr. 5-6 130 44 Alex Lacy WR/OLB Sr. 6 185 50 Neill Jennings OL/DL Jr. 5-11 250 52 George Briley OL/DL Sr. 6 235 55 Josh Smith DE Jr. 6-2 210 56 Sawyer Ford OL Sr. 5-7 185 60 Hunter Nichols DL/OL Sr. 6-3 225 62 Matt Swales OL/DL Jr. 5-10 265 63 Conner Sawyer C/DL Jr. 5-10 220 64 Ian Stroud OL/DL Sr. 5-11 220 65 Lane Jackson OL/DL Sr. 6-3 255 67 Joyner Crisp OL/DL Sr. 6 225 69 Joe Randolph LB Jr. 5-8 205 74 Daquaris McCullough DT So. 5-10 315 78 Jayshawn Rome DL Sr. 6 280 79 Carter O’Neal OL/DL Sr. 5-11 305 81 Quemel Boston DB Jr. 5-7 145 84 Myron Brooks DB/WR Sr. 6 170 88 Kyle Krajewski TE/DE Sr. 6-5 215 89 Zach Bridgeman TE Sr. 6-5 190 99 Malik Clark DT Jr. 6-4 305

BEFORE THE SNAP COLORS: Blue, White STADIUM: J.G. Choppy Wagner Stadium (2,000) CONFERENCE: Eastern Plains HEAD COACH: Sport Sawyer (overall and at Washington: 70-55) DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Jon Blank STAFF: Alex Heck (DL), Johnny Rodman (WR), Eric Peartree (RB), DeWayne Kellum (OL), Steven Flowers (JV) LAST CONFERENCE TITLE: 2013 RETURNING STARTERS: 8 offense, 6 defense PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB Markel Spencer, OLB Jamond Ebron,TE EJ Peartree, ATH Trey Spruill, ILB Brandon Jackson

BY THE NUMBERS

1,877

The number of yards senior running back Markel Spencer needs this season to reach 5,000 for his high school career. Sawyer expects Spencer to get the majority of the carries for Washington this season.

2014 SCHEDULE Aug. 22 Aug. 39 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 11

at Havelock at Tarboro Conley West Craven at Riverside Kinston at Farmville Central* Southwest Edgecombe* at Beddingfield* North Pitt* at North Johnston*

2013 RESULTS (12-3, 5-0 EASTERN PLAINS)

L Havelock 28-6 W Tarboro 20-14 W at Conley 28-21 L at West Craven 14-7 W Riverside 47-6 W at Kinston 26-21 W Farmville Central* 20-6 W at Southwest Edgecombe* 27-14 W Beddingfield* 33-7 W at North Pitt* 22-14 W North Johnston* 40-0 W North Pitt 24-14 W Bunn 35-32 W at Currituck County 46-6 L at T.W. Andrews 42-15

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Football

Friday, August 22, 2014 • 5C

NORTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL

PANTHERS

R

esembling an NFL team in rebuilding mode, the Northside Panthers, who are in the midst of the longest conference title drought in the county, have steadily improved over the course of the last four years. What began as a promising core of freshman athletes fighting for a win is now a team poised for success in 2014.

While the south side of the county has historically produced smaller, scrappy and more elusive athletes, Northside’s freshman — all too familiar with adversity and losing football — are now seasoned, confident, athletic seniors looking to bring the people of Pinetown, Yeatesville and Bath its first winning record in 10 years.

Last season’s 6-6 finish was a step in the right direction, as the team fielded a more-than-capable offense that averaged 27 points per game. Timing could be everything for the Panthers this fall. Head coach Keith Boyd is entering uncharted territory with an undersized roster of dynamic athletes, quite the change from the usual demographic of Northisde players.

OFFENSE: POWER I, DOUBLE-WING Most football coaches, regardless of the level, strive for uniformity, a set game plan heading into each game. Boyd does things a little differently in Pinetown.

Northside’s think tank likes to incorporate as many different offensive looks as possible to try to throw off bigger, more forceful defenses. To put a single label on the Panthers’ offense would simply be incorrect, but Boyd targets his playmakers through a series of I-formation and option packages, sometimes resembling and Armystyle attack.

And while size is down and athleticism up, the Panthers need to replace the production Antonio “Bootman” Woods provided at

fullback and Chowan recruit Dale Russ delivered on the block. To Boyd, his current roster simply doesn’t have the depth or size to replace either star, so he’s moving in a different direction. With two senior transfers joining the team in quarterback Jordan Woolard from Washington and deep threat Dalton Etheridge from Pungo, Northside will stick to its customary run-based philosophy, but open up the field for more passing plays, giving the Panthers an even more customized look offensively.

Senior Noel Howson and Woolard are complementary quarterbacks who will split time at the position this fall. Howson’s game is based on the read option. Boyd says Howson is a strong leader and has the ability to turn nothing into something. Woolard is a cleaner, more precise field general focused on play-action type passing. Normally, alternating quarterbacks can be risky, but in this case, it is a great way to change it up in the absence of two standouts.

But no player is more important to the Panthers on both sides of the ball this season than Rockne Butler, who will reclaim his position at tailback. Butler is a 6-1, 190-pound back with speed, attributes often not found at the 1-A level.

With a strong offensive line, powered by two consistent guards in Colby Woolard and Caleb Alligood, along with Etheridge, fullback James Barrow, wingback Patrick Moore and a charismatic Reggie Slade, this team has all the pieces to improve upon their 2013 output.

DEFENSE: 5-2 Being one of the smaller rosters in the conference, the Panthers’ defensive line will have to rely on its quickness and physicality to stop opposing offenses. Alligood and junior Tyler Dugger have the

ability to get off the line, but could find themselves in trouble against some of the larger opponents, like conference foes Lejeune and Pamlico County.

That being said, much of the burden will likely be placed on the linebackers to shutdown the run, a load Butler, Colby Woolard, Jordan Woolard and Barrow should have little problem carrying.

Their athleticism will allow defensive coordinator Jeff Probert to draw up a number of schemes for the middle of the defense, whether that be dropping back or rushing the passer.

Even if Butler does drop back, the corner backs will still be responsible for defending the deep ball. While not overly deep in the secondary, Kermani Slade certainly has the speed to keep up with virtually any wideout, but not the height, standing at just 5-5. In fact, Northside doesn’t have a corner over 5-9, but the 6-foot Etheridge is a fully capable free safety.

The absence of Russ and Woods will take a toll on the defense, unless the defense can rally around a stellar core of linebackers. Probert’s zone defense could be the answer and allow Butler, Jordan Woolard, Colby Woolard and Barrow some flexibility in that regard.

SPECIAL TEAMS Northside’s collection of speedsters gives Boyd a selection of returners. While Howson is expected to receive, Kermani Slade, who is one of the faster players on the roster, will also get a significant amount of opportunities in special teams. Moore is also expected to get the chance at some kickoffs.

Senior Ethan Gurganus will assume punting duties and has a range of about 35-45 yards, according to Boyd, while Barrow will be responsible for kickoffs and field goals heading into the fall.

No. 5 7 10 11 12 14 15 16 20 21 24 31 45 50 54 55 60 61 72 73 82 80

Name Kermani Slade Ethan Gurganus Reggie Slade Noel Howson Patrick Moore Jordan Woolard Rockne Butler Quashawn Slade James Barrow Chris Slade WB/CB Austin Gambriel Ikeem Thompson Daniel Cerny Colby Woolard Joaquin Orduno Jacob Boyd OL/LB Leland Flanadan Caleb Alligood Alexis Garcis Tyler Dugger Dalton Etheridge Bobby Williams

Pos. RB/CB FB/SS WR/CB QB/FS WB/CB QB/LB RB/LB WR/CB FB/LB So. RB/LB WB/DL TE/DL OL/LB OL/DL So. OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/FS TE/LB

Yr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. 5-8 Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. 6-1 Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr.

Ht. 5-5 5-11 5-9 5-9 5-6 6 6-1 5-2 5-9 135 5-8 5-7 5-5 6 5-9 170 5-10 5-10 5-5 5-8 6 6

Wt. 130 170 150 165 160 165 190 115 180 180 230 205 215 230 220 205 245 250 180 170

BEFORE THE SNAP COLORS: Black, White, Silver STADIUM: Bing Mitchell Stadium (2,000) CONFERENCE: Coastal Plains HEAD COACH: Keith Boyd (at NHS and overall: 31-59) DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Jeff Probert STAFF: Jay Mason (RB, DB), Riley Youmans (WR, DB) LAST CONFERENCE TITLE: Early ‘90s RETURNING STARTERS: 7 offense, 6 defense PLAYERS TO WATCH: TB Rockne Butler, OL Colby Woolard, QB Noel Howson, WR Reggie Slade, CB Kermani Slade

BY THE NUMBERS

12

The number of seniors on Northside’s roster this season. Boyd believes having leadership across the offense and defense will help his team secure its first winning record in a decade.

2014 SCHEDULE Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Oct. 3 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 7

at Creswell North Duplin at Southside* South Creek at Edenton Holmes Southside* at Pamlico County* at Jones Senior* at East Carteret* Lejeune*

2013 RESULTS (6-6, 3-2 COASTAL PLAINS)

W Creswell 43-6 L at North Duplin 28-0 W Southside* 13-12 W at South Creek 56-6 L Edenton Holmes 43-6 L at North Pitt 43-13 W at Southside* 46-38 L Pamlico County* 21-10 W Jones Senior* 64-30 W East Carteret* 42-34 L at Lejeune* 27-14 L at Manteo 35-8

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6C • Friday, August 22, 2014

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SOUTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL

SEAHAWKS

W

ith an experienced set of upperclassmen taking the field, head coach Jeff Carrow and the Southside Seahawks are looking to put 2013 in the rearview, shifting the focus to methodical form tackling, maintaining a multi-look running game and playing gritty, iron man football. This year marks a bit of a role reversal between two Coastal Plains Conference County rivals.

While Northside has upgraded in athleticism, Southside is looking to its above average, Class 1-A size on the lines to step up in key situations.

Tackling and special teams were a problem last year, but Carrow believes a regimented offseason has bolstered both those areas. And if the Seahawks can play to their potential, they should be able to erase the late-game collapses that contributed to last season’s disappointing 3-9 record.

The defensive line has grown and the offense is beginning to congeal, but an intelligent, experienced offensive line will serve as the backbone of this Seahawks squad. On paper, a conference championship looks out of reach for Southside. However, a confident coach and a new team attitude could turn an underdog into an instant contender in 2014.

OFFENSE: WING-T Southside will live and die by its returning cast of veteran linemen, fronted by seniors Austin Jordan, Phillip Smith and Victor Whitley. Academic success is unquestionably the No. 1 priority for Carrow as a coach not only because that is his primary role as an educator, but also because his offense is built around players’ ability to be mentally poised.

Jordan and Smith, who are flipflopping roles on the line this season (Jordan to guard and Smith to center), are some of the most intelligent football players in the area.

To execute a rudimentary wingT offense successfully, athleticism, aptitude and game management are crucial. After a highly competitive preseason quarterback battle between sophomore Marshall Medlock and senior returning starter Johnny Sullivan, Carrow has decided to go with the upperclassmen, Sullivan, to navigate the Seahawks offense. The choice is the safest one, no doubt, but Carrow sees Sullivan as the best option to limit mistakes, turnovers and sacks, while operating the offense as efficiently as possible.

After all, the wing-T is built on the run game and Southside certainly is not lacking in that department.

Carrow’s roster is stocked with players longing for a breakout season. The key word is consistency.

All three key pieces in the offense have returned this year, beginning with last season’s leading rusher, junior fullback Dylan Lewis, an impact player on both sides of

the ball. Lewis is by far the loudest, most aggressive option in the Southside backfield. To complement Lewis, Lawrence Brown will play out of the tailback position and junior Matthew Baxter, a dynamic athlete with a solid frame, will slide in at wingback. Brown’s versatility and elusiveness makes him a viable option at tailback, while Baxter serves as one of the more underrated playmakers on the roster. Andrew Baxter, at 6-1, 191-pounds, will take over at tight end.

Carrow admits there are still questions at receiver, but expect Donald Moore to be the primary options and Matthew Baxter to assume more of a flex back role.

DEFENSE: 4-4 Due to decrease in numbers last season, a medley of sophomores were promoted from junior varsity and thrust into a starting role on defense. It was a tough situation for the coaching staff and players, but in the end, a great learning experience that could pay serious dividends in 2014.

While not overly threatening in size, an emphasis on tackling this summer has nine returning starters ready to square off with any opposing lineup. Dylan Lewis, the X-factor on offense, will also be the catalyst and leader behind the defense this season, while Jordan and Smith will hop over to the other side of the line between possessions. Joining Lewis will be Moore at linebacker, a small but scrappy playmaker who enjoyed one of the best offseasons of any player, according to Carrow.

Making it onto defensive coordinator Andrea Ouinerly’s radar is the 5-9, 165-pound Joe Myers, an athlete who could be inserted in certain defensive sets, as well as

sophomore Zikajah Crawford, an undersized defensive back with enough agility to earn a role.

Despite a core of athletes up front, Quinerly is placing the pressure on his coaching staff to find the identity of the secondary, one that lacks depth. With Matthew Baxter switching between tackle and defensive back, look for Will Mumford, Marquelle Boyd and some of the senior leaders to show defensive flexibility and fill in when needed.

Overall, this is a defense that had flashes of brilliance, but failed to piece it all together down the stretch, allowing 33 points per game last season. The offense has proven it can put points on the scoreboard. It’s up to the defense to put last season behind them and move forward with its newfound intensity.

SPECIAL TEAMS Chocowinity has always had a surplus of athletes, whether it be the agile point guard Donshae Miller or ace pitcher Alex Graves.

This year is no different.

Carrow acknowledges that not enough emphasis was put on special teams last year. He spent this offseason working special teams drills into the practices sessions, and will look to the speedy Crawford, along with an assortment of other playmakers, to alternate in the return game. Crawford, a skinny, elusive playmaker, fit nicely into the role last season, returning his first ever kickoff for a touchdown.

Moore, who can reach the 10yard line, will be responsible for kickoffs, while Will Mumford, Carrow says, is currently the favorite to be the punter. Senior Riley Ward will split time with Moore kicking field goals.

No. 1 2 5 9 10 11 12 21 22 25 28 31 32 33 44 51 52 54 55 62 63 64 65 66 70 71 73 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 90

Name Johnny Sullivan Nigel Peele FB, LB Joe Myers C, RB Marquelle Boyd Will Mumford Zikajah Crawford Marshall Medlock Brandon Fulford Matt Baxter Kyle Hill RB, DB Donald Moore Cody Modlin Lawrence Brown Dylan Lewis Ethan Harris Matt Ham DL, OL Sparks Hunter Mike Galland Crance Josh Nicholas Baugham Rakwon Morning Victor Whitley Austin Jordan Moore Loyed Phillip Smith Jordan McMillian Justin Tyer C, DL Bobby Martin Donshea Tatum Jaron Watson Raquan Ward Andrew Baxter Donald Miller Jorrin Balliey Rilley Ward K

Pos. Yr. QB, DB Jr. Jr. 5-9 So. 5-9 RB, DB Sr. RB, DB Sr. DB, RB, KR So. DB, QB So. DB, LB, RB Fr. RB, DB Jr. Fr. 5-7 RB, LB Sr. DB, WR Fr. RB, LB Jr. RB, LB Jr. LB, RB So. Jr. 5-5 OL, LB So. OL, DL Jr. OL, DL Jr. OL, DL Jr. DE, OL Jr. DE, OL Sr. OL, DL Sr. DL, OL So. OL, DL Sr. OL, DE Jr. Sr. 5-8 DT, OL Jr. DL, OL Jr. WR, DE Sr. WR, DB Sr. OL, DL,TE Jr. TE, DL Jr. TE, LB Sr. Sr. 5-9

Ht. 5-11 155 165 5-7 5-9 5-11 6 5-9 5-11 146 5-8 5-6 5-8 6-2 5-8 145 6 5-9 6-2 5-9 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-6 6-1 5-10 215 5-10 6-2 6 5-11 6-1 6-1 6-2 190

Wt. 153 152 144 141 180 173 163 168 118 175 185 140 190 182 240 240 200 185 245 263 191 165 270 282 185 146 191 164 161

BEFORE THE SNAP COLORS: Navy,Teal, Old Gold STADIUM: The Nest (2,000) CONFERENCE: Coastal Plains HEAD COACH: Jeff Carrow (at SHS and overall: 3-9) DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Andrea Quinerly STAFF: Develle Whitney (DB), Robert Brown (DL), Kam Rouse (OL), Milton Ruffin (RB), Clarance Baker (WR) LAST CONFERENCE TITLE: 2006 RETURNING STARTERS: 8 offense, 9 defense PLAYERS TO WATCH: OL Austin Jordan, FB Dylan Lewis, CB Donald Moore, ATH Matthew Baxter,TB Lawrence Brown

BY THE NUMBERS

5

The number of returning starters on the offense line.

Carrow expects his offense line to be the difference maker in terms of offensive production this season.

2014 SCHEDULE Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 7

at North Duplin Rosewood Northside* at Riverside Spring Creek OPEN at South Creek at Northside* East Carteret* Jones Senior* at Lejeune* at Pamlico County*

2013 RESULTS (6-6, 3-2 COASTAL PLAINS)

L North Duplin 27-12 L at Rosewood 41-24 L at Northside* 13-12 L Riverside 33-0 W at Spring Creek 20-7 W South Creek 52-19 L Northside* 46-38 W at Jones Senior* 38-34 L at East Carteret* 42-22 L Lejeune* 54-14 L Pamlico County* 33-12 L Pamlico County 44-6

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Football

Friday, August 22, 2014 • 7C

EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

PIRATES

T

his is a complete team. While they are listed as returning nine starters (six on offense and three on defense), the Pirates are in capable hands as many as those non-starters have received plenty of valuable playing time.

Seniors Shane Carden and Justin Hardy will be worth the price of admission alone this season, as they head into the final chapter of their illustrious careers.

Vintavious Cooper used all his eligibility, but coaches are confident that whoever they deem worthy of replacing him will have earned it. This offense will be as explosive as any in the AAC as long as the holes on the offensive line left by graduation are filled.

Defensively, the front seven is stacked yet again, even after losing its top defensive end Terrell Stanley to injuries from a car accident. ECU is starting to feature a stout linebacking corps year after year under Ruffin McNeill. The secondary is the biggest question mark with holes to fill at both safety positions and young, raw corners on the two-deep. Overall, this team has the talent and leadership to duplicate its success from a year ago, even while entering a new league.

OFFENSE: AIR RAID The Pirates boast one of the nation’s premiere quarterbackreceiver combinations in seniors Shane Carden and Justin Hardy.

The two have the perfect combination of chemistry, consistency, explosiveness and football intelligence in order to excel for the Pirates in their first season in the American Athletic Conference, and it shows as they both garnered Preseason First Team All-Conference honors. There’s a short list of more accomplished receivers in the nation than Hardy, but after the senior, there isn’t a huge drop-off for the Pirates at wide-out. Isaiah Jones finished with the second most receiving yards (604) last season behind Hardy in his true freshman year, and junior Bryce Williams (6-6, 250 lbs.) is a dangerous red zone target. Sophomore Davon Grayson, senior Can Worthy, and former Pam Pack star Jimmy Williams have all contributed in the past for the Pirates as well. Some true freshmen may compete for playing time in this very deep receiving corps.

Along the offensive line, from left to right, junior Ike Harris, freshman Larry Williams, senior Taylor Hudson, sophomore J.T. Boyd and junior Tre Robertson are listed as the summer starters, although with multiple graduations and the arrival of two key JUCO additions, jobs up front are very much in the air. Due to injuries and graduations, the offensive line entered spring camp with huge question marks, but heading into the season, the Pirate coaches are feeling more confident about the situation. The talent is there, but ECU needs to avoid injury because depth is still in question.

Back-to-back 1000 yard rusher Vintavious Cooper exits after the 2013 campaign, and Offensive Coordinator Lincoln Riley hopes he’ll be able to replace that pro-

duction, whether it is with one guy or a committee approach. Senior Breon Allen was productive for the Pirates with his carries a season ago, and he figures to be the lead back heading into the season. Junior Chris Hairston, redshirt freshman Marquez Grayson, junior Corey Hunter and true freshman Anthony Scott are all in the mix as well.

DEFENSE: 3-4 ECU returns only three starters from the opening game a season ago, but McNeill and Defensive Coordinator Rick Smith rotate constantly, so there is still plenty of experience on the defensive side of the ball.

The Pirates featured probably the top front seven in Conference USA last year, and they have the pieces in place to compete for that same honor in the AAC this season. ECU unfortunately lost probably its top defensive lineman Terrell Stanley to car-wreck related injury. He will miss all of 2014 and hope for a medical redshirt to save his senior year of eligibility. Jonathon White, Fred Presley, K’Hadree Hooker and Chrishon Rose all figure to receive plenty of time on the outside of the line this year, while fifth-year senior Terry Williams will occupy his usual position at nose-guard with sophomore Demetri McGill backing him up. The line is a big, experienced group. It will likely need at least one of these players to become a dominant pass-rusher in order for the unit to take the next step.

Just like a season ago, linebacker rivals receiver as the deepest, most talented position for the Pirates. Vocal leader and captain Zeek Bigger will man the inside

BEFORE THE SNAP COLORS: Purple, Gold STADIUM: Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium (50,000) CONFERENCE: American HEAD COACH: Ruffin McNeill (29-22 overall; 28-22 at ECU) OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Lincoln Riley (QB) DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Rick Smith STAFF: Kirk Doll (RB, Special Teams), Brandon Jones (OL), Marc Yellock (DL), Donnie Kirkpatrick (Inside WR), Dave Nichol (Outside WR), John Wiley (ILB), Duane Price (OLB)

of the four-backer set alongside senior Brandon Williams. Senior Maurice Falls figures to start on the right outside opposite junior and pro talent Montese Overton.

Dayon Pratt, Devaris Brunson, Joe Allely, Reece Speight and Desi Brown will all fight for playing time as well.

The secondary is probably the Pirates’ most questionable units heading into 2014. The two major corner positions look to be in decent hands. Junior Josh Hawkins appears to be the clear choice at boundary corner, while senior Detric Allen should start at boundary. Both of those players received plenty of experience a year before, but after them, youth takes over at corner. Sophomores DaShaun Amos and DaShawn Benton are likely the two most likely options for the two-deep. The Pirates graduated seniors Damon Magazu and Chip Thompson last year. They will likely be replaced by either sophomore Terrell Richardson at strong safety or senior Lamar Ivey, while free safety will likely end up in the hands of junior Dominique Lennon backed up by freshman Travon Simmons.

SPECIAL TEAMS The Pirates’ special teams had an overall solid season a year ago under Kirk Doll. The punt coverage, punt return, kickoff coverage kick return games were all consistent. Senior Trent Tignor was outstanding as the punter, but Warren Harvey struggled mightily as place kicker. Tignor is graduated, but Harvey returns for what he hopes will be a more consistent senior campaign. Sophomore Davis Plowman is lurking just behind him on the depth chart. Stronglegged sophomore Worth Gregory figures to take over punting duties and will have big shoes to fill with Tignor gone. Playmaker and allleague talent Justin Hardy will assume his typical punt return duties, while senior Breon Allen tops the summer depth chart at kick returner. Isaiah Jones and Davon Grayson may be in the mix there as well.

Content in this section was provided by Daily News contributor Dan Hunt.

2014 SCHEDULE Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 23 Nov. 1 Nov. 13 Nov. 22 Nov. 28 Dec. 4

North Carolina Central at South Carolina at Virginia Tech North Carolina Southern Methodist at South Florida Connecticut at Temple at Cincinnati Tulane at Tulsa Central Florida

LAST CONFERENCE TITLE: 2009 RETURNING STARTERS: offense 6, defense 3 PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB Shane Carden, WR Justin Hardy, OLB Montese Overton, ILB Zeek Bigger, WR Isaiah Jones

BY THE NUMBERS

1774 The number of passing yards quarterback Shane

Carden needs to break David Garrard’s all-time ECU passing record. Carden currently sits at 7255 career passing yards.

2013 RESULTS 2013 RESULTS (10-3, 6-2 C-USA)

W Old Dominion 52-38 W Florida Atlantic 31-13 L Virginia Tech 15-10 W at North Carolina 55-31 W at Middle Tennessee 24-17 L at Tulane 36-33 (OT) W Southern Mississippi 55-14 W at Florida International 34-14 W Tulsa 58-24

W Alabama-Birmingham 63-14 W at North Carolina State 42-28 L at Marshall 59-28 W Ohio 37-20

No. Name Pos. Yr. Ht. Wt. 57 Joe Allely Outside Linebacker 6-1/239 RS FR 25 Breon Allen Running Back 5-8/190 SR 4 Detric Allen Defensive Back 6-0/200 SR 39 DaShaun Amos Defensive Back 6-1/182 SO

Devin Anderson Running Back 5-9/204 FR 90 Randall Anderson Defensive End 6-4/254 RS FR 86 Steve Baggett Tight End 6-5/225 FR 97 Demage Bailey Defensive Line 6-5/250 RS FR 64 Des Barmore Offensive Line 6-6/284 FR 82 DaQuan Barnes Outside Receiver 6-1/190 SO 47 Jeton Beavers Outside Linebacker 6-5/263 JR 6 Kurt Benkert Quarterback 6-3/220 RS FR 6 DaShawn Benton Defensive Back 6-0/189 SO 44 Zeek Bigger Inside Linebacker 6-2/228 JR 15 Brandon Bishop Outside Receiver 5-11/187 SO 46 Yiannis Bowden Outside Linebacker 6-5/215 FR 65 J.T. Boyd Offensive Line 6-4/302 SO 23 Desi Brown Inside Linebacker 6-2/220 SR 88 Trevon Brown Outside Receiver 6-2/206 FR 34 Devaris Brunson Inside Linebacker 6-1/230 SO 19 Curtis Burston Outside Receiver 6-1/226 FR 5 Shane Carden Quarterback 6-2/221 SR 30 Joe Carter Inside Linebacker 6-2/220 FR 60 Charlie Coggins Deep Snapper 6-3/200 SR

Jason Connella Quarterback 5-11/196 FR 52 Kirk Donaldson Outside Linebacker 6-3/255 RS FR 81 Darren Dowdell Tight End 6-4/228 RS FR

Dwayne Duckett Outside Receiver 5-10/175 JR 70 Kyle Erickson Offensive Line 6-4/286 FR 98 Alex Evans Defensive End 6-6/215 FR 43 Drayvon Fairley Inside Linebacker 6-3/217 SO 48 Maurice Falls Outside Linebacker 6-3/247 SR 67 Will Foxx Offensive Line 6-2/313 JR 35 Bobby Fulp Defensive Back 6-4/195 RS FR

Bladen Gatling Offensive Line 6-2/323 JR 45 Jake Geary Outside Linebacker 6-3/250 SR 4 Malik Gray Outside Receiver 6-1/194 FR 85 Davon Grayson Outside Receiver 6-2/196 SO 27 Marquez Grayson Running Back 6-1/200 RS FR 13 Pat Green Outside Linebacker 6-2/218 RS FR 87 Terrell Green Outside Receiver 6-4/190 FR 40 Worth Gregory Punter 6-3/205 SO 22 Chris Hairston Running Back 6-0/197 JR 2 Justin Hardy Inside Receiver 6-0/188 SR 69 Ike Harris Offensive Line 6-7/304 JR 14 Warren Harvey Placekicker 5-11/225 SR 28 Josh Hawkins Defensive Back 5-10/186 JR 30 Trevian Hicks Defensive Back 5-11/198 RS FR 76 Stewart Hinson Offensive Line 6-7/296 JR 9 K’Hadree Hooker Defensive Line 6-1/300 SO 74 Taylor Hudson Offensive Line 6-5/285 SR

Beau Huffman Tight End 6-2/193 FR 26 Cory Hunter Running Back 5-10/201 JR 7 Lamar Ivey Defensive Back 6-1/196 SR 50 Shaun James Defensive Line 6-4/235 FR 20 Quay Johnson Inside Receiver 5-10/170 FR 7 Isaiah Jones Inside Receiver 6-1/186 SO 12 Cody Keith Quarterback 6-3/200 JR

David Kelcy Outside Receiver 6-2/180 FR Blake Kemp Quarterback 6-1/209 JR 31 Domonique Lennon Defensive Back 6-2/205 JR 66 Erik Lenzen Offensive Line 6-5/265 FR 71 Dontae Levingston Offensive Line 6-4/280 JR 23 Chris Love Running Back/Inside Receiver 5-10/178 RS FR 72 Christian Matau Offensive Line 6-3/315 RS FR 19 Nate Mays Defensive Back 5-10/195 SO 56 Garrett McGhin Offensive Line 6-6/310 FR 56 Demetri McGill Nose Tackle/Defensive End 6-1/310 SO 72 Quincy McKinney Offensive Line 6-4/311 JR 83 Jacen Murphy Inside Receiver 5-10/180 RS FR 92 Mike Myers Nose Tackle 6-0/288 RS FR 11 Blake Norwood Defensive Back 6-0/189 FR

Colton Oliver Deep Snapper 6-3/271 FR 51 Montese Overton Outside Linebacker 6-3/220 JR 14 Travis Phillips Defensive Back 5-11/180 RS FR

Cole Pickard Inside Linebacker 6-0/220 FR 38 Davis Plowman Placekicker/Punter 5-10/185 SO 41 Dayon Pratt Outside Linebacker 6-4/230 SO 99 Fred Presley Defensive End/Nose Tackle 6-3/300 SO 12 Cody Purdie Defensive Back 5-11/189 FR 78 Messiah Rice Offensive Tackle 6-5/255 FR 22 Terrell Richardson Defensive Back 6-0/210 SO 68 Tre Robertson Offensive Line 6-5/310 JR 35 Greg Robinson Defensive Back 5-11/202 SR 93 Chrishon Rose Nose Tackle/Defensive End 6-4/303 SR

Anthony Russo Outside Receiver 5-8/163 FR 10 Rocco Scarfone Defensive Back 5-11/182 JR 3 Anthony Scott Running Back 5-9/180 FR

Marquise Sherrod-Ponds Running Back 5-9/185 RS FR 32 Christian Simmons Defensive Back 5-11/176 JR 3 Travon Simmons Defensive Back 5-10/185 RS FR 62 Brandon Smith Offensive Line 6-8/336 RS FR Ray Smith Quarterback 6-1/177 FR 2 Xavier Smith Defensive Back 6-2/195 RS FR 59 Reece Speight Outside Linebacker 6-3/236 SO

Davonte’ Spruill Inside Linebacker 6-3/212 FR Jim Squatriglia Punter 6-2/236 FR 84 Jonathan Stanley Inside Receiver 6-2/200 RS FR 66 Terrell Stanley Defensive End/Nose Tackle 6-2/266 JR 50 C.J. Struyk Offensive Line/Deep Snapper 6-2/296 JR 20 Austin Teague Defensive Back 6-0/178 RS FR 8 Cedric Thompson Inside Receiver 5-9/183 JR 24 Jamal Tillman Running Back 5-9/193 SO 21 Ray Tillman Inside Linebacker 6-1/193 FR Connor Torruella Placekicker 5-10/169 SO 33 Drew Turnage Defensive Back 6-0/185 FR 77 Marquis Wallace Offensive Line 6-5/336 SR 49 Masaddiq Walton Outside Linebacker 6-3/245 FR 13 Jonathon Weymann Quarterback 6-0/210 JR 55 Cameron White Inside Linebacker 5-11/213 SO 94 Johnathon White Defensive End 6-4/292 JR 24 Brandon Williams Inside Linebacker 6-1/230 SR 80 Bryce Williams Inside Receiver/Tight End 6-6/250 JR 81 Jimmy Williams Inside Receiver 5-11/180 SO 55 Larry Williams Offensive Line 6-4/337 RS FR Shawn Williams Placekicker 6-0/205 JR 54 Terry Williams Nose Tackle 6- 1/353 SR 91 Markel Winters Outside Linebacker/DL 6-3/226 FR 9 Cam Worthy Outside Receiver 6-3/220 SR

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IMPACT 8C • Friday, August 22, 2014

Football www.TheWashingtonDailyNews.com

PLAYERS

AUSTIN JORDAN Smart football Southside head coach Jeff Carrow has a strict policy on grades. If a player is underperforming in the classroom, his on-the-field production becomes simply irrelevant.

But this season, grades don’t seem to be much of a problem for the Seahawks, as that academic success of a handful of seniors is not only rubbing off on the team, but also improving the overall product.

At 5-10, 245-pounds, Linebacker Austin Jordan is the facilitator behind his team’s improved output on the field this offseason and a model student. To run Carrow’s signature wing-T offense, intelligence is vital, as the smallest of errors can break down a play.

“He’s the strongest kid in the school,” Car-

row said. “ He’s everything you could ask for coming from a kid. He broke the school bench record last spring and is close to the squat record. He’d run through a brick wall for you.”

Lucky for Jordan, Carrow only needs him to run through the opposing lines, which he seems to do regularly.

According to Carrow, his guard, who spend last season at center to fill a hole, has an ingrained dedication to football and because of his knowledge of the game, he will make the majority of the line calls this fall.

“I’m glad to get back at guard, where I was freshman and sophomore year,” Jordan said. “It’s awesome. On the wing-T, I get to trap and lot and hit people.

They don’t even know I’m coming.”

He also spent this

summer helping his friend, Phillip Smith, transition from a primarily offensive position on the O-line to the D-line.

“Phillip Smith is another guy who has always been in the same classes as me,” Jordan said. “Being more studied helps you know the plays and memorize stuff better, plus it takes the worry off coaches and other players, knowing they can depend on you to not get kicked off. It builds more of a trust into the O-linemen. When a guard pulls and they have to trust in your center or trust in that tackle to cover the guy they have, it’s crucial.”

And while Jordan admits he’s undersized for a collegiate lineman, his ability to squat 480 pounds will certainly prompt some double takes.

MARKEL SPENCER Running into record books Watch a Washington football practice and it’s clear the team has no shortage of talent, but one player in particular seems to stand out.

Gone are Stevie Green and Karim Topping, both graduating last May and moving on to play football at the collegiate level. What’s left is the one-third of last season’s dynamic trio.

And with some of the menacing linemen also gone, including the 6-2, 305-pound Baylone Guilford, Markel Spencer has become the heartbeat of the Pam Pack.

To compensate for the loss of Green on offense, other backs like Trey Spruill, Xzavier Clark and Clinton Pope have stepped up. However, Spencer’s speed, field vision and awareness make him the No. 1 back in the depth chart.

“Stevie was a good back, but I believe we’re still going to have a good running game,” Spencer said. “We still have a lot of good running backs. The pressure won’t all have to fall on me really.”

His counterparts are more than willing to take the some of the snaps and are motivated by what Spencer has done on the field in his career. In his two full years at the varsity level, the 5-9, 175-pound back has amassed 3123-yards rushing and 25 touchdowns. They are numbers that place him at the top of the list among Eastern Plains Conference running backs this season. His statistics also place him in the conversation as one of the best backs in the history of the program.

“Reaching the 5,000 yard mark means a lot,” Spencer said. “I’m really trying to go down in history some day.”

While the 5,000-yard mark is certainly possible this season, Spencer admits that he’s more focused on rewriting a different chapter of the Washington history books — state championships. And having quarterback Patrick Thompson at quarterback is only elevating his confidence.

“We had a real good connection towards the end of our sophomore season, so it’s really great to reunite with him.” Spencer said.”

Spencer, Thompson and tight end EJ Peartree will look to lead a smaller Pam Pack lineup even deeper into the playoffs this season.

ROCKNE BUTLER Glue to the backfield For the core group of seniors that have persevered through the last three years, battling through adversity and losing football has come with the territory.

Rockne Butler was one of those players on the undermanned roster who fought through the 0-9 season in 2011, alongside his young teammates. Immediately, Butler was thrust into a leadership role, convincing players to put the freshman season behind them, stay with the program and work tirelessly to improve their individual game.

“There’s a lot of those people here now who were with me then,” Butler said. “We said we would never go through that again, so we trained together, worked together. Outside of school and in school, we’ve stayed together as a family, so our chemistry grew all the way from freshman year.”

Now, Butler is a 6-1, 190-pound tailback with the speed of a corner and enough strength to be one of the Coastal Plains Conference’s linebackers to watch in 2014. On a small team playing two of the most important po-

sitions, head coach Keith Boyd’s go-to senior will be the glue on both sides of the ball.

Whether it’s the power-I, doublewing or wing-t alignment, Butler always seems to be in the right place at the right time on the practice field, a testament to his football intelligence.

“Rockne gives us toughness,” Boyd said. “He’s a big back, a down-hill runner. Most of the time he’s tough to bring down. If he gets a little bit of blocking, we feel like he’s a guy that can break that tackle or two. He gives us a good strong I back.”

In the defensive backfield, Boyd says Butler’s quickness and agility gives him a variety of options as a coach.

Alongside guys like Colby Woolard, Jacob Boyd and Austin Gambriel, Butler should have enough of a supporting cast to shutdown the run this season.

Butler has the skillset and frame to become a legitimate collegiate prospect. Expect him to garner some regional attention and be one of the top athletes in the conference on both sides of the ball.

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Football

Friday, August 22, 2014 • 9C

JAMOND EBRON Containing the backfield Washington returns an athletic core of linebackers this fall with the ability to rush the passer and drop back into a 4-2-5 set when needed. Spearheading this talented group is Jamond Ebron, who has become one of his team’s most physical players following the departure of most of the starting defensive line.

Ebron is everything you want in a linebacker. He’s strong, quick and able to maintain zone coverage against speedy slot receivers. And while he’s a bit undersized, Ebron should be considered one of the favorites on defense to be scouted by local Division III colleges.

“With the athletes we have, if we want to go to a 4-2-5 and drop back in coverages, Ebron and Satterwaite are good enough athletes where they’re able to do that,” Sawyer said. “If there’s a strong running game, they’re strong enough to get their nose in there and make tackles.”

Physical ability aside, Ebron is the unquestioned leader of the Pam Pack defense. He not only leads by example, but also has the ability to make others around him better, whether that be at practice or mid-game. And the senior linebacker is confident the loss in size up front won’t affect the defensive output.

“Losing the people we had last year, the big seniors, it’s actually a whole lot better than what I expected,” he said.

“I believe our front is still going to be good. Instead of power we have speed.

And speed is going to beat power.”

With three of the five leading tacklers lost to graduation, Ebron and junior Brandon Jackson are both primed for big seasons. Jackson led the team in tackles last year with 136 and Ebron wasn’t too far behind with 86. Taking the enhanced roles of each playing into considering, expect both those totals to increase.

“I have to go out there and prove to everybody that I’m one of the best,”

Ebron said. “For one, my team, they push me more than anybody.”

Defensive coordinator Jon Blank has also provided his senior leader with motivation and advice throughout the years, shaping Ebron’s skillset.

“Any time I have a question I’m the first one there to ask him,” Ebron said.

“His coaching is the best I’ve ever had defensive wise. He makes everything simple and gets on you when you need it. He makes you a better player, all around.”

Ebron believes that if his undersized defense can focus and execute the plays at hand, the team will poised for another successful season in 2014.

Willing to Tackle the Tough Issues

Keith Kidwell for

County Commissioner VOTE Tuesday, November 4, 2014 Paid for by Kidwell for Commissioner

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