Eagleville must find new backfield

EAGLEVILLE – If Eagleville is to get past the hurdle that has been the state quarterfinals this season they will do so with a new crop of offensive talent.

The backfield is new as the Eagles replace quarterback Ryan Jordan and Mr. Football Back finalist Chris Hale. The duo, now together at Cumberland, accounted for 36 touchdowns and over 3,000 yards of offense last season.

And that’s just the backfield. The receiving corps steps on the field with just one receiver with double-digit catches.

“How we win football games at Eagleville is through great effort and great hustle,” seventh-year coach Steve Carson said. “If those things continue then we have a chance to win some games. If they don’t then it will be a long year for us.”

OFFENSE

While just about all the skill position players have moved on, the offensive line is relatively in tact to try and set up the new group of backs and receivers.

Alex Ware (LT), James Merritt (LG), James Witt (C), and Alan Robinson (RG) anchor the line with the right tackle spot up for grabs. Tanner Batten (labrum) would be there if it were not for his injury, and the Eagles are hopeful they can get him back. However, if they cannot then Robinson could move over while Billy Talatham, Jacob Hendrixson and Jonah Womick battle to complete the right side.

A.J. Garza takes over for Jordan at quarterback. Garza is more mobile, and Carson hopes his crispness as a passer will come along quickly.

A foursome of backs, which Carson hopes is pared down to two with spot duty from the others, will try and make up for the loss of Hale.

Rodney Turner, Wes Vallance, Jesse Farrar, and Cameron Lawson will all battle for one of the lead ball carrier jobs.

Joey Hughes, Brandon Petrig, Tyler Griffin, and Garrett Parker replenish the now inexperienced receiving group for a team that has been pretty pass happy the last couple of years.

Josiah Tuch and Chavalier Sutton will handle the tight end duties.

DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS

Eagleville’s offense has been prolific the last few years, but its defense has been just as stout, surrendering just 11.6 ppg in league play the last three seasons. Carson makes sure when it comes to platooning players defense gets the top priority.

“The best players are going to play defense first,” Carson said. “When they need a breather will do it when they’re on offense.”

Merritt and Sutton man the tackle spots on the line with Witt in the middle at nose guard.

Ware, the former nose guard, has moved to outside linebacker where he will be joined by Turner and Gabe Burleson.

Inside backer Isaac Haley, the team’s defensive player of the year is gone, and the Eagles will count on Tuch, Tyler Roberts, and Cameron Lawson to pick up the slack at the inside.

Eagleville returns its cornerbacks in Garza and Vallance, while Matthew Pollard and Garrett Park, along with Farrar, will take care of the safety positions.

Pollard and Hughes will share punting duties.

Will Vermillion will handle the kicking duties.

Coaching Staff

Steve Carson

Head coach

Tom Fiveash

Offensive line,

defensive line

Kent Pippenger

Defensive coordinator, linebackers

Alex Roberts

Wide receivers

Billy Spann

Offensive coordinator, running backs, outside linebackers

Floyd Walker

Quarterbacks,

defensive backs