SPORTS

Eagleville’s Merritt flourishes in trenches

Corby A. Yarbrough

EAGLEVILLE – Not to say James Merritt would need some of his teammates to wear name tags, but it’s not that far-fetched if District 9-A’s best offensive linemen ever had to turn around to take a look at Eagleville’s backfield.

Gone is a running back that rushed for over 4,800 yards in his career. Gone is a quarterback who threw for nearly 5,000 yards in his career. And if Merritt were to take a peek out near either sideline, he would find a receiving corps decimated by graduation.

In short, there is a lot of offensive production to replace for the Eagles this season. Gone are quarterback Ryan Jordan and the receivers he amassed all those yards with. Gone is running back and Mr. Football finalist Chris Hale, a four-year starter.

What remain are Merritt and the offensive line. They are the veterans of this squad now, and they are the ones who will help protect new QB A.J. Garza long enough to get the ball to that new receiving corps. They are the front that will continue to clear the holes for the running backs to drive a Peterbilt through.

“Chris would’ve told you this last year: Our team will go as our offensive line goes, our team will go as our defensive line goes,” Eagleville coach Steve Carson said. “As good as a back as Chris was, he will tell you a lot of times anybody could have run through the holes (the offensive line) provided for him.”

Ever the offensive lineman, Merritt does not worry about what is behind him. His concern is moving forward with the new crop of talent he has to clear the way for and with the 2014 season.

“I don’t think it will be too different,” said Merritt, who lines up at left guard as well as defensive tackle. “They all pretty much have the same running style, and we’re just going to pound the ball like we always do and run it right down their throat.”

And if it is up to the offensive line, Merritt says they are up for the challenge.

“I’m putting a lot of pressure on myself,” Merritt said. “We’ve got to lead the way. Most of us are seniors and we’ve just got to lead the way for the backs and give them a big hole to run through.”

2014 SCHEDULE

Date

Opponent

Time

Aug. 22

Mt. Pleasant

7 p.m.

Aug. 29

at Watertown

7 p.m.

Sept. 5

Huntland

7 p.m.

Sept. 12

at Jo Byrns

7 p.m.

Sept. 19

Forrest

7 p.m.

Sept. 26

at Grace Baptist

6 p.m.

Oct. 3

Fayetteville

7 p.m.

Oct. 10

Open

Oct. 17

at MTCS

7 p.m.

Oct. 24

at Moore Co.

7 p.m.

Oct. 31

Community

7 p.m.

2013 RESULTS

Date

Opponent

Time

Aug. 23

at Mt. Pleasant

W 17-8

Aug. 30

Watertown

W 35-14

Sept. 6

at Huntland

W 42-6

Sept. 13

Jo Byrns

L 20-17

Sept. 20

at Forrest

W 10-3

Sept. 27

Grace Baptist

W 42-20

Oct. 4

at Fayetteville

W 28-0

Oct. 11

Open

Oct. 18

MTCS

W 32-8

Oct. 25

Moore Co.

W 35-7

Nov. 1

at Community

W 38-0

Nov. 8

Open

*Nov. 15

Loretto

W 31-15

*Nov. 22

Adamsville

L 16-0

*Playoff game

FAST FACTS

Coach: Steve Carson, seventh year (42-28, 42-28 overall)

2013: 10-2 overall, 6-0 in District 9-A

Starters returning: 3 offense/4 defense

Stadium name: Talon Field

Last time in the playoffs: 2013, eliminated in the quarterfinal round of the Class 2A playoffs (6-6 all-time in the playoffs).

Team Website: www.eag.rcs.k12.tn.us/athletics/football/index.html