SPORTS

Red Hawks return experience for Year 2

Corby A. Yarbrough

SMYRNA – All the facilities are there — a statement Stewarts Creek could not make at this time a year ago — now it is just a matter of continuing to lay the ground work for this program.

“As coaches, we want to be impatient and want it now,” coach David Martin said of a team that returns all 22 starters. “We’re having to be patient and work through it slowly with these young men. It’s not just going to happen immediately. There’s still just so much growth that we’ve got to go yet.”

OFFENSE

Martin, a coaching veteran of 41 years, is known for his Wing-T. However, the Red Hawks offense will grow as they mix in some spread in their offense in 2014.

Senior Mason Hall returns under center with competition coming from Chris Dye. Hall is the district’s returning leading passer (1,509 yards, 10 TDs, 6 INTs).

Jerry Carnell and Marsalis Snowden line up at the wings in the Wing-T set with Jasper Snowden at fullback.

It is up to the offensive line to take the next step as well and be able to gel to clear the path and give some time for the weapons to be able to excel out of either the wing or spread formation.

Curtis Holbert (LT), Craig Baggett (LG), Tyler Barber (RG), and Brandon Readus (RT) are set to anchor the line, while the center is still being battled for between Aaron Foster and Eli Thornburg.

Leading receiver Cynterius Lyons (37-550-4) is back, along with T.J. York, who returns after being ineligible last season. Those two paired with Zaine Williams and Jordan Rouse have Martin feeling like his receiving corps is in good shape. Tight end Gary Lance is a big target with great hands.

DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS

The defense was ahead of the offense as camp progressed, and leading the charge up front are Marcus Clemmons and Ricky Brown on the end of the line. Martin said they “have the potential to be very, very good defensive ends,” and Creek needs them to be as the interior is still coming along.

Guadalupe Casanova and Bryson Reed are both part of a tackle group that will rotate players in until the ideal group is found.

It is the opposite at the second level as Malik Reynolds and Steven Billiott handle the inside linebacker duties, while the outside backers are still trying to be ironed out.

Jasper Snowden leads the way, and the team expects Connor Helton, held out of full contact in the preseason, will be ready for the opener as a rush linebacker.

Zaine Williams, Tre Bailliez, and Clay Griggs give the Red Hawks an alternating set of safeties, while Cynterius Lyons moves from safety to corner and will be flanked by Brailon Anderson.

Jonathan Sneed is back with a stronger leg to once again handle the kicking duties. Hunter Meek and Rouse will compete for the job of punter.

Jasper Snowden, Lyons, and Rouse will handle the kick and punt return responsibilities.

Coaching Staff

David Martin

Head coach, offensive coordinator, quarterbacks

Kyle Castles

Offensive line

Wilson Emebunor

Offensive line

Todd Harris

Wide receivers

Anthony Law

Defensive backs

Jeff Mitchell

Defensive coordinator

Jason Scharsch

Linebackers/running backs

Sean Temple

Defensive line

Mo Thompson

Wide receivers