Stewarts Creek’s Carnell geared up for Year 2

SMYRNA – It is a building process for any team as each new season approaches. For Stewarts Creek, add in the process of still trying to build a program along with building its second incarnation of a team.

The Red Hawks certainly took their lumps on the gridiron in the first season, being outscored by 34 points per game on the way to a 1-9 record. That was part of the process, however, just as how the team plans to respond is a process.

“I feel like we’re going to build from it,” senior wing back/slot back Jerry Carnell said. “It’s going to help us to be better this year.”

And coach David Martin expects Carnell to continue to be one of the cornerstones this program builds from.

“For Jerry, being a senior and these other young men to see his work ethic and see his dependability, he’s there day in day out every day you can count on him being there.” Martin said. “And I think that leadership has got to be a huge influence on our football team.”

Last year was the learning year and almost the establishing logistics year as the Red Hawks had to wait on equipment, wait on a stadium, and find a practice field/parking lot wherever they could.

“It was almost like last year was so rushed and so last minute, we never got to take a breath and be able to sit back and relax and do what we needed to do,” Martin said. “I think they understand the level they’ve got to compete to do this. I hope they’ve learned what they have to do, not only in season but off-season to be able to compete at this level.”

To be able to compete at this level — the District 7-AAA level — means one word to Carnell. Aggressive.

“The first year we weren’t aggressive, and this year we’re very, very aggressive,” he said. “We’re actually playing football as a team. We’re coming out and doing what were supposed to do, hitting our assignments and being consistent.”

Carnell’s assignments will come in a variety of ways for Stewarts Creek this season. A year after being introduced to the Wing-T offense for the first time, Carnell will also help lead, from his slot position, a spread offense attack the Red Hawks will implement.

“They’re not going to expect it,” Carnell said of when the team may or may not switch from the wing to spread. “You never know when were going to bring it.”

2014 SCHEDULE

2013 RESULTS

FAST FACTS

Coach: David Martin, first year (1-9, 213-106 overall)

Record: 1-9 overall, 0-6 in District 7-AAA

Starters returning: 11 offense/11 defense

Stadium name: Red Hawk Stadium

Last time in the playoffs: N/A

Team Website: www.sch.rcschools.net/?page_id=2160

Follow on Twitter: @SCHSRedHawks