Webb football confident of continued success despite moving up a class

MARYVILLE — Perennial Division II football power Webb is taking a substantial step up in competition.

Bring it on, say the talent-rich and experienced Spartans.

Webb graduated just five seniors from last year’s team that lost 12-9 to Lausanne in the Division II-A BlueCross Bowl.

With the TSSAA’s realignment, Webb transitions this season to Division II-AA, which will include area teams Grace Christian Academy and Christian Academy of Knoxville.

The Spartans also have regular-season games against Division II-AAA powers Ensworth and McCallie.

“We’re excited,” said Webb assistant coach Robby Collier, who directed the Spartans Saturday in longtime coach David Meske’s absence at the East Tennessee 7 on 7 Perimeter Passing Day at Maryville College.

The all-day event included more than 30 area teams. The regular-season opener is Aug. 18 for most schools.

“We’ll just have to rise to the occasion more each week,” continued Collier. “It’s definitely challenging, but it’s good for the whole league. The competition level has equaled out more.”

Spartans senior standout Morgan Ernst said there will be no taking any weeks off this season.

“We’re definitely more prepared to play better competition,” said Ernst, who was the defensive MVP of last year’s state championship game.

“In the past there might have been some games where we could slack off and still be fine, but (the jump up in competition) has definitely motivated everybody to work even harder.”

The 6-foot, 195-pound Ernst, who starts at running back and linebacker, is one of the linchpins for the Spartans.

He led Webb with 151 tackles, recovered five fumbles and caused three. He was also one of the leading rushers for the Spartans’ Wing-T offense.

“He’s a tough guy who makes a lot of plays on both sides of the ball,” said Collier.

Webb also has more than its share of explosive offensive players, starting with freshman Elijah Howard (5-11, 170).

Already one of the fastest players in the state, Howard was a major contributor last season as an eighth-grader at running back and in the secondary.

He rushed for 1,043 yards (18 total touchdowns) and averaged 10.5 yards a carry.

Collier said Howard, who has already been offered by Tennessee, will line up all over the field to better utilize his speed.

“We’re going to move him around,” said Collier. “Elijah is a special kid who is blessed with special gifts. He’s a great competitor.”

Others to watch include senior quarterback Hunter Green and junior running back/cornerback Jahlil Jefferson.

“Hunter is a tough, smart, dependable kid who is a good leader for us,” said Collier.

“Jahlil is very dynamic. He’s a special kid, as well.”