7 questions for Murfreesboro area football teams heading into spring practice

Spring football practice for some Murfreesboro area teams will begin Monday while others will get going the following week.

Teams beginning next week include Smyrna (Monday), Riverdale (Tuesday) and Stewarts Creek (Tuesday).

Teams that will begin the following week include Oakland ,Blackman, Siegel, La Vergne  and Eagleville, all starting on April 30. MTCS will have a 7-on-7 intrasquad game on May 10.

Here are seven questions facing area teams entering spring practice:

What will change at Blackman?

Blackman will enter spring practice with a new coach (Kit Hartsfield) and an offense that graduated two-year starters at quarterback (Connor Mitchell) and running back (Master Teague).

The Blaze still have considerable talent back on both sides of the ball, including highly recruited incoming seniors Trey Knox (wide receiver) and Adonis Otey (wide receiver, quarterback, defensive back).

The biggest question for the Blaze is what will change with their offense and/or defense under Hartsfield. Blackman went 9-3 and reached the second round of the 6A state playoffs a year ago.

More:David Watson to join Oakland football staff

Is this the year for Oakland?

Oakland has reached the 6A BlueCross Bowl and state semifinals twice during coach Kevin Creasy's three years at the helm.

After enjoying a 13-1 season in what was a retooling year in 2017, the Patriots enter the spring with a very experienced team.

After finally getting past the Maryville hurdle two seasons ago and falling late in a controversial state semifinal game against the Rebels last year, the talent and experience should be there for Oakland to make another BlueCross Bowl run.

How will Riverdale reload?

Riverdale will be hit considerably hard by graduation, losing several linemen and key defensive players, as well as running back Savion Davis, who won 6A Mr. Football last season.

The Warriors, who reached the second round of the 6A playoffs last year, do return quarterback Taylor Yancey, who gained valuable experience filling in for an injured Christian Souffrant as a sophomore last year.

Some other younger Riverdale players will have to use spring practice to ready themselves for stepping into vital roles for the Warriors.

Who's going to fill the shoes at La Vergne?

After reaching the 5A state playoffs last year, La Vergne will graduate the two playmakers that carried the Wolverines.

Quarterback Keianthony Conner and wide receiver Josh Lewis will be gone, leaving coach Stanton Stevens with the task of finding offensive playmakers this spring.

Is Smyrna's Watkins poised for breakout?

Smyrna incoming senior Blake Watkins will be a big key for the Bulldogs in 2018.

Coming off a second-place 5-5A finish a year ago, Smyrna will return several experienced players, including Watkins and quarterback Alex Bannister.

After an eye-opening sophomore season in which he rushed for more than 600 yards (7.8 yards per carry) and had more than 400 in receiving, the versatile Watkins rushed for close to 1,000 yards in 2017, although his yards per carry dipped to 4.8.

Will Eagleville continue progression?

Eagleville had a nine-win season in 2017, and with Mr. Football semifinalist Ethan Cobb back at quarterback and speedy Mari Stoudemire back at running back, the Eagle offense could be a force in 2018.

Cobb is on the Eagleville baseball team and won't be participating in spring practice. That will give coach Floyd Walker a chance to build depth and find other ways for his offense to move the ball.

Replacing kickers at Oakland, Blackman

Two of the best kickers the area has seen in quite some time will graduate, leaving voids at Oakland and Blackman.

The Patriots will have to replace Arkansas State commitment Aaron Sears, the TSSAA record-holder for most consecutive PATs and a Mr. Football finalist. Oakland is in good shape, with incoming senior punter Garrett Taylor — who has experience in placekicking duties — likely to take the role.

Blackman graduates Chattanooga signee Thomas Burks, a Mr. Football semifinalist. 

Both teams will get a good look at replacement candidates this spring.

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.