Bringing ’em back

Cobras’ experience will be valuable in lower classification

By Eric Moore

A large group of returning starters and a move down to 3A have fans of the Fountain Lake Cobras thinking about a deep run in the playoffs this year.

The only offensive starter to have graduated from last year’s team was quarterback Cody Brashears, but head coach Tommy Gilleran has some able-bodied replacements to lead the offense this year.

Senior Eric Brown is better through the air than his counterpart, junior David Gray, but Gray is the better runner, Gilleran said. Through summer practices, both have looked more than capable of taking the starting role.

At running back, the Cobras return senior Quinten Lindsey, who rushed for more than 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns a season ago. With some added strength over the offseason, he will be looked upon to carry the load for the Cobras again this season.

Backing up Lindsey will be sophomore Mark Macon, who Gilleran called “an exceptional runner.”

Senior Andrew Davis, who rushed for 984 yards and a team-high 17 touchdowns a season ago, will return at fullback, as will senior wingback Justin Rushing, who was the team’s second-leading receiver. Junior Tyler Snyder could also figure into the mix on the ground.

When the Cobras take to the air, they have several options, but none more dangerous than Hawk Clift.

The “exceptionally fast” Clift boasts 4.4 speed in the 40-yard dash, the fastest time recorded at Fountain Lake during Gilleran’s six-year tenure.

“He’ll start on defense, but when we need to throw, we’ll put him in,” Gilleran said.

Seniors Heath Summerbille and Gavin Haas will also play a part in the Fountain Lake passing game, as will tight end Eric Pearson. Last year he led the team in receiving with 14 receptions and 302 yards for a 21.5 yard-per-catch average.

The offensive line could be the true strength of the team, with all five starters returning. Clayton James (6-4, 300) will be back at left tackle, and the rest of the line includes Darren Duran (6-2, 210) at left guard, Tyler Kroening (6-2, 200) at center, Kai Caswell (5-10, 225) at right guard and Aaron James (5-10, 225) at right tackle.

None of the offensive linemen will have to worry about playing on both sides of the ball, as the Cobras have a stable of players ready to go on the defensive line, including Avery Marshall, Allan Terry, Chris Murphy, Anthony Santillan, Corey Evans and Ben Tackett.

“We’re excited,” Gilleran said. “They’re all older and we’re going to have a good line again next year.”

Junior Tyler Snyder is back at linebacker after recording 103 tackles a year ago. Eric Brown also gives the defense some experience with his 61 tackles and two interceptions. If Brown is not the starting quarterback, he will find a home at linebacker again this season.

Other players expected to play at linebacker include Eric Romero, Justin Rushing and Andrew Davis, the second-leading tackler from last year.

As with other parts of the team, Fountain Lake returns all of its secondary players. If Gray is not starting at quarterback, he will be in the secondary, where he intercepted five passes a year ago. If he does start at quarterback, look for Rushing to move to the secondary along with Clift and Chad Vaughn.

With all the returning starters on this team, Gilleran can understand the high expectations, but he is quick to point out the difficulty of the new conference. Two teams in the conference have won state championships in the last two years (Jessieville and Glen Rose).

“We probably have one of the toughest conferences in the state,” Gilleran said.