Caution: tough schedule ahead
Lions return just five starters from playoff team
The 2007 season could not have started any worse for Jessieville.
The Lions lost their first six games before rebounding to make a run at the playoffs. But many of the players responsible for the late-season surge have since graduated, leaving head coach Don Phillips with a team full of inexperienced players.
“No one gives a flip what you did last year,” Phillips said. “You have to be bowed up and prepared for this year. We’ve had good practices so far this summer; not many of the kids enjoyed winning just four games.”
Bill Sykora will resume his role at quarterback this season after an injury kept him from playing the position most of last year. The 6-6 Sykora is not the prototypical quarterback that Jessieville is used to, but his size does present them with some advantages.
“He has unique talents and skills and is able to see the field like no one we’ve had,” Phillips said. “Plus he’s a lefty and understands timing. He’s able to get the ball out on time.”
While Sykora is not as adept at running the ball as previous Jessieville quarterbacks, his throwing ability makes up for it, making the Lions more of a pocket-passing team for the first time in nearly 20 years.
When it comes to running the ball, the Lions will do it by committee with Jacob Fetters, James Castleberry, Brynn Hobbs, Aaron Hunter and Erik Drennan. Fetters and Castleberry are hurdlers on the track team, and Phillips believes that skill will translate well onto the football field.
At wide receiver, Spencer Wilson and Matt Dickson will be the main threats with other players vying for playing time this season. Jessieville will also look to incorporate sophomore Rowdy Scott and junior Alexander Fergadis in the passing game from the tight end position.
One of Phillips’ main concerns is his offensive line, but with five able bodies there now, his concerns have diminished some. Taylor Beck (5-10, 205) has moved to guard, as has junior Michael Bates (6-1, 190).
“I feel good about both those guys,” Phillips said.
The rest of the offensive line includes Zach Drake (6-4, 285) and John Mark Pierce (5-11, 215) at the tackle positions and senior Curtis Davis (5-11, 225) at center.
Phillips is not one of those coaches who will keep his players from playing both ways just to conserve energy. His philosophy is if they are the best at one side, then they will likely be the best at the other side.
“If they’re capable of playing both ways, they will,” Phillips said.
On the defensive line, there is a bit of concern for Phillips, and some of his offensive linemen may move over, but right now the lack of depth at the position has two sophomores ready to start — Scott and Hunter on the ends. Drake, Bates and a few other players will compete for the defensive tackle positions.
At linebacker, Jessieville has a three-year starter in Taylor Beck, giving the defense some much-needed experience. He will be joined at the position by Fetters and Kyle Eckard.
Phillips is most pleased with his secondary this season with some experience returning. Wilson, Dixon and Castleberry have all played safety in the past and will be called on to do so again this season. At cornerback, Phillips said he has four or five players competing for time there.
Things don’t get easier for Jessieville when it comes to its new conference. The Lions make the move up to 3A to join some former conference rivals. In addition, two schools that were in 4A a year ago are now in 3A, making the conference one of the most competitive in the state.
This article was published Sunday, August 24, 2008.