Going back for seconds

Wolves hope to leap over pack and into playoffs

By Eric Moore

The Lake Hamilton Wolves came 13 points short of a state championship a year ago, but head coach Jerry Clay has all the pieces in place to not only make it back to the state championship game, but possibly win it this year.

Lake Hamilton returns a plethora of starters on both sides of the ball, including the 2008 Tri-Lakes Player to Watch, Phillip Butterfield. The Wolves’ quarterback returns after a stellar season a year ago, passing for nearly 2,800 yards. An injury during a fake punt in the state championship game left him watching from the sideline for more than half of the game.

Lake Hamilton will need the same performance from Butterfield that they received a year ago if they expect to duplicate their 2007 dominance.

Butterfield will not have to do it all alone, however. The Wolves’ have a stable of capable running backs, including returning starter David Church, who has led the team in rushing for two years in a row. Church will also see plenty of time at receiver, where he is one of Butterfield’s favorite targets.

Joining Church in the backfield will be senior Michael Watkins, who missed action last year to injuries, D.J. Bell, Rob Curry and sophomore Tyler Walker will add some depth at the position, Clay said. At fullback, Nick Utley returns for his third year at the position. Called a “good short-yardage back” by Clay, Utley will be utilized on goal-line situations.

The wide receiving corps could be Lake Hamilton’s biggest asset this year. In addition to Church lining up to catch passes this year, the Wolves also return all-state receivers Tauno Vannucci and Josh Proffit. Adding some depth to the position will be Addison Wynn and Zach Marsh, as well as tight ends Kenny Raines and Taylor Libbey.

The reoccurring trend of returning starters extends to the offensive line as well, where three starters from 2007 return to the lineup. Alec Gordon, Taylor Root and Jared Chesshir all have plenty of experience on the line and will be able to guide those new to the starting lineup such as Levi Jamison, Zack Ruth and Greg “Bubba” Hall.

“It’s a pretty strong group,” Clay said. “Leadership, dedication and work ethic are a few words that come to mind.”

The Wolves will have several players that will play offense and defense this season. On the defensive line, Jamison and Chesshir will pull double duty along with defensive end Raines. Others expected to contribute on the defensive line include Kolby Hamilton, Chris Posey and Donnie Golden.

“All of the offensive linemen will add depth there,” Clay said.

At middle linebacker, Clay will alternate between Chris Spikes and Hall, but at outside linebacker, he will have to replace all the starters from a year ago. This year the position will be alternated between five people — Church, Utley, Alex Johnson, Chris Jones and Tommy Welch.

The players looking to stop the pass on defense will be primarily the ones responsible for the pass on offense. Vannucci will play safety and corner, Proffit will play safety, and Butterfield has experience in the secondary. All-conference cornerback Reid Byrd will return to his position this year.

Others who could see time this year include Benson Jordan, Rob Curry, Zack Marsh, Tyler Walker, Landon Jackson and D.J. Bell.

“It will be whoever steps up,” Clay said.

During the last few seasons, Lake Hamilton has not had to worry about kickoff coverage because Jordan Gay was able to kick it through the end zones most times. Now that he has graduated, two players will vie for the position — Domingo Corea and Brett Miller.

Lake Hamilton is expected to take the 6A-South Conference again this year, but Clay said Texarkana, El Dorado and Pine Bluff could cause problems this year for the Wolves with their speed.