The Spartan defense moves in for the tackle.
Aug 21, 2008
While Garner has been looking to continue a pattern of dominance in the Greater Neuse Conference in football, Southeast Raleigh has been looking for a way to take over that top position.
Both Holly Springs and Knightdale have been looking to move their young programs forward, while the teams from Clayton and East Wake have been looking for a way to return to their former glory. Finally, both Smithfield-Selma and West Johnston are coming off of their first winning seasons after an extended drought, and they have been looking for ways to sustain their new-found success.
The teams in the Greater Neuse Conference have been looking in different directions throughout their preseason training; however, it is clear that each team has been focused on finding a formula for success in an increasingly competitive conference.
For veteran coach Gary Fowler, getting Clayton football “back where it used to be” has been his main focus in the preseason. There is still a lot of work to be done, however, before the present-day Comets can experience the success of the past.
Clayton lost eight starters from a defensive unit that allowed just 12 points per game last season, and Fowler is still working to find the right fit “for the pieces of the [defensive] puzzle.” The experience on offense, with the return of running back Juwan Williams, wide receiver Marshall Tilley and tight end Patrick Reynolds, should enable the Comets to put more points on the board this year, but Fowler highlights the need for his players to continue to develop both their mental and physical toughness to earn a playoff spot.
The Warriors are another team that will be looking to restore their winning tradition after an uncharacteristic performance last season. Coach Jimmy Williams welcomes back 16 starters from last year’s squad, including every member of both the offensive and defensive lines. East Wake will also have a variety of options in the running game, including Gus Goodson and Montrell Townes, but the backs will need to increase their overall yard production in order for the team to outscore their opponents. The Warriors will be challenged early with their season opener at Wake Forest-Rolesville Sept. 29.
Youth and inexperience seem to be the common adjectives for this year’s team, but this does not mean that the expectations have changed. Winning seasons are the standard at Garner, and coach Nelson Smith has demanded intense, physical practices in order to prepare some of his less-experienced players for the type of football that they will encounter this season.
Smith has praised the way that his team has been “playing as a single unit” throughout the preseason, but stresses that his team will need to put together four quarters of focused, fundamentally sound football in each contest in order to come away with their fourth-straight conference title. All-conference linebacker Connor McLaurin will anchor the defense, while receiver Ian Hunter, running back Jeremy Conyers and quarterback B.G. Howell are poised to lead the Trojans’ offensive unit.
The goal this year for the Golden Hawks is simple — win. While this may seem like a tall order for a team in only their second full varsity season, coach Jim Hynus is confident that this year’s team has the ability to secure the program’s first victory.
Holly Springs returns virtually everyone from a team that did not graduate any seniors, and coaches have been pleased with the team’s attitude throughout the preseason. Adopting a “no excuses” mentality, the players have been working hard to meet the expectations of their coaches.
Linebacker Dan Collins and defensive back Mark McDonald will lead the defense with their physical play, and Mark Collins and Ethan Nunn will provide sound leadership at the quarterback position. Still, there’s a lot work to be done in order to get the program to a competitive level. Overall, the team lacks depth at many positions, but if they can reduce the number of turnovers from last season, fans should see a significant improvement.
The Knights welcomed new head coach Kamelio Johnson last spring, and throughout the preseason, Johnson has been working to help make the transition a smooth one.
“It’s never easy [for the players] especially in high school ball,” said Johnson, “we’re still learning about one another.”
But overall, coach Johnson has been pleased with the work ethic displayed by his new team. A core group of returning players, including all-conference performer Gregory Jackson and lineman Adrian McDowell, will continue to provide much-needed leadership to a large number of first-year varsity players.
A strong defensive line and a solid running game should help the Knights improve upon last season’s record; however, while Johnson wants to win, his main goal is to help his players see steady improvement throughout the season.
Coach Anthony Barbour is pleased with how hard his players have been working, and there is no doubt that this year’s squad is hungry for success after making it to the second round of the playoffs last season.
The Spartans will have a strong running game with backs Justin Dixon and D.J. Bunn. The pair combined for over 2,000 yards and 30 touchdowns last season. The Spartans will also be strong at the remaining skill positions, and if the younger players step up on the offensive and defensive lines, the team should be able to improve upon their performance last year. Senior leadership has been key throughout the preseason, and it will need to remain constant in order for the Spartans to consistently play to their potential.
The Bulldogs have all of the tools to dethrone Garner, but coach Daniel Finn and his players know that it will take a lot more than talent to win the conference championship. A key component to the Bulldogs’ 2008 preseason training has been developing a sense of family amongst the players and coaches.
All-conference performers Brandon Mitchell and Terry Smith both remarked that this emphasis has helped the team strengthen their bonds “both on and off the field.” The Bulldogs will be strong on the defensive line, but will need their younger players to step up in the secondary.
They will also be strong on offense, but they will need an inexperienced offensive line to develop quickly in order to maximize the team’s production. Overall, hard work, talent, and an emphasis on “playing together” should pay dividends for the Bulldogs this season.
After a breakout year in which the Wildcats finished second in the Greater Neuse Conference, a sudden coaching change posed a possible threat to a repeat performance; however, new head coach Bennett Jones has set his sights on building a program in which successful seasons are the norm. To ease the transition, Jones has kept many of the team’s systems the same, but he has been putting his own stamp on the team’s mental preparation and overall attitude.
The defense will be led by all-conference performer James Proctor, and running back C.J. Frederick looks to better his 700-yard total from last season. Jones believes that it is possible for the Wildcats to earn a playoff spot this season, but he has also made it clear that his main goal is to help his team go about winning in the right way — by playing with class and demonstrating a mastery of smart, fundamentally sound football.
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