Saxons Intent On Improvement Veteran Offense, Top Receiver Bolster Hopes For New Season
UNPUBLISHED CORRECTION: The name of football player Jeremey Williams is misspelled in this story. The correct spelling was confirmed by his mother.
Ferris
With a new quarterback, a stronger defense and special teams, Ferris is seeking improvement on last year’s 2-7 record.
Friday night’s game against preseason Greater Spokane League favorite Central Valley will be a measuring stick.
“I really think we should be a playoff team,” says Ferris coach Clarence Hough “It’s just a matter of believing you can do it.”
A win over CV would provide essential momentum.
“We have good players, and they do, too,” said Hough. “If they’re a little bit better than us physically, then hopefully we’ll be a little sharper (in execution).”
Last year’s passing and total offense leader, Justin Bursch, is gone, leaving the Saxons inexperienced at quarterback. However, they have veterans returning practically everywhere else on offense.
Junior Andre Atkins is the quarterback heir.
“The quarterbacks are young and inexperienced, but they’re working hard and showing improvement every week,” said wide receiver Jonathan Parker, who last year was selected first team all-GSL.
Parker will be trying to repeat last year’s impressive stats, in which he was first in receiving yards and was 10 yards away from a record. This year, he most likely will get a record for most yards in a career.
Ferris also has returning running back Ty Williams, who was among league leaders despite carrying the football only 98 times. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry.
The offensive line is experienced and includes J.P. Dowling, James Missel and tight end Garth Hamilton. A pair of 250-pound newcomers are Jeremy Williams and Sean Flaherty.
As experienced as the offense is, the defense will determine Ferris’ success.
“This year we’re going to be more defense oriented,” said Williams.
Although there are few returning starters, the potential is there, Hough added.
Ty Williams, Parker and Jeremy Williams play both ways, as does lineman-fullback Matt Dillon, a junior.
Third-year defensive back K.C. McVey is joined by Jon Luciani in the secondary and Jeff O’Neill at linebacker.
Other prospects are junior running back-kicker Nick Bozo, sophomore linebacker Aaron Sedler and sophomore lineman DeJuan Jones. With the kicking of Bozo, Hough is hoping Ferris can convert more possesions into points.
“He can kick 50 yards easy,” said Hough.
That doesn’t mean Ferris will go undefeated. But with the changes made in the off-season, the Saxons more than likely will improve on last year’s record.
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