By Zac Chamblee
North Forrest is hoping to take that next step towards contention in 2017. They will have to do so without a pair of college signees in Jeffrey Richardson and Christian Williamson, who helped the Eagles capture a district title last season. Eagle head coach Anthony Dillon knows those two will be hard to replace. Still, he expects his squad will keep this positive momentum going.
“We feel like we can take that next step, especially because we have a lot of experience coming back at the quarterback position,” Dillon said. “He has his normal receivers coming back from last year. Having played together for two years now, we feel like those guys have developed a lot of chemistry and timing together. We’re expecting to see some good things this year if we can stay healthy.”
Offense:
The quarterback Dillon is referring to is Daylyn Croom, who returns for his senior season at North Forrest. Croom started every game under center last season for the Eagles, passing for nearly 2000 yards and 20 touchdowns. In the words of Dillon, Croom has pretty much become a coach on the field.
“He’ll come to the side and tell us some of the things he’s seeing and what the opposing team is doing,” Dillon said.
With the graduation of Christian Williamson, a couple of new faces will be in the backfield at running back next to Croom. Tra’jen Anderson, Ryhen Brisco and Karrenton Earl are few names Dillon expects to play there.
“It’s hard to feel the shoes of a guy like Christian,” Dillon said. “He was just so electrifying for us as a four-year starter. So it’s going to take a whole stable of guys to make up the void he’s left us with. We have some guys that’s really up for the challenge. We’ll use multiple guys to try and see who can do the best. It will be a team effort.”
Senior Leon Jones will highlight the team’s wide receiving corp. Brisco and Jalen Grant will also be featured there.
The offensive line will be young at certain spots, so the team is looking to senior Hezekiah Davis, an all-state performer last season, to lead the way. Ellis Brown and Michael Martin are two others that Dillon expects to play a lot.
Defense:
The Eagle defense is anchored by a trio of players in defensive lineman Hezekiah Davis, linebacker Karrenton Earl and defensive back Tra’jen Anderson. Last season, Davis led the team in tackles for loss (7), Earl compiled a team-leading 133 tackles and Anderson picked off a pass and forced two fumbles.
Dillon expects a lot of the same in 2017.
“We’ve been preaching on being aggressive and running to the football,” Dillon said.
AJ Brown, Robert Hogan, Kentrell Keyes, Tyree Leflore, Michael Martin and Rashad Travis are a couple of other names to watch for on the defensive side.
Special Teams:
The Eagles are still in search of who will handle their kicking and punting duties.
“We have to be strong in all three areas of the game,” Dillon said. “There are 3 phases. It’s not just offense and defense. I’ve seen special teams cost people ball games numerous times. We’re just at trial and error right now to see who will be the best fit.”
