By Zac Chamblee
Led by a group of experienced and talented offensive skill players, Purvis enters the 2017 season with a legit shot at winning their first-ever state football title. Tornado head coach Perry Wheat was quick to call that group the strength of this year’s team.
“Offensively, we’ve got 3 or 4 guys that I would classify as explosive players,” Wheat said. “We normally maybe have one guy that would fit into that category. I feel good about our skill guys because we’ve got 3 or 4 that are explosive and can create some plays. That’s where I feel our strength is right now.”
Still, even with some of the shiny, Division I weapons Purvis will field, the mindset of a Tornado does not change.
“We still, going back to our philosophy, want to drive the football and win the line of scrimmage,” Wheat added.
Offense:
Two quarterbacks, Ty Howell and Mason Kendrick, saw significant playing time last year and both return for their senior and junior seasons, respectively. Howell, the starter, played in seven games before suffering a Lisfranc injury, essentially a broken foot. Kendrick stepped in, and for the most part, the Tornadoes didn’t miss a beat, making it to the third round of the Class 4A playoffs. Even with Howell almost back to 100%, Wheat expects both will see action under center in 2017.
“I feel good about those guys,” Wheat said. “It’s good to have two guys you have confidence in to go in there and run the offense.”
Lining up in the backfield with them will be starting running back Jon Bolton, who led the team in rushing last year despite being limited early with an ankle injury. Bolton holds offers from several junior colleges and one Division I school, South Alabama. Brian Bennett and Conner Sylvester will also see playing time there for the Tornadoes.
CJ Bolar, who most consider being one of the state’s top 2018 prospects, highlights the Tornado receiving corps. Bolar (6-foot-1) holds offers from over 20 Division I schools, including Mississippi State and Southern Miss. Bolar led the team in every receiving category as a junior last season and had only gotten better since then.
“CJ has had a great offseason and looks great,” Wheat said. “He’s going to be a big part of our offense and is very explosive. One-on-one, he’s going to win a lot out there.”
Ramble Johnson, a senior, will anchor the team’s offensive line from his center position. Johnson currently holds scholarship offers from Pearl River Community College and Southwest Community College. The team is also expecting big things from junior tackle Matthew Ryals, listed at 6-foot-7. Tim Broom, Robby Burt, CJ Russell and Austin Swartz will also play important roles on the line.
Defense:
The Tornadoes have had to replace key players like Conner Cook, Dylan Curtis and Jaleel Davis on the defensive side of the ball. That being said, Wheat feels good about the group he has coming back.
The defensive line will be anchored by Cedrick Fairley, who started all of last year. Robby Burt and Tate Rankin will also see a lot of time there. Brian Bennett, Dave Myatt and Conner Sylvester will lead the way at linebacker. At defensive back, the Tornadoes return two starters in CJ Bolar, who led the team in interceptions (6) in 2016 and Drew Powell, who is 6-foot-1. Steven Jaciuk, Jesse Johnson and Mason Kendrick will also play a lot at defensive back, an area that has been a pleasant surprise for Wheat.
“I feel like that might be our strength on defense, just from a depth standpoint,” Wheat said.
Special Teams:
Steven Anderson returns for his senior season and will handle both the kicking and punting duties for the Tornadoes. Wheat called Anderson one of the team’s most-improved players.
