Longview's 2008 football team has three returning starters. That's not necessarily bad news for the Lobos, because the last two years they had similar lack of experience and finished with a combined record of 21-5.
In order for another good season however, coach John King is counting on chemistry developing during spring practice, which begins today and runs through May 23. The annual Green-White spring game is set for 2 p.m. on May 23 at Lobo Stadium.
King said his biggest concern on offense is the line, where just one starter — tackle Chris Knighton — returns. King said Knighton will mainly play defensive end.
Players expected to lead the way on the offensive line include seniors Eric White, Vinny Portley and Jazz Reeves, as well as juniors Terrance Carter and Tevin Ratcliff.
"Our offensive line has to develop chemistry," King said. "We have to a chance to be good, but it's not there yet."
Longview's skill positions on offense lack starters, but there are many players who have been standouts in other sports.
Junior Aaron Johnson is expected to take over as the starting quarterback. A starter for Longview's boys basketball team, Johnson was in competition last spring to win the starting job. Junior Rayshone McGee is expected to challenge Johnson.
There appears to be an interesting blend of talent at running back. Jonathan Oliver is expected to be the primary running back, and he has experience, coming off the bench to rush for 71 yards rushing in a 20-12 win over Tyler Lee last year. Tyler McCray brings contrast to Oliver's power running game.
"Tyler has got a little wiggle. He has a knack for hitting the big one," King said. "We don't have buses, but we have some Yugos."
Basketball standouts Carey Fortson and Addison McGee are expected to take over roles at receiver, as well as track standout Brunwyn Elder. Tight end Cody Taylor takes over as a starter after a reserve role last year.
Replacing three-year starter Zach Decker at kicker is a question mark according to King. Soccer players Marty Hobbs, Brooks Wellborn and Sam Krider, as well as baseball player William McWhorter, are expected to compete for the kicking job. Hobbs and Johnson are expected to compete for the punter position, where Decker was a two-year standout.
On defense, King said linebackers is the group he is most concerned with. Seniors Conrad Cooks and Stephoney Stanfield could lead the way, with Stanfield moving from defensive tackle. Juniors Trestin Coleman, Branson Rogers and Damion Jones are expected to contribute. Jones is a transfer from Minden (La.).
"Linebackers ... I don't know if we have any," King said, tongue-in-cheek. "We have a lot of little guys, but we don't have a lot of big pluggers."
The defensive secondary is primarily filled with part-time players expected to move into full-time roles. Senior Joseph Patillo, a special-team ace, and senior Lamarcus Howard are expected to play safety. Senior Bryce Bagby, junior Alonte Darden, junior Addison McGee and promising sophomore Joe Brown are expected to play cornerback.
King said the defensive line should be the strength of the defense, led by returning starters Knighton and senior Jazz Reeves. Also expected to contribute are senior Melvin Templeton, junior Bubba Vactor, junior Jeremiah Farley, junior Darius Waters and sophomore Britton Eastburn. Vactor is returning after missing the 2007 season with a dislocated shoulder, while Eastburn should also play deep snapper.
"They have the size and speed, and they have the ability to drive people back and get the passer," King said.
NOTABLE
The spring practices will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, with scrimmages on Fridays during school periods, the majority of the varsity scrimmaging at noon ... Longview will drop to Class 4A for at least the 2008 and 2009 seasons, after playing in Class 5A since 1980. King said talk about the drop in classification among the team has been minimal ... Longview opens its 2008 season on Aug. 29 at Allen.
