Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011

Middle Creek catches on

The biggest question for the Middle Creek football team is who is going to play quarterback?

Coach Sean Crocker doesn't plan to abandon the spread offense that helped the Mustangs post 9-4 and 12-2 records and solid playoff runs the past two years. But three-year starting quarterback Garrett Leatham, who passed for 6,747 yards the past two years, is now a walk-on at N.C. State.

"It is a little different this year," Crocker said. "We have great competition at quarterback. It is extremely close between them. It might come down to who looks the best in the scrimmages."

Senior Sal Savarese was the varsity backup in 2010 and junior David Salmon was the junior varsity quarterback.

Whoever emerges behind center will have a group of experienced receivers led by Kevin Jones, Jon Moore and Quinton Ray. Naylaan Lopez led the team in rushing last year and added 400 yards in receptions.

The Mustangs will have a new set of blockers.

"Those guys have a chance to be good. They are pretty solid up there," Crocker said.

Defensively, the team could be stronger. Linemen Josh Banks, a Wake Forest recruit, and Darius Wilkins are Division I prospects. Cameron White and Jimmy Boyd return at linebacker, and defensive backs look strong with Bryan Broadney, Berekel White and Jackson Rider.

More will be expected of the defense. Last season, the offense averaged 27 points and the defense allowed 21, giving up 33 points per game over the final four contests.