Trojans confident about contending once again
By David Shelton
Senior Writer
Florence – A season opening 42-0 loss to Wilson Hall notwithstanding, Byrnes School head football coach Jared Amell feels the 2011 Trojans have the potential to be the best team he has coached.
Opening the season against a AAA power like Wilson Hall is a tall order for a small program with 18 total players on the roster. Amell knew going into the game that his team might struggle but he also felt they would learn a lot about themselves by starting the season with such a quality opponent.
“Regardless of the final score, I think playing teams like Wilson Hall is a good learning experience and it helps us later in the season,” said Amell. “These non-region games are important for us to see what we need to work on but we realize the games that matter are in our conference and in the playoffs. It’s a good opportunity for us.”
For several years, Amell’s offensive attack of choice was the spread. The coach has had several good quarterbacks who could throw the ball around and opted to use a passing offense to win games.
This season, due to the personnel available, the coach says his team will run more option to take better advantage of the talent on hand.
“We have a new quarterback and his strength is running and I think the option is something that we can do well,” said the coach. “We won’t totally scrap the spread. I think as the season goes along we can incorporate more spread looks and throw it around some. Right now we just want to take it slow.”
The new quarterback is certainly no stranger to the program. Senior Shaq Bacote has put up huge numbers as a receiver and linebacker and return specialist over the years. He caught 50 passes for nearly 1,000 yards last season but moves under center this season.
“Shaq is getting better and better and because he is such a good athlete, this is something we feel he can be successful at,” said Amell. “The ball is in hands on every play and that’s a good thing.”
The feature tailback this fall is Chantwan Damon, who gained 645 yards last season as a second or third option at running back. The 5-8, 175-pounder could be in for a big season in 2011.
Moving from the offensive line to fullback is senior Ke’von Ketter, a 6-0, 290-pounder.
There are solid options in the passing game as well. Senior Justin Robinson (6-3, 200) caught 29 passes for 570 yards and eight touchdowns last season.
Dyeshawn Jones (6-0, 180) caught 17 passes for 339 yards last season and will also be used at running back.
Three starters return along the offensive line. Junior Ashton Sutton (5-8, 215) returns at center while senior Jay Hunt (5-9, 180) returns at one guard. Back at one tackle is junior Rickie Ford (6-2, 225).
Freshman Blake Kirby (5-9, 240) will start at the other tackle and sophomore Matt Moseley (5-11, 220) is the other starting guard.
“Our offensive line has improved a great deal since we started and I feel like it has the potential to be a very solid unit for us,” says Amell.
Many of the players will also see significant time on defense. Bacote, a linebacker, is the leading returning tackler with 114 hits last season. He also tallied seven sacks and three interceptions.
Jones also starts at linebacker and had 70 tackles last season. Hunt, Damon and Sutton will also work at linebacker.
Ketter anchors the front at nose guard and had 80 tackles last season. Ford starts inside as well and had 72 hits last season. Moseley and Kirby will also work on the line.
Junior Kalin Brown-McFadden anchors the secondary at corner. The 5-10, 160-pounder had two interceptions last season. Junior Ellis Collins will start at the other corner while Robinson is the starting free safety. Robinson had 63 tackles and two picks a season ago.
“I feel like we can be a very competitive team, maybe the best team we’ve had here,” said Amell. “We have good players and a good work ethic. I think winning 10 games last year gave them a taste of success and most of these guys played a lot for us last year. Hopefully experience will be a strength for us as we move through the season.”
