After losing in the first round last year, Elkmont head coach Sean Holt is eager to take the team even further. To do that in 2015, a lot of players with little experience will have to grow up in a hurry. The Red Devils lose 16 players to graduation from a team that went 8-3 and finished third in 4A Region 8 in 2014.
“We’ve got a lot of new guys,” said Holt. “We lost 16 seniors and lot of playing time. We had five new guys on the offensive line (against Hatton).”
Elkmont wrapped up its spring season last week with a victory at Hatton in a jamboree game. Elkmont’s varsity led 24-21 after three quarters. The junior varsity beat Hatton 20-7 in the final quarter.
“We just kept it simple, just a few blocking schemes, so not a lot to think about,” said Holt. “We ran a lot to the edges, so they didn’t have to block much up the middle. I’ve got faith that these guys will pick it up.”
While Elkmont will be breaking in a new offensive line, returning are starting running backs Zeb Pankey and Eli Hobbs and quarterback Jordan Nelson.
The Red Devils will be replacing most of their defensive starters as well including All-State linebacker Jared Bailey. Showing promise in the secondary are Grant Murphy and Hunter Pittman. Both had interceptions against Hatton.
“Defensively, it was all new faces,” said Holt. “Even if they played some, they were playing in a position where they hadn’t played before.”
Elkmont opens its season Friday, Aug. 28, at home against Ardmore.
SOURCE: NEWS COURIER
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