FERN CREEK (12-2 in 2015)
Coach: Josh Abell (third season, 19-6).
Starters back: Offense 6, defense 6.
Class: 5-A, District 4.
Players to watch: Senior Kyree Hawkins (6-0, 205) was one of the Tigers best defensive players last season. He played sparingly on offense and still managed to run for 285 yards and catch 10 passes for 289. While Abell said he has to have his playmaking skills at linebacker, Hawkins should get a chance to play more on offense, too. Meanwhile, senior quarterback Shamar Bryant worked on his throwing mechanics in the offseason as Abell said he’ll have more decisions to make this year.
Other top players: LB/ATH Dylan Dunbar (Jr.), DB/WR Dewayne Flourney (Sr.), TE Parker Yahnig (Sr.), RB/LB Devon Blincoe (Jr.), OL Raymond Wingate (Sr.).
Outlook: The Tigers reached the state semifinals last season, and while they have some playmakers to replace, Abell said he likes the talent that’s coming back. The key will be to get the newcomers to buy into the idea of playing together and for one another. Once again, the Tigers, who recorded six shutouts last season, look to be strong defensively. “Our strength defensively is going to be in the back seven,” Abell said.
Schedule:
8/19 at Seneca
8/26 at Manual
9/2 MOORE
9/9 BUTLER
9/16 at DeSales
9/23 *at Fairdale
9/29 *SOUTHERN
10/7 *at Doss
10/15 *IROQUOIS
10/21 *at Atherton
*-District game