I'm not a coach, just a fan... I apologize if I got a name or position wrong... This is just my observation...

 

Offense: Last year Creek had a lot of trouble throwing the ball. The problem started with the pass blocking and ended with an inexperienced QB and receivers. This year is could shape up much differently. The offensive line will be anchored by Gill, Czarnecki, and Stergill. Run blocking, they have down pat, pass blocking should get better as the season moves on. They have a great core group of receivers that will focus around the extremely fast RJ Taylor, Tavon Dunn, Marcus Wilkerson and Tim York. All are very sure handed. The back field is uber talented with D1 prospect Dennis Oxendine (who should rush for over 1500 yards this season) and Casy Grimes. Look for Marshal Gant and Martavious Carter to get in the mix to. Creek will try to go with a spread offense and pass the ball, but if that fails they will fall back on the run. That all really hinges on projected starting QB (Junior) Jake Ryan. Jake has a strong arm and is a big, smart kid. We'll just have to wait and see how he adjust to the speed of the Varsity game as opposed to JV. However, if he falters, Creek may go with back up QB (Sophmore) Graham Gordon.

 

Defense: The secondary was solid last year, with Oxendine and Taylor at the corner spot. Zach Hines and Austin Yates as safeties. Cal Stewart, Tony Compton and Ryan Betlach appear to be starting at linbaker (with Betlach going in and out of the role as strong safety). The defensive line will be anchored by Taiwon Hart and Marshal Gant. Stopping the run has to be priority number one for the defense this year. I see the secondary batting down a lot of balls, and getting their fair share of Int's. If this group can come together and stop the run, Tates Creek will post a lot of W's in the win column this year.

 

I believe Martavious Carter will be returning kicks... look for some big returns from him on special teams.

 

Bottom line... Offense will need some solid play from their quarterback and defense will need to stop the run in order to improve on last years 3-7 regular season record.

To add. Tates Creek was extremely young last year. Their inexperience on both sides of the ball led to much of the difficulties last year. This year poses to be a different year all together. Losing a Senior class of 8-10 players, and moving forward with a very talented Sophomore/Junior class that holds 40+ players. Tates Creek will return it's entire backfield, led by All-City Performers RB/DB #32 (SR.) Dennis Oxendine, #21 RB/DB Casey Grimes, and WR/RB/DB #19 RJ Taylor and also (SR.) FB Marcus Wilkerson Also, returning Skill players receivers---(SR.) Keith Denton, (JR) Tavon Dunn, (SR) Tim York, and (SR.) Zach Hinds. Also, getting in the mix at RB will be (Soph.) Martavious Carter. The question marks will be how the line protects the QB's. A solid group of JR's will man each position on the line. And Tates Creek has 2 solid QB's with game experience. (JR) Jake Ryan will have the first crack at the starting position backed by the talented SOPH. Conner Grahm. Both have played in games last year including the tough playoff loss to Campbell County 22-20 last year.

 

The defense will be anchored by the same All-City players mentioned above. The Defensive backfield has 3 All-City performers in Dennis Oxendine, RJ Taylor, and Casey Grimes. And Soph. standout Martavious Carter completes a very solid Secondary. They have senior leadership at the Linebacker Position with Cal Sterwart, and Tony Compton. Getting in the mix will be (Jr.) Ryan Betlach, (Jr.) Eamon Nasir, (SR) Zach Hinds, and (SR) Austin Yates. Again, the question mark will be how stout can the line be against the run which Creek had difficulty with lst year. Helping out will be the fact that they have switched from their pro style 3-4 allignment last year to a 4-5 man front this year. Emphasis will be to load the box and dare teams to try and beat them through the air. The line will consist of (JR) Taiwan Hart, (JR) Marshall Gant, and big guys in the interior like (JR) Tanner Gill, (JRs) Tyler Sturgill, Javon and Dion.

 

Tates Creek figures to have a very good return game with skilled retuners returning again. Dennis Oxendine, RJ Taylor and Martavious Carter will be the primary return men. Sharing spot relief return duty should be sure handed (SR.) Tim york.

 

Tates Creek had a very solid off season and very good 7 on 7 season. The optimism of the season will hinge on the development of the line and QB play. Tates Creek has a very talented skill group of RBs and Receivers. Will they have enough opportunities to make plays will be the question. The coaches are very excited as they see the potential this year to do some special things. Tates Creek will find out right off the bat as they scrimmage #5 Louisville Butler once again this year on Friday 8/10.

Awesome!!! Thanks for the added insight... I didn't realize they were switching up the defense so much... Looking forward to a fantastic season!!! Oh, I'm pretty sure the sophmore QB's name is Graham Gordon... I'm looking forward to a solid passing game to compliment Oxendine!

I think youre right on the Soph. QB's name........ Whatever his name is....(LOL Im Kidding).....I like the kid a lot. He has a very very bright future. The kid is absolutely fearless and I feel will be battling for the starting position all year long......I feel like the QB position is in good hands and will be solid for Creek this year. Protection will be the ? in my opinion.

lol... Sorry... Had to correct you on that name, since I picked it out for him. I agree with you, but I'm doing my best to be fair and unbiased on here...

LOL.....Very good. You have a great young man on your hands. I am very excited to see his future. Did not realize you were his father. We are all very excited to see this year and his progression.

Great info and posts Creekfan and GOINGFOR2.:thumb:

 

Really enjoyed reading about the TC players and team. Look forward to reading your posts on them this season.

WKYT - Video

 

WKYT 27 teams in 27 Days...

WKYT - Video

 

WKYT 27 teams in 27 Days...

 

Ch 27 does such a great job on thier 27 teams in 27 days. I enjoy watching them all.

 

Will keep up with Oxidine this year.

Ch 27 does such a great job on thier 27 teams in 27 days. I enjoy watching them all.

 

Will keep up with Oxidine this year.

 

3 to keep your eyes on with Creek, with several up and comers possibly. #32 Dennis Oxendine (RB/DB), #19 RJ Taylor (WR/RB/DB), and #21 Casey Grimes (RB/DB)........They will be the workload of the Creek O and D this year.....