2007 Warren East

[theguru]

What does Warren East need to do to improve in 2007? What do they need to keep doing to be successful? Remember, please be constructive.

[Cynical]

Warren East has a lot of work to do and some good tools to do it with. After finishing 10-2 in 2006, the Raiders lost 19 seniors including All Stater’s Derrick Stinnett (OG) and Tony Jones (DT), as well as the school’s All-time leading tackler in Matt Rust (ILB). That being said, the cupboard is hardly bare.

 

The Raiders return nearly 4,000 yards of offense in their skill players. The backfield is old, experienced, and loaded with HB’s; Sr. Terrence Dunn (1,800 yards and 31 TD’s over the past two seasons), Jr. Shenard Holton (1,700 yards and 23 TD’s in his first two years), Jr. Antonious Owens (550 yards and 9 TD’s last year in a limited role) and Soph. Immanuel Robinson who is the biggest (6’2 190) and possibly the best of the backs. The offense returns some good weapons on the edge in WR’s Deangelo Kirk (25 catches for 460 yards last year), Jon Yates (11 catches for 311 yards and 5 TD’s last year), and Demetric Ray who had the best spring of the three and possess very explosive speed. Up front, a major rebuilding project must take place. Gone are 5 of the top 7 O-linemen. The O-line does return fourth year starter Wes Jenkins (6’1 260) who is getting some looks from area schools, but will have to make due with some gritty and strong, but smaller linemen. While the line will have to gel, the Raiders return Sr. QB Jordan Ellis who threw for 1,800 yards and 16 TD’s last year while only throwing 4 picks. Ellis will get a chance to throw the ball even more and looks to be an excellent leader on the offense.

 

The defense will be a fast and attacking unit. Everywhere there will be players that can run, and with good reason. Gone are 6 of last year’s starting front 7. All three ILB’s must be replaced and a pair of big DT’s leave a gaping hole. Again, the challenge is daunting, but not an impossible task. The D-line will be anchored by Nick Pearson, a 5-10, 285lb NG who can scoot when he needs to. The DT’s will be fast, athletic and strong, though, like the O-line, they will not be guys that strike fear when they get off the bus, but they can play. The ILB’s may be better this year than last. In the middle will be Silas Jewell a 5’11 210lb Jr. who will have an immediate impact. Jewell has a great nose for the ball and plays downhill. He will be flanked by Jr. PJ Jones who is probably the team’s fastest player and strongest pound-for-pound. Jones is aggressive and plays with attitude. The other slot will be filled by Jordan Bryant, a versatile player entertaining interest from U of L and several other schools. Bryant played down as a Soph and Jr. at DE, recording 31 sacks during that time. He has excellent speed and is a ferocious hitter, but must adjust to life as a stand up player. At OLB will most likely be Yates and Holton who, for all practical purposes, are better defensive players. Both set hard edges and are difficult to block in space. Yates is receiving interest from numerous schools but must prove that he can play with next level speed. In the secondary, one CB spot is set with Sr. Katan Parker who hauled in three picks last year and will be an excellent high school CB. The Free and other CB jobs are up for grabs between several talented athletes, but like most others on this defense, unproven.

 

Overall, East faces a very tough schedule, but the goal is to have success in the playoffs, and the schedule will certainly prepare them for it. The lines must gel and learn to play at game speed. Size is a huge concern, but speed is a huge asset. This team must find its identity on both sides of the ball to have the type of success it is striving for. Injuries could spell disaster if the wrong people get hurt. It looks to be an exciting season for the Raiders as they take on the challenge of the 2007 season.

 

Schedule

8/24 Greenwood H

8/31 Ft. Campbell H

9/7 Bardstown A

9/14 Allen Co. * H

9/21 Franklin Simpson* A

9/28 Logan Co.* H

10/5 Russell Co.* A

10/12 Owensboro Catholic H

10/26 Bowling Green A

11/2 Larue Co. A

* - Denotes Class 4A, Region 1, District 2 Opponent

[Hearsay]

Cynical, how do think they will fare against a significantly smaller, but very fast, team such as Bardstown?

[Cynical]

East has played Somerset the past two years, winning in 2006 and getting smaked in 2005. I would compare Bardstown to Somerset in that if East is not ready for them, the game will be over in the first half, but should the Raiders come to play, it should be a good game. One thing is for sure, there will be people moving fast on both sides of the ball for both teams.

[Hearsay]

What does Warren East have in the way of special teams? The Tigers have gotten to the point where no one will ever kick to them anymore.

[Cynical]

East got about one out of every two kickoffs into the endzone last year but must replace their kicker. They should be fine there and their put team was solid last year, with Yates handling the punting.

[Fletch]

It looks like things have turned around at Warren East. Now the job for the coaches is to sustain it. Good job by the current staff.

[Tigertalker]

Not sold on east yet. yes they have put their program on the map in wky and deserve credit for it. Let's see what happens this season with the step up in competiton.