STARKVILLE — The football offseason brought nothing but good news for Starkville Academy.
The Volunteers gained 10 more players and will open spring practice Monday with 37 players. The addition of former Columbus High head coach Bubba Davis bolstered the conditioning program and gives Starkville Academy an experienced and successful defensive coach.
And while teams lose key players to graduation every year, the only significant losses to team suffered came at defensive end and at quarterback.
All of those positives come after the team won two of its last three games and three of its last six to end coach Jeff Terrill”s first season in charge.
“The way we were able to finish the season really jump-started the attitudes as they worked through the winter and spring months in the weight room,” Terrill said. “It”s been tremendous, and there”s been improvement.
“In the middle of that, we got coach Davis to join our staff. He brought a lot, especially to the weight room, and that”s helped a lot of our young men jump higher than I thought we could, so they”re excited about getting out there for spring practice.”
The offseason losses were minimal, but replacing quarterback Kyle Henson — a two-year starter — will be a challenge.
Henson was named to The Dispatch Large Schools All-Area second-team offense last season and was the unquestioned leader of the Volunteers” rebuilding effort.
Henson”s skills were ideal for Terrill”s option offense, but he wasn”t a polished passer to take advantage in the play-action game.
The Volunteers will turn to Drew Pellum, who played defensive back and wide receiver last season, as well as Ryan McKell, who played running back and slot receiver last year.
Brandon Sharp, who once started at point guard for the basketball team, returns from Starkville High and also will have a shot under center this spring.
Though each quarterback candidate will need to master the option reads, Terrill hopes to add a passing attack that can strike deep this season.
In 2010, the passing game was limited due to Henson”s skills and a lack of a go-to receiver. Finding both elements to balance the offense will be a priority, Terrill said.
“The kids we”re looking at have some ability to get the ball down field,” Terrill said, “and what we do offensively would be more of a play-action and taking advantage of teams loading the box. It simplifies that passing scheme, so if we can find somebody who can escape and separate, it will give us a chance.”
The Volunteers return all but one starting offensive lineman on offense, while the defense looks to be the strongest area entering the spring.
Starting linebackers Steven Robertson and James Mapp return, as well as Pellum and McKell in the secondary.
Finding replacements for defensive end Adam Crittenden and second-team all-conference linebacker Matt Ward will be key.
Defense, though, will receive a “major jolt” from Davis, who will serve as defensive coordinator, Terrill said.
“I don”t know if (the players) really realize how important he”ll be, but I know I do,” Terrill said. “It takes a lot off all of us coaches here, not just with his football knowledge, but he”s got such vast experience in handling high school kids and parents, so there”s a lot of wisdom, and of course, he”s brought winning with him wherever he”s been. I think that”s exciting. He”s kind of won these kids over just by being who he is.”
Starkville Academy will play Washington School on May 14 in its spring game.
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