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Football: Hebron hoping to mash opponents on the ground
By Justin Thomas, jthomas@starlocalnews.com
When Hebron's football team began its season last year against Colleyville Heritage, the Hawks still had multiple question marks at multiple positions.
Hebron went on to drop that opener but rallied as the season progressed, reaching the postseason only to fall in the first round against Denton Guyer.
Now, as the Hawks prepare to open their 2012 slate at 7:30 p.m. Friday against Abilene, optimism permeates the staff and players as Hebron has its roster squared away.
One position where Hebron is breaking in a first-year starter is quarterback, where Carson Proffitt takes over for Joe Farley. Proffitt is coming off a summer in which he developed chemistry with his receivers and backs as he led Hebron's 7-on-7 team to the State Tournament and Red Bull Game Breakers national tourney.
"Carson has done well," Brazil said. "He's really been running the offense and has put together solid drives. He certainly doesn't look like a guy who is going to be starting his first varsity game. His teammates seem to really respect him and follow him as a leader."
On the turf, Proffitt brings versatility with his ability to make plays with his legs in addition to passing.
Proffitt is supported in the backfield with multiple playmakers, including back Dezmond Wortham, who led the squad with 917 rushing yards (6.2 yards per carry) and nine touchdowns last season.
"Dez has been a big bright spot for us," Brazil said. "He had three touchdowns in the scrimmage and has shown great speed and power."
Joining Wortham in the backfield are Vandy Parkes and Braelen Evans, as well as Jamal Adams, who will see time at running back and in the slot in addition to starting at safety. Parkes will also chip in at the slot.
"Vandy had a couple of great runs in the scrimmage," Brazil added. "And Braelan looks good, too. We have four guys that are 5A quality backs."
Joining Evans and Adams at receiver at Austin Morgenstern, Shawn Slowinski and Michael Wallace. Tight ends include Riley Ransom and Scott Dye.
"Carson and Austin have developed a nice chemistry," Brazil said. "We feel we're going to be good there. We have confidence in all of our guys. Jamal, Braelen and Dezmond are more of our home run threats. Austin is a guy that just runs great routes and has great hands. He's not as naturally gifted as those other guys, but he is a hard worker and is coming around. But you have to be careful with him, too. He runs such great routes that he can really set up the defender and get behind for the big play."
On the line, Hebron features returners C.J. Mexia and Zach Rogers. Rounding out the starters are John Austin Stovall, Thomas Alsbrook and Kendall Catching.
"The line has really been a pleasant surprise," Brazil said. "We have good size and the guys move well and work well together."
The improved line, along with a talented backfield and Proffitt's ability to use his legs, has Brazil excited about the ground attack.
"Even though we are a spread in a lot of ways, we really like to run the ball traditionally," Brazil said. "I think we are really going to be able to mash the ball this season. But at the same time we want to be balanced. If our opponent wants to stack the box, we will welcome that."
Perhaps the biggest question for Hebron comes with an inexperienced defensive line.
"It's all new," Brazil said. "We have five guys fighting for three spots. They're doing a good job, though. They're not the biggest kids, but they're very athletic. Three of the five have played linebacker in the past for us."
Options on the front include Daniel Wise (brother of former all-district performer Deatrich), who is returning from an injury last season, as well as Jourdain Edwards, Eric Schultz, Clay Holford and David Brazil.
"Daniel is probably the best of the bunch right now because of his ability to make plays," Brazil said. "But it's been a battle and this is the final go-round. They're all unselfish and who starts is anyone's guess right now. It could even be a situation where we were are constantly shuffling them in and out."
Linebackers for the Hawks are Curt Scherer, Gavin Burford and Austin Griffith on the inside with Paul Hammer and Dallas Schray on the outside. Dylan Shapiro and Jeryl Sajumon could also see time.
"We have good depth there," Brazil said. "And they're all good athletes. We feel pretty confident in our linebackers."
The secondary appears to be a position of strength as well as it is anchored by the highly-recruited Adams at safety. Preston Morgenstern returns starting experience to the other safety position, as does Cardell Lue at cornerback. C.J. Armstrong, Caleb Richardson and George Merutka also handle duties in the defensive backfield.
"We have smart kids in the secondary and playmakers in the secondary," Brazil said.
On special teams, Joel Carlos will kick and punt.
Last Friday, Hebron had its final tune-up when it scrimmaged against former district foe Plano East.
"It went well," Brazil said. "I thought we moved the ball effectively and on defense, we were great after the first series. We did a good job of executing on both sides of the ball. It was a little tougher to tell during the live part of the scrimmage, though, because we weren't touching the quarterbacks.
"Of course we have some little technical things to work on here and there, but for the most part, it went pretty well and all of the mistakes are fixable issues."
The Hawks open their campaign at 7:30 p.m. Friday when it hosts Abilene.
The Eagles are predicted to finish first in District 2-5A according to The Old Coach. Last year, Abilene went 10-4 and reached the quarterfinals of the playoffs. The Eagles also return nine starters on defense.
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