THREE RIVERS AREA — 2 following Falcons 009 Since is a and clean arriving a one new slate -win head in for season May coach the , North Russell in Rick 2008 Pulaski Russell , in . his first head coaching position at the high school level after being Jacksonville High School's defensive coordinator in 2008, has watched the Falcons progress through offseason workouts, including new conditioning and weightlifting programs. And last year's startershave had to re-earn their starting roles in fall practice as Russell and his coaching staff have evaluated the players.
"I told them last spring that everybody starts today with me," Russell said.
And the Falcons' poor on-the-field performances of the past few years? Erased, in Russell's mind.
"We're not looking back," he said. "What this North Pulaski football team has done in the past makes no difference to this football team. We're only going to look forward."
The 2009 Falcons do return a core of skill players on offense who should give the team an opportunity to be competitive and win. At quarterback is sophomore Shyheim Barron (6-1, 175).
"He's an athlete," Russell said. "He played quarterback on the junior high last year. We're working with him with his mechanics, and he's progressing real well."
Four running backs are jockeying for playing time in the Falcons' multiple offensive assault: junior Darius Washington (5-8, 160), sophomore Derrick Hart (5-7, 165), junior Darius Cage (6-1, 225) and senior A.J. Stephens. Stepping into the holes first will be junior fullback Billy Barron (5-11, 260) and sophomore fullback Eric Horton (5-10, 180). Senior Orlando Hicks (6-1, 185) is the top
returnee at the receiver position and is joined by senior
Bradley Bohannon (6, 160).
"Skill positions are our strength," Russell said. "We're
three-deep at receiver and in the backfield. We feel good
about that.
"Right now, depth on the offensive line is a concern." Among the candidates for the 2009 Falcon offensive
line are senior tackle C.J. Bernard (5-11, 240), senior
center Lysander Tramble (5-11, 230), senior guard Aus
tin Cousins (5-8, 175) and junior guard Wesley Richey
(6-1, 210).
"We've worked on their quickness and their footwork, and we're progressing very well on the offensive line," Russell said.
On defense, a lack of depth and size is a concern along the defensive line, but Russell thinks his linebacking corps and secondary should be defensive strengths.
Bernard and Horton at tackle and Tramble at defensive end will be joined by senior nose guard Calvin Carter (5-10, 170) on the defensive line.
"He's one of our fastest football players," Russell said of Carter.
"His upper-body strength is tremendous and his quickness. He's ... very elusive and hard to block." Billy Barron and Cage are joined at the linebacking spots by sophomore linebacker Nick Dunn (5-7, 180), one of the team's strongest players, Vinnie Osmun (6-0, 185) and Stephens. Senior kicker Matthew Ingersol (6-1, 180) will also receive playing time at receiver on offense and linebacker on defense.
Rounding out the defense is Hart and Hicks at cornerback and Cameron Stoneking (6-1, 175) at safety.
The key to the Falcons' 2009 success is improving each week, Russell said.
"I'm going to determine we're successful if we are a better football team week 10 than we were week one," he said.
BREAKING DOWN THE FALCONS
1-9 record for 2008
2008 finish in conference
2 returning offense starters
5 returning defense starters
NORTH PULASKI FALCONS
Sept. 4 ...................... Dumas
Sept. 11 at Pulaski Oak Grove
Sept. 18 ............. LR Christian
Sept. 25 ......... LR McClellan*
Oct. 2 .................. at Beebe*
Oct. 9 ............at White Hall*
Oct. 16 .............Sylvan Hills*
Oct. 23 .............. at Crossett*
Oct. 30 ...................... Mills*
Nov. 5 ........... at Monticello*
Special, Pages 175 on 08/23/2009