TRI-LAKES AREA — Last season, the Glen Rose Beavers attempted to defend their 3A state championship but came up a few points short and were knocked out in the second round of the playoffs.
The Beavers scored and scored often last season, averaging more than 31 points per game, but in the three games they were held to just two scores, they were beaten (once by Fountain Lake and twice by Mayflower).
Now that the bull's-eye is not on the back of his players, head coach Mark Kehner must now deal with just three offensive and three defensive returning starters.
"We're still a long way from where we want to be," Kehner said.
"We did have a beneficial summer." The quarterback competition has come down to two seniors.
Ethan Holicer is more of a pocket-passer-style quarterback, while
Paul Ditzig is a threat to run the ball as well as throw it.
Last season junior Steven Kehner rushed for nearly 1,600 yards and 24 touchdowns. This season, Mark Kehner knows teams will be focusing on his top running back, and he will look to open the passing game up more with Steven Kehner catching balls as well as lining up at quarterback.
Backing up Kehner will be junior Dylan Ray, who played outside linebacker last year.
The Beavers have a junior-laden receiving corps that will have to grow up quickly to get the Glen Rose passing game going. Those expected to garner starting roles are Shane Tuggle, Cameron Hixon and Daniel Lankford. Kehner will also look to include the tight end into the passing scheme. The tight end position will be held by senior Josh Stevens, who has moved to tight end from the offensive line, and junior Dylan Scroggins, who "isn't real tall, but can make people miss," Kehner said.
The most experienced area on the team is the offensive line with three seniors and three juniors competing for the five spots.
Those expected to start include seniors Tyler Mantooth at center, Charlie Young at left guard and Chris Minyard at left tackle, as well as juniors Tanner Glenn at right guard and Seth Matlock at right tackle. Junior Justin Moreland will also compete for time.
One of the few returning starters on the defensive side of the ball is 6-5 nose guard J.D. Schreiner. He will be joined on the defensive line by tackle Tyler Edwards and defensive ends Matt Johnson and Josh Robertson. Junior Ryan Taylor could also see time.
Kehner has plenty of talent to choose from at the linebacker position such as Mantooth, Ray, Young, Michael Thomas and Jonathan Lackey, who will play safety as well.
Ditzig and Steven Kehner will add athleticism to the safety position, while Lankford, Hixon, Tuggle and Scroggins add speed to the cornerback position.
Tri-Lakes, Pages 9 on 08/30/2009