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08-27-2006, 11:16 AM
Vernon Preview 2006
By Andy Newberry/Times Record News
August 23, 2006
The Vernon Lions return a strong running game with fullback Aston Whiteside and a pair of speedy halfbacks.
The Lions hope to add an effective passing came to complement that and turn themselves into a balanced team.
Vernon coach Keith Hall said the team has a strong base with a running game and the ability to defend the rush, but wants improvement in the passing department on both sides.
"We’ve always been able to run the football it seems, but the pass is one thing we’re working on," Hall said. "I don’t care if you throw it five times or 40 times, you want to be able to complete them. We can’t go 4-of-20."
So the Lions have spent a lot of time working on what they don’t do best to complement the power running of Whiteside (839 yards in the regular season) and halfbacks Coryan Briggs and Chase Graf.
Whiteside, a senior fullback listed at 6-2, 225 pounds, surprises teams with the speed and power with which he hits a hole.
"He’s not slow at all," Hall said. "He made regionals in the high hurdles. He is also looking good at outside linebacker and is certainly one of the key players for us."
Quarterback William Miller led several key drives during last year’s district season and has shown an ability to lead the offense.
"We have kids who can get open, too," Hall said. "We’re working on it to see how we can throw it and catch it."
The offensive line, led by guard Kevin Woodard, helped the Lions average 9 yards per carry in their first scrimmage. Briggs helped that with a 70-yard burst.
"They really came off the football and were making things happen," Hall said. "We feel really good. We’ve got a lot of kids pushing each other."
The Lions don’t have great total numbers on varsity, but Hall feels good about the quality of player on the squad.
"I told my coaches it’s not whether you have 48 kids or 33, the big thing is how many players you have," Hall said. "We feel like we have 30-plus players."
Former standout linebacker Jose Cardenas (6-0, 205) is making the move to defensive tackle. Two younger players will take over at linebacker.
Many of the backs and receivers, including Miller and Briggs will see time in the secondary.
Hall expects the Lions to be in the District 6-3A race, which now includes Burkburnett.
"We’ve always played Burkburnett and they have a good outfit," Hall said. "Coach (Chris) Ellis at Iowa Park is going to have his kids ready and coach (Brad) McCoy at Graham has done well. Hirschi is getting better and better. I always remember how Hirschi was when I first came here.
"It’ll be a real good competitive district. The last few years it’s always came down to the last game. This year we know for sure, we are the small school."
By Andy Newberry/Times Record News
August 23, 2006
The Vernon Lions return a strong running game with fullback Aston Whiteside and a pair of speedy halfbacks.
The Lions hope to add an effective passing came to complement that and turn themselves into a balanced team.
Vernon coach Keith Hall said the team has a strong base with a running game and the ability to defend the rush, but wants improvement in the passing department on both sides.
"We’ve always been able to run the football it seems, but the pass is one thing we’re working on," Hall said. "I don’t care if you throw it five times or 40 times, you want to be able to complete them. We can’t go 4-of-20."
So the Lions have spent a lot of time working on what they don’t do best to complement the power running of Whiteside (839 yards in the regular season) and halfbacks Coryan Briggs and Chase Graf.
Whiteside, a senior fullback listed at 6-2, 225 pounds, surprises teams with the speed and power with which he hits a hole.
"He’s not slow at all," Hall said. "He made regionals in the high hurdles. He is also looking good at outside linebacker and is certainly one of the key players for us."
Quarterback William Miller led several key drives during last year’s district season and has shown an ability to lead the offense.
"We have kids who can get open, too," Hall said. "We’re working on it to see how we can throw it and catch it."
The offensive line, led by guard Kevin Woodard, helped the Lions average 9 yards per carry in their first scrimmage. Briggs helped that with a 70-yard burst.
"They really came off the football and were making things happen," Hall said. "We feel really good. We’ve got a lot of kids pushing each other."
The Lions don’t have great total numbers on varsity, but Hall feels good about the quality of player on the squad.
"I told my coaches it’s not whether you have 48 kids or 33, the big thing is how many players you have," Hall said. "We feel like we have 30-plus players."
Former standout linebacker Jose Cardenas (6-0, 205) is making the move to defensive tackle. Two younger players will take over at linebacker.
Many of the backs and receivers, including Miller and Briggs will see time in the secondary.
Hall expects the Lions to be in the District 6-3A race, which now includes Burkburnett.
"We’ve always played Burkburnett and they have a good outfit," Hall said. "Coach (Chris) Ellis at Iowa Park is going to have his kids ready and coach (Brad) McCoy at Graham has done well. Hirschi is getting better and better. I always remember how Hirschi was when I first came here.
"It’ll be a real good competitive district. The last few years it’s always came down to the last game. This year we know for sure, we are the small school."