Fort Meade HS Football Preview

[E.T.]

Published Thursday, August 26, 2004

Miners' Backfield Is Locked & Loaded

By DURWARD BUCK

Ledger Correspondent

FORT MEADE

The Fort Meade Miners solved a problem with their backfield depth by changing offenses for the 2004 season.

The problem, mind you, was a positive one. Fort Meade has three returning tailbacks from a team that was 11-3 and played for a state Class A championship.

Miners coach Mike Hayde figured out a way to get all three of them in the lineup at the same time.

"We're going with a Delaware Wing-T," he said. "No more will you see us in a shotgun, or an IFormation. This way we can use them all."

He was talking about running backs Brian Whitehurst, who rushed for 1,000 yards as a junior; David Barfield, who had 521 rushing yards and nine touchdowns as an alternate; and exciting Roderick Clark, who averaged 10.3 yards per carry.

Because of the presence of the three backs and of fullback John Laspina, expect to see the Miners run this fall.

"We will run the ball," Hayde said. "Last year I said we would throw the ball and we did."

In 2003, quarterback Larry Freeman threw for 1,497 yards and 15 touchdowns.

"I think we have some real good experience at several positions, except quarterback," Hayde said.

The quarterback, Anthony Johnson, is a converted linebacker, tight end and flanker. But taking players from other positions and molding them into quarterbacks is nothing new for Hayde. Freeman was a former tight end. Before him, Jemalle Cornelius was a former flanker.

"Anthony won the job in the spring," Hayde said. "He has been up on the varsity as a freshman, so he already knows the speed of being on the varsity level."

Speed will be a strength for the Miners. The 175-pound Whitehurst, the 170-pound Barfield, Clark and 150-pound Tony Huntley, are all breakaway threats.

Huntley, listed as a starter at wide receiver, can also come in and take some snaps at quarterback. He can also return kicks.

"We've got to find a couple of offensive linemen," Hayde said.

The returnees in the line include 240-pound senior tackle Kenneth Eldell, center Jason Payne and tight end Daniel Huddlen. And there is a promising newcomer at tackle in 6-foot4, 275-pound sophomore Micah Grimes.

"I think we have good special teams and a good, experienced kicker in Flabio Valencia," Hayde said.

There are fewer worries on defense where 10 players return to a 3-5 formation. All five of the linebackers are veterans -Barfield, Huddlen, Henry Grace, Johnson and Whitehurst. It is a stunting, swarming, blitzing defense.

"The kids like it so we kept it," Hayde said.

MINERS

Coach: Mike Hayde (7th year, 63-19)

2003 record: 11-3, district champion.

Last time in playoffs: 2003, lost to Jacksonville-University Christian, 17-7, in state championship game.

School colors: Black and gold.

Class, District: Class A, District 9.

Homefield: Frank S. Battle Field.

Coaching staff: Derek King (OC), Jeff Tofanelli (WR), Tim Grant (ST), Awin Mitchell (LB), Billy Laitix (OL), Jason Russell (DL), Bill Smith (RB), Chris Davis (QB).

Returning offensive starters: K/P Flabio Valencia (5-10, 160, Jr.), WR Tony Huntley (5-8, 150, Sr.), LT Kenneth Eldell (6-2, 240, Sr.), LG Jon Pickens (5-10, 190, Jr.), C Jason Payne (5-9, 225, Sr.), RG Victor Martin (6-0, 225, So.), RT Micah Grimes (6-4, 275, So.), TE Daniel Huddlen (6-0, 170, Sr.), RB David Barfield (5-7, 170, Sr.), FB John Laspina (5-10, 200, Sr.), RB Brian Whitehurst (5-8, 175, Sr.).

Returning defensive starters: DE Jesse Escobar (5-10, 175, Jr.), NG Jon Pickens (5-10, 190, Jr.), DE Brian Kirk (6-2, 200, Jr.), LB David Barfield (5-7, 170, Sr.), LB Huddlen, MLB Henry Grace (6-0, 200, So.), LB (6-0, 180, Sr.), LB Anthony Johnson (6-0, 180, Sr.) LB Whitehurst, CB Roderick Clark (5-7, 150, So.), FS Andrew Smith (5-10, 160, Sr.), CB Tony Huntley (5-8, 150, Sr.), FS Andrew Smith (5-10, 160, Sr.), CB Huntley.

Remaining roster: Michael Williams (Jr.), Bradley McMillan (Jr.), Antwan Burke (So.), Corneil Howard (So.), Charles McGhee (So.), Danny Grant (So.), Ernesto Ugarte (So.), Rumeal Carlton (8th), Brian Kirk (Jr.), Brandon Keister (So.), Cepeda Fulse (So.), Ontario McCalebb (Fr.), Tray Williams (Fr.), Tammorris Grace (8th), Jose Sanchez (Fr.), Brandon Rhoden (Jr.), Trail Blandin (So.), Victor Martin (So.), Mister McMillan, Shane Coulter (Fr.), Josh Adlam (So.), Josh Kasubaski (Fr.), Alonzo Harrison (So.), Jordan Wilcher (Fr.), Micah Grimes (So.), Aaron Phillips (So.), Keith Mobley (Jr.)..

Key game: Oct. 15 vs. Evangel Christian.

Forecast: 8-1.

2003 Results (11-3)

Hardee L, 13-14

Avon Park W, 34-20

Mulberry W, 51-0

Santa Fe W, 46-0

Clearwater Central W, 6-0

Evangel W, 29-13

J. Carroll L, 0-29

Moore Haven W, 34-7

Frostproof W, 42-6

Admiral F. W, 24-0

*Evangelical W, 49-14

*Evangel W, 40-0

*Glades Day W, 36-7

*Trinity Christian L, 7-17

* Playoffs

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