Evangel Christian HS Football Preview

[E.T.]

Published Thursday, August 26, 2004

Chargers Aim For Title

By EVAN GIBSON

Ledger Correspondent

LAKELAND

It is an exciting time for Evangel Christian. After a 10-3 season in 2003, hopes of winning a district title and moving deep into the state playoffs are filling the minds of the Charger faithful.

But before Evangel Christian can get there, it needs to deal with an old foe -- Fort Meade. The Miners visit Evangel on Oct. 15 and will try to continue their dominance over the Chargers.

Fort Meade beat Evangel twice last season, outscoring the Chargers 69-13. But Evangel coach Brian Davis said they are closing the gap.

"The biggest thing that will help us this season is that we have 18 seniors, and all of these guys have playing time under their belts," Davis said. "But the road to district goes through Fort Meade."

So how will the Chargers have a chance to knock off the Miners this season? There's only one way you can beat Fort Meade -- with a solid running attack and an athletic defense.

The Chargers have an offense that features two 1,000-yard rushers, seniors Rod Coby and Austin Davis. They have played in the same backfield for three straight seasons.

Coby rushed for more than 1,500 yards last season and Davis had more than 2,600 yards in total offense. They lead an offense that averaged nearly 30 points per game last season.

But the most anticipated part of the offense this season is the addition of Paul Fussell, a quarterback who transferred from Auburndale. He replaces two-year starter Taylor Jones.

"Paul helps us out tremendously because he can throw the deep ball," Davis said.

Fussell (6-2, 190) brings great size to the Chargers' quarterback position. He is big enough to stay in the pocket and look downfield, adding a missing wrinkle to last year's offense.

When Fussell is passing, he'll often be looking in the direction of tight end Chris Clinton, a 6-4, 240-pound athlete with 4.5 speed. Clinton is being sought by many elite Division I-A football programs because of his combination of size and speed.

On defense the Chargers are just as dominant behind defensive coordinator Charles Brown.

Senior outside linebacker Travarius Burnett is a four-year starter and middle linebacker Isaiah Jewell anchors the defense, making plays all over the field. Clinton plays the other outside linebacker position.

In the secondary, Chris Rogers, who has committed to Maryland, and E.J. Moore are big-time playmakers.

The schedule is daunting as the Chargers play host to Kathleen, Trinity Catholic and Class A defending champion Jacksonville-Trinity Christian.

Coach: Brian D. Davis (2nd year, 10-3)

2003 record: 10-3, district runner-up.

Last time in playoffs: 2003, lost to Fort Meade, 40-0, in regional finals.

School colors: Red, black and Vegas gold.

Class, District: Class A, District 9.

Homefield: Charger Field

Coaching staff: Rusty Bulloch (AHC), Rich Humber (RBC), Robert Bowling (QB & PC), Larry Daringer (WR), Ron Bradish (OL), Charles Brown (DC), Brian Custer (LB), Chris Bobichaud (DB), Tim Lubbs (DL), Jerry Farmer (ST), **** Kulhmeyer (OL).

Returning offensive starters: RB Rod Coby (5-10, 205, Sr.), RB Austin Davis (5-9, 200, Sr.), WR Art Evans (6-1, 175, So.), WR Joe Paige (5-10, 185, Sr.), TE Chris Clinton (6-4, 240, Sr.), T Dustin Anglin (6-4, 230, So.), G Nick Salvato (6-3, 220, Sr.), G Jimmy Kuhlmeyer (6-2, 215, Sr.), T Russell Lane (6-0, 270, Sr.).

Returning defensive starters: CB Evans, CB E.J. Moore (5-10, 170, Sr.), WLB Travarius Burnett (5-9, 170, Sr.), DT Kuhlmeyer, DE Rashand Stevenson (6-1, 215, Sr.), MLB Isaiah Jewell (6-0, 215, Sr.), OLB Clinton, OLB Josh Lehman (5-10, 185, Sr.), S Chris Rogers (6-1, 240, Sr.), DT Salvato.

Remaining roster: C/DT Carmelo Amadore (5-9, 220, Jr.), OL/DL Jonathan Bleven (5-9, 165, 8th), OL/DL Josh Blevens (6-3, 250, So.), RB/LB Dominque Booker (5-9, 165, So.), QB/FS Brodie Bulloch (5-11, 160, Fr.), WR/CB Andre Davis (5-10, 145 So.), TE/LB Jacque Dumond (5-10, 170, So.), G/DT Brandon Fennimore (5-6, 180, So.), QB Paul Fussell (6-2, 190, Sr.), C/DT Nate Galan (6-2, 230, So.), G/LB Jamie King (5-8, 185, So.), G/LB Bobby Kuhlmeyer (6-3, 215, So.), WR/CB R.B Mackey (5-7, 145, So.), WR/CB Jacye Nickels (5-10, 165, Sr.), WR/DB Quinn Reed (5-6, 140, Fr.), OL/DL Adam Rhodes (6-0, 190, So.), G/DL Elliot Rodriguez (5-7, 155, Sr.), WR/DB Matthias Smith (5-8, 170, Sr.), G/DE Jeff Wells (6-0, 190, Jr.), G/DT Stephen Wells (6-1, 195, Jr.), WR/CB Kyle Wilson (5-7, 150, Sr.).

Key game: Oct. 15. vs. Fort Meade.

Forecast: 8-2.

2003 Results (10-3)

Mulberry W, 12-0

Tampa Catholic W, 22-0

Kathleen L, 13-21

Space Coast W, 35-7

Newsome W, 31-6

Northside W, 38-0

Fort Meade L, 13-29

Trinity Cath. W, 35-26

Santa Fe W, 38-7

Westminster W, 68-0

*Shorecrest W, 52-7

*Northside W, 31-6

*Fort Meade L, 0-40

*Playoffs

[smazza]

amen

[Papa_Bull]

amen

Aren't you glad you made everybody click just to read that?

Now this thread is back up here tonight just like Dracula.