SouthLake not only has the most players its ever had (43), but also features a senior class of 13, another program-best for Rich Landis’ Eagles.
“Those older guys are very savvy players now as well and have played a lot of downs,” says Landis. “This year, while we may not have that kind of standout performer week in and week out like we have had past years, it will be a big, strong group of kids that will get the job done for us.”
It all starts up front.
“This year we will take advantage of our older line and our depth at both lines,” says Landis. “We have never been this big up front, so we definitely feel we can run the ball. Last year, at times, that was our issue. This year we are calling on the guys up front to dictate that from the start.”
The SouthLake line features 6-foot-5, 282-pound senior Troy Lowden as its anchor. Senior Steve Bolton, who has started on the line since his freshman year, and talented junior Thomas Bolen will also help block for a versatile stable of backs.
“Adam Gilkerson, Alex Rose, Scott Richardson and Andre Diouf will be some key guys for us running the ball,” says Landis. “I think defenses will have a difficult time because they won’t be able to lock in on one guy. That will make us stronger later in games and able to make that final, late-game push.”
Overall depth is also allowing most SouthLake players to play either offense or defense and not both.
“Traditionally, we have averaged at least seven guys going both ways,” says Landis. “Now we’re down to two, maybe three, which is great. People forget that a lot of teaching is lost when kids play both ways, so it’s always tough to make adjustments when you’re involved in two units.”
Taylor Jurney, the team’s leading returning tackler, will play on both lines, and juniors Demitri Allison and Andre Diouf will play offensive and defensive skill positions (see story, right).
SouthLake’s biggest question is how the team will fill the void left by quarterback Sam Remick, who graduated. Also a linebacker, Remick compiled 3,300 yards of offense and had a hand in more than 30 scores. Landis is not expecting any one person to try to replace Remick, but the quarterback position will be filled by one of two “team-oriented guys,” senior Kendall Godwin and junior Randy Schroeder.
