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WCU to open season at home tonight against Lions
Western Carolina’s football team will open its season today (Thursday) at 6 p.m. when the Mars Hill Lions visit E.J. Whitmire Stadium/Bob Waters Field.
“Preseason has gone extremely well with our work ethic and intensity being outstanding,” Coach Kent Briggs said. “We have only had a few practices when we did not get better, which is pretty good considering our lack of depth. We have pushed out players hard in terms of conditioning, and they have responded well.”
The preseason has been a struggle for Briggs as he has battled the effects of head and neck cancer. He has completed treatments, has been running the team in practices and expects to be able to coach throughout the season.
“I am concerned about our depth at defensive line and tight end,” Briggs said. “We will have to be creative to shore up any depth situations. At the same time, if our first team players can stay healthy, we will be as competitive as we ever have been, if not better.”
The offense has come a long way in its goal of being a dominant running team. Running backs Darius Fudge, Nicholas Wishart and John Bush have performed well while Lamont Reid has found a home at fullback. Reid is also a solid blocker as well as a threat as a pass receiver.
Justin Clark, who was 14 of 18 in his first scrimmage, is the quarterback.
“Justin has had a good preseason, and Michael McQueeney has stepped up to be our back up,” Briggs said. “Having a freshman as our back up is scary in a way. However, I have confidence in him, and hopefully he can gain experience without having to be our starter. Another positive sign is that our running backs are as talented as we have ever had. Darius has been outstanding, as well as Lamont, and Nicholas has been very consistent.”
The offensive line, which was a concern heading into the season, is taking shape. Kevin McAlmont was a preseason All-Southern Conference pick, and senior center Linden Ryan has started every game since his freshman season. Those two along with Luis Herron lead the group. Coaches have expressed their pleasure with left tackle Marcus Thomas, while a pair of transfers (Mark Burgess and William Sullivan) and a host of newcomers have given the Cats a solid base up front.
“We are trying to develop an attitude about running the ball and being physical,” said WCU assistant head coach and offensive line coach Matt Rhule. “The guys are buying into it. We have competition on the offensive line, which we have not had in the past. The group has really turned up the intensity and level of play across the board. Most notably, we have a big competition for the right tackle position.”
The defense had lofty goals and expectations after finishing 12th in the nation last year as a unit. While they do have depth concerns up front and at linebacker, the front line players at those positions are talented.
“The defense has been banged up, especially up front,” Briggs said. “Hopefully our starters will be ready for the first game. Lamar Barnes has been very impressive with his leadership and play. We have liked the improvement of Shelton Gaffney and the way our newcomers have stepped up. The secondary is solid with Francis Brown and Carlton Bailey really standing out.”
Felipe Foster was a preseason all-conference pick, and John Martin is continuing where he left off in the spring as a force at tackle. The front four, which also includes preseason all-conference end Rico Reese, will be bolstered when Corey Ellison is able to return full speed at tackle. The junior had off-season knee surgery, and the training staff has been careful with Ellison to make sure he is 100 percent come the start of the season.
The linebacking corps suffered a hit when Jada Sullivan was forced to forego his senior season due to a rash of injuries and Ricky Rainey decided late not to continue for his redshirt senior season. However, veterans Lamar Barnes, James Conklin, Travis Hill and Shelton Gaffney are excelling and setting the tempo for the younger players to step in and contribute. Andre Hemphill, who made the move from wide receiver to linebacker, got off to a good start but has been slowed by an injury.
The secondary is one of the deepest groups, featuring preseason all-conference picks Primus Glover and Bruce Lee, as well as fifth-year senior Francis Brown. Carlton Bailey is making a run for playing time at cornerback. Glover and Mitchell Dukes are manning the safety spots with Isaac Green providing back up.
“We have a lot of talented young kids and the older players are playing well, but not quite to the same level as last year,” defensive coordinator Geoff Collins said. “They need to fly around and play more as a team. However, the level of play has stepped up to where we need to be successful the last two practices. Lamar and Francis are still doing the things to make them all-conference type players, and hopefully the rest of the team will rally around them. Newcomers Dieza Blue (linebacker) and Brandon Breeden (safety) have stood out so far among the newcomers, while Travis Hill and Shelton Gaffney have stood out among the veterans.”
On special teams, Tim Mayse is continuing to be a weapon as a punter, while former Smoky Mountain standout Stephen Brown can punt and is battling for the placekicking duties. Jonathan Parsons is also in the placekicking mix while he and Mayse will battle for the kickoff job.
“Our timing and snapping have been good in our kicking game,” Briggs said. “Our field goal kicking has been somewhat inconsistent, but has been steadily improving each day and hopefully will be ready come Sept. 1.”
The schedule is as follows:
Sept. 1 – Mars Hill; 10 – Furman; 17 – at Cincinnati; 24 – at Nicholls St.
Oct. 1 – Citadel; 8 – at Georgia Southern; 22 – at Chattanooga; 29 – Elon.
Nov. 5 – Wofford; 12 – at Appalachian St.
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