Weevils Expected to Improve Next Season

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Weevils Expected to Improve

Quinton Jones
Contributing Writer

Although the team record does not show it, the 2005 Weevil football team had many things to be proud of this season. A lot of experience was gained in the offensive backfield, especially by 1,000-yard rusher sophomore John L. Williams, which praises the whole offensive unit.

Dakota Fitzgerald is arguably the best fullback in the conference, and two-way player Scott Carpino was productive at the running back position for the Weevils as well. The young defensive squad acquired knowledge of a complex pro-style defensive scheme.

The Monticello Boll Weevils had pre-season All American Safety Demathis Ledet who led the Gulf South Conference in tackles with 112. Ledet also lead the team with six interceptions, which was third in the conference.

New programs such as study hall and grade reports greatly improved the academic success of the team and kept the players on the field. For example, last spring the team lost 16 players to poor grades, and this fall there is less than 10 percent of players even in question.

The Weevil football team will greatly increase in performance next year because the previous young and inexperienced team now better comprehends the game.

This year's defense gave significant amount of playing time to young talented players such as freshman defensive end Jamarick Johnson, freshman cornerback Jared Peters, freshman cornerback Solomon Edwards, freshman linebacker Jeremy Brown, sophomore linebacker Wes Ables, sophomore linebacker Cory Ross, sophomore defensive back Jordan Wisener and sophomore cornerback Lavar Wyatt.

The young players have now learned to adapt to the fast paced and physical aspects of the Gulf South Conference, which is the toughest conference in Division II football. A promising red shirt group, containing more than 30 players, will be available next fall. This addition will help supply the slim 46-member traveling squad with more options and depth, seeing as the team is allowed to travel 55 players.

Tough returning quarterback and excellent punter Anthony Rodriguez will have young, established and explosive receivers such as sophomore Tim Harris and red shirt freshmen Jalleel Harris and Jamie Dunn.

Most importantly, head coach Gwain Matthews and his coaching staff will have a whole year to recruit new players and groom his current Weevils.

Despite a 1-10 season, my personal expectations for the team are still high and include success in the 2006 season both on the field and off. First of all, the team will improve in passing efficiency. I also expect our team to have 2,000-yard rushers and five All Conference players.

With all the talent of the team and the growth of the younger players, I anticipate that the squad will be at least third in the conference in total defense. On the educational level, we will strive to have at least 10 student athletes with a 3.2 GPA or higher.

The Weevils will also attempt to keep all players passing, and therefore, lose no players to grades. Above all, I expect the 2006 Monticello Boll Weevil football team to contend for the conference championship.

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