Seahawks face tough Tiger squad tonight

The Franklin County Seahawks will close out their pre-season preparation Friday night, by taking on one of the elite teams of the area, the Jefferson County Tigers, a perennial state championship contender.

Action will get underway at 7:30 p.m. at the Mikel Clark Sports Complex, as head coach Jeremy Brown will showcase an explosive offense, led by Big Bend passing leader Lenoris Footman, who as a freshman threw for over 2,400 yards and 20 scores, and Big Bend rushing leader Devondrick Neely, who rushed for over 1,900 yards and 24 touchdowns.

But Seahawk skipper Josh Wright sees this Kickoff Classic as a chance for his team to show they can line up against the best of the best, as they prepare to mount a campaign for a district title, and beyond.

With 10 seniors anchoring this year’s team, four of whom didn’t play last year, the Seahawks are looking for leadership.

Erix Carranza, a running back and receiver, returns from a year in Wakulla County, while Joel Williams, a possible lineman, is playing for the first time. Masan Crosby, a starter at right guard, was in the lineup two years ago and is coming back after a year away. Dre Robinson is expected to make an impact on the line.

Of the returning seniors, Adam Joseph at split end had what Emerson called “the best preseason of all the receivers.” Dale Butler will likely start at running back, and either defensive end or strong safety, while Dalin Modican, last year’s starting quarterback, will hold down receiving duties under an offense directed by freshman Duane Griggs under center. “Dalin played quarterback last year out of necessity,” said Wright. “He’s also going to get under center with some packages.”

Senior James Winfield will be back at wing back and starting strong safety, while Shaq Ray, nursing a leg injury, may start at nose guard and offensive tackle. Recovering from a broken leg he suffered right after the spring game, C.J. Barnes is back in the pink.

“He’s moving well, has a great attitude, and he gives us a big body at the wingback, tight end and defensive end slots,” said Wright.

As juniors go, there’s plenty of talent coming back, including Chris Granger, a likely starting fullback, and with sophomores, there’s Cole Lee, who’ll join Granger at starting linebacker.

Sophomore Buddy Davidson is back after a year’s absence, and he’s a likely starting lineman, lining up along with one of the team’s premier lineman in Chase Golden. “He’s great on the boards, probably our smartest lineman,” said Wright. “Center and nose guard, he can play anywhere on the interior three. He’s all about it.”

Sophomore Skyler Hutchinson will see time at split end and on defense, start at quick end and compete for strong safety reps, Wright said.

As kickers go, sophomore Elton Olvera is fresh off of Ray Guy kicking camp, and Griggs, Barnes and Joseph, and perhaps Leonard Green, will vie for the punter slot.

“From top to bottom the chemistry is great,” Wright said. “They’re all about what we’re doing.”