Highland Christian Academy has been going through a number of changes this spring and summer.
The school added more than 100 students to its K-12 enrollment, bringing the student body up to 140. Joining a new size category means more sports for the school and more turnout for the football squad. Competing in the eight-man division the school will gain a huge advantage thanks to a whopping 36 players who turned out for the team. Coach Joe Brown is looking to put together a JV schedule in addition to the varsity to allow more kids a chance at playing time.
As for the A-team, it will be led by Stormee Brown at quarterback. Brown comes with 10 years of football experience and at 61, 160 lbs. has good size for the position.
Hes very fast, very accurate, and hes got the offense down, said offensive coordinator Mark Brown. Hes a smart quarterback so we feel comfortable running the option through him. Hes going to be a calming influence and a team leader.
Brown will have a stable of halfbacks behind him, including 63, 185-pound Jeff Kelly.
His physical size and good hands go along with great field awareness, said Mark Brown. Hes a hitter and he explodes into the holes. He also catches anything we throw at him.
Kody Mattson will also be in the backfield, his coaching staff thinks he can be a cannonball through the line.
He goes on the field with bad intentions, said Brown. Hes going to be a great blocking back.
Under the radar but perhaps just as important will speedster Caleb Brown. Brown touched the ball five times in a recent scrimmage, scoring all five times.
He really moves though the line well, said coach Brown. Hes got great downfield awareness. Hes got the vision that you cant teach.
In addition to the full backfield, Stormee Brown will have an excellent receiving target in John Enge. Enge goes 62, 170 pounds with good hands and speed.
Enge creates a lot of problems for opposing defenses in the middle of the field, said Brown. He catches anything we put in the air for him.
At 510, 285 pounds, Scotty Gay will play offensive guard for Highland.
Hes a plow. I dont know anybody who can stop him. Hes going to be our starting left guard on offense and a defensive lineman as well. He clears lanes out entirely.
At tight-end the team will employ Craig Crawford, the state golf champion. Crawford also plays point guard for the Highland basketball team and has the necessary good hands to adapt to football.
Craig likes contact a lot, said coach Brown, Hes a good route runner too. Hes very slick moving down the field.
Coach Brown thinks theyve found the right system for the talent at Highland.
Were going to pound the middle first, then take it outside with our speed. Ive got an experienced quarterback with tall, wide receivers. Eight-man football is high scoring by nature. Well see scores like 80-70. Its a lot like arena football in some ways.
Despite the wild scoring, Brown remains conservative with his formations.
Were going to run a five lineman set until we get more experience on the line. Our guys are learning the game. The size, desire and intelligence are there, its just a matter of technique and experience.
On defense, Brown will rely on a 4-4, the standard eight-man set. Cornerbacks will be glorified outside linebackers and expected to help defend the run. Only two down lineman will plug the gaps up front and there will be no safeties.
To be effective, our kids have to be very adaptable. The kids might not be the biggest, but theyve got to be the fastest and the quickest thinking.