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'Growing pains' inevitable for 2005 Warriors

By MATT CLUTTER

Bulletin Sports Editor

 

As good as the consolidation was to Magna Vista last season, it was equally bad after last season.

 

The Warriors return only two offensive starters and three defensive starters to a team that finished 5-6 (4-1 PD) last year. Needless to say, there's going to be a lot of personnel changes going on during an early season that sees the Warriors play a number of AAA foes.

 

Most importantly, head coach Joe Beckelheimer must find an offensive line. He lost everyone from last year's, including all-stater Manuel Becker.

 

"It's vitally important," Beckelheimer said of finding a line.

 

Ten players have a shot at pegging a spot, and it could change week to week, as Beckelheimer is making his lineman take weekly tests to see who plays. Those that pass, play. Those that fail, won't play.

 

The Warriors do have their starting quarterback returning under center with the athletic Jonathan Williams (6-2, 176) but not much else save for Deshawn Strickland (5-9, 175). He'll move to the backfield after serving as a flanker last season.

 

Strickland got a lot of touches from his flanker spot last year, and Beckelheimer said he'll get even more now that he's in the backfield. But Strickland will be splitting time at the halfback position with Eric Spencer (5-11, 205), who also will play some fullback with Colby Utt (5-11, 219). In the Warriors' Wing-T set, Brandon Martin (5-9, 175) and Josh Mann (5-9, 155) will be splitting time at wingback.

 

But the success of this running game is largely contingent on the progression of the offensive line. So when the Warriors don't run it, look for a plethora of wideouts to be on the receiving end of a Williams pass.

 

Darris Simmons (5-8, 160), Steven Kanode (6-4, 175), Dennis Gravely (6-2, 160) and Lamar Shelton (6-3, 149) could all see time at receiver.

 

Of the three returning defensive starters, Sterlin Keen (6-3, 272) and Erik Vint (6-5, 280) will anchor the tackle spots, with fellow returnee Spencer manning outside linebacking duties.

 

"We've got a lot of spots to fill," Beckelheimer said of his loss of personnel. "We're going to experience some growing pains early on both sides of the ball. But things seem to be running well, and the kids are responding to the coaching."

 

With his defense centered around the interior of his line, Beckelheimer will go with L.J. Stone (6-1, 209) and Austin Norris (6-3, 215) on the ends. Joining Spencer at linebacker will be Jermelle Penn (5-9, 180) and Utt.

 

The secondary, much like the receiving corps, will use a number of people including Simmons, Williams, Strickland, Kanode, Gravely and Mann. Thanks to the consolidation, the Warriors can afford to shuffle players in and out.

 

"We're going to have quite a few starting both ways," Beckelheimer said. "But I think we're going to be able to filter in some guys and give them some breaks and still be pretty good."

 

Unlike last year, Magna Vista doesn't have any expectations riding on its shoulders. After the consolidation last season, the Warriors were expected to charge through the PD last season -- which they did but only after starting 0-5. Magna Vista eventually finished second to Bassett in the standings.

 

"I don't think it's a bad thing," Beckelheimer said of the lack of expectations. "I haven't really heard the kids talk much about Piedmont District championship or region championship. If they'll come out here and work as hard as they can and play the best they can and give us their undivided attention, I can live with the results."

 

Whether or not a district championship will take up residence with Beckelheimer remains as questionable as the offensive line.