Published Tuesday, August 26, 2008 9:08 AM
Updated Tuesday, August 26, 2008 10:07 AM
Fort running back Dante Ravenel had nearly 800 all-purpose yards last season.
Patriots look great for 2008
The Patriots have both experience and speed on their side entering the 2008 season.
This year, Fort Dorchester is one of the most veteran teams in the area and stands to be one of the most exciting.
The team returns 13 starters and 42 lettermen, including its starting quarterback and leading tackler. Plus, the Patriots stand to be very strong in the trenches.
“The thing that is the biggest difference for us is we have so many returning on the offensive line,” coach Steve LaPrad said. “We really feel good about our offensive line. We have about eight guys who have been in our program and can play. Also, this is the quickest team I’ve ever had.”
Returning up front for the offense are Bradley Jefferson (6-1, 315), Greg Harris (6-0, 245), Brandon Furse (6-0, 238) and tight end Greg Ellington (6-1, 195). All are seniors except Jefferson, who is a junior. Upper classmen Darius Rivers (5-11, 239) and Robriell Mulligan (6-2, 250) also return after receiving limited playing time last year.
Galen Bennett (5-11, 175) will again present a dual threat in his third year as the Fort’s quarterback. Last season, he threw for 1,084 yards and 12 touchdowns with only nine interceptions. He rushed for 990 yards and 18 TDs. Bennett also seems to have an X factor.
“He’s like another coach on the field,” LaPrad said. “He’s extremely smart and we’re expecting great things from him.”
Bennett doesn’t have very experienced targets to throw to, but LaPrad says his receivers looked good in this summer’s 7-on-7 drills. Leading the way at the position should be returning lettermen T’rel Hamilton (6-1, 185) and Jamal Hall (6-1, 195). As juniors last year, both caught half the passes thrown to them however, the Patriots only went to Hamilton 13 times and to Hall six times.
The Fort lost its leading rusher in Dwayne Scales, but does return Dante Ravenel (5-8, 160), who was the team’s third leading rusher last season. He carried 66 times for 653 yards and six touchdowns while also making 11 receptions for 112 yards.
Defense
The Patriot defense returns six starters, but lost all four of its staring defensive backs.
“The secondary will be our big question mark, but we are working hard and have some good defensive anchors,” LaPrad said. “We are extremely strong at linebacker and have two starters returning up front so we feel good about the defensive line.”
Junior Geno Porter (6-0, 210) returns at linebacker after leading the team in tackles last season with 26 solos and 101 assists. That includes three sacks and 11 tackles for a loss. He also broke up two pass attempts, recovered two fumbles and made an interception.
Joining him is returning starter Adrian Stewart (6-0, 225), who was the third leading tackler last season. In his junior season, the linebacker had nine solo tackles and 77 assists, as well as an interception.
Returning starters Antonio Guy (6-0, 271) and Montae Adams (6-0, 230), both juniors, will lead the defensive front. Guy was in on 48 tackles last season and Adams was in on 26.
Tyler Walker (5-10, 165) is the only player returning to the secondary with considerable experience. The junior played approximately 50 percent of the snaps last season. Senior Doron Jefferson (5-10, 175) will join the secondary this year after spending most of his time at receiver last season. LaPrad is hoping his limited playing time as a receiver will help him develop as a defensive back.
Two soccer players are among the candidates to earn the place kicking position for the Patriots. Junior Josh Hall (6-1, 170) and senior Diego Lazaazo (5-9, 140) will compete with junior Matt Francis (5-11, 165) for the starting role. Junior Will Heath (5-10, 198) will vie for time as a punter.