LOCUST GROVE PIRATES
Coach: PAUL HIX
3-7
OFFENSE
The Pirates return nine starters to the offense including their quarterback who burst onto the scene as a freshman two years ago. Titan Hix (6-3, 220, Jr.) has over 4,300 yards passing in his career with 28 TDs and over 1,000 yards rushing with 16 TDs. Hix will pilot the power-raid offense which is based in the 11/12 personnel formations. Coach Hix said the team is looking forward to getting onto the field and competing this season. “We return a lot of starters on both sides of the ball including our leading passer/rusher and our top three leading receivers,” said Hix. Zander Messer (6-1, 160, Jr.)had 32 receptions last season for 580 yards and is expected to have another solid season. Not to be left out, a pair of receivers in Casyn King and Tyler Wiggins add to the receiver corps for coach Nix giving the team three solid options in the passing game. “We like to throw the ball to the perimeter and deep and run the ball between the tackles,” said hix.
DEFENSE
“The defense returns nine starters and look to get back to a more aggressive attack from a hybrid 3-4/3-3 alignment,” said Hix. That defense will be tested early; something defensive coordinator Evan Sprayberry is well aware of coming into the season. Several players will see time on both sides of the ball for the Pirates. Tom Lee will start at middle linebacker and has a head for the game. Lee can read an offense and get his defense adjusted on the fly. Lee will also see time on offense at H-back. Messer, King, and Wiggins will likely see time in the secondary. Look for the Pirates to field a few underclassmen up front as they develop the younger talent who must mature now to help the Pirates get the ship pointed in the right direction. The coaching staff includes Oliver Pate (OL/OC), Trenton Rice (DL), Colton Witt (WR), and Trevin Powell (RB).
