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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Knights out to prove they're better than last season
2008 Cabell Midland High School football team
Purchase this photoONA -- The Cabell Midland Knights knew they were one of the top 10 teams in Class AAA last season despite finishing the season 4-6.
Just how good were they?
Parkersburg and St. Albans played in the Class AAA championship game at Wheeling Island. The Knights led Parkersburg by 10 in the fourth quarter and took St. Albans to overtime before falling to end their season on the outside looking in at the playoff picture.
All six of Cabell Midland's losses were by a touchdown or less, and it left the Knights out of the postseason for the first time in eight years. Head coach Chip McMillian is eager to get the Knights back on track in 2008.
"We talk about mental toughness and physical toughness. We lost six games by 34 points and five of those games we led in," McMillian said. "We have to get a lead and play tough, hard-nosed football in the fourth quarter. At times, we didn't do that last year, but I think these kids will be able to do that."
The Knights faced the prospect of replacing two NCAA Division I offensive linemen in Andrew Brewer (Purdue) and Chris Bowers (Marshall), along with three-year starter Chad Hibner.
However, McMillian feels that with WVU-bound offensive tackle Cole Bowers returning, the group will be solid up front once again. Bowers will be joined by Justin Houck on the left side while Bodie Grass and Michael Hayes will man the right side of the line. Tyler Bowman currently has the edge at center.
"We had to replace some really good guys, but we feel like we have some really good juniors," McMillian said.
The offensive line will have some depth with size for McMillian. Currently, eight players in the offensive line rotation are above 275 pounds.
McMillian expects the offensive line to give returning quarterback Tyler Bartley ample protection. Bartley is just getting back to full strength after breaking his leg during the summer practice period. If Bartley can't go, Michael Brumfield, who was impressive in the 7-on-7 workouts, will step under center.
The Knights' biggest worry comes at the wide receiver position where several seniors vacated, including record-setter Jordan Marcum.
"Our biggest hole is going to be receiver," McMillian said. "We have to replace the all-time receiver here at Cabell Midland."
Sophomores Evan Shoemaker and Tyler Sansom will look to fill Marcum's void along with senior Anthony Nance. Tight end Tyler Hughes will also be a big target for Bartley.
Bryce Paul will split time at fullback and tailback and carry the load in the Knights' running game while Brad Jenkins will also get a lot of carries.
Defensively, Bowers will anchor the D-line from his tackle spot while Grass and Evan Huffstetler split time at nose guard. Brumfield and Jake Gaskins will be at the defensive end spots.
Paul will lead the linebackers along with Hughes and returning starter Jesse Slater. Hayes will also see snaps at linebacker.
The secondary is the big unknown for the Knights with youth abound. However, McMillian said what the defensive backfield lacks in experience, it makes up for in strength and athleticism.
"We're going to be able to hit people and we have kids that can fly to the football," McMillian said. "We've got some talent, we just have to get them in the right spots and grow up fast. With Titletown (Parkersburg) rolling in for Week 1, we don't have much time to get ready."
