Elkins Looks to Explosive Offense, Experienced Defense

Elkins Knights
2007: 4-6, 3-5 in District 23-5A
Head Coach: Robert Crivellari

As if an eight-game district schedule wasn't grueling enough, now Elkins and the rest of the 5A Fort Bend ISD schools have a nine-game district slate to deal with. That means there's just one non-district game to get all the new starters used to varsity ball before the really important games begin.

Fortunately for Elkins, they do return half of their starters from a year ago, five on offense and six on defense. Within this group are several talented playmakers who give Knight fans a reason to believe their team can make the playoffs.

The player getting the most preseason hype is receiver Nick Harwell. The senior is a complete talent, with size, hands, leaping ability, and speed. He caught 36 passes for 490 yards and seven touchdowns last season, and he has been impressive in seven-on-seven this summer. He has been in sync with quarterback Dean Brantley, who is a mobile QB who threw for 615 yards and six scores in limited action last year. In addition to Harwell, Brantley will look to rising junior Jordan Jolly to make plays down the field. At 6'2" with 4.4. speed, Jolly has the makings of a star.

The offensive line also looks good for the Knights. Center/long snapper Garrett Belt is as dependable as they get at 6'0" and 275 pounds. Also, keep an eye on junior lineman Jake Matthews, who stands at 6'5" and 265 pounds and is the son of NFL Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews. Belt and Matthews should help running back Robert Bass make plays with his 4.4 speed.

Defensively, the Knights will be led by linebacker Jonathan Irving. The senior is the team's top returning tackler, and he has the size and speed to make all of the plays he is expected to make. He'll be joined by several other experienced and capable players in the front seven, including linebacker Riley Feldman and defensive end Philip McKinnon.

As for district play, Hightower and Marshall look to be the two early favorites, but after that there are several schools with playoff aspirations, including Elkins. The Knights will be battling Kempner, Clements, and possibly even first-year program Travis for the district's other two playoff spots.

Date of Article: Tue Jul 08, 2008 4:26 pm