2005

SPECI-1~ TO THE TIMES ECCC The 2005 ECCC Warrior football team will kick o~ the new season with several local players from Scott County undt!r ·• e guidance of head coa h Terry Underwood. Scott County players IncludeDerrick Qualls, Nick Robinson, Johnathon Thomtcn. Elijah McDonald, Ken Co. don, Cedric Cox, Mitch Bradford, Scott Central, Marcus lckom, Justin Hurdle and Grey LaPrade. (6-4, 280); and Brad Snyder (6·2, 270) and Brad Petrey (5-10, 280). Serving as a back-up to Gale is fresh– man Grey LaPrade, a 6'. 170-pound product of Forest High School.

Maddox (6', 260); linebackers Paul Tolbert (6·1, 215), Ken Gordon 6', 195) of Morton; and defensive backs Marcus Arrington (6', 185 . Nick Robinson (5·9, 170) of Morton Underwood said returnee Jarius Neal (6-3, 215), who played quarter– tiack and receiver last fall. has been moved to safety and may again be used as a wide receiver. Ivon Hickmon (6', 190) of Lake, a red-shirt last year, is set to start at outside line– backer. Newcomers include linebacker Alfred Petway (6', 190) and defensive backs George Lowe (6-2, 190) and Chris Thomas (6-2, 190). Underwood said the kicking game should be in good shape with returnee Ryan Gale, (6·2, 210). set to handle kicking and punting duties.

Underwood said the defense "will be the strong point, the foundation for the team's success. " Returning for his second year as defensive coordinator Chris Boone, a former assistant at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, La. Under Boone's direction, East Central had the third-best defense versus the rush in the state, allowing just 98.2 yards per game. The Warrior defense includes sev– eral players that started or played a lot during 2004. "We look for the defense to be our mainstay," Underwood stated. Returnees include defensive ends Greg Hathorn (6-2, 240) and Courtney Coleman (6-2, 238); nose guard George

"We think Grey will also be a very good kicker and punter. Ryan will handle everything to start with and Greg may come in and take over kick– ing or punting duties. It just depends on how things go," said Underwood. Underwood, whose overall record stands at 32-36 following last year's 4· 5 campaign, thinks the 2005 squad can be one his best. "I feel good about this team. Not only do we have enough talent to com– pete in this league but I think we've got the right attitude and the right leadership from our sophomores. This is a special group and I think they will prove that this season," he said.