The Bruce Trojans have the daunting task of replacing 14 seniors lost from last year’s team that advanced to the third round of the playoffs.
The bulk of those starters lost were in skill positions. While working to sort out who will fill in those holes, the 2015 Trojans will be anchored by the guys up front in the trenches.
“This is the biggest and strongest line we’ve had since I’ve been here,” said James Ray, who is entering his 10th season as Trojan head coach. “We’re going to play 10 kids on the offensive line, changing all five every series. We’re not as deep on defensive line so that will give them more rest.”
Josh Byrd
Those lines are made up of Josh Byrd, Rod Freelon, Jacquez Jackson, Jatravis Freelon, Walt Maddox, Ethan Longest, Dolton Gordon, Kirby Ross, River Lindley and Jared Ferguson.
The one returning starter among the skill positions is senior QB Wesley Ross. He passed for nearly 1,800 yards and 16 touchdowns last year as a junior. He’s also the Trojans’ leading returning rusher from last season.
The bigger questions are at wide receiver and running back.
“We need to find a couple more receivers,” Ray said. “We think Fisher (Ray) is solid at what he can do. Ike (Willis) should be our deep threat and (Raquerios) Spicer is coming along really well. He just has lots more to learn.”
“We have three guys vying at running back and each brings something different,” Ray said. “You have Demarcus (Echoles) who is a big strong runner with good straight-on speed. Tyrone (Corbitt) is that fullback bruiser and Jordon (Glaspie) is a good scatback. Each one is a little different and each could eventually be the guy, we just have to figure that out.”
Ray said the secondary should be solid but there’s a lot of competition to see who will play linebacker.
“We’re switching to a 3-4 scheme this year so we’re playing four linebackers. We have eight guys we’re working there and hoping all eight will earn playing time. Play in the games will sort some of that out.”
The biggest concern is the injury bug because it hit the Trojans so bad last year.
“There’s always a big difference in that guy we think is number one and the number two,” Ray said. “We’ve got to stay healthy.”
Aside from staying healthy, Ray said the biggest key for success for the Trojans is playing every single week and not overlooking anybody.
“Our district is so tough and we have a good challenging non-district slate. We have to keep our focus on this week’s game. That’s something we’ve stressed,” Ray said. “We have to be prepared for the district grind where you can’t make mistakes against anybody. You have to play your best game every Friday night.”
Ray said he expects the top four finishers in the district to end up in the third round of the playoffs like last season and probably playing against each other for North Half.
“That’s not to slight Baldwyn or any others, but our district is just that strong and with Winona coming in after several years in 3A, that makes it even tougher. We’re going to have a good team that won’t make the playoffs.”
“Everybody in our district plays very physical and they are really well coached. There’s no tricks when we play in our district. It’s smash mouth football and Winona brings that, too.”
The biggest positive entering the season is the Trojans’ attitude, Ray said.
“Our work ethic and commitment to getting better every day and our team’s closeness are really big. We haven’t had all those three things in a while,” he said. “That’s something we’ve stressed, committing themselves to the team and they’ve bought into it. We’re making mistakes every day, but they’re going full speed making them. There’s no chip on their shoulder and they’re taking coaching well.”
Bruce Trojans
Aug. 21 New Albany
Aug. 28 @ Vardaman
Sept. 4 Coffeeville
Sept. 11 @ No. Pontotoc
Sept. 18 South Pontotoc*
Sept. 25 @ Choctaw Co.
Oct. 2 Winona
Oct. 9 @ Eupora
Oct. 16 Calhoun City
Oct. 23 @ East Webster
Oct. 30 Okolona