By Stan VeitchSports Correspondent
If all goes right, Westbrook Christian could receive a lot of attention this fall.
The Warriors, who went 3-7 last year, return senior quarterback Joseph Schauer as well as four senior wide receivers – Gilbert Rosas, Justis Blassford, Chandler Ri-chards and Andrew Schauer.
“I hope the receivers have a good year, because we have only a few linemen back,” said Tony Osborne, who is entering his 21st season as head coach. “We’ll have only one senior starting on the line. We lost a couple of key guys but have a few starters back.”
Westbrook will be thin, so avoiding injury is key.
“Our first 11 will be pretty good,” Osborne said. “But we definitely can’t afford many injuries – especially up front and among the linebackers.”
Junior center Conner Bolton will anchor the offensive line. Joining him will be senior Sam Blackstock, junior Jordan Kilgo, sophomore Michael Thompson and freshman Jackson Lattrell. This will be the first year of play for Bolton and Kilgo.
Rosas returns as punter but Westbrook is looking for a place kicker.
Westbrook competes in Class 3A, Region 6 along with powerhouses Glencoe and Piedmont.
Glencoe lost in the semifinals last year to eventual state champion Madison Academy.
“I know Glencoe lost some linemen and their top running back, but they have a lot of kids to put in,” Osborne said. “They’ll find the right combination.”
Osborne called the region tough, but said all of the good teams lost a lot of talent. Ashville, Ohatchee, Pleasant Valley, Walter Wellborn and Weaver are also in the region.
Assistant coaches include Brodie Croyle, Barry Ryan, Jared Warren, Brian Mintz, Jason Shoars, Charles Brown and Rene Zerengue.