By Stan Veitch/Sports Correspondent
With new coach Mike Sheffield in place and some talented players returning, Coosa Christian hopes to have some success this coming season.
Sophomore Wesley Grizzard is perhaps the most talented of the players.
“He’s the most mature and the best player,” Sheffield said. “We look for great things out of Wesley.”
Playing at wide receiver last season, Grizzard caught 44 passes for 920 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning a second-team All State spot.
Senior linebacker Mikey Green, who had 62 tackles last year, is the captain and “just a great kid,” said Sheffield. Freshman Chase Burger, who had 46 tackles last season, may be seen in any number of places.
“He is capable of playing three or four positions,” Sheffield said.
Senior defensive back Jeremy Ware is “solid as a rock” and is expected to play from “whistle to whistle.”
Sophomore Emory Kitchens, Houston Ratliff, senior Dawson Ashley and 300-pound junior Sawyer Cobb will anchor both lines. Sophomore Justin Jackson will line up at tight end.
Kitchens is the nephew of fromer Etowah High standout Freddie Kitchens and is “tough as nails.” Sheffield said that Ratliff could potentially play at the next level.
“He has the size and ability to play there,” the coach said. “And Jackson is a ‘joy’ to coach.”
Sophomore Jake McDowell joins the team for his first year and Caiden Lipscomb is a freshman quarterback.
Sophomore Ashton Cle-mens, who has played baseball and basketball, will play. Sheffield called him a “natural.”
Senior linebacker David Kim, who had 59 tackles last season, currently is in Korea but is expected back in time to play.
The Conquerors’ Class 1A, Region 7 competition includes Cedar Bluff, Gaylesville, Jacksonville Christian, Spring Garden, Valley Head and Woodville.
Ottis Toney and Chad Carney are the Conquerors’ assistant coaches.