CHARLESTON TAKES ON WEST COAST LOOK

CHARLESTON -- Charleston's football program hasn't enjoyed the success that it envisioned after moving down to Class 2A two years ago.

With the dominance the Bluejays enjoyed for so many years in Class 3A, it was only logical that they would continue the trend in a lower class.

But with their decline in enrollment, came a decline in talent. Whenever it seemed like the Bluejays had something going, injuries would take their toll.

Both years in 2A Charleston has finished as the runner-up in District 2 to a resurgent Scott City program.

Whether or not Charleston can build a district contender this year remains to be seen, but many in Bluejay Country feel that his year's team can certainly improve on last season's disappointing 3-6 record.

And it all starts with an abundance of talent at the skill positions.

"We've got some skill players coming back so they've got a year of experience under their belt," said second-year Charleston head coach Brent Anderson."Hopefully they'll be a little bit better. I think the big question is going to be that line, whether or not they can hold up and stay injury free."

Leading the charge on offense are returning running backs Jordy Mixon (5-10, 190) and Dontay Clark (5-10, 165). The junior duo combined for 20 touchdowns, rushing for 1,492 yards (6.8 yards per carry) and snaring 38 passes for 362 yards (9.5 yards per catch).

Mixon, a fullback last year, is slated as the starting tailback while Clark has been moved to wide receiver this year.

Sophomore speedster Orrice Stanback (5-11, 185) will step into the fullback position. He ran for 99 yards on 12 carries including a TD in limited varsity action last year.

Also filling in at wide receiver is junior Tiyez Whitney (5-10, 165).

Mixon, Clark and Stanback will probably get the most touches for the Bluejays this year.

"They're three of the better athletes in the area in my opinion," Anderson said. " I'd venture to say that just about every coach in the area would love to have those three. They're all three going to be on the field and I have to figure out a way to get them the ball. They're going to carry the load this year."

Manning the quarterback position will be athletic senior co-captain Russell Crawford (6-0, 185). In platoon duty last year, Crawford completed 21-of-65 passes for 248 yards with six interceptions.

"He's going to be the one that makes us go," said Anderson. "If we're going to be successful, he's going to have to be the one that steps up. He's got a lot of weight on his shoulders but I think he'll be up for the challenge."

His role will be vital in Anderson's wide open passing attack that has a West Coast feel to it. Whether or not Crawford can hit open targets is just one of the many questions surrounding a team that scored just 19 points per game last year.

Charleston has always been a running team first.

Anderson's offense is geared to air it out first.

"That's what I know and that's what I do," said Anderson. "We're going to try to spread some people out and try to use our athleticism. It's not really West Coast, but it's got some West Coast theories to it."

Charleston, after starting the year poorly, incorporated the offense about midway through the season last year. The success was minimal as they were intercepted 11 times to just three TD passes, but Anderson thinks it was a great learning experience for the team.

"We're a year older with it and it took the kids a long time to understand the system last year," said Anderson. "It clicked at times and other times it didn't. For young kids it's a tough system, but if we can run it right, it's a high-octane offense. It's an attack offense and that's what I want it to evolve to."

Anderson plans on mixing it up with different formations, including four and five receiver sets, double tight formations and one-back sets.

"Hopefully we can confuse some people a little bit and maybe our athletes can take some games over," said Anderson.

Charleston's biggest concern is the offensive line.

Only one senior is expected to start in co-captain Aristeve Townsend (6-0, 190). The rest are inexperienced underclassmen. Junior Blake Earnheart (5-11, 180), sophomores Eric Kent (6-0, 220) and Adam Bowles (6-0, 215) and freshman Tyler Collier (6-2, 235) are the backbone of the line so far.

Senior Nathan Harvell (5-10, 175) is slated at tight end.

Senior Kurt Showmaker (6-0, 220) was expected to be one of the team's best linemen, but a broken arm will sideline him for most, if not all, of the season.

On the defensive side, Charleston will face the same questions. The same young linemen on the offensive side will be thrown to the wolves on defense with Townsend, Kent, Collier and Bowles patrolling the trenches.

The defensive unit will probably be anchored by the linebacking corps and the secondary. Mixon, Earnheart, Henry Hall (5-10, 185) and sophomore Dadrian Jones (5-10, 175) are the linebackers. Clark and Whitney will each play at cornerback while Crawford will play free safety.

Senior co-captain James Shelby (5-9, 185) will be one of the top defensive players on the team, but he won't be available until Week 2 because he missed too many practices while he was out of town.

As usual, the Bluejays will have speed all over the field. Traditionally one of the fastest teams around, this year will be no exception for Charleston.

"We're an athletic team, but I don't think we're going to kill you with out and out speed," said Anderson. "We just have good athletes that run well."

Charleston has added East Prairie to its schedule this season.

Once again Charleston will compete with Grandview, Crystal City and Scott City for the district title.

Anderson is cautious about making any predictions.

"You have to think you can win it before you can win it," he said. "I'm sure the kids think they can win it, but we're a long ways away from that. Obviously that's a goal of ours, and we hope we can get there."

CHARLESTON

Mascot: Bluejays

Enrollment: 387

Coach: Brent Anderson

Conference: SEMO Central

District: Class 2A, District 2

Last year's record: 3-6

Key losses: Daniel Shelby, LB; Boothe Dugan, QB

Key returners: Dontay Clark, WR; Jordy Mixon, RB; Russell Crawford, QB