Some “salty” veterans and a few “young guns” look poised to lead the way
Entering the season, particularly in an article authored before the scrimmages, it may be difficult to comment on something as obsequious as who will man the OL. There are rumors of transfers on which we won’t comment until the subjects are cleared for play. Besides that, they are merely rumors. Like we have said many times before, we’re out there; we hear rumors too. We can confidently predict Carlos Mason, Hayden Crick, and rising sophomore, Clayton Scott, figure to be in the personnel mix as does Mason Brown, also a senior. [Carlos] Mason, Crick, and Brown are seniors and have been around a while. Scott showed promise as a freshman a season ago as the year progressed and Connor Miles has come leagues, this offseason, and is beginning to “look the part.”
HB Lyon, Scouting Director, “KPGFootball”
We contacted our “agent” in the Hopkins County area to inquire as to what was “going on” with the OL at Hopkins Central. We have scrimmage coming up and the opener is under a month from kick off.
Central has lost some fine players up front. How will they replace that which the graduation stage cost them?
Coach Manning put it this way, when reached by KPGFootball for comment. “We are overhauling the line. We will rely on a few seniors, some juniors, sophomores, and even a hand full of freshmen will be in the mix before it is done.”
We are told, and this is insider stuff here, Carlos Mason and Hayden Crick seem to have nailed down spots upfront. This is not surprising to us as they are three (3) year starters. Crick seems headed for offensive center.
We are overhauling the line…
Chris Manning, HFC, Hopkins County Central High
Our guy has also told us ’27’s Clayton Scott and Conner Miles look on their way to cementing posts along the front. Mason Brown (’25) has been working hard and may see himself in the lineup.
Junior, Jaden Jones (’26) has improved his status, this offseason, and could also see the field. Jones didn’t get much play in ’23 but, with the defections owing to graduation, that could all change here in about a month or so. We have featured Jones this offseason.
We have heard the school is waiting on word about a couple of transfers. We don’t comment on transfers until they are cleared for play.
This team will go as far as the lines of scrimmage takes it
Friday Night Fletch
Mason and Crick are ’25 guys and both played a ton a year ago. Mason is a two-way guy and so is Crick. Mason is 5’11,” weighs in the 215-220 range, and is powerful, quick, and explosive. We have before featured Mason.
Crick is also a capable, two-way performer who handles the snapping duties. Crick is 5’11, 230-pounds, in “gifted and talented” classes at the high school, and accomplished in both the discus and shot put in track & field.
Scott is also 5’11, and weighs in the neighborhood of 210-pounds. Scott is the youngest of the three and didn’t begin the season on the first string in ’23 but a player who improved steadily as the year progressed and was among the more reliable players, up front, by season’s end.
This team will go as far as the lines of scrimmage takes it. “The heart and soul of any good football team is its offensive line. There’s no position that requires more discipline or technique than offensive lineman…”
—Scouts, Inc. ESPN.com (For Active.com January 16, 2006)
This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!
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