SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTOS BY AL STILLEY Manual’s defense expects to be vastly improved with lineman (fromt left) Ricky Belt, corner linebacker Eric Robinson, safety Tyron Sanders and linebacker Michael Payne.
Wide receiver Robert Orkman (left) and lineman Jalen Douglas return to Manual’s offense. MANUAL (5-5) – Redskins on upswing under coach Robert Orkman … two straight break-even seasons … outscored opponents 218-40 in five wins last season … averaged 255 yards rushing … graduated nine seniors; to be missed: quarterback Codie Barnett (1,650 yards passing and rushing, 25 TDs), running back/linebacker Isaiah Starks (7.4 yards per carry, 62 tackles) and linebacker Jose Bravo (61 tackles) … seasoned team returns with 12 seniors and seven juniors … senior All-City running back De’Angelo Dean (1,088 allpurpose yards) returns but could move to quarterback for first time since freshman … senior running back KeShawn Range returns after bothersome foot injury … senior Robert Orkman most experienced receiver with junior Tyron Sanders. Strong O-line with anchor/third-year starter Will Hickman, tackles Jalen Douglas and Alex Cofield …Gregory Howard and Demonte Morton line up at guard … defense solid with top tacklers returning … defensive end/D-1 prospect and All-City senior leading tackler Ricky Belt (73 tackles) … D-back Sanders (six interceptions, two TDS) … senior D-lineman Jalen Battle … defensive strength comes from DeAngelo Morton, sectional standout/defensive end Risque Earles and fast-learning linebackers William Hickman and Michael Payne who move from D-line … seniors Chris Deel and Zeke Robinson counted on at D-back … face five new opponents … open at offensive powerhouse Heritage Christian (39.2 points per game) Friday … end regular season with three straight home games.
Coach’s comments: “This is my fourth year here, and we are coming off our best summer of conditioning, instruction of our offensive and defensive formations and skill development. We are not doing as much reteaching. Our offensive line is our strongest focus since I’ve been here. They are our older guys and most experienced. We are not heavy on receivers. Defensively, we will have a young and inexperienced secondary. Our hope is that our front seven will be strong enough that our deep defenders will be experienced when we go into sectionals. “We are trying to cut down on our players going both ways; we only have two players like that. We have good leadership for our younger guys. Our depth overall will be a challenge at certain positions but not a huge problem. Our schedule is always strong. We have added five new teams. We feel confident and excited about going into the season. We want to beat that 5-5 record, turn it into a winning season.”
Coach’s comments: “This is my fourth year here, and we are coming off our best summer of conditioning, instruction of our offensive and defensive formations and skill development. We are not doing as much reteaching. Our offensive line is our strongest focus since I’ve been here. They are our older guys and most experienced. We are not heavy on receivers. Defensively, we will have a young and inexperienced secondary. Our hope is that our front seven will be strong enough that our deep defenders will be experienced when we go into sectionals. “We are trying to cut down on our players going both ways; we only have two players like that. We have good leadership for our younger guys. Our depth overall will be a challenge at certain positions but not a huge problem. Our schedule is always strong. We have added five new teams. We feel confident and excited about going into the season. We want to beat that 5-5 record, turn it into a winning season.”
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