FB: Shelbyville Dragons Season Preview
In 2009 the Shelbyville Dragons caught the kind of 'bug' that no team can afford to snare - the injury bug. SHS Head Coach Jim Bradford says they can't afford to catch it again this year, despite dropping in classification.
Things were looking up for the Dragons in 2008 as the team recorded its first winning record (6-4) since the Shelbyville team went 9-3 and made the playoffs for the last time in '01. And despite playing in the tough District 22-2A race, the Dragons were hoping for another shot at the post season a year ago. But injuries decimated the squad as they lost as many as four starters in one game alone. The Dragons never recovered, posting a 2-8 record, stretching the non-playoff drought to eight years.
There was a collective sigh of relief in Shelbyville this spring when the University Interscholastic League announced that the school, which had been teetering at the Class 1A level for some time, was going to finally drop to Class 1A.
Although it was a welcomed change, it doesn't make the 2010 season a 'cakewalk' into the postseason - not by any means. The Dragons will join No.6-ranked (Friday Night Football magazine) Alto, 12th-ranked Garrison and an always-tough Grapeland program in District 10-1A D-I. Other league schools include Timpson and Cushing, making a trip back to the playoffs an uphill battle.
"It's so important that we stay healthy this season," Bradford said after a recent training camp workout. "We'll be in the running (for a playoff spot) if we stay healthy. But if a couple of key guys get hurt we'll struggle, just like any small school.
"Last year injuries really hit us. It was just one of those things. This district is going to be tough enough and we need everybody there to help us to be successful."
The Dragons could be back on the upswing this season, with eight offensive and eight defensive starters back from a year ago. Offensive and defensive line production will be the keys as many 'skill' players return for SHS.
OFFENSE
Brad Estes returns at quarterback for his second season as signal caller and third year as varsity starter. Last season Estes connected on 75-of-162 passes (46.3%) for 910 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions.
Senior receivers Nino Cartwright and Tyler Adams return as the No.1 & 2 receivers from a year ago. Cartwright hauled in 27 aerials for 453 yards (16.8-yard average) and a pair of scores, while Adams pulled in 14 for 131 yards and a TD. Senior Austin Rabalais, who was third on the team in receptions with 12 for 78 yards, is also back.
"Nino and Tyler did a good job last year and they'll bring even more experience to the team this year," Bradford said. "Those two, along with Rabalais work really well with Brad, so we're looking for big things from them."
Also returning to boost the offense is running back Jesten Brown. Brown missed three games because of an injury a year ago and still led the Dragons in rushing with 770 yards and six scores. He averaged 5.7-yards per carry. Rabalais came off the bench to produce 207 yards and a 4.5-yard per carry average, making him a threat this season.
"We'll run a multiple offense to keep teams guessing," Bradford explained. "We'll run out of the spread some, some double tight [end] and some unbalanced; whatever we can do to keep defenses off-balance.
"We want to keep our opponents second-guessing. A lot of people line up and do certain things, but when you don't have the size you have to line up and keep your opponent off-balance."
The offensive line will be anchored by returner Zach Ferrebee. The senior was a tackle last year, but is moving to the center position in 2010. His brother, Hunter Ferrebee (junior) will replace his brother at right tackle, while brothers Dillon Brown (sophomore) and Colton Brown (freshman) will have to mature in a hurry at the guard spots.
"Our offensive and defensive lines are going to have to mature in a hurry, there's no doubt," Bradford explained. "I know it's a lot to ask, but we have confident that they can get the job done."
DEFENSE
Defensively, Cartwright and Dillon Brown will hold the inside linebacker spots, two positions they didn't play in 2009. Adams returns at one cornerback and join sophomore James Bradford, on the outside of the defense.
Estes returns at safety, along with Rabalais, who played some linebacker in 2009. Rabalais was second on the team in tackles with 73, recording 16 tackles for losses and 41 solo stops.
Brown was fourth on the team with 64 stops and Adams posted 40.
Jim Bradford says the road the postseason won't be easy, but then again his squad doesn't know what the easy 'button' is.
"It's going to be a tough non-district schedule with Troup, Joaquin, Beckville, T.K. Gorman and Grace Community. It's important that we experience some success early on in the season so we'll have more confidence going into district," he insisted. But some of these players were a part of the 2008 team and they experienced some of that success. Now they want it again."
Shelbyville will start the 2010 campaign as one of the first schools in the state to hit the gridiron when the Dragons battle Troup in the Brook Hill Classic in Bullard on Thursday night at 7:30 p.m.
"It's exciting to be one of the first teams to take the field in the state and we're looking forward to being part of that," Bradford said.
Bradford also hopes his team will be part of the group of squads in the state that battle in the 'third season' - the playoffs.