The Sparta Bulldogs are looking to turn around a program that has recorded just one win over the past three seasons.
New head coach Edmund Jones will look to a young squad with just six seniors and only two returning starters from last year’s 0-9 team.
“This team spent a lot of time together this summer,” said Jones. “They have a lot of respect for each other, and they bonded well during that time. We don’t have a lot of size or depth, so we will rely on our speed and execution of plays.”
Senior Darius Jackson (6’,185) comes into the season with several Division I scholarships on the table already. The returning three-year starter at quarterback will split time behind center and at runningback.
“Darius is just an amazing athlete,” said Jones. “At quarterback, he can scramble around and extend plays, but he also has a strong arm, which will allow him to throw deep passes to our speedy receivers. He brings a lot of experience, and we count on him as a leader for this team. With his 4.4 speed and his tremendous strength, most of his Division I scholarship offers have been for him to play runningback. I think it will help his recruiting to have him start out there this season.”
Jackson will split time at quarterback with junior Hayden Beattie (6’4, 150).
“Hayden has a real firm understanding of the offense,” added Jones. “He can make calls at the line of scrimmage and recognizes mismatches on the field.”
Along with Jackson, junior Sharvell Austin (5’9, 160) will also see a lot of carries from the runningback position.
“Austin also has great speed and good cutting ability,” said Jones. “He, along with Darius really gives us two multidimensional tailbacks.”
Seniors Darreunta Baker (5’7, 220) and Ian Wolter (5’10, 185) along with junior Tyler Adams (5’10, 200) will all see time carrying the ball at the fullback position.
“All three of our fullbacks are very strong runners with quick feet who are looking to punish the tackler,” added Jones.
Under Jones, the Bulldogs’ offense will line up out of the power I for the most part. However, the offense is flexible enough to spread out the field and use four wide receivers.
Junior Deunta Baker (5’5, 145) and freshman Isaiah Michl (6’1, 175) give the bulldogs good speed and quickness at the wide receiver spot. Austin will also see time at receiver as well as junior Kyonta Fuller (5’10, 155).
“These guys had a great summer playing against some of the better, bigger teams of the area,” said Jones. “I believe that experience will really help out come regular season time.”
Junior Jon Lueth (5’9, 260) returns as a starter on the offensive line and will be looked to as the anchor of the unit. Junior Jimmy Sanchez (6’, 350) will start at guard along with junior Luke Henley (5’10, 250). The starting tackles will be junior Cedric Briscoe (5’8, 210) and freshman Ryan LeForge (6’1, 265). Sophomore Cody Hummert (6’1, 185) and freshman Justin Reinhardt (6’, 275) will also see time on the line this season.
“Our offensive line is very young,” said Jones. “They have a real good understanding of our blocking scheme, but we are concerned about the lack of experience.”
The defensive line will feature junior Dylan Hatley (5’7, 190) and Briscoe as the starting ends. LeForge, Lueth, Sanchez and Henley will all rotate at defensive tackle.
“This group is very well coached, but once again, we are concerned about their youth and inexperience,” commented Jones.
A projected strength of the Sparta defense will be its linebackers. Starting at linebacker will be Wolter, Darreunta Baker and Adams. Michl and Loucks will also see time at linebacker for the Bulldogs.
“All of our linebackers move well, and they are our top hitters on the team,” said Jones.
Another projected strength of the Bulldog defense will be their defensive secondary. Jackson and Fuller will be the safeties, and Austin and Deunta Baker will start at cornerback.
“Our secondary has really good speed,” said Jones. “They also got a lot of experience this summer taking on the likes of East St. Louis, Cahokia, Edwardsville and Marion.”
Senior Landon Durbin (5’9, 198) will handle the kicking and punting duties this year.
“We have to give our best in every game this season,” said Jones. “Our conference is one of the toughest in the state. There won’t be an easy game.”
Sparta opens the season Friday night against the Dupo Tigers.
“Dupo is in its second year under its new coach,” said Jones. “They have some experienced players back and decent size. Dupo has a rich history of success in its past. This coach is trying to get back to that level.
“The game will be determine by the energy we bring and if we can balance that energy with some poise. If we can execute our system, there will be some opportunities for our speed to make plays. It is very important to get that first win under our belts. The past is our past, each season starts off new.”