Photo courtesy of Scott Butler.
0814 Homewood football
Homewood junior quarterback Carson Griffis throws a pass to Alec Marsch during spring practice.
Homewood High has a new head football coach, but he’s a familiar face.
This season the Patriots step up in class under the new seven-class format and into a more competitive region, but they believe they’re going to contend for the region championship – and plan on a deep run in the playoffs.
It may sound confusing, but new head coach Ben Berguson knows his Patriots are capable of defending as a region champion.
Coming off a 9-3 season and a 7-0 record in Class 5A, Region 4, Homewood is now in Class 6A, Region 5. The Patriots are joined in that region by Briarwood Christian, John Carroll, Minor, Hueytown, Walker, Jackson-Olin and Pelham.
Berguson, who had been an assistant coach for three seasons, replaced Doug Goodwin. Goodwin took the Pats to the playoffs but was dismissed by the Homewood administration after being deemed no longer a good fit. Berguson wore the interim head coach tag during an interview process before he was named head coach. Berguson has one year of experience as a head coach – ironically, as an interim head coach at Spain Park when he replaced David Shores.
With six starters back on offense, including the quarterback and three offensive linemen, Berguson is clear about the Patriots’ philosophy: “If you can run the ball, you can break somebody’s will. That’s kind of our philosophy, and with this O-line, we should be able to do that.”
The Patriots have 20 seniors. Leadership, experience and chemistry shouldn’t be a problem. Staying healthy is key.
OFFENSE
The Patriots run a multiple spread offense, but they’ll likely run it more than throw it. Berguson considers the offensive line his team’s strength. Big John Yarbrough (6-5, 280) has offers from Arkansas State, South Alabama and Samford already. Senior Morris Scott (6-2, 290) is also being looked at for Saturday football. Junior Cameron Moody is returning starter at center.
Junior Carson Griffis (5-11, 170) is back at quarterback, and Berguson points out that he won nine games and a region championship as a sophomore, so much is expected of him again. “We’re excited about him. He’s fast, so he can beat you with his feet.” Griffis runs a 4.5 40, and Berguson said they’ll definitely have some designed runs for him this season.
Senior Maurice Mayo (5-8, 170) will start at tailback, and the coaching staff has high expectations for him. Alec Marsch and Lawton Dorough return at wide receiver. Dorough, who is also getting some looks from colleges, also runs a 4.5 40.
DEFENSE
Homewood only brings three starters back on defense. Trip Moss (5-11, 205) is returning at Mike linebacker in the Pats’ 3-4 defense. “He’s a vocal guy and will be the leader on our defense,” Berguson said. Junior Griffin Gentry (6-2, 245) was injured early last season, but he is a college talent at defensive end. Safety Griffin Rivers (6-1, 170) is a key man in the secondary. “He’s great athlete and can do just about anything.” The junior will also return kicks. Senior nose guard Kaelan Henry (5-6, 205) is a vocal leader and though perhaps undersized is quick. “He can blow through a gap in a second,” Berguson said.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Griffis returns as punter, and he’s a good one. Sam Kyle will handle the place-kicking. Berguson would like to find a kickoff man who can start the opponent on the 20, but he hasn’t found him yet. Mayo, Rivers and Derrick Underwood will return kicks.