Oscar Smith Football Preview
How does a high school football team try to duplicate a perfect regular season? The Tigers of Oscar Smith did it last year and are looking to do it again in 2006. When the new season begins, Oscar Smith will resume a 24 game regular season winning streak that spans back to the season of 2003. The impressive run is marred only by two nail biting losses to the Landstown Eagles that have ended each of the last two seasons in the regional round of the state playoffs. Although the team lost some key contributors from last year's squad to graduation, the coaching staff is confident in the returning players to step up and help keep the Tigers in the hunt for that ever elusive state championship.
Quarterbacks
It's no secret in the Southeastern District that Oscar Smith quarterback Dexter Merritt is the key to the Tigers' success. Last season Merritt threw for around 1,800 yards, 19 touchdowns and was only intercepted three times. Those gaudy numbers led him to a place on the All-District team and he is 12-1 as a starter at Oscar Smith. Beyond his athletic abilities, Merritt has stepped up as a leader on the team and team coaches say he knows the playbook inside and out.
Running Backs
The past three seasons, Oscar Smith has a different running back rush for at least 1,000 yards and Kenny Royster hopes to be the next in line. What the senior back may lack in size, he makes up for with good speed and quickness and looks to get most of the carries for the team this coming season.
Wide Receivers
With having the luxury of such a prolific passer like Merritt, Oscar Smith head coach Richard Morgan has the ability to stretch the field more than most high school coaches do. Having a playmaker like Kerry Boykins on the other end of those passes doesn't hurt either. Coach Morgan calls Boykins one of, if not the top player he has coached while at Oscar Smith and looks for the junior to quickly become an elite player in the state as well. Last season as a sophomore, the 6'1'', 190 lbs. Boykins made 25 catches for 450 yards and six touchdowns. Defenses will not be able to concentrate on just shutting down Boykins alone as juniors Todd Harrelson and Jamal Wilson return to the receiving corps.
Tight Ends
Since the Tigers spend most of the time in a four wide receiver set, they often don't use a tight end but when they do it will be Sean Spratlin, who can also split off and help as a receiver.
Offensive Line
Because of losses to graduation, Coach Morgan is still trying to put together his offensive line. He will have two starters coming back in Antonio Hill and Omar Gardner. Both are at least 6 feet tall and weigh 250 lbs.
Defensive Line
Even though the Oscar Smith defense held opponents to just over 13 points per game last season, Coach Morgan admits that the 2006 defense will be a little younger and a little more inexperienced than his offensive unit. But that doesn't mean he's worried. The defensive line will be led by Antonio Hill who was All-State last year and is already getting interest from some Division I colleges. Morgan says that the D-line will be “fast and strong” as all of the starters run under 4.8 and can all bench press at least 300 lbs.
Linebackers
Sophomores Perry Jones and Jarod Askew will be asked to step up as the inside linebackers while Steve Fotchman will be manning the outside. The aforementioned Kerry Boykins will start at strong safety.
Secondary
Wide receiver Todd Harrelson will play a corner on the defensive side of the ball and Corey Holmes and Jamal Wilson will split time at the other. Eric Drury (6'4”, 210 lbs.) transfers in from Atlantic Shores and will add size to his free safety position.
Kickers
Last season kicker Matt Walker earned 2nd team All-district honors and Jacob Craig returns as the Tiger's punter
Extra Point: Will a slew of returners including QB Dexter Merritt and WR Kerry Boykins lead Oscar Smith to a three-peat in the Southeastern District? We believe with Coach Morgan at the helm, it is a distinct probability.
