Team preview: Navarre
By JARED MACARIN
Florida Freedom Newspapers
NAVARRE - There are many things that will be new about Navarre's football team this year.
There is a new head coach in Chad Lashley. There will be many new starters, particularly on offense where just two return.
But one thing that will not be new is the expectation of success.
The Raiders are coming off their second straight playoff appearance and two years ago were District 2-4A champions. Although this year's cast may be different, the hope is the same.
Many of their hopes will be on the shoulders of Michael Pettus, the Raiders' small but dynamic standout at tailback. He, along with lineman Tyler Williams, are the only two offensive players back from last year's 7-4 team.
Lashley knows Pettus will have to have a big year.
"He is very explosive," Lashley said. "I'm looking for him to have a good year. He understands the concepts of what we are trying to do on offense."
Lining up next to Pettus in the backfield will be new quarterback Andrew Velazquez. He replaces Austin Grimm, who threw for more than 2,000 yards in 2007 and was a two-year starter. Despite his inexperience, Lashley feels good about the senior.
"I think Andrew will do a good job," Lashley said. "I don't think there will be a major drop-off."
Velazquez will have plenty of options to throw to, although they - like him - are also inexperienced. Gone are the sure hands of Chris Weaver and Kyle Irby, who are both playing in college this fall.
In their place are the likes of Adam Taylor, Noel Cook, Antonio Neris, Tre'Von Allen and others. But Lashley likes what he sees on the outside, especially if they can learn on the fly.
"This group has a lot of potential," he said. "They have a long way to go, but just on raw athletic ability, they could be the best group we've had."
Williams anchors an offensive line that will welcome four new starters and will have to grow up fast in a tough district.
On the other side of the ball, the defense brings back five starters, mostly along the line and in the defensive backfield. The Raiders unveiled a 3-5-3 scheme in 2007 and will keep it around this fall.
Up front, Armani Williams and Eugene Robinson are back. Williams is a run-stuffer up front, while Robinson's 6-foot-3 frame is disruptive on the outside.
Ronnie Wesson heads up the linebacking corps, and will be helped out by Walter Hill, who saw plenty of time last season as a junior. They will have to take over for the departed Joey Torres and Robert Roux, who were the team's top two tacklers a year ago.
Also coming in to help will be Billy Mitchell, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound transfer from Oregon who should make an immediate impact.
The defensive backfield perhaps has the most experience on the entire team, and will be led by safety Adam Hamilton. Allen and Greg Moses will fill the void at cornerback, and Lashley is excited about the group.
"They are probably our most experienced group in terms of schemes," Lashley said. "And they have great athleticism and the potential to be one of the best groups we've had. They can run."
