“New” Patriots Looking Forward to 2014 Season

Photo by Mike Stanley, Jefferson County Post Sports

When the 2014 Patriot football team takes the field on August 29th, they will not have a ton of youth, however they will have numerous new faces on the field this fall. The new faces aren’t just the guys in shoulder pads either. Jefferson County has 3 new assistants on this year’s staff as well.

Gone, is the offensive backfield from a year ago, with former quarterback Malik Styles and running back Dearies Jones graduating. The two combined for over 2,400 yards on the ground last season. While the quarterback position seems to be a little more clear with Junior, Noah Carter, poised to take over the offense, replacing Jones may not be limited to one guy. Junior, Dalton Morgan, and senior, Spencer Randles, will get the most of the carries this fall, along with Dakota Cody and Ryan Greer. Gorel Soumare and Joey Jennings will give Carter big targets at wide receiver to get the ball to, along with senior Dallas Adams who has moved from quarterback to wide receiver this season.

On the defensive side of the ball are where there are few more questions. The Patriots will only return 4 starters from last year’s defense. The defense will be led by senior’s J.P Latham and Garrett English. Both have 2 year’s starting experience under their belts. The secondary will be in the hands of Noah Carter and Gorel Soumare at the safety positions along with a handful that will see playing time at the cornerback position.

***Jefferson County Post Summary***

Look for the Patriots to throw the ball a lot more under new offensive coordinator, Scott Branton. While the offense may not be as dynamic this season, it will be more consistent than in years past. Offense is loaded with juniors in skill positions in the first year of a new offensive system and should pay dividends in the future.

Defensively the Patriots will struggle at times due to the newness of the players at positions, but Head Coach Kenny Cobble and his defensive mindset will definitely have this defense playing at a very high level just like years past.

Prediction: Look for the Pats to finish just north of the .500 mark at around 6-4 and make the playoffs. We all know once you are in the playoffs anything can happen!!

The Patriots open the season against Knox Central at home August 29th at 7:30 p.m. Jefferson County defeated the Bobcats last season , 32-20.