AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2007 > August > 17
Friday, August 17, 2007
Norcross the team to beat in Gwinnett
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I went to watch Norcross practice Wednesday, expecting to see the second best team in Gwinnett. With all due respect to the defending state champions at Peachtree Ridge, I left Norcross certain that I had just seen the county’s best team.
Norcross has received a lot of preseason hype, thanks mainly to wide receivers Devonta Bolton and Brice Butler, who have committed to Alabama and Southern Cal respectively. But how valuable are star receivers if you don’t have anyone to throw them ball?
That was my biggest question about Keith Maloof’s squad. Senior Nick Sorel and junior Charles King, the quarterbacks that will play this season, provided the answer.
Both looked solid in practice and have earned the confidence of their coach. Sorel is more polished in the passing game, but does not possess the mobility of the King. Both quarterbacks showed the ability to make all the throws with accuracy. I expect Sorel to start the season opener, but Maloof will find ways to utilize King’s athleticism.
The quarterbacks will benefit from an offensive line that returns all five starters and junior tailback D.J. Adams, who looks like an emerging star, not to mention the best receiving tandem in the state and maybe the nation.
Bolton and Butler looked as good as advertised, if not better. More importantly, Maloof will find ways to get them the ball, whether it’s on a reverse, screen or even having them take a few snaps out of the shotgun, much like he did with Darius Hanks last year. Hanks is now trying to earn playing time as a freshman for Nick Saban at Alabama.
I’m headed to Peachtree Ridge next week to see if the defending champs have an offense to compliment a loaded defense, as well as, to see if my I’m right about Norcross being the team to beat in Gwinnett.
Shoot me a line, if you need me to check in to another school in or out of Gwinnett.
Stay cool … DP
Permalink | Comments (26) | Post your comment | Categories: David Purdum
