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DEL.ICIO.USSpring Football Fling: M.L. King plans for stronger finish this season
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
THE SPRING FOOTBALL FLING
In upcoming weeks, teams throughout the state will spend 10 days on the practice field preparing for the 2008 football season. In a series of stories, ajc.com will provide an offseason outlook for 25 of the top teams in the metro and state.
This Week’s Lineup
4/21: ML King • 4/22: Valdosta • 4/23: Buford • 4/24: P’tree Ridge
4/25: Tucker • 4/26: Fayette Co. • 4/27: Brookwood
Photos: A look at M.L. King
You make the call: What’s the buzz on King in ‘08? Can the Lions top last year’s success? Games start in August. Talk starts NOW.
King aims to finish strong in ‘08
M.L. King’s motto going into next season is not orginal, but it seems to be a perfect fit for the DeKalb County school.
Lions coach Corey Jarvis admits to borrowing “Finish the Drill” from Georgia coach Mark Richt. Jarvis said that he and his coaching staff have reminded the players throughout the off-season conditioning program about last season’s loss to Walton in the Class AAAAA quarterfinals.
“We have got to finish everything we do strong,” Jarvis said. “We talk about the Walton game and how we didn’t finish the game. We talk about finishing strong. We are sort of piggy-backing off of what Georgia says.”
Last season, King won the school’s first football region championship and completed its first unbeaten regular season. But the Lions must replace seven starters on offense and five on defense. The Lions return linebacker Joel Kight, who was named the Class AAAAA defensive player of the year after recording 153 tackles.
Offensively, King has to replace 1,000-yard rusher Cordellaro Jones and quarterback Jarad Dorsey. Jarvis is confident that a group of reserves and junior-varsity players will be able to fill the void.
“Our JV was pretty good the last couple of years,” Jarvis said. “We have a lot of kids working hard. We had some kids that got some spot play on varsity, so we do have some experience.”
M.L. King Lions
Region 2-AAAAA
Spring practice dates: April 28-May 9.
Last year’s record: 12-1, lost in the quarterfinals.
Reclassification challenge: Does not apply.
Working on: The emphasis will be finding a replacement at quarterback and wide receiver. The Lions will add a few wrinkles to their offense during the 10-day practice period. Sophomores Cameron Myers (6-1, 185) and Jack Lester (6-2, 190) go into the spring as the leading candidates to replace QB Jarad Dorsey. Although Joel Kight will get the majority of the work during the spring, sophomore Eian Williams (5-9, 170) and junior Artravious Boyd (5-10, 200) will see a lot of reps. Replacing three starters on the offensive line will be crucial.
Key starters lost: WR Daniel McKayahan (Georgia Tech), OL Aaron Hawkins (Mississippi), DE Tyran Golden (Western Kentucky), DB Lyndrez Leslie (Gardner-Webb), Jarad Dorsey (Howard), OL Darryn Davis (Marshall), OL Xavier Morgan (Stillman), OL Kevin Lalor (Stillman), DL Kami Warner (Virginia State).
Key returning starters: LB Kight, OL Bryce Bell, OL Darryl Martin, SS Fred Barnes, CB Rodriguez Lowe, LB Rashaun Quiovers.
2008 strengths: The Lions will have to rely on their defense until the offense gets it together. Kight, who has drawn interest from several colleges, will team with Quiovers to give the Lions a solid linebacker group. The secondary is expected to be strong with a couple of returning starters back. Last season, the Lions gave up 151 yards and 11 points a game. King should have another fast and athletic defense that will make them region contenders.
2008 weaknesses: The lack of experience on the offensive line will be a major concern with a new quarterback running the offense. Kight will get plenty of carries, but the other backs must step up. The Lions will have plenty of talent, but it is inexperienced.
This season’s projection: Since the school opened in 2002, King has compiled a 56-18 record. There shouldn’t be a letdown. The Lions should be in the region championship hunt and make another playoff run, if the new players produce.
Comments: “It will be hard to tell about this team until we step on the field,” Jarvis said. “We have had a lot of kids make that commitment to the weight room. We have some sophomores and freshmen who have really bulked up over the off-season. We have some teaching to do this spring. We just have to make sure that we understand what we are trying to accomplish.”
Photos: A look at M.L. King
Last Week’s Lineup
4/14: Roswell • 4/15: Norcross • 4/16: Walton • 4/17: Harrison
4/18: Camden Co. • 4/19: Newnan • 4/20: Stephenson
You make the call: What’s the buzz on King in ‘08? Can the Lions top last year’s success? Games start in August. Talk starts NOW.
Comments
By Doctor
April 21, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
MLK should have a good season. The big questions will be the new quarterback and new offensive linemen.
By Shamrock Slinger
April 21, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
Yes Doctor, you summed it up, just like Derrick Mahone did. Good job.
By MLK_ HATER
April 21, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
I hope their program and their school falls in the water!
By MLK_ HATER
April 21, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
I hope their program and their school falls in the water!
By MLK_ HATER
April 21, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
I hope their program and their school falls in the water!
By MLK_ HATER
April 21, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
I hope their program and their school falls in the water!
By MLK_ HATER
April 21, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
I hope their program and their school falls in the water!
By MLK_ HATER
April 21, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
I hope their program and their school falls in the water!
By MLK LOVER!
April 21, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
MLK_Hater
You need some HELP! Why do you hope we fall in the water! Because YOU didn’t work hard so the coach couldn’t or would’t use you on the football field. Get a life!
By State Fan
April 21, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
Good luck to mlk this season, i think its goin to be a even season for mlk this fall, they will have a solid defense with kight and quiovers leading the defense both division 1 prospects. the key question is in the quarterback spot and widereceivers they will have some returning receivers that got great playing time in corey phillips and stephen stroman. But the question is, will they step up? good luck king.
By State Fan
April 21, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Good luck to mlk this season, i think its goin to be a even season for mlk this fall, they will have a solid defense with kight and quiovers leading the defense both division 1 prospects. the key question is in the quarterback spot and widereceivers they will have some returning receivers that got great playing time in corey phillips and stephen stroman. But the question is, will they step up? good luck king.
By Derrick Mahone
April 21, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
In taking with Corey Jarvis, he was pleased with the younger guys in the program. It sounds if he is confident they can step up and make a very big difference this season. As with any team, the offense and defensive front will the key. If the young guys step, they have some capable RBs that can make the plays. If the DL can maintain, Joel Kight and Rashaun Quiovers will definitely make some plays on defense. M.L. King vs. Stephenson should be a game you will not want to miss. It could decide the region championship from earlier indications on paper.
By Wituka
April 22, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
MLK’s first game is against another DeKalb count powerhouse Southwest Dekalb. With SWD having the best defense in DeKalb county allowing less than 200 yards per game and MLK’s lack of an offensive weapon this game could get ugly quick. SWD is returning starters at every key position on offense, and still has a stingy fresh defense. Buck Godfrey and his boys will be ready to take out MLK no problem, a bad start for the Lion’s season.
By Lion Backer
April 30, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
Wituka, I don’t know what you’re smoking, but it’s probably illegal.
By D.P.
May 8, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
Dont be surprised if they have a special player who puts up reggie bush type number, just stay tuned this team has the best offensive and defensive player in the state. Last year was the coming out party, two one will shine
By сайдинг
September 7, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
2gСпасибо за интересную информацию!.1e Буду рад, если посетите мой сайт.! медный сайдинг 5n цокольный сайдинг 6j Спасибо