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DEL.ICIO.USSpring Football Fling: Mill Creek now ready to reload, not to rebuild
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 several of the top teams in the metro and state.
You make the call: What’s the buzz on Creek in ‘08? Are the Hawks headed back to the playoffs? Games start in August. Talk starts NOW.
Mill Creek Hawks
Region 7-AAAAA
Spring practice dates: May 6-May 17
Last year’s record: 7-4, lost in first round of state playoffs
Working on: The Hawks return just one starting offensive lineman and one starting linebacker, so competition will be fierce at those positions. “Those are two fairly critical spots,” coach Shannon Jarvis said. “It’s not like I’m saying we need another wide receiver.”
Key starters lost: TE Austin Wilson, FS Sam Davis, LB Collin Stuart, OL Darius Jackson
Key starters returning: QB Zach Landis, RB Lenny Brooks, WR/QB Ed Russ, DE Ryan Robinson, DB Chris Boggs, LB Scott Ooley
2008 strengths: The Hawks return nearly all their playmakers, including quarterback Zach Landis, tailback Lenny Brooks and Ed Russ, who will split time between receiver and quarterback. Coaches are high on tight end Kevin Darley, who is trying to replace standout Austin Wilson. The defensive front, led by explosive end Ryan Robinson, should cause lots of problems for opposing quarterbacks.
2008 weaknesses: Mill Creek made the playoffs for the first time in school history behind a rock-solid offensive line. But four starters and tight end Austin Wilson are graduating, leaving big holes to fill.
This season’s projection: The Hawks, who open against Dacula and Central Gwinnett before starting region play, need to mesh quickly. Three of their first four region games are against Norcross, North Gwinnett and Peachtree Ridge. If the inexperienced offensive line jells, Mill Creek could make the playoffs again.
Comment: Jarvis believes the program has matured to the point where the Hawks can reload, not rebuild, with up-and-coming players. “There’s not one person in our program who is satisfied with what happened last year,” Jarvis said, referring to the school’s first winning season and playoff berth. “The good thing is they barely got a taste of it. We’ve got some goals in place and we want to take the next step.”
Week Three Lineup
• 4/28: Lowndes • 4/29: Parkview • 4/30: Mays • 5/1: Marist • 5/2: Northside-WR • 5/3: Lovett • 5/4: St. Pius
Week Two Lineup
• 4/21: ML King • 4/22: Valdosta • 4/23: Buford • 4/24: P-Ridge • 4/25: Tucker • 4/26: Fayette • 4/27: Brookwood
Week One Lineup
• 4/14: Roswell • 4/15: Norcross • 4/16: Walton • 4/17: Harrison • 4/18: Camden • 4/19: Newnan • 4/20: Stephenson
You make the call: What’s the buzz on Creek in ‘08? Are the Hawks headed back to the playoffs? Games start in August. Talk starts NOW.
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Comments
By Number One MC Hawk Fan
August 5, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Mill Creek Hawks are going all the way… they are Georgia High School State Championship, ready! Hard work and hard hitting is going to show up this year and beware to all the AAAAA division.