The Berry twins expected to make big impact on Creekside football

Two of the nation’s most interesting freshman football players will be on display for Creekside’s spring game at 7 p.m. Friday.

Who are these guys? There are the Berry Twins, Evan and Elliot.

Perhaps you’ve heard the last name? Older brother Eric Berry, who also played at Creekside, was the fifth overall choice of last month’s NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.

The twins have as much potential, at least at this young age. Both are bigger and faster than Eric was as a ninth-grader, say Creekside’s coaches.

Here’s the breakdown:

Evan Berry: The 5-foot-10, 170-pounder is competing to be Creekside’s No. 1 quarterback. Said Creekside coach Johnny White, “He throws the ball very well, he’s a very good athlete and extremely fast, running 4.43 in the 40-yard dash at Scout’s combine.”

Elliot Berry: The 6-foot, 190-pounder is a candidate to start at tailback. Said White, “Big, fast and wants to be great. They are both hard workers."

Here are some quick hits on spring football at other area high schools:

Buford: State championships are always a topic of conversation for the Wolves, who finish workouts on Saturday. Buford has won three Class AA championships in a row. Last year's was perhaps the most fulfilling, as Buford won a rematch against Calhoun (13-10), holding the state's No. 1-rated prospect Da'Rick Rogers to 69 yards on 10 catches.

Why does Buford have a chance to win a fourth consecutive title? Four starters return in the offensive backfield, including QB Alex Ross and running backs Eric Barr and Seon Jones. The defense welcomes back its entire secondary, including Ryan Dillard, C.J. Moore, Jamal English, Paris Head and Eric Barr.

Most importantly, the Wolves return coach Jess Simpson, who has directed the current dynasty, the second stretch of three consecutive championships in school history.

“We are talking about our process [of competing for the state championship] and the work we need to get done,” Simpson said. “We don’t ever talk about last year.”

Peachtree Ridge: The Lions, who have won 10 or more games in three of the last four years, will have some opponents seeing double, as they will be led by wonder twins Tanner and Tyler Botts. The spring game is May 22.

The Botts brothers are both 6-2 and 225 and they will be three-year starters. Tanner is a returning All-State linebacker while Tyler is an All-Region defensive end. They will be counted on heavily to be the team leaders next year.

Peachtree Ridge suffered heavy losses to graduation, losing 14 of 22 starters. A major objective of the spring is to find a new QB. The team’s best offensive lineman, Alex Jauregui (6-6, 285), will miss the spring with an undisclosed injury.

Banneker: At Friday's spring game (6 p.m.), all eyes will be on Justin Henderson, who is projected to be the new starting quarterback for the Trojans.

Henderson earned the promotion after serving at the junior varsity’s QB the last two years. Said coach Ed Gosa, “Justin is a rising junior and his time has come. Justin gives us the best chance of success at the QB position. He is already knowledgeable about our offensive schemes and personnel.