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Sports - Prep football - Football preview

Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008

Conway Tigers

Back to running roots, title-winning expectations

Josh Hoke - jhoke@thesunnews.com

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The spread offense has gained such popularity among coaches that even some of the most ardent believers in smash-mouth football have converted.

Conway coach Chuck Jordan has been a spread disciple the last few seasons, but the move was necessitated more by his team's inability to run effectively than a desire to throw. With an experienced offensive line and quality ball carriers, look for the Tigers to return to their running roots in 2008.

``I think the positions we have the most experience at are linebacker and offensive line,'' Jordan said. ``Those are two very important areas for us. When you are talking about offensive linemen, only experience will cultivate those types of players.''

The Conway offensive line goes up against St. James during action at the 2008 Kickoff Classic held Friday at Conway High School stadium.

THE PLAYBOOK
Coach | Chuck Jordan, 26th year (222-91 at Conway, 222-91 overall)
Last season | 9-3; tied for first in Region VI-AAAA; lost to Hartsville in the first round of the Class AAAA, Division II playoffs
Returning starters | 8 offense (4 OL, TE, HB, WR, RB), 4 defense (2 DB, LB, DL)
Base schemes | Pro I multiple offense; multiple defenses
Strengths | Conway's returning four offensive line starters form one of the area's best units, and should give the Tigers a more formidable running game. Athletes Jason Livingston and Adren Fugate are dangerous on offense and may play more defense this year. Middle linebacker Michael Frazier is a college target after making 118 tackles as a junior.
Weaknesses | Quarterback Ryne Hardwick inherits the offensive reins after playing sparingly in 2007. The Tigers have struggled to settle on a starting tailback, a problem that persisted throughout last season. The loss of defensive bodies is more troubling, since Conway gave up four touchdowns in three of its last five games.
Outlook | The Tigers need somebody to solidify the tailback role, preferably not Seth Moreland, who is a big hitter on defense. Tariq Person played tailback last year but will likely return to start in the defensive backfield, anchoring a unit that should improve as the season progresses. Hardwick's development will be key, because it takes a solid pass-run combination to win in Class AAAA.<

The Tigers have yet to settle on a tailback. Jordan knows Seth Moreland can handle the gig _ he averaged 5.5 yards per carry last season _ but he would prefer an underclassman wins the bulk of the carries so that Moreland can focus more eon playing defense.

No matter who starts at tailback, quarterback Ryne Hardwick will not be counted on to throw as much as Dakota Derrick did last season. Still, Hardwick has matured this summer and has two experienced receiving targets.

The Tigers will need to be ready coming out of camp. They play non-region games against Summerville, Marlboro County and Myrtle Beach.

``Those are games that have been testy and emotional for us,'' Jordan said. ``We'll have to play well early. I like playing good people. It shows you your weaknesses.''

After losing the majority of their starters from the 2006 team, last season's Tigers were basically in a rebuilding year _ at least by their standards, going 9-3. Now the program has once again set its sights on its ultimate goal: a state championship.

``The 2006 team had a bunch of good players,'' said senior offensive lineman Tim Fowler of the squad that lost to Greenwood in the Class AAAA, Division II state championship game. ``We won't be as big or strong as that team, but I think we'll turn heads when we start playing.''