FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Park Hill looks strong in the trenches

The 2011 Trojan football team will feature some familiar names back in the lineup from Park Hill’s 7-4 squad from last year, this a benefit of having key injuries last season where others were able to gain experience at the varsity level when they may not have otherwise. It was especially the case with the offensive line which returns three players with significant time including Alex Connor, Alex Bowser, and Zach Anderson. Connor Farmer, at 6’6” will either be a tall target as a tight end or presence as an offensive lineman, depending on how a few injuries progress leading into week one.

Taking the snaps will be senior quarterback Tyler White who coach Greg Reynolds says he feels has improved greatly through the offseason and presents the most comfortable choice as a leader and Trojan signal caller. White will have a number of weapons to choose from when it comes to skills players. Senior Jordan Wang, the Trojans fullback and second leading rusher last season, will become the number one tailback for Park Hill presenting a strong, aggressive type of running style. As a leading member of the defense a year ago, he’ll now focus solely on offense unless a situation presents the need. Backing him up and also sure to contribute will be junior Dondrell Hardiman. The two present two different styles of running which will allow the Trojans to utilize both of their talents.

“He (Hardiman) is going to be a part of what we do. He’s too good of an athlete. We can use him in a lot of different ways. He has some of the best hands on the team. They’re two different kinds of backs. Dondrell is a speedier back where Jordan is going to be able to get you the yards you need,” Reynolds said.

Chris Heustus will lead the way at full-time along with Zach Montgomery. Out wide at receiver, Reynolds says there are several players showing promise which adds to the depth and flexibility they can have on offense. Additionally, the running backs will be active in the passing game as they’ve also demonstrated an ability to be relied up on to catch the ball.

“But at the same time it all depends on what happens up front,” Reynolds said referring to the offensive line.

Defensively, the Trojans will be strong up the middle with defensive lineman Ondre Pipkins and lineback Will Gaye returning as two of Park Hill’s most reliable stoppers. On both sides of Gaye will be a younger group of linebackers and if they adjust to the varsity level well could have the Trojan defense shaping up to be a strongpoint. Pipkins, at 6’3” 325 pounds, recently committed to play at the University of Michigan next year and will be tasked with taking on opposing teams’ inside gaps.

“When you have an anchor in the middle like that, you feel pretty good,” Reynolds said.

Gage Wright returns at corner as the Trojans’ leading interceptor. The secondary is an area with good depth, but short on height, which is not something Reynolds is worried about because of his primary focus on stopping the ground game.

“Our philosophy has always been that you have to stop the running game, if you don’t do that we’re probably not going to stop the passing game either,” Reynolds said. “You can sometimes lose games because of big plays, but our overall philosophy is to run the ball and hold possession, very rarely do we score 21 points and lose.”

Liberty, Staley, and Lee’s Summit West will test Park Hill this year in addition to a newly energized Park Hill South rival. While the Trojans have won six consecutive district titles, they will be looking to gain their first playoff victory in over four years.