Swamp Foxes aim to run wild for region crown

Marion is focused on a major run this season with strong team defense and running game that will feature a number of stars.

By: Naeem Mcfadden | SCNow
Published: August 21, 2009

Marion Swamp Foxes football preview

2008 Season: 4-7

Head Coach: Bryan Carfley

Coaching Staff: Cecil Fore, John Washington, Leon Sturkey, Ronnie Pridgen, Jedd Hess, Tyrone Crawford and Mike Roberts.

Camp Confidential:

Head Coach Bryan Carfley and Foxes are feeling good about their squad coming into the season. In his third year, Carfley said he’s been impressed with the play of his defense and stable of running backs.

“So far we’ve been doing it up and playing defense so good, nobody has scored on us in three scrimmages,” senior outside linebacker Deonte Johnson said.

Defensively, the Foxes have a tough core of linebackers with the addition of sophomore Marquise Johnson and all-region performer Brian Gilliard.

Gilliard is also the team’s leading rusher and will form a formidable rushing attack with the dynamic junior running back Justin Gause and sophomore Lue Clemmons.

Junior quarterback Ross White takes over at quarterback after an undefeated season playing for the junior varsity squad.

“We’ve been looking pretty good and we’re strong on the run but can also pass,” White said, adding that the job is going to be tough but he will work hard at it.

The quarterback’s favorite target returns at wide receiver and will be counted on as a big play threat. Sophomore Devonte Gilbert is a very talented receiver with excellent hands and the ability to locate the football no matter where it’s thrown.

“I’m excited about showing what we can do on the field,” Gilbert said, adding that the personnel on offense makes the job easier for everyone.

“We just have to get our offensive line together, but our defense have been great,” Gause said. He also plays defensive back for the foxes along with senior Jeremy Curry, Marquee McKelvey and Chris Washington.

Senior Carol Norman and David Brown will also solidify the defense along with a frontline that includes the experienced Adonis Butler, Jonathan Elliott, Jimmy Hardy and Aikil Sanders.

Freshman Keon Johnson has been getting rave reviews on both the offensive and defensive line, along with offensive linemen Aaron Smith and Jordan Wilkerson.

“Our defense is nasty,” Norman said.

“So far I’m really pleased,” Carfley said, adding that underclassmen are proving they can be counted on and the players are confident on the season.

“We tweaked our offense to interchange our running backs and not allow the defense to key on one particular player,” he said, adding that as many as six players can get carries.

Carfley said Johnson has been playing better than ever as of late and delivering crushing hits during scrimmages.