CRESTVIEW — A muddy field at Jack Foster Stadium on Thursday couldn’t slow the Crestview High School football team’s offense in a 21-7 spring game win over Niceville.
The win means nothing, as spring games are glorified practices against other teams. But for a Crestview squad that hasn’t been to the playoffs or had a winning season since 2010, the win could serve as a springboard heading into the 2015 season.
Coach Tim Hatten enters his third season with the Bulldogs needing a breakout season. Crestview had a signature win over Niceville in 2013, Hatten’s first season. It broke a 30-year drought, but fans are growing restless waiting for the breakout season.
Thursday’s win over the Eagles should be met with guarded optimism, but there is reason for hope heading into 2015.
OFFENSIVE FORECAST
Rising junior Rusty Moorer took over as the Bulldog starting quarterback about halfway through last season. And while Moorer and the Bulldogs ultimately finished with a 3-7 record, the experience he gained should be crucial for Crestview’s future success.
If Moorer goes down, Crestview should be in good hands with the development of rising sophomore Keenan Redd. Redd played a quarter against Niceville and failed to get the Bulldog into the end zone, but Hatten likes his upside.
Rising senior Corey Armstrong could also see time at quarterback. Armstrong started 2014 as the top Bulldog quarterback before Moorer emerged as the leader. Armstrong can also play fullback and could be taking snaps in short yardage situations.
MOST TALENTED RECEIVERS
It’s still too early to say for certain, but Crestview might have the most talented and deepest group of receivers in the area.
Rising senior Marquis McClain and rising junior Andrew Adkins are tall, athletic pass catchers that will likely play college football at the highest level.
McClain already holds offers from close to a dozen colleges and Adkins, who had a touchdown catch against Niceville, is expected to be even more highly recruited next season. Both players are in the 6-2, 6-3 height range and can jump.
Redd is another tall and athletic receiver that can press defenses.
Capri Jones and Alik Whited are slot receivers that can run underneath routes. Jones has the speed to break a long play. Whited is a capable possession receiver that will make a play in traffic.
EXPERIENCE A CONCERN
The biggest concerns on offense have to do with a lack of experience up front and at running back.
The Bulldog offensive line looked good at times against Niceville as Crestview’s running game showed signs of being solid. There were also the expected breakdowns along the offensive line one would expect during the spring.
Lajonte Watson and Antryon Gloster got most of the carries at running back against Niceville. Armstrong could be used in a strong formation this fall.
EXPECT STRONG DEFENSE
The Bulldog defense should be strong this year.
I think Marcus Flavors will be a force on the defensive line from his tackle spot. Joshua Thomas recovered a fumble in the spring game.
Armstrong will be the man in the middle at linebacker and will be responsible for making sure the Bulldogs get aligned properly. B.A. Larkins will play another linebacker.
Marcus Mobley, who returned an interception for a touchdown against Niceville, will play linebacker and safety.
DEFENSE CONCERNS
Crestview won’t have great size on defense, but the Bulldogs should have pretty good speed on the unit.
Up front, Crestview must find a way to pressure the quarterback and force teams inside on the run. The secondary can’t afford to give up big plays.
If the Bulldogs can play assignment football and stay at home and play their positions, they have a chance of having a good defense.
When they get lazy and lose containment in the running and passing game, bad things happen..
Email News Bulletin Sports Editor Randy Dickson, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Forecasting Crestview High's 2015 season