Du Quoin's Offense Reloading

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ Despite returning just a handful of offensive starters, Du Quoin High School's Football team expects to score plenty of points in 2008.

Illinois High School Football Coaches Association (IHSFCA) Hall of Famer Al Martin (21st year, 203-41) must replace graduated running backs David Brock, Scottie Anders, Arthur Smith and Jay Cochran.

That foursome combined to gain nearly 2,200 yards rushing while scoring a dozen times.

Quality receivers Rudy Jones and Kyle Williams were also lost, along with starting offensive linemen Cody Dusch, D.J. Wiggins, Austin Mathis and Scott McCrary.

However, the cupboard is anything but bare on the offensive side of the ball.

Several key players-including Northern Illinois University-bound quarterback A.J. Hill (6'3, 205, Sr.)-return with extensive playing experience.

A group of talented newcomers are anxious to move up the ranks.

All totalled, there are 33 letterwinners returning from last year's 8-3 squad that advanced into the Class 3A State Playoffs for a state-record 24th consecutive year.

"We are again very fortunate to have a lot of good football players returning," said Martin.

"The competition has been very good each and every practice. There's a very good mix of older and younger players battling at every position."

In a two-part season preview of the Indians, the offense will be featured first.

On Wednesday, the focus shifts to defense and special teams.

Thursday's paper will include the Call's annual Fall Sports Preview along with an in-depth look at Friday night's opener against Bethalto Civic Memorial.

IN THE TRENCHES

Center Garrett Hopkins (6'0, 190) is the lone starter returning up front, but he'll be surrounded by several senior classmates.

Collin Jones (6'0, 230), Josh Cushman (6'3, 225), Seth Heape (6'0, 295) and Luke Montgomery (6'2, 275) are fighting for playing time.

Talented underclassmen Alex Heape (5'11, 200, Jr.), Jonathon Tennyson (6'2, 230, Jr.), Tony Burke (5'9, 240, Jr.) and Cory Campanella (6'4, 260, So.) figure into Du Quoin's rotation.

"These kids are getting better and better every single day," Martin said.

"We've got good athletes on the line. Kids who work hard with good size, strength and quickness."

At tight end, the Indians will go at least three deep.

College prospect Dalton Morgan (6'4, 230, Sr.) will start varsity for the third straight year.

Back-up's Jordan Day (6'3, 180, Sr.), Brett Tudor (5'11, 190, Jr.) and Ethan Beasley (6'3, 190, Sr.) provide Martin with two more solid options.

Returning wide receiver David Rose (6'1, 175, Jr.) also can play the position.

THE RECEIVERS

Seth Flint (6'3, 190, Sr.) is another Indian drawing the attention of college scouts, and returns to start at wide out.

He caught 28 passes last season. Rose (3 TD'S) will be the other starter.

Cody Youngman (6'1, 150, Sr.), Marcus Clarry (6'0, 155, Sr.), Kaleb Tyner (6'2, 170, Sr.), Karson Hoffman (6'0, 160, So.) and Cody Rose (6'2, 175, Jr.) provide plenty of depth.

Versatile Matt Gossett (6'4, 180, Jr.) could play as many as four different offensive positions, including wide receiver and tight end."

"All up and down the line we have kids out there who are catching the football," Martin said.

CALLING SIGNALS

Hill amassed almost 1,800 yards in total offense last season, combining to run or pass for 28 touchdowns.

The smooth lefty was co-Most Valuable Quarterback at Eastern Illinois University's camp and later earned an invitation to work under former NFL star Steve DeBerg at the Football University Camp in Chicago.

"Anytime a high school team can have its quarterback returning to start for a third year its a luxury," Martin said. "A.J.'s a good leader with a great work ethic. I feel like we can throw very effectively this year."

Gossett will serve as the primary back-up.

ON THE RUN

There are plenty of capable candidates in the Tribe's traditionally-strong running game.

Jamar Reed (5'9, 160, Jr.), Blake Hester (5'8, 140, Sr.) and David Gayton (5'10, 160, Sr.) are emerging as the top halfback hopefuls.

Gossett, senior Cale Bastien (6'1, 180) and Ben Conner (5'7, 185, Sr.) will likely work the fullback slot.

Bastien, who missed all of last season due to a serious knee injury and surgery that followed , can also run at halfback.

Evon Stollhans (5'8, 170, Jr.) and Jerrell Holmes (5'8, 150, So.) add more depth.

"Again there are good athletes competing everyday for playing time in the running back positions," Martin said.