Monday, April 29, 1996

Early spring training important for Abilene Eagles

By LANCE FLEMING
Sports Writer

To classify this spring training as an all-important one for Abilene High probably wouldn't be too far off the mark.

Coming off a 2-8 season that saw the Eagles show modest improvements, AHS head coach Gary Gaines said it's time for a big jump in on-field productivity, and that starts today when the Eagles open spring drills.

"Every spring training is important, but this is our third year and we need to see some improvement," Gaines said. "If we improve as much this year as we did last year we'll certainly be heading in the right direction.

"We've got more than 30 seniors on our rosters for the first time," he said, "and we've got several starters coming back."

More than several.

The Eagles have potentially 15 starters back from last year's squad, all of them seniors and most of them two-year starters.

"The expectation level - from coaches and players - should be higher this season," Gaines added. "We've got competition at all positions, which we haven't had in the past. The pressure is on the starters."

Eight of the 15 starters return on the offensive side of the ball, and that's where the Eagles' strength should be next season.

That's especially the case in the offensive line where four two-year starters are back. Those starters are guards Eric Stegemoller and Justin Yarbrough, tackle Jeremy Black and center Kent McKeever.
"The strength of our team should be our offensive line and our running game," Gaines said. "I want us to get to a point in our offense where we're very consistent running the ball."

The Eagles will have to replace second-team all-District 4-5A running back Nathan Mays, and that search will begin today.

The leading contenders to take his spot in the Eagles' one-back attack are Chuck Newman, Arnez Smith and Adrian Barnes. Smith saw limited duty last year on the varsity.

Going into spring training last season, Gaines said one of his biggest worries was the wide receiver spot, and that's where the Eagles struggled the most last season. Starter Brad Cowling will be back, as well as Henry Willis and Kris Brown. But Gaines said starting linebacker David Bennett and starting cornerback Fasha Munson will also get some work at receiver this spring.

John Lackey has started the past two seasons at quarterback, but he'll be pushed by Ahmad Brooks, who could get quite a few snaps in the spring. Lackey is the first baseman on Abilene High's baseball playoff squad, and could miss more than a few spring practices.

"The position is John's to lose," Gaines said. "I look at it like no position is nailed down right now, including quarterback. Ahmad can give us some depth there and be a good running threat. I can envision both of them playing next season."

Defensively the Eagles return six starters from a unit that was worn down by the end of last season. And going into the spring, Gaines' biggest concern is his defense, particularly the defensive line.
"We have to find some people there who are going to be playmakers," he said. "We have some experience, but need to improve there."

Returning starter Miguel Duran, Just Wright, Tony Marquez and Buddy Dowden will battle for the two end spots.

Two of the three linebackers are set with Bennett and Javier Garcia back on the outside and in the middle, respectively.

The secondary lost half of its starters, but does return Brooks to strong safety and Munson to cornerback.

"Our defense improved last year," Gaines said. "We need to see as big a jump this spring for us to be competitive next season.

"The spring is a lot like any other in that we need to improve on our fundamentals and skill level at every position," he said. "We've seen progress in the offseason and that's a positive."

The Eagles will conclude spring drills May 18 with the Black and Gold game at Shotwell Stadium.