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Hillcrest football has a new head coach for the first time in a decade as Justin Gerald takes over for John Beckham. Gerald is a graduate of Hillcrest and served as the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach last season.
Defense will be a strength for Hillcrest with seven starters returning on that unit. Senior Blake Hanna will be one of the top players on that defense after earning all-district honors in 2017.
“I expect Blake to be the leader of the defense hands down,” Gerald said. “I expect Blake to get everyone aligned correctly, communicate responsibilities and take responsibility when things go wrong. With that being said Blake has taken on that role and has done a great job so far this summer. Blake can be one of the area’s best safeties.”
Senior Brenden Weaver returns as a starter in the secondary. Classmate Tyler King is a newcomer who will play defensive back. The secondary will be rounded out by junior letterman Kincade Christman.
The defensive line will be a strength as well with seniors Cyrus Moi, Brock Schaffitzel and Tyrese Durley leading the way. Those players may also see time on the offensive line.
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The linebacking corps will be completely new, but sophomore middle linebacker Gunner Brooks will be a name to watch in that position group.
Offensively Hillcrest returns three starters led by junior Dion Davis at running back coming off of a season where he carried the ball 111 times for 684 yards and nine touchdowns.
“I don’t think it’s a secret that our running back Dion Davis will be a big part of what we do this season,” Gerald said. “He’s a tremendous worker in the weight room during offseason and is making huge gains in aggression, patience and awareness going from his sophomore year to his junior year.”
Senior Trent Duncan will join him in the backfield.
Senior Logan Swearingen and sophomore Nick Gonzales will be key pieces of the offensive line in addition to Moi, Schaffitzel and Durley who could also slide over to that unit.
Laterrian Jarmen and Samson Cochran return for their senior seasons at wide receiver after winning letters last season. Gerald expects them to be explosive playmakers this year.
Gerald’s first summer as head coach has been a good one as he looks to help the Hornets climb the Ozark Conference standings.
“I really have to say our team as a whole has impressed me. We’re coming together and the kids are buying into what our coaches are preaching,” Gerald said.
His expectations for the 2018 season are simple.
“I expect the Hillcrest Football program to competitive week in and week out. Commit to what we’re doing and win your matchup,” Gerald said. “I’m really excited to see how this season plays out and we’re able to do as a program.”
Hillcrest opens the season on Aug. 24 at West Plains.
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