MAYFLOWER: Eagles focus on strength, skill this year

Classification: 2-3A
Coach: Jed Davis
Last Season: 4-7 (3-4)

Mayflower squeaked into the playoffs last year with a 61-20 week 10 win at Episcopal and met West Fork in round one. With the Eagles leading 21-0 in the second quarter, West Fork retaliated with 46 unanswered points, ending the Eagles’ season, 46-21.

Senior receiver Daniel Gieber. (Bill Patterson photos)

“[Against West Fork,] our team proved that they could play with anyone when they played as a team,” said Coach Jed Davis. “We just struggled to play four quarters of football. We have spent a considerable amount of time this offseason working on finishing and giving maximum effort when they are tired.”

Mayflower could see sophomore Adam Dycus (5-8, 160) returning at quarterback this season to lead the Eagle’s spread attack.

“Our goal as a team is to lead our conference in points scored,” Davis said. "We feel like we have seven receivers and two quarterbacks that could play for a lot of the teams in our league. Our offense is going to spread out defenses and try to get the ball in the hands of our playmakers.”

To accompany its passing game, the Eagles feature many options at wide receiver, including juniors Madison Chambliss (6-1, 190) and Garrett Taylor (6-1, 175) and sophomores Josh Woodham (6-0, 150) and Drew Duncan (5-10, 150).

With away games at Harding Academy, Bald Knob and Riverview, the Eagles will rely on their defense to stay afloat in conference play.

“Our defense is going to be a very aggressive defense that tries to force the opponents into mistakes,” Davis said. “With six returning starters on defense, we have high expectations for that unit this season. We want to lead our conference in turnovers.”

Senior Brandon Forrester (5-5, 150) returns at linebacker as one of the go-to leaders of the defense. Forrester is also a member of this year’s 501 Football Team.

“Forrester brings energy and excitement to the team,” Davis said. “I expect him to lead our defense and bring a high energy level to the team.”

501 Football Team 2012 –

Brandon Forrester

(Mike Kemp photo)

Classification: Senior

Position: WR/LB

On the field: He brings energy and excitement to the team. He was our defensive player of the year last year. He is one of our leaders.

Off the field: A great kid that is always helping other students and teachers.

Community work: He picks up trash in the community and volunteers for pee-wee camps.

Sportsmanship qualities: He is the player that helps the opponent up after a play. He is always looking out for the younger players. He leads by example. He is one of the hardest workers on the team and gives his all.

Classroom: He has proven that if you work hard, study and do the right things, you can be successful in the classroom.

Expectations: I expect him to lead our defense and bring a high energy level to the team.

Last season: He was our defensive player of the year, all-conference player and was one of our leaders on the tackle chart.