HUNTSVILLE HORNETS
Hornets look to flip the script
COLTON FOSTER Sports Editor
Matthew Tatum
Jawann Giddens
Huntsville football fans will see their home team face some challenges in the new season . The Hornets finished last season with the disappointment of missing the playoffs for the first time in five years . This year , they ’ ll start off trying to narrow down a QB1 and several other positions on both sides of the ball .
Hornet players Demarcus Williams , Austin Taylor , Jawann Giddens and Roderick Smither compete for the quarterback ’ s job . If Giddens is selected , the Hornets will lose him as their starting running back , but Huntsville ’ s head coach Rodney Southern has already found a way to make things work .
“ They have been here all summer , so they ’ ve transitioned ,” Southern said . “ They are learning quarterback and they are learning receiver . Jawann is getting some reps at quarterback , as well . The good thing is , we have three guys that we could play there if we have to . The old saying is ‘ you have to rely on a quarterback ’ but if that guy can go play another position , too , hopefully , it means he understands what we are doing offensively .” The Hornets also have to replace two wide receivers and both tight ends . One of the wide receiver spots will likely be filled by senior Matthew Tatum . Last season , Tatum garnered 185 yards for the Hornets ’ offense , despite the opposing team ’ s Justin Butcher , Kameron Cole , Matthew Long and Tre Taylor . As one of the seniors on this youthful squad , Tatum will also take on some leadership responsibilities .
While Giddens may be the Hornet ’ s QB , they can also use him as their starting running back . Giddens saw plenty of field time last season . After Jaylon McClain went down with an injury and missed several weeks , varsity reps got a look at Giddens .
Amid the shake-up with some key skills positions , the offensive line brings some experience back . The Hornets return Chris Smith , Cesar Robledo , Nathan Schweitzer , Micah Fisher and Thomas Rose for the offensive line . Rose , Fisher and Smith all saw playing time last season and have a year of varsity under their belts .
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