Granville Central football looks to its defense for encore
Granville Central’s first conference championship in the school’s brief football history came as no surprise to those who saw the Panthers offense put up big points on the Tar-Roanoke Athletic Conference.
For an encore, it’ll be up to Granville Central’s defense. The Panthers lose 10 starters on offense but bring back eight starting defenders from a team that allowed just 9.2 points per game to TRAC foes.
“We’ve been known for our offense, but our defense has made some great strides,” said coach John Hammett.
Who are some players to watch?
Linebackers Brad Speed and DeAndre Moore and defensive end Chad Moore lead the defense.
Malcolm West moves over from defensive back to running back.
“We prefer not to play players both ways,” Hammett said. “We platoon as a 1A school.”
Zach Cantaffa is the only returning player who touched the ball last season. He had 413 yards receiving and was 10-of-12 on field goals with a long of 42.
What will be the biggest key?
Not turning the ball over.
“When you’ve got almost an entire team that’s never touched the ball before on Friday night,” Hammett said, “how are they going to handle that pressure?”
What’s the next step after a year of firsts?
Granville Central got a taste of playoff success after almost knocking off East Carteret (lost 35-27) in the second round last year. One more round would be a big milestone for any school.
“We’d love to win 10 and play on Thanksgiving (weekend),” Hammett said.
J. Mike Blake: 919-460-2606, @JMBpreps
More on the Panthers
Last year: 9-4 (5-0 Tar-Roanoke 1A), second round 1AA playoffs
Five year average: 6-7 (2-2)
Preseason N&O rank: Unranked
Offense: Spread
Defense: 4-3
Coaches: John Hammett (Head coach/Def. coordinator/LBs), Larry Dale (Off. coordinator/OL), Butch Marshburn (RBs), Andy Ashburn (WRs), Dylan Beckwith (TEs), Jamir Jackson (DL), Chantin Collins (DBs)
Contributors: Malcolm West (Sr., RB/DB), Zach Cantaffa (Sr., WR/K/P), Chad Moore (Sr., DL), DeAndre Moore (Soph., LB), Brad Speed (Sr., LB), Josh Neal (Sr., DB), Trey Bullock (Sr., SS),
The main number: 9,939 – career passing yards by graduated QB Jay Parker.
Schedule
Aug. 19 vs. J.F. Webb, 7 p.m.
Aug. 26 at Person, 7 p.m.
Sep. 2 BYE
Sep. 9 at South Granville, 7:30 p.m.
Sep. 16 vs. Bartlett Yancey, 7:30 p.m.
Sep. 23 vs. Franklinton, 7:30 p.m.
Sep. 30 at Ravenscroft, 7 p.m.
Oct. 7* vs. Weldon, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 14* at Southeast Halifax, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 21* vs. Louisburg, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 28* at KIPP Pride, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 4* vs. Northwest Halifax, 7:30 p.m.
Note: *Conference game.
This story was originally published July 28, 2016 at 7:44 PM with the headline "Granville Central football looks to its defense for encore."