Red Level looks for return to "Old School"...

2010 Red Level
Football Preview

CONTINUED

Red Level Tigers - 2009 Football Schedule / Results

DEFENSE

The Tigers will have to replace one of Covington County's best defensive player this season with the graduation of Desmond Jones.  Jones who moves to playing D1 football on Saturdays as a member of the South Alabama Jaguars, created a large gap to fill for Ingram. 

However, it should be Red Level's biggest strength this season.  "We have a lot of options at linebacker and will focus on getting after it," said Ingram.  The team roster has seven players listed as LB (linebacker) and eleven DB (defensive backs) - between the two positions and depending upon formation calls and opposing team offensive packages - Red Level should have speed and strength flying to the ball all over the field. 

Tevin James (8) and Kevin Harris (3) could fill the gap for Jones in the middle - with "Corn" and Ryce continuing their play as defensive backs and like the offense, Red Level has a lot of experience and seniors listed. 

This could give Ingram an option many small schools do not have - players focusing "one-way" on offense or defense without having to play on both sides of the football.  "We should be able to keep players fresh," said Ingram.  "If we can stay healthy and gain some experience early - the second half of the season should be exciting for fans who love Red Level style football - hard hitting defense and ground control offense."

KEY PLAYER(s)

Seniors Cornelieus Calloway / Preston Ryce -  While the team returns to a primarily defensive unit in punishing opposing teams.  It could be "Corn" and Ryce's performance on offense that will give the Tigers a chance to hold the ball and control the clock - allowing the defense to rest.  Both have been around Red Level football and return for their senior season's. 

OUTLOOK

Red Level Tigers 2010 - Schedule - Program 23

Red Level Tigers Football Roster - Program 23

PREDICTION

Worst: 3-7

Best: 9-1

Our: 7-3 (5-2)

Last year - we projected the Tigers would be a year away from their return to a prominent position with so many underclassmen on the roster.  Now with Seniors have grown in the off-season and are ready to return to "Red Level" football - tough, helmet jarring hits and 4-yards and a cloud of dust offense - it should be a productive year and an exciting season for the 2A school. 

The toughest game on the schedule should be week one against 1A Brantley with the rest of the schedule lining up in the Tigers favor.  "We'll have an additional home game this season."  With only 4 games on the road, look for Red Level to end up near the top of region 2 heading into post season play. 

The Tigers two toughest games in the region could be their opening game against New Brockton, but a home celebration of one of the Tigers winningest teams could give this year's squad an emotional lift.  Goshen, Calhoun should put Red Level in a playoff position before week fives emotional contest against McKenzie.  Samson, Highland Home, and Zion Chapel could setup an eventful week nine when Red Level travels to Elba before ending he season against Florala. 

Of course this is purely speculation and on paper, but if the Tigers can stay healthy Red Level could win their first region 2 title.  The region is an unknown with a new head coach at Samson, Goshen's youth moving up and Calhoun's addition.  Win's should be found at Zion Chapel, Highland Home and Florala.

While Brantley will be favored going into the opening week contest - a win over the visiting Bulldogs could set the stage for an enjoyable season for Coach Ingram's second year as the head coach.  Red Level will have no expectation going into the contest and should be able to play loose - however returning to business in week two with New Brockton will be critical for the season's success.