Football preview: No. 4 Armwood

Armwood

At a glance

Coach: Evan Davis

Class: 7A, District 10

Last season: 5-4, lost in region semifinals

Key players: WR Malik Brown, Sr.; WR/CB Kai Ivey, Jr.; QB Murdolph Jones, Jr.; DT Jaron Powell, Jr.; RB James Smiley, Sr.; OLB Cliff Spears, Jr., Sr.; WR/FS Kye Stokes, Sr.; OT Aidan Widerberg, Sr.

Schedule

Aug. 27 d. Chamberlain 35-6

Sept. 3 vs. Hillsborough, 7:30

Sept. 10 at Gaither, 7:30

Sept. 17 vs. Strawberry Crest, 7:30

Sept. 24 vs. Steinbrenner, 7:30

Oct. 1 at Tampa Bay Tech, 7:30

Oct. 8 Bye

Oct. 15 at Bloomingdale, 7:30

Oct. 22 vs. Wiregrass Ranch, 7:30

Oct. 29 at Wharton, 7:30

Nov. 5 at Newsome, 7:30

Outlook

The Hawks lost four games last season, the first time that has happened since 2012. Stiil, there is no need to panic. After all, three of those four losses were by seven points or less, including two that were each decided by a point. Like most years, Armwood lost high-level talent. Quarterback Cam’Ron Ransom (Georgia State), receiver Charles Montgomery (Marshall) and defensive lineman Desmond Watson (Florida) all graduated and are now in college. Still, there are plenty of prospects on the roster. Kye Stokes, a receiver and defensive back, committed to Ohio State this offseason. Murdolph Jones, who is taking over at quarterback, already has an offer from USF. Another coveted prospect, running back James Smiley, is back with the team. The retooled lineup showed what it can do last week, beating perennial powerhouse Miami Booker T. Washington 28-12 in the kickoff classic. Last week, the Hawks opened the season with a 35-6 win over Chamberlain. Smiley led the way, rushing for 67 yards and scoring all five of his team’s touchdowns.