The Blackhawks have 10 starters back, but lost most of their offensive line and backfield from a team that simply overpowered opponents in 2012. Answering questions on defense will be the key and a solid passing attack is in place if the running game comes around. Below is their Countdown to Camp preview.
School Name: Suquenita Blackhawks
Coach: Bart Miller
Last Year: 7-4, 5-2 Capital
Last 5 Years: 20-34
Returning Starters: 5 on offense; 5 on defense
Key Players: QB-DB Brett Morrison; WR-DB Evan Miller; OG-DT Kyle Blose; RB-LB Kyle Kenny; OG-DT Chris Evans; RB-LB Dalton Jones; TE-LB Jeremy Sultzaberger; RB Evan Allison; OC-DT Chase Hare; OT-LB Josh Mann.
Offense Overview: One of the main attractions for running a Wing-T offense is simplicity in terms of personnel replacement from year-to-year. The Blackhaws surged to seven wins last year on the strength of a running game that averaged 37 carries and 175 yards a game in 2012. A big part of that success was an experienced offensive line that paved the way for Todd Mullen to plow for more than 1,110 yards and 15 touchdowns. Most of that line and Mullen are gone. So we’ll find out in Cove if the Hawks can make this cut-and-paste offense work again with mostly new faces. One familiar face who will be the key in 2013 is senior QB Brett Morrison. A top-shelf safety, Morrison made huge strides as a QB last season by throwing for 1,229 yards and 11 touchdowns. His favorite target, Evan Miller, is back as well. Miller had 32 grabs for 585 yards and six scores as a junior.
Defense Overview: Blessed with one of the better corps of linebackers in the division, Susquenita is searching for more answers on defense in 2013 than on offense. DT Kyle Blose, a three-way starter who also anchors the offensive line. LB Kyle Kenny and DT Chris Evans give the Blackhawks three veterans among the top seven. It was hard to run on this team a year ago because of those savvy backers. Filling those gaps leaves a huge question mark.
Biggest Game: October 4 vs. Steel-High
More Susquenita Blackhawks: 2013 Schedule | 2013 Roster
Shay’s Crystal Ball: On so many fronts 2012 was a huge step forward for the Blackhawks in Miller’s fourth year as the head coach. But turmoil overtook this club the final few weeks. Still, seven wins and a playoff berth helped the cause. Susquenita snuck up on teams a year ago with its simple, straight forward approach. That won’t happen in 2013. Morrison will be one of the on-field leaders of this club and his confidence should be high. How well the running game functions to set up the passing game is key in 2013. The Hawks averaged 4.7 yards per carry and had only 20 turnovers in 2012. And they averaged less than four penalties a game. Hello success. But with less overall talent and experience, expecting those key numbers over the long haul is unrealistic.
More: Complete Countdown to Camp coverage
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