#1 HICKORY

The defending CVAC champs are back for more in 2008 and despite the loss of the league's 2007 offensive and defensive players of the year, the Red Tornadoes are loaded again. And the rest of the league can't wait to just get it over with.

AT A GLANCE

2007 Record: 13-1 overall, 8-0 CVAC

Coach: John Worley
Career: 48-15 (5 years)

Returning Starters: 14; 5 on offense, 8 on defense, kicker

Primary Strengths: This time last year Hickory entered the season with only one full-time defensive starter returning. A year later, the defending CVAC champs have eight defensive starters returning, backed up by several other players who saw plenty of "PT" last season. Among the eight returners are five who were voted All-CVAC in 2007. Three of those are in the secondary. Another strength will be the offensive balance that is essential to a successful season. Senior quarterback Kevin Shelton and a deep corps of talented receivers will provide the balance to the outstanding rushing abilities of fullback Rakim Barrett and tailback Kyshell Geter.

Potential Problems: Four of last season's five starting offensive linemen graduated last spring. That leaves lone returner Dalton Abee (tackle) to gel with four newcomers. The success of the offense will ultimately rest on the ability of the new starters to form a cohesive, effective unit. Also, the linebacking corps will also be completely new in 2008. Stopping the run will be a priority for this group, which will consist entirely of underclassmen. They will have to grow up in a hurry in order for the defense to live up to its potential. Another potential problem is the schedule, which features trips to Bandys, Maiden and Newton-Conover.

Key Losses: Last year's CVAC Offensive Player of the Year (Darrien Burch); the CVAC Defensive Player of the Year (Austin Johnson); 80% of last year's offensive line.

Overview: All the ingredients are there for a state championship run. History has shown that when the Red Tornadoes have an experienced defense and a balanced offense they are extremely hard to deal with. The only real question marks involve a lack of experience - not a lack of talent. Once the offensive line gels it should be an even more effective group than last year due to an increase in size (219 lbs. per man in '07; 236 lbs. per man in '08). The new starting linebackers aren't on the level of Austin Johnson nor are they seniors but they have good strength and quickness. Once they have mastered new Def. Coordinator Wayne Hicks' schemes they will be a force to be reckoned with. In the end perhaps Hickory's greatest strength this season is the leadership of an outstanding senior class. As a group they are 33-1 during their careers at Hickory. Expect more of the same in 2008!