That’s fairly typical for the program. The Knights also return about a half-dozen starters on defense. That’s also somewhat normal for the Knights.
But not everything’s going to be the same.
  
|
That quickness will be evident on both sides of the line of scrimmage, Mayo said, and the backfield.
“We’ve got some speed, but the biggest thing is the overall team quickness,” Mayo said. “I don’t think we’re going to beat a whole lot of teams in the 100-yard sprint, but the first 5, 6, 7 yards, we’re going to have a lot of guys around the ball, or a lot of guys in open space.”
One of Colony’s quickest players, senior Matt Jaronik, could have the duty of replacing arguably the most valuable graduated senior, former standout quarterback Collin Murphy. Jaronik was one of Murphy’s top targets last year, and a threat in both the running and passing game, but could be taking the snaps this season, Mayo said. Jaronik and Mitchell Slater, Colony’s junior varsity starter last year, are both vying for the job.
“We’ve got two very good quarterbacks, both of them just bring a little different ability,” Mayo said. “Matt is a very shifty runner. He’s extremely fast, extremely quick. And he’s a lot more physical than he looks. Mitchell has a huge arm.”
Mayo also said not to discount the potential of seeing both Jaronik and Slater on the field at the same time.
Regardless of who is under center, Mayo listed three players who will be featured in the backfield. Seniors Tyler Jimenez and Ben McGraw, and junior Skye Rench should all find their niche in the Knight running game.
Another weapon could be senior Eric Fan, a defending state champion in wrestling and a converted lineman. The 225-pound athlete is Colony’s newest slot receiver.
“He’s a lot faster than people think,” Mayo said.
Up front, the Knights have an offensive line completely made up of players from the junior class. Tackles Trey Farber and Rio Stewart, guards Josh Doan and Renn Wright and center Dakota Wainright have all been penciled into the starting lineup.
“That’s a luxury you don’t get to have too often,” Mayo said of his junior offensive line. “We’re pretty happy with our line. They’re a pretty quick bunch.”
Outside, Mayo feels the Knights have a solid stable of receivers. Kenyon DePriest, Chad Lowery, Conner Weihs and Hayden Summers are among those who could be catching balls thrown by either Jaronik or Slater.
While there are some new faces on offense, Mayo has six returning starters to anchor his defense. Those back on defense include Farber (defensive line), McGraw (linebacker), Jimenez (linebacker), Jaronik (defensive back), senior linebacker J.D. Mayo and senior defensive lineman Shane Duque.
The Knights, who finished 5-4 overall last season and advanced to the first round of the 4A state playoffs, will open the season hosting Railbelt Conference rival North Pole. Two of Colony’s four losses last season came to the Patriots, but Colony had to play North Pole in the Interior each time.
During week two, Colony takes a break from conference action and will make the trip to Kodiak to play the Bears, the runner-up at the 3A level last season.
Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.
Comments
No comments posted.