GRAPELAND —
The Grapeland football team made it back to the playoffs in 2012 after a four-year hiatus.
Now, the Sandies are hoping to make postseason trips a regular thing.
As the team reported for two-a-days this week, many familiar faces weren’t there.
But, the biggest one to replace will be that of Cameron Boyd, a three-year starter for Grapeland at quarterback, safety, punter and kicker.
However, Grapeland has the talent in store to make up for his loss. Led by dynamic junior Patrick Walker, the Sandies are loaded at the skill positions.
The one problem for them may be depth. The team had less than 50 players out for the first few practices of the year, and GHS coach Jerry Richards said he still plans to try and field a junior varsity squad.
The road to the playoffs didn’t get any easier, as the Sandies find themselves in a district with teams like Alto, San Augustine and Shelbyville.
3 THINGS TO WATCH
Replacing Boyd — Cameron Boyd did so much for the Sandies in his three years as a starter, that no one player could or should be expected to replace him on all three sides of the ball. That said, they’ve got the players to fill most if not all of the spots where he played. They also have the experience of being without Boyd, since he missed significant time last season due to injury.
Play under center — Quarterbacks lead their teams, and that makes that void left by Boyd the biggest of them all. As of now, Richards is counting on one — if not more — of a trio of guys competing for the spot. Walker will get snaps there, and both Austin Sheridan and Issac Lewis are competing for time as well.
The Walker show — Patrick Walker may be the de facto star of the Sandies, but he’s not alone. He’s not even the only one named Walker. Count on Demetri to also make a splash, on both sides of the ball. Big things are expected out of the duo in 2012, and they should be. Patrick led the team in total yards in 2011, while Demetri led the squad in tackles.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Patrick Walker Jr., QB/WR/RB — Who else, right? Walker has already had a stellar high school career, and it’s only half over. With Boyd now gone, he’s the standout No. 1 option for Grapeland on offense, and he’s got to be ready to handle that pressure. Shouldn’t be a problem for a guy who’s already the No. 1 option on the basketball court.
THEY SAID IT
“He’ll play tailback, wide receiver, quarterback...just to get him a lot of different looks.”
— GHS coach Jerry Richards, on how his team plans to use star Patrick Walker offensively
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Sports editor Justin Rains can be reached via email at jrains@palestineherald.com
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