Sports
Senior-heavy Logan Has Eyes on Title
By: Josh Vermillion
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Coach Billy Burke and the Logan Chieftains have their eye on an SEOAL title after falling short of that goal in 2014.
With quarterback Lane Little, running back Bryce McBride and wide receiver Isaiah all returning to the SEOAL’s top offense from a season ago, reaching that goal appears to be closer to reality.
“Our focus is a league championship,” Burke said. “We have some pretty high expectations of ourselves this year and we want to be playing in Week 11.”
Along with the offensive trio of Little, McBride and Smith are 14 other seniors returning to lead the Chieftains. Those seniors will have a lot of responsibilities on both sides of the ball, but they are accustomed to facing pressure and expectations.
“We have a senior group that was really successful as freshmen,” Burke said. “They all like each other, and that’s pretty important in a team dynamic. Are the guys willing to play and compete for each other? And I think we have that kind of group.”
“You have a lot of eyes watching you,” senior tight end Brendan Karns said. “You got to watch what you do, what you say and how you act. ‘Cause body language is a big part and you have to be mindful of everything and show up everyday and do your best.”
The majority of those eyes will be on Little, who missed most of 2013 with a broken collarbone and several games last year due to suspension. Strong play from Little will be vital with a rigorous non-conference slate ahead with Logan playing the likes of Athens, Nelsonville-York, and Columbus St. Francis DeSales, among others.
“My expectation is just to lead the team,” Little said. “Make sure everyone knows what they’re doing and everyone is going in the right direction.”
Jackson remains the team with the target on its back, but a week 7 matchup between the Ironmen and Chieftains could be the determining factor in crowning an SEOAL champion.
Until then, the Chieftains will kick off their season Friday, August 28 in The Plains against Athens.