Knights upbeat about 2016 grid season

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports

CONVOY — If Crestview Head Football Coach Jared Owens seems upbeat about the upcoming season, he has good reason to be. That’s because the Knights are poised to move up in the Northwest Conference standings and make a fourth consecutive trip to the postseason.

Owens said 17 lettermen are back from last year’s team that went 4-7, including a one-point playoff loss to McComb. That translates into good experience at most positions, including quarterback.

After starting two games as a freshman last season, sophomore Drew Kline will likely run Crestview’s multiple spread option offense this fall. Senior Dylan Grandstaff started nine games at quarterback in 2015, but is on track to play wide receiver.

Owens said running the ball is “a big key to success,” and, with that in mind, two seniors are in the mix to handle running back duties for the Knights: Peyton Knittle and Luke Gerardot.

The backfield will operate behind an offensive line that returns four of five starters from last year’s team.

“Two of those linemen have been battling injuries during preseason practices, which has allowed players from last year’s junior varsity team to step up and battle for playing time,” Owens said.

Defense could be a strength for the Knights this season, the coach added.

“We have a number of returning starters, and our front seven should be fairly strong,” Owens said.

He added the secondary should be equally good against the run and the pass.

The season opener for the Knights will be at home August 26 against the Parkway Panthers.