Standout ninth-grade football players from around the area
BY MIKE BROWN World Sports Writer
Friday, October 26, 2012
10/26/12 at 5:59 AM
A look at standout ninth-grade football players around the area:
Trevor Boone, Memorial
Made strides physically over the summer and earned a starting berth at outside linebacker. "We were worried about that spot and he was there for every day of Summer Pride and started getting stronger," coach Tony Daniels said. The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder has two interceptions and three sacks. He also punts and plays backup quarterback. "He could play almost any position. He's that talented," Daniels said.
Keats Calhoon, Victory Christian
The 6-foot-2 1/2, 160-pound left-hander ranks No. 2 in metro-area passing (1,975 yards, 17 TDs), a primary reason his team is unbeaten through eight games. Threw four fourth-quarter TD passes as the 3A No. 6 Conquerors rallied from 27-point deficit to win at Tahlequah Sequoyah, 35-34. "His biggest attribute is his ability to make plays when things break down," coach Brent Marley said.
Quintahj Cherry, Muskogee
The Roughers' projected quarterback of the future totaled 294 passing yards in two starts when senior Trevor Jiles was sidelined. Against Westmoore, he had two TD passes longer than 70 yards. He also has seen limited action as a running back and kick returner and already is being compared to the Roughers' 2006 All-State quarterback, Rell Lewis. "We think he's going to be special," coach Josh Blankenship said.
Trey Sneed, Kiefer
Son of defensive coordinator Eric Sneed, the 5-foot-10, 170-pounder leads the Class A No. 4 Trojans in rushing (737 yards, 10 TDs) while identical twin Blake starts on the offensive line. "They were just dominant in junior high, never challenged," coach Josh Calvert said. "We wondered how they were going to play against 17- and 18-year-olds, but they've stepped right in and never skipped a beat."
LaQurious Taft, Will Rogers
Starting freshmen aren't rare at Rogers, which was rebooted as a magnet school last year and has only one player above sophomore level. But Taft might start for a lot of teams. He led the Ropers in rushing (706, 7 TDs) ahead of Thursday's game vs. Cascia Hall. He's also a leader among his peers. "He's the only player on the team who's been a captain every single week," coach Gary Tuell said.
Original Print Headline: Young talent
