Speedy defense could ignite Tates Creek football

By Josh Moore

Updated August 19, 2016 7:35 AM

Tates Creek s Darryl Bell (16) scored a touchdown as Henry Clay hosted Tates Creek on Friday, Sept. 11, 2015, in Lexington, Ky. Mark Mahan Herald-Leader

Synopsis

Coach: Antoine Sims (third year)

Last season: 5-6 (lost to Bryan Station in first round of Class 6A playoffs)

Outlook: Looking for the fastest defense in the state? Several Tates Creek players believe it’s in their corner of Lexington. Darryl Bell, Elijah Johnson, Xavier Johnson and Langston Love give the Commodores a speedy, senior-laden group of defensive backs eager to get Creek beyond the first round for the first time since 2004. The offense might need a couple of games to catch up due to the graduation of Peyton Burke, one of the state’s top quarterbacks and Class 6A’s leading passer, but a stable of quality receivers should ease the transition for junior signal caller Cam Workman.

Other expected contributors: Jackson Beerman (sr. WR); Turner Gentry (sr. WR); D’Mari Byrd (jr. DL); Laron Warner (jr. RB); Cam Stewart (jr. LB); Jaden Baird (jr. WR); Dylan Adkins (sr. RB/OLB); Obie Tayler (jr. DL)

Senior spotlight

As good as he is in the outfield for the baseball Commodores, Beerman’s future on the football field looks brighter. The 6-foot-5, 195-pound receiver sports several offers, among them Air Force, Army, Eastern Kentucky and Tennessee Tech. His numbers may not pop off the page since Creek likes to spread the wealth, but Beerman’s built to make an impact in his final high school season and beyond.

“I think I’ve gotten faster, bigger and I think I’m gonna have another good year,” Beerman said. “I think we’re all gonna be good.”

Coach’s corner

Sims: “We’ve gotta find a way to win football games. We’ve gotta find a way to turn all the victories they’ve had in track, wrestling, baseball and everything else into wins on the football field. ... We’ve still gotta work hard and make people respect our work ethic.”

Fightin’ words

Senior Xavier Johnson: “We’re a lot faster. We have a lot of track stars on the team and everyone knows what they’re doing. I think we’ll have a fun season.”

Josh Moore: 859-231-1307, @HLpreps

Schedule

(All times p.m.; home games in capital letters)

Aug. 19: x-at Scott Co., 6

Aug. 26: y-at Belfry

Sept. 2: at Paul Dunbar, 7:30

Sept. 9: HENRY CLAY, 7:30

Sept. 16: MADISON SO., 7:30

Sept. 23: at Bryan Station, 7:30

Oct. 7: at Madison Central, 7:30

Oct. 14: CLARK CO., 7:30

Oct. 21: at Lafayette, 7:30

Oct. 28: at Ashland Blazer, 7:30

x-Kickoff Classic; y-Pike Co. Bowl at Belfry

2016 High school football preview

Read more from the Herald-Leader on Kentucky.com today, follow @hlpreps on Twitter for updates throughout the season, and get scores and statistics here every Friday night.

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