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2011 KHQA BARNSTORM TOUR STOP #14: WEST HANCOCK TITANS

2010 Record: 1-8

2010 Stats: Scored 13 ppg, while allowing 36 ppg

2011 Strengths: Solid skill position players, smart/physical linebacking corps

Question Marks: Adjusting to brand new playbook from both the offensive and defensive sides of things

A(NOTHER) NEW ERA: West Hancock has cycled through its share of coaches in the recent years. However, Brian Lewton is as determined as anyone to make things work for the Titans. Even a week into two-a-days he was bringing more excitement and pep than most coaches we've seen in the area so far this season. He's a guy who is just willing and ready to get out there and grind things out in order to achieve success. Titan players should be happy and as excited as he is for this new opportunity, and breath of fresh air into the program.

IT'S SUMMER(S) TIME: Perhaps the biggest leader for West Hancock this year, Kendall Summers, returns for his senior season eager to rack up the W's. He was their offensive leader a year ago and figures to still be again. He has the hands and quickness to grab anything thrown his way in this spread offense, so don't expect for him to be one to waste any opportunities when it comes to gaining yards or racking up touchdowns.

ONWARD AND UPWARD: Despite all the excitement surrounding this team, one must keep in mind they still only went 1-8 a year ago. Coach Lewton is aware of that, and has taken this challenge head on so far this summer. We'll soon see if it translates in the fall, and quickly. He's completely retooled the playbook, and there will be a lot to overcome for this Titan squad. He has installed a spread option offense, which is beneficial since he has so many key skill position players, but they must learn fast. He had to tell his players to forget any terminology they learned from a year ago, because hearing the same thing this season could mean something completely different. The kids have bought in so far, and attitude is big when it comes to something like this. Just hope that the Titans are able to execute as well in conference as they have been so far on the practice field.

KEEP AN EYE ON: Kolbie Schilson and Jordan White. Two extremely dangerous weapons that keep improving by the day. White is a speedy back who can provide a great burst of speed if Collin Dooley ever needs to make a quick dump pass to get out of trouble. But more importantly, he's a lockdown defensive back, who will stay on an opposing receiver like glue. Schilson brings another great receiving option to the mix that goes well with this new spread offense. As he works his way up the Titan depth chart into bigger and better notoriety, he is a likely candidate to have the best hands on the team by season's end. The best part about both these players? They are only juniors, giving coach Lewton even more time to tinker and try to find more ways to get these two involved on the field.