Season looks brighter for the Beavers after rough 2014

For Glen Rose, 2014 was supposed to be a redemption campaign of sorts, but a freak injury to the team’s star player all but ended the Beavers’ year before it began. This season will give Glen Rose another chance to redeem itself, but for different reasons.

Glen Rose was picked to win the 3A-5 last season and expected to contend for a state crown after reaching the championship game a year earlier. The Beavers lost several members from that 2013 team but returned all-state running back Carlos Burton, who was getting looks from several Division I schools after running for nearly 2,500 yards and 39 touchdowns as a junior. In fact, it was at Auburn’s senior camp that the Beavers’ season outlook was reshaped completely.

Burton was going through a passing drill when he tore an anterior cruciate ligament after making a cut. The injury not only left coach Mark Kehner without his top player, but it also meant that Glen Rose would have to steer itself through a tough conference slate with a mostly inexperienced team. The end result on the field wasn’t what Kehner envisioned.

The Beavers were outscored 335-172 and finished the season 2-8, their lowest win total since 2005. The defense gave up 27 points or more in nine of the team’s 10 games, including 56 in a season-ending, mercy-ruled loss to Episcopal Collegiate. That, in turn, was a far cry from the Glen Rose team that averaged 46 points per game and gave up only 15 during its 12-2 season in 2013.

Kehner didn’t have a great deal of experience back last year, but he should have it in abundance this season, particularly at running back. Senior Jordan Johnson (5-10, 180) and junior Jake Thompson (5-7, 125) had a number of bright moments in 2014, as juniors Aaron Weatherford (5-10, 185) and Sam Dawson (5-10, 150) did from their quarterback and wide receiver positions.

The Beavers’ offensive line has traditionally been solid and should again be stout behind senior Josh Holt (6-3, 280), who returns at tackle. Junior Jacob Lowry (5-9, 205) and senior Britt Matlock (6-2, 185) saw extensive action at center and guard.

Several players are back on defense, which should help the Beavers bounce back from their struggles a year ago. Matlock has started for the past two seasons at defensive end, while Johnson and Lowery were stalwarts at linebacker. Junior Garett Reed (5-9, 140) is expected to return at safety.

Despite the Beavers finishing fifth in the conference last season, coaches this year believe the Beavers should be much better and in the preseason poll picked them to finish fourth. Glen Rose has a favorable schedule, too. The Beavers will play league favorites Prescott, Benton Harmony Grove and Episcopal Collegiate at home.