Newcomers, veterans set to lead Junction City
Junction City has been busy this summer getting offensive coordinator Kevin Talley's scheme implemented.
Talley, who came over from Camden Fairview when Devin Ball became Junction City's head coach earlier this year, takes over an offense that has several new faces, but also has some veterans back as well.
The biggest of the new faces is senior quarterback Lamontra Hankton, who takes over with Decoreon Dubose's graduation.
“He is a true dual threat quarterback,” Talley said. “He has progressed well with his throwing mechanics and pocket presence since the spring. He's improving each day and works every day to be great.”
Junior Taylen Owens and sophomore Dakorey Lee are also getting reps at quarterback.
“They have shown some bright spots throughout the summer as well,” Talley said. “Both have different skill sets that we look forward to incorporating into our offense. I'm excited about our quarterback room.”
In the backfield, the Dragons have two veterans back along with a sophomore who could see plenty of playing time.
Jordavion Williams, a senior who rushed for 251 yards in the Dragons' win over Lafayette County last year, is back.
“He has a low center of gravity,” Talley said. “He bounces off of tacklers and cuts against the grain when he runs. His vision has improved since the spring. He has great work ethic. If you told him to run through a brick wall, he will give it his all.”
Fellow senior Hayden Hudson is also back for the Dragons.
“Hayden Hudson sets the tone when he runs the football,” Talley said. “We call him the hammer for a reason. He always finishes forward. Hudson also plays H-back and is physical at the point of attack. He is our best blocker at H.”
Sophomore Brady Penister also is in the mix.
“He is a young kid who has shown flashes of being physical and going downhill, while also being a weapon in the passing game,” Talley said. “Penister also shares time at H as well.”
Junction City has had a plethora of threats at wide receiver over the years, and 2023 should be no different with several candidates in the mix.
Junior Dominique Grimes has emerged as a threat thanks to a solid summer.
“A true threat with the ball in his hands,” Talley said. “He is elusive and shifty out of his breaks and makes it hard for anyone to cover him one on one. He has had a good summer of work and we will move him around in our offense.”
Dovonte' Grimes, a senior, makes big plays after making a catch.
“Yards after the catch is his game,” Talley said. “Defenders have a difficult time tackling him. He's physical once he has the ball in his hands and he has the ability to play all receiver positions. He's also effective as a blocker in the running game.”
Sophomore Brennan Lee brings plenty of versatility to the table.
“He has the ability to be a true vertical threat and has shown to be a effective blocker in the running game,” Talley said. “He has a long frame and his potential is through the roof.”
Jaxson Thurmon, a junior, works well in the short passing game.
“Athletic and is a weapon in the short to intermediate area of the field in the passing game,” Talley said.
When he isn't at quarterback, Owens will be among the brigade at wide receiver.
“Swiss army knife,” Talley said of Owens. “He can catch the ball in space from the slot and
be effective in the short to intermediate area on the field.”
At tight end, the Dragons have Hudson, Penister and junior Jordan Banks competing for playing time.
“They have shown to be effective in the passing game this summer along with being effective run blockers,” Talley said.
The offensive line has several upperclassmen who will be crucial to the Dragons' success this season.
Senior Jaylen Ivey, who is a rather imposing figure at 6-foot3 and 300 pounds, is at left tackle.
“I'm proud of Jaylen's progression since the spring,” Talley said. “He's physical and a nasty finisher in the trenches. He will move defensive linemen from point A to point B at will. He has great feet for his size.”
Junior Tony Hodges is slated to play at left guard.
“He is a smart kid, plays with great leverage and is strong,” Talley said. “He has great work ethic and has the ability to play both guards and center spots.”
At center, junior Chandler Jones has enjoyed a solid summer of development.
“I'm proud of his development throughout the summer,” Talley said. “He has heavy hands and understands leverage in run blocking and pass blocking.”
Senior Ja'Veion Davis is scheduled to play at right guard.
“Great work ethic,” Talley said. “He's physical at the point of attack in the running game. He moves well for his size and that will be utilized in our offense.”
At right tackle, sophomore Jermaine Singleton cuts an even more imposing presence at 6-foot-4 and 335 pounds.
“He has been working his butt off all summer,” Talley said. “He has the ability to be a true mauler in the trenches. He moves defenders from point A to point B at will. He hasn't even scratched the surface of his potential yet.”
Talley added that he is pleased with the work the line has put in over the summer.
“This group has worked their butts off all summer,” Talley said. “I'm proud of how they have progressed since the spring. Coach Jack Smith and coach Byran Jones have done a great job in developing the offensive line as a whole.
“We go as they go offensively. Winning the battle in the trenches is a big aspect to winning football games, especially in the playoffs when it's cold. We feel like this group has a chance to be special. I know all of them are excited for the season to get here.”
For Junction City to have success on offense, Talley said it comes down to the little things.
“The first thing that I said to them when I got here was how important the little things are,” Talley said. “It all goes back to mastering the little things, whether it's knowing your alignment, assignment, how a receiver has to know to change his route depending on a certain coverage, how a running back knows to press and the look for cutback and how a quarterback opens up to hand off the ball to a running back. Those little things add up over a game and determine whether you win or lose. We have been on them about becoming masters of the little things every day.
“The next key would be to embrace adversity. There will always be adversity within the game, whether it's an interception, a penalty, being down 14-0 early in the game.
“The most important play is the next play and we tell our kids don't get too emotional when things aren't going our way. Embrace the adversity and go on to the next play. Once we master those two keys, the sky is the limit for us.”