Louisiana: Southwood High School 2015 Football Season Preview

Written by Charlie Beuttel

Head Coach: Anthony McClain
Mascot: Cowboys
District: 1-5A
2014: 2-8
Location: Shreveport, Louisiana

Overview
Southwood suffered a down season in 2014 after enduring several losses by less than five points. Entering into the 2015 high school football season the Cowboys return seven starters on offense and nine starters on defense bringing high expectations for a bounce back season with high hopes to contend in their district for a title.

The season opens with two very winnable games against Minden and Fair Park and then the gauntlet of big game begins for these Cowboys.

Offense
The Cowboys have the task of replacing their star quarterback from last year, Keytron Crowder. It is now junior Joshua Mosley’s (6’1”, 170) turn to lead this team. Mosley was the back up last season taking over when Crowder was injured in week five against DeRidder.

The starting running back will be Terry Williams. The 6’0”, 195 pound, senior has experience at both running back and wide receiver and is one of the best athletes on the team. Left tackle Alton Whitaker (6’5”, 290) and center Brandon Summers (6’3″, 258) are the leaders of the offensive line.

Defense
In 2014 Southwood gave up 28 points a game. The good news is there are nine defensive starters returning. In 2015, the defense will be better as they gained loads of experience last year and had a great offseason.

The secondary is led by star senior cornerbacks Marquallius Turner and Keautae Atkins. Atkins had 34 tackles, three interceptions, and one fumble recovery which he returned for a touchdown.

Andre Murray is another experienced leader to watch for this season. The 5-foot 8-inch senior has experience at linebacker and safety. The defensive line is led by senior Chris Avery (5’8”, 208) and Emmanuel Bass (6’3″, 218).

Schedule
9/4 Minden
9/10 at Fair Park
9/18 at Benton
9/25 at Airline
10/2 Haughton
10/9 at Evangel
10/16 Byrd
10/23 at Captain Shreve
10/30 Parkway
11/6 North Webster

Photo credit: Corial Parker; (from left to right) Jordan Hester, Marquallius Turner, Jaylen Louis, Keautae Atkins, and Arthur Howard.