HomeTeam Huddle: Numbers improving at Shorecrest
Source/Author: Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
May 19, 2016
Shorecrest, an independent, will join the Sunshine State Athletic Conference this fall to have a shot at the postseason. After a couple years of struggling with depth, the Chargers have close to 30 players on the spring roster. That means fewer players going both ways. And after last year's encouraging 6-3 season, Shorecrest should be competitive in its new conference, which also includes teams like Keswick Christian and Bishop McLaughlin.
"We'll be a physical team but we don't have that home run hitter," coach Steve Dudley said. "We'll have to be a more methodical team, more of a blue-collar team."
While a few key skill players have graduated, there are still plenty of key returners. Rising senior quarterback Will L returns after starting last season. At 6-foot-3, 198 pounds, he is able to throw and run.
Will will have the entire offensive line from last year back. Rising senior Brent S is the "glue" of the offensive line, according to Dudley. Rising sophomores Hunter R and RJ A also are key linemen.
Also returning is rising junior linebacker Drew Z, who was all over the field on defense last season. And then there is linebacker Orrin F, who emerged as a top defender as a sophomore. Aside from playing defense, he also was used as a running back. But it's at linebacker where he's most comfortable — and most dangerous.
"I love hitting people," Orrin said. "It's amazing playing defense. I love to make plays and get the ball back to the offense. And on defense everyone has to come together."
Orrin has been on Shorecrest's varsity since he was a freshman. He struggled through a 1-8 season his first year, but believes last year's winning season is a sign of things to come.
"I think we've been getting better," Orrin said. "Everyone has been working together and following Coach Dudley. He's helped make our program better."
One emphasis this spring has been trying to find reliable skill players. The Chargers actually have a good one in rising sophomore Colin H. A speedy track athlete who finished fifth in the state in the 400 meters, Colin played receiver and free safety as a freshman. He is on the spring roster, but Dudley said there is a good possibility Colin's family will relocate to Texas over the summer.
