Blountstown Looks To Rebound In 2020
When Hurricane Michael struck Florida’s Panhandle and some of the Big Bend region in 2019, the task of getting things back to some kind of normal was indeed daunting at best.
On the fringes of that storm sat Blountstown – and while the damage in many areas of the community was significant, the high school remained intact and the athletic programs used that as a rallying point.
When head coach Beau Johnson and his football team opened the season in 2019, all eyes were on Tallahassee and a first week match-up for the state title.
During that season, the Tigers were indeed on a mission – winning all 10 regular season games and the three playoff contests leading up to the title game against powerhouse Madison County.
Even though they would end up losing to the Cowboys, 70-35 in the 1A finals, the heart that this team showed in finishing 13-1 was evident as senior running back Tre’ven Smith would go on to carry 24 times for a state-record 365 yards with five touchdowns. The yardage total broke the previous state championship record of 333 yards, set only one night earlier by Chaminade-Madonna running back Thaddeus Franklin in the Lions’ 35-20 Class 3A championship win over Florida High.
While many faces are new for 2020, seven players who started that 2019 title game return – and once again – this is a loaded team.
THE TIGER FILE
SCHOOL: Blountstown Tigers
HEAD COACH: Beau Johnson
2019 RECORD: 13-1
CLASSIFICATION: 1A
TIGERS TO WATCH IN 2020
2021 – Mikis Engram, OLB/RB. This two-sport (basketball) standout led the way down the stretch on defense with 70 tackles. Also holds a 3.6 GPA.
2021 – Brody Hall, OC. A big time leader, who started five straight games in 2019. Holds down a 4.0 GPA.
2022 – Kaiden Hatchett, WR/SS. Another two-sport (baseball) athlete that had three interceptions, 21 tackles and a kick return for a score.
2021 – John Hughes, OL/DL. Another prospect who will see extensive playing time on both sides of the ball this season.
2023 – Elam Johnson, RB/DB. The leading rusher on the junior varsity squad last season, he will be heavily counted on in 2020.
2022 – Garrett Martin, FB/LB. Had 346 yards and 6 TDs a year ago – while chipping in with 60 tackles. An excellent student in the classroom with a 3.7 GPA.
2022 – Logan Martin, OG/NG. Heading into his junior year, he has already started 25 games and also gets it done in the classroom with a 3.7 GPA.
2022 – Ayden McPherson, OL/DL. This two-way starter has the size (6-3, 280) and work in the classroom (3.8 GPA) to play D1 football.
2023 – Yanti Miller, OG/DL. His hard work in the off-season will certainly thrust him into the spotlight this year.
2022 – Jarian Mosely, TE/DE. A two-sport (basketball) athlete who had 66 tackles on defense and 3 receiving TDs.
2021 – Logan Pumphrey, QB. Ran the Veer attack to perfection with 17 touchdowns and 750 yards passing.
2023- Deante Reed, OL/DL. While he got some reps this past season as a freshman, his role will greatly be enhanced in 2020.
2021 – Ken Speights, RB/DB. Will help the Tigers on both sides of the ball this coming season.
2023 – Andrae Williams, WR/DB. Made an impact as a pass-catcher and defensive back on the junior varsity team a year ago.
2023 – Tevaun Wint, WR/OLB. Outstanding speed who has play-making abilities. Will be counted on as well this year.
You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Foridakids1@aol.com. We are also on Social Media on @PrepRedzonefl.