John Curtis: 6 Key Performers

John Curtis started the season with a disappointing 1-2 record against their non-district schedule. Since then, they have been unbeaten through their three district games. However, the next two games the Patriots will face the two toughest teams in District 9-5A, Brother Martin and Archbishop Rummel. If John Curtis can get these six players to step up in their last two games, they could find themselves with a district championship this year despite the slow start.   Buddy Taylor, 5’11”, 155, QB/ATH, Junior Buddy Taylor is taking over the John Curtis offense for his first year as a starter, and Coach Curtis has to be happy with how well Taylor has played so far. The mobile quarterback has 76 carries for 517 yards (6.8 YPC) and 11 touchdowns through six games. He has had success throwing the ball as well. However, unless a triple option college looks at Taylor, he will be most likely evaluated as a running back or slot receiver. He has showcased his speed when evading defenders attempting to sack him and also when sprinting past defenders downfield. He also possesses really nice agility as he has shown when sidestepping would be tacklers and making defenders miss at the second and third levels.   [player_tooltip player_id="63590" first="Caleb" last="Spann"], 5’11”, 190, SS/WR, Senior [player_tooltip player_id="63590" first="Caleb" last="Spann"] has to be one of the most entertaining players in Louisiana to watch. Spann is an athletic, strong, hard hitting, safety that can also play in the box or outside at corner. He has shown to be an effective rusher off the edge, accounting for multiple sacks and tackles for loss. He is good in coverage, but the strength to his game is playing closer to the line of scrimmage and defending the run. His speed and instincts are special, allowing him to make plays all over the field. In addition, he is a talented kick and punt returner. If he stays with his commitment to Central Michigan, the Chippewas will be getting a special player next season.   Juan Gonzales, 6’3”, 300, OG/OT, Senior Juan Gonzales has been an exception guard for the Patriots over the past two seasons. Gonzales, nicknamed “the bull”, has been terrific in knocking back interior d-linemen and opening up holes for the John Curtis run game. He is a big, intimidating linemen who takes much pleasure in pancaking defenders. He has shown the ability to move well in screen pass situations, getting downfield and blocking second level defenders. However, with John Curtis’s run-heavy offense, it is tough to get a good evaluation of his pass blocking skillset. When it comes to big, run blocking interior offensive linemen, Gonzales is as good as they get.   Elinus Noel II, 6’1”, 315, DT, Senior Elinus Noel has been a huge presence for the Patriots defensive line the last two years. He not only is big, but he is very strong and powerful. Noel has great hands that make it very hard for blockers to stay engaged with him. He is not just a great run defender, but has accounted for many sacks and QB pressures over the past two seasons as well. Noel is currently committed to FCS Lamar University, and they are going to be pleased with the big man coming in to help their defensive line.   Jourdan Stipe, 6’0”, 180, CB, Senior Jourdan Stipe is solid cornerback for the John Curtis defense. He is not the fastest corner, but his good size and nice ball skills have helped hinder opposing pass offenses. Stipe is tough to throw vertical against. He likes to play off receivers and try to force quarterbacks to make shorter passes. He had a game changing pick six against Jesuit when he jumped a ten yard out route. He has the instincts to be an effective corner at the next level, but Stipe will need to continue to work on his overall athletic ability to get more coaches’ attention.   [player_tooltip player_id="63682" first="Kerry" last="McMillion"], 6’3”, 185, FS, Senior [player_tooltip player_id="63682" first="Kerry" last="McMillion"] is tall, lengthy free safety for the Patriots. Although he has ideal size for a collegiate free safety, he actually plays more like and probably better suited to be a strong safety. McMillion loves to come from his deep safety position and make big hits on runners trying to get to the outside or receivers catching short routes. John Curtis also has had him blitz from the outside multiple times this season. In addition to his big hits, McMillion has one interception for the season. He not only is a good defender, but can also immediately contribute to special teams at the next level. Through six games this season, McMillion has already blocked both a punt and field goal. I think after coaches watch his senior year tape, more colleges will be interested in the John Curtis free safety.