East Surry Has the Talent to Challenge in 2A
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As we continue our series of features on some of the top teams in the state, we make our way to another 2A power in East Surry. Led by Trent Lowman, the Cardinals have steadily improved over the last few…
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Continue ReadingAs we continue our series of features on some of the top teams in the state, we make our way to another 2A power in East Surry. Led by Trent Lowman, the Cardinals have steadily improved over the last few seasons and are coming off a near perfect season, ruined only by back-to-back champion Shelby in the playoff semifinals.
This could be the year for the Cardinals, who return a strong core of seniors and a few talented underclassmen.
The Stars
Like it is the case with many teams, it all starts at the quarterback position. The Cardinals boast one of the most talented — and most underrated — quarterbacks in the state in senior Folger Boaz Folger Boaz 6'3" | 185 lbs | QB East Surry | 2023 State NC . Boaz threw for nearly 3500 yards and added another 1000 on the ground last season, scoring a combined 52 times. He has a strong arm and a quick release and the expectations are high this season.
The Cardinals will need to replace their two leading receivers and leading rusher from last season, who combined for over 2800 yards, but there’s a strong group of skill players behind them. Led by do-it-all receiver Stephen Brantley Stephen Brantley 6'2" | 230 lbs | P East Surry | 2023 State NC , the receiving corps is deep and (thanks to a few blowout wins last season) experienced. Brantley caught 20 balls last season, contributed on defense and is one of the state’s top punters.
Like Brantley, Kyle Zinn Kyle Zinn 5'9" | 165 lbs | DB East Surry | 2023 State NC (2023) does a little bit of everything for the Cardinals, leading the defense and contributing at running back and in the return game. He’s best suited as a safety and is a guy every offense has to account for.
Lastly, the Cardinals return their leading tackler from a season ago in linebacker Brett Clayton, who racked up 159 tackles for loss.
The Role Players
East Surry boasts one of the best strength programs in the state and that’s obvious when watching its offensive line. Despite losing some key pieces up front, the unit is perhaps the team’s strength. Led by the senior duo of Gavin Atkins Gavin Atkins 6'2" | 260 lbs | OL East Surry | 2023 State NC and Kole Pruitt, the unit is deep, experienced and big, especially at the 2A level.
Both have serious college potential and stand out on film.
Since the Cardinals like to sling it around, they’ll need help from more than just two receivers. Their “depth” options there, Colby Johnson (2023) and Luke Brown (2023) will see a lot of playing time again this year and are stars. The two combined for nearly 1000 yards last season and could legitimately be in the 2000-yard range this season.
The Breakout Candidates
East Surry has some talented underclassmen and if the cards fall the right way, could contribute this year. Sophomore Luke Whitt Luke Whitt 6'2" | 280 lbs | OL West Stokes | 2025 State NC is a talented offensive linemen that we’ve seen in a camp setting. He’ll likely start the year as a depth piece but will be ready to step in if needed.
Similarly, while the running back competition is wide open, Eli Beck has the chance to step up. He can fly and while he plays both ways, I like his potential at running back.
Lastly, linebacker Hatcher Hamm has the talent to really step up and have a huge season.
The Bottom Line
East Surry has to be considered a favorite to win the championship. The Cardinals will certainly need to go through powerhouse Shelby, but if anyone has the talent to knock off the reigning champs, it’s them.