2022 Preview: Spring Valley Vikings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When you lose the talent of quarterback <strong>DeQuandre Smith</strong>, it seems like you must go back to the drawing board.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Spring Valley coach Robin Bacon didn't revamp everything offensively, but he did go back to his roots. The Vikings will use more of a pistol look with an inside-outside zone read with a lot of the passing game and RPO package mixed in.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“It's a change from what we've been doing recently but I think you will see some improvements,” Bacon said. “Smith is going to be difficult to replace but we've had some leaders emerge on that side of the ball that will help us. It's exciting to see it building.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While the Vikings might be young in some places, they do have a wealth of upperclassmen returning. It starts with two-way performer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="146359" first="Evan" last="Javis"]</strong>, a running back and linebacker that will be counted on heavily. He's 6'0” and 195 pounds and plays with a mean streak that is physical and he doesn't shy away from contact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Javis will share the running back duties with senior <strong>KJ Jefferson</strong> and junior <strong>Hector Miranda</strong>, who will also see time in the slot. <strong>Nigel Ancrum</strong> is a track standout that has been timed at 10.4 in the 100-meters. He will play in the slot and play a huge part of the passing attack. <strong>Kai Inge</strong>, who didn't play football last year, returns and will add depth to the wide receiver spot along with <strong>Tyler Wilson.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more intriguing prospects for the Vikings will be 6'5” tight end/wide receiver <strong>Kendall Williams</strong>. He's been a standout in basketball that has shined since he decided he was going to give football a try his senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The offensive line will feature <strong>Derrick Thompson</strong>, <strong>Alan Hartwell</strong>, <strong>Carl Solomon</strong>, and <strong>Hayden Cunningham</strong>. The fifth spot is still open and will be on-going during preseason camp.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That leaves the question of who will take over for the departed Smith behind center. Senior <strong>Keshaun Osby </strong>has emerged as the front-runner after a strong summer. He's throwing the ball much better and making decisions that Bacon likes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Osby has improved greatly over the last few weeks with his throwing. He's smart and could play anywhere on the field but he suits us best at quarterback,” Bacon said. “He's got some talent around him and once we get everything in place, we should be playing pretty good football.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Helping Javis defensively will be an experienced, solid secondary led by senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="202745" first="Jordan" last="Chestnut"]</strong>. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="146358" first="Zion" last="Fuller"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="267471" first="Devan" last="Crumpton"] </strong>also will be counted on heavily. Joining Javis at linebacker will be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="202737" first="David" last="Wilson"]</strong>, <strong>Ja'Kedrick Davis</strong> and <strong>Jhorden Charles</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defensive line is settled in three of four slots. <strong>Charles Adams</strong> and <strong>Alex China</strong> will be in the middle with another converted basketball player in <strong>Hensley Parks</strong> at defensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Our defense will be really good,” Bacon said. “We have two players in Javis and Chestnut that are as good as anyone in the Midlands. We have a lot of great pieces around them as well.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another player Bacon is excited about is kicker <strong>Garrett Edourd</strong>. The junior has been a soccer player but joined the football program a little over a month ago. He has a strong leg and routinely reaches the end zone on kickoffs. He will only get better with the more reps he gets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Spring Valley will again have a strong Richland Two non-region schedule before embarking on a competitive slate. The Vikings will open with nearby Westwood before traveling to White Knoll and Chapin. They return home to face former region foe Ridge View before closing out the non-region schedule with rival Richland Northeast.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Home games with Rock Hill and Clover will open region play. A trip to Fort Mill, a home game with Nation Ford and a trip to Blythewood closes out the regular season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->