2023 Preview: Crestwood Knights

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>How quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='589009' first='Javion' last='Martin'] </strong>goes is how far Crestwood will go this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Since taking the helm, the 6-foot-2, 185-pound Class 3A All-State standout has led the Knights to an 8-2 record in Region VI-3A - with both losses against Camden - and back-to-back second-round playoff appearances.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now a senior and a Shrine Bowl prospect, Martin has a final opportunity to lead Crestwood to unchartered waters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“My expectations are high for this season with Javion being the leader that he is,” Offensive Coordinator Williemack Martin, also Javion's father, said. “Javion has improved a lot this offseason. He's primed for another big season.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Knights are reshuffling their wide receiving corps which graduated four players. Crestwood turns towards <strong>Kyle Mitchell</strong> and juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1012586' first='Jahiem' last='Jones']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1012863' first='Jeremie' last='Richardson']</strong> and <strong>Jaydis Mitchell</strong> to help Nelson maintain the offensive production.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Crestwood will especially benefit from another productive season from running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='997149' first='Azarian' last='Yates']</strong>. He is both a threat on the ground (600 yards, eight touchdowns last season) and catching the football (nine receptions, 120 yards) out of the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Everything starts with the run game,” head coach Roosevelt Nelson said. “His ability to command a loaded box will open up the passing game.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Center <strong>Conner Speller-Snell</strong>, <strong>Santiago Jaimes</strong>, <strong>Jayden Glover</strong>, <strong>Armante Bradford</strong> and <strong>Aiden Mack</strong> are back on the offensive line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='589017' first='Javion' last='Lammie'] </strong>was an all-region selection last year and is joined by <strong>Donald Kegler</strong> and <strong>Carron Dawson</strong> on the defensive line. Senior <strong>Jenoryen Gleaton</strong> is one of the strongest players on the team at linebacker and leads a group along with the secondary which both have depth and experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>STARS SET TO SHINE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='589009' first='Javion' last='Martin']</strong> QB, 2024 – So far, four schools (Kentucky State, Newberry, Benedict and Lenior Rhyne) have made offers. He's coming off a junior season in which he threw for 2,845 and 34 touchdowns and rushed for 479 yards and seven scores.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='997149' first='Azarian' last='Yates'] </strong>RB, 2024 – An All-Region VI-3A running back who's also a reliable pass-catcher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Khalil Moody</strong> DB, 2024 – A wide receiver last season, he will look to contribute more at cornerback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jenoryen Gleaton</strong> LB, 2024 – A persistent pass rusher with 4.7 speed and can squat 500 lbs. for his 5-foot-10, 207-pound frame.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Anthony Steele </strong>TE, 2023<strong> –</strong> A Class 3A All-State selection who was as much of a speed threat downfield as a wide receiver.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>FILM REVIEW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='589017' first='Javion' last='Lammie'] </strong>LB, 2024 – The Knights have another Javion that's a tour de force on the defensive side of the football. At 6-foot-2 and 280 pounds, Lammie uses his strength and quick step to overwhelm whoever is blocking him at tackle or guard. His long arms enable him to make blocks on field goals or PATS. Whomever is carrying the football should be wary of his presence as he will chase a quarterback across the field if necessary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17785432/637123f19a9be10798aada7f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64d97ef3cc131"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Biggest Losses:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nigel Johnson, Anthony Steele, Dominick West, Ryan Cowell</strong> WRs – The quartet was responsible for most of Javion Nelson's passing yards and touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>UP-AND-COMING POTENTIAL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaheim Jones </strong>and<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1012863' first='Jeremie' last='Richardson'] </strong>WRs, 2025 - The Knights will look upon them to maintain the offensive production. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong> Da'Shan Scriven </strong>DB, 2026 – An active cornerback who will lead the secondary. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->