2023 Season Preview: Spring Valley Vikings
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It’s a season of change for Spring Valley. The program not only has a new head coach in Nygel Pearson but looks to implement more of a spread offense with returning quarterback Aden Jones. The junior threw for 1,074 yards…
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Continue ReadingIt’s a season of change for Spring Valley.
The program not only has a new head coach in Nygel Pearson but looks to implement more of a spread offense with returning quarterback Aden Jones.
The junior threw for 1,074 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
“Aden has been our offense since the beginning, mid-May, so he’s still learning some nuances of what we do,” Pearson said. “So we’re going to get there. It’s a learning curve for him and for the rest of the offense. We’ll get there.”
The offense will have to rely on new pass catchers with the graduation of Class 5A All-State selections Kendall Williams at defensive back and Jordan Chestnut at tight end. Junior Kellen Dimes is one the promising replacements at wide receiver.
The Vikings will have an experienced offensive line with four returning starters – Sir Stokes, Joel Amos, Robert McGriff and Alan Hartwell Alan Hartwell 6'1" | 285 lbs | OL Spring Valley | 2024 SC – which should help in the offensive transition to the spread.
On defense, Pearson said defensive lineman David Alford (pictured left) has become a “leader of action.” He earned Best Defensive Player honors at the Aun and McKay Kickoff Classic at Fairfield Central and leads a group which includes Jonas Wilson, KJ Griffin and Khalil Allen lining upfront.
The secondary with Devan Crumpton Devan Crumpton 5'11" | 160 lbs | DB Spring Valley | 2024 State SC and Will Smith also returns with experience.
Coming off a 5-6 season in former head coach Robin Bacon’s final season, Pearson admits his team is not where it needs to be going into the season-opener against Westwood. At the same time, he’s hoping to see improvement as the season progresses.
STARS SET TO SHINE
Aden Jones QB, 2025 – The junior will be relied upon to carry the new offense.
David Alford DL, 2024 – He posted 46 tackles and three sacks last season as a defensive end.
Devan Crumpton Devan Crumpton 5'11" | 160 lbs | DB Spring Valley | 2024 State SC DB 2024 – A hard-hitter whose closing speed on defending passes makes him a difficult matchup.
FILM REVIEW
Aden Jones QB, 2025 – At 5-foot-10 and 143 pounds, the junior quarterback is on the small side of the position. On film, he compensates with a quick release in finding open receivers and uses his mobility more to buy time to make a pass. He does have the capability to make running plays and is willing to stay in the pocket when heavily pressured. Shows good accuracy throwing long passes.
BIGGEST LOSSES
Jordan Chestnut DB – A Class 5A All-State selection who collected six interceptions and 74 tackles last season.
Kendall Williams TE – The Gardner-Webb freshman had 18 receptions for 215 yards and two touchdowns as a senior for Spring Valley.
Michael Boulware
Michael
Boulware
6'2" | 200 lbs | LB
Gray Collegiate | 2026
State
SC
LB – The son of the former NFL linebacker by the same name has moved on to Gray Collegiate Academy.
UP-AND-COMING POTENTIAL
Kellen Dimes WR 2025 – He had 34 tackles, eight pass breakups and two blocked field goals last season.