2024 Preview: Crestwood Knights

The numbers were there but, in the end, it was the little things that made the difference to Crestwood in 2023. The Knights finished with a more than respectable 11-2 record. They went from unranked in the preseason to steadily climbing the rankings.     But the ending left a sour taste. Crestwood recorded five shutouts during the season, including three in a row before allowing 53 points in a third round playoff loss to Brookland-Cayce.   “We know we had to step up and make sure all our players are on the same page, stay focused and keep working. We want to learn from our mistakes from last year and not make those same mistakes again,” senior wide receiver/tight end [player_tooltip player_id='1012586' first='Jahiem' last='Jones'] said.   There is one glaring piece missing from last season. Javion Martin, a four-year starter at quarterback, graduated. He threw for 2,554 yards and 21 touchdowns. He was the catalyst for an offense that averaged 36 points per game. Senior Jaydis Williams has been the apprentice for a couple of years, and coach Roosevelt Nelson said he had a great summer and is ready for the challenge.   Also missing will be running back Azarian Yates and his 28 touchdowns and over 1,300 yards rushing. [player_tooltip player_id='1394990' first='Ladamien' last='Belton'] is making the move from the secondary to try and lead the rushing attack. The offensive line should be in good shape with the return of Lorenzo Smallwood, Aidan Mack and Landon Smith.   Leading receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1291891' first='Jeremie' last='Richardson'] returns along with Jones at tight end.   Defensively, linebacker Robert Pugh highlights a group that returns four starters. The strongest group might be the secondary where Belton, Da'shan Scriven and Jayden Wright return. The defensive front was hit hard by graduation, but sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1036757' first='Peyton' last='Grant'] will take up much of that production.   “We need to continue to stick to the basics and just thrive to get better every day,” Nelson said. “We hold the kids and hold the staff accountable and try to enjoy the process as we move forward. We try to do things the right way from a weight room standpoint to a practice standpoint.   STARS SET TO SHINE   [player_tooltip player_id='1394990' first='Ladamien' last='Belton'] RB/DB, 2026 – Belton played sparingly at running back last season, but he will be given first crack to replace the production of Yates. Belton will maybe be more elusive, but the Knights will lose a little bit of the power rushing attack. Belton made an impact in the return game last season. If he gets a step, not many people will catch him.   Robert Pugh LB, 2025 – Pugh is a bit of a throw back in that he plays in the middle and loves the contact whether it is against offensive linemen or meeting running back in the hole. In a nutshell, he's physical. He can chase down plays as well and rushes the passer from around the edge or up the middle.   [player_tooltip player_id='1012586' first='Jahiem' last='Jones'] TE, 2025 – Jones is listed as a tight end, but he has no issue lining up out wide and trying to get open against smaller defensive backs. When he's asked to line up tight, he can block with the best of them then he will create mismatches in coverage against a linebacker.   Aidan Mack OL/DL 2026 – Mack is listed as 6-foot-3, 280 pounds and can play guard or tackle. He pulls well when asked too but his biggest strength might be going straight ahead and creating holes. Defensively, he will be asked to replace some of the production that finished with 105 tackles for loss and 26 sacks.   FILM REVIEW   [player_tooltip player_id='1291891' first='Jeremie' last='Richardson'] WR, 2025 – Richardson can take a short pass and make things happen or he can run past defenders and get open that way. He finished with 49 catches for 946 yards last season with six touchdowns. Whoever ends up at the quarterback position will have a weapon to throw too.      BIGGEST LOSS(es)   Javion Martin QB – Martin was a four-year starter that threw for over 2,500 yards last season with 21 touchdowns and just five interceptions.   Khalil Moody WR/DB – Moody was a big-play target at wide receiver, averaging over 34 yard per reception with five touchdowns on 13 catches but more importantly, he was a lockdown corner on defense.   UP-AND-COMING POTENTIAL   Jayden Martin ATH, 2028 – Yes, this is the younger brother of Javion Martin and he's only played on the eighth-grade level, but the coaching staff raved about Jayden Martin last season. He might end up at quarterback, receiver or defensive back but he will be a contributor on the varsity level this season.   Da'shan Scriven DB/WR, 2026 – Scriven contributed as a receiver, defensive back and returner last season. That versatility will be on display again. He has good hands and that comes in handy on both sides of the ball. He plays the run and pass equally well on defense. His role will likely expand as a junior.          Grant has all the tools to be a special one. He's already 285 pounds and pushes his way around despite playing only one varsity season as a freshman. He can already overpower opposing offensive linemen and uses his quickness to free himself up to make plays.

The numbers were there but, in the end, it was the little things that made the difference to Crestwood in 2023. The Knights finished with a more than respectable 11-2 record. They went from unranked in the preseason to steadily climbing the rankings.