One year removed from a disastrous 1-9 season, South Pike senior receiver Darreal Cook and sophomore running back Jaxavian Holmes say things are not the same around Eagle Nation this season.
Cook and Holmes are two of the reasons why things are looking up for the Eagles as the 2013 prep football season approaches. Both are team captains.
South Pike hosts Jefferson County Friday in the season opener for both schools as South Pike head coach Michael Andrews begins his second year.
“This year is going to be a better season,” Cook said. “We had no senior leadership last year and the younger guys had to step up. This year, everything has changed and everybody is on the same page. We’re one big, happy family now.”
The 5-foot-11, 170-pound Cook is a threat to score anytime he has the ball in his hands. He had 15 receptions for 198 yards and two touchdowns last season. He averaged 19.8 yards per catch. He also rushed 21 times for 111 yards and a touchdown.
Cook said he wants to improve certain areas of his game.
“I want to improve my route running,” Cook said. “I wasn’t very experienced last year so this year should be a better me. Coach Andrews gets on me sometimes, but that’s football.”
Andrews played defensive back at Alcorn State University. He has taught Cook the fine points on how to beat coverage.
“(Andrews) makes me see both sides of the ball,” Cook said. “He’ll throw different defenses at me and I’ll know what route to run.”
Andrews said Cook has caught on quickly about running correct routes.
“One on one nobody can catch him,” Andrews said. “I had to teach him the little odds and ends of how to beat a defensive back. He teaches me how to turn around a defender.”
Cook isn’t modest when it comes to shooting for big numbers in 2013.
“I want 10 catches per game and 340 yards in receptions per game,” Cook said. “I’m working hard to achieve my goal and I’m going to get it. Coach said we’re going to throw it and then run.”
Cook also plays in the secondary and returns punts. Andrews is impressed with the athlete.
“Darreal is an exceptional player,” Andrews said. “I feel like he could possibly play on the next level. He’s a game-changer. He finds ways to get open and has excellent leaping ability.”
The 5-8, 159-pound Holmes rushed 39 times for 281 yards, an average of 7.21 yards per attempts last season in spot duty. He said he and the rest of the Eagles won’t allow a repeat of last season.
“We had the team last year, but we didn’t buy into what the coaches were trying to do,” Holmes said. “Some fussed and argued and listened to the crowd. This year I’m stepping up. I’m a captain and I feel good about that.”
Holmes has lofty goals of his own.
“My season goal is really to just win and help get the team to the playoffs and Jackson,” Holmes said. “I want to have three touchdowns in that first game and 150 yards rushing.”
Holmes runs the track team and turned in a 4.4 time for the 40 in the spring, down from 4.56 in November, according to Andrews.
“He’s the type of player with a good work ethic,” Andrews said. “He was constantly here during summer workouts. I was very impressed with his leadership being as young as he is. I look for him to change the game for us. He has the ability to take it to the house every time he touches the ball.”
Holmes said he is looking forward to a starting role.
“Now that I’m starting, I can help lead my team to (Jackson). Last year, we had a bad season,” Holmes said. “This year, I want to get in, score and let the defense do its business. I wasn’t out there all the time last season. I didn’t like (losing).”
