Minus 26 seniors, Coach Tommy Clopton and his coaching staff have been searching for replacements for the 2013 campaign. They must replace 14 starters before kicking off their season Aug. 23, at Franklin County in Meadville.

“0verall, we have had a good spring,” said Ole Brook head coach Tommy Clopton. “We have a lot of guys who are not battle-tested yet. We spent a lot of time working on fundamentals.”

Sixty-two varsity candidates have participated. That doesn’t include rising freshmen from Alexander Junior High.

“We have a good group of kids,” said Clopton. “We must replace seven or eight starters on offense and five or six on defense.”

Offensive Outlook

Asked about the all-important quarterback position, Clopton said, “Fred Trevillion has had a great spring at quarterback. He has such good feet and quick steps. We are looking for good things out of him.”

Trevillion worked mainly at wide receiver last season but started one game and came out a winner when senior signal-caller Zach Smith was sidelined by a concussion.

Working behind Fred Trevillion are John Mark Mathis and Garrett Smith.

At running back, Clopton must replace Justin Blue, a Southwest Mississippi Community College signee.

Trey McDaniel, a junior running back, is the leading candidate in the rushing attack. Billy Thomas, a senior defensive back, should see some duty as a running back, too.

“Jermone Kelly is a very elusive runner and J.J. Stepney has worked there, too,” said Clopton. Stepney played slot receiver and kickoff return specialist last year

The offensive line lost four starters to graduation, among them left tackle B.J. Robinson, a Pearl River Community College signee. The lone veteran is Anthony Wilson at left guard. Wilson placed third in the State Powerlifting Tournament.

Clopton said, “Keefa Nelson has anchored the line at left tackle. He’s a very sharp guy and understands what we want him to do.”

Clopton, who also works as offensive line coach, has tried different players at center. Tristan Peavey, Alex Nations, Jordan Fillingame and Hakeem Mims have handled snaps.

Another position of opportunity is wide receiver. Clopton said, “We have some people who must mature. We have a lot of young guys. Three wideouts graduated and one moved to quarterback.”

Defensive Leaders

All-region linebacker Ty Hill calls signals on defense. “We have had players flying to the football on defense,” said Clopton. “That’s a good sign.”

Standout sophomore Leo Lewis moved from defensive end to linebacker and has had a good spring.

Clopton said Josh Thomas, Marquise Price and Darius O’Quinn have had a good spring on the defensive line. They definitely miss All-State defensive end Jaboree Poole who signed with Southern Miss.

“We have tried to teach some players how to play both ways,” said Clopton. “It’s tough but it’s not impossible.”

Kickoff and placekicker Noah Allen graduated. Trevillion will handle the punting chores.

“We must find a placekicker before the season starts,” said Clopton.

Coaching changes

Keith Pigott departed after one season to become defensive coordinator at Southwest Texas Baptist University. Receivers/special teams coach Dustin Lott is leaving for North Pike after eight years at BHS.

Clopton said offseason workouts begin Monday, June 3, at 6 a.m. Preseason practice begins Aug. 1.