Ardrey Kell-Independence Observations
This could be a very good Independence team. I don't think they played as poorly Friday as coach Tom Knotts did, but they do have small mistakes to clean up, and they must stop the run better.
When 6-foot-6 senior Michael Rhynes gets healthy, he'll give Knotts the best group of receivers he's coached. I think Rhynes, Lawrence Martin and Kierre Brown are Division I level, and Avius Capers isn't far off. Tight end Sebastian Green would be the featured receiver on most teams.
Ardrey Kell defensive lineman Prince Shembo is one of the best players I've seen this season. He whipped double teams all night and forced bad plays with pure effort. My advice to teams playing the Knights: Avoid No.34.
Watch out for Ardrey Kell sophomore quarterback Drew Alexander and sophomore running back Justus Pickett. They will be stars.
I re-learned an old journalism lesson this week. Thursday night, Knotts called to tell me he received a gift from a parent at the junior varsity game to celebrate the birth of his son, JaxonTindall. Only when I wrote about it last week, I spelled the boy's name “Jackson.” So the gift had “Jackson” on it, too. Knotts didn't spell his son's name for me last week, but after 20 years on the job – and enough Mykals, Mishelles and Marvyns – I should know to ask how to spell names, even the obvious ones. … My bad, coach.
Butler-Myers Park Observations
Sometimes there's no escaping big brother's shadow. Butler receiver Nate Charest twice was called “ Jacob Charest” on the public address system, no doubt by someone who saw Jacob throw a slew of touchdowns before graduating last year. He's at Illinois, and little brother had a sparkling game – two interceptions, three receptions for 76 yards and a score.
Butler's Vaughn Bandy lined up to attempt a 44-yard field goal, but was whistled for not having his mouthpiece in. Penalty: Five yards. So Vaughn moved back and calmly boomed a 49-yard field goal.
Both teams were playing their third game in eight days because of a makeup game Monday. Several players limped off, including Myers Park standout safety Tyree Simpson (ankle).
“Our kids were focused and ready to play,” Butler coach Mike Newsome said. “But we've got some key people who are banged up. I'm hoping this full week without having to play a game will help them build up and be ready to play against a tough East Meck team.”
@Nyx.CommentBody@