Arrow offense has a lot of experience back

By Danny C. Davis

Last year, the Arrow offense had a productive season, averaging 25 points a game.

But the Arrows lost fourth period leads against Brandon and Starkville, and lost to Ocean Springs in two overtimes. The toughest loss was the final game of the 2021 campaign, when the Arrows led Southaven in the first round of the playoffs 10-7 at the half but failed to score in the second half, falling 14-10 and eliminated in the 2021 playoffs.

Clinton offensive coordinator Lee Martin has eight starters back, including the entire backfield, and is optimistic the Arrow offense will be productive late in the game when they need to score points.

“We lost three interior lineman and one wide receiver and feel really good with our experience coming back,” said Martin.

“We really feel we are way ahead of this time a year ago, when we did not have much experience coming back.”

“Our starting quarterback, [senior] Jordyn Battee, is light years ahead of this time period a year ago. That is going to make a big difference on our offense this year. He is throwing the football so much better. He has done a good job this summer and got better and better. He is electric when he runs the football and is the fastest player on the team.”

“I’ve got a full year of experience at quarterback and feel our team has a confidence going into this season,” said Battee, who led the team in receptions at wide receiver in 2020. “Experience in the backfield and at receiver is a big plus for our offense.”

Joining Batteee in the backfield will be the explosive senior tandem of JaKobe Calvin, 6’0”, 200 pounds, and Juan Taylor, 5’10”, 180 pounds at running back. Those three players and receiver Kyler Hutton accounted for almost all of the Arrows’ offensive yardage a year ago.

“We feel we can line up and run the football against anybody, with the offensive line we have coming back,” said Calvin.

Battee missed three games with a torn meniscus in 2021 and did not return until the playoff game against Southaven.

Another key player back from injury is wide receiver Kyler Hutton, who is expected to again be very productive. Hutton was injured early in the Starkville game, and his absence was felt for several games into the district schedule a year ago.

“Kyler staying healthy will be very important to our offense this year,” said Martin. “We need to find a way to get the ball in his hands often.”

“It is good to be back one hundred percent,“ said Hutton. “I feel good, and our offense has a lot of starters back. We feel like we are going to be very good this year.”

Junior Veshone Malone was also a very productive receiver last season and should also be an often target for Battee.

“Our best formation should be Kyler in the slot, Vashone split out wide, and Jakobe and Juan in the backfield,” said Martin.

Newcomer, aophomore running back Jakobe Williams, 5’10”, 200 pounds, is hard to tackle and will be in the rushing mix. Also in the offensive mix will be seniors Aaron Sallah and Josh Walker at wide receiver.

Adding to the offense rotation will be senior H-back Derek Scott and sophomore Phillip Burchfield.

The Arrows are always led up front with a solid offensive line, and this season will be no different. Senior tackles Griffin Berch, 6’4”, 280 pounds, and Cameron Williams, 6 ‘1”, 250 pounds, are two-year starters and the leaders and should pave the way.

Senior offensive center Ronell Harper, 6’0”, 250 pounds, also brings experience.

Seeing action at guard will be starter junior Cayden Wilson, along with junior John Eargle, and Evan Camper vying for a start.

“We have nine really good offensive lineman that give us good depth up front,” said Martin.

“It is just going to be super fun to coach this group, because they are all really good kids.”

“They are all friends and will hold each other accountable.”

“Every week, we try to get the best out of these kids, and they give us their best.”