News-Record.com

Southeast Guilford

Last season 7-5, 4-2 in Mid-Piedmont 3-A (3rd place), advanced to first round of playoffs

-The Falcons, who won 10 games in 2005 and 2006, are coming off what head coach Fritz Hessenthaler called "a very disappointing year" in which they started 6-2 but lost two of their last three league contests and fell to Erwin Triton in their playoff opener. "It was a lack of leadership, injuries," Hessenthaler said, "and you've got to point some of the blame at me. If we aren't winning, there's nowhere for me to hide."
-The Falcons are thin across the board - they'll only have about 30 players this season - but they return five starters on each side of the ball. "In key spots, we're not young," Hessenthaler said. The linebacking corps and offensive line have the least experience coming back.
-Senior Terrence Topps is the frontrunner at quarterback after playing wide receiver, defensive back, punter and kicker last season. Topps gained the coaching staff's attention last season when he threw the ball impeccably on several fake punts. "God Almighty, the kid can throw," Hessenthaler said. Topps, who will still handle kicking duties for the Falcons, is sharing snaps with junior Kenyatta Robinson in camp. Hessenthaler said he's hoping to throw more this season.
-Returning running back Alex Harrison and wideout Tyrell Anderson should provide all the weapons needed for whoever wins the QB job.
-Brian Webb will move from outside linebacker to free safety, replacing the East Carolina-bound Justin Venable.
-James Pegues, a senior who was second team All-Area last season with 76 tackles and seven sacks, and Chris Nolan, who earned all-conference honors as a freshman last year, will anchor the defensive line, which should be one of the Falcons' strong spots. Hessenthaler said he'll turn them loose this season with less emphasis on reading block schemes and more attempts to pressure the quarterback. "You've got to tweak your system to fit the kids," he said.