This past 2021 season, the Greenbrier East Spartans had one of their best and most memorable years in school history. They finished 8-3—their best mark since 1998—and hosted a state playoff game for just the sixth time ever.
The season came to a heartbreaking close in that playoff game against the George Washington Patriots, but East players, fans and coaches will still remember 2021 for a long time.
Ian Cline led the way for East on offense, which averaged 34.4 points per game, and was the team’s breakout star. The sophomore was a workhorse week in and week out and ended the year with 254 carries for 1,677 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also added 260 yards receiving and two additional scores. The amazing thing about Cline is he put up those numbers in just 10 games as he missed one game during the year. Cline will look to continue to improve this offseason and come back even stronger in 2022.
Quarterback Monquelle Davis also had another good year for the Spartans.
The shifty dual-threat junior threw for 1,124 yards and 12 TD’s and rushed for another 522 yards with nine touchdowns. He too will return next season to lead the Spartans for his fourth year as a varsity member.
Leading the way in the receiver room this year was Bryson Ormsbee. He made 29 catches for 315 yards and five touchdowns. The trust between he and Davis grew each week and the graduating senior left his mark on the program in a positive way. Lucas McCallister was second on the team in receiving. The junior hauled in 20 passes for 238 yards and two scores. Cline (15 receptions, 260 yards, two TD’s) and Jake Pate (eight catches, 148 yards, TD) also contributed to the receiver production.
On defense, the Spartans were about as rock solid as a team could be. Defensive coordinator Aaron Baker got his unit to play smart, sound, fundamental football all season and the results on the field proved that immensely.
Senior Kamon Anderson led the team in tackles with 102. He added five sacks and two fumble recoveries.
Garrett Bennett was second on the team with 68 stops and four sacks. Pate got 65 tackles from his safety position. Ethan Holliday (46 tackles), Levi Wagner (42 tackles), JT Spencer (38 tackles, five sacks) and Jarett McHale (37 tackles) also flew around the ball consistently.
Wagner also led not only the team, but the entire state in interceptions with six. The senior always made his presence felt to opposing cornerbacks and locked down his side of the football field.
Kicker/punter Noah Dotson was a weapon for East and finished the year 5-of-8 on field goals. He also connected on 41-of-44 extra points.
McCallister handled most of the return duties and brought back eight kicks for 295 yards and a score, and added eight punt returns for 167 yards and an additional TD.
The Spartans will return to the field in August of 2022 with another state playoff run in their sights.
