HAMLIN (WVDN) – The Greenbrier East Spartans football team concluded their 2022 campaign on Friday, Nov. 4, after defeating the Lincoln County Panthers 39-0 in Hamlin.
The Spartans finished their season with a record of 4-6, and although they did not make the state playoffs for just the second time in the past five years, they have a lot to build around for next season and beyond.
Here are some keys to the Lincoln County victory.
1. Ian Cline finished on a high note.
Junior running back Ian Cline started the season with just under 60 yards rushing through the first two games, and it appeared as though the all-stater’s best days were behind him, at least for this current season.
However, over the last seven games, Cline and his offensive line teammates found their groove as he racked up over 1,200 yards in that time frame and showcased once again why he is one of the better backs in the state. He capped his junior year with 174 yards and two scores against the Panthers finishing with 1,255 yards and 17 TDs total.
He will land on an All-State team again here in a couple weeks and will start prepping for 2023 soon after, as he will be looking to make his senior season his best yet.
2. Brody Hamric played well in his limited action.
With Monquelle Davis missing his last career game due to an aggravating injury, Gavin Bennett got the start for East and played well in the first half before sitting out the second in favor of freshman Brody Hamric so Hamric could get some extensive varsity action under his belt. Bennett finished 5-of-8 for 63 yards and a 36-yard TD pass to Lucas McCallister. Hamric went 5-of-9 for 55 yards and scored on a nice 2-yard run. Both quarterbacks bring positives to the QB room, and the Spartan coaches hope that both take another step forward before next August.
The potential is there for the Spartans to have a reliable quarterback next season which will make the loss of Davis sting a little less.
3. Lucas McCallister had a nice, final game
The Spartans have a “Big 4” on offense (Davis, Cline Jake Pate and Lucas McCallister) and two of those are moving on after they graduate in June.
McCallister, a dynamic receiver, return specialist and defensive back, will be missed on all sides of the ball. He finished with four catches for 76 yards and a touchdown and added 27 rushing yards and an additional score. He totaled 34 catches, 420 yards and four TDs for the season.
Replacing Davis and McCallister will be high on the priority list for coach Ray Lee this offseason, as both players were experienced and talented. There is hope that McCallister will continue his football career somewhere in college next season.
