LEWISBURG (WVDN) – It was not the season they were hoping for, but nevertheless, the Greenbrier East Spartans football team managed to win their final regular season game in impressive fashion, 39-0, over Lincoln County.
East finished 4-6 and, although there was no playoff berth this year, there were still plenty of highlights littered throughout the campaign.
Today, we will look at some of those on the offensive side of the football.
As a team, the Spartans averaged 25 points per game and 193.7 rushing yards per contest. The offensive line, anchored by senior Luke Carola, steadily improved from game one to game 10, and that was evidenced by the play on the field.
Monquelle Davis spent most of his time at quarterback this season, but also split out wide at the receiver position occasionally as well. Davis finished the year 42-of-72 passing for 601 yards and four touchdowns. He ran for an additional 447 yards and three scores. From the receiver spot, he also hauled in eight catches for 108 yards and two scores. Unfortunately for the graduating senior, he missed some game time in the latter part of the year due to a late-season injury. He missed the final game at Lincoln County completely, which was an unfortunate way to end his Spartan career. It was sad to watch him have to watch his teammates in what would have been his final game.
With Davis’ injury, and also through certain formations throughout the season, Gavin Bennett got a lot of snaps at quarterback and got some valuable experience headed into next season. The junior threw for 404 yards and four touchdowns but did throw eight interceptions. However, Bennett played well in the season finale that included a 36-yard TD pass to Lucas McCallister.
The Spartans also got a glimpse of the future when Brody Hamric stepped on the field a couple of times. His most extensive action came against Lincoln when he went 5-for-9 for 55 yards and a rushing touchdown, resulting in a McDonald’s Player of the Game nod.
Ian Cline continued his stellar career with another good season. He finished with 179 carries for 1,255 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also added 230 receiving yards and two more TDs as well.
The all-stater will return for one more season next year with a chance to further cement himself into the Greenbrier East record books.
C.W. Sturgell (26 carries, 179 yards) and Jake Pate (113 yars, three TDs) provided depth in the backfield. Joe Baker and Caleb Tolley played sparingly with increased roles expected for both players next season.
McCallister capped off what was a really good career with 34 catches, 420 yards and four touchdowns. Also the primary return man, McCallister will be missed in a lot of different areas on the field. Pate, the 5-foot, 5-inch junior, will return next season as the catalyst of the position room. He finished this season with 12 receptions, 201 yards and a touchdown.
Donavin Penn (seven catches, 52 yards) and Grant Burdette (four catches, 36 yards) will bring back some experience as well next season.
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