They aren't veterans on the field, but PRC's young team is ready to play football

Pearl River Central has one of the Coast’s toughest schedules.

Coming off a 4-7 season, the Blue Devils need a fast start to earn a 5A state playoff berth this year.

“We have a number of positions that will be filled by inexperienced players,” Blue Devils coach Larry Dolan said. “We have more players this year, but they’re inexperienced. We will have to mature quickly to have success in our extremely tough Region 4-5A.”

The Blue Devils will rely heavily on their 4-3 defense, especially upfront.

Orlando Malley and Cody Russell both started on the defensive line. Ethan Gallodoro and Noah McKay are the other projected starters.

Both inside linebackers—Cody Skoda and Kobe Whitehead— are back. Tyler Holmes is projected as the other starting linebacker.

Willie Reece is the only returning defensive back who started a year ago. Damon Anderson, Zac Goynes, Noah Hebert are projected to start in the secondary.

“I’m hoping our defense will keep us in games until the offense gets going,” Dolan said. “Our defense is better. We will be better in our front seven. We feel good about our linebackers. Our secondary needs game experience, but they should be improved.”

The biggest question mark for PRC is its Wing-T spread offense, especially at quarterback. Tristan Anderson has a leg injury and may not be ready for the Blue Devils’ season-opener at Hancock on Aug. 18.

One bright spot offensively is the return of tailback Louis Reece, a senior who gained 671 yards rushing and seven touchdowns last season. Winston Drain and Ryan Spradley are the other projected starters at running back.

Justin Westbrook is the only offensive lineman that started in 2016. Gavin Walters, Justin Fincher, Chase Pippin, Gage McClinton and Kevin Wilcox are all battling for the other four spots.

Jacob Mauffray will start at tight end, with Christian Neil at wide receiver.

“We must develop an identity on offense early in the season,” Dolan said. “I feel by the end of the year, we will come together on offense.”

The Blue Devils’ slate includes a road trip to 4A runner-up Poplarville and the rugged Region 4-5A slate that includes cross-county rival Picayune, Hattiesburg and Wayne County.

“Poplarville can be a good rivalry for us,” Dolan said. “In our Region, Hattiesburg, Wayne County and Picayune are at the top. Stone will have a good team. It’s a tough Region and we have a lot of ground to make up.”

This story was originally published August 14, 2017 at 3:00 AM with the headline "They aren't veterans on the field, but PRC's young team is ready to play football."