East Flat Rock – East Henderson is upsizing its prospects with two huge blockers to go with key returning skill players and many new Eagles eager to help revitalize the program.
East demolished Rosman again in the opener last Friday, but this time is poised to win other games. Last season the only close defeat was an inspiring one — 28-14 at Mountain Seven champ Pisgah (10-2; 6-0 M7). The best recent Eagles mark was 5-7 in 2018.
The Eagles are executing schemes better in their second year under energetic head coach Bobby James. He had a full preseason to prepare this time. James has more than 20 years of college coaching experience. The northeastern Pennsylvania native was head coach at Wingate then Limestone College (S.C.).
James is revitalizing Eagle football with his tactical know-how, split-second in-game analysis, and amazing motivational skills. He is very positive-natured. “We’re building culture, character, work ethic, responsibility, accountability and leadership.” James praised Eagles’ “tremendous effort and discipline.” He is “excited about our future,” with the developing line and athletic skill players.
Brothers McCarson, Lyons and Capps are among game-breakers. The two jumbo Eagles blocking on the left side are number 55 Jacob Capps (6-8 1/2, 300) and no. 77 Wyatt Nabers (6-7, 297). It is fitting they each have a double number on the jersey, since they can make foes they block woozy and see double. Both are juniors. The young Eagles replace an all-senior OL partly with three freshmen – center Gabe Jones, and Colten Riddle and Caleb Walker on the right side. The O-Line’s steady development throughout the season is a key.
They block for a pair of brothers who both sizzled in the opener a week ago. Star senior runner Marcus McCarson (5-11, 175) ran for three TDs in the second and third quarters. A fourth score — a 56-yarder — was called back due to a penalty. He averaged 7.4 per carry. His tall freshman brother Seth McCarson (6-3, 170) also excelled find seams, breaking tackles and dashing into open field. Veterans Nick Lyons (5-10, 190 sr.) and Stephen Capps (5-11, 175 jr.) also get carries. They anchor the defense as linebackers. James said backs are “running hard” and effectively.
East backs credit their offensive line. More and more as the game went on, Marcus McCarson, said, “I could see holes opening up on the back side. I went through them” for long gains.
‘Justice League’ Strikes
Savvy, strong-armed quarterback Joe Justice (6-2, 190 jr.) said he improved his “discipline” and patience to extend passing plays by the end of last season, when he started as a sophomore. “Rather than get a sure five yards running, I want 25 yards (passing) downfield,” Justice said. “I know I can make those throws.” He passed for 227 yards and two TDs Friday.
Justice connected with Tyler Adams (5-10, 165 sr.) for a 64-yard score on East’s second play from scrimmage. Adams said “it feels really good to start the season (and game) like this.” WR Isaac Burleson (6-0, 160 sr.) made an acrobatic 12-yard TD catch. “Isaac is a great athlete” and along with Adams an elusive runner in the open field, James said. Justice praised “technique” of his receivers such as running routes. Burleson, a former QB, and Adams are longtime varsity Eagles. They are excited about the program’s turnaround. The other starting receivers are Wesley Murray (5-8, 175 sr.) in the slot and TE Jayden Borne (6-3, 195).
All-conference Nick Lyons and his brother Lucas Lyons (5-9, 160 so.) combined for 12 solo tackles and 11 assists against Rosman. Stephen Capps and Marcus McCarson are the other linebackers in the 3-4 base defense. Up front, DT Hunter Poturaj (5-10,175 sr.), bench presses over 240 pounds. DEs are Eli Herman (5-10, 190 jr.) and Borne, who absolutely crunched the Rosman QB Friday. DBs are Makhi Hoots (6-0, 165 sr.), Burleson, Adams and safety Leland Prutzman ( so.). Prutzman (5-11, 160 so.) excited the home crowd and teammates with a 34-yard “pick six” interception in the opener.
Such dynamic plays give Eagle Nation hopes for stepping it up in this season.