Prep Blitz 2014: East Hamilton Hurricanes

It's not too hard to pinpoint East Hamilton's Demetrius Morgan on a football field.

Just look for the big guy on the offensive line with the really good feet.

The 6-foot-3, 380-pound center will play an even larger role this season for the Hurricanes, who lost a lot of talent after back-to-back 10-win seasons and trips to the state quarterfinals - in Class 4A in 2012 and in 5A last season. Five players from last season's team - defensive back Tre Herndon (Vanderbilt), quarterback Hunter Moore (Central Arkansas), tight end Bailey Lenoir (University of Tennessee at Chattanooga) and Alonzo Francois and Austin Gatewood (East Tennessee State) - have moved on to the Division I level, leaving loads of talent but not a lot of experience on Ooltewah-Ringgold Road.

"We've lost a lot of people, but we have a lot of talent coming back that'll help us out a lot," Morgan said.

Count him among the talent. Morgan, whose father played basketball at Howard before an All-American career at Lee University, said he inherited his swift feet from "both of my parents."

Coach Ted Gatewood pointed out Morgan to a number of college coaches during spring drills. After initially seeing his 380-pound frame, some "rolled their eyes," Gatewood said, when he talked about how well Morgan moved. It was a snap judgment they quickly took back after seeing the center move around the field.

"He moves well - like a guard, but he has great feet and has been our center," Gatewood said. "He understands his role on the team and really plays some good, physical football for us."

Morgan hopes the former Memphis lineman's endorsement along with some great video throughout this season will help him land a college home, as he helps carve out holes for backs such as David Whiteside, Matt Milita and Martez Durrah.

"I think sometimes that they overlook me, but I have to keep working," Morgan said. "I like when they doubt me, and I like the look on other people's faces when I do something great - like get a pancake [block].

"It's great because everybody sees it, and that's a great feeling."

- Gene Henley

EAST HAMILTON HURRICANES

Head coach: Ted Gatewood (30-27 here; 76-51 overall)

Last year: 10-3, lost 21-14 to Cleveland in the 5A state quarterfinals

Returning starters (O/D/K): 4/4/2

2014 Schedule

(all games at 7:30)

Aug. 22 - Signal Mountain

Aug. 29 - at Dobyns-Bennett

Sept. 5 - Walker Valley*

Sept. 12 - Riverdale

Sept. 19 - Ooltewah*

Oct. 3 - at Cleveland*

Oct. 10 - at McMinn County*

Oct. 17 - Soddy-Daisy*

Oct. 24 - Rhea County

Oct. 31 - at Bradley Central*

  • District 5-AAA game

Control panel: WR/CB Matt Milita (5-8, 170, Sr.) scored 11 touchdowns last season. He moves from tailback to slot receiver this season and will have more opportunities to make plays in space. David Whiteside (5-6, 160, Jr.) will be a primary ball carrier after rushing for 265 yards last year. Athlete Martez Durrah (6-1, 170, Sr.) is an area Dynamite Dozen member who will be used all over the field on both offense and defense.

New producers: Tracy Thompson (6-4, 175, Sr.) and Caleb Rhodes (5-11, 160, Sr.) will be just a couple of newcomers asked to make plays in the passing game, which will be headed this season by QB Nick Woods (6-1, 180, So.).

By the numbers:

10 - The Hurricanes are one of only two teams in the area - Calhoun being the other - that have reached double-figure wins in each of the past two seasons.

1 - Nick Woods' combined yards of total offense (rushing and passing) entering this season.

0 - Touchdowns scored by players returning not named Matt Milita or David Whiteside.

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