If it’s Spring Football 2016, it means it’s time for the University Christian Christians to officially begin their defense of the 2015 Class 2A State Championship. This time last year, Coach David Penland III was optimistic about going the extra mile in order to become a champion. Now he must figure out how to stay on top of the mountain and remain champions.
It starts with the players, and UC has some play makers returning this year. Uriah Ratliff played as a freshman last year, and made plays in their Championship game. James Tarver is another player that has impressed the coaching staff this spring, and looks to take on more of a leadership role in 2016. On the offensive line, Jylton Tusha affectionately known as the Albanian Bear will be one of the road graders for the running game.
The Albanian Bear @JyltonTusha @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/ec0JjV4AXS
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) May 9, 2016
#TheWilcoxTwins 2017 OL|DL. @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/DkeT64ZszH
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) May 9, 2016
As Hussein Howe moves on to college, the bell cow of the offense now becomes running back Otis Anderson. Anderson was the complimentary back last year in the Christian’s backfield, and he showed in the championship game that he is more than capable of carrying the load. He’ll have some very good backs with him who will surely get some good playing time in the spring practices and game to show their stuff.
#UCF COMMIT UC playmaker OTIS ANDERSON @DuvalSports @Gumby_football pic.twitter.com/JFV4UWOXfk
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) May 9, 2016
D.J and Dyrell Stubbs and Andrew and Alex Wilcox are two sets of brothers that help the Christian’s emphasize brotherly love. The nucleus of the team stems from their ability to play together. They already have a jump on everyone because they know each other well. Now these players must adjust to their new roles as upperclassmen and some seniors, being able to gel with one another in their defined roles.
UC still has a boat load of Talent. 2017 Rb|Db Coby Groover@DuvalSports @CobyGroover pic.twitter.com/TPD5mlS1lv
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) May 9, 2016
On defense, they will “bring the hat” as Coach Penland noted. They will have lots of talent to roam sideline to sideline and make lots of plays on the field. Titus Curry is a LB who we highlighted last year that had great size and potential. By the end of the year schools were noticing this young man’s ability and potential. It’s players like this that allows UC to reach unexplored heights, and remain faithful in each of their player’s God given abilities.
The Man in the Middle. This guy aint playin No games wit ya. 2017 LB Titus Curry @DuvalSports pic.twitter.com/grboKATD8Y
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) May 9, 2016
The honeymoon for UC is over, and their spring opponent will undoubtedly remind them of this by their play. The Champions don’t get to go half speed in the spring, because they will always get the opponent’s best. The Christian’s know this, and are prepared to defend their crown. They are ready to defend their championship.
Coach Shernan from #Pitt #Panthers checking out UC @DuvalSports @coach_ksherman @GoPittFootball @UCChristians pic.twitter.com/5jz75pf4z9
— PHILL-DuvalSports (@dreamkingfilmz) May 10, 2016
Photos and Coverage by: Phil Myers
Story by: Andre’ Ellis
