Newsome Wolfpack Proving Their Worth

You can’t mention the Newsome High offense without mentioning junior Will Worth. He’s the crankshaft in the engine that is the Newsome Wing T.

In an option offense, your quarterback must be both skilled and versatile. You also have to have a pretty decent head on your shoulders.

Worth has displayed all of those.

“It’s fun to watch his development,” said Newsome head coach Ken Hiscock. “His work ethic, leadership and character are essential to this team.”

Worth rushed and passed for just fewer than 900 yards and eight touchdowns last season. He only averaged 3.46 yards per carry on the ground and just more than 50 passing yards per game, but those numbers were good enough to claim a third straight district title.

“He’s a tough runner who’s going to lower his shoulder and get that extra yard,” Hiscock said.

He won’t have to get it done by himself.

Last year he had bruising fullback Conner Powers bulldozing defenses on his behalf. Powers gained 1,851 yards on the ground and scored a whopping 28 touchdowns. He was an absolute nightmare for opposing defenses. He gained more than 100 yards in every game except the two against Armwood and . He demolished last year for 258 rushing yards and six touchdowns.

However, much like tight end Joe Worth from last year’s team, Connor has a younger brother coming up.

Senior Keller Powers will step into his older brother’s role at fullback. Keller himself gained 720 yards and four touchdowns as a junior last year and will look to replace some of that offense.

“He’s a great short yardage back with great vision and hip movement,” Hiscock said.

Keller will compete with sophomore John Hendricks for carries at full back.

The two wings, or running backs, that will flank Powers will likely be seniors Jorge Thompson and Royce Easley. According to Hiscock, Thompson is “tough as nails” and will “fight for everything," while Easley is the speed guy.

Joe Worth led the team in receiving last season from his tight end spot. With his graduation, juniors Dalton Nichols and Matt Hines will compete for time at tight end.

At outside receiver, or flanker, in Newsome's Wing T likely will be seniors Brian West and Stephen Martin. While outside receiver is usually an afterthought in an option offense, Hiscock says, “their job is vital.”

“They never know when they might get a call, and they will have to make every pass count,” he said.

Protecting Worth and creasing opposing defenses will be a formidable offensive line led by senior Keith Weeks. A two-year starter at center for Newsome, Weeks has a scholarship offer from FAMU.

“He will do whatever we ask him to do,” said offensive line coach Justin Shive. “He knows it all and could run practice without me even being there.”

At tackle most likely will be senior Cody Summerlin and junior Zach Hillier. According to Shive, Summerlin has been in the system and worked hard in the offseason to become stronger, while Hillier has a huge upside but is a little raw.

At right guard, senior Carson Joiner is one of the most versatile players on the front line. According to Shive, he can play anywhere on the line and is in his fourth year with the team.

At left guard, juniors Dalton Bohanon and Noah Schealer will battle for the starting spot. They are both converted linebackers and are more speed guys than power guys. That should work fine with all the pulling they will be doing in the Newsome offensive attacks.

The Wolves are really hoping senior Bubba Edwards can rally from a hand injury sustained from a weekend of cattle roping. Yes, let’s not forget it’s Lithia we’re talkin’ ‘bout, now. Edwards will miss the season opener but they hope to put him in at guard again when he’s healthy.

The front line will really make or break the team this year, much like any other year. According to Hiscock, the Newsome offense has broken the school record for total offense and points scored the last two years in a row.

With that and three consecutive district titles behind them, the pressure is really on for the Wolf offense this season.