Starr’s Mill is arguably the most successful team in the region. In fact, little argument could be made to dispute that. The team has been in contention for region titles almost every year and won them in 2002, 2004 and 2005, giving them entry into the state playoffs.

This year they are in a new classification, AAAA, and a new region, 2-AAAA, putting them up against teams such as Whitewater, Creekside, McIntosh and Fayette County. A program that knows what it takes to win like Starr’s Mill should be in the running for a region title and/or a state playoff spot, but the Panthers will have to answer a lot of questions first, namely who will be playing where?

Starr’s Mill has only six returning starters, three on offense and three on defense. Luckily, the three returning starters on offense are all quite good. Quarterback Robby Davis (6’1, 185) is a three-year starter who plans on signing with and playing for the U.S. Naval Academy. He is joined by fullback Greg Davis (5’11, 220) a two year starter who rushed for over 1,000 yards last year and is being actively recruited by Notre Dame and Princeton for the Hammer Throw. Junior Brandon Witta (5’10, 160) also returns. Witta rushed over 900 yards last year at the half back position.

Others who will get some good playing time running the ball are Keenan Penson, Nick Fevella, Jarrett Kyles and Parker duPont. Dante Cheeks and Ryan Ellerbee will both play at the tight end position and both are listed at 6’ or above and around 210 pounds. Jeff Messer (6’1, 225) will be the center and Bryan Montero and Ryan LaRocca will play on the offensive line, as will Kyle Mehl, whom head coach Mike Earwood stated earlier this summer, had come a long way.

On defense, Penson is a returning starter at cornerback, as is cornerback Branden Lewis and strong safety Drew Morrison. Davis, the quarterback, will also get some playing time at free safety, while Kevin Farrow and Ellerbee will play at the defensive end positions along with Stephen Roberts. The linebacker position was unsettled before practice got underway but Earwood expected Brian Egan, Chris Suddeth and duPont to battle for the positions along with Cheeks and Matt Sweat.

John Whitlow will be the team’s placekicker but the punter position was up in the air earlier this summer.

Earwood is obviously excited about the 2006 season, but he acknowledged that the team was inexperienced and that the team would have a tough opener with Cherokee in the Georgia Dome at the Corky Kell Kickoff Classic on Saturday, Sept. 2.

“It will take a lot of work to get us ready,” said Earwood. “These kids are unproven right now and they could be as good as the people they are replacing but it may take two or three games before the puzzle comes together.”

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