Last season, the Harmony Grove Hornets bounced back from their 2020 season by finishing out with an overall record of 8-4. They finished second in the 3A-6 region, with their only conference loss of the season coming to the McGehee Owls.
The Hornets had many players that impacted both sides of the ball, with several of them being seniors.
This spring, the Hornets have to overcome the huge task of replacing key seniors who were a vital part of the team. The Hornets are not looking to make any excuses for the departures.
This spring training, the Hornets are making some key changes to their offense and defense with the talented players they currently possess. Instead of having the young players fill positions left open by the graduating seniors, the Hornets are changing their playing philosophy to utilize their star players the most.
The Hornets have made the most changes on the offensive side of the ball as they are inserting a more aggressive read-option philosophy. This process was to get their all-conference wide receiver Landon Garrett more reps in the backfield. Last season, Garrett started at running back for a few games for the Hornets. Garrett rushed for 213 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries for an average of 7.9 yards per rush.
He was the most explosive receiver on the team last season as he caught 22 receptions for 573 yards and eight touchdowns. His ability to run versatile routes, avoid tackles, beat defensive backs in coverage and play multiple roles on the team makes Garrett the Hornets' most dynamic playmaker. It is a big indication of why Garrett is inserted in the backfield in multiple flex packages. He will still be one of the most reliable wide receivers for the Hornets' offense in the 2022 season.
Senior Shamar Patterson is another player that will share the backfield with Garrett in flex packages. He was also taking first-teams in the team periods and 7-on-7's.
Another reason why the Hornets are installing more read-option plays is to help their offensive line that has been depleted with the departure of several seniors. The offensive line will be led by guard David Mack, who will be a senior going into the 2022 season. This spring training session is essential for all position groups who need to gain more consistency and experience on the field.
The defense of the Hornets are looking to make big changes to each unit on the field. At the defensive line, the Hornets are looking to take advantage of the big numbers on the team by installing several different units, including senior defensive end Quinton Jones and sophomore nose guard Peyton Ross, who measures in at 6 feet 1 inch and 300 pounds.
The defensive backs will be one of the best units of the Hornets' defense as the young starters from last year are now some of the leaders of the defense. Garrett is back as a lockdown corner, but the Hornets have more depth and talent at the position this off-season. Junior safety DaVonta Hubbard is a player that looks to be dominate as the primary safety in single-safety packages and the free safety in two safety packages.
The Hornets will be installing more packages as the week progresses before their spring game next Monday, May 23.
Photo By: Michael Hanich Harmony Grove running back Shamar Patterson runs after catching the ball in practice.