Preview: Saginaw High

(Left to right- Mike Green, Teveon Whitson, Jimmy Davis, and

DeAnthony Arnett will overwhelm secondaries in the S.V.L.)

(Ashford will make plays with both his arm and feet this season)

(Hayes will be a major playmaker on defense and special teams, as well as offense)

From 1995-2002 the Trojan football program rang up a 78-13 record, which included a 1999 State Championship. Since then the High has compiled a 12-33 record. Coach Bob Collins in now in his third year as the Trojans Head Coach and feels he finally has the program going in the right direction.

In 1999 Saginaw was led by a phenomenal passing attack that was highlighted by Charles Rogers. No, there may not be a Rogers on this roster, YET! But there are a handful of exceptionally talented players at the skilled positions. "We are going to be fast, scary fast," states Coach Collins "we are going to utilize our speed and put our kids in position to make plays."

The Trojans bring almost everyone back from last years team and should easily improve on last year's 2-7 record. It is just sick thinking of how much talent the Trojans have at the skilled position but it is unclear of how solid the offensive line and the defense will be. Scoring won't be a problem but the improvement of the defense will dictate how good this team will becomes in 2008.

OFFENSE- the Trojans will start with their veer option but look for their spread offense to be their bread and butter. With so so much speed and such a gifted group of receivers why wouldn't you put 3 or 4 receivers on the field at once.

DEFENSE- Saginaw has implemented a new 3-4 defense and I am unsure of how solid their run defense will be. They bring back both D-ends and the entire linebacker core from last year- so they will have experience. Speed is also the key to the Trojan defense as they will flock to the ball.

PREDICTION: 4-5 Talent alone should have this team flirting with the playoffs but as skilled as the Trojans are on the outside we all know it starts in the trenches. With that being said I give Saginaw 4 wins on talent alone but it will be up to the coaching staff to put together two more wins to get this team into the playoffs.

Unfortunately the Trojans play in the S.V.L. and face a very tough schedule that includes the other two Saginaw schools as well as seeing Mt. Pleasant, both Midlands and Bay City's in the first five weeks of the season. If Coach Collins and staff can keep the team focused after that tough start then they may be able to roll off a handful of wins.

STANDOUT PLAYERS

DeAnthony Arnett, WR- will start in the slot as a So. for the Trojans. Above we mentioned this team doesn't have a Charles Rogers yet, and that's because Arnett has the skills and potential to have just as good of a prep career. Arnett joins an already loaded receiving core but expect to see him post some big time numbers with his low 4.4 forty speed.

Ayinde Ashford, QB- Ashford has added 20 pounds of muscle during the off season and now stands at 6-0/200 pounds. He has the toughness and attitude of a true football player and he is the man for the job to lead this offense.

Jimmy Davis, WR/C- Jimmy gets the least amount of pub out of the receivers but he is heavily relied on due to his ability to play physical and get downfield and block. Davis will also play defense and he has the speed to be a lock down defender.

Mike Green, WR- this sure handed receiver was one of the bright spots on last year's 2-7 team. He posted games with double digit catches and multiple 200+ receiving yard games. Green can make any catch and has terrific hands, especially in traffic. He is the leader of this talented receiving core. Expect to see Green put up huge numbers this year!

Greg Hayes, utiltiy- we label Hayes as a utility because he lines up everywhere for the Trojans and he might just be the fastest man on the roster. He plays tailback, lines up in the slot and wide, as well as playing safety, and the featured punt returner.

Dominique Jackson, RB/DE- at 5-10/200 Jackson will be the starting tailback and comes from a family that has found huge success in the Trojan backfield. Jackson is more of a power back that can plow his way through tackles. Jackson will also line up at the defensive end position where he can hold down his edge.

Maurice Warrick, OT/DT- 6-6/265 and will anchor the offensive line. It is still unclear where he will line up at, although he is a natural left tackle he has bounced around at center. Big Mo has the size and foot speed to be a solid tackle in the S.V.L.