Eisenhower Eagles Spring Breakdown:
When one thinks “BIG IKE”, they think big, fast, and aggressive. Well, clearly nothing has changed. On May 20th, Eisenhower held their spring game at the Aldine’s Auxiliary Smith Stadium in front of a packed house. The spring game was a typical scrimmage as far as playbooks would go, but one couldn't help but walk away with at least a thought of “The Swoop is back”.
Offense: When a team has four skill players all being hoarded by Division 1 schools, it is apparent that you have something special going on. While the game didn't showcase the play calling of the new regime under Ray Evans, it certainly highlighted the physical ability of individuals. Star QB Kenneth Guiton, showed improved field vision as he seemed to have a sixth sense for defenders charging at him from which ever direction. Although he never threw for a touchdown during the spring game, he was able to get off a couple of nice passes to Greg Timmons (Texas). It was apparent that even with a bland offensive game plan this was a very dangerous QB. Craig Loston also was featured as a Quarterback during the spring game, so expect a situational package with speedster Loston and Running Back McGregor in the backfield at the same time. The Wide Receiving Corps is anchored by two of the state’s best receivers at the 5A level, Greg Timmons and Jaz Reynolds. Timmons is your physical receiver, while Reynolds is your sure handed open field game breaker. Currently Reynolds is being heavily looked at by Minnesota and Texas Tech. He told Rivals.com to expect a commitment over the summer. Overall, this is an offense that should and will be feared. The only problem we could find was the offensive lines inconstancy, but we figure that the new guys on the line will improve and be adequate at least at the start of the 2008 season.
Defense: Can anyone overlook a defense when Ike has the likes of FS Craig Loston, Clemson Commit,in your defensive secondary. Not to mention four all-district starters returning, marking a team total of 8 returning starters. This Defense, in our honest opinion, is going to be much better then it was in 2007. The Line is anchored by Junior DT Jay Guy, and the Linebacker core has replaced Darius Willis with a couple of young guys. Robert Young is expected to be one of the biggest contributes at the LB spot, who accounted for several tackles at the spring scrimmage and an interception. The biggest differential that can be spotted out rightly was this defense’s ability to sniff out the ball. They were quicker, they were faster, and they were by far more fluid then they were in 2007. Look for Ike to have one of the Houston area’s top Defenses in 2008. Other key influential players will be SS Terrance Fletcher, and CB Verlin Martin
In closing: We fully anticipate that IKE will be in full contention for the new 19-5A crown, with the only competitor being Humble who has beaten Ike in their last 3 meetings. Last year they lost on what many eagle fans would call a “goal-line debacle” giving Humble the win in an intense 28-26 victory. With an attitude of “Team”, there is no limit to this team’s potential success.