Spencer defense looks to take charge in upcoming season

Going into the fall, the Spencer Greenwave might have a role reversal between their offense and defense.

In 2016, the Spencer offense led the team’s charge to a six-win season, averaging 24 points per game and eclipsing the 28-point mark five times. But after losing six starters from that offense, Spencer head coach Pierre Coffey said it’s the other side of the ball that could carry the squad.

“I think the anchor of our team this year is going to be our defense,” Coffey said. “We’re returning eight of our 11 starters from last year, so I’m extremely excited about our play defensively. Over the summer, we’ve done a couple of padded camps and several 7-on-7s, so we’ve had the opportunity to go out and compete. So far, I’ve been very pleased with what I’ve seen.”

Senior linebacker Davonte Webster is looked at as the leader on the Greenwave defense. A Preseason Class 2A All-State First Teamer, Webster is a player who is gaining interest from colleges such as Mississippi State and Georgia State. But as intriguing as life after high school is, Webster’s primary concern right now is getting Spencer better.

Part of Webster’s job has been to step up in a leadership role, something he found easier by spending time around the upperclassmen as he came up the ranks.

“I take the responsibility, because that’s what’s been put down on me from my fellow seniors from last year and the years before that,” Webster said. “I’ve just got to play my role and do what I’ve got to do to better my team.”

Another senior, defensive back and wide receiver Fletcher Jordan, also is expected to make major contributions. Jordan said the team understands it missed out with a few close losses last season, and that the senior class knows it wants to leave the program on the right note.

“With the last two years, Spencer was an underdog, and making the playoffs was big for us,” Jordan said. “I think (the excitement) is all around with every senior. We haven’t gotten a ring yet, so you’ve got to do your best.”

While the talk may center around the defense, there are plenty of talented pieces with Spencer’s spread offense, too.

“Some of them have stepped up and really, really helped us in those vacancies,” Coffey said. “Raekwon Jackson, he’s a returning starter but will be moving into the position Ervin Davis played. He’s somebody we’re going to be be looking at to fill big shoes. Even with Jahari Monds, he started several games last year but was behind Jaleel Grimes. We’re looking for him to give more than he gave last year, and he did an outstanding job last year. Cory Calhoun is another one. He’s a guy we’re expecting spectacular things from this year.”

Coffey took over a Spencer program that hadn’t posted a winning season since 1977 and promptly reeled off two consecutive above-.500 campaigns. While those years were impressive, Coffey is eager to get back on the field and find even more success.

According to Coffey, the Greenwave have what it takes to do just that.

“I think we’ve got the pieces in place to contend for our region again and make a run in the playoffs,” Coffey said. “In order for us to do that, they have to hold each other accountable, be able to rely on each other and count on each other.”

2017 Schedule

This story was originally published August 19, 2017 at 5:00 PM with the headline "Spencer defense looks to take charge in upcoming season."