Strawberry Crest is under a new command AGAIN. And again, they go with an apple that fell from a championship tree. John Kelly was an assistant coach at Armwood last season during the state title run and has visions of making Strawberry Crest a contender. Kelly hired Armwood receiver coach Isaac Anderson as his offensive coordinator and Keith Newman as his defensive coordinator.

Learning how to practice like a championship program was the theme at yesterday’s spring practice. There were plenty of mistakes accompanied by plenty of corrections. There was some frustration accompanied by lots of coaching. There were some “brain bust” followed up with some good plays.

Just like any other program, it all starts with the players. And “The Crest” has a few intriguing prospects.

Trey Vandergrift QB 2014 6-0 170
Vandergrift will be the signal caller again this season. Listed at 170, but may be a bit heavier. He can spin it. Did not see enough to give a good evaluation.

Alex Carswell WR 2014 6-4 195
Listed as a WR, but we would project him as a TE prospect. He will need a strong summer in the weight room and showcases to build his name. He has a great frame and will only continue to grow.

Farron Rainford TE/WR 2015 6-2 190
This freshman could end up on the defensive side of the ball and be one heck of an LB. Rainford has so much upside and so much more room to grow, he may start to attract some early recruiting attention during the 2012 season. He runs very well, is physical at the point of attack and can change direction. 6-2 now as a freshman, 6-4 by time he is a senior.

Karel Hamilton WR 2013 6-2 190
Smooth player. Not blazing “5th gear” speed, but deceptively fast. A really really good perimeter blocker with potential to be a good safety.

Other interesting prospects that we need to keep an eye on
Isaiah Smallwood DB 2014 6-0 175
Josh Engram DB 2015 5-8 160
Brendon Headley DE/OLB 2013 6-1 190
Ayomikun Loye OL 2013 6-5 285
Alex Portillo RB 2013 5-6 155
Jarrett Gretebeck DE 2013 6-3 224