During last month’s Conroe Noon Lions Club Buddy Moorhead Pigskin Preview, one of the head coaches in the room quipped about Oak Ridge head coach Mark Schmid and his ‘All-SEC defense.’
It’s been an exciting summer for the Oak Ridge War Eagles as both Justin Williams – the No. 1 rated linebacker in the Class of 2024 (247Sports) and Joseph Jonah-Ajonye – the No. 6 rated defensive lineman in the country – both committed to the two-time defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs.
Combine that with the No. 19 rated running back in the country in Frankie Arthur, who committed to Central Florida earlier this month, and there’s certainly some buzz on the east side of I-45 in south Montgomery County.
“We’ve got some players that once, maybe twice in a career you get,” Schmid said last week. “It’s special. And it’s special because of the type of kids they are. You can get some really good football players that can be difficult to deal with. But these kids are great and they enjoy playing the game together. They’re friends and they do right in the school and are positive role models.
“As a coach, you’re always proud to put those guys out because you know they are representing you and the program in the most positive way.”
Oak Ridge emerged in 2022 with a 7-4 season and a second trip to the playoffs in the past three years. The War Eagles played young in 2021 and brought in just two wins.
“I’m so excited to watch them on Friday nights,” Schmid said. “When this group of kids came in as freshmen, they were really good. We felt that if we could keep these kids together and develop them over the years, we could have a really good football team. I’m really anxious to see that come to fruition.”
Williams converted to linebacker a year ago and blew up. The solidly built 6-foot-2, 205 pounder entered high school as a running back and mostly played in the secondary as a sophomore. Over 100 tackles and 8.5 sacks was the result of his first year at linebacker. The college offers came from all directions.
“For me it’s very different,” Williams said. “Last year, I was just not knowing what to expect. This year, I’m coming in with a lot more technique and a lot of tools. I’m just trusting myself more. For me going out there (last year), I was like ‘Dang, what am I doing?’ Then you realize you start to learn something, you just get better and not always thinking about going on.”
Williams is joined on the unit with Porter Johnson and Kamran Nekooi as returners with experience.
Up front, Jonah-Ajonye, at 6-4 and 275 pounds, leads alongside senior Favour Awyodyin and Antreyu Roquemore.
The secondary has a lot of returning talent as well, led by three-year letterman Arinze Ejeckham. Jaylen Jackson, Joseph Wilson, Jaxon Wiley and Jakentrie Fleeks all have experience.
Last year’s team just scratched the surface with 23.9 points allowed per game, 305 yards per contest and an even turnover margin. They were in the middle of District 13-6A in most categories.
“This defense is something special,” Williams said. “We’ve worked hard since we were little. As freshmen, we always saw the upperclassmen guys working hard. We want to get to that standard.”
When Arthur was asked his thoughts on this year’s team, he immediately brought up the defense.
“We’re going to have a really good defense like we did last year,” Arthur said. “I feel like our offense is going to be way better just based on the talent and having these new kids coming in and taking the stage. It’s going to be a good year for them.”
Arthur, a co-Offensive MVP in 13-6A, returns after nearly 1,500 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns last year. Combined with Larry DeBose, another very productive back for the War Eagles with 352 yards last year, and the run game is primed once again.
“Your go-to, your fall back, your default is always your run game,” Schmid said. “To have Frankie, Larry and then Justin Hayes, who played on the varsity last year at the back end of the season, to have those guys playing the running back spot gives you a lot of confidence as a coach because you have quality depth there.”
Opening the holes will be two returning starters in Vance Virgilio and William Cook. Transfer Nick Perez (via Westfield) also has experience.
At quarterback, the War Eagles relied on Steve Smedley since he was a sophomore. Smedley now a Utah Ute.
“We don’t have a returning starter at quarterback,” Schmid said. “We’ve got two young men – one’s a junior in Jack Emmerson – and then there’s (senior) Adam Trosclair. They’ve been given equal reps all spring and so far this fall. Will continue to that in our scrimmages and into our nondistrict games and we’ll see what happens between those two guys.”
Tevian Jefferson is back as the leading receiver after producing 326 yards and four touchdowns last year as a junior.
“Tevian Jefferson is a three-year starter,” Schmid said. “A great kid. Had an outstanding spring for us, had an outstanding 7-on-7 summer and we’re excited about him.”
Other wide receivers in the mix include senior Anthony Johnson and an intriguing prospect in sophomore James Scott, who’s 6-4 with great hands.
Although last year was considered a success with a trip to the playoffs, Schmid is hoping his team learns from close losses. The Eagles fell by three to Stratford in Week 2 and then was tied with eventual district champion New Caney entering the fourth quarter before a couple costly turnovers resulted in a two-touchdown loss.
“Be the team that wins the close games,” Schmid said. “Not the one that is close but no cigar.”
A long playoff run is a big goal this year.
“Just try to get back to where we were and just get better,” Williams said. “We want to be better than what we were last year and then in the past. I think off of that, we’re just going to play as a team more. Play faster, more physical. Just be better than we were last year.”
