WALKER VALLEY MUSTANGSCoach: Ted Lockerby (12-29 here and career)Returning starters (O/D/K): 7/7/2Remember these names: Kelvin Wells, Jr. (Jr, 5-11, 174) will carry the bulk of the load offensively after a 1,499-yard, 18-touchdown season a year ago, but he’ll receive help from wingback Gabe Cartwright (Jr., 6-1, 170). Lineman Alexander Hooper (Jr., 6-2, 280) will be important on both sides of the line, while Hunter Keefer (Sr., 6-1, 185) will be the lead linebacker as well as playing fullback on offense.Will be a memorable year if: Walker Valley can shake its “Vanderbilt” stigma. The Mustangs have been a feast-or-famine program with six wins and a playoff berth in 2008 but three victories since. They will have to win the winnable games on their schedule, as well as perform well and hope for success against teams that are perceived to be better talent-wise. If they do that, there is potential for some success in 2011.ScheduleAug. 19 East RidgeAug. 26 HixsonSept. 9 at Red BankSept. 16 Cleveland*Sept. 23 at Polk CountySept. 30 McMinn County*Oct. 7 at Soddy-Daisy*Oct. 14 at Bradley Central*Oct. 21 Rhea County*Oct. 28 at Ooltewah** District 5-AAA game
Walker Valley junior offensive lineman Alexander Hooper knew classmate Kelvin Wells Jr. had the potential to be a standout tailback in high school. Wells surprised him anyway.
Wells topped 200 yards on four occasions as a sophomore, scored 18 touchdowns and rushed for 1,499 yards despite not cracking the starting lineup until the third game of the season.
“I really didn’t expect it to happen so soon,” the 6-foot-2, 280-pound Hooper said. “I thought that maybe later in his career he could be good, but I didn’t expect the immediate impact he’d have. He’s in line for good junior and senior years.”
Wells earned his totals against defenses that piled nine and sometimes 10 players in the box and dared the Mustangs to pass. Walker Valley coach Ted Lockerby hopes an improved passing attack and two quarterbacks with a year’s experience will take some of the load off Wells and help the team improve on last season’s 2-8 finish.