By TERRY COOKSTON
CNHI
Rockwall —
Rockwall-Heath will kick off its 2010 regular-season football schedule tonight against Garland Naaman Forest in the Heritage Honor Before Victory Classic at Wilkerson-Sanders Stadium.
The first annual Classic is hosted by Rockwall and Rockwall-Heath and also featured Rockwall against West Mesquite last night.
The Hawks take the gridiron facing a Naaman team led by a strong group of seniors and 37 lettermen back from a 5-5 2009 team. The Rangers have five offensive and six defensive starters returning.
But, Naaman graduated its highly-touted rushing tandem of John Harris and Jerome Regal, who combined for 31 of the Rangers 43 TDs last season.
Look for QB Justin Torris, RB Devin Alexander and RB Terrance Robertson (5-11, 203, 4.5) to attempt to fill the void in Naaman’s run-oriented offense.
Physical linebackers Sean Mitchell (6-0, 214, 4.5) and Darren Wicker (6-1, 248, 4.7), along with Robertson lead the Rangers defense.
Former RISD athletic director and Naaman head coach Mark Elam is excited about the Rangers depth, especially his experienced senior class, and feels they could challenge for the district title if the offense develops during non-district play.
Heath enters the highlight game after a good performance and prep against Class 5A Rowlett.
The Hawks held their own versus the Raiders, who are picked to finish third in District 10-5A behind Garland and South Garland.
First-team QB Ross Hudson put up several 15-plus yard runs in the scrimmage and backup QB Cody Court was impressive in leading the Hawks second team on long drives.
AT A GLANCE
GAME: Rockwall-Heath v. Naaman Forest
Heritage Honor Before Victory Classic
DATE: Friday, August 27
TIME: 7:30 p.m.
SITE: Wilkerson-Sanders Stadium
TICKETS: Pre-game Adult $5, Student $3,
At Gate $6
RADIO: 95.3 KHYI The Range, KXEZ.com
