Observer Preps 2017 Football Preview: Bishop Moore Hornets

Last season didn’t quite end the way the Hornets had wanted.

After squeaking past Merritt Island and Palm Bay in the first two rounds of the state playoffs, Bishop Moore ran out of time as it fell to American Heritage in a 20-7 loss.

The Hornets still had a strong season, going 11-2 overall and winning the district, but it was going to be difficult to match that amazing 2015 season — where the Hornets won the state championship with a 14-1 (9-0) record.

But make no mistake: Although the championship two years ago was big for the school and community, coach Matt Hedrick is not reminiscing about the past. 

As the new season starts up, it’s all about the “now” and seeing his players become a unit.

“I’m looking forward to the season in terms of seeing if we can get these guys to really come together — and how these kids develop as players and young men,” Hedrick said. “It’s always exciting to figure out what kind of chemistry and culture you’re going to have — seeing if you can do something special.” 

With many key players returning this year, the Hornets should find themselves back at the top of the district and duking it out in the state playoffs.

On the offensive side of the ball, senior running back Trilion Coles, a three-year starter and leading rusher, will play a vital role in keeping the Hornets’ scoreboard lit up.

During his junior campaign last year, Coles ran for 857 rushing yards on 96 carries — a whopping 8.9 yard per carry. 

Coles was also one of the biggest scoring threats on the team as he made his way into the end zone on 20 different occasions —19 rushing, and one receiving.

“Trilion is really dynamic — he’s a great athlete,” Hedrick said. “He’s a fantastic runner, but he is also a dual-threat kid, so he can do other things in terms of catching the ball out of the backfield and splitting out wide.”

Along with Coles in the backfield is junior running back Jake Kiefer, whose 6-foot-1-inch, 195-pound frame pummeled defenses last year.

On just 29 carries, Kiefer ran for 228 yards as he averaged 7.9 yards per carry. The big guy also helped by contributing three touchdowns throughout the season.

Leading the offense is senior quarterback Keanu Kong, who after splitting last season at the position, will be taking over full time.

For a player who split last season, Kong put up some pretty impressive numbers. In 81 pass attempts Kong completed 41, which went for a total of 579 yards — averaging 14.1 yards per pass. Throw in the five touchdowns to two interceptions, and he posted a solid 84.3 quarterback rating.

A big help in opening up holes for Coles and Kiefer — and offering protection of Kong — will come from one of the most experienced squads on the team: the offensive line.

The Hornets have three starters returning to help tame opposing defensive lines in seniors Eric Seidelman and Andrew Cannon, and junior Andrew Butler.

Out wide, receivers such as senior Caleb McMillan will be looking to run circles around opposing defensive backs.

McMillan was a key playmaker for the Hornets, hauling in six touchdowns on 14 receptions for 409 yards — an average of 29.2 yard per catch. Along with his play at the receiver position, McMillan also ran seven times for 114 yards and three touchdowns.

On the opposite side of the ball, the Hornets have a few more fresh faces than the offense but is led by a returner in Evan Anderson. The senior and defensive captain anchors down the middle of the field at linebacker.

“He’s a really good player for us and is kind of our leader on defense,” Hedrick said.

Last year, Anderson was a tackling machine, as he racked up 53 total tackles — 36 assisted, 17 solo — while grabbing a pick and forcing a fumble.

Another key in the backfield will be junior safety Channing Stotts. As a sophomore, Stotts collected 28 tackles — 17 assisted, 11 solo — and grabbed an interception. 

Unlike the offensive line, the Hornets’ D-line will be breaking in a few new guys on what is probably the youngest group on the team.

Despite whatever “weaker” spots may be on this year’s squad, the overall talent is there for the Hornets.

“It’s crazy to say, but I want to try and go undefeated every year,” Hedrick said. “It’s not because I want to be undefeated so I can say we’re 10-0, it’s because I think if you’re only going to get 10 games, then you should try and win every one of them. But the bigger goal, obviously, is to win a district championship — which is going to be a big task this year.”