Published: August 29, 2007 02:15 pm         

Talented group of players gives Smith high hopes

COVINGTON — Covington-Douglas coach Brian Smith has reason to be optimistic as the Wildcats go for their third straight District C-3 championship.

Covington-Douglas returns five starters, including senior quarterback-safety Ryan Donaldson, senior tailback-defensive back Jason Jetton, senior guard-defensive end Brandon Schram, junior fullback-linebacker Joseph Morrison and senior linebacker Zack Wilson.

“Donaldson and Jetton provide a good set to build around,’’ said Smith. “We have several key contributors back from the offensive backfield, offensive line and defensive line.’’

Donaldson, in his first season as the starting quarterback last year, completed 116 of 207 passes for 1,861 yards and 23 touchdowns.

Jetton rushed for 879 yards and had another 439 in receptions. He scored 17 touchdowns.

Morrison rushed for 548 yards and scored seven touchdowns. He was in on 42 tackles.

Schram is the team’s leading returning tackler with 108 stops, 14 of which were for losses. He was credited with 11 quarterback sacks.

Wilson had 60 tackles.

The Wildcats were able to substitute early and often during a 10-2 season, allowing backups to get valuable playing time.

Among the lettermen back are senior split end Daniel Faubion, who caught 13 passes for 112 yards and four touchdowns; junior fullback-linebacker Luke Postier, who rushed for 71 yards and scored twice; and junior tight end-defensive end Nick Phillips, who had 37 tackles and seven quarterback sacks,

Other lettermen back are Jeran Jones, a 245-pound senior lineman; Earl Murphy, a 200-pound junior lineman; Garrett Cassody, a 170-pound senior tailback-linebacker; Skylar Rink, a 225-pound senior lineman; Kyle Rogers, a 175-pound junior split end-defensive back; Mike Vargas, a 230-pound junior lineman; and Westin Finke, a 330-pound junior defensive lineman.

The Wildcats, while not suffering heavy graduation losses, did lose some quality.

Ends Devin Hudson and Kevin Everley were two of the area’s best. Clint Wicker, who started 36 games at guard and outside linebacker, graduated. All three, Smith said, were solid leaders.

The Wildcats beat previously undefeated Ringwood 22-14 for the district title on Oct. 26. The title could be decided again when the two teams meet in Covington Oct. 25.

Covington-Douglas’ lone regular-season loss came at Deer Creek-Lamont 16-12 the seventh week of the season. That broke a 16-game winning streak. Covington-Douglas will host the Eagles Oct. 12.

Grandfield upset the Wildcats 28-26 in the second round of the playoffs.

The Wildcats are seeking their fourth straight playoff appearance.