Published: August 29, 2007 02:15 pm         

Crescent figures to contend behind Norwood

CRESCENT — If having 11 players with starting experience on offense or defense isn’t scary enough, Crescent has another weapon to throw at District A-5 opponents.

Fullback Adrian Norwood, said veteran coach Shawn Booth, “is the best player nobody knows about.’’

Norwood, the state runner-up in powerlifting at 185 pounds, can bench press 415 pounds, squat 415 pounds and dead lift 600 pounds.

Norwood missed the first five games because of disciplinary reasons last season, “but has his act together,’’ Booth said.

He is set to take the place of all-star running back Brent Gage.

The Tigers have an explosive offense already with the return of running back Shelby Hill, who rushed for 1,429 yards and scored 24 touchdowns last season, and quarterback Tanner Lewis, who completed 48 of 101 passes for 749 yards and five touchdowns. He threw five interceptions. Lewis ran for 205 yards.

Lewis can throw to a veteran group of receivers, including senior Jeff Allen (12 catches for 159 yards), senior tight end C.J. Hanks (seven catches for 91 yards) and senior Preston Bradford. Junior Rod Toliver caught four passes for 131 yards and one touchdown and ran for another 236 yards.

Hill and Norwood will be running behind an experienced line anchored by Kyle Henderson, a 265-pound junior guard; Mark Wilson, a 255-pound center; and Blaine McPhail, a 230-pound senior guard.

Seth Hill, a 238-pound senior fullback, is back. He is the top defender returning as well. He had 89 tackles from his linebacker spot a year ago.

Senior linebacker William Wood had 54 tackles, while Shelby Hill had 46 stops and Lewis 42 from his cornerback spot. Hanks, a 6-foot-5, 270-pounder, is back at defensive end.

Crescent reached the state semifinals a year ago before falling to Velma-Alma 27-7.