Rebel starters spring back from injuries, ready to go
The West Monroe football team begins the 2015 season with optimism. A Class 5A semifinalist a year ago, the Rebels return starters at several key positions, but coach Jerry Arledge is most excited to have a group of veterans return to the field healthy after missing the majority of last season due to injury.
“The best thing for us is having several guys back out there who didn’t get to play for us last season,” Arledge said. “He (Jon Randall Belton) is a proven leader for us and we are certainly happy to have him back out there with us. Layton Garnett (moving from linebacker to defensive end) and Chartarius Terry (offensive line), Daryl Shields (wide receiver) and Chandler McKane (defensive end) are back with us.”
West Monroe has some question marks such as several starters returning from injuries and a young offensive line that must find its way in a hurry.
“(Offensive line) is young but smart and they have great intensity,” senior quarterback Belton said. “Once they get some Friday night experience, they will get the hang of it.”
Arledge feels good about the Rebel offense’s ability to throw the football as well with the return of what the squad hopes is a healthy Belton. Belton is coming off season-ending knee surgery in both 2013 and 2014. Aside from his athletic ability, Belton brings a leadership quality that the Rebels hope takes them to the next level.
Arledge said Garnett is excited to try things at defensive end where he projects at the college level. McCain was battling for a starting defensive end position before injury.
Returning sophomore linebacker John Bailey Gullatt turned some heads at summer camps and is expected to play a larger role in 2015.
On offense, West Monroe returns the two quarterbacks who filled in after the injury to Belton, junior Robert Scott Foust and sophomore Slade Bolden. Junior running back Trey Coleman returns after a breakout campaign in 2014. West Monroe utilizes the fullback in the triple option, a position many football teams have de-emphasized in recent years. The team has a luxury of knowing exactly who will contribute at fullback before the season starts instead of sorting through things in the early part of fall camp.
De’Michael Shelbon and Charlie Harvin return to share the fullback position.
“It is great,” offensive coordinator Glen Hunt said of having a lot of experience at fullback. “We know going in who we have and that those guys are going to be physical for us.”
Bolden has opened fall camp playing several positions including wide receiver, quarterback, running back punt return and kickoff return.
Connect with Cody on Twitter @cfutrellTNS or via e-mail cfutrell@thenewsstar.com
Getting To Know
Jon Randall Belton, Senior, QB
Q: What do you feel like you have improved on this most this summer?
A: Building a hard work ethic and my throwing accuracy.
Q: What Schools are you hearing from the most?
A: UCLA, Mississippi State, Arizona State, Texas Christian, Utah.
Q: What is the top factor in choosing a college program?
A: A school I can fit in.
Q: What do you plan to major in?
A: Business
Team Info
Coach: Jerry Arledge
2014 Record: 11-3
2014 Playoffs: Class 5A semi-finals
Playoff Streak: 22 seasons
Plays at: Don Shows Field at Rebel Stadium
School Phone: 318-323-3771
Tickets: $6
Radio: KLIP 105.3 FM