Celeste--The Blue Devils welcome a new coach this season, but, unfortunately, only one starter from last year is on hand to welcome him.

David Henning makes his debut this fall at Celeste after serving on the Dallas Burleson coaching staff, and he steps into a situation that looks anything but promising.

WHOLE NEW TEAM

Hennig and assistant coach, Jerry Smalley, are faced with the task of rebuilding the whole team. A grand total of two lettermen are returning.

Despite all of this, however, Hennig is optimistic; he says the team has been looking excellent in practice, and that he has found little to disappoint him.

Hennig is enthusiastic about his quarterback, 6'3" two hundred pound senior Franky Craver. Craver suffered a broken arm last season and missed two district games, but has is back and running at full steam this year. Craver is a good passer and an excellent runner, and he's taking a bead on All-District in 1969. Hennig reports that several college scouts have already expressed interest in Craver.

Holding down the fullback slot is 135-pounder Doug Henry. A real speedster, Henry is a regional high jump champ.

Kenneth Finley, a 175-pound junior, has the wingback sewed up, but a fight is on for the starting nod at tailback. Bobby Walker, a 185-freshman, and junior, Willie Nelson, are given the best chances at getting the starting role.

Blue Devil tackles are a study in contrasts. On one side of the line is 6'4" two-hundred twenty pound senior Joe Ervin. Ervin, a transfer from Blue Ridge, is expected to be a real bright spot in the interior line. Slated to start at the other tackle is 145-pound senior Randy Gay, although freshman Thomas King has been looking good in preseason drills.

Both guard positions are in good hands. Johnny Horton is a 180-pound senior who was a second team All-District selection last season and 170-pound freshman Roy Hall holds forth at the other guard.

Bob Daniels, a 140-pound junior, will be centering the ball for the Blue Devils.

The ends are young and somewhat inexperienced. Russell Compton, a 145-pound sophomore, will start at one side of the line and 175-pound freshman, Eugene Rhoden, will line up at the other end.

WIDE OPEN

Hennig has installed a pro-set offense this year, and Celeste will feature a wide open attack. Craver's strong right arm will spearhead the passing game, which Hennig is counting on to carry the team.

Speed will be the keynote, as Hennig has a flock of quick backs and receivers. The offense will be young and inexperienced, but at the same time, they will be able to score from any place on the field.

The defense has also been looking good in practice. Walker is a speedster at cornerback. Henry has been looking good at safety, and Horton has been showing a lot of promise at noseguard.

The team will be smaller than last year, but it will also be quicker. Depth may be something of a problem, but personnel is adequate.

Allen and Anna look strong, but the Blue Devils don't play them until the last two games of the season, and by that time, Celeste will have come a long way from the beginning of the year.

Celeste Blue Devils

09 - 12, Como - Picton (T)
09 - 19, Leonard (H)
09 - 26, Fannindel (H)
10 - 03, H Grove JV (H)
10 - 10, Prosper (T)
10 - 17, Open
10 - 24, Princeton (H)
10 - 31, Howe (T)
11 - 07, Quinlan (T)
11 - 14, Allen (H)
11 - 21, Anna (H)

(September 12, 1969, The Greenville Herald Banner)