Alton inexperienced, but looks to improve

By David Wilhelm

Updated August 24, 2016 1:17 PM

Eric Dickerson wasn’t entirely dissatisfied with his first season as Alton’s coach.

“I don’t think our record (1-8) was quite indicative of the way the kids played,” Dickerson said. “We talked about going out and competing hard and never giving up. Now we’ve got that going. The kids understand our expectations as a staff and what I expect.”

Typically, the second year goes better, but Dickerson has targeted areas in which the Redbirds must improve if they have designs on moving up in the Southwestern Conference.

“Defensively, we have to stop people. We did not do that last year,” said Dickerson, whose team allowed 350 points. “We gave up a ton of points, and offensively, we didn’t score many points (119). We averaged 12, 14 points a game, and that’s not going to get it done.”

Offense

The Redbirds will rely on juniors and sophomores, but do have some experienced linemen in senior center Cody Markle and senior tackle Ben Rakoski. Sophomores Donovan Porter and Michael Green are fighting for playing time on the left side of line.

Defensively, we have to stop people. We did not do that last year. We gave up a ton of points, and offensively, we didn’t score many points (119). We averaged 12, 14 points a game, and that’s not going to get it done.

Eric Dickerson

Alton head football coach

Junior quarterbacks Dyllon Proudie and Taylor Price were competing for the No. 1 job, and both could wind up seeing plenty of time at the position.

“Right now, it’s a coin flip,” Dickerson said on who he plans to start. “There’s strengths and weaknesses to both of them. We’ll see who wants to jump out ahead of the other. It may go week to week.”

Junior Jonathan Bumbers and junior Kevin Caldwell Jr. will be at receiver. Bumbers caught seven passes for 110 yards last season. Juniors Darrell Smith and Kiondray Samelton will lead a new-look backfield that also will include sophomore Izeal Terrell.

“We want to establish the run,” Dickerson said. “We’ve got some big guys up front. They’ve been busting their tails this summer and I hope we can rely on them to lead the way for us.”

Defense

The Redbirds will use many of their offensive players on defense.

Caldwell will be in the secondary, while Bumbers, Terrell, Samelton and Smith will be among the linebackers. Markle, Rakoski, Porter and Green will be on the line.

“Last year, our defense was not where I expected it to be,” said Dickerson, whose team graduated about 25 seniors. “The defense, to me, has a lot to prove this year. We’ve got to stop some guys and get the ball back for our offense.

“There’s definitely been a different mindset from the way they were playing last year compared to the way they’re going in camp now. They’re flying around and getting to the ball, which is what we need.”

Southwestern Conference

ALTON: Redbirds young, but looking to improve

BELLEVILLE EAST: Young Lancers looking to grow under Stephens

BELLEVILLE WEST: Maroons celebrating football centennial

COLLINSVILLE: Kahoks trying to take the next step

EAST ST. LOUIS: Flyers look forward from strike-shortened season

GRANITE CITY: Warriors looking for improvement

EDWARDSVILLE: Tigers, Epenesa ready for state run

O’FALLON: Panthers return plenty of depth, fire power

Cahokia Conference (Mississippi Division)

CARLYLE: Good depth of talent for Class 2A

CENTRAL: Cougars are primed to take a step up