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football night in charlotteBerry CardinalsThe Cardinals are looking to “shockthe world” this season. A good placeto start would be surpassing theirtwo-win total from 2007.Second-year Berry head coachAndrew Howard has gotten theincreased player participation he needsto make strides this season, eventhough the team graduated almost halfits players from last year.OFFENSEThe Cardinals will have some continuityas they employ the same Spreadand Pro-Set offensive, which shouldhelp ease the loss of 22 seniors.At quarterback, Howard is lookingfor a few young men to step up andgrasp the offense. Former linebackerQuincy Ekechuk is only a sophomoreand hasn’t played quarterback, buthe’s competing for the starting job thisyear. Ekechuk will be pushed by fellowsophomore Kenny Patterson.Senior James Hicks returns atrunning back, but he has somecompetition in last year’s juniorvarsity standout Gavin Gordon, whohas shown Howard he’s worthy ofgetting carries. But Hicks and Gordonwill only be as effective as their lineBerry looks to make strides in 2008.Wade Nash/CW photoallows. Marcus Medley, Derrick Keyand Marcus Harris all return, butHoward will need some former JVplayers to step in and provide muchneededdepth up front.Senior Lemar Richardson andsophomore Elijah Williams will bethe featured receivers in Howard’sSpread attack, with Hicks and Gordonproviding options if moved out wide.The starting tight end job still is up forgrabs, but Brian Mays has looked goodduring spring and summer workouts.DEFENSEThe Cardinals will use a basic 4-3defense this season, and Howardsaid he wants his team to stick to thebasics. As a former linebacker in theCanadian Football League, the coachknows what he’s looking for.The defensive front will be anchoredby Sherrod Long, who can double asa linebacker. Expect to see Mays, Key,Harris and Medley on the line as well.Sophomore Donovan Clinton isexpected to make an impact at linebackerand should be able to movearound to all three positions. He willbe joined by Elijah Richardson at theposition, but Howard is looking forone more player to fill the unit.The secondary will be led by sophomorecornerback Major Miller andsafety Hicks. Howard should haveno problem inserting speed into thedefense and was expected to moveplayers around before the end ofpreseason camp to find the rightcombination.SPECIAL TEAMSHicks will return to provide the legin the kicking game – if Howard can’tfind someone else to handle the duties,that is. Gordon will have the responsibilityof providing good field positionas the team’s main kick returner.— Aaron GarciaFAST FACTSHead coach: Andrew Howard,second season, (2-9)Returning starters:Offense, 4; defense, 4Conference: Queen City 3A/4A2007 Record: 2-9, 2-42008 SCHEDULEAug. 22 ..........at North MecklenburgAug. 29............................HopewellSept. 5.......................Mallard CreekSept. 12 ..............................at ButlerSept. 19 ...................... Davie CountyOct. 3 .............. at West MecklenburgOct. 10 ...........................GarringerOct. 17 ..........................at WaddellOct. 24.................Harding UniversityOct. 31...........................at OlympicNov. 7 ..................Charlotte CatholicCENTRAL PIEDMONT COMMUNITY COLLEGEGet readyfor your future!Central Piedmont Community College is a great firstchoice! You save money when you earn college creditsand complete general course requirements at CPCC.You’ll enjoy small class sizes, state-of-the-art classroomtechnology, and quality instructors who care.CPCC serves more than 70,000 people with over100 innovative and effective degree, diploma andcertificate programs including corporate andcontinuing education.Wherever you’re going, CPCC helps youGet There.www.cpcc.edu704.330.CPCC6 Fall 2008 • Charlotte Weekly www.thecharlotteweekly.com