I can’t believe it’s here! Arizona high school spring ball has arrived. It feels so good to be back out and about. The pandemic shut everything down last year, so there is a super special appreciation for being out at schools lately.
I have been going on a tour around spring football practices, and my first stop was to see the Williams Field Black Hawks. Thanks to Coach Campbell for letting me come out and get eyes on this year’s team!
The Black Hawks were 5-3 last season after winning the 5A State Champion in 2019. There’s a lot of hope and good vibes around this team right now. While at the practice, I noticed the energy and how much fun the players were having. It was nice to see them laughing and joking with each other between drills. During drills, it was all business, of course.
When the 2021 season kicks off, it will be all eyes on Junior quarterback C.J. Tiller.
Tiller went 90/154 last season with 9 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. He looked great in practice- cool, calm, and accurate. His confidence seems to be high and where it should be. His main target will be the dynamic, long receiver Junior, 4-star Kyler Casper. Casper suffered a collar bone injury, but from the looks of it, I’d never notice. He was catching everything coming his way; his footwork looked great, and his energy was contagious to the other receivers. That duo is going to be fun to watch.
In the backfield, some names to keep an on out for are Junior Josh Dye and Senior Aziya Jamison. The heavy lifter of the group will be Senior running back Kaden Cloud. Cloud ran for 618 yards with 6 touchdowns last season. I expect a big year from the senior back.
Williams Field’s running game is going to be dangerous.
For the offensive line, the guys that will be protecting Tiller and keeping him upright, keep your eyes out for Raymond Mortenson and Tyler Fentress.
The offensive line holds the keys to the success of next season.. creating the gaps so Cloud can take off and allowing Tiller to get the job done.
Big things happening in Gilbert. Excited to see the Black Hawks in action!
