re: Ouachita Christian at Union Parish Thurs 10/03 on Cox Sports

Notes about the Union Parish Farmers (Courtesy of KNOE) LINK

They Move the Chains: The Farmers return six starters on offense from last year's team. Coach Joe Spatafora says senior quarterback Jamarious Williams puts the offense on his back. He passed for more than 1,000 yards, rushed for more than 300 yards, and accounted for more than 20 touchdowns last season. Williams is one of the fastest kids on the team. Junior right guard Cazavion Joiner (5'11, 305) was a first team all-state selection in 2012. Spatafora says Joiner has great feet and is the strongest kid on the team.

Blitz Patrol: Seven players are returning from the Union Parish defense last season. Senior defensive tackle Lee Hill is a "go-getter". Coach Spatafora says if you line up in front of Hill he takes it personally and finds a way to run past you. Spatafora says senior defensive end De'Angelo Gatson has a good head on his shoulders and knows how to react well. Junior defensive end Quann Qualls had 10 sacks last year and is extremely fast off the edge.

Cleats to Fill: The Famers have to replace middle linebacker Marquise Armstrong. Hector Sifuentes has to step up to that challenge, but Spatafora says Sifuentes is very smart and is always in position to make the correct plays.

Unsung Hero: Sophomore center Tyler Hollway is very important to the Farmers power running game. Coach Spatafora says Hollway is stronger and faster than he was last season. He likes that Hollway just goes out and plays football and doesn't care that he's an underclassmen.

Ace Watch: Senior linebacker and running back Ronnie Smith is the purest football player on the team. He's physically strong and extremely aggressive which is great for short yardage situations. He's capable of leading the team in tackles and rushing yards

Must-See matchup: A week 1 matchup against Homer is sure to get the Farmers fired up. Coach Spatafora says last year the Farmers were not mentally prepared to play Homer and they lost 40-20. They have to start the season off on the right foot with a win and be prepared to play.

Postseason Prospects: Last year the Farmers finished 10-3 and lost to East Feliciana in the quarterfinals. The Farmers continue to mourn the death of RB Jaleel Gipson. To honor his memory, Coach Spatafora says they are dedicating their season to him. The Farmers blew a 16 point lead in the quarterfinals so Spatafora is stressing finishing games this season with strong 4 quarters. It's been on the whiteboard since December.

Coach Talk: "I can't even explain what everybody is going through. All I know is we have to get back on the field and get busy and continue to work hard and do what we do. We'll put Jeleel Gipson number stickers on our helmets. I told the players to work ten times as hard as Jeleel but that will be hard since his motor ran at 200 percent."
— Union Parish Coach Joe Spatafora.