- November 25, 2024
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Marvin Scott runs the ball during practice. Photo by Ray Boone
Marvin Scott runs the ball during practice. Photo by Ray Boone
Quarterback Nick Christiano escapes a tackle during practice. Photo by Ray Boone
Defenders try to tackle a runner during practice. Photo by Ray Boone
Head coach Andy Price addresses his team after practice.
When Andy Price accepted the head coaching job at Spruce Creek High School, he told the athletics director that he wanted to be at the school for at least 10 years. Price is now in his sixth season as the head coach of the Hawks — the longest tenure of any coach in school history.
“It went by fast,” said Price, who has been a head coach for the past 20 years. “I don’t plan on being anywhere else. The kids here, the community, it kind of fits my personality. I’m happy to be here, and I’m proud of the program that we’ve built. I just want to keep things rolling.”
Although Price is engrained into the fabric of the Spruce Creek community, he enters the 2018 season after enduring turmoil among the coaching staff and at several key positions. Defensive coordinator D.J. Mayo accepted the head coaching job at crosstown rival Atlantic, and with him, several people on the Hawks’ coaching staff followed. In addition, linebacker Tyler Berrong, cornerback Kenshawn Butler and receiver Maximus Campbell all transferred to Atlantic.
“This is a big program here. Not to say that we can sustain a ton of losses. But there’s always going to be kids here,” Price said. “There’s always going to be kids who want to be here. It’s something you deal with. You lose kids before the season, during the season. It’s just the way it is.”
But while the Hawks lost several players to transfers, they added a key player of their own, as well.
Running back Marvin Scott, who transferred from Warner Christian, busted onto the scene when he ran for 200 yards and four touchdowns — in the first half — in Spruce Creek’s spring game against Leesburg.
Price said the Scott, a junior, could be the best running back he’s ever coached.
“That’s the honest truth,” he said. “But as far as a complete back — a guy who can catch the ball, a guy who’s just big and strong and as fast as he is — he’s got everything that you’d ever need out of that position.”
The Hawks will also boast a solid defense in 2018.
Cornerback Travon Killins — who holds offers from several Division I schools, including Iowa State, Marshall and Arkansas State (among others) — said he’s willing to do whatever it takes to have a successful senior season.
“My expectations are to put my team in the best situations as possible and to do whatever I can to help my team win,” he said.
