Football 2014: Explosive offense looking to lead Mill Creek back to state

HOCHSTON -- Mill Creek in 2013 was probably the best team in the state in any classification not to make the state playoffs. <br /> <br /> Coach Shannon Jarvis and the Hawks are hoping they can turn that around in 2014. <br /> <br /> Mill Creek returns seven starters to an offense that led Class AAAAAA in scoring (40.3 points per game) including senior QB Daniel David and three solid solid targets in tight end Jacob Lund and senior receivers David Curry and Joseph Hull. They also return four linemen up front, all seniors, in Kaleb Kim (an Auburn commit), Josh Fannin, Chad Walker, and Bobby Klemm. <br /> <br /> Senior Jonathan Hawkins also returns to anchor the backfield.<br /> <br /> "We will have to rely on a strong, power running game out of the pistol formation. That will be the key to our success in the tough Region 7-AAAAAA," Jarvis said.<br /> <br /> Defensively, the Hawks are loaded with senior experience. Seniors Zac Turner (DB), Chris Dickhute (Safety, second leading tackler in 2013), Kijhani Sebastien (DB), and Gerard Bulter (DB) return to give them a hard-hitting secondary. <br /> <br /> Seniors Semaj Starling, Tylon Craighead and junior Tyler Vernon anchor what should be a solid line. Seniors Tyler Voyles and Hawkins and juniors Sidney Otiwu and Aaron Anderson will anchor the linebackers.<br /> <br /> The Hawks will open the season in the Corky Kell Classic against Colquitt County and could find out quickly if they are a team that can challenge for a state title. However, they also need a quick start in 7-AAAAAA to help clear a path for a brutal finish to the regular season.<br /> <br /> Mill Creek begins region play with three of its first four games against losing teams with a crucial game against North Gwinnett at home sandwiched in between. The Hawks will need all the wins they can get early. <br /> <br /> They close out the regular season with road games at defending state champ Norcross and Peachtree Ridge.