By RICHIE HALL
With a Division I quarterback moving in and several returning starters coming back, this could be a solid season for the Hamilton Southeastern Royals.
When Southeastern takes on Fort Wayne Carroll tonight, much of the attention will be on senior Terry Walker III, who transferred from Lawrence Central and will be the Royals’ quarterback. The three-star recruit announced his commitment to Duke University this past spring.
Southeastern coach Michael Kelly said Walker is from the district, so he is familiar with the Royals.
“He’s got tremendous arm talent, tremendous vision,” said Kelly. “He’s helping get kids on the right page. He’s been a great worker for us.”
Southeastern will have solid receivers this season, starting with senior Kendrick Pennybaker, who made 19 catches last season, including six for touchdowns. Senior Graham Toner collected 11 receptions, including one touchdown. Senior tight end Collin Walls is also back; he got varsity time in two games last year and made two catches.
Senior Corbin Mullis returns on offensive line. Junior Carter Reed was HSE’s leading rusher last season, gaining 724 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns.
Kelly said the Royals have seven returning defensive starters who played significant minutes last season. Senior Drew Babb has the most tackles of the returning players, with 65.
The seven defensive returners join the “four or five” returning offensive starts, and Kelly said that while Southeastern may have some inexperienced players in spots, they also have some players “who can come out and play well for us.”
The Royals will play Carroll in their season-opener for the second consecutive year, then travel to North Central next Friday before starting Hoosier Crossroads Conference play by hosting Avon Sept. 5.