Teams on the rise in Tar Roanoke Conference

Although Southeast Halifax had the best overall record among Tar Roanoke teams last season, they finished third in the conference to Louisburg and Granville Central.

With eight starters back on defense and the reigning conference player of the year on offense, the Trojans have the weapons to compete again.

Jaquez McDaniel ran for 2,114 yards and 27 touchdowns last season as a junior on his way to player of the year honors, and he has more than 4,600 total career yards. Standing in his way, the Louisburg Warriors return all five offensive linemen from last year’s strong Wing-T offense than went 8-3 in the regular season and won the conference.

Granville Central finished second in the conference in 2013 and the Panthers also return some key pieces, including quarterback Jeremy Parker, who is getting ready to begin his third year as a starter.

Parker is a rising junior who has started every game of his high school career and led all of 1-A football in completions, yards and touchdowns last season.

Parker loses many of his graduated receivers, but will still have Naize Young, who had four touchdowns last year. Logan Hill is back with the team after missing his entire junior year with an injury suffered in a scrimmage. He started as a sophomore and will bring experience to the young offense.

Weldon, Northwest Halifax and Kipp-Pride are the remaining three teams trying to climb the conference ranks in 2014.