Andrews Spring Drills Look to Fill Holes From Graduates

By Neill Kirkpatrick

Special to the HSSR

Andrews – The Andrews Yellowjackets have become a play-off fixture in Class AA since head coach Scott Durham and his staff took over the reins of the program so when spring practice rolls around they are plugging in new players that have been waiting to get their chance on the gridiron for the Yellowjackets.

Coach Durham said, “We approach spring the same every year by installing our base offense and defense and finding out what kind of toughness our newcomers bring to the table.”

”We feel good about this group if we can get a few young players to step up and play well. We have a very difficult schedule, so staying healthy will be the key. We should be pretty deep on the OL and DL. Hopefully, those guys stay healthy and have a great year because we have guys behind them that can make plays,” coach continued.

The O-line returns four starters and are led by returning All State junior center Da’Viyon McNair. He is joined by senior right tackle Jacolby Sanders, junior right guard Riley Jordan and juniors Connor Morris and Madison Smith. Morris and Smith played left tackle last season and one will move to left guard. Last season the O-line paved the way for over 4000 yards of total offense.

The D-line is led by two college prospects in senior Khalil Dorsey and junior Chris Stewart. Dorsey was named to the Class AA All State team last year as a tight end while Stewart earned All Region honors for the second straight year.

While the Yellowjackets are solid on both lines the real key to their season will be seniors, quarterback Barndon Cumbee and tailback AJ Lee. Cumbee was named to the AA All State team for a second consecutive year but this time it was as an Athlete after making the team as a defensive back in 2022. He had over 1600 yards of total offense last season and is one of the top dual threat quarterbacks in the state.

Lee led the team in rushing with over 1200 yards and in scoring with 16 touchdowns after taking over for injured All State and North/South All Star Lavon White. Lee has the strength to move the pile inside but can also score from anywhere on the field. He was named honorable mention All-State last season.

“Those guys will be the focus of our offense. We have to make sure the ball ends up in their hands as much as possible, “ said coach.

During spring ball, the Yellowjackets saw sophomore Colby Marlowe and senior Maddux Cooper step up at receiver and in the defensive backfield, Maddox is back after missing last season.