In his three decades coaching, Lemuel Lackey has seen a shift in the way high school offenses have approached the game of football.
“Years ago, offenses were simple,” said Lackey, Fox Creek High School’s head football coach. “A quarterback didn’t have as much to do.”
But under a spread offense, it’s harder, and the quarterback is the key. Having the right one in the spot is important for the team. For Fox Creek, the right one has been senior Michael Adams.
“It’s a tribute to the work he’s put in,” said Lackey. “It’s not always easy.”
Prior to this season, Adams had taken turns at quarterback and wide receiver. But when the other quarterback suffered an injury, he was thrown into the slot.
Adams said he put in extra work over the summer to prepare for the season.
“I went to a lot of camps this summer and worked out,” he said. “I watched a lot of films.”
Out on the field, it’s paid off, he said.
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Quarterback has always drawn Adams, who started playing the sport when he was 8.
“It’s adrenaline,” he said of the rush he feels on the field. “All eyes are on you.”
The Predators are vying for a playoff spot even though they got off to a slow start this season. As of Thursday afternoon, they were 3-3.
Prior to their Sept. 10 loss to Silver Bluff 41-0, the Predators hadn’t been able to practice due to COVID-19.
“We were on a two-week shutdown,” Lackey said.
They’ve seen improvement in recent weeks.
One memorable play for Adams came in a 42-13 loss to Gilbert on Oct.8.
“It was 0-0, and we were on our 10. I ran 89 yards for a touchdown,” he said. “You could hear the crowd roar. It gives me chills to think about.”
The Predators wrap up the regular season Oct. 29 at home against rival Strom Thurmond.
After football season, Adams will take some time before preparing for baseball. He plays centerfield on the team.
Besides playing the two sports at Fox Creek, he’s part of the Interact Club.
Adams is looking ahead to college. He received an offer from a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes’ college in Kansas, but he turned it down because it’s too far from home. He’s eyeing Newberry College and recently visited.
Adams said he hasn’t decided on a major yet.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the features editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
