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(Statistical Information Courtesy of Professor Briggs' archives)

FARRELL STEELERS 2021 FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

Head Coach: Anthony Pegues, 3rd year (18-5)
Last Year: 5-3 overall, advanced to District 10 Class 2A title game.

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FARRELL -- If anyone questioned the Farrell High School football team's goals for the 2021 season, head coach Amp Pegues will quickly remind you of the expectations in Mercer County's "City of Champions."

"The expectation around here is the same," Pegues said. "We want to win the region, we want to win the district and then go to states and win a state title. That's not going to change. That's what our goal is this year."

It's a list of goals that Farrell successfully completed in 2018 and 2019. Last season, Farrell's hopes for a third straight state title ended with a 19-14 loss at state runner-up Wilmington in the District 10 Class 2A title game.

"This year's senior class never lost a playoff game until last year," Pegues said. "Losing to Wilmington left a very bitter taste in their mouths. These guys won back-to-back state titles as freshmen and sophomores. They weren't used to losing and that really motivated them this offseason. They worked extremely hard."

Farrell returns eight defensive starters, seven offensive starters and several other experienced veterans with starting experience on its 45-player roster.

"We have a lot of experience," Pegues said. "Some guys on defense are going to be four-year starters and we have a lot of three-year starters. We're probably a little further ahead of some teams because of the experience factor."

Having one of the state's top returning running backs also will potentially put Farrell ahead of some teams as All-State performer Anthony Stallworth returns for his senior season. Stallworth ran for 1,158 yards and 19 touchdowns in eight games last season. He highlighted his season with a 245-yard effort in Farrell's 30-10 win at Northwestern in the District 10 semifinals.

The 6-foot, 205-pound Stallworth has rushed for 3,051 yards and 36 touchdowns in his career. According to Pegues, a number of Big 10 schools are interested in Stallworth.

"Stallworth is Stallworth," Pegues said. "He's gotten bigger, stronger and faster. He looks very scary in practice."

Stallworth's primary lead blocker, senior fullback Taidon Strickland, also returns. Senior Anthony D. Jackson, sophomore Brandon Chambers and junior Kylon Wilson are also expected to get carries. Jackson ran for 266 yards in 2019, averaging over 13 yards per carry. Chambers ran for 164 yards last season while Wilson carried the ball 14 times for 75 yards. He also caught 13 passes at wide receiver.

"Wilson is definitely the fastest kid on the team," Pegues said. "We have a lot of skill and a lot of speed in the backfield."

Senior Omar Stewart, Jr., returns at wide receiver after catching 13 passes last season. "He had a really good offseason," Pegues said. "He's a very good athlete and can run routes. He's going to have a big year."

Wilson will join Stewart as a starting receiver. Newcomer Dwight Allen and junior Sihe Keller are battling for the third wide receiver spot. Junior Malachi Owens, an All-Region honoree last season at Kennedy Catholic, will likely see time at receiver and tight end.

Several veterans return on the offensive line, including junior tackle Anthony "Yummy" Jackson and senior Jaiman Holden. Pegues noted that Holden can play center, guard or tackle if needed.

Senior Preston Williams returns at left guard and sophomore Malikye Green has the inside track at right guard. Anthony Phillips and sophomore Jakai Burris are battling for the center spot. Junior Malachi Shephard has also worked his way into the competition on the offensive line.

While Farrell has certainty at most of its offensive positions, the quarterback spot remains a three-player derby. Senior Trian Holden, junior Lamont Samuels and sophomore Kabron Smith are competing for the starting assignment behind center.

Holden served as the backup quarterback last season, completing 18 of 26 passes for 302 yards and three touchdowns. Samuels started at cornerback while Smith saw duty as a reserve.

"We're letting the guys battle it out," Pegues said. "They're definitely all different. Trian has a big arm. Kabron Smith is very accurate and Lamont is a real good athlete. We're trying to see who best fits what we're trying to do on offense."

Defensively, Farrell's 4-3 unit will be led by its veteran linebacker group. Anthony D. Jackson enters his fourth year as a starter at outside linebacker while All-State selection Strickland returns at middle linebacker. Stewart will man the other linebacker spot. Senior Allen Michael Jackson, junior Zaire Thomas and junior Tahjmere Gibson are also battling to break into the lineup.

"It's a very experienced group," Pegues said. "It's probably our best group on the defensive side of the ball."

A combined 650 pounds, Williams and Jaiman Holden return at the defensive tackle spots. Juniors Kien Wade and Jaesean Boatwright return at end after playing extensively. Owens will also look to start at defensive end.

"(Wade and Boatwright) were sophomores last year and took some lumps," Pegues said. "But they definitely made strides in the offseason."

Samuels and Wilson return at cornerback while Chambers will take over at free safety. Junior Zion Scarbrough is also in the secondary mix, according to Pegues.

Samuels and Burris are competing for kicking and punting duties.

Farrell is considered to be the favorite in Region 1 by media and coaches in the area. While the Steelers have expectations, Pegues knows that his team will get every opponent's best shot on a weekly basis in league play.

"Wilmington is a great program. Coach (Brandon) Phillian has those guys playing great there. A lot of the other programs (in the region) are getting better every year," Pegues said. "It's not going to be a cake walk."