Middle Creek preview

Middle Creek Mustangs:

Last year: 6-7 (4-3). Lost to Southeast Raleigh 47-17 in the second round of the 4-A playoffs.

All-Conference players graduated: WR Tre' Nesbitt

All-Conference players returning: QB Garrett Leatham, RB Stephen Sladek, DL Al Reams, LB Matt Laxton, DB Garrett Rider

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Middle Creek appears stacked this season, returning a number of All-Conference selections at multiple positions while bringing in the league's best junior varsity from a year ago.

It all starts with junior quarterback Garrett Leatham (2,248 yards, 52% completion rate and 16 TD's. Leatham grew more comfortable with the Mustangs' spread offense each week and should be ready to lead his team to bigger and better things this year.

At about 6'4, Leatham is the prototypical pocket-style quarterback with a strong arm and athleticism.

Moving up from the JV team will be sophomore Jon Moore, who was a feared playmaker on last year's junior varsity. Several league coaches and players tabbed Moore as a player to watch this year, and he will likely be the team's top receiver after a few key seniors have moved on.

Rounding out the offensive trio will be running back Stephen Sladek, who was underappreciated in the conference ranks thanks to the likes of Apex graduate Kevin Fogg and Fuquay phenom Cory Hunter. Sladek ran for 853 yards, had 220 more yards receiving and scored 10 touchdowns.

If the offensive line holds, even somewhat, the Leatham-Sladek-Moore triumvirate can be this year's Hawley-Fogg-Fronk (see Apex, 2008 season).

On defense, the Mustangs should be especially strong, returning a number of starters, including three All-Conference selections. Senior Al Reams is a rock up front, and linebacker Matt Laxton has good instincts and is in on seemingly every other tackle.

Middle Creek will also be a team you don't want to throw on. It's hard to say which corner is better, but one thing's for sure — throwing on either Garrett Rider or Jordan Mays will be a tough task for any team this year.

The Mustangs should also be decent in the kicking game, where Matt Frongello returns.

In all, the Mustangs may have the most well-rounded team in the area. There is no real weakness thanks to a slew of JV stars ready to make their mark on the varsity level. Middle Creek will be a player in the conference race, but must be able to win the "toss-up" games and not slip up against others (which has been a problem in years past) if it wants to lock up their second title in three years (tied for first in 2007).

Middle Creek's schedule: