Langley leads Longhorns

The Kell Longhorns finished 2011 with a 9-3 record after falling in the second round of the playoffs to Lovejoy. The Longhorns look like a potential contender for a state title in 2012, but they will first concentrate on winning a region title.

The Longhorns should like their chances to win the region title in 2012. Out of the 11 teams in Region 7-AAAA, Pope is the only other team that had a winning record (10-2) in 2011. Kell has owned this east Cobb matchup, winning the last seven against the Greyhounds.

The Longhorns start their 2012 season in the Georgia Dome with an early and unusual 9 a.m. kickoff time against the Chattahoochee Cougars in the Corky Kell Classic. For the third straight season the Longhorns are kicking off their season in the Dome before noon. In 2011 the Longhorns had an 11 a.m. kickoff against Grayson as the Longhorns fell short in a 7-0 contest.

Chattahoochee, winners of the 2010 class AAAA state title, was also knocked out in the second round of last year’s state playoffs. This will be Chattahoochee’s first time playing in the Corky Kell Classic.

“I think that it will definitely help us,” said Kell wide receivers coach Jonathan Gordon. “Our kids are going to be used to the routine of an early game and staying in a hotel because of our game last year, where (the Cougars) are going to have to adjust for the first time.”

Before the Longhorns meet Chattahoochee, they still have to make a decision on the three QBs who are fighting for the starting job this year. The Longhorns have until the end of two-a-days and a scrimmage with Marietta the weekend before the Chattahoochee game to get the new starting quarterback ready for 2012.

Kell plans to use starting defensive back Brendan Langley to fill in for Hunter Marshall and Devon Williams, standouts a year ago who both graduated. Filling those shoes may be difficult, according to Gordon.

“Those two were cornerstones at receiver for Longhorns last season,” said Gordon.

Kell will rely heavily on the playmaking ability of Langley this season in all three phases of the game.

“He played both sides of the ball for us last year and he is that rare type that can play all 48 minutes of the game too,” said coach Gordon. “He is the type of player that can score any time he has the ball in his hands. He can take reverses out of the receiver position and run the ball, he can catch extremely well, and can has a tremendous arm and can throw on the run.” Langley threw a 70-yard touchdown pass last year against Etowah.

Langley’s college decision has been put on hold, although the four-star recruit is certain he will be going somewhere in the SEC next year. Alabama and Georgia have been rumored to be Langley’s top two choices as of now. Alabama hopes to exploit Langley’s skills at defensive back. The University of Georgia is telling Langley that Bulldog coaches would enjoy using him on both sides of the ball like they did with Brandon Boykin. Kell definitely plans on unleashing the full arsenal of Langley in 2012.

Defensive back Quincy Mauger will also take reps at wideout next season, and Julian Burris, who played in the slot for the Longhorns in 2011, will likely be moved out wide as the X receiver, where he will be made into a bigger target in the offense.

Head coach Derek Cook is entering his fifth season at Kell. He led the Longhorns to the best record in team history in 2010 at 12-1. Cook’s squads have made it to the round of 16 in their last two postseasons.