Preseason Blitz: Southmoore Sabercats

Southmoore has to find a way to replace Kendal Thompson at quarterback, but returns plenty of talent elsewhere in the backfield.

Thursday, August 18th 2011, 7:28 pm

By: News 9

Gerald Goodridge, News9.com

MOORE, Oklahoma -- It's safe to say that 6A District 3 is one of the most stacked in the state, with annual powers Jenks, Broken Arrow, Norman and Southmoore all in the mix for the district's playoff spots.

The Sabercats return both depth and experience to the backfield, with the two-headed monster of Andrew Long and Karltrell Henderson. In 2010, Long rushed for 1,499 yards and 18 touchdowns on 176 carries for an average of 8.5 yards per carry. Filling in due to injuries, Henderson managed 1,025 yards on 98 carries to average more than 10 yards per touch as a sophomore.

Despite Southmoore's talent at running back, the biggest struggle may come in the same backfield with the graduation of three-year letterman Kendal Thompson. Last season, Tre Edwards was called upon to fill in after Thompson missed major time due to injury. Playing in 10 games as a sophomore, Edwards passed for more than 900 yards and rushed for 465 more.

Southmoore will open the 2011 season Sept. 2 at home against the Edmond North Huskies, a playoff team from a season ago.