Brunetti to show versatility

By Billy Tucker
Scouts Inc.

We expect a great matchup and a potentially high-scoring contest when two of the better high school programs from the Southeast square off in a highly anticipated interstate contest Friday night. Last season head coach Lance Pogue’s South Panola squad went 14-1 and fell just short of attaining back-to-back Mississippi state championships. The Tigers have a well-balanced attack and are off to an explosive 2-0 start in 2009. The Tigers will play host to one of the Volunteer State’s top programs in Memphis University.

Led by head coach Bobby Alston, the defending state champion Owls return a nucleus of offensive starters including four-star signal-caller Barry Brunetti, one of the better dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. Memphis University is also off to a 2-0 start and is averaging more than 30 points a game. Both programs’ defenses have been very stout as well.

Something should give in Mississippi on Friday night. South Panola has a very deep and explosive roster that could wear Memphis down as the game endures. Brunetti & Co. might need to play a perfect game to pull off a victory.

Key matchup: Brunetti versus South Panola’s D-line

Brunetti is an extremely athletic, multi-faceted quarterback who can hurt the opposition on the ground or in the air. Memphis’ balanced attack is very difficult to game-plan against for opposing defensive coordinators. While some teams might look to shadow Brunetti defensively, look for South Panola to get an upfield push and movement along its disruptive defensive front to impede the timing of Memphis’ zone-read offense. The Tigers also will try to contain Brunetti on the outside with their perimeter speed. Not an easy task. He’s very quick and explosive on the ground with decisive reads and great burst out of his initial cuts. Expect South Panola’s defensive ends to try to apply vertical pressure on the efficient passer without overrunning the pocket and creating seams for Brunetti to exploit with his legs. Explosive South Panola defensive end Devin Clark (Batesville, Miss./South Panola) and the Tigers’ overall defensive speed could be the key to slowing Brunetti down.

Players to watch

Memphis University

Barry Brunetti QB, 6 feet, 205 pounds
College: West Virginia

Brunetti accounted for more than 35 touchdowns last season, and his dual-threat skill set (1,251 yards passing, 704 rushing in 2008) is an ideal fit for what Memphis does offensively in its shotgun spread offense. He has the all the attributes coach Bill Stewart seeks in his similar zone-read scheme run in Morgantown. Brunetti is very athletic and elusive on the ground and an underrated passer. He has a quick, fluid delivery, is accurate underneath and can apply zip with deceptive arm strength when needed.

Keith McBride RB, 6-0, 206
College: Undecided

The No. 2-rated back out of Tennessee this year might also be the state’s most underrated runner, with no BCS offers to date. Memphis fans are hoping to see McBride’s good blend of size, speed and power Friday night, but the strong downhill runner has been hampered by a shoulder injury. The two-star prospect is not dominant in one particular area but a well-rounded back and valuable component of Memphis’ offense, especially if South Panola focuses on taking away Brunetti on the zone-read keeper.

Stephond Allmond, athlete, 5-9, 160
College: Undecided

A nice complement to McBride, Allmond has the foot quickness and hips to make defenders miss in space. He can also lower his shoulder and break first contact with deceptive strength. The multifaceted weapon for Memphis can line up in the slot as well and make plays with his polished receiving skills. Allmond is also a steady defensive back and will most likely get recruited as an athlete. He could see his carries increase if McBride can’t go Friday night.

South Panola

Nicholas Parker, RB, 6-1, 215
College: Undecided

Expect the Tigers to ride Parker’s strong legs and keep the ball out the hands of Memphis’ game-breaking quarterback. Currently the top-rated back out of Mississippi, Parker is a powerful between-the-tackles runner who can get the tough yards and carry the load. We expect South Panola to try to wear down Memphis’ defense behind the legs of this downhill grinder who seemingly gets stronger with more carries. The three-star back is averaging 100 yards per game on the ground.

Devin Clark DT, 6-2, 255
College: Undecided

As we have mentioned, Clark is an explosive defensive lineman and also very versatile as he could line up anywhere along the defensive front and dominate at the high school level. A ‘tweener, this three-star prospect lacks ideal measurables for defensive end or defensive tackle when projecting for the next level, but we feel he will add significant bulk, retain his good first-step quickness and develop into a disruptive interior college lineman.

Billy Tucker is a recruiting coordinator for Scouts Inc. and has close to a decade of coaching experience at the college and high school level.

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