With area high school football teams preparing for the 2011 season in less than three weeks, we will take a glance at some of the athletes in the county you should keep an eye on.

Explosive offenses can fill a highlight reel so here are some players, in no order, that we could see creating some hype.

Marlon Meadows, QB, Pike County
Meadows will take the reigns of a new offense under first year head coach Rodney Dollar. The senior is in a system and has the tools to have a standout season for the Bulldogs. The athletic Meadows throws a tight spiral and  makes good reads in the passing game. Dollar says Meadows has already taken the offense by the horns and has a good understanding of the team’s concept. “Marlon know what we’re trying to do,” Dollar said. “I have complete confidence in him as our quarterback.”

Quandry Greasham, WR, Pike County
One of the players who could benefit from Meadows directly is wide receiver Quandry Greasham. Greasham had a nice season a year ago and looks to build on that under Dollar’s new spread.
“Quandry is a high class athlete and is as explosive as anyone in our area,” said Dollar.

Nick McLaughlin, RB, PLAS
McLaughlin will carry the brunt of the load for the Patriots this year and will have his work cut out for him. Three of the five linemen in front of him must be replace from last year’s team. McLaughlin, however, has the athletic ability to be a one man show if needed. Pike’s receivers can take some pressure off if quarterback Josh Starling can find time to throw.

Reginald Foster, RB, Goshen
Foster will see the majority of the carries for the Eagles after splitting time with Marcus Jackson, who signed with Louisiana-Lafayette. The Eagles will again base thier offense around the running game which means it will also be based around Foster. Look for an explosive year for both Foster and the Eagles.

Jerome Lawrence, QB, Goshen
If any team in the area needs a good game manager it’s Goshen. Lawrence is just the guy for the job in Eagle country. 2011 will make Jerome’s third season as the starting quarterback and head coach Bart Snyder will lean heavily on his signal caller to manage the game. Lawrence will also have some very capable receivers to help spread the ball around an keep the bull’s eye off Foster.

Ernest Downing, RB, CHHS
Downing will be the key to the Trojans offensive success in 2011. Having lost the vast majority of last season’s offensive personnel, head coach Hugh Fountain will rebuild his offense starting with the ground game. Downing is a versatile back with both the speed and strength to lead the Trojans’ balanced attack. Although Downing has unproven tools, his work in the weight room this offseason should but him in the mix as one of the best backs in the area.

Robert Lee, WR, CHHS
Lee gives the Trojans a steady, hardworking leader with impressive skill sets. At 5-10 and 165 pounds, Lee will play mostly as a slot receiver and could turn a quick slant into a touchdown in an instant.

Mickey Cox, QB, Zion Chapel
There is a lot of talk about the Rebels football program this year and Mickey Cox is one reason why. Good summer workouts along with an improved throwing motion may help Cox catapult Zion Chapel into the playoffs. The Rebels’ team leader run the offense like a seasoned veteran and has the tools to make a play at any time.

Caleb Smith, OL, Zion Chapel
One reason for offensive optimism in Jack is a strong offensive line. Caleb Smith is the leader for the Rebels in the trenches. Standing 6-1, 235 pounds, Smith has not only gotten bigger but stronger as well. Look for Cox to scramble in Smith’s direction if he ever gets into trouble.