SMALL BLUE JAYS GET FITTED FOR 2A

Because of a distinct lack of size, Charleston coach Dan Kesselring figures this is the perfect time for the Blue Jays to move down a classification.

Charleston has been competing on the Class 3A level for quite a while but, because of a drop in enrollment, for at least the next two seasons the Blue Jays will be participating in Class 2A.

Not that Kesselring believes things will be easy in 2A, but since the Blue Jays will be extremely small this season, he figures they'll at least match up better physically in the smaller class.

"I think it (the move down) couldn't have happened at a better time, mainly because of the size factor," said Kesselring. "We're going to be extremely small, with our biggest offensive lineman about 180 pounds. So we should be able to match up better in 2A than 3A."

The Blue Jays might be small this year, but that doesn't mean they won't be talented.

"We've still got speed and some very good athletes," Kesselring said. "We've got the players, just not the size."

Charleston, coming off a 5-5 season, returns a host of key players off that squad, but they'll be without the exceptionally talented Larico Coleman, an all-state running back who graduated.

"We lost a great tailback," said Kesselring. "You really don't replace a guy like that."

The Blue Jays' trademark triple-option attack will be directed by senior Jason Ward (5-feet-9, 150 pounds), who started the final four games of the 1997 season.

"He really came on and we're expecting some good things from him," Kesselring said.

Also back after seeing some action last year are two tailbacks, senior Jeff Ewing (6-2, 170) and junior Phillip Turner, and two fullbacks, seniors Kevin Brown (5-11, 220) and Terry Humphrey. At the power back position are junior Tim Ketchum and senior Tronzell Mitchell.

Among the receivers are three players who all saw considerable action last season: seniors Travis Kent, Larry Mitchell and Adrian Rodgers.

The line will be manned by two seniors, center Jason Bruenderman and tackle Cade Coon, and three juniors, guards Dan Shelby and Antoine Bigham and tackle Shawn Lefler.

Those five range in size from the 155-pound Shelby to the 180-pound Coon.

"We're going to be itty bitty," said a laughing Kesselring regarding the line. "But these kids will really get off the ball and we feel like we can move some people."

Most the aforementioned offensive players will also be the primary key defensive performers.

Among the linemen will be Coon, Ketchum, Bigham, Bruenderman and one player who does have plenty of size: junior Tory Whitney (6-0, 312).

The linebackers will be both Mitchells, Kent, Humphrey, Shelby and Brown, with the secondary manned by Ewing, Rodgers, Ward, Turner and senior Jamico Crawford.

"Our defense will be a lot like the offense. We'll be small but we can run," said Kesselring.

Because of the move down a class, Charleston will be in an entirely new district that also includes Scott City, Crystal City and Grandview. Scott City is expected to be strong this year, so the Rams and Blue Jays could meet in a district showdown on the final date of the regular season.

"We're not going to overlook anybody, but I know Scott City is going to be really tough and hopefully that last game will come down to us playing them with the (district) title on the line," Kesselring said.

Charleston opens the season Friday night at home against Kennett.