2017 Video Snapshot: Aiken

By Greg Shoemaker
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Updated: August 15, 2017

2017 Snapshot: Aiken
The transformation that has happened with Aiken football is the stuff that Disney movies are made of. The Falcons are coming off the first playoff appearance in school history. With seven starters back on each side of the ball expectations are high and the players have committed to completing some unfinished business.

Just three years ago the Aiken program had hit rock bottom. Heading into the 2015 campaign the Falcons had won just six games in the last six seasons. At that point they hired Jeremy Pflug to be the head coach. Aiken went 6-4 in his first year. It was almost unfathomable what they accomplished.

With confidence oozing when things took a turn for the worse to start ‘16. Aiken got out of the gate at 1-3. In a tailspin and on a three game losing streak in which the squad allowed 50 points per game salvaging the season looked bleak.

Pflug didn’t let his kids quit. In Week 5 everything started to fall into place. Aiken would go on to win its final six tilts and make the postseason. They scored at least 40 points in all of those victories. The playoff weren’t as kind as Aiken fell to Milton-Union in an affair which they knew they could have played better.

Aiken ATH Kievaughn Sanks (photo by Greg Shoemaker/TriStateFootball.com)

The ’17 version of the Falcons has plenty going for it. They are a veteran group that has good chemistry. On the field their speed and depth at the skill positions is going to be difficult for opponents to matchup with. Depth could be a factor in the trenches and if Aiken avoids the injury bug they will be in the playoffs again.

Division V, Region 20
2016 RECORD: 7-4, 4-1 SOPL National
COACH: Jeremy Pflug (13-8 at Aiken, two years; 21-10 overall, three years)

HONOR ROLL
Tim Williams, Jr, QB/CB – The reigning SOPL National Offensive Player of the Year. Williams amassed more than 1,800 yards of total offense and accounted for 21 touchdowns (13 passing, eight rushing) as a junior. He currently has an offer from Morehead State.

Aiken QB/CB Tim Williams (photo by Greg Shoemaker/TriStateFootball.com)

KieVaughn Sanks, Jr, RB/S – A super all-around player who filled the stat sheet as a sophomore. During the regular season he ran for 368 yards, averaged 9.2/carry, averaged 21.9 yards on 19 receptions, found the end zone nine times (four rushing, four receiving, one kickoff return), was in on 29 total tackles, recovered two fumbles, intercepted five passes and had 112 interception return yards. Sanks was named Second Team All-Ohio for the effort.

Keoni Jones, Sr, LB – The leader on a defense that led the SOPL in turnovers forced. Jones had three takeaways including a fumble return and a 99-yard interception return for touchdowns on his way to First Team All-SOPL honors as a junior.

Antwand Yett, So, CB/WR – A Second Team All-SOPL selection as a sophomore, Yett snared four interceptions. He will be moving to the slot on offense this season along with his duties at cornerback.

OTHER RETURNEES
Najee Powell, Sr, TE – A team captain who is a great blocker. Powell compliments his blocking skills with solid hands and leaping ability.

NEWCOMERS
Pflug is looking for big things out of senior LB/FB Antrayel Horton and junior S D’Arris Dean to provide depth on the Falcons defense.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(one appearances, 0-1) – 2016

2017 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/25/17 – at Western Hills – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/01/17 – MADEIRA – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/08/17 – at North College Hill – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/15/17 – at Taft – 7:00 PM
Sat – 09/23/17 – DUNBAR – 6:00 PM
Fri – 09/29/17 – at Shroder – 7:00 PM
Sat – 10/07/17 – GAMBLE MONTESSORI – 6:00 PM
Fri – 10/13/17 – at Grant County (KY) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/20/17 – HUGHES – 7:00 PM
Th – 10/26/17 – at Riverview East – 6:30 PM

TAKEAWAY TOWN
The Aiken defense created 3.0 turnovers (16 interceptions, 14 fumble recoveries) a game last season. The Falcons returned six of those miscues for scores.

VIDEO INTERVIEWS
Tim Williams
Kievaughn Sanks