Junior QB leads powerful offense for Golden Eagles
By William Hatfield For The Chronicle
With only one offensive starter returning from last year's Class 5A Division II state runner-up squad, Cypress Falls coach David Raffield didn't know what to expect from his team when it came to scoring.
Thanks to quarterback Kolby Gray, Raffield's biggest problem has been trying not to run up the score. Cy Falls has put up incredible offensive numbers while posting an 8-2 record. The Golden Eagles have averaged 427 yards of offense and 45 points per game, and Raffield is looking for more as Cy Falls opens the playoffs against Mayde Creek on Saturday night at Rhodes Stadium.
Gray's numbers have been the most impressive. The 6-2, 190-pound junior has completed 60 percent of his passes for 2,646 yards and 26 touchdowns. He's had three 400-yard passing games and was named the Chronicle's player of the week after his 482-yard, five-touchdown performance against Langham Creek.
Accurate passer
Gray has thrown only two interceptions all season.
"Kolby has a great understanding of our offense," Raffield said. "He's really stepped up to the plate for us and is not trying to do too much himself."
Gray has plenty of complementary offensive weapons. Running back Shane Turner has gained 1,349 yards and scored 24 touchdowns. Darius Bolden, Denzel Wells and Blake Shaw form one of the state's best receiving corps.
"To make our offense click, my job is to get the ball to our playmakers and let them do their thing," Gray said. "We have a real connection with each other, and I know if Blake is covered, I can check down to Denzel and know he is going to be there."
Gray averaged 325 passing yards per game and guided the Golden Eagles to a 6-1 record and second-place finish in 17-5A.
"This team has matured a lot faster then we thought it would," Raffield said. "Coming into the year, we hoped to just reload with players we thought had potential. They have come together a lot faster then we expected."
Colleges come calling
Gray got bigger and taller over the summer, hit the weight room and attended training camps in hopes of maturing as a passer. The result has been a stronger arm and a tighter spiral that has colleges taking notice.
"I'm getting letters from everyone," Gray said. "It's been fun to see who might want you to come play ball for them."
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