Crowell, Jenkins, Brooks step up to lead AHS to playoffs

Most teams would be devastated at the loss of three running backs.

And heading into the 2008 season, many figured Auburn High would struggle to recover after its top three backs graduated.

But that hasn’t been the case.

Far from it, in fact, as the Tigers found a way to reload their backfield with three backs that have helped carry Auburn to heights the team has never seen in its history.

Last season the three-headed running monster included backs that are now playing on the college level. Brandon Ross, the workhorse, is playing as a true freshman at Memphis, Richard Ross was the first-ever signee to South Alabama and Parker Roberts signed with Huntington.

But Latrell Jenkins, Andre Crowell and Augustus Brooks have made sure the Tigers haven’t missed a beat.

“In our league it takes three to four running backs,” Auburn High head coach Tim Carter said. “I don’t think I’ve been here a season where we haven’t had a guy miss a game or two due to injuries because running backs take some high-impact licks.

“So it’s very important for us to have that depth, and it has been nice this year to have three guys to go to.”

No other game this year showed the importance of that depth more than the Tigers’ annual clash with archrival Opelika.

Jenkins had been taking the majority of carries heading into the Opelika game, but went down with a knee injury in the second quarter after just six touches.

And with quarterback Calvin Jenkins hobbled, Crowell and Brooks stepped up big, especially in the fourth quarter, as they helped lead Auburn to the win.

Brooks tallied the game-winning touchdown, his second score of the night, with 2:29 to play.

“When (Latrell) went down, I knew me and Andre were going to have to step it up,” Brooks said. “It’s nice to have these two guys back there with me — I wish we could all be back there at the same time.”

“We compliment each other,” Crowell added. “I pretty much think we all feed off each other.”

Jenkins, a transfer from Opelika, leads the three with 1,188 yards on 157 carries with nine touchdowns. He rushed for 216 yards on 22 carries two weeks ago in a first-round win over Sidney Lanier. Brooks has added 386 yards and eight touchdowns while Crowell has 319 yards and four touchdowns on the year.

“It’s been a pleasant surprise, no doubt about it,” Carter said. “These kids have worked hard and paid their dues. We played Andre at receiver last year because of our depth at running back, Augustus saw a little bit of work late in games and Latrell came from Opelika.

“It’s a very different backfield from a year ago, but the one thing in common with those guys last year is they work hard.”

A big part of the three running backs’ success falls on the shoulders of the Tigers’ offensive line.

In fact, against Opelika, Auburn ran eight consecutive plays with Brooks running behind 6-foot-5, 325-pound senior John Sullen.

“You have to give so much credit to that line,” Jenkins said. “They’ve been doing so well up there for us.”

“That line is great. You don’t see too many lines like we have,” Brooks added.

All three backs will have their work cut out for them tonight against Prattville in the third round of the Class 6A playoffs.

The Lions’ vaunted defense has allowed just 84 points all year — most coming late in games with the win well in hand, and has pitched six shutouts.

tpeavy@oanow.com | 737-2568