The faces aren’t entirely new, but all four area teams are counting on newcomers or up-and-comers to emerge as playmakers at wide receiver to help their offenses take flight this year.

Lafayette — Ben Massey, Adam Perry, Mark Crum, Ritchy James, Keiwan Reid, Austyn Lee

Lafayette standout Ben Massey begins his final high school season.

Massey, a first-team all state selection a year ago, will play on both sides of the ball and special teams. He’ll play defensive back, return kicks and punts and look to have another big year at receiver. In 2017, Massey had 777 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns.        

Juniors Adam Perry and Mark Crum, who combined for eight catches and three touchdowns a year ago, should see an increased role in the offense.

Keiwan Reid had a good summer and will be a player to watch. LHS basketball player Ritchy James is playing football for the first time and gives Lafayette options with his athleticism and 6-foot-2 frame. 

Suwannee — Jaquary Pratt, Antonio White, Isaac Henry, Suave White, Jared Gardner, Dylan Brantly, Tyree Taylor, Jaquez Moore

The Bulldogs have a good group of receivers, each bringing something different to the table. 

SHS returns big-play threat Jaquary Pratt. Pratt led the team in receiving yards last season even with just seven catches. He averaged 34 yards per reception. Two of his seven grabs went for touchdowns. 

Newcomer Antonio White (6-foot-1, 200 pounds), a transfer from Winter Park, is a welcome sight for Suwannee after losing receivers Brantley Roberson and Demoundre Evans. White, a junior, gives Suwannee size and speed.  

Tyree Taylor, Jaquez Moore and Isaac Henry are reliable possession receivers who can pick up yards after the catch.   

Hamilton County — Melvin Brown, Aderias Ealy, Lonzo Lee, Bailey Hawkins, Dre Washington, Daryll Daniels, Jamari Howell 

It’s a new group of wideouts at Hamilton County. The majority of Hamilton County’s receivers did not catch a pass last season or see significant action. 

Melvin Brown, who accounted for 10 of Hamilton County’s 34 receptions last year, is likely to spend more time in the backfield than at wide receiver. 

Still, there is optimism around this receiving corps. Aderias Ealy has good speed along with a huge vertical. Dre Washington is expected to make an impact in his first season.        

Branford — CJ Pepper, Junior Cress, Trevin White, Lakendrick Shonk, Dakota Stevens 

Branford’s most versatile player is CJ Pepper and he’ll get the chance to move around on offense. Pepper (14 catches, 311 yards in 2017) will play at wingback, wide receiver and running back. He had five of Branford’s six touchdown receptions a year ago.

Pepper, Trevin White, Junior Cress and Dakota Stevens are all talented seniors who will play a major role in deciding Branford’s success.

Editor’s Note: This is the third part of an eight-part series that will preview Suwannee, Branford, Lafayette and Hamilton County football teams at each position.