Hillgrove’s McCravy to follow in well-known footsteps
By Gabriel Kahaian
MDJ Sports Writer
For those familiar with Hillgrove
football, the last name McCravy should
ring a bell.
Matthew McCravy was the signal
caller for the Hawks from 2018-20.
He led his team to three consecutive
state playoff appearances, and as a
senior, he led the program to its best
single-season record (12-1) en route to
winning a region title.
Now, it’s time for another McCravy
to take the reins. Chase McCravy is already
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turning heads.
The sophomore is the youngest of
three brothers. His oldest brother Matthew
is currently on the 2020-2021
Berry Football roster, while his older
brother Davis is currently a wide receiver
ready to receive passes from Chase.
Coach Justin DeShon said having
Chase behind center helps open up a
wide range of options for the offense.
“Our quarterback has the ability to
make his own play,” DeShon said. “He
has phenomenal arm talent, however
he really shines in making his own play.
He has the ability to move around the
pocket.”
In his freshman year, Chase threw
for 835 yards including nine touchdowns.
He is more than able to throw
the ball all over the field, and McCravy
does not shy from throwing into tight
windows. He has great pocket presence
and if he sees an opening, he takes it.
Although McCravy loves the pass, he
said he loves getting creative to gain
extra yards.
“I can always extend the play, and
find somewhere to go and escape,”
McCravy said. “I am always working
on being at places earlier and staying
focused.”
He said he trusts his senses to recognize
when it’s time to leave the pocket.
“I can do this through my peripheral
vision,” McCravy said. “If I see something,
I go and make something of it.
If I don’t see something, I still have to
go get it. If I can’t get touched, I won’t
get tackled.”
Although McCravy never got an opportunity
to play alongside his oldest
brother. McCravy said he was still able
to learn from his time on the field.
“(Matthew) taught me how to stay
calm under pressure,” McCravy said.
“Sometimes you are going to get hit
and sometimes the pressure will be
too much. It’s how you make something
out of it.
“My brothers always motivated
each other to be better. We constantly
talked and watched football.
We talked about how we could
improve. It is always great having
them on your side.”
DeShon said another huge advantage
Chase brings is his ability to soak up
information. He said even though Mc-
Cravy has a high workload, he always
makes time to study the tape.
“He hasn’t missed a single thing,”
DeShon said. “He shows up to watch
film when the coordinators ask him
to. He throws at a high level at camps
across the country and club competitions,
and still balances all of that
while still being a Hillgrove Hawk.
He is an absolute leader. You would
clone him.”
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