Hunters Lane senior reaches for the stars

 STARLING

This season, the Star is ready to shine in his own galaxy.

And Hunters Lane is ready for senior DeMarco Starling to lead them into the land of stars — the 6A playoffs — something the Warriors are ready, willing and able to shoot for under his quiet but firm leadership.

“We were disappointed that we didn’t get further in the playoffs,” said Starling who helped lead his team to a season opening 18-7 win over Stratford last Friday. “As a senior, I’m going to do everything I can to help lead us back.”

Last year, Coach Richard Campbell alternated quarterbacks Kyle Gilbert (who has graduated) and Starling. This year, DeMarco has the job all to himself.

“It’s cool being the starter and running the offense,’’ said Starling who, at 6-2, 195, has a bullet arm and blazing speed. Asked what he does best, run or pass, he said, “I can do both, whatever the coaches want me to do.”

Starling showed that in Hunters Lane’s opening win. He scored the first touchdown of the season on an 11-yard scamper in first quarter, then hit his favorite receiver, Joseph Wilbert, setting up another score.

He does it on defense, too.

With Stratford threatening late in the half, Starling intercepted a pass at his own five-yard line and returned it 35 yards, pulling Hunters Lane out of danger.

Asked what his biggest improvement was during the off-season, Starling said, “my passing. I’ve spent a lot of time in the weight room, building my arm strength up.”

Heading into the season, he’s displaying leadership qualities as well. He’s hoping the Warriors finish stronger than last year when they started 7-0, then lost three of the last four, including a first-round playoff loss. Starling hopes senior leadership will help his team navigate through tough times.

“We have 27 seniors, and we’re all looking to having a great season,” he said.

Another of those seniors is his good friend Wilbert, who combines with Starling for a top passing combo. After Starling’s touchdown, the two had a leaping hip bump with each other in the end zone.

“DeMarco and I have played together since middle school,” said the 6-3, 195-pound Wilbert after the Warriors’ win Friday. “And he’s looking for me in the passing game.”

About the hip bump, Wilbert laughed and said, “Yeah, he’s just showing a little love. We do that when one of us makes a big play.”

“DeMarco is a special talent,” Campbell said. “He’s one of those athletes who combines the rare talent of speed, strength and agility to be a complete player. He also plays defensive back, and he’s very effective there, and also an outstanding punter.

“He reminds me a lot of (standout back) Michael Coleman, a great player I had when I was at Stratford,’’ Campbell said. “It’s always team first and deflecting praise. He’s very humble, quiet and reserved.’’

Campbell said Starling, who is also a standout basketball player, has scored a 20 on his ACT and has qualified with all NCAA compliance for college entrance.

“We’ll be OK if we just keep working, keep improving,’’ Starling said.

On Friday, Hunters Lane (1-0) and Starling host Antioch (0-1) in a big opening region game for both teams. It is the second of three straight season-opening games at home, followed by neighborhood rival Maplewood next Friday.

Starling hopes, unlike last year, the Warriors will be able to finish the season better than they started it.

“If we all stay together and listen to the coaches, we’ll be fine,” he said.