There are just 21 days remaining until the kickoff of the 2022 high school football season. But make no mistake, preparations for the upcoming campaign got underway months ago. And teams throughout northeast Georgia already are in full countdown mode.
With that in mind, we spent the last couple of weeks catching up with programs around our area to get a feel for how spring practice went, how the summer is going, and what coaches believe the fall will look like. Our "Two-a-Days" series honors those old-school grinding sessions that lead us out of summer and into fall, asking each area coach two key questions about the state of their respective programs.
Over the next two weeks, AccessWDUN's Friday Game Night will get you prepped for the start of gridiron action with responses from coaches throughout northeast Georgia. (Teams run in alphabetical order)...
RIVERSIDE MILITARY ACADEMY
More than any other program, the Eagles were hit hardest by COVID and roster defections over the past two seasons. However, a move into to the Georgia Independent Athletic Association and out of GHSA may be just the catalyst to get the program back on track.
Coach Nick Garrett is hoping the same thing. A dynamic offensive playmaker to head the offense and defensive changes have been the focus during the spring and summer. We asked Garrett how things are shaping up so far.
QUESTION: Coach, a lot of changes since last year for the Eagles. A move to GIAA is obviously the biggest, but on the field, there’s a lot of interest in your new quarterback, Meadowcreek transfer Jeremiah Shaw, who had to sit out the 2021 season. How good can Shaw get, and what does he bring to the offense that y’all haven’t had the last few years?
ANSWER: Shaw is a very special young man just coming into his own as a leader. Jeremiah has all the tools to be not only a dynamic passer but has great speed and decision-making skills. This young man is always finding ways to get himself and others better. He constantly desires to grow and, in doing so, elevates the game of others around him. As a coach, it's exciting to know he will have the ball in his hands the entire game.
Q: Y’all are switching to a 3-3-5 defense and will be young at linebacker. Who are some guys that look ready to jump into starting roles for that group?
A: Coach (Jason) Pleasant has done a great job with our defense since day one as defensive coordinator. Our defense switching to a 3-3-5 will allow our team to maximize our athleticism on the field and, at the same time, be universal against any offensive formation and systems. Our linebacker group is undetermined at this time, but our veteran groups will be upfront and well as in our secondary.
- Previously in Two-a-Days: RABUN COUNTY
- Up Next in Two-a-Days: TOWNS COUNTY
