HEAD COACH: Heath Webb, 69-70 ♦ 2022 RECORD: 8-3, Class 3A first round ♦ REGION: 7-3A
DAHLONEGA, Ga. — With 16 starters returning from last season’s Class 3A state playoff team, the Indians are poised to make even more noise in 2023.
In Heath Webb’s first season at the helm in the Gold City, the Indians won games for only the third time in school history, set a school record for most points in a season, best-winning percentage and made the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
Webb said last season’s success has strengthened his team’s confidence.
“I think a year ago, we were hopeful,” he said. “You know, the energy was good, and the energy was positive, but there was no evidence. So winning eight games was the evidence that what we're doing is working, and so that hopeful energy is now turned into confidence. And now we believe that we can play with anybody. You know, especially with having so many returning starters, you're now bigger, faster and stronger. It just makes all the difference.”
Despite losing the vocal leaders on both sides of the football from a year ago in 7-3A Player of the Year and quarterback Cooper Scott and linebacker Jay Grizzle, Lumpkin County returns all five offensive linemen from last season and a whole lot of playmakers.
They also return dynamic playmaker, Cal Faulkner, although he shifts from receiver to the quarterback spot. Webb said Faulkner is no long a receiver playing quarterback but a quarterback playing quarterback.
“He and I actually had a conversation last Friday about we thought we would have this wide receiver playing quarterback kind of thing going on and turn it into sort of a Wildcat package kind of thing, and that's not the case at all,” Webb said. “Now he's a quarterback playing quarterback. Obviously, he's a dynamic kid who can make plays with his legs. But I think where most people are going to be surprised and shocked is how well he throws the football.”
The team’s second-leading receiver Harper Davenport returns, and Nolan Matthews, who was the junior varsity MVP at running back, has been moved to receiver.
“Nolan has the same sort of speed as Cal,” Webb said. “And Harper has The Indians are set up to be successful again this year.
Also returning to the Indians’ loaded roster is running back Mason Sullens. Sullens joined the 1,000-yard club last season and has put on 20 pounds of muscle in the offseason. Webb said Sullens will be tough to tackle.
“He's clocking in about 220 (pounds) right now, and he’s actually getting faster,” Webb said. “So he's difficult to tackle. I think he's gonna have a really good year.”
Defensively, the Indians have the majority of the starters returning as well. Dakota Bennett returns to lead the line at defensive end, Preston Cox and Will Wood are the leaders at linebacker, and Davenport will be a mainstay in the secondary.
“Our mentality has been to take defensive ends and make them defensive tackles; take big linebackers and make them defensive ends; take safeties and make them linebackers,” he said. “By doing that, we’ve gotten much faster.”
GRADUATION STINGS
The Indians didn’t graduate a lot but did lose a trio of key players including QB Cooper Scott, WR/DB Caleb Norrell and LB Jay Grizzle.
A POTENT OFFENSE
The Indians have virtually every playmaker returning this season. And to make it even stronger, all five offensive linemen are back as well. The Indians’ multiple-spread offense has the capability to be explosive with their rushing attack and passing attack. The only question could be a wide receiver. They only return one starter to that position in Harper Davenport. If the fresh faces in the receiver room get up to speed quickly, the Indians will be taking a lot more shots down the field.
THE DEFENSE COULD BE STINGY
The Indians will base out of a 3-4 box but will be multiple at times. Webb has plenty of experience returning and has moved several around to increase team speed.
THE STRENGTHS
Webb was quick to point to his offensive line, defense and team speed. With LT Trenton Brookshire, LG Jacob Garmany, C Matthew Reece, RG Lane McColemn, RT Will Soles, it should give the playmakers plenty of time to shine. He also mentioned team speed on defense.
“Our line started all 11 games last season and have gained an average of 28 pounds,” he said. “With that comes added strength. So, we’re pleased with our offensive linemen.
I feel really good about our defense and our team's speed. We’ve gotten so much faster on defense.”
BUT THERE IS ONE QUESTION
The Indians will look to solidify the punter position. With the graduation of Cooper Scott, the position is still wide open.
THE SCHEDULE
Out of the four non-region games the Indians have on their schedule should be a win. Union County will give the Indians their biggest test of the season at home in Week 2. As for the region, Webb believes it’s up for grabs.
“I think there's a lot of parity,” Webb said. “I think it's just as competitive as the region around, but I don't think there's any clear-cut favorite.”
Walker McCrary contributed to this story.
