Can young but talented Eagles build on breakout 2022 campaign?

The Eagles got that breakout season they had been looking for with their first playoff appearance since 2009. Their 5-6 finish and 254 points (23.09 points/game) were the most wins and the most points scored since 2009 as well.

But gone is offensive and defensive leader Gary Maddox (RB/LB) and several other key players from the 2022 campaign. A rough 65-7 loss to Rockmart in the first round left the Eagles knowing there is still work to do.

But not to worry says fifth-year head coach Cameron Pettus, who will have nearly 60 kids in the system as he continues to try and build a consistent winner. 

“It’s been a slow process, which has really been a positive thing because we can put the things in place without overwhelming growth that needs to be done,” Pettus said. “But last year was satisfying from the standpoint that we had a great group of kids that had been working hard every year to get to that point.

“The playoffs were good for us to be able to know what we need to do to be competitive in the playoffs. What we noticed this summer was the kids have taken on more confidence already coming into this season.”

Pettus said his 2023 squad, which returns the bulk of its production minus Maddox, picked right up where they left off in 2022.

“We had a great summer,” he said. “The kids came in ready to work and wanting to get better. We’re very excited about this year.”

The only blemish to the summer was the transfer of Dekan Williams, who was among those in line to take over for Maddox in the backfield. But the Eagles still have junior Quay Hill, who rushed for over 300 yards in 2022, senior Jackson Eager, and junior JZ Lester ready to step in.

Also returning is sophomore quarterback Drew Richardson, who passed for 755 yards and 5 TDs. At receiver, Talan Jackson is returning for his final year after leading the team in yards (301), receptions (14), yards per game (37.6), yards per catch (21.5), and touchdowns (3) in 2022. A pair of sophomores in Brady Saunders and Branturen Callahan have come on during the summer as well.

“Drew is going to be really, really good,” Pettus said. “He is going to be a nightmare for defenses. If we can keep him healthy, he could have a big year.”

But Pettus almost sounded giddy when talking about his defense, which has looked solid during the spring and summer.

Linebackers Aaron Blackmon (junior) and senior Eager, cornerback Nate Heiss and Corvin Gillespie all return after having solid 2022 seasons for the Eagles. Heiss led the team last year with three interceptions and was second on the team with 61 tackles, two for loss.

“The defense is going to be salty this year,” he said. “Really excited to see how their progression has come on.”

GRADUATION STINGS
QB/WR Randy Smith, RB/LB Gary Maddox, OL Jamal Neal, DL Josh Stansell, LB Brayden King, RB Dekan Williams (transfer)

NO MADDOX, NO PROBLEM FOR EAGLES OFFENSE
Gary Maddox led the Eagles in nearly every category. But Pettus was more than optimistic that they could overcome the loss of production, especially with the progression of So. QB Richardson. A trio of capable receivers and three potential options in the backfield should have the Eagles ready to improve on their 2022 numbers.  

BACON, ANYONE?
Pettus described his defense as “salty” already in the summer. Take out the 65 scored by Rockmart in the playoffs and they gave up just 20.1 ppg against some stacked offenses in 2022. They may be deeper in 2023 and have a solid back-7 that should be able to counter run or pass-oriented offenses. Pettus said they should be better than last year. If they are, playoffs may not be the only thing on their to-do list.

TALENTED UNDERCLASSMEN
Pettus said the best part of their continued rise is that they are still primarily a young group. Youth combined with talent almost always translates into sustained success.

“Our sophomore class is loaded,” he said. “It’s certainly the best overall class since I’ve been here. We’re seeing the younger classes that have been in the system our entire going on five years now are getting to us bigger and more ready to play at this level earlier. We’re very excited for the overall future of the program.”

REPLACING LEADERSHIP
Maddox was more than just the Eagles’ stat leader. He was the heart and soul of a senior group that had been building toward its first playoffs. That group is gone. There are plenty of young, talented guys on the roster. Can they develop the necessary leadership needed to turn good programs great?

SCHEDULE GIVES NO QUARTER
Half of the teams on their schedule made the playoffs in 2022. The other half is expected to be improved in 2023. They open Region 8-2A play with back-to-back road games at Banks County, which is expected to be improved and injury-free, and state semifinalist Fellowship Christian. Then a home date with Union County, expected to be a challenger for the region title, gives them a brutal three-game stretch that could either boost them into region title contention or have them scrambling to make the playoffs.

“It’s going to be a tough region. Every game will be important. But I feel we can compete not just for the playoffs but a home playoff game. That’s our goal,” Pettus said.

WHAT’S TRENDING
The Eagles had been creeping up on that upward trend but finally stepped over the line with last season’s playoff run. The challenge will be keeping that momentum against a tough schedule in what should be an even better region overall. They are young but bring experience and talent as well in 2023. Pettus and his staff have been building to this point. Making the playoffs in consecutive years would be a program first and would most certainly boost the program into the upper tier in 8-2A.

(Logan Landers contributed to this story.)