Broncos hope Year 2 brings more success

As Year 2 of the program build continues for East Forsyth, head coach Brian Allison says the overall feeling is much better than last season. 

After all, building anything isn’t easy 

But building a new program has its advantages and disadvantages.

Allison knows all of them well. 

So far, he has the program moving in the right direction after Year 1. The Broncos played a non-region schedule last season and captured two wins against Riverside Military and Druid Hills.

"I felt like Year 1 went well," Allison said. "I know it was frustrating with the players and the coaching staff because we wanted to be more successful. You know, we felt like we should have won one, maybe two more games, but winning two games in Year 1 was a success."

Of course, as a competitor, the bumps and bruises sometimes stand out more than the bright spots. 

“It’s a different set of problems than I had at the previous schools,” Allison said. “It was a culture-change deal at the other places. Here, it’s been trying to build a culture, identity, and many other things associated with building a team. But we’ve had great support from the community, the school and fans. It’s been unique.”
But the program begins the 2022 campaign on a firmer footing, which will boost the Broncos' upward trajectory.

Allison has a senior class this year, the one thing he didn't have last season. So, the returning experience will significantly contribute to success this season.

"We had no seniors and very few juniors last season," Allison said. "By Game 9 or 10, we probably started six or seven freshmen, so it's going to be nice to have that experience returning this season.

"Now, we can build off of those 10 games of experience, and we had a full offseason with these guys. We're still nowhere close to where we need to be, but we're getting better each week."

Allison says the defense will possibly be one of the team's strengths. He returns nine starters on the defense and looks to a solid group of linebackers to lead the way.

“I feel like we’ll be very competitive on the defensive side,” he said. “That’s where we have the most playing experience.”

Juniors Sebastian Amerson, Will Moffit, Cameron Frady and sophomore Jeremiah Foot are the top returning linebackers. Troy Hoover, a sophomore, will vie for playing time in the second level.

The defensive line also has three starters back, with seniors Garrett Wiggins, Kevin Parsons, and junior Alex Day anchoring the 3-4 base scheme. However, Allison said the defense will use multiple fronts throughout the season.

Senior Gage Gilley and juniors Ramon Smith and Clarens Decelien return in the secondary.
Offensively, Allison believes his offensive line will be the strength of the offense this season. He said they have the opportunity to be good as long as injuries are minimal. 

Junior tackles Mitchell Dunlap and Alex Day Wiggins, center Parsons, and sophomore guard Rick Wiggins are slated to start. The other guard spot still is a competition. 

Three of the five starters have varsity experience.

The offensive line is evolving and getting better every day,” Allison said. “When it’s all said and done, if we stay healthy, the offensive line will be our strongest position.”

The Broncos will run more of a pro-style offense with a tight end in the game most of the time, whether he’s attached or spread. They’ll also rotate the backfield from one to two running backs at a time. 

“It’s still very similar to what we did last year,” Allison said. “But it’s still a work in progress. It’s getting better, but it’s still not where it needs to be. It’s much improved, though.”

Allison settled on a starting quarterback in July, naming sophomore Brock Szakacs the starter. Moffit manned the position last season but is needed more at linebacker. 

Moffitt, however, is penciled in as the No. 2 quarterback right now, but Allison said the wildcat-type signal-caller could see some action.  

“Brock will get the most snaps unless we get into a game situation where it’s better for Will to get the snaps,” Allison said. 

With the return of a solid offensive line, the Broncos' run game should be more effective this season. Morris proved last season that he has what it takes to be the main guy out of the backfield in 2022. Allison will lean on Morris and will be the go-to back in an offense that’ll feature a single-back and two-back scheme from time to time. 

Senior Brandon Peeples returns at wide-out as well and will get some carries out of the backfield. Also, senior David Navarrete is set to get reps at wide-out

“Brandon has had a pretty good summer and fall so far at running back and receiver,” Allison said. “But we’ve got a couple of guys that we’ll rotate at running back that will be better,” Allison said. “Our receiving corp has continued to evolve throughout the summer.”  

The Broncos also jumped up a classification and into Region 8-4A. They will open at home against one of Gwinnett County’s newest schools, Seckinger, then jump into region play the following week at Cedar Shoals.

They travel to Johnson on September 16 for a non-region contest, then finish the season with seven straight region games – Walnut Grove, at East Hall, Cherokee Bluff, at North Oconee, Madison County, at Chestatee and North Hall. 

It’ll be the Broncos' first full season playing a region schedule. 

Allison said he believes North Oconee and Cherokee Bluff will be at the top of the class this season. He also said he thinks his Broncos can be competitive each week.

“Obviously, North Oconee and Cherokee Bluff are the favorites,” he said. “But I think if we stay healthy, hold on to the football and play strong defense, we can be competitive week-in and week-out. If we start having injuries, panic, and turn the ball over, then we’re not going to be very good.”

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