SUGAR HILL -- It didn't take long for Lanier to show it was ready to be a player on the gridiron.<br />
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The Longhorns, in just their second year of varsity action, advanced to the playoffs for the first time in 2013 and collected their first-ever playoff win in the process.<br />
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However, change was already on the horizon with the Longhorns moving up to Class AAAAA and into the rugged 8-AAAAA in the latest round of reclassification. Add to that a late change at the top with the resignation of coach Billy Wells, who left to become the athletic director at North Hall, for long-time assistant Korey Mobbs -- not to mention a change at quarterback -- and you have the makings for several unknowns as Lanier tries to build on last season.<br />
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Or do you?<br />
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"There was a lot of change from last year with all that but we're not changing our approach on the field and we have a lot of guys coming back that saw action and know what it's like to be in the playoffs," said Mobbs, who was the offensive coordinator for Lanier the last four seasons and is getting his first crack as a head coach at the high school level.<br />
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"Our expectations are to continue the success we've built on while we try to compete in a tough region with some great traditional programs. We have some real talented guys, and I'm sure they're ready to show that they can compete."<br />
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The first noticeable change will be under center where last year's starter, Canyon Cook, was moved to the defense to help anchor what should be a very experienced, talented and speedy secondary. Taking over at QB will be junior Tahj Tolbert, who backed up Cook last year. Helping Tolbert will be senior running back Tario Fuller, who posted 1,590 yards to go with 21 TDs last season.<br />
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"Tahj is a great athlete and Canyon is as well but we thought the change would help both excel at their positions," Mobbs said. "Fuller will be a big key for us. If he has the same kind of year, I think our offense will be just as potent as last year."<br />
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Lanier will change defenses to a 3-4 this season to utilize its speed. Junior defensive end Derrick Brown, who has garnered nearly 30 Division I offers already, should anchor a solid group.<br />
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"We have a lot more speed on the outside now so we felt going to the 3-4 would help use that to our advantage more," Mobbs said. "Derrick is a game-changer and can carry a team. But we have several other linemen to help him and a fast group of linebackers. I think our defense will be our best strength, certainly early on."<br />
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They will need it. <br />
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The Longhorns open at Class AAAAAA Lambert and then jump right into the 8-AAAAA fire traveling to traditional power Clarke Central to open region play. They follow that by playing host to Flowery Branch.<br />
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"We have a tough beginning but we expect to be able to come out and compete. Our goal is make the playoffs again," Mobbs said. "We'll certainly know where we are after the first three weeks."
