GAINESVILLE -- The blueprints and foundation are in place, all Bill Forman wants to do is continue the construction process.<br />
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"We're just building on what coach (Stan) Luttrell started here and adding a few things of our own," said Forman -- Chestatee football's new head coach, a former assistant promoted to take over from Luttrell during the offseason. <br />
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That promotion ensured plenty of continuity -- including a coach that was on staff for the best season in program history in 2013, and Forman says those experiences (along with a stellar campaign in 2012) helped set high expectations for 2014.<br />
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"It was huge for us, winning like that. The players set a very high standard for themselves, and they don't want to fall below it," Forman said. "It's great because at practice you don't have to harp on about what it takes to win; they know it. They remind themselves of what it takes."<br />
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That understanding will be key for a program that will be fielding its smallest senior class in some time.<br />
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"We've got 14 seniors, but what we lack in numbers we make up for in quality," Forman said. "We've been focusing on the fact that tradition doesn't graduate; it just leaves a legacy, and these seniors get that."<br />
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Led by proven veterans like running back/linebackers Tray Bryant, Kris Pierce and A.J. Sijiye (who is back after missing his junior campaign through injury) and lineman Brett Anderson (fellow lineman standout Matthew Pruitt has been lost for the season through injury), the War Eagles will look to show that -- despite replacing 15 of 22 starters on offense and defense -- Chestatee is ready for the challenges of a re-shaped Region 8-AAAA that includes seven teams that reached the postseason in various regions in 2013.<br />
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"The kids are still hungry to achieve; and there's so much more we can accomplish," said Forman. "It's never been as a hard as it is about to be. There are no weak sisters in this region, and it may be a war of attrition. But we're looking forward to it."<br />
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Chestatee will retain the same bases of offense (split back option) and defense (3-5) that served it so well under Luttrell's last two seasons -- meaning that the War Eagles will focus on being physical at the point of attack while running the ball and stopping the run.<br />
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"We want to play with an edge, but we also want to play smart and under control," Forman said.<br />
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Certainly the War Eagles have the make-up to do just that thanks to a veteran group of running backs and linebackers, along with a strong offensive line -- which should help the transition of new quarterback Logan Cates, a junior that acted as the team's junior varsity signal caller last season.<br />
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The biggest question comes in replacing an outstanding defensive front that included Region 8-AAAA defender of the year Khalil Cantrell and All-Region performers Cody Humphries and Rob Minor.<br />
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"We had a special group on defense last year," said Forman, who was the team's defensive coordinator for the past three seasons. "We led the region across the board, but we've got some good young players coming up."<br />
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They also have some standout vets, like Pierce -- who was the team's second leading tackler in 2013 with 108 stops. Meanwhile fellow senior Austin Passmore will start at cornerback, while Keith McClure gets the nod at safety. A large group of sophomores, including Austin Gean (linebacker), Nick Beard (strong safety), Bailey Camp (free safety), Mohamed Salaam (linebacker) and Brian Dickson (weak safety) will also be asked for key minutes.<br />
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"We'll be bigger but not quite as athletic on defense, but there are easy adjustments you can make with this base of defense," said Forman, who says that after coaching stints in Florida, Georgia and Texas -- including some collegiate stops -- he has found the perfect fit for himself in the War Eagles.<br />
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"This is like being at home. In 20 years I've never been more excited. There is a buzz within the program right now, and we're going to use that energy to keep moving forward."
