Football 2014: Barden hoping to rekindle Stephens County dominance

TOCCOA -- After 18 successful years at Cartersville, Frank Barden said it was time to come home.<br /> <br /> Barden takes over at Stephens County, where he was an assistant from 1986-94, and is hoping to rekindle the spark for the Indians that made them one of the state's most consistent and feared teams over the past 30 years. They are coming off a playoff season but also suffered just their second losing season since 1995.<br /> <br /> "They had some injuries and only nine seniors so it was not the kind of year that they are accustomed to around here," Barden said. "I wanted to come back closer to my family and this was the perfect fit for me and my family."<br /> <br /> Barden also brings his spread attack to the Indians, who have been primarily an I-formation running team over the years. However, Barden said the pieces are already in place to make it work.<br /> <br /> Senior Mason Long returns at quarterback and senior Isiah Mighil gives him a solid target to lead the receivers. Seniors Jai Brown and Desmond Wheeler return at running back and junior Ben Cleveland, a UGA-commit and top five offensive lineman nationally, anchors a solid line with senior Desi Garrison.<br /> <br /> "Everything you need as a coach to have a successful team is here. But more than the scheme it's the mindset of the team that will determine how successful you are," Barden said. "They have to believe in the system and themselves to win. They have bought into what we're teaching, and I think we have a chance to be successful."<br /> <br /> However, successful can be a state-of-mind. The Indians play in what arguably could be the toughest region in the state in any classification: Region 8-AAAA. Seven of the eight teams advanced to the playoffs in various regions last season, with Buford capturing its second straight state title (in Class AAA).<br /> <br /> "This is no cupcake region," Barden said. "There are no easy games. We could play well every week and finish 3-7 with this schedule. But, I think we will be very competitive. We just have to take care of the things we can control and hope to stay healthy and get some lucky bounces when we can.<br /> <br /> "We will have to be better on defense for sure. You can't be a high-caliber team without playing solid defense so that is a big priority for us early on."<br /> <br /> The Indians return an experienced line on defense, led by seniors Gary Walker, Kenneth Brock, and Devin Burns. Seniors Deon Crawford and Logan Loudermilk anchor an athletic linebacking group and Jai Brown anchors the secondary.<br /> <br /> Barden said the goal, whether it takes one year or several, is to return the Indians to past glory. <br /> <br /> "Our goal is bring Stephens County back to the point where it is one of the best teams in the state again," he said. "Can we get there this year? We'll see. But I like what I have seen so far."