Football 2014: Towns County ready to roll with new coach, same philosophy

HIAWASSEE -- Billy Barnhart liked the direction Blair Harrison was taking Towns County football. Now its up to Barnhart to keep the Indians on that path.<br /> <br /> Originally hired as Harrison's offensive coordinator in the spring, Barnhart found himself moved into the head coaching spot when Harrison abruptly left the Indians for a coaching position in Louisiana.<br /> <br /> Barnhart said he never hesitated when offered the position.<br /> <br /> "I was already impressed by what I had seen from the kids in spring workouts, and I'm thrilled to be here," Barnhart said. "It's been a whirlwind, but it's been exciting too."<br /> <br /> Barnhart -- in his 20th year of coaching -- says he will maintain a lot of the methods and styles that helped Harrison to produce Towns County's highest win total since 2008 -- a 4-6 mark that included four wins in its last five games.&#8232;<br /> <br /> "Coach Harrison had it going in the right direction, and we're going to employ similar styles of offense and defense," Barnhart said. "It's been an easy transition for the guys."<br /> <br /> Barnhart will utilize the same wing-T offense that Harrison installed, along with a similar 4-4 base on defense that will shift into multiple fronts.<br /> <br /> "I want Towns County to play hard-nosed football, and I want people to know that when they play us that Towns County gets after you for 48 minutes, they never quit," Barnhart said.<br /> <br /> It is a philosophy that has already been bolstered by what Barnhart has witnessed in practice and workout sessions.<br /> <br /> "To see the attitude of the players here just amazed me," Barnhart said. "It was a breath of fresh air. They haven't had a lot of success over the years, but they're hungry for it, and they're willing to do what it takes to get there."<br /> <br /> According to Georgia High School Football Historians Association.com, the Indians have won just 54 games in program history -- but that didn't stop Towns County from coming on strong late last season. And with five senior starters back on each side of the ball in 2014, Barnhart sees no reason why that turnaround can't continue.<br /> <br /> "We've had great leadership by our seniors, and they're excited about this season," Barnhart said.<br /> <br /> That group includes three offensive linemen, including Kyle Davis -- who also acts as the defense's "heart and soul" from his linebacker spot -- Grayson Carver and tackle Kevin McConnell, who is only in his second year of football but has the size (6-foot-7, 285 pounds) to dominate. Both Carver and McConnell start on the defensive line.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, seniors Cruz Shook and Zach Sewell return to carry the load at running back and linebacker, while Daulton Rogers will feature at tight end and outside linebacker. <br /> <br /> Sophomore Russell Cox will take over as the team's starting quarterback.<br /> <br /> "We've only got 28 guys, so we've got to stay healthy," said Barnhart, who left a head coaching position at Whitwell (Tenn.) for Towns County in a career that also includes assistant stints in Florida and throughout Georgia. "If we can do that though we're looking for great things this season."