BETHLEHEM — Steven Sims doesn't talk about the past; the new Apalachee football coach says his Wildcats are focused squarely on the future.
Apalachee is coming off two difficult seasons, going 1-19 on the heels of seven straight campaigns with a combined record of 46-31 and four state playoff appearances.
"We're moving ahead," Sims said. "The kids have been receptive to all the changes, and we're focusing on practicing and preparing like we want to win."
A big part of that for Sims has been a focus on physicality and defense. Luckily for the coach, Sims says he has a strong group of linemen to help him accomplish this task. Yet the Wildcats know they must also avoid injury, as -- with just 14 seniors on the team -- several underclassmen will be asked to stp into key back-up roles.
"A lot of guys are going to have to play both ways," Sims said. "We definitely want more numbers in the program, but it's part of a process."
APALACHEE: NEED TO KNOW
- MASCOT: Wildcats
- TEAM COLORS: Navy, White and Gold
- CURRENT REGION: 8-AAAAA
- HEAD COACH/RECORD AT SCHOOL: Steve Sims, first season
- 2014 RECORD/ ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 1-9
- KEY LOSSES: QB Chance Rodriguez, RB Kyle Jackson, DB Kyle Jackson, DL Christian Dufrene
- OFFENSIVE STYLE: Pro-style/multiple -- The Wildcats will look to be physical with the run game from the outset, relying on its offensive line and backs.
- KEY OFFENSIVE PLAYERS: 4 returning starters -- Sr. QB Bryan Wilson, Sr. FB Dalton Bales, Jr. RB Stephon Massillon, Sr. ATH Ricky Wonzon, Sr. OL Logan Mastaw, Jr. OL Dalton Hood, Sr. OL Jonah Willard
- DEFENSIVE STYLE: 4-2-5 -- Apalachee wants to make its identity with defense, and will look to be stout against the run.
- KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS: 5 returning starters -- Sr. LB Dalton Bales, Jr. LB Chase Williamson, Jr. DE Jason Craig, Jr. DE Avery Bowles, Jr. OLB Nihad Muhanna, Sr. Saf Isaiah West
- SPECIAL TEAMS: Sr. PK/P Dylan Staples, Jr. KR Stephon Massillon, Sr. KR Isaiah West, Sr. KR Ricky Wonzon
- STRENGTH: Defensive front -- Sims is excited about his team's potential in the trenches on defense, including the line and linebackers.
- QUESTION: Depth -- The Wildcats have talent in the starting 11 but are looking hard for quality back-ups, which could be tough playing in Class AAAAA.
- KEY GAMES: As with any program undergoing a coaching change, the season opener takes on added significance, and the Wildcats will face a Woodland team in its second season under its head coach. The big local rivalry with Winder-Barrow comes just two weeks into the campaign (Sept. 4), and Apalachee will be looking to avoid a three-game skid in the series. It doesn't get much easier in successive weeks, as Salem (home, Sept. 11) and Gainesville (away, Sept. 18) -- both playoff teams from 2014 -- loom.
- TRENDING: The Wildcats went from a consistent winner (46-31, four playoff appearances from 2006-2012) to a struggling program over the past two seasons (1-19). Sims and his charges are aiming to begin the rebound and are not even discussing the disappointments of recent past in an effort to focus on a better future.
2015 SCHEDULE
Aug. 28 vs. Woodland, Stockbridge
Sept. 4 vs. *Winder-Barrow
Sept. 11 vs. *Salem
Sept. 18 at *Gainesville
Sept. 25 at *Clarke Central
Oct. 2 vs. *Loganville
Oct. 16 at *Flowery Branch
Oct. 23 vs. *Heritage, Conyers
Oct. 30 at *Cedar Shoals
Nov. 6 at *Lanier
* - indicates region contest
(All kickoffs scheduled for 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted)
