GAINESVILLE — Chestatee football coach Bill Forman knew there were some necessary changes ahead for his program after last season's disappointing 1-9 campaign.
He just knew those changes didn't require erasing and starting all over.
Forman and his coaching staff have tweaked things here and there -- shifting the offensive base to a pistol/hybrid formation and instituting an accountability system among players.
Those changes, along with the return of the bulk of last year's squad, and a couple of potential standout newcomers, has the War Eagles flying high about their chances in 2015,.
"We knew last year would be tough, but we've got so many guys back from that team, and we learned so much," Forman said. "Things are very different around here now culturally."
Chestatee will still rely on running the ball and stopping the run, and the War Eagles have the kind of experience to do so this season -- 14 of 22 starters return, plus plenty more players with extensive playing time -- including a loaded backfield that features senior quarterback Logan Cates and five backs capable of carrying the load in Nick Lyles, Jay Mays (both transfers), Mohammed Salaam, Garrett Brades and Baylee Camp.
"We don't have any one standout, but everyone plays well together," Forman said. "This group just understands each other and what it needs to do to be successful."
CHESTATEE: NEED TO KNOW
- MASCOT: War Eagles
- TEAM COLORS: Black, Silver and Maroon
- CURRENT REGION: 8-AAAA
- HEAD COACH/RECORD AT SCHOOL: Bill Forman, second season, 1-9
- 2014 RECORD/ ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 1-9
- KEY LOSSES: TE/DE Khalil Cantrell, RB/LB A.J. Sijiye, RB/LB Tray Bryant, LB Kris Pierce
- OFFENSIVE STYLE: Pistol/hybrid -- The War Eagles will maintain their run-heavy ways, though they will line up a little differently this season.
- KEY OFFENSIVE PLAYERS: 7 returning starters -- Sr. QB Logan Cates, Jr. RB Nick Lyles, Sr. RB Jay Mays, Sr. OL Austin Gean, Jr. OL Barron King
- DEFENSIVE STYLE: 3-5 -- Chestatee will move around on defense, bringing pressure from different angles.
- KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS: 7 returning starters -- Jr. DE Moses Cuevas, Jr. DE Barron King, So. DL Reggie James, Jr. LB Mohammed Salaam
- SPECIAL TEAMS: Jr. PK Jaime Ortega, P Steven Martinez, Sr. KR Jay Mayes, Jr. KR Chris Lyles
- STRENGTH: Continuity -- After battling through youth and transitions last season, the War Eagles return the bulk of that team intact and have added some new faces, allowing coaches to work on building a cohesive unit.
- QUESTION: Playmakers -- Don't get us wrong, we're not saying Chestatee doesn't have any playmakers, but the War Eagles will head into the season looking for several players to step up and become go-to starters.
- KEY GAMES: The season opener at Flowery Branch could provide a big platform for a rebound, while the next contest at home to West Hall (Sept. 4) could be equally tough. As usual the Region 8-AAAA slate is loaded and starts with a visit from 2014 Class AAAA quarterfinalist North Oconee (Sept. 25) before heading on the road to face defending state champ Buford (Oct. 2). The back end of the slate could prove kinder, as three of their last five opponents sported a combined record of 8-22 in 2014.
- TRENDING: After being the program on the rise 2012-13 -- Chestatee went 17-6, including the program's first state playoff win during the span -- the War Eagles took a step backward in 2014, as youth and a brutal schedule combined in a rebuilding effort. Yet Forman says there were plenty of lessons learned along the way, and the return of so much experience has Chestatee believing that it can show that last season was an anomaly.
2015 SCHEDULE
Aug. 28 at Flowery Branch
Sept. 4 vs. West Hall
Sept. 11 vs. Pepperell
Sept. 25 vs. *North Oconee
Oct. 2 at *Buford
Oct. 9 vs. *Madison County
Oct. 16 at *Stephens County
Oct. 23 vs. *White County
Oct. 30 at *North Hall
Nov. 6 vs. *Monroe Area
*- indicates region game
(All contests start at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted)
