FLOWERY BRANCH — It was odd seeing the Falcons stay home during last year's playoffs after a tremendous 10-year postseason run. But youth and inexperience in key spots in 2014 helped halt the streak.
A year of development has put a more positive outlook on the 2015 season with three returning offensive linemen and two of the team's top three rushers coming back. Also, a year of growth for quarterback Nick Lance could pay dividends.
Coach Chris Griffin said finding that winning attitude and swagger of years past is essential.
"Last year was tough for us, so coming in this year with a new attitude and understanding how to be successful has been a priority for us," Griffin said. "The guys have been working hard. The big thing will be seeing success on the field during games. I like where we're headed but we also know we have a big challenge ahead of us."
The question will be can Flowery Branch find some road wins against three other playoff hopefuls. The Falcons were 0-3 against Clarke Central, Winder-Barrow, and Gainesville at home last year and face all three on the road in 2015.
FLOWERY BRANCH: NEED TO KNOW
- MASCOT: Falcons
- TEAM COLORS: Black, Red and White
- CURRENT REGION: 8-AAAAA
- HEAD COACH/RECORD AT SCHOOL: Chris Griffin, fourth season, 20-12
- 2014 RECORD/ ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 5-5
- KEY LOSSES: LB Zack Smith, LB Cole Ford, S Cooper Harrison, RB Jeremiah Goss (950 yards rushing, 8 TD)
- OFFENSIVE STYLE: Pro set -- The Falcons utilize a two-back offense, with the run setting up the pass, and will look for more ball control this year.
- KEY OFFENSIVE PLAYERS: 8 returning starters -- Sr. OL Sterling Sykes, Sr. OL Clay Hamilton, Sr. OL Chewy Alvarado, Jr. Jasen Johnson (552 rushing, 5 TD) Sr. RB Trey Wilcoxson (423 rushing, 3 TD) So. QB Nick Lance (500 passing, 5 TD)
- DEFENSIVE STYLE: 4-3 multiple -- The Branch will be aggressive and attack as often as possible.
- KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS: 5 returning starters -- Jr. DT Dylan Connell, Sr. S Cortez Davis, Sr. CB Paul Jaramillo, Sr. LB Michael Albini
- SPECIAL TEAMS: Sr. PK Rajji Larach, Sr. P Chewy Alvarado, Sr. KR Cortez Davis
- STRENGTH: Lines of scrimmage -- Line play on both sides of the ball should drive the Falcons. The first unit's secondary and running game should be solid as well.
- QUESTION: Depth -- The Branch needs more skill position players and key players on defense to be competitive in 2015.
- KEY GAMES: Opening the region schedule on the road against a good Loganville team and then playing host to defending region champ Lanier the following week could tell a lot about the Falcons fortunes. They then have road games at Clarke Central, Winder-Barrow, and Gainesville. They will need to find a couple of road wins to have a shot at a playoff spot.
- TRENDING: The Falcons missed the first playoffs for the first time in 10 years in 2014 but were youthful and inexperienced at several key spots. The talent of recent years is not as abundant but a year of development and experience could help Griffin and his staff turn things around.
2015 SCHEDULE
Aug. 28 vs. Chestaee
Sept. 4 at *Loganville
Sept. 11 vs. *Lanier
Sept. 18 at *Heritage, Conyers
Sept. 25 vs. *Cedar Shoals
Oct. 2 at *Winder-Barrow
Oct. 9 at *Clarke Central
Oct. 16 vs. *Apalachee
Oct. 30 vs.*Salem
Nov. 6 at *Gainesville
*- indicates region game
(All kickoffs scheduled for 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted)
