BLUE RIDGE — Fannin County missed out on a playoff spot in the final moments of its final game of 2014.
The Rebels may be in position to add that extra win in 2015, returning 14 starters, including four offensive linemen, quarterback Brad Davis, and leading receiver Cooper Earls. In other words, Fannin should be able to score in a wide-open Region 7-AAA.
"We like where we are offensively and I think we'll be able to put up some numbers," coach Jim Pavao said. "How well we improve on defense may decide how well we do this year."
Defensively is where the Rebels will need to see the biggest improvement, giving up 218 points in their six losses (36.3 points per game). However, they return eight starters to a group that was inexperienced before the start of last season and got crucial playing time.
A favorable finish to the schedule could bode well with three of the final four games at home.
FANNIN COUNTY: NEED TO KNOW
- MASCOT: Rebels
- TEAM COLORS: Blue and Grey
- CURRENT REGION: 7-AAA
- HEAD COACH/RECORD AT SCHOOL: Jim Pavao, second season, 4-6
- 2014 RECORD/ ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 4-6
- KEY LOSSES: RB Tyler Beaver (1,000 yard rusher), OL Cody McPeek
- OFFENSIVE STYLE: Spread -- The Rebels like to use four receivers and an up-tempo style but will run the ball for clock control when able.
- KEY OFFENSIVE PLAYERS: 6 returning starters -- Jr. QB Brad Davis, Jr. WR Cooper Earls, Sr. OL Tyler Jones, So. TE Cody Jacobs, Jr. OL River Dixon, Jr. OL Dillon Breedlove, Jr. OL Hunter Davis
- DEFENSIVE STYLE: 3-4 -- Fannin likes to attack in their scheme and create turnovers.
- KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS: 8 returning starters -- Sr. LB Jerod Petty, Sr. DB Jack Roper, Sr. DB Dylan Frank, Sr. DL Daniel Kinser, Jr. DL Logan Ledford, Jr. LB Andrew Pavao, Jr. LB Christian Sauls, Sr. S Dominik Leben
- SPECIAL TEAMS: PK Jr. Bryan Carranza or Jr. Brandon Carranza Sr. P Jack Roper
- STRENGTH: Offensive line/defense -- the OL is experienced and has played together the last two seasons. The defense also should be better with experience in key positions.
- QUESTION: Depth -- It's always an issue at Class AAA. The Rebels do not have a lot of depth at the skill positions.
- KEY GAMES: Open region play with back-to-back road games vs. two teams expected to challenge for playoffs and perhaps region title in Banks County and Lumpkin County. But, they finish with three of final four region games at home.
- TRENDING: Fannin County is definitely on the rise, doubling their win total over the past two seasons and coming within a late turnover of last year's regular season finale of making the playoffs. The Rebels are a darkhorse contender for a playoff spot, which would be their first since 2010.
2015 SCHEDULE
Aug. 28 vs. Gilmer
Sept. 4 at Murray County
Sept. 11 at Armuchee
Sept. 18 vs. Union County
Oct. 2 at *Banks County
Oct. 9 at *Lumpkin County
Oct. 16 vs. *Dawson County
Oct. 23 vs. *West Hall
Oct. 30 at *East Hall
Nov. 6 vs. *Franklin County
*- indicates region game
(All kickoffs scheduled for 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted)
