JEFFERSON — With 10 of 11 senior offensive starters and 14 starters returning overall, Jackson County figured to have the experience, and talent, to make a run in Region 8-AAA coming into the 2015 season.
The Panthers already have matched their entire win total for 2014, pitched their first shutout since 2010 last week in a 17-0 win over White County, and are 2-0 for the first time since 2010. Not to be left out, they beat Madison County in Week 1 for the first time in school history.
It’s not always about talent, however. For first-year coach Brandon Worley, the quick start is really more about personal relationships than pure talent.
“Don’t get me wrong, we have a lot of talent here,” Worley said. “But I think the key right now is that the kids are believing in each other. More importantly, the coaches are believing in them.
“We tried to build positive relationships with each player from the moment we got here. The kids knowing that we believe in them and expect them to do well and get better is big. You can see it in their faces and in how they have responded to what we’re trying to do.”
What Worley and his staff, which includes former North Forsyth, Banks County, and Peachtree Ridge head coach Blair Armstrong, are trying to do is build the Panthers into a household name with the likes of fellow Jackson County programs Jefferson and Commerce.
Worley worked for Armstrong for six seasons at North Forsyth and Banks County and said having experience like that behind him has been invaluable.
“I learned a ton from him over the years and if I’ve had a question about something he’s probably seen it and has really helped with the transition for myself and everyone,” Worley said. “Plus, he’s just a great football coach. We’re very fortunate to have a guy like coach Armstrong with us here.”
Their start is just the third time in program history they have opened a season 2-0 (2009 and 2010). The Panthers began the 1992 season with a tie before winning six straight that season.
The 2009 team opened the season 3-0 and the current Panthers will have to get by a very good Rabun County team Friday night to match that start.
So, the question begs to be asked. How are Worley and his staff managing such quick results at a program that has had such little success traditionally?
“Honestly, it’s really just about the relationships,” Worley said. “The kids here are hungry for success and we’re just trying to help them maximize their abilities. (Former Jackson County) Coach Harrison did a great job of developing the talent here. We’re just making a few changes.
“The big thing for us is we’re committed to put our best players on the field at all times. We have several guys playing both ways, which they didn’t do much last year, and that has made a difference.”
Jackson County has gotten balanced offensive play so far from senior running back Malik Tuck, senior wide receiver Chase Wester, and junior quarterback QB Caleb Matthews. Senior Jace Latty also filled in for Matthews against Madison County. They have had success because of a solid offensive line led by seniors Tyler Sartain, Justin Bailey, and Luke Sanders.
The Panthers defense held White County to just 50 total yards last week. Linebackers Latty and fellow seniors Griffin McElvery and Austin Lewis, along with defensive backs Cole Alford, a senior, and junior Chris Griggs, back up a solid line led by senior Jorge Monzon and junior Mason Williams.
But they will have their hands full this week trying to stop Charlie Woerner and company and a Wildcats offense that has scored 64 points over their last six quarters.
“(Rabun County) has a lot of talent all over the field, it’s not just the Charlie show,” Worley said. “There is no doubt this will be our biggest test so far.”
On the field, Worley said the main keys are simple.
“On offense we can’t have any turnovers. We can’t give them short fields,” he said. “On defense, everyone has to know their assignments. Nothing real fancy.”
Off the field, Worley only needed one word and little thought to define what makes this 2015 group go.
“Effort,” he said. “Every practice they have put in tremendous effort to get better. It has resonated throughout the entire roster. We have great senior leadership and they are leading the way.”
