Football 2014: Banks County focused on bouncing back from disappointing 2013

HOMER -- Biff Parson's first year at Banks County did not go anywhere near the way he and the rest of the Leopards were hoping.<br /> <br /> But Parson said the turmoil of a winless 2013 is in the past and that having a year under their collective belts is already showing positive effects as his players prepare for 2014.<br /> <br /> "Coming off an 0-10 season no program wants to do that but we learned from that and we're real excited about 2014 and getting this year started," he said. "Each year you get a little older and wiser, and hopefully we've learned the players better and they know what we want. We've had a really good summer and I like the direction we're headed right now." <br /> <br /> <iframe width="280" height="210" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_grA1b6FJRw?list=UUUSnrhr4jSeaPmIQ3FVLutg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /> <br /> Banks County also has a sizable senior class in spite of last year's troubles with 16 seniors returning to try and move the rebuilding of the program forward.<br /> <br /> "We have some good players and they've been here three or four years and we're putting some expectations on them," Parson said. "Malcolm (Mitchell) and (Will) Ledford are really leading by example, and that's what you want from your star players."<br /> <br /> The Leopards have talent, especially at wide receiver and special teams with seniors Mitchell and Ledford. Sophomore QB Griffin Goodwin also returns as the projected starter. Add three returning linemen in seniors Logan Free and Will Griffin and junior Logan Galloway and Banks County has the core for a potent offense. Junior Travae Cain will see plenty of action at QB and junior Logan Hubbard will anchor the backfield.<br /> <br /> "Griffin started the last half of last year and got a lot of experience and has improved even more in the off-season and during the summer. He handled things pretty well for us despite being a freshman," Parson said. "Travae gives us a different element when he is in there, and I expect to use both of them like a two-headed monster."<br /> <br /> Defensively they return 10 players that saw some starting action last year and should be an improved unit overall. The one big question mark will be at kicker as they try to replace Carman Hicks, who handled both the punting and place-kicking duties last season.<br /> <br /> But like everyone else in 7-AAA, no matter the past, a quick start in what is expected to be a wide-open region could do wonders for the Leopards.<br /> <br /> "We're still building a program," Parson said. "We want to be a part of the show, but being more competitive than last year is our first priority. Some early success would go a long way for us though. We have the playmakers to be a dangerous team and if we can get some confidence with an early win or two, who knows?"