FLOWERY BRANCH — A last-ditch drive by Gainesville in the 2015 season finale kept Flowery Branch out of the playoffs. Now coach Chris Griffin and his staff are hoping that the memory of that, and a solid offseason program, will help get the Falcons back into the playoff race in 2016.
"We feel we have the talent to compete. I think we proved that last year, losing to the top two teams (in then-Region 8-AAAAA) by a combined six points. We’re close to getting back to where we used to be," Griffin said.
The Falcons must overcome the loss of four starters on the offensive line, a key with the likes of Jefferson, Clarke Central, Loganville, and Buford on the schedule. They do return a pair of improved signal-callers, however, in senior Kory Graham and junior Nick Lance. Lance opened the 2015 season as the starter but went down to injury on the second series of the first game and Graham started the rest of the way. But Griffin said there is no quarterback battle. He plans on using both, depending on the situation.
"Nick is back and looks good. He is a pocket-passer kind of guy. Kory is more of an out-of-the-pocket guy," Griffin said. "We have two quarterbacks that are more than capable, and we will use both of them."
Either QB will be able to rely on a dynamic pair of receivers in junior Malik Drayton and senior Cameron Holmes. Drayton (5-foot-6, 145) is the fatest player on the team and offers matchup problems with his speed and elusiveness.
"Malik is a phenomenal athlete and is just fearless out there," Griffin said. "If we can keep him healthy he could have a big year for us."
The key will be up front. Griffin said several players have stepped forward during the offseason including juniors Cannon Underwood and Maurice Joseph and senior Brantley Waters.
Defensively the Falcons return five starters, and should be paced by senior defensive tackle Dylan Connell, who is posied to have a breakout season. Junior Tyler Williams will also help Connell up front.
"You have to believe you can win before can actually do it and I think that is something we’ve been working on, building that confidence," Griffin said. "Again, I feel like we're close."
FLOWERY BRANCH: NEED TO KNOW
- MASCOT: Falcons
- TEAM COLORS: Black, Red and White
- CURRENT REGION: 8-AAAAA
- HEAD COACH/RECORD AT SCHOOL: Chris Griffin, fifth season, 26-16
- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 6-4
- KEY LOSSES: P Chewy Alvarado, KR Cortez Davis, OL Sterling Sykes, OL Cory Godfrey, OL Clay Hamilton, DE T.J. Jackson, CB Paul Jaramillo, LB Tariq Jalil
- OFFENSIVE STYLE: Spread -- The Falcons like balance out of their spread attack but generally run to set up the pass.
- KEY OFFENSIVE PLAYERS: 5 returning starters -- Jr. QB Nick Lance, Sr. QB Kory Graham, Jr. RB/WR Malik Drayton, Sr. WR Cameron Holmes, Sr. OL Dylan Connell, Jr. RB Malik Damons
- DEFENSIVE STYLE: 3-4 -- The Branch will be aggressive and attack as often as possible.
- KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS: 5 returning starters -- Sr. DT Dylan Connell, Sr. LB Anthony Woodall, Jr. DE Tyler Williams, Sr. DB Sean Akins, Jr. DB Trey McIntosh
- SPECIAL TEAMS: Jr. PK Alexander Sanchez, Jr. P Nick Lance, Jr. KR Malik Drayton, So. KR Jalin Strown, Jr. KR Trey McIntosh
- STRENGTH: Chemistry/quarterback -- A close-knit team that works hard, the Falcons are focused on a rebound. Quarterback play should also be strong with Lance and Graham to choose from.
- QUESTION: Offensive line -- The Falcons must replace four starters up front.
- KEY GAMES: The opener against North Hall (Aug. 26, home) is crucial, with a lot of young players earning their first varsity experience. The Branch then opens Region 8-AAAAA play with back-to-back home games against Johnson and Cedar Shoals. They could need early wins with a brutal finish against Loganville, Clarke Central, and Buford.
- TRENDING: The Falcons were two plays from an 8-2 season and a playoff berth in 2015. They have a lot of underclassmen with talent and Griffin and his staff are developing more young talent that should keep things flowing the next few years. The furture is bright and, barring injury of course, they should be in the playoff hunt in 2016 and beyond. The Branch posted nine straight playoff appearances 2005-2013 -- including a state runner-up finish in 2008 -- and is looking to get back to that level of postseason consistency.
2016 SCHEDULE
Aug. 26 vs. North Hall
Sept. 2 at Chestatee
Sept. 9 at Stephens County
Sept. 16 vs. Jefferson
Sept. 23 vs. *Johnson
Sept. 30 vs. *Cedar Shoals
Oct. 7 at *Walnut Grove
Oct. 14 vs. *Loganville
Oct. 21 at *Clarke Central
Nov. 4 at *Buford
*- Indicates region game
(All kickoffs scheduled for 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted)
