JEFFERSON — Jefferson football has been as consistent as any program in the state since 2012 with one state title, two quarterfinals appearances, and 46 wins. And 2016 could be the year the Dragons make another run at a state title with several talented skilled players -- led by junior running back Colby Wood (2,200 yards rushing in 2015) and a solid offensive line anchored by seniors Caleb Chandler and Dontae Wilson, who have drawn dozens of college offers between them.
But, they also face one of the more intriguing, and toughest, schedules in the area. Perennial state powers Thomson and Gainesville, along with Flowery Branch, highlight a an interesting non-region schedule. A three-game stretch against St. Pius, Stephens County, and Oconee County to close out their region schedule may well determine their playoff fate.
Coach Ben Hall said they wanted a test -- and they'll likely get it.
"It's a challenging schedule, and we set out to get some interesting games," Hall said. "We're not looking past our opener (against Discovery), and really we'll take them one at a time. But I think there are some real interesting matchups, especially the Thomson and Gainesville games, which will most certainly draw some statewide attention. We're excited about it. Of course, the key games are the last five. There won't be any easy games in the region."
Wood is arguably the best returning running back in northeast Georgia, while Zack Boobas, who has collegiate offers of his own, will also provide key carries. Both are running behind an imposing line of scrimmage. And with the development of junior quarterback Bryce Moore over the offseason, Hall feels they can offer even more balance in 2016 and keep Wood fresh for the stretch drive.
A fresh, and healthy Colby Wood in the playoffs may be just the thing to push the Dragons back toward the top.
JEFFERSON: NEED TO KNOW
- MASCOT: Dragons
- TEAM COLORS: Royal Blue, Red and White
- CURRENT REGION: Region 8-AAAA
- HEAD COACH/RECORD AT SCHOOL: Ben Hall, fourth season, 32-6
- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 10-2, Class AAA second round, Region 8-AAA runner-up
- KEY LOSSES: OL Alex Corbett, OL Jackson Bowen, TE/DE Joseph Randolph, DE Deshon Lester, DB/RB Darrian Hill, LB Josh Cole
- OFFENSIVE STYLE: Pro style -- The Dragons will still look to spread the field and go to the air, but a stellar offensive line and running back corps might mean more of a reliance on the ground attack -- at least early in the campaign.
- KEY OFFENSIVE PLAYERS: 6 returning starters -- Sr. OL Caleb Chandler, Sr. OL Dontae Wilson, Jr. RB Colby Wood (2,200 yards rushing in 2015), Jr. QB Bryce Moore, Sr. WR Chaz Evans
- DEFENSIVE STYLE: 4-3 -- Jefferson likes to attack in order to penetrate and create pressure on opposing QBs.
- KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS: 6 returning starters -- Jr. DT Dontae Wilson, Sr. MLB Jonathan Paolozzi, Sr. DE Will Kellen, Sr. LB Blake Wright, Sr. Saf Zac Boobas, Sr. Saf Alex Mason
- SPECIAL TEAMS: So. PK Hayden Kilgore, Sr. P Zack Boobas, Jr. KR Colby Wood, Sr. KR Zack Boobas
- STRENGTH: Experience at key spots -- The Dragons feature veterans aplenty on both sides of the ball. The offense should be even more potent with Moore having another year under his belt, not to mention Chandler and Wilson up front for protection and to open holes for Wood.
- QUESTION: Turnover -- Strange to say, but along with the experience the Dragons also have 10 new starters at various positions and finding some early continuity will be key as they move through a tough schedule.
- KEY GAMES: They have one of the more interesting schedules top to bottom of any team in the area. A home date with traditional state power Thomson (Sept. 2, home) is one of the marquee games in the state and kicks off the meat of the Jefferson schedule. The showdown with Gainesville (Sept. 23, home) is a matchup of 2012 state champions (Jefferson in AA, Gainesville in AAAAA). A tough region then awaits, but the Dragons finish with three consecutive home games to close out the season -- including the regular season finale with Oconee, which, if it is anything like last year's double overtime thriller (that Jefferson lost 36-35), is one no one will want to miss.
- TRENDING: The Dragons have been as relevant as any program in the state in any classification since winning the 2012 Class AA state title, rising from consistent winners to elite status. With a talented a group of high-profile juniors in 2016, things should not change much as they chase another deep run in the playoffs.
2016 SCHEDULE
Aug. 19 at Discovery
Aug. 26 vs. Riverwood
Sept. 2 vs. Thomson
Sept. 16 at Flowery Branch
Sept. 23 vs. Gainesville
Sept. 30 at *Madison County
Oct. 14 at *North Oconee
Oct. 21 vs. *St. Pius
Oct. 28 vs. *Stephens County
Nov. 4 vs. *Oconee County
*- Indicates region game
(All kickoffs scheduled for 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted)
