MOUNT AIRY — Second-year coach Benjie Harrison did not hesitate when asked.
"Consistency," is what Harrison emphasized in explaining the real key to the 2017 campaign for his Raiders.
"We're in a tough region and we just need to be more consistent overall. In several of the games we lost last year we were competitive, but we weren't consistent enough to overcome some key mistakes and to keep from making those mistakes. That has been the key area of emphasis since the end of last year."
The Raiders should be stout up front with four returning starters across the offensive line -- seniors Schaefer Almoyen, Bryan Mason, Jiles Ward, and Jonathan Gragg -- and will have one of the more athletic quarterbacks in the area in move-in senior A.J. Curry (formerly of Stephens County). Curry impressed during the 7-on-7 summer period and Harrison said his upside is "unlimited."
"I've coached some great quarterbacks through the years, and he has as much, if not more, raw ability than anyone I've seen, including (former Flowery Branch and South Carolina standout) Connor Shaw," Harrison said. "Connor was more polished at this stage, but A.J. has all the tools -- a huge arm, can make plays, strong, smart -- and wants to get better. He has gotten better each week, and if he keeps growing at the same rate he could have a tremendous season. He's fun to watch and I think fans will see that."
Defensively, Habersham returns six key starters, including seniors Carson Taylor (CB), Garrett Kinsey (LB), Carson Moore (CB), and Rayburn Ross (CB). The Raiders also possess more speed on that side of the ball than in 2016, which could prove key if Curry and the offense need time to find a rhythm.
Harrison is hoping the new additions and improvements can translate into that one extra win needed to crack the playoff barrier.
"Our non-region schedule should allow us to work some things out and get ready for the region. But we know it will be tough," Harrison said. "The most important region game is always the first one (Gainesville) to get some momentum. No doubt we have a tough start but no one is going to feel sorry for us. Somehow we have to find a way to get one more win. That's what we're working toward."
HABERSHAM CENTRAL: NEED TO KNOW
- MASCOT: Raiders
- TEAM COLORS: Blue and Orange
- CURRENT REGION: 8-AAAAAA
- HEAD COACH/RECORD AT SCHOOL: Benji Harrison, third season, 6-14
- 2016 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 5-5
- KEY LOSSES: RB Michael Babers, QB Cole Wilbanks, WR Aaron Wood, DE Austin Frady, LB Jake Jones, DE Dylan Holcomb, Saf Trey Hurt
- OFFENSIVE STYLE: Spread, multiple -- The Raiders want to use speed on the perimeter and power up the middle to stay aggressive and keep defenses on their heels.
- KEY OFFENSIVE PLAYERS: 6 returning starters -- Sr. WR Bryce Tanner, Sr. OL Schaefer Almoyen, Sr. OL Bryan Mason, Sr. OL Jiles Ward, Sr. OL Jonathan Gragg, Sr. QB A.J. Curry, Sr. WR Jim Barnett, Jr. WR Donovan Curry
- DEFENSIVE STYLE: 3-4 -- Like its offense, Habersham wants to put pressure on opponents and will move around pre-snap in an effort to find different angles of attack. Look for the Raiders to use their improved speed as a weapon as well.
- KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS: 6 returning starters -- Sr. DB Jim Barnett, Jr. DB Donovan Curry, Jr. DE Andrew Lovell, So. DT Greg Wiley, Sr. LB Carson Taylor, Sr. LB Garrett Kinsey, Sr. CB Carson Moore, Sr. CB Rayburn Ross, Jr. LB Luke Wilson
- SPECIAL TEAMS: Sr. PK Carlos Escamilla, Sr. P A.J. Curry; Sr. KR/PR Jim Barnett, Jr. KR/PR Donovan Curry
- STRENGTH: Offensive line/ability in the backfield -- The Raiders should be in solid shape on the line with 4 of 5 players being returning starters. Curry at QB could be a potentially huge addition and give Habersham tremendous play-making ability on offense.
- QUESTION: Inexperience in key areas -- There are a lot of new players in some key roles from 2016. Those starters will need to acclimate to their new positions before region play gets under way.
- KEY GAMES: The region opener at Gainesville could be huge as far as playoff implications. The season opener against East Hall will tell the Raiders a lot about their strengths and question marks, while White County (Sept. 1) will provide an interesting test against a border rival. The traditional battle against arch-rival Stephens County two weeks later may show if they are ready to compete for a playoff spot. Habersham has not beaten the Indians since 1996. A playoff berth could once again hinge on their matchup with Winder-Barrow.
- TRENDING: Habersham is definitely on the upswing. The Raiders posted their first non-losing season since 2011 last year -- that after winning just three games in the previous four seasons combined. Harrison feels his group, despite some key losses, is on the verge of helping build a consistent winner again. The key lies in taking the next step and getting into the state playoffs.
2017 SCHEDULE
Aug. 18 at East Hall
Sept. 1 vs. White County
Sept. 8 at Franklin County
Sept. 15 vs. Stephens County
Sept. 22 vs. Chestatee
Oct. 6 at *Gainesville
Oct. 13 vs. *Lanier
Oct. 20 at *Dacula
Oct. 27 vs. *Winder-Barrow
Nov. 3 at. *Apalachee
*- Indicates region contest
(All kickoffs scheduled for 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted)
