DAHLONEGA — Despite it being his second season in Dahlonega, Lumpkin County coach Shane Williamson said it almost feels like his first, as the Indians prep for 2017.
Williamson brought in a whole new staff and new systems this offseason, and fans used to bruising, power football at The Burial Ground may have to check their GPS at first.
The Indians shed an option-oriented ground attack for a more wide-open spread offense. The changes, Williamson said, are a reflection of talent on the roster rather than change for change's sake.
"I like to run the spread, but last year we had the personnel for the pounding run game. This year I think we're more suited for something like the spead," Williamson said. "We're not as big as we were the last couple of years, and we don't have a Zach Matthews type runner that can run between the tackles. The spread will really allow us to play more to our talent and strengths."
Senior quarterback Chandler Woodham showed at times last year that he could handle a more pass-oriented offense. And he will have plenty of weapons, led by senior receiver Julian Hazen. Junior receivers Ben Jones and Jonas Ramirez, sophomore receiver Tucker Kirk, and junior tight end Jack Robinson all have potential for breakout seasons. Junior Evan Abernathy should get the bulk of the work in the backfield in an often one-back system.
"The kids have embraced the new changes," Williamson said. "I think Chandler is very excited to see what we can do, and we've been impressed with him during the offseason and summer."
The Indians could be building for the future as well with a slew of underclassmen already experienced at the varsity level. For now, however, they are in search of that elusive season-defining win.
"We played a lot of young guys last year and now they have some experience at this level. That was a real plus from last year," Williamson said. "We feel we have a shot at the playoffs this year. Just one more win somewhere. But, to get that one more win we will need better consistency. That has been our focus since day one this offseason."
LUMPKIN COUNTY: NEED TO KNOW
- MASCOT: Indians
- TEAM COLORS: Purple and Gold
- CURRENT REGION: 7-AAA
- HEAD COACH/RECORD AT SCHOOL: Shane Williamson, second season, 4-6
- 2016 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 4-6
- KEY LOSSES: RB Zach Matthews, OL Cage Sanford, LB Noah Denard, OL Zach Johns
- OFFENSIVE STYLE: Spread -- The Indians are changing over from a ground-and-pound attack to a spread with pro-style sets. Lumpkin will look to throw the ball more in 2017.
- KEY OFFENSIVE PLAYERS: 6 starters returning -- Sr. QB Chandler Woodham, Sr. OL Josh Chastain, Sr. OL Dalton Savage, Jr. OL Devin Dye, Sr. WR Julian Hazen, Jr. WR Ben Jones, So. WR Tucker Kirk, Jr. TE Jack Robinson, Jr. RB Evan Abernathy, Jr. WR Jonas Ramirez
- DEFENSIVE STYLE: 4-2-5 -- New defensive coordinator Dick Russell is changing the base look to help match up better with the spread offenses of Region 7-AAA. Lumpkin will still place a high emphasis on stopping the run.
- KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS: 5 starters returning -- Sr. DL Josh Chastain, Jr. S Evan Abernathy, Jr. S Jonas Ramirez, Sr. FS Carson Dempsey, Sr. CB Will Speir, So. LB Kevin Harkins, Sr. DL Jahelle Golding, So. DE Aaron Hopkins
- SPECIAL TEAMS: Sr. PK/P Wesley Wells, Jr. KR/WR Evan Abernathy, Jr. KR/PR Jonas Ramirez
- STRENGTH: Experience -- The offensive line with three returning starters should be a strength and Woodham at QB returns with experience.
- QUESTION: RB depth/growing pains -- The RB position is a big question mark with a lack of experienced depth. Expect some early growing pains as the Indians learn two new systems on both sides of the ball.
- KEY GAMES: The first game against White County (Aug. 25, away) could tell a lot for the Indians about how the changes have taken affect. But the key stretch may come from late September to late October when they open 7-AAA play with three of their first four on the road -- including two state playoff teams from a season ago (at North Hall, Oct. 6 and home to GAC, Oct. 13). If Lumpkin survives that slog, it finishes with two important home contests against Dawson County and Union County (also both playoff teams in 2016).
- TRENDING: The Indians were one play from making the playoffs in 2016 after a tumultuous offseason that saw Williamson take over just a few weeks before kickoff. Williamson and his staff now have the changes in place they feel can put them back in the playoff picture. Lumpkin has some young talent on both sides of the ball and Williamson said the numbers are up at all levels. A playoff run is the goal and would represent a significant step for a team that has only reached the state bracket five times in its history -- the last time coming in 2014. The Indians were. 500 from 2007-2011 but have been on a roller-coaster ride since with three 2-8 records interspersed with 5-6 in 2014 and 4-6 last season.
2017 SCHEDULE
Aug. 25 at White County
Sept. 1 at Jackson County
Sept. 8 vs. Madison County
Sept. 15 at Chestatee
Sept. 22 at *East Hall
Oct. 6 at *North Hall
Oct. 13 vs. *Greater Atlanta Christian
Oct. 20 at *Fannin County
Oct. 27 vs. *Dawson County
Nov. 3 vs. *Union County
*- Indicates region contest
(All kickoffs scheduled for 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted)
