2017 football preview: Changes not deterring Flowery Branch from thinking playoffs

FLOWERY BRANCH — About the only sure thing for Flowery Branch football in 2017 is that it is still nicknamed "Falcons."

Otherwise, fans can expect a slew of changes as Ben Hall -- who came over from Jefferson -- and a new staff implement alterations on both sides of the ball to go along with multiple personnel changes.

It has been a busy offseason for Hall and the Falcons. The offense will go with a more pro-style, multiple look and senior Nick Lance has moved from quarterback to tight end, making way for sophomore Elijah Gainey, who wil be learning on the job. The defense, led by former White County coach (as well as state champion with Peachtree Ridge) Bill Ballard, will shift to a 3-4 base, with an eye on rushing the quarterback and getting aggressive in the secondary, as both units return several starters.

"It has been busy for sure, but the community has been very supportive of the changes, and the kids have really embraced things so far," Hall said. "As for moving Nick, he has grown since last year, and he's a great athlete, and we felt this would give more experience at (tight end). He has been very receptive of the move, and we think this will make us better.

"Elijah is big kid with a big arm that has shown since we moved him into the starter's role that he can execute all the throws we need him to make. I'm sure there will be some growing pains, but we think he has a big upside for the future. We're excited to see what he can do once the season starts."

The Falcons also have one of the more dynamic playmakers in northeast Georgia in senior RB/WR Malik Drayton, a shifty, speedy player with the ability to bust long plays. Senior RB Malik Damons offers Hall a 215-220-pound, bruising runner to churn away behind what is expected to be a bigger, more athletic offensive line.

"(Drayton) is as explosive as any player I've ever coached. He'll be all over the field for us in all three phases," Hall said. "I don't put a number on how many touches we would like for him to get but I'm hoping a bunch if our offense is going well. (Damons) is a big, tough downhill runner, and we really think our style of offense fits his skill set. I think he could have a big year for us."

The key area for success in 2017, however, may be on the defensive side. The Falcons allowed 29.1 points per game overall in 2016, and 30.5 in region contests, the second-most in the 8-AAAAA. Changes abound as Hall and his staff have worked to rebuild the unit. Senior Myles Janess has moved from wide receiver to free safety and will be joined by Drayton and senior Trey McIntosh in the secondary. The Branch returns some experience at linebacker with seniors Tyler Blalock, Colby Adams, and Will Price and junior Saul Almanzar.

"I think we'll be better (on defense) than last year just because we have some guys that saw action last year and have improved during the offseason. Hall said.

Being no stranger to playoff success, Hall -- who led Jefferson to a state semifinal berth in 2016 -- said despite all the changes and new schemes, the Falcons expect to be in the playoff hunt.

"People have been saying 'rebuild' about us but I don't like that phrase," Hall said. "Our goal is to get better each week and compete. If we do that I think we'll have a shot at the playoffs by the end of the season. That's our expectation, regardless of what other people say."