Perry brings stability to struggling Viking program

RABBITTOWN — The Vikings coaching transition is finally over.

East Hall Principal Jeff Cooper finally snagged his No. 1 pick last November when he hired Centennial head coach and former Gainesville offensive coordinator Michael Perry as next leader of the Vikings.

He’s best-known around Hall County as the former Gainesville offensive coordinator, who coached current Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson during the Red Elephants 2012 state title run. 

"He's had success in all the places he's coached," Cooper said in December. "We tried to get him last year, but could never get it worked out. So, we went back after him this year. I just like what he stands for - his message and the character he brings. There's a lot of work to be done here, I'm looking forward to his approach."

Since January, Perry has been on staff at East Hall.

“It’s a very small, tight-knit community,” he said. “It has a very homey feel to it. We want to make these people proud, this community proud. It’s not going to happen overnight. Like I told my guys, the performance rises and falls on our behavior. We have to be intentional and skillful in everything we do. We have to stay above the line every day, and that’s a fight we’re going to have every day to maintain that, to not fall back to being impulsive and on autopilot. We talk about it every day.”

Along with all the newness, trying to hire a coaching staff and no spring practice, Perry and his staff have been rushing to get everything installed throughout the summer.

“We didn’t have spring practice, so summer is all we have with the players and we’re behind,” he said. “But we’ll catch up. The kids have a great attitude. We have to understand what the standard is and maintain it and have a relentless effort.”

Perry brings plenty of playoff experience to Valhalla. He came from Class 6A Centennial, where he led the Knights to consecutive playoff appearances. Before that, he helped Coffee County to the playoffs as offensive coordinator. He knows how to build a program and lift it to the postseason, but there’s one challenge he’s not familiar with facing him at East Hall: depth.

“One thing that presents a challenge, it’s the first job I’ve had where some kids didn’t come off the field,” he said. “We’re not going to two-platoon, so we’re going to have to be very creative at the same making sure we get guys breaks when needed. Our key players will be on offense, defense and special teams.”

Between 2010-2017, the Vikings had no issue lighting up the scoreboard, averaging 30-plus points per game. Last season, the Vikings averaged 20.4 points per game, the lowest output since 2010. 

Perry wants to change that with his high-flying, fast-paced, air raid spread attack.

“We’re going with the air raid,” he said. “In saying that, that’s not saying we’re going to drop back and throw it every play. It’s up to our quarterback to get us in right spots. If our quarterback plays good, we’re probably going to win. If he struggles, we’re probably not going to be able to win – bottom line.”

Sophomore Clete Cooper and junior Luke England have battled all summer for the starting QB job. Perry likes the development of both players but hasn’t named a starter yet.

“Both have a unique set of strengths,” he said. “They’re going to have to put us in the right position. For our offense to go, we ask a lot of our QBs. The task of quarterback in our system requires tremendous responsibility and accuracy. Both are quality young men, but neither has been asked to ‘be the guy’ for a whole season.”

At wide receiver, Perry said senior Mon Prather has been turning heads in practice with his ability and leadership.

“He’s been very impressive,” Perry said. “He will help mentor the younger talent we have at wide receiver.”

Prather will be joined by seniors TJ Campbell and Drew Highfield and freshman Matthew Lott at wideout.

Upfront, the Vikings are in rebuild mode, which returns just two starters from the last season. Seniors Zion Hill and Jamarien Gaudlock will anchor the offensive line and mentor the younger lineman.

“Those two have stepped up,” he said. “We have some young guys that are going to have to play, too. We’ll have to get them ready.”
The spread offense also will rely on a heavy rushing attack.

The spread offense can be flashy but needs a balance between the passing game and run game. 

The Vikings lost leading rusher Cambren Harrison and Kylan Curry and Zander Man to graduation. Replacing those three have proven difficult at times. So far, Highfield has emerged as the leading back. Perry said he will split time at running back and wide receiver. 

“He has proven to be a special player,” Perry said. “He has impressed the coaching staff and will be relied on heavily at both positions. We want a run game that consists of both zone and gap schemes. The running back has to not only be able to find holes but be excellent in pass protection and running routes out of the backfield.”

The Vikings gave up an average of 51.8 ppg - worst in Class 3A in 2018, including allowing 50 or more points five times. Perry says his coaching staff is working to change those numbers in 2019.

He brought Shane Giardina with him from Centennial to lead the Viking defense. The Vikings will base out of the 4-2-5. 

“There’s only one way to go and that’s up,” he said. “We want everything to look the same to the quarterback but, when the ball snaps, it’s going to be different every time. We really want to confuse the quarterback but stop the run at the same time, as well.”

Senior defensive backs Highfield and Dylan Timms and sophomore defensive lineman Marcus Holmberg and sophomore defensive back Macere Walker are key to the Vikings defensive success. 

Perry also said freshman defensive lineman Matthew Lott will be key as well. 

“Our cornerbacks will have to be able to guard the sidelines at times without help,” he said. “The defensive line will be asked to affect the quarterback, not necessarily by sacks, but by getting him off of his spot and timing.”

Perry said the special team units are still a work-in-progress.

As for the season, the Vikings were one game out of the fourth spot in Region 7-3A in 2018. A 59-36 loss to Fannin County essentially dashed any Viking playoff hopes. 

Perry says every game is important but hopes the Vikings can be a playoff contender this year.

“It’s a tough region,” he said. “Greater Atlanta Christian is good. Dawson County is good and North Hall is good. Fannin is getting a lot better and Lumpkin has a new coach. It’s going to be very challenging. We’re not going to circle anybody; every game has its own unique challenges. We can’t take anybody granted.”