Experienced West Hall ready to make some noise

OAKWOOD — For most coaches, it would be the kind of double-edged sword statement that would make them uncomfortable.

But not West Hall’s Krofton Montgomery.

“In Year 4, this is the first time I think everyone understands what we want to do,” he said about his 2021 group as they prepared for their summer workouts. “I think we’ve made progress each year and I do believe that most everyone got it the other years. There’s always a few every year that don’t. 

“But I can’t think of a single player or coach right now that isn’t on the same page as we get ready for 2021. Really excited about this season.”

And there’s good reason Montgomery should be. Despite the challenges of the COVID year of 2020 for almost every program, the Spartans won their most games (4-6) since 2017 and came within one win of making the playoffs after a disastrous 0-10 2019 campaign.

And, they return a plethora of seniors and key starters on both sides of the ball, including the bulk of a defense (234 points, 23.4 points/game) that gave up half of its 2019 total (462).

“Our mindset this year is to make the playoffs,” Montgomery said. “We played great in spurts last year. Now we need to learn how to put 48 full minutes together.

“We feel that with the experience we have coming back, and the talent, a playoff spot and competing for a region title are there. Our goal is to be right in the middle of things this year.”

The defense should be bigger and better than last year, led by a pair of Region 7-3A first-team selections in senior linebacker Nick Sturm and senior cornerback Jaden White. Add in seniors Tilil Blackwell and Caleb Baker, sophomore Maliek Richardson, who had 70 tackles as a freshman, and senior Blake McCray, and the Spartans will have one of the best and deepest linebacking groups in the region.

Along with White, junior Noah Legault, senior Mikyle Hemphill, and sophomore Nick Davidson will give them an experienced secondary as all saw significant time last season. The only real question will be finding help for junior Sam Pettit along the line.

“I really like our defense,” Montgomery said. “Nick and Jaden have gotten better each year. Richardson was outstanding as a freshman and I think Blake could be ready for a breakout year as well.

“We’re going to attack offenses this year. We have the talent to do that. This group can carry us and will give us a chance to win every week I believe.” 

On offense, the biggest challenge will be finding someone to replace three-year starter Clayton Jenkins at quarterback and a suitable replacement for Rodrigo Lopez at receiver. Lopez was among Class 3A’s most explosive pass catchers in 2020.

Montgomery said some changes in philosophy will follow with personnel changes on the offensive side.

“We don’t have anyone like Clayton with that kind of experience but we have a lot of big boys upfront and we have several power guys that can carry the ball,” he said. “We’re going to tweak some things this year.”

Sturm and junior Andrew Malin will share the duties under center depending on the situation but look for Malin (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) to also be a huge weapon downfield in the passing game. Junior receiver Legault also may be poised for a breakout season. Blackwell, who had 10 touchdowns and averaged 5.5 yards/carry in 2020, and Richardson give the Spartans two big options in the backfield as well.

Senior Reagan Byrd (2-time All-Region selection in both 7-4A and 73A), will lead a solid group upfront. Junior center Tito Fernandez started every game last season and is back as is junior A.J. O'Bryant along with Malin, who will also play tight end.

“I see this group being more of a power offense,” Montgomery said. “We have a much bigger and athletic line this year Nick, Tilil, Maliek all are big guys that can move a pile. Maliek could be a guy that is primed for a breakout season on offense.

“Nick can throw the ball 60 yards and we’re working on increasing his accuracy. He and Andrew had a couple of great plays in the passing game during our spring game. I think we have the potential to be very good by the end of the season. But cutting down on turnovers and mistakes is our big focus.”

The Spartans play three of their first four on the road, opening with road games at East Jackson and East Hall before staging their home-opener on Sept. 3 against arch-rival Johnson. Montgomery is hoping to use their non-region schedule to fine-tune the offense and get ready for a huge home date with North Hall on Sept. 24 to open Region 7-3A play.

After North Hall, they follow with two of their next three on the road at Cherokee Bluff and Dawson County sandwiched around a home tilt with White County, the four playoff teams from 2020. 

“It’s always important to get off to a good start to a season and I feel like we have some games that will challenge us and also help us get ready for the region,” Montgomery said. “With the changes on offense, it’s going to be even more important to pay attention to the details and the little things.

“Like I said before, we plan on being right in the middle of things (in Region 7-3A). That’s our goal. That North Hall game is going to be huge because we need to have a good start to the region. We play the four playoff teams all in a row so we won’t have any time to really take a break. That’s why working out the kinks during the non-region and just making sure we’re doing all the little things will be crucial.”

After a program-best five consecutive postseason appearances from 2013-17, and none since, Montgomery said it is time they begin a new streak in 2021.

“I don’t think any program says it’s playoffs or bust or anything like that and that’s not where we’re at,” he said. “But this was a team I thought had a chance last year and we came up a game short. We have most everyone back and I truly believe this is the best team in my four years coming into a season.

“The kids came into the offseason ready to work and have been working really hard. I think they know they have a chance to be pretty good and I think that is really driving them, especially the seniors. The leadership on this team is off the charts.

“Like I said in the beginning, this group more than any other is on the same page about what we want them to do and what they’re expecting from themselves. If they continue to focus on the little things that cost them last year, I think there is probably no limit on what they can do. I can’t wait for the season to get started.”