There are just 30 days remaining until the kickoff of the 2022 high school football season. But make no mistake, preparations for the upcoming campaign got underway months ago. And teams throughout northeast Georgia already are in full countdown mode.
With that in mind, we spent the last couple of weeks catching up with programs around our area to get a feel for how spring practice went, how the summer is going, and what coaches believe the fall will look like. Our "Two-a-Days" series honors those old-school grinding sessions that lead us out of summer and into fall, asking each area coach two key questions about the state of their respective programs.
Over the next two weeks, AccessWDUN's Friday Game Night will get you prepped for the start of gridiron action with responses from coaches throughout northeast Georgia. (Teams run in alphabetical order)...
COMMERCE
The Tigers used new coach Mark Hollars' first season as one to get acquainted with one another. Now, they are ready to begin the climb back to challenging for region titles. They still have dynamic sophomore running back Jaiden Daniels but will be breaking in a new quarterback in their triple-option attack.
There is a bona fide three-way battle for the quarterback spot while the defense will be making some subtle changes. We asked Hollars how the changes are coming and if anyone has taken the reins yet under center.
QUESTION: Y'all have a rare quarterback battle there between Coleson Smith, John Paul Allen, and Hudson Thomason. How is that shaping up, and has anyone taken a step forward in claiming the starting nod at this point?
ANSWER: Our three top candidates continue to battle for the starting QB job. All three have improved, and we will make a decision after our two scrimmages. Our evaluation will be done after watching them play in game situations that only a scrimmage can provide.
Q: You are shifting the defense to a more multiple-front look this year and have a solid line with guys like Zander McLane, Colton Hill, Jack Fagan, and Malachi Shockey. How well are the changes coming along, and how good can this group be by season's end?
A: Defensively, we are continuing to progress as we install some new concepts. Cole Hill is anchoring our linebacking group and Cohen Thomason leads our secondary. The depth on the defensive line is one of our strengths.
(Click PLAY.above to see the video:)
- Previously in Two-a-Days: CHESTATEE
- Up Next in Two-a-Days: DAWSON COUNTY
