Indians hope increased numbers trigger playoff run

HIAWASSEE, Ga. — Now in his fourth season in beautiful Hiawassee, Jason Roquemore is hoping a three-year progression on and off the field will be the catalyst for putting the Indians on the permanent football map.

The Indians have improved each year under Roquemore from an 0-10 campaign in 2019 to 4-6 last season. They went a disappointing 0-5 in the old and brutal Region 8-A Public last season but were just four series from a possible playoff berth.

“We were in every game last year, even the ones where we lost until we had a few bad possessions that turned things around. I expect us to be in every game this year," he said. "We just need to learn how to win the close games. That’s the next step.

“The non-region games, we’re looking for those to help build our confidence and get ready for the region. Our goal is to get into the playoffs. If we can avoid injuries, I think these guys have enough talent to do that. Can’t wait to get going.”

The momentum of last season was not lost on the community. Roquemore had 51 players come out for spring practice back in May, a possible program record for interest, and he is expecting a roster in the mid-40s going into the regular season. That’s a far cry from upper-20s his first couple of seasons.

And for the first time ever, Towns County will be able to field a JV program to help build on-field experience for the younger players.

“I like the culture in the program,” Roquemore said. “The kids have embraced what we’re doing. What is exciting is the level of confidence in the program is much higher than it was in Year 1.

“The JV team is going to be something we think will really be able to push the program forward. Getting experience on Thursdays or Fridays is something that can’t really be measured. So excited about that.”

When Roquemore arrived in 2019 to take over the state’s smallest public school program, he had three key things he felt could bring the Indians into prominence. Almost a Bucket List, per se.

“First, we needed to learn how to practice, and that’s tough when you don’t have enough bodies to form a full offense and defense. Second, we needed them to learn how to execute,” Roquemore said. “That takes time and teaching things the right way and the kids understanding what you want them to do.”

Roquemore feels they have accomplished the first two. What about the third?

“We want them to learn how to win. That’s the hardest one at any place where you haven’t won a lot,” he said. “But I think we’re about to be able to turn the corner on that one as well."

The increased numbers, always a positive sign, will have some early drawbacks. Inexperience with several key players will have to be overcome by the start of region play.

Junior quarterback Connor Chastain is back to run the offense but will need to find a main running back to replace the graduated Kyle Oakes. Junior Justin Miles-Hill and senior Seth Gillis, an All-Access Honorable Mention at linebacker, will get the early looks. 

They will be young overall at receiver as senior Grant Ingram is the only upper-classman in the group. Sophomore Julian Mosley and a pair of freshmen in Dustin Barrett and Cruz Kitchens are expected to get significant playing time.

But the increased numbers also mean that for one of the few times in recent memory the Indians will have depth along the line with four returnees up front. Seniors A.J. Edwards, Kemp Walker, and Chance Schmeltz, along with juniors Andrew Brinson and Walker Underwood, and junior tight end Stone Chauncey give Roquemore and his staff plenty of options.

"We have a lot of guys on this team that are seniors and juniors who have played a lot of football for us,” Roquemore said. “I think these guys are looking to make plays now instead of waiting to see what happens, so to speak. That is a big part of the confidence factor.

“We have the depth up front now to do some things we’ve been wanting to do on offense. We’re going to need Connor to do a little more at quarterback this year, and I think we’ll have the guys around him to do that. Our receivers are young but have a lot of talent. I like where we are.”

On defense, Gillis and juniors Ian Arrowwood and Colton Garrett will anchor a solid linebacking group. Senior Dawson Barrett and the two freshmen, Dustin Barrett and Kitchens, give them a talented secondary, though they may have to grow into their roles early in the season.

The Indians have never come into a season expecting to make the playoffs, at least to this point, but Roquemore and his staff certainly are preaching that they expect to be competitive in every game.

That could make them a wildcard factor in the new Region 8-A Division II. They get three of their five region games at home but also face two long, key region road trips at Aquinas and Lincoln County.