There are just 33 days remaining until the kickoff of the 2023 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)...
BUFORD
The Wolves saw their long streak of quarterfinal state playoff appearances come to a stunning end in 2022 as they were taken out in the second round by Walton in the Class 7A playoffs. But they return several key pieces from that group, including what could be one of their best defenses ever. They also had the nation's top quarterback recruit, Dylan Raiola, transfer in from Arizona.
They are heavy favorites to repeat as Region 8-7A champions. The real question is, they can get back to the state finals in the state's highest classification.
We caught up with Coach Bryant Appling to see how the addition of Raiola is coming along and how the team's psyche is as they try to put last year's disappointing finish in the rear view mirror.
QUESTION: With the addition of (quarterback) Dylan Raiola you may have the makings of one of the state’s most dynamic passing attacks with the likes of K.J. Bolden and Tyshun White at receiver. What have you seen so far in practice and how might that reshape your offensive approach this year?
A: We have had a basic philosophy of being a balanced offense that is based off the run, which will be complimented by our explosiveness at the skill positions. Every year you look at what your players do well and work with that and find ways to let your playmakers make plays.
Q: The defense had its pride hurt in that second round loss to Walton in last year’s playoffs. But you have a solid group returning with guys like Eddrick Houston, Jaden Perlotte, and Bolden leading the way. What has been the attitude of that group during the summer as you approach the fall?
A: There were a lot of lessons learned from our season ending the way it did. We looked hard at all aspects of what we do and we have been determined and focused throughout the off-season. There is still a lot to learn as we enter summer camp. The bottom line, is talent gets you only so far, but poise, discipline and execution wins against tough competition.
- Up Next in Two-a-Days: CHEROKEE BLUFF
- Previous Two-a-Days: BANKS COUNTY
