HEAD COACH: Benji Harrison, 9th season ♦ CAREER RECORD: 42-73 ♦ 2022 SEASON: 3-7 ♦ REGION: 8-6A
It was a season unlike any of his previous seven for Habersham Central coach Benji Harrison.
Considered one of the better offensive-minded coaches in the area, Harrison watched as his 2022 Raiders scored just 172 points (17.2 point-game), the lowest in his tenure in Mt. Airy and the lowest since Habersham scored a program-worst 62 points in 2013.
But what made it even more difficult was the Raiders letting three second-half leads collapse in Region 8-6A play when any one win would have perhaps gotten them into the playoffs.
A Baker’s Dozen turnovers, including 10 interceptions, is a stat that Harrison said they will need to turn around in what is again considered to be a wide-open region field in 2023.
“We did not help ourselves with the turnovers, which most came in key possessions with the games in doubt,” he said. “We had some key injuries during the season on defense. Can’t make excuses because that’s part of the game.”
Harrison, however, expects his once high-flying attack to get back in gear this season. They return eight on offense, including three-year starters Carson Parker at quarterback and Zeke Whittington at receiver.
“I think offensively we can get back to what we’re used to,” he said. “It’s all about explosive plays, not necessarily points. We did not have those explosive plays last year, but I feel a lot better with the experience we have back and them knowing what they need to do better.”
Finishing also has been a high priority for the Raiders this offseason.
“Just figuring out how to win those close games,” Harrison said. “We were so close last year. The guys had high expectations, and none of us were happy with how (things) went. Our focus has been on doing the little things better on a daily basis.”
The spring and summer were productive for the Raiders, which has given Harrison plenty of optimism that they can make a run at their first playoff berth since 2020.
“The summer went really well,” Harrison said. “We have 21 seniors that understand and realize the sense of urgency they need in their last season. It’s a tough region, but we were very close last year even with all the issues we had, and we’re light years better right now than last year at this time.”
GRADUATION STINGS
The Raiders' only major key losses to graduation were leading rusher RB Blandon Grizzle and LB Braydon Wright and Caleb Blackburn on defense, who combined for over 130 tackles.
EXPLOSIVE OFFENSIVE REBOUND?
Turnovers and ineffectiveness in their usually high-flying spread attack cost them a shot at the playoffs in 2022. But with the return of Parker and Whittington at receiver and four capable RB candidates -- juniors Hayes Gunn, Donnie Warren, Micah White and sophomore Antonio Cantrell -- they should have flexibility in the run and pass game. Look for them to improve significantly from their 17.2 ppg in 2022.
“We struggled last year in the red zone at times and just did not have those explosive plays we’re accustomed to having. We’ve had a very productive summer as a group, and I think we’re going to really improve in both of those areas this year.”
EXPERIENCE
The Raiders have 21 seniors back and return eight starters on offense and five on defense. Losing close games they led in the second half was the difference and Harrison thinks last year’s struggles could be a huge motivation for his group in 2023.
“We’ve talked all offseason about how close we were last year. I think they understand what they need to do to correct the little things that cost us in some of those close games. I’m already seeing that they’re more mentally tough this year. Hopefully, the experience we have will be a strength for us in games.”
UNDERRATED DEFENSE?
They gave up their fewest points in a season (268) since 2016, but they allowed the second-most (177, 28.1 ppg) in Region 8-6A play. Harrison said the first stat was the one to pay attention to.
“The offense really put the defense in some tough spots in some of the region games. I really thought we were pretty good on defense all season. And I feel like we’re going to be even better this year. The D-line has a very good 1-2 punch with Alex Ethridge and Aidan Cianci and (the defense) has been getting after it all summer.”
SOME OBVIOUS STRENGTHS
Wide receiver, O-line, D-line, linebackers, and experience -- Whittington, who had 96 catches for 987 yards, leads what should be one of the better groups in the region with juniors Sony Satiphone, Landyn Savage, Evertt Rudaseal, and senior Keller Green. The offensive line returns four with varsity experience in big guard Christian Remillard (6-foot-4, 305 pounds) and fellow seniors Wesley Sisk, Jacob Adams, and Brad Chosewood and junior Dave Sanders (center). The linebackers can go five or six deep to keep fresh legs on the field.
BUT THERE ARE SOME QUESTIONS
This group of seniors has managed just 6 wins and no playoff berths in the last two seasons. As mentioned before, finding a way to win close games will be the key. Can they cut down on turnovers? Can they keep quality depth and stay away from injuries? Those final two may well determine their playoff fate.
CHALLENGING SCHEDULE
They open against arch-rival Stephens County, which has won three straight in the series and 19 of the last 21 meetings going back to 1994. They also have a pair of Class 7A teams in Central Gwinnett and Forsyth Central. However, after a region-opening tilt with Lanier on the road, they get Jackson County, Gainesville, and North Forsyth all at home in consecutive weeks and finish with road games at Apalachee and Shiloh.
WHAT’S TRENDING
The Raiders haven’t made the playoffs since 2020, their last winning season as well, and have not won a playoff game since 2018. But with the experience and skilled players they have back, they should be a primary player in Region 8-6A. If they can stay healthy.
