Spartans building toward a rebound?

After surviving a tumultuous 2022 campaign, West Hall coach Krofton Montgomery is hoping 2023 will be the year the Spartans get back on the playoff map.

And things could be lining up for the Spartans to do just that.

They were left with one of the youngest teams in the state and inexperienced after a rash of offseason defections and significant injuries during the spring and fall practices in 2022. After back-to-back 4-6 campaigns and missing out on the playoffs by a game, they plummeted to a 1-9 record and went winless in Region 7-3A last year.

But their replacements got valuable playing experience and are now a year older, bigger, and faster, and have made “tremendous strides” during the summer of 2023.

“We’re light years past where this group was at this time last year just because of all that was going on,” Montgomery said. “From how things have gone so far this spring and summer, we feel like this group has a chance. I don’t think we’ll be overmatched like we were last year.

“But there is still a long way to go to get where we want to be. We still need to see the improvements on Friday nights.”

The only real negative coming into the 2023 season is West Hall will be without returning leading receiver Ethan Clifford, who is still recovering from an injury during basketball season and is not expected back until basketball season.

Sophomore QB Brett Sturm is a year older and will have an experienced line in front of him with several potential weapons. Senior Maliek Richardson, junior Elijah Hayes, and sophomore Zac Wagner give them a talented backfield. Meanwhile, junior Aaron Scott returns after leading the Spartans with 25 catches for 626 yards and 4 TDs, as does sophomore Nassar Allen (6-foot-2, 195 pounds) and both could be poised for breakout seasons. Junior Daniel Altamirano and senior Riley Packard (H-back) also give Sturm options to throw too.

West Hall scored just 82 points in 2022, with 37 of those coming in their first two games. They managed just 45 points (5.6 points/game) the rest of the way and scored just 38 points (6.3 ppg) in region play -- all of which were last in 7-3A. They scored just 9 touchdowns all season.

But in the spring scrimmage against North Hall, the offense tallied 6 TDs behind Sturm.

“We definitely have made some strides during the spring and summer on that side of the ball,” Montgomery said. “Brett has looked good, and Elijah Hayes (6-foot-3, 205 pounds) has the potential to be as good as anyone we’ve had in the backfield here.”

On defense, they will need to improve after surrendering 379 points (37.9 ppg) in 2022 -- the third-most in program history. The Spartans also were torched for 279 points (46.5 ppg) in region play, which also was last in the region.

But they return seven, with senior Jay Nero (6-4, 325) and junior Chase Armour (6-2, 340) combining for one of the biggest interior defensive line duos in the area. Junior Cam Riojas, Matt Hale and Aiden Rainey also should provide quality depth for their 4-2-5 scheme under second-year defensive coordinator Jimbo Hale.

Richardson, who Montgomery said is a “future Saturday afternoon player” and Packard, who led the team in tackles last year, return to anchor a deep linebacking group along with Wagner.

“These guys have looked pretty good in the summer,” Montgomery said. “Junior Tyson Slipper (linebacker) has been a guy that also has stepped up and should help us a lot. We feel a lot better going into this season for sure.”

GRADUATION STINGS
The Spartans lost RB Jaylen Fagan, their top rusher and 2nd leading receiver, TE Andrew Malin (leading receiver), and LBs Ryan Mcmillian and Brady Clark. who were 1st and 3rd in tackles in 2022 to graduation.

GETTING OFFENSIVE AROUND HERE
The Spartans are hoping to have more balance than in 2022 and have the pieces in place to be far more explosive.
“We feel like we have enough talent with that experience now to be much better this season. Injuries last year really limited us to some of the things we could do so if we can stay healthy this year, we have some weapons. Brett (Sturm) has really progressed over the offseason, and I feel like our line should be one of the strengths of the team.”

LET’S GET DEFENSIVE
The Spartans have the makings for a formidable and deep front seven. The key will be staying healthy as overall team depth is still an issue.
“Coach Hale and his staff did a really nice job with a young group. Now, they’re a year older and bigger, and we’re expecting even more improvement from them. They could be really, really good by the end of the year.”

UP-FRONT STRENGTHS
Offensive line, front-7, RB – Nero, Riojas, seniors Bryce Reed, a starter last season, and Connor Bailey, along with juniors Tytres Statham and Anthony Earl give the Spartans a solid group up front on offense. They should be able to open holes for Hayes, Wagner, and Richardson. Nero and Armour offer a tough matchup for opposing offenses up front on defense and should be able to create space for a good linebacker group led by Richardson.

STILL SOME QUESTIONS
Developing quality depth is an issue, and the Spartans can’t afford another rash of injuries to key players and stay in the playoff race. The loss of Clifford for the season could impact the passing game.

TOUGH SCHEDULE ONCE AGAIN
After taking on county rivals East Hall and Johnson, the Spartans face three straight playoff teams, including a huge Region 7-3A opener against Dawson County at home. Some early success could help build confidence. They follow the Dawson County game with a key 3-game road stretch against Gilmer, White County, and Pickens in region play that could decide their playoff fate.

WHAT’S TRENDING
The Spartans were trending upward heading into the 2022 season after missing out on the playoffs by just one game each of the previous two seasons. They took a step back last year with the defections and injuries but could be ready to keep that positive momentum going they had established in 2020 and 2021.