There are just 25 days remaining until the kickoff of the 2024 high school football season. But make no mistake, preparations for the upcoming campaign began 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)
JEFFERSON (13-1 in 2023; semifinals Class 5A playoffs)
The Dragons are coming off a run to the Class 5A semifinals. However, gone is dynamic two-way player Sammy Brown.
But they do return several key skilled players, including quarterback Gavin Markey and an experienced and deep offensive line.
We asked coach Travis Noland who has begun to emerge in the backfield during the summer and if Markey may have to take on a little production in the passing game.
QUESTION: Coach, y’all are having to replace the production left behind by Sammy Brown at running back. But you have a stable of guys ready to pick up the slack in juniors Rett Hemphill, Mickell Pittman, sophomore Dallas Russell, as well as senior fullbacks Josh Causey and Li’randy Martin. Who among that group appears ready to break out as an every-down back?
A: The nice thing about having depth is that we do not necessarily need any of them to be the every down back. They all have strengths that will help contribute to our success.
Q: Senior quarterback Gavin Markey is back, as are two of your top three receivers from last season. Do you feel you may be able to do a little more in the passing game in 2024 and how is that group coming along during the summer?
A: We have improved this summer. We expect great things from Gavin and our receivers.
BONUS QUESTION: The offensive line may have to rely on several underclassmen this season. How is that unit shaping up as y’all move closer to the season opener?
A: We return three starters up front. We have some good young talent that will fill the holes we have and we are excited to watch those guys develop.
- Up Next in Two-a-Days: JOHNSON
- Previous Two-a-Days: JACKSON COUNTY
