There are just 18 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)
UNION COUNTY (8-4, 2nd round Class 2A playoffs)
The Panthers will undergo several changes in 2024, including moving to a new region in the northwest portion of the state. And they will be looking to improve on another trip to the second round of the playoffs in 2023.
But the biggest change will be at quarterback, where All-Region 8-2A defender Cade Dockery will take over under center. They have an experienced line back but Dockery’s progression could hold the key to the season.
Coach Michael Perry said their expectations won't change but a renewed focus on offense will be crucial.
QUESTION: Y’all lost the bulk of your offensive production from last year. What has been the main focus during the spring and summer in rebuilding that unit? Who are some guys that look like they are ready to make an impact?
A: We do return the bulk of our offensive line from last year in Caiden Combs, Easton Shumaker, Beau Webster, and Jaxon Toetherow. Our big focus has been trying to build around the strength of our line. We also return running back Connor Shucknecht, who has played a lot of snaps for us in the past and is a good football player. Running the football will be a priority, but we will of course still have to have an efficient passing game as well. I also think that we have some wide receivers in Tyler Parker, Maddox Young, and Chetley Cox who will surprise some people.
Q: You have moved Cade Dockery from receiver and defense to take over at quarterback. How is that transition coming along so far in the summer?
A: Cade is a very talented athlete who can definitely do some things with both his arm and legs. He has made a lot of strides over the summer. He is doing a much better job of taking what the defense gives (him) and not just forcing the ball to a covered receiver. Cade was first team All-region as a safety last year and he also played receiver. He absolutely loves football. I look forward to seeing how he continues to develop for us. He can add some unique things for us in the run game for sure.
BONUS QUESTION: Y’all also lost three key guys on defense. How is reworking that unit coming along?
A: We graduated several key players on all units on the defensive side so we are looking for Ethan Lester (inside linebacker), Braden Plott (outside linebacker), and Dusty Aaron (defensive line) to really lead us this year. Some of our best players on offensive will also be having to play defense this year. You are probably going to see a little different style of play from us this year.
- Up Next in Two-a-Days: WEST HALL
- Previous Two-a-Days: TOWNS COUNTY
