There are just 17 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)
WEST HALL (1-9 in 2023; did not qualify for playoffs)
The Spartans had a rough 2023 with injuries but return an experienced group that looks ready to turn the corner in 2024.
The area’s second-leading rusher in AccessWDUN All-Access 1st team selection Elijah Hayes is back and quarterback Brett Sturm may be poised for a breakout season.
We asked coach Krofton Montgomery, who is now in his seventh season in Oakwood, what the summer focus has been for his squad.
QUESTION: Expectations are high this year for your group. What has been the focus during the spring and summer?
A: We have a lot of returning experience in a lot of spots and it’s exciting to see them a year older, stronger, and faster. The focus has been on taking the next step in performance, going from having flashes and quarters to full games full of consistent play to compliment all three phases in a 48-minute game. It’s about accountability, consistency and controlling your job no matter what spot that may be on the field. We’ve had some progress that we are happy with but we need to continue to get better every single day we put in work to continue to grow.
Q: Junior quarterback Brett Sturm is back and bigger with a year of experience under his belt. How has his progression come along during the summer and is he poised for a breakout season?
A: Brett has worked extremely hard on his strength and speed and had a breakthrough in strength gains this past offseason. His arm is stronger from his work in the weight room and he’s primed to have a really big year. He can make all the throws and can use his feet as a weapon as well. We are looking to him to be a playmaker with the receiving core of Daniel Altamirano, Marcus Pugh, Nassar Aliou returning and running back Elijah Hayes also back. The offensive line is the area we need to continue to improve upon and gain depth as we get ready for the season.
BONUS QUESTION: A more aggressive and physical defense has been another focus during the offseason. Have y’all been pleased with the development of that unit so far in the summer?
A: We have looked good at padded camps but until the season gets started it’s still something we expect to continue to improve on daily. We feel good about the 11 we are starting. (Defensive end) Shelton Maynard is a major force up front with Messiah Hudson ready to turn the corner and be a player at the other end spot as well. Outside linebacker Nassar Aliou is a player that’s had an excellent offseason and summer that can really make plays all over the field. Inside linebacker Zac Wagner, a 1st team All region player, returns with Tyson Slipper inside as well. Tytres Statham on the outside and Aiden Rainey are two seniors that have worked really hard as well and have a lot of experience and leadership to bring to the table. On the back end, Armand Long and Marcus Pugh have looked good at corner and safety Daniel Altamirano has had a breakout summer on the back end as well.
- Up Next in Two-a-Days: WHITE COUNTY
- Previous Two-a-Days: UNION COUNTY
