Football 2014: Lumpkin County ready to settle back in to winning

DAHLONEGA -- Ty Maxwell is coming home and he couldn't be more pleased.<br /> <br /> The former Lumpkin County standout and 2006 graduate takes over a Indians program that has seen its share of change recently. Maxwell is the third coach in is as many years for the Indians.<br /> <br /> But Maxwell also knows stability after assisting a successful Chestatee program the last several years as its offensive line coach. The biggest change will be in the added responsibility that comes with being the chief.<br /> <br /> "The coaching is the same but the biggest difference is that you are focusing on the big picture as a head coach. There is a lot more managerial tasks that I have to do," Maxwell said. "But I'm enjoying it and glad to be here. It's great to come home and be back. We have a lot of community support and great kids."<br /> <br /> <iframe width="280" height="210" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/QoTIXq3AAlA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /> <br /> With so many changes over the years it would be easy to assume that skepticism would abound in the program. Not so. More than 70 players are expected on the roster.<br /> <br /> "You never know what to expect when a program has that many changes. We're very excited about the turnout we've had this year. I think the kids, especially the older ones, realize they don't have anything to lose by not coming out," Maxwell said. "We're a young team with a strong senior class. If we have some success it will because of the seniors and their leadership."<br /> <br /> Indians fans will also see a little old-school football this season as Maxwell brings with him the split-veer offense that Chestatee used very successfully. <br /> <br /> They return six offensive starters, including QB Gunner Wood and senior linemen Steven Bowen and Garrett Gray. Senior Timmy Summersett and sophomore Zach Matthews will anchor the backfield<br /> <br /> "I picked it up at Chestatee, and I like smash-mouth football, and it really suits the kids we have here," Maxwell said. "You don't have to have a big-throwing quarterback. You just need to be tough, execute and not make too many mistakes to have success with it. Plus, not many teams run it so it's hard to defend.<br /> <br /> "We also have some good depth on both lines and at running back so I feel like once we get the offense down we should get better as the season progresses."<br /> <br /> Lumpkin County moved down from Class AAAA and the revamped Region 7-AAA is expected to be wide open. Despite new coaches and new schemes, the Indians should be in the mix for a playoff spot.<br /> <br /> "In 7-AAA we feel our chances are the same even if we had stayed in 8-AAAA," Maxwell said. "It just depends on what we do game to game and how we prepare and execute. I think any team in this region has a chance. I expect a lot of close games and that it will come down to the final week as to who makes the playoffs."

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