Names, numbers change but Dragons' offense keeps rolling

JEFFERSON -- Individually, the talent was obvious to the Jefferson coaches from as far back as spring practice. The $64 question was whether they could mold a completely-retooled offensive line into a cohesive unit.<br /> <br /> Dragons coach Ben Hall admitted things looked a little shaky coming out of the spring game back in May as they tried to find the right combination of five up front to help drive the offense.<br /> <br /> "They struggled against the main defense, which was an experienced group, I admit," Hall said. "The defense just dominated them. And it continued into the early part of the preseason. It gave us some cause for concern, especially knowing we were moving up (in classification). Typically as goes the line, so goes your offense."<br /> <br /> At the time, the yet-to-be-determined line knew it was going to have a tough standard to live up to considering the previous group helped win one one state title in 2012 and advanced to the quarterfinals last season. During the 2012 title run, the line was as good as any in the state and protected Bryant Shirreffs while helping the Dragons average more than 40 points a game over their last 14 games that season. Only a seven-point output in the opener against arch-rival Commerce kept them from making that an even higher total.<br /> <br /> No way the current group could match that, right?<br /> <br /> Wrong.<br /> <br /> So far in 2014, the Jefferson offense already is clicking on all cylinders, averaging 46.3 points a contest behind a rapidly improving front line. Guard Zach Bowman is the only senior with juniors Alex Corbett (C), Jackson Bowen (G), and Zach Barber (T) and sophomore Caleb Chandler (T) helping senior quarterback Evan Shirreffs engineer another potent Dragons attack. Senior tight end Ethan Garner, who moved from left tackle in the spring, also has been a key cog up front.<br /> <br /> "They are all playing well so far," Hall said. "They have grown up quickly and are having quality reps against the defense now. It's closer to being even now. I can't say they didn't feel the pressure a little of trying to live up to the guys before them. But I think they're handling it better now."<br /> <br /> And, while the offensive line is still getting to know each other, they must also adjust to a different style of attack with Evan Shirreffs under center. While his brother was more of a dual-threat as a runner and could break down a defense on a broken play at any moment, Evan is more of a pure drop-back passer that can buy time with subtle movements in the pocket but doesn't like to venture too far from home.<br /> <br /> "The offense this year really is much different than the one in 2012," Hall said. "Our core things are still there: establish the run, play-action, toss sweep runs, but this group has a different style. We're taking advantage of the talent this group has.<br /> <br /> "Bryant (Shirreffs) could hurt you with his feet. Evan is taller and not quite as fast but is real comfortable standing in the pocket. He may be a little more accurate than Bryant throwing the ball. We play a little more inside-out now than we did that year."<br /> <br /> So far in three games there doesn't seem to be much of a drop-off. The names and numbers may have changed but the results speak for themselves.<br /> <br /> The Dragons (3-0) piled up over 500 yards against Rabun County in the opener, with Shirreffs passing for over 250 yards. In a rout of Winder-Barrow, they had over 400 yards rushing behind senior Sammy Williams and freshman Colby Wood. They showed balance last week in an unexpected 48-8 destruction of North Hall with over 400 yards of offense.<br /> <br /> "We have more speed at the receiver position this year and that is helping take the pressure off the line and also giving us space in the run game," Hall said. "Sammy, Colby, and Dalton (Hill) have been outstanding so far in the backfield."<br /> <br /> Senior wide receivers T.J. Skelton and Dalton Hill were the only hold-overs, along with Shirreffs, from last year's offense. <br /> <br /> Their biggest test so far, however, may be this weekend when the Dragons play host to arch-rival Commerce at Memorial Stadium. The Tigers (2-0) also are playing at a high level, coming off a solid 36-14 win over Hebron Christian where they racked up 397 yards rushing against a Hebron defense that had allowed just 19 points in its first two games, both wins.<br /> <br /> Hall said despite the gaudy numbers for both teams, don't expect the scoreboard to get too bright.<br /> <br /> "Honestly, I don't expect many points this year," Hall said. "Both defenses return nine starters, and we know each other. There isn't much we don't know about what they're going to do and vice-versa. This will be the biggest challenge for this offense so far.<br /> <br /> "But Commerce runs its offense very well and we're playing pretty well right now so you never know. It will come down to execution and ball-control. Whichever team does that better and doesn't turn the ball over will win. It should be a great game."

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