NOTE: There are only 35 days left until the start of the 2015 high school football season -- both around the state and right here in northeast Georgia. With that in mind, AccessWDUN is already in full preparation mode. Over the next three weeks we will give you a sneak peek of what’s in store for 2015 with our "Two-A-Days" series. We will bring you two key questions -- and answers -- for each program in our coverage area, twice a day. Each morning will start a new program, with another highlighted each afternoon. And at the end of each week we will also provide some video footage and commentary from area coaches. Programs will run in alphabetical order.
Lumpkin County snapped a 12-year playoff drought last season under first-year head coach Ty Maxwell, a former Indians' graduate. Now, they are looking for more as they prepare for the 2015 season.
Lumpkin County lost three games by seven points or less and were competitive against an Elbert County squad that advanced to the Elite 8 in the first round of the playoffs. They will sport a new look on defense with new coordinator Matt Mays joining the staff.
Maxwell discussed taking the next step as a program and what the addition of Mays could mean to their chances in a wide-open Region 7-AAA.
QUESTION: In your second season and coming off the program’s first playoff appearance since 2003, what are the priorities as you try to move things to the next level?
ANSWER: We had a goals night with our team in January and the guys came up with the things they wanted to accomplish this season and that’s what they are working toward. They have bought into what we want them to do in the weight room, in meetings, off-season conditioning. The culture around here is changing and their attitudes are changing and it’s exciting to see. When you’re building toward something you want to see progress and I have seen that. We would love to be in the hunt for a region title and that’s what we’re working toward.
QUESTION: You have a new defensive coordinator in Matt Mays, who came from North Gwinnett after a stint as the DC at Chestatee. How is the transition to a new scheme and new coaches coming along?
ANSWER: I feel we’re going to be in a great position with coach Mays coming on board. The kids are really excited about some of the changes. With our style of play on offense, we have to play sound defense. We gave up some points last year but we were in all but one game. But the kids are little bigger, a little stronger, a little faster so getting everyone in the right spots will be key. I like where we are right now but we still have some work to do to get where we want to be totally on defense.
COMING UP NEXT: Mill Creek
http://accesswdun.com/article/2015/7/322104/two-a-days-lumpkin-county