HIAWASSEE — Billy Barnhart moved to Towns County on June 1, 2014 and started summer workouts on June 2. So it's no wonder that the coach is much more excited about his second season in charge -- one in which he has had time to gauge his entire program and bring in an entire coaching staff.
"Last season was tough," Barnhart said. "We learned a lot though. And right now we're just so far ahead versus this same point last year. We're not where we want to be yet -- no coaching staff is ever fully satisfied at this point -- but we're so much more prepared than what we were last year. This is just really exciting."
Adding to that anticipation is the growth of the team: "We had 26 kids last season; this year we're up to 40 total kids, with nine seniors, eight juniors and 10 sophomores," Barnhart said. "We've got more quality depth and our starters will actually be able to get some rest this season."
That includes a tested line of scrimmage that Barnhart believes will be the strength of the team. Punter/placekicker Shea Underwood, an All-Region performer in 2014, will also be an asset.
The Indians still hope to avoid the injury bug, however, knowing that one or two setbacks could make a big difference.
TOWNS COUNTY: NEED TO KNOW
- MASCOT: Indians
- TEAM COLORS: Blue and White
- CURRENT REGION: 8-A
- HEAD COACH/RECORD AT SCHOOL: Billy Barnhart, second season, 2-8
- 2014 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 2-8
- KEY LOSSES: OL/LB Kyle Davis, OL/DL Grayson Carver, OL/DL Kevin McConnell, RB/LB Cruz Shook, RB/LB Zach Sewell
- OFFENSIVE STYLE: Wing-t -- The Indians will look to run the ball first but have a versatile quarterback that can also make plays with his arm and legs.
- KEY OFFENSIVE PLAYERS: 7 starters returning -- Jr. QB Russell Cox, Jr. RB Kobe Denton, So. RB Cole Ledford, Jr. OL Waker Ross, Jr. OL Nick Shook, Sr. TE Daulton Rogers
- DEFENSIVE STYLE: 4-3 -- Towns County will look to be aggressive and make big plays.
- KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS: 7 starters returning -- Jr. DE Walker Ross, So. DT Harold Cox, Jr. DE Blake Silvers, Jr. MLB Nick Shook, Sr. FS Shea Underwood, So. CB Cole Ledford
- SPECIAL TEAMS: Sr. PK/P Shea Underwood, Jr. KR Kobe Denton, So. KR Cole Ledford
- STRENGTH: Line of scrimmage -- Both sides of the ball are paced by veterans that are now familiar with coach Barnhart's methods, and the coach is excited about their abilities.
- QUESTION: Health/depth -- With 35 varsity players on the roster, an injury to a starter could make a big difference.
- KEY GAMES: The opener with local rival and talented Union County will give the Indians a great look at how much the Indians have improved. Towns County heads on the road for its first Region 8-A at Lakeview Academy (Sept. 11). The Indians first four region contests each come against teams without a winning record in 2014, but the next three contests each come against state playoff teams from a season ago.
- TRENDING: Towns County battled through a tough campaign in 2014 after Barnhart came in just before the start of summer workouts. After a full year under the coach and the addition of a new staff, the Indians believe they are in for an improvement in 2015.
2015 Schedule
Aug. 28 at Union County
Sept. 4 vs. Mt. Vernon
Sept. 11 at *Lakeview Academy
Sept. 18 at *Hebron Christian Academy
Sept. 25 vs. *George Walton Academy
Oct. 2 at *Athens Academy
Oct. 9 vs. *Athens Christian
Oct. 16 at *Prince Avenue Christian
Oct. 23 vs. *Commerce
Oct. 30 vs. *Providence Christian
*- region contest
(All kickoffs scheduled for 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted)
http://accesswdun.com/article/2015/8/328369/2015-football-preview-towns-county