BETHLEHEM — Patience, always a virtue, is becoming an even rarer value in today's society of immediacy. But Apalachee football coach Steve Sims and his staff know that to resurrect the Wildcats in the proper manner they must take the long view.
Therefore, Sims is working hard to build interest within and increase the underclassmen numbers for Apalachee -- building for the future.
That does not mean, however, that the Wildcats are forgetting about today. In fact, Apalachee wants desperately to erase the struggles of the last three seasons in which they have won just one game. And Sims believes that a determined senior class can combine with a talented crop of youngsters to take big strides forward in his second campaign.
"We're getting there; it's an ongoing process, but the kids are working hard and they want to win," Sims said. "There's no doubt we've got to win a few games this season to show improvement, and I think we have that opportunity."
The hope is that a deep offensive backfield, solid defensive front, and a number of starters back on each side of the ball will combine with a less demanding non-region schedule to jumpstart Apalachee.
Running back Stephon Massillon is a potential star and will run behind a veteran offensive line. Meanwhile, the Wildcats also feature a strong defensive front. And with 16 starters returning, the ingredients are in place for a big step forward -- the early schedule certainly presents an opportunity to build some momentum before a tough Region 8-AAAAAA slate kicks off.
APALACHEE: NEED TO KNOW
- MASCOT: Wildcats
- TEAM COLORS: Navy, White and Gold
- CURRENT REGION: 8-AAAAAA
- HEAD COACH/RECORD AT SCHOOL: Steve Sims, second season, 0-10
- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 0-10
- KEY LOSSES: QB Bryan Wilson, FB/LB Dalton Bales, ATH Ricky Wonzon, OL Logan Mastaw, OL Jonah Willard, Saf Isaiah West
- OFFENSIVE STYLE: Pro-style/multiple -- The Wildcats will look to be physical with the run game from the outset, relying on their offensive line and backs.
- KEY OFFENSIVE PLAYERS: 8 returning starters -- Sr. RB Stephon Massillon, Jr. OL Dalton Hood, Sr. OL Isaac Benitez, Sr. TE Jason Craig, Sr. WR Ethan Morris (team's leading receiver in 2015), Sr. QB Ryan Miller
- DEFENSIVE STYLE: 4-3 -- Apalachee wants to make its identity with defense, and will look to be stout against the run.
- KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS: 8 returning starters -- Sr. LB Chase Williamson, Sr. DE Jason Craig, Sr. CB Will Smith, Sr. Saf Gunnar Wright
- SPECIAL TEAMS: Jr. PK Justin Prepale and So. PK Eli Morris are battling for duties, Sr. KR Will Smith, Sr. KR Stephon Massillon
- STRENGTH: Defensive front/running backs -- The Wiildcats are a year more mature in both positions and hope that will pay dividends in both running the ball effectivley and stopping the run.
- QUESTION: New quarterback and kicking game -- Miller has loads of potential but is a new starter at a very important position. Meanwhile, Apalachee will be going with unknown quantities in the kicking game.
- KEY GAMES: The Wildcats want to open fast and build some momentum, and they have a non-region schedule that presents that opportunity. Apalachee will not play a team that posted a winning record in 2015 until the Region 8-AAAAAA slate kicks off against Winder-Barrow (Sept. 30). In fact, season opener River Ridge and game two foe Union Grove were both 1-9 last season, while game three opponent Discovery will be in its first season of varsity play.
- TRENDING: The Wildcats know well of their struggles over the past three seasons in which they've won just one game. It's been tough for a program that was recently a consistent winner (46-31, four playoff appearances from 2006-2012), but Sims and his staff are working hard to resurrect Apalachee and are building for the long haul, increasing numbers in both the sophomore and freshman classes. Interest and excitement is back on the rise, but the Wildcats also know they need something to show for that on the scoreboard this season.
2016 SCHEDULE
Aug. 26 vs. River Ridge
Sept. 2 at Union Grove
Sept. 9 at Discovery
Sept. 16 vs. Walnut Grove
Sept. 23 vs. Monroe Area
Sept. 30 vs. *Winder-Barrow
Oct. 7 at *Dacula
Oct. 21 at *Lanier
Oct. 28 vs. *Gainesville
Nov. 4 at *Habersham Central
*- Indicates region contest
(All kickoffs scheduled for 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted)
http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/8/424522/2016-football-preview-apalachee