HOSCHTON — The numbers alone would terrify most high school football programs: 14 starters graduated, 35 lettermen out the door.
As Mill Creek has demonstrated the last two seasons, however, it is far from average. The Hawks have risen to become one of the contenders in the state's largest classification, and -- despite the losses -- they are aiming just as high in 2017.
"We still have plenty of goals left to achieve," said Mill Creek coach Shannon Jarvis, who has guided the Hawks to back-to-back state semifinal appearances and a pair of region titles. "To get that close makes you hungry, and I've seen that from our players and coaches this offseason."
And the cupboard is hardly bare in Hoschton, with 30 lettermen still on the roster despite the graduation of the most successful senior class in program history. In fact, Jarvis says his team's current situation reminds him a lot of 2015 season in which Mill Creek transitioned a number of new faces into the starting line-up following a strong season in which the Hawks finished as region runner-up.
"Two years ago we were in the same position; these guys we have coming back this year have played, and they've also played good football on the ninth grade and JV teams -- now it's their turn to step up and play for the varsity," Jarvis said. "And I'm really optimisitc about this team."
Players like offensive lineman John Harris (Virginia Tech commit), tight end Adrian Jackson, running back Cole Wroble, linebacker Shaka Heyward, defensive back Jonathan Gipson and defensive lineman Jack Griffith should provide experienced anchors at each level of the offense and defense. And Javis assures that there is plenty more talent ready to step in to starring roles.
That includes quarterbacks Brady Longnecker and Caden Cullins, who Jarvis says will likely both take snaps this season.
"Brady's more of a dual-threat, so you'll probably see us work the quarterback run game more -- like we did with (graduated standout) Daniel David," Jarvis said. "And Caden's good enough to put out there. The offense will be a little different, just morphing it to our strengths."
Defensively, the Hawks will adjust slightly as well, after defensive coordinator Bill Stewart left to take over the head coaching position at cross-region rival North Gwinnett. However, the basics will remain very similar under new coordinator Chad Rogers, Jarvis said.
"Chad has been our defensive backs coach the last three years and has been in the program for seven years," Jarvis said. "I didn't want to change a lot, and we had great coaches already on staff. There will be a few more elements to our defense, but the changes should be pretty seamless."
The Hawks are out to prove that throughout the program.
MILL CREEK: NEED TO KNOW
- MASCOT: Hawks
- TEAM COLORS: Vegas gold, Navy blue and Cardinal red
- CURRENT REGION: 6-AAAAAAA
- HEAD COACH/RECORD AT SCHOOL: Shannon Jarvis, 14th season, 86-60
- 2016 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 13-1, Region 6-AAAAAA champions, reached Class AAAAAA semifinals
- KEY LOSSES: QB Cameron Turley, RB Joe Thomas, OL Jack Franklin, OL Tyler Fannin, OL Nick Campbell, WR Edmond Graham, RB Preston Norwood, DB Jamar Hall, DB Chase Turner, DB Kishawn Miller, LB Victor Heyward, DE David Milon, PK Brenton King
- OFFENSIVE STYLE: Multiple -- The Hawks like to use a power running attack to control the ball but are quite happy to go to the pass when the opportunity presents itself.
- KEY OFFENSIVE PLAYERS: 3 returning starters -- Sr. OL John Harris (Virginia Tech commit), Sr. TE Adrian Jackson, Sr. RB Cole Wroble, Sr. QB Brady Longnecker, Sr. TE Andrew Johns, Sr. RB Uriah Leverette, Sr. RB Rafael Morales,
- DEFENSIVE STYLE: 4-3 -- Mill Creek uses an attacking defense with fast, aggressive linebackers to shut down the run.
- KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS: 3 returning starters -- Sr. SS Shaka Heyward, Sr. DB Jonathan Gipson, Sr. DL Jack Griffith, Sr. LB Thomas Smith, Sr. DL Jacob Chandler, Sr. LB Nehemiah Rowe, Sr. DB Jontavious Shotwell
- SPECIAL TEAMS: Sr. P/PK Matt Campbell, Sr. LS Adrian Jackson
- STRENGTH: Desire/experience -- OK, it's hard to believe that a team returning just three starters on each side of the ball has experience, but, yes, the Hawks do. In fact, Mill Creek returns 30 letterman -- and those players are fired up to prove that top-level success did not graduate with the 2016 class.
- QUESTION: Offensive line/linebackers -- The Hawks must replace four of five starters in the offensive trenches and must also replace their entire linebacker corps from 2016.
- KEY GAMES: The last time the Hawks faced McEachern was in an instant-classic state quarterfinal game last season. Opening against the Indians in the Kell Classic should get both sides fired up. Game two against Stephenson (Aug. 25, away) will also be a test, as the Jaguars are coming off a Class AAAAAA quarterfinal appearance. Up next is bitter rival Dacula (Sept. 1, away), a game that often defies records. A Sept. 29 road trip to North Gwinnett and former defensive coordinator Bill Stewart could prove interesting, while road games at Peachtree Ridge (Oct. 13) and Mountain View (Oct. 20) could decide if the Hawks can nab a third straight region title.
- TRENDING: After some roller-coaster rides during its first 11 seasons, it appears that Mill Creek has joined the table of true power programs in the state's largest classifications. Two straight state semifinal runs and dominating regular seasons have raised expectations for the Hawks, whose players now know what it takes to compete -- and succeed -- at the very highest levels. They are determined to do just that again in 2017, despite graduating 35 letterman from 2016.
2017 SCHEDULE
Aug. 19 vs. McEachern (Corky Kell), 5:45 p.m. at Georgia State
Aug. 25 at Stephenson
Sept. 1 at Dacula
Sept. 8 vs. Archer
Sept. 22 vs. Collins Hill*
Sept. 29 at North Gwinnett*
Oct. 6 vs. Discovery*
Oct. 13 at Peachtree Ridge*
Oct. 20 at Mountain View*
Nov. 3 vs. Duluth*
*- Indicates region game
(All kickoffs scheduled for 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted)
http://accesswdun.com/article/2017/8/560412/2017-football-preview-mill-creek