HIAWASSEE — The barrier facing Towns County football may be imaginary -- but that does not make it any less daunting.
Since the Indians' first varsity season in 1969, no Towns squad has made the state playoffs. Only once, in 2008, have the Indians managed a winning record (7-3).
Yet second-year Towns coach John Cornett said that, despite Indians' humble history, the 2017 campaign could be the one.
"We knew the history when we got here. But we haven't let that hold us back from thinking that we could win here," Cornett said. "There were two region games we felt we could have or should have won last year. If we can win the games we did last year and turn those two around, who knows."
The Indians fell 21-6 to George Walton in the second game of the year and dropped a 42-35 decision to Lakeview Academy in overtime. The Indians finished 38th in the final Class A Public power rankings but at one point were as high as 26th, just two spots outside the playoff berth requirements.
This season, Towns returns nine starters on defense and six on offense and Cornett said that, to a man, each is bigger and stronger than last season. He credits strength coach Clay Livingston as the driving force behind player development.
"People around here say he is the best we've ever had here. The kids have really taken to him, and he has really made a huge difference in the program," Cornett said.
Any success, real or imagined, won't come easy for the Indians. They play in perhaps the toughest region in Class A, 8-A, which houses powerhouses Prince Avenue Christian and Commerce along with playoff stalwarts Athens Academy and Athens Christian. Six of the 10 teams in 8-A advanced to the playoffs, and Lakeview Academy finished just a small percentage out of the final spot in 2016.
Cornett said that last year's and this year's senior classes have been the key to an added air of confidence in the program.
"Both groups wanted to help turn the program around," he said. "Last year's group passed it on to this group, and they have worked extremely hard. They have given us the committment, and I think the younger kids see that.
"It's about changing the environment and I think we're doing that. If we can find a way into the playoffs, I think we can really take off."
TOWNS COUNTY: NEED TO KNOW
- MASCOT: Indians
- TEAM COLORS: Blue and White
- CURRENT REGION: 8-A
- HEAD COACH/RECORD AT SCHOOL: John Cornett, second season, 3-7
- 2016 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 3-7
- KEY LOSSES: QB Russell Cox, RB Kobe Denton, OL Luke Ledford, OL Waker Ross, WR Major Moss, TE/DE Blake Silvers, Sr. LB Nick Shook
- OFFENSIVE STYLE: Option -- It may be simple, but it can be deadly effective, and the Indians want to run the ball first and throw when necessary. They will use several formations to do so.
- KEY OFFENSIVE PLAYERS: 6 starters returning -- Jr. QB Trent Bradshaw, Sr. FB Andy Chambers, Sr. ATH Zach Davenport, Jr. WR Will Travis, Jr. OL Jake Parker, Sr. TE Logan Cowart, Sr. TB Cole Ledford
- DEFENSIVE STYLE: 8 man front -- Towns County will look to stop the run first, stuffing the line of scrimmage with a solid front eight
- KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS: 9 starters returning -- Sr. LB Harold Cox, Sr. DB Andy Chambers, Sr. DL Luke Woody, Jr. LB Hunter Frisk (moved from DL), Sr. Saf Zach Davenport, Sr. DT Logan Cowart, Sr. DB Cole Ledford, Sr. DT Jeremy Mays, Jr. DE Wes Calhoun
- SPECIAL TEAMS: Jr. PK Wes Calhoun, Sr. P Dalton Key, Sr. KR/PR Zach Davenport, Sr. KR/PR Cole Ledford
- STRENGTH: Senior leadership/skill positions -- Bradshaw, Chambers, Ledford, and the receivers should give Towns a solid group that is tough to defend; Cowart on the line, and the secondary, should give the Indians a chance on defense.
- QUESTION: Offensive line -- Cornett and the staff are having to put the line back together after some graduations and a key will be the new group learning the option offense and matching up with bigger defensive lines in Region 8-A.
- KEY GAMES: Cornett said the region opener with Geoge Walton (Sept. 1) is crucial for building confidence in a group that is putting high expectations on the season. A huge stretch of three consecutive home games (Athens Christian, Commerce, Lakeview Academy) following a big road matchup against Hebron Christian could help the Indians make the statement that they are ready to make a step up in the region hierarchy.
- TRENDING: The Indians have had just one winning season in program history and no playoff appearances. However, Cornett said this group may be the one that could break down that barrier. Bradshaw is a player posied for a potential breakout season, and he will have plenty of weapons at his disposal. If they can get some early wins, the Indians just may be able to contend for a playoff spot.
2017 Schedule
Aug. 19 vs. Hayesville, N.C.
Sept. 1 at *George Walton Academy
Sept. 8 at *Prince Avenue Christian
Sept. 15 at *Riverside Military
Sept. 22 vs. *Athens Academy
Sept. 29 at *Hebron Christian Academy
Oct. 13 vs. *Athens Christian
Oct. 20 vs.*Commerce
Oct. 27 vs. *Lakeview Academy
Nov. 3 at *Providence Christian
*- Indicates region contest
(All kickoffs scheduled for 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted)
http://accesswdun.com/article/2017/8/565545/2017-football-preview-towns-county