FLOWERY BRANCH — Ben Hall's first season at the helm of Flowery Branch football could not have gone much better.
The 2017 Falcons advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 2013 and claimed their first playoff win since 2011. But a collection of seniors, led by Malik Damons, Malik Drayton, and Nick Lance, among others, were at the heart of that squad and have moved on.
Despite the losses, Hall says this year's Falcons could be even more potent -- even after averaging more than 30 points a game while still learning a new offense. Back are quarterback Elijah Gainey and wide receiver Jalin Strown, who morphed into one of the more dynamic combinations in the area. Also a solid group up front, led by seniors Tucker Rothschild, Matthew Porter, and Clayton Walczuk should provide space for Gainey and newcomer running back Zarian Brawner.
"We have a year under our belt, and I honestly feel like we could be even more dangerous this year because they have learned the terminology and understand better what we want to do," Hall said. "We're expecting big things from the offense."
The Falcons have also moved down a classification -- but that does not mean things get any easier. In fact, the Branch landed in Region 7-4A, which houses five playoff teams from 2017, including Class 4A state champion Marist and state runner-up Blessed Trinity.
"It is a very tough region," Hall said. "But each year and each team is different so none of the teams in the region will be exactly like last year. We're looking to be in the hunt for a playoff spot."
The Falcons will be under their third defensive coordinator in three seasons as former Grayson coach Jason Tester takes over for Bill Ballard, who left for West Forsyth. But a cadre of talented players -- seniors Strown and Brawner and juniors Taylor Reves, D.J. Brown, Chase Watson, and Chandler Watson -- will roam the secondary in what could be one of the best units in northeast Georgia.
FLOWERY BRANCH: NEED TO KNOW
- MASCOT: Falcons
- TEAM COLORS: Black, Red and White
- CURRENT REGION: 7-4A
- HEAD COACH/RECORD AT SCHOOL: Ben Hall, second season, 9-3
- 2017 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 9-3, reached second round Class 5A playoffs
- KEY LOSSES: TE/P Nick Lance, RB/WR/DB/KR Malik Drayton, RB Malik Damons, T Bailey Ottaway, G Cannon Underwood, DE Tyler Williams, DB/KR Trey McIntosh, DE TJ Ballard, LB Tyler Blalock, LB Colby Adams, LB Will Price, DB Myles Janess, PK Alexander Sanchez, OL Dakota Little
- OFFENSIVE STYLE: Multiple-pro -- The Falcons will run the offense through QB Elijah Gainey more in 2018 but still want balance and will continue to pound the ball via the rush as well.
- KEY OFFENSIVE PLAYERS: 6 returning starters -- Jr. QB Elijah Gainey, Sr. WR Jalin Strown, Sr. OL Tucker Rothschild, Sr. OL Matthew Porter, Jr. OL Clayton Walczuk, Sr. RB Zarian Brawner, Sr. WR D.J. Brown
- DEFENSIVE STYLE: Odd front -- The Falcons will once again will be under a new coordinator in former Grayson coach Jason Tester but they will keep their aggressive nature.
- KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS: 6 returning starters -- Sr. DL Cody Inman, Sr. DL Ethan McKay, Sr. DL Jack Dodson, Sr. LB Connor Mayfield, Sr. LB Chris Galloway, Jr. DB Taylor Reves Sr. Sec Jalin Strown, Sr. CB Zarian Brawner, Sr. CB D.J. Brown, Jr. CB Chase Watson, Jr. CB Chandler Watson
- SPECIAL TEAMS: So. PK Maddux Trujillo, Jr. P Elijah Gainey, Sr. KR Jalin Strown , Jr. KR Taylor Reves, So. KR Connor Larson
- STRENGTH: Secondary/Offense -- The secondary is loaded and should give new DC Tester options galore and the ability to matchup with just about anyone and any style. The offense should be even more potent in 2018 as the unit has had more than a full season to learn the system and has added explosive talent like Brawner to the mix.
- QUESTION: Kicking game/inexperience in areas -- The kicking game is a question mark as Trujillo, who is talented, is still unproven. The Falcons are thin in experience in key areas like LB and at backup QB as 2017 backup Connor Boyd moved over to Cherokee.Bluff.
- KEY GAMES: The Falcons have an interesting non-region slate but a four-week stretch from Sept. 28 to Oct. 12 may go a long way to determine not just the Falcons fortunes but perhaps the top teams in Region 7-4A. A road date with White County (Sept. 28) will open region and they follow with home games against Chestatee and Blessed Trinity and close out the stretch against state champ Marist in Atlanta.
- TRENDING: The Falcons regained their swagger last season with their first playoff win in six years. After a year to learn Hall's system and get acclimated, they should once again be in the playoff race despite a move down to a loaded Region 7-4A. The offense should be stout once again. If the defense, led by a talented secondary, can find its legs the Falcons could again be playing beyond early November.
2018 SCHEDULE
Aug. 17 at East Hall
Aug. 31 vs. Clarke Central
Sept. 7 vs. Winder-Barrow
Sept. 21 at Gainesville
Sept. 28 at *White County
Oct.. 5 vs. *Chestatee
Oct. 12 vs. *Blessed Trinity
Oct. 19 at *Marist
Oct. 26 at *West Hall
Nov. 2 vs. *Denmark
*- Indicates region game
(All kickoffs scheduled for 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted)
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