Greene Central: Reloading Not Rebuilding
Greene Central Rams: 2023-24 Season Preview
The Greene Central Rams are entering a pivotal season, reflecting the hard work and vision of Head Coach Jay Wilson. In his fifth year at the helm, Wilson has overseen a transformation in the program, increasing the win tally and cultivating a culture of success. From a four-win season in his first year to a 10-win season last season to replacing a significant number of touchdowns this year, the focus is on growth, potential, and determination. Under Wilson's leadership and a talented coaching staff, the team is poised to make a significant impact this year. Here's a comprehensive look at what to expect from the Rams this season.
Head Coach Jay Wilson: Building a Legacy
Summary: In his fifth year as head coach, Jay Wilson reflects on the growth of the program, including the increase in wins and the challenge of replacing lost touchdowns. He emphasizes personal development, community impact, and the potential of new players. Wilson's passion for coaching shines through as he talks about his inspirations and the imprint he hopes to leave on the young men he coaches.
Quote: "I got a lot more touchdowns in the bag... we know the guys that can get in the end zone... I'm super excited to see them put that on this stage so that the world can see."
Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach: Reloaded and Ready
Summary: The offensive staff, including Offensive Coordinator Coach Whitehurst and Offensive Line Coach Vinston Thorpe, discuss their relationship, trust, and excitement for the upcoming season. They highlight the team's readiness to go further this year, emphasizing that they are reloaded and not backing down.
Quote: "We reloaded... we're trying to go third round and further, we're trying to bring that ring back to Greene County... we're not backing down, we're not losing no steps in our offense."
Defensive Coordinator: Analyzing the Game
Summary: The Defensive Coordinator, Collin Lee, in his third season, expects an explosive defense with playmaking ability. He shares his strengths as a coach, including analyzing the game, preparation, and adjustments. His focus on studying the game and knowing opponents' strategies is evident.
Quote: "I think the defense is going to be super explosive this year... My strength as a coach is kind of being able to see things from the bird's eye view. I really like to analyze the game."
Senior Leader Jaylen Mitchell: Leading the Way
Summary: A four-year Varsity player discusses his transition through different positions and his leadership role. He expresses determination to prove the team's projected ranking wrong and emphasizes the importance of communication and motivation.
Quote: "I'm the oldest one on the line. I got to talk to them, they are young, first time playing varsity. I got them, they are nervous, gotta talk to them on how to play good, don't think about it."
Running Back Justice Debro: Something to Prove
Summary: The senior running back shares his journey into football and his motivation to prove himself after an injury. He highlights his unique attributes and his focus on hard work during the offseason. His confidence in the team's potential is clear.
Quote: "I really don't care about the rankings. I just feel like us as a team, we number one... I just have to prove them wrong."
Jordan Scott: Ready to Lead
Summary: Senior Jordan Scott, known for both football and baseball, is ready to step up as a quarterback and leader. Despite losing over 45 touchdowns through graduation, he's confident in the team's ability to fill in with new talent. The rankings motivate him, and he believes the team should be number one.
Quote: "Yeah, I'm definitely ready. I feel like I've been waiting on this my whole life, honestly. Just being that guy to step up and be a leader."
Wide Receiver and Defensive Back: Transition and Determination
Summary: A varsity player since freshman year, he talks about his transition from quarterback to wide receiver and defensive back. He shares his offseason efforts, including track and personal training, and his motivation from a college offer.
Quote: "It was kind of hard because you got to learn a whole another position and a whole another set of skills at receiver.”
Outlook
OFFENSE — The Rams are gearing up with their traditional spread offense, featuring returning running back Justice Debro. With over 40 touchdowns to replace from last year's team, GC is relying on a roster loaded with under-the-radar talent. The Rams have multiple returning starters on the offensive line.
Receivers and backs like Christian Tavarez, Montreal Yancy-Moore, Kimez Coppedge, James Ballard, and Okie Edwards are poised to make an impact. However, the spotlight is on the quarterback position, arguably the most critical postion of a spread offense.
The question on everyone's mind: Who will Wilkes Thomas under center for GC? Senior Jordan Scott and Sophomore Will Radford have been locked in a QB competition all summer. Scott, who played defensive back and receiver last year for the Rams, has been competiting against Radford, who led the JV Rams to a successful year at QB last season.
Without a doubt, success at this position is vital for the Rams' overall success.
DEFENSE — The Rams face a formidable challenge, having lost over half of their defense to graduation last season. The void left by the departing players presents big shoes to fill, but the team is not without its rising stars.
Defensive end Tyler Williams is coming off an incredible year, recording 51 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, and seven sacks as a sophomore. His performance sets a high bar for the upcoming season.
Leading the linebacker core is Senior LJ Dillon, a three-year varsity player who ranked second on the team in tackles with 56 last season. His experience and leadership will be crucial to the defensive unit.
In the secondary, seniors Jordan Scott and Jaylen Wynn bring valuable experience, having started multiple games. Wynn's three interceptions and Scott's one INT last season hint at their potential impact. Expect to see Kimez Coppedge, Mason and Okie Edwards in the mix with the secondary, along with a couple of promising newcomers.
The Rams' defense is in a period of transition, but with a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, they are poised to rise to the occasion.
In conclusion:
The success of the season will likely hinge on how well the team can fill the void left by graduation, especially in the defense, and how the quarterback competition resolves, setting the stage for a season filled with potential and challenges.
”We are reloading not rebuilding” GC head coach Jay Wilson
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