Canes ready to kick off next Thursday
An offseason filled with drills and meetings included a weekend camp, the first in several years, leading up to tonight’s scrimmage at Adairsville and the season kickoff against Columbia in Weinman Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 15.
“I’m excited about the chemistry of this group,” said head coach Conor Foster. “We did some things intentionally to make sure our culture is right. That’s just as important as pushing weights around.”
The camp held at Berry College included a ropes course, swimming and tour of the football facilities by current Viking and Canes alumHayden Cagle.
“We had some really good discussions about leadership and developed some relationships during that time,” said Foster.
Players are also getting an extra layer of protection this season with streamlined and custom-paintedSAFRhelmet covers.
“We want to prepare our student-athletes to be as successful as possible, not just on the field but in life beyond football,” said Foster. “We feel like this is an extension of our mission statement that we’re trying to do everything we can to protect them so that they’re able to have a healthy future.”
Offense
A lot of senior leadership graduated in May on both sides of the ball, including four offensive linemen. The basic offense will look similar to years past, but the opening games will go a long way in getting a feel for the offense, said the coach.
Quarterbacks Nate Russell (Jr.) and Andrew Purdy (Sr.) both had strong summers and will get to play. How much will depend a great deal on whose skill set is better suited for that week’s opponent.
After sharing the backfield last year with Khristian Lando and Richard Houston, Baylon Long (Sr.) will start at running back. Ja’Caiden Leonard (Sr.), Tyon Coe (Soph.) and Ben Scott (Jr.) will fill out the stable alongside Trip Chatmon (Fr.)
“We have a deep group, and are going to depend on all those guys to get us through the region healthy,” Foster said.
A revamped offensive line will be led by Langston Hogg (Jr.) who has been on college radars since he was in middle school.
“It feels Langston has been here forever; he’s been such a good player for us,” said Foster. “Other guys have really stepped up. Peyton Emory (Jr.) has had a really great off-season and we’re really excited about him.”
Other pieces include Adam Reed (Sr.), Trenton MaHaffey (Jr.) and Jorian Bailey (Soph.). “There are probably about seven to eight guys who are going to get the opportunity to play,” Foster added. “Trenton is new – a transfer – and someone we’re really excited about.”
Cole Crawford (Soph.) will handle tight end responsibilities alongside Landen Heath (Sr.). Collier Jordan (Jr.) will also get some reps.
Georgia Tech commit Ja’mauri Brice (Sr.), who led the team in receptions, yards and receiving touchdowns last year, returns to lead that group. Brady Marchese (Jr.), A’darrian Taylor Wilson (Sr.) and Cayden Aleman (Sr.) form a dangerous and deep group.
“It’s where we feel like we have the most depth,” Foster said. “Ja’mauri has been great for us.”
Defense
Defensive end Xavier Parker (Sr.) will anchor the line. He is joined by Mason James (Jr.) and Grayson Villar (Soph.), who got on the field last year as a freshman. Transfer Elijah Peeks (Soph.) will also see action with his 6’3”, 300-lb. frame. Kylen Pope (Fr.) is expected to bring pressure off the edge as well.
“We’ve got a little bit of everything in that group. We’ll see about rebuilding depth, but there’s some size there that maybe we didn’t have in the past. Xavier is going to bring some length and athleticism. Grayson and Mason are a little bit thicker and physical. It gives us some different matchups, depending on who we’re playing and who we want to attack,” said Foster.
Kelson Mitchell (Sr.) brings the most experience back at middle linebacker. Crawford, who lined up mostly on the outside last year, will operate from the middle as well alongside Heath.
“Kelson played a lot for us last season and we think he’s going to have a big year. He made a lot of big plays and gives us a lot of versatility alongside Cole.”
Reed Ezell (Jr.) is another one of those players who may line up at linebacker. But instincts like those that led the team with three interceptions last year (two returned for touchdowns) will put him in different spots on the field.
The rest of the secondary will be filled out by Jordyn Woods (Sr.), who has been getting more attention from college scouts, alongside Logan Shrewsbury (Sr.). “Logan is another kid who is always in the right spot,” said Foster. “He gets everyone lined up; makes every call.”
James Echols (Sr.) will line up at corner. Others expected to play include Aleman and Kaden Baldwin (Sr.).
Johan Ramirez (Sr.) and Ramsey Rowell (Jr.) are currently neck-and-neck to replace Ryan Johnson at kicker with Purdy stepping in to handle punting duties.
“Braxton Kitchens (Sr.) returns as our long snapper, so we’re excited about him. That’s an important guy,” said the coach.
Several will get the chance to return kicks, led by Brice, Taylor-Wilson and Shrewsbury. Newcomers Kaiden Kent (Fr.) and Kayden Blackwell ( Fr.) will also get opportunities, as will Coe.
“We think Ty is going to be electric,” said Foster. “He’s 5’6”, 125 lbs and strong as heck. His bench is at 250 and he’s squatting 350.”
New region opponents
GHSA reclassification that removed 7A placed Cartersville back down to 4A while remaining in Region 7.
Three home games kick off the season, beginning with a Thursday night matchup with Columbia on Aug. 15. Rockmart visits Weinman the following Friday, Aug. 23, followed by Hapeville Charter Career Academy on Aug. 30.
Though no longer a region opponent, Calhoun remains a staunch rival. The Canes will pay the Yellow Jackets a visit on Sept. 6 before returning on Sept. 13 to begin its region schedule against Dalton. A trip to Woodland follows on Sept. 20 before the open week that precedes a home matchup with Cass on Oct. 4.
Two familiar opponents, though new to the region, follow with road trips to Allatoona on Oct. 11 and Cedartown on Oct. 18. The regular season finale will be at home against Hiram on Oct. 25.
“The region is going to be really tough,” said Foster. “Cedartown has a ton of returning starters. They’re strong, physical and well-coached. Allatoona is going to be much improved. The Rockmart game is going to be big for our communities, as all of these are. I’m really excited about them.”
Written by Scott Barkley
