Calhoun's Nance has dream shot

CALHOUN, Ga. -- When Nash Nance decided to finish his high school football career at Calhoun, the senior quarterback understood he would be stepping into a totally different level of expectation.

The Yellow Jackets, after their second Class AA runner-up finish in four years, have their sights squarely set on finishing the deal this year. The 6-foot-4 Nance, who grew up in the community before transferring to the Darlington School in Rome, accepted the challenge. It is, in fact, one reason he elected to make the move.

"Hardly a day goes by when we're not thinking about winning a state title," Nance said. "We talk about how bad we want it. I've dreamed of winning a state title since I was a kid. This is the greatest community and Coach (Hal) Lamb is the greatest coach, and they've been so close so many times. It would be great to be able to win one for him and the community."

The 11-0 and top-ranked Jackets host North Oconee (8-3) tonight in the second round, and Nance knows his dream will end with one poor game. In the Jackets' spread offense, Nance's ability to read what the defense is doing and make a quick decision is critical.

He has completed 67 percent of his passes for 2,140 yards and 21 touchdowns with six interceptions, and he has run for 300 yards and two touchdowns. He has played in the second half of just three of the team's games this year, as Lamb freely substitutes with big leads.

The veteran coach has been more than pleased with his new quarterback's play, especially as the season has progressed.

"He's really gotten better with each game," Lamb said. "He's getting it to the right people and making good decisions. He's been a good leader as well. Nash is a tremendous kid. He's very intelligent, has good size and can make all the throws -- really, he's got all the tools."

Though he directed a run-first offense at Darlington in two years as a starter, his physical gifts were enough to earn Nance a scholarship offer at Vanderbilit University. Committing to the Commodores during the summer allowed him to put his full energy into making his one season at Calhoun memorable.

"It's been great, with a lot of good memories," Nance said. "That first win over Dalton was awesome. It was nerve-racking for me, but after that game the pressure lessened and it's gotten easier for me each week. The biggest thing this year has been building relationships with my receivers and blockers.

"Our motto is 'All In,' and that's the key to everything. Everybody on this team, from the freshmen and sophomores on the scout team to the seniors, is important."