Sonoraville Phoenix

Three-year starting quarterback Cody Long hopes to lead Sonoraville to the first playoff win in program history.
Three-year starting quarterback Cody Long hopes to lead Sonoraville to the first playoff win in program history.

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SONORAVILLE PHOENIXRegion 6-AAAPhoenix Stadium, 7340 Fairmount Highway SE, Calhoun, GA 30701Driver’s seat: Jim Kremer (6-5 in one year here; 63-46 overall)Road tested: 7 offensive, 8 defensive starters return

Pedal to the metal

With two consecutive playoff appearances, the building of the Sonoraville football program is right on track.

Just don't tell Jim Kremer that.

The second-year head coach, who was the team's defensive coordinator during its first trip to state, is far from satisfied just to make the postseason. Kremer helped build the Calhoun dynasty as Hal Lamb's defensive coordinator, so he knows what a contender looks like.

"We've got a good group, and they're hungry," he said. "We've made the playoffs, and we've competed against good teams. There is a chance to reach a new level this year, and I feel the guys believe it can happen."

A big part of Kremer's confidence comes from having a rare commodity: a three-year starting quarterback. Cody Long played out of necessity as a sophomore and blossomed into a star last year, with more than 2,000 yards of total offense and 22 touchdowns.

"Cody is a strong leader, and he's really grown into the position," Kremer said during an early-summer 7-on-7 passing camp. "He's allowed us to do some different things with the offense."

With the first three-year starting quarterback in the program's brief history and six other offensive starters returning, the team's pistol spread-option attack will have a quicker pace to it.

"We want to fire off plays at a fast pace, so we've simplified some of our calls," Kremer said. "With Cody's experience, he can see what the defense is doing and put us in the right play."

- Capsule by Lindsey Young; contact at lyoung@timesfreepress.com or follow on Twitter @YoungSports22

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Route ’15: The Phoenix have made it to the playoffs two consecutive years and believe this year’s team has an excellent shot at earning the program’s first home playoff game. Back-to-back games in October with Calhoun and Ringgold likely will determine if that goal is reachable.

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Taking the wheel: Quarterback Cody Long is back to lead the offense, while Kenny Cooper, a chiseled 6-foot-3, 285-pound terror at end, is ready to lead the defense after posting 24 tackles for loss last year. A pair of active linebackers, senior Jonathan Novicki and junior Sherrod Agee, join Cooper on what should be an improved defense.

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Cruise control: The Phoenix boast a trio of three-year starters on the offensive line — Tristan Bravo, Elisha Hager and Austin Pasley — to go with two-year starter Landon Vest, making it one of the top groups in the region. When the team needs a little extra beef, expect to see Cooper lend a hand.

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Pump the brakes: In Brandon Dendy, Thad Harris and Clark Johnson, the Phoenix lost three quality playmakers from an offense that averaged better than 30 points per game. Dylan Dixon, Tarik Holmes and Tristan Key are three candidates to replace the departed Dendy and his 959 yards and 11 touchdowns.

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Backseat driver: A rival coach said of the Phoenix, “Sonoraville will be the surprise team in the area, trust me. Coach Kremer is awesome, and they have a good group back, especially up front.”

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Rearview2014 game resultsAug. 29;Model;lost, 21-10Sep. 5;Rockmart;won, 40-26Sep. 12;North Murray;won, 35-24Sep. 19;Coahulla Creek;won, 56-0Sep. 26;Adairsville;lost, 42-3Oct. 3;Gordon Central;won, 27-3Oct. 10;Calhoun;lost, 55-13Oct. 17;Ringgold;lost, 38-28Oct. 24;Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe;won, 54-7Nov. 7;Murray County;won, 48-6Nov.14;Central-Carroll;lost, 42-14 (first-round playoffs)

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On the horizon2015 schedule (all times 7:30 )Aug. 28;at ModelSep. 4;at RockmartSep. 11;North MuraySep. 18;at Coahulla CreekSep. 25;AdairsvilleOct. 2;at Gordon CentralOct. 9;CalhounOct. 16;at RinggoldOct. 23;at Lakeview-Fort OglethorpeNov. 6;Murray CountyRegion 6-AAA games in bold

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