Region 6-AAA North // Murray Field at First National Bank Stadium, 1001 Green Road, Chatsworth, GA 30705
At the helm
Chad Brewer
(13-27 in four years here and overall)
Heroes assemble!
The Indians return 7 off., 7 def. starters.
Super powers
In a region full of teams that can air it out, the Indians offer a decidedly different approach led by 1,600-yard RB Tucker Gregg and a strong OL featuring seniors Margarito Gutierrez, Tyler Keener and brothers Dalton and Dillon Manning. The line isn't particularly big, but its experienced components work well together.
Possible kryptonite
A major focus of spring and summer was finding a replacement for three-year starting QB Dominick Genitempo, who accounted for more than 2,000 yards each of the past two seasons. Senior John Reed won the battle over Dominick's brother, Justin, but the passing game was inconsistent during 7-on-7 drills.
Spidey sense tingling
The Indians have made an annual progression in Brewer's four seasons, with last year's six wins representing a high mark over the past 12 seasons. There was disappointment in losing a play-in game against Bremen with a spot in the state bracket on the line, but Brewer believes the team should once again be in the running.
Here I come to save the day!
Gregg (5-11, 210) is the leading returning rusher in the northwest Georgia area and will get plenty of touches, including the majority of kick and punt returns. Brewer also said Gregg, who had 14 catches a year ago, will be more active in the passing game and could see some time at QB in a wildcat-type formation. Senior LB Gio Chavez is the defensive captain and will look to lead a unit that was inconsistent a year ago.
Up, up and away!
Football coaches often talk about the culture surrounding their team. A new coach at a school mired in a long slide of losing seasons will always list changing the culture of losing as a major priority.
Consider it a goal accomplished at Murray County.
When Brewer took over in 2013, the Indians were going through one of the worst periods in the GHSA. After going 7-4 in 2005, the program endured three winless seasons and six with either one or two wins. Brewer's first three seasons resulted in one, two and four wins, but, more importantly, the culture started to change.
So much so that last year's 6-4 campaign was actually seen by some in the program as disappointing - not in the win total but the fact the Indians came within a win in the regular-season finale of making the playoffs.
"It is nice to have the expectation of getting into the playoffs, because we know there were years where there was no chance," the enthusiastic Brewer said. "Kids are enjoying football and they are working hard. We're being competitive, and that's all I can ask.
"We are trying to make the playoffs - and we expect to make the playoffs - and that's great to say at Murray County."
Gone are the days of having 28 kids start summer workouts. So are the days in which key players elected to transfer out of the program in order to avoid losing. Freshmen and sophomores now have to earn their way into the lineup instead of being force fed.
Murray County is no longer everyone's preferred homecoming opponent.
"I do feel we've turned the corner," Brewer said. "In fact, I felt we did that the year before because we were in most games. There is a great tradition here at Murray County, and most of the kids we've had didn't know much about it.
"Now, they not only know about it, they are also adding to it."
2016 Results
Aug. 19 Gordon Central won, 55-13
Sep. 1 SE Whitfield won, 28-7
Sep. 9 Christian Heritage won, 26-14
Sep. 16 Bremen lost, 42-14
Sep. 23 Adairsville lost, 35-21
Sep. 30 North Murray lost, 37-18
Oct. 7 Ringgold won, 45-40
Oct. 14 Coahulla Creek won, 38-0
Oct. 21 Lakeview-Fort O. won, 42-24
Nov. 4 Bremen lost, 45-18
6-4, 3-1 Region 6-AAA North
2017 Schedule
(All times 7:30 Eastern)
Aug. 18 at Gordon Central
Sep. 1 at Southeast Whitfield
Sep. 8 Christian Heritage
Sep. 15 Bremen
Sep. 22 at Adairsville
Sep. 29 North Murray
Oct. 6 at Ringgold
Oct. 13 Coahulla Creek
Oct. 20 at Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe
Nov. 3 region play-in
Region 6-AAA North games in bold