South Pittsburg Pirates

Pedal to the metal

The return of one of the area’s winningest coaches does not automatically mean immediate success for South Pittsburg.

But it will mean a noticeable difference in discipline, attitude and effort, and those are the foundations Vic Grider intends to re-establish at his alma mater.

No player embodies that identity better than running back/linebacker Chase Blevins, one of only two seniors. At 5-foot-8, 155 pounds, Blevins has played with a chip on his shoulder throughout his career, a trait he believes will carry over to his young teammates.

“I feel like we’re being underestimated and we all have a lot to prove,” Blevins said. “As a senior, I want to set an example.”

Despite reaching the second round of last year’s playoffs, the Pirates lost six games, three by a touchdown or less. Roster numbers and community support began to wane until Grider returned as coach and immediately changed the team’s approach and the excitement in the community.

“We still won some games last year, but it wasn’t the same,” Blevins said. “But from the first day of workouts, through spring practice and especially now that we’re close to the first game, everybody found out we have to be more serious with Coach Grider. He’s a lot more intense and aggressive in how he coaches us. He’s in your face when you mess up, and that makes us play harder and focus more.

“He pushes everybody to their fullest potential, so you don’t have a choice but to get better every day. We’re a completely different team than we have been for a couple of years, and I think people will see that.”

Capsule by Stephen Hargis; contact at shargis@timesfreepress.com or follow on Twitter: @StephenHargis