CALHOUN YELLOW JACKETSCoach: Hal Lamb (128-28 here; 133-43 overall)Returning starters (O/D/K): 3/6/1Remember these names: Furman’s loss was Calhoun’s gain when Bobby Lamb, Hal Lamb’s brother, left the university to begin the program at Mercer. Son Taylor Lamb (Jr., 6-1, 185) has transferred to Calhoun and will assume the quarterback duties in this high-octane spread offense. Among the other players being counted on to replace departed all-stars are WR Chase Rierson (Sr., 6-3, 200), WR Clay Johnson (Sr., 6-foot, 170) and RB Darius Washington (Sr., 5-9, 185), the son of former Calhoun great “Famous” Amos Washington. One weapon that does return is K Adam Griffith (Sr., 5-10, 160), the University of Alabama recruit who is a threat anywhere from 55 yards and in.Will be a memorable year if: The new offensive starters, most notably the line, pick up where the guys they replaced left off. The line, where Tyler King (Sr., 6-2, 270) is the lone returner, is of particular concern, though line coach Dain Clark seems to rebuild this unit every season without the offense missing a beat. The only goal that matters for the Jackets is winning a state title, where Buford, which has defeated Calhoun in the past three title games, is again the favorite.ScheduleAug. 26 DaltonSept. 2 at ArmucheeSept. 9 at PepperellSept. 16 Chattooga*Sept. 30 at Sonoraville*Oct. 7 at North Murray*Oct. 14 Gordon Central*Oct. 21 Dade County*Oct. 28 at Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe*Nov. 4 Region play-in game* Region 7B-AA game
The 2005 Calhoun team is widely considered to have had the best defense in school history.
That unit, which was the program’s first to reach a Class AA state final, featured players such as Curt Welch, Haggan Spector, Nick Davison, Eric McDaniel and Kris Durham. Though he earned more notice as a receiver, Durham was the AA state defensive player of the year after picking off seven passes.
That defense had nine games allowing 10 or fewer points, and most of the points came after the varsity was pulled in blowout games.
Coach Hal Lamb says this year’s defense could be even better.