GORDON LEE TROJANSCoach: Kevin McElhaney (24-29 here; 44-69 overall)Returning starters (O/D/K): 7/8/0Remember these names: The Trojans return several strong skill players, including running back/defensive back Klay Durham (Sr., 5-8, 175), quarterback Ryan Chastain (Sr., 6-1, 175) and running backs/linebackers Adam Vandiver (Jr., 5-8, 175) and Blake Teeters (Jr., 6-1, 220). Both lines, however, suffered heavy graduation losses, so a group that includes Cory Jewell (Jr., 6-1, 195) must produce right away.Will be a memorable year if: The Trojans return to the playoffs following a rare two-year absence. Region 6, however, has become one of the top Class A leagues in the state, led by returning semifinalist Darlington and always-strong programs in Bowdon and Bremen to go with rival Trion.ScheduleAug. 19 at Silverdale BaptistAug. 26 Dade CountySept. 16 Walker*Sept. 23 at Bremen*Sept. 30 River RidgeOct. 7 Mt. Paran*Oct. 14 at Mt. Zion, Carroll*Oct. 21 Bowdon*Oct. 28 at Trion*Nov. 4 at Darlington** Region 6-A game
Hybrids are all the rage on the road these days, a way for drivers to maximize gasoline dollars while getting great reliability.
Hybrids on the football field, especially scheme-wise, are being used much less. High school teams are going either pass-happy with the spread or run-first with the tried-but-true wing-T or I-formation. At Gordon Lee this season, the hybrid will be on full display as the Trojans try to combine their last two offenses into one mean unit.
“Last year we went all spread, and the year before we ran the wing-T. This year we’re kind of meshing the two, running a little of each,” senior quarterback Ryan Chastain explained. “We can pound it on the ground or spread it out when we need to. it should be a great fit for us.”
Added coach Kevin McElhaney, who has entrusted spread guru Charlie Wiggins and former Gordon Lee head coach and Signal Mountain assistant Greg Ellis with formulating the offense: “It should help us utilize our personnel in the best way. We’ve got some good experience in the skill positions, but we’re young up front. This way, depending on the defense, we can attack the weakest point.”