It says a lot about a high school football program when the team goes 11-2 and all involved feel it was a disappointment. But for Calhoun following five consecutive trips to Georgia state championship games, it’s easy to see why a quarterfinal-round exit would be cause for consternation.
And consider the Yellow Jackets return only eight of 22 starters and that the program is moving up to Class AAA. Is the dynastic run over? Those close to coach Hal Lamb’s program laugh at the talk, and there’s one major reason why: The 2014 Calhoun defense has an eerie similarity to the 2011 championship unit.
That means a linebacking corps full of players with bad intentions toward anyone venturing into their territory. Though this year’s unit isn’t as physically imposing as the Alex Kirby- and Hunter Knight-led Jackets of 2011, this group is more athletic. The individual parts of the five-man unit make the whole pretty special.
“Those five guys give us a chance,” Lamb said. “They all are strong kids and they’re all coachable. That championship group was very, very good, but I like this crowd. Hopefully they can play up to those guys’ level.”
The three inside linebackers – Austin Bennett (130 tackles), Tristan Fuller (115) and Jireh Wilson – will hardly scare anyone in warmups, with none weighing more than 200 pounds. But as Lamb said, put them in pads and watch out.