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Calhoun Yellow Jackets’ new coach says team has more depth this year

Calhoun player Collin Baggett (16) and teammate Dawson Hamby tackle Jenkins player Treshawn Brown (11) during the Yellowjackets' prep football quarterfinal game against the Jenkins Warriors at Calhoun High School on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, in Calhoun, Ga.
Calhoun player Collin Baggett (16) and teammate Dawson Hamby tackle Jenkins player Treshawn Brown (11) during the Yellowjackets' prep football quarterfinal game against the Jenkins Warriors at Calhoun High School on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, in Calhoun, Ga. Calhoun player Collin Baggett (16) and teammate Dawson Hamby tackle Jenkins player Treshawn Brown (11) during the Yellowjackets' prep football quarterfinal game against the Jenkins Warriors at Calhoun High School on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, in Calhoun, Ga.

Head coach: Clay Stephenson (first year here and overall)

Returning starters: 2 offensive; 3 defensive

Key players: OL Jaeden Curtis (6-0, 280); OL Elijah Baldridge (6-1, 220); DL Dawson Hamby (6-2, 260); DL Carson Griffin (6-3, 220); DL Kendez Griffin (6-4, 230); WR Carson Speer (5-10, 180); LB David Braden (6-1, 200); LB Julian Ipac (5-11, 200).

Team strengths: For a team with so many new starters and a first-year head coach, the Yellow Jackets have the luxury of deep and talented lines of scrimmage. With Hamby, Carson and Kendez Griffin, the always stout Calhoun run defense will remain.

photo Calhoun player Dawson Hamby (68) helps up Jenkins player Shawn Campbell, Jr., (1) after tackling him during the Yellowjackets’ prep football quarterfinal game against the Jenkins Warriors at Calhoun High School on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, in Calhoun, Ga.

Team concerns: Obviously, with 17 new starters there is a general lack of experience, though most of the new starters have had decent playing time. Nearly all of the team’s offensive production graduated, so playmakers must step forward.