Head coach: TJ Hamilton (first year as a head coach)
Returning starters: 6 offensive; 8 defensive
Key players: RB Nelson Gravitt (5-8, 175); OL Luis Castillo (5-11, 215); LB John Victor Rainwater (5-8, 205); DB David Lindsay (6-0, 180); ATH Jordan Boone (5-9, 205); OL Cade Hendrix (5-9, 250); OL Ethan Hendrix (5-9, 265); QB-LB Tre Williams (6-3, 210); ATH Edwin Herrera; ATH Brison McGinnis; DB Peyton Parke.
Team strengths: Castillo and Victor Rainwater will help push the Warriors on both sides of the football with top-notch leadership and force.
“Luis leads our offensive line and gets the most out of his brothers every practice and game,” Hamilton said. “He pushes everyone and holds himself and them accountable. John made the all-region team as a linebacker last year, and expectations are the same. He is a consistent player who gives his all for the team and school.”
Water bottles are kept nearby during football practice at Gordon Central High School on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016, in Calhoun, Ga.Team concerns: Selfishness simply does not work in a sport as team-oriented as football. Hamilton knows his group must buy in to one another and go to war every Friday night in search of victory.
“We must continue to develop as a unit and play for each other,” Hamilton said. “There can’t be a discrepancy from one person to the next. We have to play as one every single game and in practice, too.”
Breakout candidates: Lindsay is a hard-hitting junior safety who will fire up the defense with key stops. Meanwhile, newcomer Williams can be dynamic on both sides playing quarterback and outside linebacker. Williams will trigger a spread attack.
Season outlook: Gordon Central must defend its home field better in 2019 after losing four of its five contests there last year.
With a strong offensive line to lead the ground game headlined by Gravitt, this team will look to be tough up front and win battles in the trenches.
The junior and senior classes will be relied on to lead the way, which includes Herrera.
“Edwin has been one of the best leaders on our football team,” Hamilton said. “We are expecting him to play different positions and push this team throughout the 2019 season.”