The Gordon Lee Trojan mascot rides onto the field before the game. The Trion Bulldogs visited the Gordon Lee Trojans in Georgia High School football action at Billy Neil Ellis Stadium in Chickamauga, Ga. Friday Night, August 21, 2015. Head coach: Josh Groce (first season as a head coach)
Returning starters: 8 offensive; 7 defensive
Key players: RB-DB Coleby Casteel (5-11, 170); OL-DL Austin Crowley (5-11, 225); LB-RB Hunter Hartman (5-8, 155); WR-DB Garrett Tumblin (5-8, 150); RB-LB Logan Willette (5-9, 165); QB-LB Blake Erby (6-1, 175)
Team strengths: The Trojans return a lot of experience, which they hope will lead them to rebound from just two wins in back-to-back seasons. With 15 returning starters they have no intention to make excuses.
Team concerns: Injuries to key players can often deflate a team’s morale and season. The Trojans’ last winning season came in 2006. Conversely, fortunate breaks are needed for teams playing in one of the toughest states for high school football.
Breakout candidate: Brentwood Academy transfer Erby looks to make an instant impact. The junior is a threat to strike through the air or on the ground. Gordon Lee could thrive if Erby can provide strong leadership and a high touchdown-to-turnover ratio.
Season outlook: The Trojans will try to control the game clock in their new wing-T offense. A change to a new scheme and fresh start follow a season in which they scored 21 points in just one game.
Gordon Lee could have some new life on the field with a pair of key backfield and linebacking newcomers in Erby and Willette. But some of the experienced players must step up and make big plays to win in a state that produces top-tier college football talent year in and year out.
“Our team has lots of playing experience on both sides of the football,” Groce said. “Many of our players have been playing since their freshman and sophomore season. If we can play like veterans, we can break through some barriers and have success this year.”