For the 2020 season, the word ‘new’ can be attributed to many aspects of Rome High football
The Wolves will play in a new region (5-6A) in a new classification (GHSA AAAAAA). Rome has a beautiful new Rome Wolves-based turf field at Historic Barron Stadium. There is also a new indoor practice facility on campus inside Rome High School’s new College and Career Academy. Then there’s a bunch of new talent, as this year’s team will be heavily infused with youth. This year’s team will be young both in class and in on-field experience.
The new schedule does have 15 games on it with a date of December 29, 2020 (at 7pm) that shows everyone that RHS Head Football Coach John Reid and his staff still have the same OLD goal: to be state champions.
“We knew we would be young this year,” Reid says, “and it’s an exciting opportunity to get this team ready. There is a good collection of veterans with playing experience here also, especially on offense. On defense, we have a few guys back, but not a lot of on-field experience.”
“Rome’s seniors will be asked to lead and carry the team this year. A few guys that stick out are quarterback Caleb Ellard, running back EJ Lackey, and wide receiver Jay Wise. On defense there is Bryant Wilkinson, an all-region player in 2019, and defensive lineman Idris Dennis looking to lead the pack.
Reid knows that achieving the goal will take a precise execution of his plan. “It is going to be a challenging preseason getting these guys ready to play a challenging schedule.” The Wolves are starting the season playing some good teams, with always-tough Rockmart, then traveling for two consecutive games versus 7A schools, and later having two tough region games on the road at Carrollton and Dalton.
“We are in a new class and a new region with some pretty good teams,” Reid says. “There are challenges, but we are up for it, the kids are definitely up for it. These guys can handle it.””