Photos Andy Calvert - L-R: #17 ANTHONE WILLIAMS-OLB/FB #16 DILLON SILVER-QB #13 JOEY SAMPLES-FB/LB
MODEL BLUE DEVILS
2020 RECORD: 7-5 overall (4-2, REGION 7-AA)
HEAD COACH: Jeff Hunnicutt (12-11 in 2 seasons at Model)
ALL TIME RECORD: 773 games – 355-400-18 (47%)
TOTAL SEASONS: 79 FIRST SEASON: 1931 ALL STATE PLAYERS: 37
REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS: 3 (1979 LAST)
STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 3 (1979 LAST)
As the Model Blue Devils enter year 3 of the Jeff Hunnicutt Era, a few of the coach’s -isms have rang thru; his team will work hard, and they will not spend more time looking in the rearview than looking through the front windshield. However, the Blue Devils’ 2020 season is worth a peek back.
2020 REVIEW
The Blue Devils made the playoffs for the second consecutive season in 2020 and won their first-round game in a very unfamiliar atmosphere. “Winning a playoff game was huge for the school and the community,” Coach Hunnicutt says, “especially considering the game was played in a closed (to the public) environment.” He adds, “Parents couldn’t see their sons play, and that was a first for some. We came out of that game with a win, though, so everyone was okay. That win is something to build on.”
2021 PREVIEW
“We have a lot of shoes to fill in 2021,” says Hunnicutt, speaking of the task of replacing 18 seniors from last year’s team. “We lost the majority of our offensive, but due to quarantines a lot of players got some in-game experience, and we hope that is beneficial to their development.”
OFFENSE
Replacing last year’s starting quarterback Sam Silver will not be an easy task. His leadership, both verbally and by example, was unmatched. Junior Dillon Silver has the responsibility of filling those shoes.
DEFENSE
Just like on offense, the defense has work to do personnel-wise, and Coach Hunnicutt and his staff are pushing the players to earn their positions. It’s going to be tough to move the ball on the Blue Devils. Every strategy begins with controlling the line of scrimmage and getting everyone to pursue the ball every play.
Players like junior linebacker Joey Samples and senior linebacker Anthone Williams will be making plays all year long for the Blue Devils.
LASTING THOUGHTS
“Here at Model, we are preparing men for life,” Hunnicutt says like a proud papa. “That means taking pride in how things are done on and off the field and continuing to improve the players’ attitudes, character, and self-discipline. We will continue to strive to make it to the next rung of the ladder. Day after day.”
2021 GAMES OF SIGNIFICANCE
- 9/10/2021 @ Haralson County
Haralson County went to Model and ran off a big win (49-7) in 2020.
- 10/15/2021 vs Fannin County
In 2020, different circumstances could have created a different result.
- 10/22/2021 @ Pepperell
Model has lost 5 consecutive games to the Dragons.
