L-R: BRODY BALLIEW (OL) SR CAM CURTIS (WR/CB) SR NATHAN FULLER (LB) SR - Photos Andy Calvert
Excitement and winning seem to go hand-in-hand for the Calhoun Yellow Jackets and 2021 provided lots of both as the squad finished second in the region before making a run to the Class 5A State Finals before falling to Warner Robbins.
The enthusiasm and excitement from reaching the finals yet again bled over into the offseason for the program.
“Winning breeds winning, and of course, it doesn’t hurt morale. That enthusiasm is felt not only by the players but by the community and the town,” Calhoun coach Clay Stephenson says. “The challenge is that you can’t just snap your fingers and get back to those same big game stats. Our challenge to the team is to try to get better through the year.”
The Jackets did lose a host of talented players from last year’s squad, and the coaches have been working hard during the off-season to prepare the returning players for the gauntlet ahead.
“I think our off-season went well. The kids really got after it. We have a lot to replace, so this spring and summer were crucial. Several players are new leaders, and they have taken on the role and done a good job,” Stephenson says.
Calhoun won’t catch any breaks on the schedule, as the Jackets play a tough slate of non-region games before opening up region play against defending Region 7-5A champion Cartersville on Sept. 30. Before meeting the Purple Hurricanes on the road, the Jackets will play Class 6A Blessed Trinity and Creekview as well as Class 4A teams Cedartown and Sonoraville as well as Gardendale (Alabama).
“When we moved to 5A, we had to start picking up a few more games and it’s tough because we’re going up against some very good competition. We know we could lose some of those early games, but those teams will help us gauge ourselves and get us ready to play in some big-time atmospheres,” Stephenson says. “It will help make us better for region games and get us prepared for what we might see later down the line in the playoffs.”
While Calhoun must replace numerous starters from last year’s squad on both offense and defense, Stephenson mentions a few players fans should keep an eye out for.
“Caden Williams will be playing running back, and Nathan Fuller is our only returning starter on defense,” Stephenson says. “Brody Balliew and Christian Bell are returning linemen, and they are going to be keys for us. Cam Curtis played a lot last year for us and will play a big role for us this year.”
While some coaches might lament losing so many starters, Stephens seems to relish it.
“It’s exciting. It’s open season every day at practice. Even for those returning guys, because right now we don’t have starters or backups,” he says. “Hopefully, the starters will separate themselves. It’s been fun because we have so many holes to fill, but we’ve got some really good players ready to step up.”
As for what it might take for the Yellow Jackets to make another deep run into the playoffs, Stephenson says a few key words.
“It’s going to take a lot of things to get back to where we were last year. Having to replace so many guys means we’re going back to the fundamentals,” he says. “You don’t just snap your fingers and get to play for a region championship. With the schedule we play, we have to work hard every day. If we can handle the adversity, that will play a huge component in getting to those big games again.”
