Photos Andy Calvert
Adairsville started off a little slow last season, beginning at 1-2, before eventually going on to win the region. Injuries plagued the team. They lost the starting QB, a few linebackers, and skill guys down the stretch.
“It’s been kind of tough this summer,” said Head Coach Jon Cudd. “We have a lot of guys returning from injury, with Tre Winters returning from a torn MCL after just getting cleared. So far, we have held our own against teams like Kell, North Paulding, and River Ridge, considering we had a padded practice with no spring. Even at Georgia Tech’s 7on7, we did not look that great on either side of the ball. However, there are some positives to take away from not only that, but our lineman camp in Jekyll Island along with OTA’s at North Paulding.”
According to Coach Cudd, not only is winning the region a big goal, but reaching their full potential is another key objective.
“We want to win the region; it’s been a goal for us in years past. Now, it is a matter of reaching our maximum potential year in and year out.”
Throughout the summer, just trying to get kids in the right places for success is one of the approaches for the Adairsville staff.
“We got some new guys in some new places, so just trying to make sure we can get our coverages down and a new offense coming in. All in all, we definitely got better throughout the summer”
Adairsville has a lot of youth, especially on the line. A few of their guys have stopped playing football which would be 3-4 year starters, which hurts them on the O-line.
Classification and personnel of teams play a big part in how Coach Jon Cudd and his staff prepare for a game.
“This year, we will be multiple on offense, personnel groupings, similar run game, and complex passing concepts and multiple on defense; 4-2-5 or 3-3 stack and 3-4 principles. We have different packages on 3rd and longs and goal line, but we feel the need to be multiple in 3A football; we may see a spread and then a Wing team from one week to the next.”
This upcoming class for Adairsville is loaded with talent. Tre Winters, the Air Force commit, will be a star CB/WR for the Tigers. Jamaurion Pulliam, who has racked up a few D1 offers over the past few months, is locked and loaded for a monster senior season. Braxton Ryan is looking to be a leader on the line, and Ethan Long could see time at QB this year.
Ezekiel Carter and Thomas Duncan are some new faces for the Tigers. Jett Johnson, who is the reigning 3A heavyweight champ in wrestling, will be a 3-4 year starter for Adairsville. Ethan Brown, Colt Mccord, and Ryan Worthington will see time at LB and occasionally at TE. Tamarious Wilkes will be a star DB for Jon Cudd this upcoming year.
The Tigers have some new faces that will need to step up, especially on the line of scrimmage, but they seem to be in great condition for the upcoming season. If they can stay healthy, we could see another deep playoff run.
