Photos Andy Calvert
Year one for Head Coach Eric Belew had to be considered a success. Armuchee finished the regular season last year at 4-6, putting them at the 5th seed, just outside a playoff spot. They beat Coosa and Chattooga in the region, but lost to each of the top 4 teams. While they didn’t make the playoffs, there are a lot of positives to carry over to the 2024 season.
Rather than having a spring window, Coach Belew and his Indians set their eyes towards the summer and eventually fall scrimmages and furthermore, the season. They will play 2 scrimmages against Temple and Model to kickoff the season, and will open with Gordon Lee in region play.
“We feel like our kids are really excited to be here,” says Belew. “There was certainly a sense of urgency there. We had a great 3 weeks in June, from doing 7on7s and 2 padded camps at Mt. Zion. Our players are extremely excited to finally go out and compete.”
As for goals, just being able to provide some great experience for the players is a major part of the program. Coach Belew has an extremely high level of pride he and his coaching staff put into his players.
“The whole reason as to why our kids do this is so we can spend time and grow,” says Belew. “I’m excited to see our kids compete. There’s no better feeling than watching our kids grow from the work they have put in. Worry about one rep at a time, where we can battle the instant gratification mindset.”
Going out and trying to be the most physical team Friday nights is an expectation that Coach Belew has for his Indians, and is a major focus that he and his staff will continue to pursue throughout the season.
“It is kind of hard throughout the summer without pads to try and become a dominant team. It takes a lot of meticulous coaching to promote that physical aspect of the game.”
Belew and his staff consider themselves multiple on offense. They like to throw the ball downfield, and that all starts at the line of scrimmage. On defense, Armuchee will base out of a 3-4, but will be able to morph into different formations and personnel.
Coach Belew offered us a few names to look at throughout the regular season. Blaine Ragland, an all purpose guy for the Indians, will be a senior leader and huge part of Friday Nights in Armuchee. Jackson Hightower and Hayden Phillips will be at linebacker for their senior season, along with playing a little bit in the backfield. Christian Cox will move around the line a little bit, and Andre Neal will come back from injury. William Pethel, a senior, will bring some experience at receiver and safety for the Indians come fall. Caden Wright is a freshman that Belew has a lot of praise for, exclaiming that his effort is contagious and that he only has one gear; fast.
With a lot of veteran leadership and experience, Armuchee looks to make strides in a new region in 2024-2024.
