Photos Andy Calvert
Chattooga finished last season 2-8. It was Coach Roone Gables’ first year as the head coach, and he noted that it was an extremely young team. This year, however, it is looking to be more of a veteran team.
“We really felt like we were better than our 2-8 record,” said Gable. “With that being year one for me and my staff, with a very young team, we knew there would be a few growing pains. There were a few games we felt we should have won, and we finished with a win in game 10 that moved us in the right direction and gave us some momentum heading into the off-season.”
For this upcoming season, Chattooga has done a very nice job at preparing for the fall, whether it be through competitive practice sessions or scrimmages against other schools.
“We had a good offseason in the weight room,” said Gable. “It led us to have a good spring and that finished up with a solid scrimmage against Southeast Whitfield. That led us to have a good summer, with various OTAs and 7on7s and learning how to compete regardless of the score. Our kids responded well; we finished July on a positive note. We are just glad that acclimation week is over this week, and we are ready to put these pads on.”
With expectations and goals set in place, Coach Gables has a very realistic goal for his Indians.
“Our goals are always going to be to improve and make the playoffs. I believe that is what our goal should be. We have to expect to win every game. Out-of-region games are home for us, and we have to do well in the region. Our senior class has bought into our program and is anxious to see what it feels like to get better.”
So far, the only improvements that need to be made are within the team, whether it be youth or the simplistic things. As everyone knows, games are won and lost in the trenches, so the line of scrimmage is a big focus.
“We said all offseason, it came back to being young and inexperienced. Our trenches needed work, and we are still going. Through the weight room, lineman camps, 7on7s, etc., we have really improved. I think they can be a strength of our team (O-line and D-line).”
Running different concepts and providing diversity on the field is critical to a team’s success. In terms of formations, Gable runs multiple sets on offense but has changed his defense this year. He will go to a 4-man front and a 4-2-5 defense.
There are a few names to keep an eye on for the Indians this season. Zayden Cook is a senior leader who had 1500+ all-purpose yards last season. Quarry Gibson and Landon Willingham will play QB, along with a few other positions. Matthew Bryant has gotten a lot more experience at receiver, and the O-line returns 4 starters, which is a positive for any team.
For Gable’s veteran ball team in 24-25, having veteran leadership will be critical to their success.
