Photos Andy Calvert
The Darlington Tigers finished Wayne Groves’ first year at the helm with a 6-5 record, which was good enough for 3rd in the region behind Dade County and region champion Trion. Their season ended a week later in the first round of the state playoffs, where Whitefield Academy defeated the Tigers 28-14.
Coach Groves brought the same ethos he had as Defensive Coordinator at Rome High School when it came to spring practice. The Tigers had 10 padded practices in the spring and Groves feels like his team benefited from those opportunities.
“Even if I had 20 kids, I would always choose the spring window over 2 fall scrimmages,” said Groves. “Our numbers were a bit low due to other spring sports, but we finished spring with 33 kids and are looking forward to a great summer.”
The Tigers have taken the summer very seriously. Darlington implements position meetings and practice film daily to go along with morning practice sessions. The weight room is used as well during the summer, with lifting periods each day.
Groves has settled into his position as head coach and his expectations and goals are simple. Be on time, focus on the team, and get at least 1 percent better each day.
“I want to put the best product I can on the field,” says Groves. I want them to be committed to each other and the game. As long as we have the right mindset, everything else will fall into place.”
According to Groves, team speed is a strong point for his team this upcoming season. Many players were a part of the 23-24’ Track and Field Championship team, the first at Darlington. So far, the biggest need for improvement is up front, on the O-line and D-line.
“We are just trying to get these guys better at their craft and fill up the depth chart.”
If you watched Rome Football, you will see many of the same schemes Coach Groves ran on defense. Spread is the preferred offensive play style, with a run-first mindset, giving opponents different looks will be a key factor, according to head coach Wayne Groves.
Football is the ultimate team game, and one guy can’t do it all. For Darlington in 24-25, there will be a few names that are looking to see some valuable snaps. Sammy Kunczewski will be the QB, along with being a strong safety. Noah Duggan will be a 2-way piece for the Tigers, being a MIC linebacker and being in the offensive backfield. On the line, Stephen Moore will be a key point, along with an upcoming sophomore Vince Hight who has stellar size. Henry Ledbetter, an all-region selection this past year will return. Sam Twente, an upcoming senior, will spend his time at TE and LB. Myles Twyman rushed for 800+ yards last season, and the junior will look to build on that success this season. Brooke Temple and Jayce Donaldson are more 2-way players that could be seeing some important time. As for freshmen, Zaiden Simpson and Tylin Lovingood are players who could be making possible contributions at WR this fall.
The Tigers have a lot to replace and a tough region slate, but the focus on fundamentals and ball control should give them the opportunity to compete for a playoff spot and more in 2024.
