Photos Ivan Felipe
Cass would put the lid on their season last year by finishing 6-5, 3-3 in the region. Things were going well for Cass; however, a crucial injury to star quarterback Brodie McWhorter against Hiram would leave the Colonels thin, as they would lose the majority of their remaining games, including a loss to Blessed Trinity in the playoffs.
“It obviously was devastating in more ways than one. We were more worried about him as a person. I was worried about Brodie McWhorter. We had to replace him with our leading WR in Elijah Slocum, so we technically lost him,” said Head Coach Steve Gates.
It was certainly a hard dilemma to overcome for Gates and company. “We had to fight and claw to make the playoffs. The injury changed everything. It was just not a good situation; kids and coaches had to adapt. Credit to our coaches, they figured out a way to get things done.”
Fast forward to this season, with a healthy roster going into the offseason. “A lot of our kids have to grow up, and that’s just the bottom line. Even during the summer, we have been trying to figure out who is tough upfront. Replacing guys upfront is not easy, but it will be a telltale tape of who is physical and who isn’t.”
The expectations for Cass are higher than they have ever been. “My expectations for these coaches, players, and myself are higher than they’ve ever been. The expectations of being a good person are just as high as being a good football player. It’s also how our community deals with these kids on and off the field; all these things must happen or else these kids won’t play. We shoot for the top spot; we schedule hard to get our guys prepared.”
Coach Gates has a significant amount of talent returning for the 25-26 season. Wide receiver Elijah Slocum did the ultimate team sacrifice last year, but will now return to WR. Brodie McWhorter, a Mississippi State pledge, returns off of a season ending injury. Bear McWhorter, Michigan commit, will be the anchor and star of the offensive line. Naz Fleurine will play outside at linebacker and a little bit of receiver. Josh Love, who has had a great offseason, is back at safety. A running back tandem of Kalil Charles and Jerome Sanders will wreck defenses as a one-two punch. Chase Tatum, Kennesaw State verbal, is back. John Abernathy, who is picking up some steam, will be really good. Malachi Harris is back and healthy at linebacker. Jah Anderson is expected to rack up yards at wide receiver. Noah Rogers will be the backup quarterback as a true freshman. Kalel Charles is going to start at outside backer, as well as Zach Styles. Marcus Daniels will get reps at safety.
“Everything feels like it’s back to normal. Having the pieces back together is what is happening, and players and coaches are smiling from ear to ear.”
