Photos Ivan Felipe
Chattooga rounded out last season with a record of 6-5, 3-4 in the region. They would start out 5-0, before a tough region gauntlet where they would lose four out of the last five region games. They made the playoffs but had to go on the road, where they fell short against a tough Dodge County team.
“We grew as a team as the year went on. We lost to Coosa, but we really wanted to get a home playoff game. We had to go to Dodge County and play a really tough team, but unless you are that one team that ends up winning the whole thing, you know your season ends on a loss. That loss did not take away from the success our season held, and we are excited about the next,” said Head Coach Rune Gable.
Next season could look a little different, Coach Gable said. “We are gonna look totally different. We are obviously losing Zayden Cook, who broke all kinds of rushing records and a bunch of starters. We are still young, but our size is the staple, and we are changing up our offense. We need repetition and practice, and our guys are going to continuously improve.”
For Rune Gable, having expectations and goals are keys to translate success. “Our goal every year is to win a region championship. We are talking small sometimes, talking about hosting a game, and finally winning a playoff game. It’s exciting to see our kids grow. We are going in the right direction. I tell our guys to compete; it’s about how they compete in everything. We are going to take everything one game at a time, and see what happens come Saturday morning.”
The Chattooga Indians will have a lot of talent upfront and a decent amount of new faces. Luke Reece at left tackle will be a four year starter. Brock Cooper will be a first time quarterback. Aidan Fletcher will be new at running back, as well as Chris Adams. Kane Baker and Jayden Foster will see time at fullback. Koi Dodd and Kaden Fife are picking up some pretty heavy fire on the recruiting trail, on the offensive and defensive lines. Jovanni Hill has shown promise, as well as Javion Cotton at running back and linebacker.
“Our younger guys have to show some good growth, and be ready to play when their number is called.”
“I love seeing our kids mature. I enjoy seeing our kids putting in the work to succeed, and it’s rewarding when that happens. I think our staff takes pride in it, and watch our guys develop and have their fun and hard work pay off. Our schedule isn’t easy; we get some hard opponents at home. We have to come every Friday night ready to play.”
With a tough region schedule and different look, The Indians will have their work cut out for them this upcoming season. With a lot of size upfront, expect the Indians to make things hard for opponents.
