Photo Ivan Felipe
Coosa finished last season 4-7, winning only two of their region games in a tough conference. Coosa still was able to make the playoffs regardless of their performance in the region, credited to a massive upset win at Chattooga that bolstered them into the postseason for the first time in 10 years.
‘I feel like we had a great year considering it was year one with new standards and expectations. We had no business beating Chattooga. They had the state’s leading rusher, and that win got us into the playoffs. We were very excited about it, and the next step is to make the playoffs and do it consistently,” said Head Coach Geoff Cannon. “The community was excited about it, and we were thrilled about the season that we had. The community has answered the bell, and I’ve been able to take the offseason to develop relationships with past teams and our own community.”
“We have been continuing to develop personnel-wise, and figure out who is going to take the place of the 11 seniors who graduated. Having the spring was big, since we didn’t go through it last year. We are developing personnel-wise, and getting to dial down some new formations and concepts. As a coaching staff, we are trying to figure out what we can add and shift scheme-wise to help our upcoming personnel.”
“Our standards take no talent. We take into account your effort, your attitude, and if you show up on time. Those are things that will help you forever. Are you going to line up right? Are you going to know what to do and execute your job at a high level? A football play is only four to six seconds long, so are you playing with relentless effort for your teammates and as hard as you can go?”
Coosa will have a squad filled with playmakers from top to bottom. Quarterback Charlie Cannon, who already broke the school passing record, will run it back. Xander Sledge, senior running back, will handle a larger workload this year. Vanye Millsap will contribute on both sides of the ball, as well as Timbo Mitchell. Jordan Scott will also be versatile as a slot receiver and linebacker. Bradyn Turpen, Gavin Holt, and Drew Smith will be the backbones of the offensive line.
Brody Thomas and Kevin Weaver will both look to fill out a tight end role while playing defensive line and linebacker. Jaylen Hazzard, an upcoming freshman, turned heads during the spring at running back. Kelin Jackson will line up at receiver and corner. Sophomores Jaxson Shell and Keelan Buffington look to have some significant minutes at secondary and receiver. JJ Buffington is going to see time at receiver and DB in the fall as a junior.
“I am excited to see our kids take the next step. I may have the best seat in the house, but I can’t play anymore. We are going to have to take some chances to be successful, and I’m really excited to see what that looks like.” With a decent mix of seasoned veterans and younger guys, the Coosa community should have a lot of fun watching Coosa football this year.
