Photos Ivan Felipe
Rockmart finished last season 11-3, claiming yet another region title, marking the 8th in a row. After losing their first two games to Cedartown and Cartersville, the Yellow Jackets would win 11 games in a row before making the final four, falling to Burke County.
The region was ridiculously competitive, and the Yellow Jackets had to dig deep to find their way out of games. At Ringgold, Rockmart would win on a walkoff field goal, regardless of the 500 yards of offense. At North Cobb Christian, the Jackets found themselves down 21-3 before a miraculous second half comeback.
“We have played 29 games over the past two years, so we have played a lot of football. We feel like we always get to reload, and break in a new quarterback. We were young up front. We stunt together; we found out who we were. The early adversity helped us, and we believed in each other. It helped us gain success in tough games, and down the stretch, we were playing some really good football.” said Head Coach Biff Parsons.
The summer is very scripted for the Yellow Jackets in order to prepare for the season, and break in some of the younger players. “The strength of our team is going to be in the trenches. Our experience is in our offensive and defensive lines. Some guys, their time is now; we are still trying to break in some of our skill guys.”
The guys in the trenches have taken initiative, and look to be the leaders that will help lead the Yellow Jackets. “We have a lot of our experience upfront and a big upcoming junior class. They’ve played a lot of football, and they have handled the locker room really well. We feel comfortable depth wise there.”
As always, championship teams have championship expectations. “A lot of us want to go out and win Game 15. I schedule hard so that we can. We want to represent Rockmart, and the community and the culture. We have to be physical upfront. We are trying to build our team, and make sure that they want to represent and play for Rockmart football. Be happy for your team if they get any success.”
Once again, Rockmart has a plethora of guys that have upside. While there aren’t that many seniors, Nate Davis, reigning region player of the year, has returned from injury and will be back. Max Ware will add depth to the backfield. Jaiden Thompson will be back this time as an upperclassmen. Gavin Greene will take on a larger 2-way role, as well as Ryder Brinkley at end and tight end. CJ Burch will see a significant amount of time for Rockmart.
“The power is in the present. We are still evaluating and getting as many reps as possible, and putting these kids in the best position possible to be successful.”
While they may be young, Coach Parsons has some aces up his sleeve. As always, expect Rockmart to be playing in the better half of November and December.
