The Royals football team has been hard at work getting ready for the upcoming season. BCHS is coming off a region title, the second in program history, and a second round home loss to Irwin County.
The team lost five starters on offense, six on defense, to graduation. Head coach Von Lassiter took some time recently to discuss the upcoming season via email.
He said summer practice had been going well so far, adding “it’s been hot!” They’ve been to Glynn Academy for a camp in June and would be hosting a two-day event next week.
After playing in a five-team region the past two years, reclassification by the GHSA turned Region 2A, Division 1 into a 10-team region. Gone is Swainsboro. Added are ACE Charter, Central, Dodge County, Northeast, Southwest, and Washington County.
Lassiter said they were excited about the new region, noting “it will be competitive and less travel.” In terms of teams to look out for, he noted Dodge was tough. He said Northeast would be returning a lot of starters.
In terms of which would need to grow up during the season, Lassiter said he believed both the offense and defense would need time to develop during the season but the offense would probably be a little bit ahead due to having more players retuning.
One of the bright spots of last year was quarterback Kam Everett. He was named Region Offensive Player of the Year and an All State Honorable mention.
Lassiter described him as an “unbelievable player and an even better human being!” He believes Everett will continue to get better as a player.
Like in any sport, matchups are a key element in football. On the loss to Irwin County, Lassiter said they were dealing with injuries and it was a bad matchup at the wrong time against a good team.
As is the case every year, there was turnover within the Royal staff. Lassiter said they were excited for the new hires. One coach returning to Cochran, albeit the middle school, is Ray Hardin. Hardin led the Barons to a region title in his last appearance. Lassiter said, “The middle school is in good hands with Coach Hardin.”
BCHS opens the season with a scrimmage at Hawkinsville August 2. Kickoff is 7:30 pm.
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