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Jul 23rd, 2008 - 01:15:26 |
Since Sam Barrs took the reigns of Bleckley football in 2005, he has produced two .500 or better seasons, including the 2006 run to the elite eight.
That in itself was an accomplishment, having not been done since the 96 and 97 seasons under Ron Harbin. But continuing that streak for a third straight season won't be easy.
When the GHSA did their annual realignment this past winter, Bleckley was moved from the seven-team Region 4-AA to the 11-team 3-AA. Going with Bleckley were East Laurens, Dodge County, Toombs County, Dublin, and Vidalia.
New additions to the region are Swainsboro, Jefferson County, Screven County, Southest Bulloch, and Laney. Nine of the 11 teams made the playoffs.
The Royals also had 21 seniors graduate. Included were the entire starting secondary, running backs Cody Shiver and Blake Nobles, wideout Tyler Dykes, quarterback Phillip Giddens, and several players on the offensive and defensive lines.
One place though were Bleckley is deeep is at running back. Dalton Dabbs, John-Caleb White, Roy Veal, and Brandon Watkins all return. Waiting in the wings is middle school standout Trentez Jenkins.
The man to lead the offense this season will be Jacob Byram. Byram was JV starting quarterback last year and was named JV Offensive MVP at last winter's awards banquet.
Another change this season will be on the coaching staff. Stacy Nobles, former Trinty Crusaders standout running back, was hired to replace strength and conditioning coach Chad Avrett. Nobles will also coach running backs. Avrett went to Rutland. A new addition to the staff is Bleckley native Tracy White, who will be quarerbacks coach. Ted Belflower, who will remain offensive cordinator, will take over offeisnve line coach duties.
Upcoming events for football will be the 2008 meet the players fellowship and a scrimmage against Hawkinsville on August 22. The season kicks off August 29 at home versus Swainsboro.
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2008 by BleckleyProgess.com
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