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The offensive line works on drills to fill gaps and stay low during spring practice. (Hank Tatum/The Oglethorpe Echo) -
The offensive line works on their blocking technique during spring practice. (Hank Tatum/The Oglethorpe Echo) -
Quarterbacks Hunter Hall and Jacob Sass practice throwing screen routes during practice. (Hank Tatum/The Oglethorpe Echo) -
The Patriots offense and defense compete against each other during spring practice. (Hank Tatum/The Oglethorpe Echo) -
The Patriots close out practice with a full scrimmage, the offense and defense competing against each other. (Hank Tatum/The Oglethorpe Echo)
Pads have started popping as the Oglethorpe County football team has kicked off spring practice to prepare for this season.
Following a 4-7 season that resulted in a first-round playoff exit to Elbert County, coach Mike Holland is excited to compete in a realigned region. However, with the loss of senior running back Jake Turner and quarterback Jayden Wallace, the offense will look different.
Holland said an open competition for starting quarterback exists between rising sophomores Hunter Hall, Nicah Pass and rising junior Jacob Sass.
“Between those three guys, I know we’re going to go find somebody who can really help us,” Holland said.
For a team that relied heavily on the run in 2023, this year’s team is expected to utilize a more balanced attack, targeting talented receivers.
“We want to get the ball in those athletes’ hands in space,” Holland said.
That group includes rising junior running back Omaury Huggs, and rising senior receivers Darius Heard and Jordan Johnson.
“They know they can make plays, they’ve made plays, so now they’re gonna get the opportunity to make more of them,” Holland said.
As for the defense, the Patriots are going to do their best to confuse opposing quarterbacks with disguised coverages and pre-snap movement.
The Patriots’ competition will also be new, with several unfamiliar opponents, although close in distance. Region 8-A Division I includes Athens Academy, Banks County, Commerce, Elbert County, Providence Christian and Rabun County. Barrow is also in the region, but doesn’t play football.
Holland said the Patriots stack up well in the region, despite the success of the other programs, three of which advanced to the state quarterfinals last fall.
“It’s not like they’re superhuman or anything, but I think a lot of the time high school kids get intimidated by the mascot on the helmet,” Holland said.
With a new region and more teams, the Patriots will not be guaranteed a playoff berth like previous years.
“Now there’s pride if you make the playoffs,” Holland said.
The Patriots will conclude spring practice with a home game against East Jackson on May 16.
“One of our big things is being 1% better every day,” Holland said. “So I want to be able to turn on the film, from yesterday (May 1), and then turn on the film on that Friday (May 16), and see that we’ve improved a good amount.”