Receivers didn’t see much action in Oglethorpe County’s wing-T last year.
The Patriots ran the ball 91.9% of the time last season, completing 18 of 38 passes.
However, each completion averaged 22.6 yards, the highest in the region.
The receiving room returns with a healthy and refreshed core, and with a full year in the wing-T behind them, offensive coordinator Josh Austin said he expects the passing game to take a step forward this fall.
“Play-action passes are part of the whole deception of the defense, and we’ve added some sprint out stuff (this year),” he said. “The pass is not going to be neglected this year, and it’s definitely going to be a whole lot higher than it was last year.”
Even so, the receivers’ primary job still remains as blockers.
“I really expect them to be selfless and understand that we're going to be a run-heavy team in this offense, and to know that even if I'm not getting the ball here, my block is super important,” Austin said. “We want to be super disciplined on the block, and then be ready for when the opportunity for a pass comes and to go out there and make the play.”
Brett Leidberg, a junior, has returned from a collarbone injury suffered last season to start at tight end.
“He has come back a different person,” Austin said. “He’s strong, he can block and he can catch the ball. You’re gonna hear his name throughout the year again.”
Alongside Liedberg is junior Coleton Sexton, who will join the offense in two-tight end sets.
Out wide, junior Hayden Williams will start at split end. Williams is returning from a torn ACL.
“Hayden is gonna know what to do in every situation,” coach Mike Holland said. “He’s one of our team captains, and he takes it seriously. Whether it’s the install or in the game, he’s gonna know exactly what to do.”
Williams replaces 2025’s leading receiver, Nicah Pass, who caught four passes for 166 yards last season, but will focus on his defensive duties this season.
Sophomore Andrew Eberhart will back up Williams, and Pass will be used when needed.