The Oglethorpe County football team will hit the field on Monday for its first official practice, but the Patriots have been working all summer.
The Patriots have been “strongly encouraged” to attend optional practices since the beginning of June, coach Michael Holland said. He noted that the practices usually average about 30-35 out of 50 players.
These practices include weight training sessions and drills on the field with only helmets.
“If you want to be any good, you got to commit to being ready once the pads come on,” Holland said. “Not starting when the pads come on.”
The Patriots, who were 0-10 last season, are focused on smaller goals throughout the season, like team culture, accountability and work ethic to ensure that they can “increase the opportunity to win,” Holland said.
“We talk about being 1% better every day, so that by the end of the season we’re pretty dang good,” he said.
Senior offensive line starter Brock Barrett thinks the key to success this season is sticking together as a team and building chemistry.
“It’s rare that you go 10-0, so there’ll be losses in there,” Barrett said. “I just want to see people keep their head up and keep playing.”
The Patriots will scrimmage at Lincoln County on Aug. 8 and then open the regular season at social on Aug. 15.
Holland has emphasized that summer practice is just as important as regular-season practice. Even though the team hasn’t been practicing in pads, they’ve honed in on technique.
He wants the players ready to play and comfortable with their assignments so that the transition to the season can be seamless.
Senior Caden Hartrum (5-foot-11, 150 pounds) will start at quarterback this season. After injuries and transfers last season, Hartrum was moved to the position at the end of the year and proved his ability as a starter.
“He understands football, and he’s very athletic,” Holland said. “Experience was the main thing and his understanding of the offense.”
Barrett (6-3, 295) will return to the offensive line, but as a left tackle instead of the center and guard positions he played in the past. He switched because there are younger players moving up to the varsity.
“If I have to give up my most comfortable position for a younger guy to play a position they’re comfortable in, I’m willing to do that,” Barrett said.
Holland said Barrett will be the team’s O-line leader this year.
“I make a lot of the calls and what type of defense we’re going to be blocking,” Barrett said.
Other seniors this year include: Clint Graham (5-8, 130), a returning starting wide receiver/free safety; Keagan Moats (5-10, 160), a returning starting outside linebacker; Tanner McKie (6-0, 200), a returning starting center/tackle; Dalton Hilley (5-10, 170), a returning starting outside linebacker; and O’Maury Huggs (6-foot, 194), a returning starting running back/defensive end who is primed to have a standout year.
2025 schedule - Games at 7:30 p.m.
At Lincoln County (scrimmage), Aug. 8
At Social Circle, Aug. 15
East Hall, Aug. 22
At Washington-Wilkes, Aug. 29
Laney, Sept. 5
Off week, Sept. 12
At Elbert County, Sept. 19
Athens Academy, Sept. 26
Off week, Oct. 3
Rabun County, Oct. 10
At Commerce, Oct. 17
Providence Christian, Oct. 24
At Banks County, Oct. 31
Lift-a-thon scheduled
The OCHS football team will hold its annual lift-a-thon at 10 a.m. Saturday.
The powerlifting meet is a fundraiser for the football program, where people can pledge money on how many pounds a player lifts.
Following the lifting, families, players and coaches will have a cookout.
The money raised this year will go toward an end zone camera system for better video to review plays.
“It’s been a good fundraiser for us in the past, and it kind of caps off our summer,” coach Michael Holland said.