Sports

The receivers/tight ends boast size with 230-pound tight end Jayland Richardson and speed with state hurdles champ Michael Fleming. (Photo/Jack Casey)

The receivers/tight ends boast size with 230-pound tight end Jayland Richardson and speed with state hurdles champ Michael Fleming. (Photo/Jack Casey)

Receivers: Numbers game on the outside

Thomas Ehlers
Thursday, August 18, 2022
Coach Mike Holland said the receivers room is one of the deepest position groups on the team.    Jayland Richardson will be the team’s starting tight end.    The 6-foot-2, 230-pound senior played tackle last season, but Holland said he worked on his ball skills and won the spot.
Junior Jake Turner hopes to help make up for the departure of 1,000-yard rusher Nate Brown, who graduated in the spring. (Photo/Jack Casey)

Junior Jake Turner hopes to help make up for the departure of 1,000-yard rusher Nate Brown, who graduated in the spring. (Photo/Jack Casey)

Offensive Backfield: Tough shoes to fill

Thomas Ehlers
Thursday, August 18, 2022
The Oglethorpe County backfield looks to pick up where Nate Brown left off last season.    Brown, who graduated in the spring, rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2021.   Juniors Jake Turner and Elijah Hood are fighting for the starting spot at running back.
The starting offensive line potentially will have a strong mix of two seniors, a junior, a sophomore and a freshman this season. (Photo/Jack Casey)

The starting offensive line potentially will have a strong mix of two seniors, a junior, a sophomore and a freshman this season. (Photo/Jack Casey)

Offensive Line: Strong mix up front

Thomas Ehlers
Thursday, August 18, 2022
This year’s offensive line brings a mix of experience and size.    Jamarrion Miller, a junior, will start at left tackle after seeing significant action on the offensive line last year.
The defensive line should be one of the strongest areas of the Oglethorpe County team with tackle K.B. Bonds, nose Zanayain Hawkins and end Jayland Richardson. (Photo/Jack Casey)

The defensive line should be one of the strongest areas of the Oglethorpe County team with tackle K.B. Bonds, nose Zanayain Hawkins and end Jayland Richardson. (Photo/Jack Casey)

Defensive Line: Experience big up front

Thomas Ehlers
Thursday, August 18, 2022
Coach Mike Holland said one of the strongest position groups is the defensive line, returning three of the four starters from last season. The four up front will look to wreak some havoc and get behind opposing offensive lines. K.B.
OCHS doesn’t have a lot of size at linebacker, but projected starters Quinten Nash, Cooper Mattox and Jake Turner have quickness and speed. (Photo/Jack Casey)

OCHS doesn’t have a lot of size at linebacker, but projected starters Quinten Nash, Cooper Mattox and Jake Turner have quickness and speed. (Photo/Jack Casey)

Linebackers: Quickness, speed are key

Thomas Ehlers
Thursday, August 18, 2022
The linebacking core might not be the biggest, but coach Mike Holland said this group has a lot of speed. Holland, also the team’s defensive coordinator, said the linebackers are responsible for different coverages outside the box.   Quinten Nash will start at the Mike.
Senior Brady Allgood likely will be in the starting lineup at cornerback when the Patriots open against East Jackson on Friday night. (Photo/Jack Casey)

Senior Brady Allgood likely will be in the starting lineup at cornerback when the Patriots open against East Jackson on Friday night. (Photo/Jack Casey)

Secondary: Spots up for grabs

Thomas Ehlers
Thursday, August 18, 2022
Secondary coach George Gresham has seen strong competition for the starting spots this season.   Speedy Brady Allgood will likely start at cornerback.    Allgood, who also will see time at wide receiver, played most of his snaps on special teams last season.
Joseph Turner, who kicked last year, will also punt this season, as he did in the spring game against Chestatee. (Photo/Jack Casey)

Joseph Turner, who kicked last year, will also punt this season, as he did in the spring game against Chestatee. (Photo/Jack Casey)

Special Teams: Turner adds punting duties

Thomas Ehlers
Thursday, August 18, 2022
Senior Joseph Turner will handle kicking and punting duties this year.    Turner, also a member of the soccer team, returns for another season after handling kickoffs, extra points and field goals last season.
The OCHS marching band will perform a show called “Fire and Ice,” which will require drum majors on both sides of the field because it has “a lot of moving parts,” said Charlie Brewer, a drum major. (Photo/Wade Cheek)

The OCHS marching band will perform a show called “Fire and Ice,” which will require drum majors on both sides of the field because it has “a lot of moving parts,” said Charlie Brewer, a drum major. (Photo/Wade Cheek)

Marching Band: New routine to turn up the heat

Sarah Evans
Thursday, August 18, 2022
The Oglethorpe County High School marching band plans to amaze audiences with a halftime routine that is more extensive than previous shows.    The show’s theme is “Fire and Ice,” which will open with “Burn” by Ellie Goulding.