14 August 2013
Sponsored Section • HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
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Raiders prepared to power their way to success By SHAUYAN SAKI shauyan@northfulton.com
West Forsyth Wolverines Football Facebook Page
The Wolverines have one last camp session for the summer.
Wolverines disciplined to win this year By SHAUYAN SAKI shauyan@northfulton.com CUMMING, Ga.–– Discipline is key for the West Forsyth High School team, getting back to the basics and doing it right. At least that is what Coach Frank Hepler has told his Wolverines. Last year, Hepler led the Wolverines to a 9-1 regular season record and made it to the second round of the state playoffs. Hepler stresses the importance of preparation and makes sure his team is ready for all opponents. “We are fast paced on offense a lot of guys are involved,” said Hepler, “We are balanced, we will hurt you with our quarterback and wide receivers as well as our running game.” Hepler said balance is important on defense too. “We play fast on defense, our best guys are going to be on the field,” said Hepler. “Teams win championships and in order for a team to be good, your defense has to be good as well.” Senior center Andrew Marshall said this team has a chance to do something special this year. “We have a chance to be a greater team,” said Marshall, “We have a lot of good seniors and underclassmen who can contribute to the team.” Marshall also is weighing whether or not to continue his football career in college, he has offers from 11 collegiate programs including Duke University, Navy and Wake Forest University. Jayce Ratliff, senior offensive tackle, said the offensive line is one of the teams
strengths headed to the 2014 season. “We have a solid line with three returning starters and we have strong underclassmen to fill the void,” said Ratliff, “I believe our team is good enough to beat every team in the county.” The defense returns many starters from last year and it aims to stop teams from scoring. Dillon Coats, senior linebacker, was not short of confidence when asked about his team’s chances. “We’re going to be great,” said Coats, “I want to get at least seven sacks, but the most important part about our team is that we are a fast, physical front seven, who loves to play football.” The defense had several underclassmen play and start last year, particularly in the secondary. Junior cornerback, Kyndall Phillips was one of those underclassmen who played and started on the varsity squad. His goals are to assist the defense and do as much as he can for the team to be successful. “I want to help the defense as much as I can,” said Phillips “I know I am only a junior but I know I can contribute and help this team win football games.” The defensive backfield is loaded with talent and Phillips said that he is competing for a starting spot. “We have a solid defensive backfield, and our coaches are going to have a difficult time deciding the starting four,” said Phillips “I am going to keep competing to be one of the starters.” For more information, visit www.westforsythfootball.net.
CUMMING, Ga.–– North Forsyth High School’s football summer program has a clear message: condition, condition, condition. New Head Coach Jason Galt is committed to discipline and if his training philosophy turns out to be correct, the Raiders are in for a big season. Galt said his main reason for conditioning hard is so the other teams cannot beat them off the line of scrimmage. “I love to run the ball on offense,” Galt said, “and the key to running the ball well is a good offensive line, if the linemen and skill players aren’t conditioned properly, you can’t run the ball.” The offensive lineman have definitely been hard at work following their position coach’s conditioning routine and all of them have learned to trust each other and work as a team. Lineman Elijah Framers said he looking forward to the season. “We may not be the biggest offensive line, but we’re very good blockers,” said Framers, “We are going to fire off and hit the defensive line in the mouth. I’m excited to show the fans what we can do this season.” Showing the fans what the team can do has been a tough task in recent years, but with the arrival of Galt the team looks ready to compete. Last year’s team went 3-7 but this year’s team is different said Lineman Jarrett Paige. “Our mindset has changed,” said Paige. “We push through, we’ve bought in we’re ready to win.” Blake Hodges, lineman turned tight end feels that the coaching changes have positively impacted the team. “Coach Galt is more intense,” Hodges said. “He loves to see physicality on the field and as a result, I have really enjoyed coming to practice for the first time in a while.” The attitude seems to have carried over to the defense as well. Cornerback Luke Slaton is not shy when asked to talk about his predictions for the defense. “We are unstoppable, nobody is getting past us,” said Slaton. “There are no first downs allowed here, we don’t give up big plays.” Linebacker Trey Wagner affirmed that the defense and the team improved over the offseason.
Photo by LILY MCGREGOR
North Forsyth defensive back Luke Slaton looks for running room while returning a kick last year against Forsyth Central in Downtown Cumming.
There are no first downs allowed here, we don’t give up big plays.” Luke Slaton North Forsyth Cornerback
“We know how to win,” said Wagner. “Our atmosphere has changed and there is a change in the atmosphere and we are going to take advantage and catch other offenses off guard.” The noticeable difference in the coaching philosophy of Galt is his commitment to run the ball. He stated that he loves to play power football and will only pass when necessary. “There may be some games where we will only pass 5 times a game if we have to,” said Galt. The quarterbacks don’t seem to have any issue with the offensive philosophy. Starting quarterback Harris Roberts is on board with
the new offense and takes no issue to the minimal passing attempts. “As long as we are winning I can care less about passing the ball” said Roberts. “I don’t care about the system; I just want to help the team win, however I can.” Backup quarterback and punter Cody Gottberg affirmed his starters’ commitment to wins and added nothing will change if he has to take snaps under center. “It doesn’t matter who is taking snaps,” said Gottberg. “It will be a smooth transition I trust the line and I know the offense.” For more information, visit www.nfhsraidersfootball.com.