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DEL.ICIO.USSpring Football Fling: Grayson counting on chemistry to key ‘08 success
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
THE SPRING FOOTBALL FLING
In upcoming weeks, teams throughout the state will spend 10 days on the practice field preparing for the 2008 football season. In a series of stories, ajc.com will provide an offseason outlook for 25 of the top teams in the metro and state.
This Week’s Lineup
• 5/5: Chamblee • 5/6: Grayson • 5/7: N. Gwinnett • 5/8: Douglass
Photos: A look at Grayson
You make the call: What’s the buzz on Grayson in ‘08? Can the Rams top 2007’s success? Games start in August. Talk starts NOW.
The way Grayson coach Mickey Conn sees it, the unity within a team is just as significant as the talent.
“That’s the key,” he said. “How your team comes together as a team, wanting to work hard for one another, fight for one another. Our team had great chemistry last year.
“We’re working on that the most.”
If they are successful at becoming unified, the Rams have a chance to again make some noise. Grayson was 10-3 last season.
“I’m really excited to have my quarterback [Tyler Horne] returning. Really excited,” Conn said. “And we have our leading rusher [Ean Pemberton] back. We lost some key players; we have a few pieces to fill.
“But we have some players returning, too. And the players have worked really hard. Winning breeds winning. The success we had last year gives them hope and encouragement to try to match what the guys did last year. It sets the tone on where we want to be. In my mind, we can build on that success.”
Part of the Rams’ emergence occurred because of linebackers Terry Williams and Jonathan Langston. Grayson went into the season concerned about the position. Williams and Langston played great football.
“Now we need some players to step in on the lines,” Conn said. “We need to find a center. We need another offensive lineman and two on the defensive line. So if we find players like we did last year, we’ll be all right.”
Grayson Rams
Region 8-AAAAA
Spring practice dates: Through May 16.
Last year’s record: 10-3, lost in the third round of the state playoffs.
Reclassification challenge: Does not apply.
Working on: The Rams are riding the confidence of an outstanding 2007. Their coaching staff did a commendable job in game-planning and preparation, but also in building a unified group. It will take another cohesive unit to grow into a contender.
Key starters lost: LB Tristan Strong; G Nick Amon; C Stephen Bolt; S Denzell Guerra.
Key starters returning: QB Tyler Horne; LB Terry Williams; RB Ean Pemberton; LB Jonathan Langston.
2008 strengths: The Rams are riding the confidence of their best season. They are well-coached and believe a standard of excellence has been set. Horne and Pemberton are experienced in two key offensive positions.
2008 weaknesses: Grayson needs strong players to emerge on the offensive line and defensive front. The Rams were able to run the ball and stop the run because of their size and strength on both lines.
This season’s projection: It is likely Grayson again will be a force in the region and beyond. If the Rams get a few players to emerge on the offensive and defensive lines, they could be the premier team in the region.
Photos: A look at Grayson
Week Three Lineup
• 4/28: Lowndes • 4/29: Parkview • 4/30: Mays • 5/1: Marist • 5/2: Northside-WR • 5/3: Lovett • 5/4: St. Pius
Week Two Lineup
• 4/21: ML King • 4/22: Valdosta • 4/23: Buford • 4/24: P-Ridge • 4/25: Tucker • 4/26: Fayette • 4/27: Brookwood
Week One Lineup
• 4/14: Roswell • 4/15: Norcross • 4/16: Walton • 4/17: Harrison • 4/18: Camden • 4/19: Newnan • 4/20: Stephenson
You make the call: What’s the buzz on Grayson in ‘08? Can the Rams top 2007’s success? Games start in August. Talk starts NOW.
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By T.J.
May 6, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
This team looked awsome last year because of the lines on both sides of the ball. Key players returning are all skill guys. Are they saying there are no returning linemen? That could be really bad. Cornerstone to that team has always been the size of linemen. Very intimidating lines set the foundation of run offense and defense. Looks like a toss up for region 8 AAAAA. Maybe it is just too soon to tell.
By watch-it-all
June 26, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
I believe Greg Zellner is worth mentioning. Practice and camps so far, seem to show him as a key player both ways. The boy looks hungry for his senior year to be as successful as his last 5 games of the 2007 season.