Today's interviewee is M.L. King coach Deante' Lamar, whose team is 4-0 for the first time since 2011 and ranked for the first time since 2013. M.L. King plays DeKalb County and Region 4-AAAAAA rival Stephenson on Friday at Hallford Stadium.
Deante' Lamar, M.L. King head coach
1. You're 4-0 just one season after a 1-9 finish in 2018. What's different about this team? "This team is different because they have a different approach to their work. They have a year of experience in every situation. I think we learned a ton from our losses. During the offseason, we focused on making intentional plays that mirrored the results we wanted." [Though 1-9, the 2018 team lost six games by 10 points or less. The 2019 team has avenged three losses.]
2. M.L. King was ranked for multiple weeks for every season from 2003 to 2013, then hasn't been ranked again until now. What led to the drought? Why do programs rise and fall in DeKalb? "The drought was brought about due to a high turnover rate from coaches and players, along with several losing seasons. It's hard these days to find people who finish what they start when things get rough. In DeKalb, it is all about who is hot because they are going to get an influx of kids. It's just a cycle, and you have to wait your turn, so to speak."
3. Jacobi Haynes has had a big season for you. What kind of quarterback is he, and what does he do that gives other teams problems in defending him? "Jacobi Haynes is having a great season so far. He is our leader on offense. He is a dual-threat QB. He's smart, and he picks his spots well. He has an uncanny feel for the tempo of the game. He runs like a back, has the ability to make himself small in the hole and is a physical runner. He also throws the ball really well, which surprises our opponents. So far this season he is making the correct choice in the run and pass game." [Haynes has rushed for 715 yards and passed for 472 in four games.]
4. How big is the Stephenson game? What makes it a rivalry? Is this your No. 1 rival? "The game is huge. We have a ton of respect for those guys over there. Just looking at the history of the game, when both teams are good it's usually one where neighborhood legends are made. The kids make it a rivalry. They all know each other and just do not want to lose to each other no matter what. I believe they are our No. 1 rival because when we play it's such high stakes."
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