Antonio Andrews knew there was the potential for something good to happen with the Griffin football program when he had 120 boys participate in spring practice. He got even more excited this summer when an average of 90 guys showed up each day in the summer for volunteer workouts.
“It’s all about discipline,” Andrews said. “The big thing is to take pride in doing what’s right, the little things, and outworking everybody and out-preparing everybody. That’s when good things happen.”
It’s been nothing but good for Griffin this season under the first-year coach, someone who grew up in the Griffin program and has been an assistant coach the school since 2005.
“The biggest thing is the mindset,” Andrews said. “Discipline is the key. When you get that, you’ve got something.”
The Bears have bolted out of the starting gate with a 4-0 record and this week entered the Class AAAAA rankings at No. 7.
They’ve done it by scoring a load of points – 199 in four games. Since outslugging rival Spalding 53-50 in the opener, the Bears have allowed only seven points. They begin their Region 3-AAAAA schedule this week with a trip to play Whitewater (3-1).
The offense is led by quarterback Tylan Morton (6-4, 230), who threw four touchdown passes and ran for another in last week’s 42-0 win over Baldwin. He completed 23 of 35 passes for 284 yards against the Braves. Through four games Morton has thrown for 1,451 yards and 14 touchdowns.
The top running back is Santo Dunn, who ran for 102 yards against Baldwin. He has 555 yards and five touchdowns rushing. Dunn is also a receiving threat out of the backfield and has 16 catches for 227 yards and two touchdowns.
The receiving corps is fast and deep, with Malik Route (30 catches, five TDs), Roddy Willis (12 catches, three TDs), and Jamal Harris (16 catches, one TD) all dangerous. The offensive line, which lost four starters, has come together quick and flourished.
The defense is led by inside linebacker Cody Streit and strong safety Antonio Bankston.
Thomas County update: Although the No. 5-ranked Yellow Jackets lost a shootout to Valdosta, coach Bill Shaver was blown away by QB Kelias Williams. The senior had 272 yards rushing with one touchdown and threw for 121 yards and two touchdowns. That's 506 total yards for Williams. But it wasn't enough to overcome four fumbles, one which went for a 70-yard touchdown. TCC trailed by three points with five minutes left but couldn't get over the hump and take the lead.
About the Author
