McEchern Football
McEachern has made the playoffs four straight times since coach Kyle Hockman’s first year at the west Cobb school. A traditional power in Cobb County McEachern has been a staple in the Metro PCS Corky Kell Classic, playing in the game since its 1992 inception. The event has become a vital part of the McEachern program.
“Every year, it’s a true honor for our school and our program to be in it,” said Hockman. “There’s no question this is a prestigious event. Our kids just really look forward to getting to the Dome.”
The Indians faced Brookwood in the inaugural Classic and will play the Broncos again this year to open the season.
McEachern’s schedule this year is similar to its slate last season, when the Indians started in the Dome at the Kell Classic, then hosted the Battle of the Big Chicken the following week. Hockman’s squad had the dubious honor of playing the defending state champion, Grayson, then state-finalist Walton just six days later.
But the Cincinnati native prefers his schedule this way and set it up this season in similar fashion, with Brookwood in Week 1 followed by Lassiter six days later.
“It really separates the region from non-region games because you have that week in between,” he explained. “It’s a great measuring stick for us and it exposes our weaknesses. We find our weaknesses against good teams and then we go try to correct them.”
At a glance, the Indians’ strength appears to be on offense this season. Dynamic senior quarterback Ty Clemons and junior running back Taj Griffin return to form one of the deadliest backfields in the state. Clemons has been offered by Kentucky, Syracuse and Georgia Southern, among others. Despite having two full seasons ahead of him, Griffin has offers from powerhouse programs such as Georgia, Georgia Tech, Ohio State and UCLA.
Hockman’s face lit up when talking about his talented backfield.
“We’re trying to put them in the best positions to succeed and get them the reps, but also make sure we don’t do anything silly and injure them in the preseason,” said Hockman, who has been coaching football since 1990. “They’re really explosive guys and good kids, too. Humble, no prima donna-type stuff.”
In addition to Griffin and Clemons, McEachern is also led by junior linemen Chuma Edoga, Chandler Jones and Louisville commitment Henry Famurewa, a defensive end.
Off the Field
One of the largest high schools in the state in both enrollment and campus size, McEachern High School has been open since 1908 and houses about 2,500 students in grades 9-12. John Newton McEachern donated 240 acres of land in the early part of the 20th century for a school, and the Seventh District Agricultural and Mechanical School was built. In 1933, it was named after McEachern. The high school is located in western Cobb County in the Powder Springs area. McEachern was recently awarded the Greatest Gain Bronze Award by the Governor’s office for exceeding standards.
- McEachern was founded as the Seventh District Agricultural and Mechanical School in 1908.
- Award-winning producer/director Greg Bishop is a McEachern alum.
- Mark Lee, the lead guitarist for Grammy-winning Christian rock group Third Day, graduated in 1991.
- Walter Cantrell Stadium, used for athletics, graduation ceremonies and marching band contests, is the largest high school stadium in the state with 12,500 seats.
- With about 2,500 students, McEachern is the largest public school in Cobb County.
Roster
About the Author
