C. Maybe Ortiz
The Eatonton Messenger
Even though classes didn't start at Nathanael Greene Academy until Aug. 23, the football team has been drilling and scrimmaging for weeks in this exceptional summer heat, often postponing their starting time until 5:30 in the afternoon.
They have 17 very dedicated players, and weight lifting has become an integral part of their pre-season routine.
"The 2010 NGA team will have to dig deep to play as hard and as long as possible," observed Head Coach Larry Harrison. "But I really like this group of guys and hope we can grow and gel into a competitive team."
The roster indicates both an offensive and a defensive position for all players.
"It only takes 11," Assistant Coach Matt Thackston noted. Thackston's enthusiasm was convincing as he described the physical attributes of the squad. When strength was suggested as a probable factor for upcoming success, Thackston added, "and definitely speed."
The line centers on Thackston's six-foot son Brad, with the guard slots filled by Jamie Burt and Aric Hanson.
Jamie and his brother Willie Burt are intense competitors and concentrate on their weight- training exercises.
Jamie is considered to be the team strongman and hopes are high for him to receive state recognition for his skills at linebacker.
The tackles bring some height to the statistics. Colt Smith from Oglethorpe County is a solid 6' 3", with Mason Adams and Adam Burden joining him in that range. Freshman Kevin Cervantes also shows great promise, bringing size and intelligence to the line.
Quarterback Ben Holcomb has shown both quickness and speed in all of his athletic positions.
His decision-making skills will be utilized in their new double wing offense as they hope to use considerable deception.
Holcomb will be looking for Jay Long to go long, but Thackston remarked, "It will be kind of a surprise when we pass."
Senior running back Micah Stewart brought home the silver last year in the state 100-yard sprint and will be sharing assignments with the determined Chris Brown. Fullbacks Rhett Mobley and Dillion Ray also bring local grit to the gridiron.
This group of 11th graders only lost one game as a junior varsity squad. Ben Holcomb emphasized that they're concentrating on a slogan -- the 2010 NGA football team has decided that "This is our time."
They kick off at home in Siloam against Piedmont on Aug. 27 and continue the regular season through Nov.5 at Sparta neighbors John Hancock Academy.
