GORDON CENTRAL WARRIORS

CALHOUN, Ga. — Probably not many high school football teams coming off winless seasons are entering this year with genuine optimism, but Gordon Central is one.

The reasons are many, not the least of which is being dropped two classifications.

“I think that’s going to help the kids,” Warriors coach Chad Fisher said. “You feel like you’re on an equal playing field playing schools the same size as your school.”

Gordon Central played seven Region 7-AAAA opponents last year and failed to score against five of them. Although it has moved to Region 7B-AA, that doesn’t mean the path to the playoffs becomes easy.

“It’s still a tough region,” Fisher said. “Any time you have to play Calhoun, and this time it counts, it’s a tough game. We’re playing Pepperell and Calhoun, which are probably two of the better Class AA schools in the state.”

But the Warriors return most of their starters on each side of the ball. Keidric Johnson is a 5-foot-10, 150-pound receiver who will again be counted on heavily for production.

“It’s a new year, we have new people, and everybody’s working harder,” Johnson said. “Last year we had an attitude problem.”

He is among a large group of seniors who are determined that won’t be the case this season. Although school enrollment is down, the football roster has grown.

Three of the seniors are basketball teammates of Johnson and are out for football at Gordon Central for the first time. It’s anticipated Darius Gilbert can earn one of the starting cornerback spots, and Nick Jackson and Michael Caldwell will add depth to the receiving corps.

“We’re going to a spread offense and going to be throwing the ball more,” Johnson said. “We’re also going to have a lot of depth this year. We’ll be able to substitute in and out with more people.”

Johnson also had plenty of praise for his defensive teammates, citing the strength of the front three and the athletic ability of the five linebackers.

A positive start would do wonders for team morale, and Johnson said it also would cause people to take notice of the Warriors. He feels a 3-0 beginning is attainable.

Pepperell and Calhoun follow the first three games, but both visit Gordon Central.

“No question, if we go at it, we can have success,” Fisher said. “That’s if we continue to work hard. I don’t know what type of numbers that might translate to, but I do know since the end of November I’ve seen improvements in leaps and bounds.”

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