BY THE NUMBERS16 - Programs in the reclassified Region 6-A, which includes just two public schools: Gordon Lee and rival Trion. To make the playoffs in Class A this year a team must either win its region or make it in via a complicated point system.24 - Returning lettermen for the Trojans, including 14 seniors and 15 overall returning starters.34 - Games under .500 for Gordon Lee all-time against Trion. According to the Georgia High School Football Historians website, the series record is 20-54-2.SCHEDULEAug. 31 Lakeview-F.O.Sep. 7 at Coahulla CreekSep. 14 ArmucheeSep. 21 SW Atlanta Christian*Sep. 28 at Whitfield AcademyOct. 5 at Christian Heritage*Oct. 19 at Darlington*Oct. 26 at Trion*Nov. 2 Mount Zion, Carroll*Nov. 9 Region 6-A crossover game* Region 6A-A game
GORDON LEE TROJANS
Coach: Charles Wiggins (First year here, 43-35 in seven years overall)
Stadium: Billy Neil Ellis Stadium
Address: 156 Lee Circle, Chickamauga, GA 30707
RECENT HISTORY
The Trojans are riding a three year streak of not making the playoffs after being an annual member of postseason play for the previous decade. Making the playoffs this season in the first split of public and private schools for the postseason will be even more difficult than in the past. Here's a look at the regular-season win total for the last five years:
2011 ----(4)
2010 ----(4)
2009 -(1)
2008 -----(5)
2007 ------(6)
THREE STRENGTHS
1) Experience and hunger. The Trojans are a senior-laden team that is focused on making it back to the playoffs. That experience has made the transition to Coach Wiggins an easier one.
2) The defensive line, anchored by returning starters Randall Smith, Shane Farmer and Jonathan Bettis, should be one of the strongest in Region 6-A.
3) The running game should be in good shape with fullback Blake Teeters and running mate Adam Vandiver, who returns from an early-season injury last season after a strong start.
THREE CONCERNS
1) The quarterback position was still up for grabs as training camp started between Garrett McCallister, who got some playing time a year ago, and LFO transfer Hayden Casteel.
2) How the Trojans handle adversity is an area of concern, according to Wiggins, who believes the success of the season may be determined by the ability of his team to overcome its first hurdle.
3) Ball security was an issue in 2011. As Wiggins sees it, the Trojans gave away at least two wins with turnovers. On a team that lacks big-play potential, not giving the ball away is a must.
THREE QUESTIONS WITH RANDALL SMITH
(Senior defensive lineman)
Q: If you were speaking to a room full of Gordon Lee fans, how would you convince them that this team is one to watch this season?
A: We've been working a lot harder than in past years. Our returning starters this year are more focused on winning this year. We're finding better ways to utilize our talents, which should make us more successful.
Q: What was missing the past few seasons that's kept you out of hte playoffs?
A: What's kept us out is our teamwork. We've had a lot of guys come in and try to take over the team instead of helping each other out. This year's seniors are helping out the younger guys instead of worrying just about ourselves.
Q: What is a realistic goal for this team this season?
A: Our only goal right now is to do our hardest and try to make the playoffs. If we can do that, the season will be a success.
ROSTER
1 Conner Coakley - Senior
2 Sean Coakley - Freshman
3 Nick Wilson - Freshman
4 Shannon Holcombe - Senior
6 Dalton Owens - Sophomore
7 Hunter Teeters - Sophomore
8 Colin Wright - Sophomore
10 Caleb O'Neal - Freshman
11 Garret McAllister - Junior
12 Hayden Casteel - Junior
15 Austin Sturdivant - Freshman
16 Chase Wood - Junior
18 Hayden Moore - Senior
20 Steven Smith - Sophomore
21 Blake Teeters - Senior
22 Scott Royal - Sophomore
24 Zack Cobb - Junior
26 Gabe Veazey - Junior
27 Chase Freeman - Freshman
32 Austin Traffansteadt - Freshman
33 Bryce Bailey - Senior
35 Andrew Towns - Freshman
36 Jimmy Holden - Senior
39 Cameron Scroggins - Freshman
40 Braxton Salmon - Freshman
42 Dallas Alder - Senior
44 Adam Vandiver - Senior
50 Tanner Sexton - Senior
51 Clayton Ware - Junior
52 Corey Jewell - Senior
53 Morgan Latham - Freshman
54 Jonathan Bettis - Senior
55 Justin McCarty - Freshman
56 Dallas Goodlet - Sophomore
57 Elijah Queen - Sophomore
58 Tristan Crabtree - Junior
59 Shane Farmer - Junior
60 Stanley Strong - Senior
61 Hunter Daugherty - Senior
62 Tyler Smith - Sophomore
63 Nicolas Rousseau - Junior
64 Tanner Ellis - Freshman
65 Garrett Kerns - Junior
66 James Carroll - Junior
67 Jake Rodgers - Sophomore
68 Logan Parrish - Freshman
70 Randall Smith - Senior
74 Ryker Smith - Freshman
75 Jarod Streetman - Freshman
76 Mason Sims - Freshman
77 Matthew Stadter - Freshman
78 Austin White - Sophomore
80 Nate Young - Junior
85 Jax Johnson - Freshman