Friday, August 16, 2013
Calhoun Yellow Jackets
Coach: Hal Lamb (157-29 in 14 years here; 162-44 in 16 years overall)
Last year: 14-1, 7-0 in Region 7-AA; lost 31-14 to Jefferson in the Class AA state final
'13 dreams: The expectations in Calhoun are the same every year now - make a championship run. After an upset loss to Jefferson in the title game last year, the Jackets are motivated, though a bit young at some key positions. Coach Lamb and offensive coordinator Mike Davis must groom Fields Chapman to replace two-time all-state quarterback Taylor Lamb and his 7,000 yards, and they again are replacing a strong group of graduated receivers. The offensive line, led by center Katrova Dew, could be one of the program's best. A defense that held together amid much change a year ago has a new coordinator in George Hoblitzell but returns only five starters, including leading tackler Will Conley.
13-for-13 contenders: The Jackets return two major playmakers in Alex Urbano and Tydus Curtis, who had 2,500 combined yards a year ago. Urbano again will be the featured back, while Curtis is the lone experienced receiver back and is one of the fastest at the position in school history. Another key player is senior receiver/defensive back Andrew Haynes, who was lost early last season with an injury. He likely will be a rare two-way starter for the Jackets.
Number of interest: 13 - consecutive region championships the Yellow Jackets will have won if they claim the 7-AA title again this season. The 12 titles in a row include 78 consecutive league wins - and counting.
13 years ago: 2000 was a big year for the program. Calhoun finished 7-4 in Coach Lamb's second season and made the state playoffs for the first time in three years.
Program superstition: Coach Lamb isn't overly superstitious, but he does have a few football-related habits, including wearing the same clothes on Fridays as long as the Yellow Jackets are winning and eating the same meal on Sunday afternoons before breaking down game video.
1-through-3: Senior quarterback Fields Chapman
Q. You've waited your turn to lead this team. What did you learn the past two years as the backup?
A. I was fortunate to be behind someone as talented as Taylor Lamb. I learned a lot about being a quarterback. He taught me how to read coverages, which is important in this offense.
Q. Did losing in an upset in the Class AA championship game stick with you guys in the offseason?
A. I remember after that game what an unreal sick feeling I had - and still have when I think about it. Knowing we had it in our hands and let it get away still hurts, and none of us want to feel that again.
Q. The atmosphere at Phil Reeve Stadium is special. What makes it stand out to you?
A. It's unbelievable. I've not seen another atmosphere like what we have. The stands are packed every Friday night, no matter who we're playing. As players, we get chill bumps just walking into the stadium.
2013 Schedule
Aug. 30 at Ridgeland
Sep. 6 Dalton
Sep. 13 at Carrollton
Sep. 20 Dade County*
Sep. 27 Coosa*
Oct. 11 at Pepperell*
Oct. 18 at Murray County*
Oct. 25 Armuchee*
Nov. 1 at Model*
Nov. 8 Chattooga*
*Region 7-AA game
2012 Stats
Passing C-A-I Pct. Yards TDs
Taylor Lamb 284-420-7 68% 36
Fields Chapman 14-22-0 64% 2
Rushing Att. Yards TDs
Alex Urbano 187 1,304 23
Taylor Lamb 75 437 12
Cole Jackson 39 316 4
Receiving No. Yards TDs
Josh Barnes 94 1,052 5
Tydus Curtis 64 1,030 12
2013 Roster
1 Alex Urbano Senior
2 Thomas Lester Junior
3 Brett Moss Senior
4 Tydus Curtis Senior
5 Austin Bennett Junior
6 Andrew Haynes Senior
7 Drew McCracken Junior
8 Fields Chapman Senior
9 Logan Walraven Senior
10 Chandler Curtis Senior
11 Matt McHan Junior
12 Kaelan Riley Sophomore
14 Mitch Morrow Senior
15 Jarrett Carden Sophomore
16 Carson Brown Junior
17 Zach Ruth Junior
18 Will Conley Junior
20 Tanner McCormick Senior
21 Chazz Moss Junior
22 Kolby Reynolds Sophomore
23 Chase Jackson Senior
24 David Prater Junior
25 Jon Register Senior
26 Ethan Woodard Sophomore
27 Romi Shah Junior
28 Cole Jackson Junior
29 Dusty Baker Sophomore
30 Thomas Haggard Junior
31 Michael Stacy Senior
32 Tristan Fuller Junior
33 Ross Callahan Senior
34 Nathan Petty Junior
35 Jonah Landry Sophomore
36 Jordan Towe Sophomore
37 Tyler Ellis Senior
39 Noah Ferguson Sophomore
40 Jireh Wilson Sophomore
41 Harshal Patel Sophomore
42 Nick Allen Sophomore
43 Jamie Reynolds Sophomore
46 Bryson Bushong Sophomore
47 Christian East Sophomore
48 Konnor Akridge Sophomore
50 O'Shea Davis Senior
51 J.R. McBrayar Junior
52 Austin Byrd Senior
53 Spencer Cross Junior
55 Hayden Crabtree Senior
56 Angel Cornejo Senior
57 Easton Trotter Sophomore
58 Matt Landry Senior
59 Thomas Ross Sophomore
60 Blake Garland Sophomore
61 Matthew Mullinax Sophomore
62 Katrova Dew Senior
63 Drew McEntyre Sophomore
66 Tucker Foster Junior
67 Cameron East Senior
68 Hunter Moss Junior
69 Esteban Valladares Junior
70 Blaine Anderson Sophomore
71 Truett Moss Junior
72 Hunter Dunlap Sophomore
73 Dustyn Harris Junior
74 Nathan Walraven Senior
75 Austin Stout Sophomore
76 Marcos Ambrocio Sophomore
77 Eddie Guerrero Junior
78 Brantson Pierce Senior
79 Grayson Tilley Junior
80 Michael Tippins Sophomore
82 Jacob Robinson Sophomore
84 Rhett Rogers Sophomore
85 Dalyn Silvers Sophomore
88 Dustin Harrison Sophomore
90 Danny Ambrocio Junior
95 Gabriel Garcia Sophomore
96 Alex Flores Sophomore
97 Abraham Pacheco Sophomore
98 Brandon Blaylock Senior