Prep Blitz 2014: Murray County Indians

A four-star general is one of the highest rankings available in the United States military.

Murray County coach Chad Brewer is borrowing that phrase.

Any football player who spends four years in the program will be deemed a four-star general.

"This is an idea that I stole - when you see good things from other good head coaches. It worked for David Crane at Southeast Whitfield," Brewer said. "He made a big deal out of it, and I love it. It's about guys that have stuck with the program for four years.

"They've seen friends come and go, but they love Murray County and they love football."

Four-star generals at Murray County will be honored with action pictures hanging in the weight room, providing motivation for others to join them.

"It doesn't have anything to do with yards or tackles," Brewer said. "We had four last year and we'll have four this year. When you get 10, 11, 12 four-star generals, that's when you start seeing things really turn around."

The 2014 generals are quarterback Justin Smith, running back and linebacker Kevin Chavez, center Zach Ellis and linebacker Bailey Rogers. They've all earned their stars, especially considering the Indians have won three games in their career.

Chavez started the first game of last season at running back, but the Indians lost their best defensive lineman and right guard. Brewer approached Chavez about paving the road at guard instead of running down the lane. No problem, Coach.

"He had to change his jersey number, too," Brewer said. "He was willing to do that. We won our next game with him at guard and gave him the game ball."

The generals have responsibilities to lead the team and set the example for others - on and off the field, in the weight room and in the classroom.

"I like to think of our generals as somebody that the coach can really rely on," Chavez said before a Friday preseason practice. "In a way it's like a team captain, but taking it to another level. You have to make sure nobody is slacking; you have to be the first one there and make sure everybody keeps a positive outlook."

That's tough to do because Murray County hasn't reached the playoffs since Chavez was in middle school.

"The attitude has changed tremendously," he said. "We want to change things around here. We want to bring it back to the former glory."

The four-star generals can lead the way.

- David Uchiyama

MURRAY COUNTY INDIANS

Head coach: Chad Brewer (1-9 here and overall)

Last year: 1-9

Returning starters (O/D/K): 9/8/2

Control panel: QB Justin Smith (5-9, 175, Sr.) spurred the Indians' offense with 504 rushing yards and 965 passing yards last season. LB Kevin Chavez (5-9, 205, Sr.) paced the defense with 108 tackles, five tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and two recovered fumbles. Petee Waldon (5-11, 165, Jr.) did a little bit of everything last year. He played running back, receiver and returned kicks and had 32 catches for 282 yards and three touchdowns.

New producers: WR/S/P Alex Youngquist (6-1, 170, Jr.) will have multiple roles for the Indians and rarely set foot on the sideline. CB Andrew Carroll (5-7, 165, Jr.) doesn't look like much on video, but as Brewer said, "Teams may find they have to run in the other direction, because pound for pound he's our strongest guy."

2014 SCHEDULE

(all games at 7:30 Eastern)

Aug. 29 - Southeast Whitfield

Sept. 5 - at Fannin County

Sept. 19 - at Lakeview-F.O.*

Sept. 26 - at North Murray*

Oct. 3 - Coahulla Creek*

Oct. 10 - at Adairsville*

Oct. 17 - Gordon Central*

Oct. 24 - at Calhoun*

Oct. 31 - Ringgold*

Nov. 7 - Sonoraville*

  • Region 6-AAA game

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