When asked to name a few "key" players, first-year Sonoraville head coach Jim Kremer hesitated - and not because he didn't want to forget any big names.
"We've got some very talented players, but to me right now they're all key," the former Adairsville head coach and Calhoun defensive coordinator said. "We're trying to build something here that will last for years, so every kid is important."
Kremer, Sonoraville's defensive coordinator last season, has some nice blocks from which to build, including elite junior defensive lineman Kenny Cooper and 6-foot-5 receiver Clark Johnson, and the program has momentum for the first time in school history.
Despite getting only four wins in 2013, the Phoenix earned the fourth playoff spot from Region 5-AAA, and though they were soundly beaten by eventual champion Buford, Kremer believes the experience moved the program forward in several ways.
"Making the playoffs for the first time has created a buzz among the players since last November," he said. "The community, regardless of the overall record, is excited about what we did and how we didn't back down to Buford. That carried over to this year, and it's been very positive."
As a result, a record 103 players reported to camp, including a good many who did not play a year ago and a 40-man freshman class. The numbers are big news for Kremer, whose team is installing a more up-tempo offense and has plans to two-platoon at nearly every position. Finding depth, then, was a major camp goal.
"We've got to be able to run some kids in and out, and right now we're focusing on our lines of scrimmage and the depth there," Kremer said. "We have good size at about 265 [pounds] a man, and we really want to get after people. Just overall being tougher and putting that hand down and getting more physical is what I want to see."
The biggest difference to fans will be a spread-option offense based out of the pistol formation that should showcase the team's athletic abilityi and the decision-making of quarterback Cody Long.
"We did some of the similar concepts last year, but it will be a little different," Kremer said. "It's a real good fit for our football team, and it fits Cody real well. It's kind of an Auburn-style offense, with option, power and a lot of rollouts and play-action. We've got good wideouts, too, so we should be able to make some things happen."
- Lindsey Young
SONORAVILLE PHOENIX
Head coach: Jim Kremer (first year here; 27-16 in four years overall)
Last year: 4-7, 4-3 in Region 5-AAA, lost to Buford in the first round of the Class AAA playoffs)
Returning starters (O/D/K): 8/8/1
Control panel: QB Cody Long (5-10, 150, Jr.) will trigger the team's more up-tempo spread attack, and he has a dangerous weapon in WR Clark Johnson (6-5, 195, Sr.). DL Kenny Cooper (6-4, 290, Jr.) will be a mismatch for teams up front with his size and athletic prowess.
New producers: Two baseball stars, TE Thad Harris (6-foot, 220, Sr.) and RB Brandon Dendy (5-8, 175, Sr.), will add some pop to the offense, while LB Griff Bryant (6-foot, 205, Sr.) has been moved to defense from quarterback and will be the starting "Sam" linebacker.
Items of interest:
49 - Points the team averaged in its four wins last year compared to only six in the seven losses.
52 - Average points the Phoenix have allowed against in-county rival Calhoun. The schools renew their rivalry this year after a two-year hiatus.
"We've got some weapons, but we'll be playing some teams with some as well. If we can block and tackle and if our offensive line can come together, we'll be all right." - Coach Jim Kremer
2014 SCHEDULE
(all games at 7:30 Eastern)
Aug. 29 - Model
Sept. 5 - Rockmart
Sept. 12 - at North Murray*
Sept. 19 - Coahulla Creek*
Sept. 26 - at Adairsville*
Oct. 3 - Gordon Central*
Oct. 10 - at Calhoun*
Oct. 17 - Ringgold*
Oct. 24 - Lakeview-F.O.*
Nov. 7 - at Murray County *
- Region 6-AAA game