Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy completed one of the most dominating seasons in the history of Georgia high school football. Along with winning their third consecutive Class A-private title the Chargers set state records in points scored during the regular season (631 in 10 games) and points per game (52).
So what do they do for an encore? Head coach Jonathan Gess talked about it: recently:
How do you follow a season like you had in 2017?
-- "I don't think you try to follow it up. That was the most dominant year we've had. We're not trying to have the same type of season. Our goal is always to win the region championship and then be in the hunt for [a state title]."
What will be different about the team in 2018?
-- "This group is more hard working. We'll have five starters back on defense and six on offense. Last year's group of seniors was a group of warriors. They were very independent, very talented. This group works really hard."
How important is spring practice?
-- "For us, it's critical to get our offensive and defensive linemen out there so they can be physical. You only get 10 practices, and only eight are full contact. For our skill guys, we've got all summer for them to work together and develop a rhythm. We're all about establishing the run and stopping the run, and spring practice gives us a chance to work on that."
You start fall practice relatively late (August 1). What is the benefit of that?
-- "We start on the first day of school, we play our scrimmage on August 10 (at Marist) and our opener August 17 (vs. Morrow). This tight window helps us develop a laser focus and gives our players something to look forward to."
With all of the winning you've done, particularly in the last three years, how do you remain motivated?
-- "I like watching the kids grow over four years, and develop as men. To me, that's what it's all about – helping these young men grow into men."
Other notes:
-- Players to watch this season include rising seniors QB Braden Rush, LB Johnathan Youngblood, ATH Justin Menard, ATH Jalen Pearson, and rising juniors ATH Nate McCollum, RB/CB Keaton Mitchell and WR/FS Devin Dorsey.
-- ELCA will return five starters on defense and six on offense.
-- Gess estimates that the 2018 team will have at least five or six players who run the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds or less.
--The Chargers will take on Class AAAAA quarter finalist Stockbridge in a spring scrimmage on May 7 at ELCA.
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