This is the week football returns to Banks County High School for a new season.
The Leopards, under the direction of first-year head coach Philip Jones, host Social Circle High School for their home and season opener.
BCHS finished 7-3 last year but a new coaching staff has arrived for 2011. Social Circle, the opening opponent, is a member of Region 8-A and has not recorded a winning season since 2006.
The Leopards have been to numerous summer camps and have worked very hard under the direction of Jones. He and the coaching staff are pleased with the efforts the players have put forth this summer and pre season.
"Our players have shown tremendous work ethic," said Jones. "I really am fired up to see what our guys do. Improvements are continually made throughout the season by all football teams. This team has taken a very serious approach to their preparation and I feel they are ready to play.”
The CHS Redskins will run an I formation on offense, relying heavily on the ground game and the play-action pass. On defense, they run an attacking 3-4 scheme that will try to confuse and penetrate.
These schemes are similar to what the Leopards will be using this season.
“The keys for us to win Friday night are for us to play smart, fundamental football,” Jones said. “I want to see us block well and take care of the football on offense, and tackle well and run to the ball on defense. Moreover, I want to see us play with great passion and togetherness."
BCHS will have to win to build momentum for the rest of the season and the region games.
"Although this first game is not a region game that affects our playoff status, we view it as a measuring stick and a chance to gain a great deal of momentum to start the year," said Jones.
Coaching traditions start with that first game and Friday nights game will be the first for Jones as a varsity head football coach.
The Leopards are poised to start a new with Jones and have a winning season.
Has Coach Jones given much thought about this being his first varsity coached game as a head coach?
"No, not really,” he said. “Just primarily been focused on our preparation and making this a great year for our players.”
With all the players fired up and ready to go there will be one on the sideline missing the action.
“Unfortunately we will be without standout fullback and linebacker Eli Smallwood due to a shoulder injury," Jones said.
Kickoff Friday night is set for 7:30 p.m.
