When one looks beyond the scoreboard, there have been improvements for the Winder-Barrow High School football team during the two years of the David Wagner era.
However, Wagner knows most people only see one statistic and that is the number of wins. With that in mind, perhaps, Wagner and his coaching staff are retooling some things for the upcoming 2012 season. A new defensive scheme with a new defensive coordinator, along with a new offensive setup are highlighting the changes this spring as the Bulldoggs have returned to the practice field.
“We have had some productive days to this point,” Wagner said. “The players are working hard and responding to what we are doing. The past few days have been solid ones for our football program.”
Offensively, WBHS is moving to a triple option oriented offense after running the Wing-T the past two years. Ken Sanders, the offensive coordinator during the 2010 and 2011 seasons, is moving to a school in South Georgia. A new coach has not been hired for the position, so Wagner is handling the offense this spring.
“We are going to continue to mix in some of what we had been doing,” Wagner said. “However, we will have more of an option game. We are still using some of the fundamental sets and formations. I don’t feel bad about everything we’ve done. We just need to get the football into the hands of our skill people.”
Wagner had previously turned over the defensive coordinator job to Stanley Allen, who has also been part of the coaching staff at WBHS the last two years.
WBHS is moving to a 4-4 defensive look from the previous seasons. Allen was actually promoted to defensive coordinator just before the end of the 2011 season.
The Bulldogg defense will likely face a test right out of the gate as WBHS will face Jackson County High School in the season opener. The Panthers are under the leadership of first-year head coach Benji Harrison, who coordinated the high-powered offense at Flowery Branch.
“Jackson County actually did come up in some conversations last week,” Wagner said. “We know they will use the Tony Franklin style of offense. However, right now the focus is more on us. We have several days of practice ahead of us and we want to use each one to improve ourselves.”
Allen said the opening days have been productive for the defense.
“It is going pretty good,” the defensive coordinator said. “We are just getting the base in this spring. These are small steps but the kids seem to be picking it up pretty well. They are all excited about it. We still need a lot of work, but we will get there by the season.”
Spring drills will culminate with a May 16 scrimmage at W. Clair Harris Stadium.
“We have a bunch of players and they are all very dedicated,” Wagner said. “Everyone is looking to take the next step for our program this fall.”
BULLDOGG SPRING NOTES
WBHS head coach David Wagner said it may be a few more weeks before the offensive coordinator position is filled. With the school system facing cutbacks, there are no current openings for any more teaching slots.
It is unsual for a high school football program, especially one which will be at the AAAAA level, to enter spring practice without its staff complete, especially the coordinator roles.
Wagner said he and the offensive coaches are handling those duties during spring. Former offensive coodinator Ken Sanders will be moving to Crisp County High School.
All of the other varsity coaches return in 2012, Wagner said.
“It is important for your program to keep everyone together,” Wagner said. “We are glad to have so many of our guys back for our third year.”
Wagner has had only one staff change in his two offseasons with the program.
•One of the objectives this spring will be to find a relacement for last season’s leading rusher, Jamonte Riden, who rushed for 843 yards and eight touchdowns.
Chad Platt, the team’s second leading rusher in 2011, returns this fall. Chandon Sullivan, DeAngelo Perkins and Trey Russell will also get plenty of looks in the backfield.
•Austin Stewart is primed for a standout season in the trenches for the Bulldoggs.
•The Winder-Barrow High School football coaches worked with the incoming freshman in the days leading up to varsity spring practice. Many of the rising freshmen were on the Winder-Barrow Middle School team which won the Northeast Georgia Championship.
