Congratulations to Jeff and I hope he enjoys retirement. I do believe I have narrowed it down to the top 3 candidates. Whoever takes over, needs to change some stuff up. Trying to keep everything the way it was 40+ years ago just isn’t working. I’m not saying we need to completely get rid of the single-wing because these kids have been running that offense since little league but why not spice it up a bit?
Even in Class A, strictly ground and pound is slowly fading as teams are airing it out more. The past 5-6 years we have waited until 3rd and long to attempt a pass, when teams know it’s coming. Look back at clips from 2011-2017. We weren’t above throwing it on first or second down and had success out of it.
As far as talent goes, we have had talented kids as of recent, but overall team speed has declined over the years and it shows. We’ve had good backfields but nothing like Ricky Cook, Nathan Tanner, Brian Mann, Brett Whitlow, or Ryan Beidleman. But I have watched the recent Giles teams show that when they want to play, they could hang with most of the teams on our schedule until the 4th quarter. We need someone who is going to make strength and conditioning a priority so that we’re not getting wore out late in the games. That use to be Giles’ advantage. We were stronger, more conditioned, and slowly wore teams out.
Williams, along with the other coaches leaving with him will be missed and I wish nothing but success for the new coach. No matter what, me and dad will be sitting at the 40 yard line blaring the horn and supporting whoever it is. GO SPARTANS!