Nicholas County head coach Gene Morris knew that last year could possibly be a tough year for his football team.
The Grizzlies had been hit hard by graduation and the team that ran on the field was characterized by youth and inexperience.
“I am really proud of this team in regards to where they have come from. We only had about four seniors that played much last year,” Morris said. “Those kids did a great job as far as leadership and not getting discouraged. We were only 3-6, but I complimented them at the end of the year about their senior leadership and not getting frustrated with the young guys.”
One year later, it is the complete opposite for the boys from Summersville. An 8-2 record has them rated No. 7 in Class AA and hosting No. 10 Roane County in week one of the football playoffs.
“The guys that played last year got in the weight room and they worked at it. They understood for them to be successful at the varsity level, they had to get stronger,” Morris explained. “They played hard and they never quit, but they got pounded on pretty good a time or two last year. I think that only made them want to get in the weight room and get better.”
A good portion of that youth was on the offensive line where the only returning starter was senior Bryson Phipps.
Now the Fab-five up front is the anchor of the offense and has helped the Grizzlies run wild on opponents this year.
“I am really proud of their off-season effort and the amount of time that they put into it. Their work ethic in the off-season has spilled over into this season itself with the way they work during practice,” Morris said. “It is a really good group to coach. When you can bring five returning lineman back, the chemistry is there. They have played well together and that speaks volumes of how we are able to move the football offensively.”
Joining Phipps, who holds down the all important left tackle position, are four juniors. Roman Milam plays center and Austin Altizer is at right guard, while Josh Cunningham plays left tackle and Levi Hellems is at right tackle.
The experience up front has helped Nicholas County rush for 2,853 yards this season. Just over half of the yardage comes from junior running back Kaleb Clark. Clark has rushed for 1,473 yards and scored 20 touchdowns.
“Kaleb works right with them. They are a pretty tight bunch. They give each other a hard time in good fun,” Morris said. “They appreciate what each one contributes to the team. It is a nice tight bond and a great friendship they have. They are a throwback type group that does everything together.”
Heading into the final week of the season, there wasn’t much drama in regards to Nicholas County making the playoffs. However, a win would get the Grizzlies a coveted home playoff game.
“I think that is one reason that they got out to a pretty quick start Friday night. They knew what was on the line and they wanted to make sure they had a home playoff game,” Morris said. “They knew were in, but they had to win to get a home playoff game. They are excited about the opportunity to host.”
Coming to Memorial Stadium Friday will be a Roane County team that seems to mirror the Grizzlies.
The Raiders have two 1,000 yard rushers in Briar Begler and Skyler Delk. The dynamic junior duo has combined for 31 touchdowns.
“Watching them on film, they get off the ball and they are a big, strong physical team. They have two very good running backs and they throw the ball well,” Morris said. “It is a playoff caliber team and we will have our hands full Friday night. They are really good and that comes from the guys up front. We will be tested and hopefully we can test them as well.”
