We spoke with Charlton County football coach Russ Murray about his team’s 5-1 start to the season and having a special player like Jaylen Lilley on the team.
Q: Your team is off to a great start at 5-1. This is one of the better starts to a season your program has enjoyed in recent years. How does it feel around the Indians program right now?
A: This season has been a work in progress. When I took over three years ago, the lot was empty, you might say. In 2019, we started seven freshmen. They’ve learned a lot in three years, and they have been getting bigger and stronger over the same amount of time. Without a doubt, things are buzzing much more in the Swamp this year than they have been in the past several years.
Q: Anytime you take over for a coach like Rich McWhorter, there will always be comparisons made between your coaching styles. Do you feel like you’re about to turn the corner on that conversation?
A: I really don’t think anyone will ever forget what Coach McWhorter did for this program. I coached under him for 24 years, and, with that being said, some of my styles reflect his. I got my own spin on things too, and folks recognize it. I think we are beyond that conversation.
Q: What’s the environment like coaching in a small town and area like Folkson and Charlton County?
A: Coaching at Charlton, to me, is the absolute best place I could be. I was raised here, and I see the boys in our program like my own sons. I’m wanting them to be great players for sure, but I’m more wanting them to become great young men and positive contributors to the communities they will live in one day. And, the Swamp on a Friday night is awesome!
Q: Charlton County has had some special teams throughout the years with some special players. You’ve got a running back that has the whole state buzzing right now, with comparisons to some of the Charlton County greats that have excelled there through the years. Tell us about him.
A: Jaylen Lilley (junior RB/LB) is most definitely a driving force on this team. He works harder than any player, and he refuses to settle for OK. Does a fantastic job in the weight room. He was one of the seven freshmen that started in 2019, so he’s played a ton of football. He has developed into what I like to call an “old school dawg.” I believe he could have started and played on any team we’ve ever had here at Charlton.
Written by: Phil Jones
