Thirty-two seniors and program pride now sit at center stage for the Tift County Blue Devils.
Inconsistency has plagued the Blue Devils in recent years, following sparks of greatness with disappointing busts. With that said, the 2017 season grants the opportunity to break through this barrier, but their loaded schedule, in and out of region play, will not make it easy.
“We are playing a tough schedule that, in my opinion, is going to test us early and help us find out where we are in character and competitiveness,” said third year head coach of Tift County, Ashley Anders.
With such a large group of seniors and battle-tested returners, the core seems to be set in place. The unity of that core, however, is paramount.
“To me, every year is a new team,” Anders said. “Even though we have seven starters coming back on our offense and four on defense, in my opinion, it’s all about team chemistry. I think our kids are a lot more close knit now. X’s and O’s are X’s and O’s, but there’s much more that goes into it than just that.”
The experience of Collier and Bateman on offense and Johnson and Overstreet on defense will be tasked with dictating and policing the atmosphere of the locker room and huddles, and the message from the top is clear.
“I like them to set the bar high and compete, but I also want them to get out there, have fun, and rely on one another,” Anders said.
In the Game Magazine / South Georgia / August – September 2017
Tift County Blue Devils
Blue Devils’ Chemistry at Core of Program Direction
Written by Cole Parker
Photos by Marque Milla Reese
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