Cherokees Working On Little Things For A Successful Season

It’s the little things.

That’s the opinion of Kendrick High School’s head football coach about what contributed to a losing season in 2016. Cedric Ware and his Cherokees suffered through the winless fall and this year Ware is concentrating on the little things.

“Last year we played hard but did not do the little things well,” said Ware. “We will focus more on doing the little things uncommonly well.”

There were some close games last season and Ware thinks the experience gained by his returning players will be beneficial for the 2017 season. The Cherokees lost several standout players, but are putting their hopes on the next guys in the lineup.

Like many smaller football programs, Kendrick’s players often hold down dual positions. Over half of the team’s returning 2017 starters play both sides of the ball. Of the eight returning starters, five have offensive and defensive positions.

Returning starters on offense are Navy Harris (QB), 6’2” and 205 lbs., Jalen Pugh (OT), 6’4” and 325 lbs., Adayus Robertson (RB), 5’10” and 210 lbs., Kayleem Bonds (RB) 5’10” and 205 lbs., Michael Anthony (OG), 6’4” and 270 lbs., Keevaughn Peterson (OG), 6’3” and 260 lbs., and Wyndell Mcghee (WR), 5’8” and 175 lbs.

On defense the returning Cherokee starters are Harris (DB), Bonds (LB), Anthony (DT), Mcghee (DB), Peterson (DE) and Swann Tarver (SS), 5’9” and 190 lbs.

Ware is expected to lean on the talents of Adayus Robertson and Navy Harris this fall for his offense. Robertson was the team’s leading rusher and scorer while quarterback Harris was the team leader in passing. Their abilities have earned them spots on Kendrick’s list of college prospects. Also on that list are Jalen Pugh, Michael Anthony, Kayleem Bonds and Keevaughn Peterson. Pugh, Peterson and Allandis Boyd (LB) are the top academic players on the team.

Probably of the most concern for the Cherokee coaching staff is the lack of depth, but Ware says his team is very much like a family. His athletes believe in each other and like any good family they will band together whenever necessary and fill in any gaps when needed.

Of the little things, Ware wants his players to do a better job on offense of protecting the ball in order to prevent unnecessary penalties. He is stressing to take what the defense gives and score points. For the 2017 season, Ware wants his defense to be fundamentally sound, swarm to the football, strike first and create turnovers.

A former high school football athlete, Ware knows the mindset of young players. He is in his third season at Kendrick and is trying to create a “culture that allows my athletes to take pride in their football program.” That pride, Ware believes, creates a healthy competition among players.

Winning on the field is important to Ware, but he also recognizes that despite no wins last season, his program saw winning results. The athletes do community service projects, promote reading throughout neighboring schools and have a toy giveaway to teach the Kendrick athletes to help in their community. He also has established a parent night to discuss applying to college and the importance of education. His staff “preaches” discipline, integrity, commitment, effort and enthusiasm.

Going for a winning record this fall is the plan, and the Cherokees should put some games in the win column this season. Ware’s outlook is positive, though, no matter what the record reflects at the end of the season.

“A winning season is when your players’ lives change for the good because they are part of your program,” he said.

Columbus Valley/fall football preview/August 2017

Kendrick High School

Columbus, GA

By Beth Welch