Change sometimes brings about the necessary catalyst for success. The Glenwood Gators had an experienced season last year when Jason Gibson took over the head coaching position with not much time to spare.
Glenwood School in Smiths, Alabama, hired Gibson in May 2016. Gibson wasn’t just a new hire at the last minute, the veteran coach already had a job as the coach for the Columbus Lions, the local arena football organization.
It was anybody’s guess how the team would pull together after the sudden departure of the former Gators’ coach and the installation of a coach whose regular job centered on seasoned, older athletes. Not to worry, as Gibson and his Gators found the right formula to produce a winning season, 8-4.
In addition, the Gators were 4-1 in region play and secured a trip to the state semi-finals. Not bad for a situation that started out as a real head-scratcher.
The 2016 season, in fact, turned out to be one highlight after another. Arch-rival Lee-Scott suffered defeat at the hands of the Gators on the last play of the game and Glenwood won the home playoff game against Ft. Dale.
Leading the way for the Gators in rushing was Kashe Boatner with 95 carries for 795 yards. He also scored 10 touchdowns and racked up 90 tackles. Wide Receiver Cam O’Neil had 45 receptions for 683 yards. Brandon Mosely really produced for the Gators with 284 passing attempts which led to 2005 yards on the season. Carson Allison had two interceptions on the season.
But that was last year. It’s in the books and Gibson is back for his second season at Glenwood. This time around Gibson is familiar with the setting and has a few things going for his program.
Cam O’Neil is returning and the 6’3”, 190 pound is a player to watch. He is one of six returning offensive starters and a top college prospect for the Gators. There are four returning starters on defense and the program boasts 50 athletes this season.
Other top college prospects are David Copeland (DB), 5’10 and 160 lbs., who is pretty swift on his feet. His best time in the 40 Yard Dash is 4.4 seconds. He is joined on the list by Chad Dykes (DL), 6’2” and 220 lbs., Aiden Rhodes (TE), 6’3” and 215 lbs., Carson Risdon (DL), 6’3” and 240 lbs., John Burnett (RB), 5’9” and 215 lbs., and Christian Clausell (WR), 6’3” and 170 lbs.
Also making a return this season is kicker Thomas Camacho, 5’10” and 160 lbs., who is definitely an asset for Gibson’s program. Camacho has been a longtime soccer player and now looks to be a college prospect from Glenwood in football. He is the top academic player, 4.2 GPA, on the team which adds points to his recruiting profile.
Gibson feels his team’s greatest strength will be athletes “at the skill positions.” Last year the new head coach felt like speed on the defense was lacking and it could crop up again this season, but Gibson says the issue has been addressed.
There wasn’t much chance to ease into game prep for the 2016 season, but Gibson says his program found what worked for them.
“We learned that our system of practicing and preparation was successful and we plan to duplicate it at a higher speed this season,” he said.
Although the 2016 team exceeded almost everyone’s expectations, the downside of that success sets the 2017 up to go one better. Gibson recognizes that will be a challenge, but the coach holds to the same end result winning season or not; having a positive effect on the future of young men.
If the Gators stay healthy and manage to be disciplined on the little things, Glenwood should do well in both regular and post-season play. It all starts with the first game against Monroe. Gibson sounds like a true member of the Gator Nation when asked why it is much anticipated.
“They knocked us out of the playoffs.”
Columbus Valley/Fall Football Preview/August 2017
Glenwood School
Smiths, Alabama
By Beth Welch
