If he didn’t have a successful career behind him before he came to Marion County, there would be even more pressure on new Eagles head football coach Chris Kirksey. As it is, taking over a football program that was 65-10 in six years is bound to be daunting.
Last spring former Marion County High School head football coach Mike Swaney announced his retirement. He built a strong football program at the 4-A school which gained a reputation for winning, a state championship in 2013 and a near repeat in 2014, and for producing such standout athletes as Lorenzo Smothers.
The search committee did not have to look far for Swaney’s replacement. Kirksey had come on board at Marion County in 2015 as a coaching assistant. Prior to that, he had been the head coach at Taylor County where his teams made the playoffs in 2004, 2006, and 2013.
Last year the Eagles posted a 10-2 record, 8-0 in the region. It was another great year for football for the small Buena Vista, Georgia, high school. In the past few seasons, Marion County football was synonymous with Lorenzo Smothers. The standout athlete was the leading receiver, leading touchdown scorer and led the team in most interceptions last year. He will be sorely missed in 2016.
In addition to finding replacements for Smothers, Kirksey’s coaching staff also had to get past the huge hurdle of losing every starter on the offensive line to graduation with the exception of left tackle, Austin Connor. The 6’2” 230 pound football player is a college prospect and will make big plays for the Eagles this season. His experience will be invaluable as will be his leadership in helping develop underclassmen for their new roles.
Mykelle Kelley will be another name mentioned a lot in connection with Eagles football. Kelley, another college prospect, was the team’s leading rusher in 2015. He had 157 carries for 1243 yards as a junior. The 5’11” 180 pound running back runs the 40 in 4.55 and will be a big asset for Marion County again this year.
Another plus for the Eagles is a returning starter at quarterback. Quentez Battle led the team last year in passing with 99 attempts for 660 yards. Battle, Kelley, and Connor will be joined by other returning starters Kabron Ellison (SS), Terrance Williams (LB), Hykeem Walton (WR) Jordan Tillman (NG), Kadarrius Hartage (DE) and D.J. Kelley (CB).
Spring practice was very competitive among the Eagles’ players. There were new openings to fill and Kirksey was able to see how hard the athletes were willing to work to gain a spot. That work ethic and attitude were not lost on the new coach who feels that is this team’s greatest strength.
Because Marion County has a reputation as a powerhouse football program, Kirksey says he really doesn’t have to do much to motivate his team. A tradition has been established and each player wants to continue the legacy.
“Each class doesn’t want to be the group that doesn’t get the job done,” says Kirksey.
Adopting an “if isn’t broke, don’t fix it” approach about the football program, Kirksey only made one coaching change. He moved DB coach Billy Law to the defensive coordinator position. He is planning on his team being physical on both offense and defense. Executing and “moving the sticks” on offense is key for the team as is being a defense that really runs to the ball.
Kirksey isn’t focused on what he doesn’t have going into the 2016 season. His goals are to get better every week, win the 7th straight region championship and “make noise in the playoffs.” Of course, his ultimate goal is a state championship. To accomplish all that, Kirksey says his team has to do one thing.
“Step it up.”
Marion County Eagles
New Coach Takes Over Marion County Program
Written by Beth Welch
Photo by Marion County
