Talk to Columbus High School Head Football Coach Phil Marino for any length of time about the sport and it becomes apparent he has an “Old School” approach to coaching. With 35 years of coaching experience, eight at CHS, Marino has a simple style that has served him and his teams well. One of the telling factors about Marino’s Old School philosophy is he takes responsibility for his team’s failures and gives them the credit for success.
Last season the Blue Devils posted a disappointing 3-7 record, 2-5 in the region. Many of the losses were close and some were the result of too many mistakes. Marino is honest about the season and lays the blame squarely on his shoulders.
“We were competitive in every game but one,” he said. “Our 3-7 record could have been 7-3. Too many interceptions in key moments in three games. Too many penalties per game. I need to do a better job of preparing my team and finish close games.”
There is good news/bad news about the Blue Devils’ 2017 football season. The bad news is the offensive line lost 3 four-year starters and there are just three returning offensive starters. There is also concern over depth at the running back position. Another problem to contend with is the loss of the LB coach, which is significant, according to Marino.
The good news is the Blue Devils will have skill position players with experience and six returning defensive starters who Marino describes as “quick and athletic.” Also, one of the team’s returning starters is Caleb Bailey, who was the Blue Devils’ leading passer last season. The 5’5”, 140 pound quarterback/running back completed 42 passes out of 108 attempts for 730 yards last fall. He should be a leader in Marino’s program in 2017.
Philip Adams (DE/DT) is a college prospect for Columbus and will be a returning starter. Adams, 6’6” and 235 lbs., shares the top academic spot on the team with Josh Scarborough (WR/DB) and Bayard Taylor (OL/DL). All three young men currently hold 4.0 GPAs. Nolan Jefferson (LB) and Rhett Griner (LB) come in a close second with GPAs of 3.95. Chris Brown (WR/S) and Darius Hill (slot/DB) round out the list with 3.65 GPA’s. Marino noted that at least 15 other athletes on his team have at least a 3.6 GPA.
Other returning starters for the Blue Devils are Mikail Albritton (NG/LB), Brent Epps (OL/DL), Jordan Geter (WR/DB), Brandon Vaughn (OL/DL), Mike Ramsey (WR/DB) and Tavian Edwards (RB/LB).
A need to improve from last season is foremost on Marino’s mind. His plan is to continue to implement his coaching philosophy on offense (multiple offenses) and defense (quick, aggressive play) but also to work on not making the same mistakes that proved ruinous in several close games. To do that, Marino says turnovers and penalties need to decrease and the Blue Devils need to score on a more consistent basis.
Coming back from a losing season might seem to call for lower expectations in 2017. Marino is old school enough that he doesn’t lower the bar for his program regardless of wins and losses. His goals for this season are win the state, win the region and be competitive.
Fan and community support is important at any school, but Marino feels the Blue Devils have the “best student body in the state.” That can provide some motivation for a successful season, but if players are looking to Marino to help in that area, they are going to be disappointed.
“If I need to motivate them, they’re playing the wrong sport,” he said. “That goes for any sport. A little old school thinking.”
If Columbus can hold the penalties and turnovers to a minimum this season while taking opportunities to score more often, they should have a good run. A man of few words when it comes to the obvious, Marino’s expectations for 2017 are simple.
“Win.”
Columbus Valley/Fall football preview/August 2017
Columbus High School
Columbus, GA
By Beth Welch
