If there is a team everyone in the panhandle is anxious to see play this fall, it is the Pine Forest Eagles. From an outside perspective, it seems all the pieces are in place. It takes a lot of intangibles to put together a championship caliber team, but you couldn’t have a more experienced captain at the helm than Head Coach Jerry Pollard. Coach Pollard has been part of 3 state championship teams in his tenure at Pine Forest.
Last season had its ups and downs for the Eagles. Coach Pollard missed the first half of the season with health issues. The team struggled with inconsistent play during the same time. But by the end of the regular season they were moving in the right direction. The Pine Forest offense returns 9 starters, including quarterback Xavier Saulsberry (1602 yds. passing), runningback Jaden Gardner (1266 yds. rushing), and leading receiver Jacob Copeland (39 receptions, 771 yds.). Four of the five starting offensive linemen are back as well. If the Eagles offense can find their consistency early, this unit could put up some big numbers.
On the other side of the ball only 3 starters are back, Linebackers Wesley Philpot and De’arius Howard and DL Nikierce James. The Eagles have a lot of untried talented young players eager to earn a spot. The coaching staff will have to grow and develop this squad quickly. As the season progresses, the Pine Forest Eagles will be in a position to control their own destiny.
Pine Forest Eagles
Written by Arnold Gamber
