Summary of last season:
In his first year as head football coach at Bacon County, Kyle Langford started the rebuilding process the Red Raiders must undergo to make a return to the playoffs. As with other teams in Southeast Georgia, Bacon cancelled a game last season due to weather in 2016, a non-Region affair in week two with Telfair County. Although the Raiders won only two games, they were both region contests. After a seven point victory over Jeff Davis, Bacon endured a five-game losing streak that included a one point loss to Swainsboro, before beating Metter in the final game of the season, to end on a good note.
The Coach
2016 was the inaugural season for Coach Kyle Langford who came to Alma from Cook County. He spent two years as the Red Raiders’ Defensive Coordinator before taking the top job at Bacon last year. Langford started as an assistant at Lowndes before coaching at Lee County and then Hawkinsville for nine seasons. He spent six years as head coach at Towns County before going to Cook County and then Bacon County.
Outlook for this season?
“We are looking to bounce back from a disappointing and injury plagued 2016 season that resulted in a 2-7 record,” said Coach Langford. “Fortunately for the Raiders, we must only replace three starters and five seniors from last year’s team.”
Player participation continues to rise with 65 players on the roster, and with so many young players being forced into significant playing time last year, the depth of this year’s team is expected to be better than it has been in the last couple of years. It is important to note that the Red Raiders will once again participate in the toughest region in the state of Georgia (2-AA). The road back to the playoffs will include defending state champion Benedictine and a region that top to bottom is compiled of very good teams.”
Big games this year:
“Pierce County and Vidalia,” Coach Langford said.
The Red Raiders open at home against Pierce followed by two more home games. Then, road trips to Hazlehurst and Lyons. Vidalia comes to Alma on September 29 and the Raiders travel to Benedictine and Bryan County later in the season before closing at home against Metter.
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Raiders Look to Improve
