An air of excitement and confidence is surrounding Martin Stadium as the 2017 season approaches.
Since the glory years of the previous decade, Lowndes faithful are more assured than ever that this team’s talent can materialize into titles, especially after last year’s deep playoff run. But intangibles are equally as important according to head coach Randy McPherson.
“The kids that are coming back this year are really high character kids,” McPherson explained. “They work hard and they want to win. The leadership has got to be there though, and that’s the bottom line.”
The offensive skill players will provide the key strength of this team with Barrett, Tisdale, and Kyle showcasing a variety of ways to score points. However, entering his 16th year as head coach of the Vikings, McPherson knows that it takes more than just flash to win titles.
“Everybody’s got great players, coaching, facilities, everything, so I think being able to play great defense is going to be the number one thing,” McPherson said. “Of course you’ve got to score points, but I think it always starts with defense.”
The Vikings’ staff, especially new defensive coordinator Byron Slack from Camden, expects a physical style of play out of their returning core of starting defenders.
With that, the roadmap is clear: leadership, defense, and physicality, then beat Valdosta, dethrone Colquitt, and go win state.
“The senior class this year has done nothing but win since they’ve been here and now it’s their time,” he said.
In the Game Magazine / South Georgia / August – September 2017
Lowndes Vikings
Talent and Timing May Be Right for the ’17 Vikings
Written by Cole Parker
Photos by Marque Milla Reese
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