Summary of last season:
It was the second downward season in three years for the Wildcats. They managed only two wins in 2016 and lost their region games by a combined 143-27. After falling to two Florida teams, game three was cancelled due to Tropical Storm Hermine. The Wildcats got wins over Brunswick and Forest Park, but the rest of the season did not go so well. Losses to Glynn Academy and McEachern preceded their three region losses. The result was the search for a new football coach as Welton Coffey was moved upstairs to be the school’s Athletic Director. Coach Bob Sphire was brought in from North Gwinnett High School to take over the reins at Camden.
The New Coach:
Coach Bob Sphire is known for his wide open offenses and passing attack, which is expected to be a change of direction for the Wildcats, who have lived and died by the wing-T offense for years. Originally from Kentucky, Sphire took over at North Gwinnett in 2006. The Bulldogs made the quarterfinals in six seasons and were state runner-up in 2007 and 2013. In addition, the Bulldogs made the state quarterfinals in 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2011 and were Region champions five times. During his time at the helm, North Gwinnett was ranked as high as number 11 nationally in the USA Today Super 25. Coach Sphire has a high school record of 250-79 in 26 years as a high school head coach
Outlook for this season?
“This is a new season under a new offensive and defensive system,” Coach Sphire said. “I’m looking forward to the kids learning and growing throughout the year.” It will be a season of adjustment for Camden County this season as they change coaches and schemes. Expect to see more passing from the Wildcats in 2017.
Big games this year:
“All Region 1 contests,” said Coach Sphire. “McEachern on the road and Glynn Academy on the road.”
Camden County starts the year with games against two Florida teams in Kingsland – Oakleaf, and Venice followed by state AA power, the Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane in a replacement game due to scheduling conflicts. The Cats then travel to Glynn Academy and then welcome a revitalized Brunswick team. Games against McEachern and Forest Park follow before region play starts against Colquitt, Lowndes and Tift.
SE-SF-0817-Camden
Wildcats Get New Coach, New Offense
[…] CAMDEN COUNTY WILDCATS […]