The 2024 Gilmer High Bobcats have begun to take shape on the gridiron.
GHS started its annual spring football practice last Monday, and the Bobcats ended the week Thursday with 82 players on the roster. Up until this point, players have concentrated their efforts in weight training since the conclusion of last season.
Head coach Paul Standard discussed Gilmer’s approach to spring and some personnel needs that must be addressed.
“There is one common goal every year, regardless. The first thing is the building of the new team’s culture and identity. Obviously, we have three classes returning, but every team has its own identity, and it starts in the weight room where we have all the football players together. It begins there, and then you really see it start to take effect from a football perspective at spring practice,” he said.”
Standard noted the team is looking for replacements on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Offensively, GHS is in search of two starters plus a tight end. The interior returns on the defensive side, but the staff is looking to fill vacant spots at end. All-state linebacker Aspen Hataway will leave a void, but Standard said rising senior Memphis Lewellan is the front runner to replace him.
GHS must also replace kicker Noah Turner and its entire receiving corps.
“We have three rising seniors and two rising juniors who I believe are going to be the core group, but none of them got much playing time at receiver last year. They’re all working really hard. We have a young kicker who is a rising sophomore and is doing a good job.”
The most experience returns in the offensive and defensive backfields. Quarterback Issac Rellinger and fullback Wyatt Stokes have been mainstays and are back for their senior seasons. Seniors Kyle Cowart and Grant Ballew, junior Hunter Britain and sophomore Douglas Callihan all return at wingback.
Junior safety Bo Cronic and Ballew, plus cornerbacks Cowart and Britain are back with more experience this season.
“We feel good about our offensive backfield. The question is who will fill the backup quarterback role? We had a young man decide to leave the program, who was our freshman quarterback last year. We have backup Bo Cronic and incoming freshman A.J. Callihan.
“Defensively (beyond the line of scrimmage), we only have to replace one linebacker in our 4-3 scheme, and we feel like we have that guy. In the skill areas on both sides, we have everyone coming back. Unfortunately in some ways, they’re all the same guys. That’s our situation here at Gilmer. We don’t have a high number of football players because the commitment level is so great for us to be what we want to be. I’m so proud of the kids we have who have made that commitment.”
This season marks Standard’s fourth with the program. GHS finished with a winning record last year, qualified for the postseason and won a playoff game. He thinks the 2024 Bobcats have an edge over previous teams.
“I believe this group, for the first time, truly believes we can be successful. Last year we thought it, and we lost to Lumpkin County, 56-3. That puts some doubt in your mind about whether or not we’ve turned the corner. This group was there for when we bounced back after Lumpkin to win two big games. Then after a disappointing White County loss, they won their first playoff game.
“All those things are building blocks for a foundation for years to come if you handle it the right way. I believe there is growth these seniors have shown. They’ve taken the baton from last year’s seniors and are ready to run with it.”
GHS will be on the field for four days this week. Next Monday will mark day nine of spring, and Tuesday will be an off day for county-wide sports physicals. Spring practice will conclude next Wednesday.