It's state title or bust this season for Colquitt County. After nearly beating Grayson, another national title contender, the Packers are back to finish the job.
Photo by Dennis Carter
In his fifth year at the helm of
Colquitt County (Moultrie, Ga.), former Hoover (Ala.) head coach Rush Propst has the south Georgia program on a nationally elite level.
Last fall, the Packers were minutes away from eliminating eventual AAAAA champion Grayson from the playoffs and competing in the title game. It was the third-consecutive time that Colquitt County had reached the AAAAA semifinals.
In 2012, the goal is pretty clearly to make - and win - the AAAAAA final.
MaxPreps Preseason Top 25 High School Football Early ContendersDual-threat quarterback
Cole Segraves is the straw that stirs the drink for Colquitt County. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound senior is an offensive force, able to hang in the pocket or use his large frame to get yards on the ground. Colquitt County coaches discovered this offseason that Segraves can throw the ball 30 yards accurately with either hand, meaning he’ll be even more lethal rolling out of the pocket.
It will likely be running back by committee this year, following the graduation of Willie Woodyard and Tre Cooper.
Tim Sanders saw most of the carries in the team’s spring game, but there are several capable options for Propst.
Bobby Hill, who led the team in touchdown receptions, will give Segraves a trusted weapon on the outside.
Bobby Hill will look to haul in just as many touchdownreceptions as he did last year, when he led the team.
Photo by Dennis Carter
The offensive line has been an area of focus for Propst this spring. He moved defensive tackle
Travis Register to guard this season, a testament both to the team’s need for offensive linemen as well as its depth on the defensive front.
Returning starter
Jamiyus Pittman will anchor the defensive line from his end position, while
Mike Parrish and
Taphari Wright should help fill the void left by Register’s switch to offense. Both rotated in last season and got reps down the stretch.
Defensive coordinator Travis Pearson, who has worked under Auburn head coach Gene Chizik, runs some aggressive schemes, which makes having middle linebacker
John Gray back even more valuable.
Johnny Ward and
Jamal Phillips are back in the secondary. Overall, the defense returns some key players, but there’s an overriding belief that the team’s freshmen and sophomores will be able to step up and fill holes as needed.
Local look: “Colquitt County football coach Rush Propst likes where his football program is right now, but knows he has one more big step to take.”
- Wayne Grand, Moultrie Observer, a week after Colquitt County’s season-ending loss to Grayson.
