The Skinny
Gary Varner begins his 11th season at Allatoona. Coach Varner has had the Bucaneers (Bucs) playing at a high level for all eleven seasons. Since starting region play in 2010, the Bucs have never missed the playoffs. They won a state title in 2015 and last season advanced to the 3rd round of the state playoffs. In spite of all of that success, Coach Varner told us about one of the biggest challenges his team will face in 2018.
He said, “breaking in new players to varsity competition.”
Danté Marshall returns at quarterback for the Bucs. As a sophomore in 2017, Marshall passed for 1,260 yards and 11 TDs. Joining Marshall in the backfield will be Daniel Parsons, as he looks to take over most of the carries. Parsons was tied for the eam lead in rushing touchdowns last season.
Fullback Mario Gambaccini also joins Parsons in the backfield. Gambaccin is a versatile back, who led the Bucs in receptions last season. Cameron Cook could also have an impact in the running game for the Bucs in 2018.
The receiving corps will be highlighted by tight-end Jaylan Williams and receivers Dawson Coltran and Asante Das.
Williams was a Second Team All-Region selection in 2017. Nick Lendeberg and Drew Lawrence will anchor the offensive line.
The Bucs lost Region 6-6A defensive player of the year Royce Francis to graduation. If there are any question marks for the Bucs, they would revolve around the defensive front. Returners on defense include Calvin Rucker (linebacker), Eric Carty (Linebacker/Defensive end), Cameron Carty (linebacker), Izaiah Taylor (Defensive Back) and AJ Thomas (Defensive Back).
Rucker, an All-Region Honorable Mention selection at linebacker, tallied 61 tackles and 7 sacks last season. Both Thomas and Taylor earned All-Region Honorable Mention selections in 2017.
The Bucs have a very challenging non-region slate of games including a trip to Cartersville to open the season and a mid-season tilt with defending Class 2A champ, Hapeville Charter. While the team may be inexperienced at many positions, we certainly believe that the Bucs are one of the favorites to win the Region this year and could be primed for another run in the state tournament come November.
