The Skinny
Coach Rock Tomberlin returns home to Appling County to coach his Alma Mater. Tomberlin is in his 33rd season overall and has amassed 246 wins in his career. He inherits an Appling County team that qualified for the playoffs despite only winning three regular season games in 2017.
Tomberlin said, “ (Implementing a) new system on offense and defense, and teaching from the ground up,” are two of the biggest challenges this season.
Second Team All-Region selection Moses Eason will anchor the offensive line along with Thorne Bryant. At the skill positions, dual threat QB Tyler Jones, (728 yards passing, 608 yards rushing, 19 total TDs) will lead the offense. He will joined by SB Matt Nails ( 340 yards rushing, 1 TD), and RJ Conaway is projected to add some additional depth to the backfield.
Eason was also a Second Team All-Region selection on defense as well. He will be joined by linebackers Zack Mayer (68 tackles) and Pete Ryals ( 42 tackles), both who were in the top 3 in tackles on the team last season. Chris Sanders returns in the secondary at the safety position.
While the Pirates won’t be overlooking anyone this season. Pierce County is a region rival that they will be looking forward to matching up against on October 26th.
Coach Tomberlin said “staying unified, (and) keep getting better as the season progresses”, will help define success this season.
