The Skinny
Coach Tim Hardy will enter his 8th season as head coach for the Greater Atlanta Christian (GAC) Spartans. The Spartans have won five consecutive region titles during Hardy’s tenure. We asked Coach Hardy what will be the biggest challenge in 2019.
“Every year is a challenge as you build the personality and culture of that year’s team,” he said. “We have a really good group of Seniors that I think will lead us well.”
Some of that senior leadership that Coach Hardy eluded to can be found in returners like running backs Tyler Bride and Montae Bailey. The two backs combined for 1,010 rushing yards and 10-TDs in 2018. Bride has committed to play at Georgia Southern.
Jackson Hardy will take over at quarterback full-time this season. A year ago, he threw for 791 yards and 10-TDs while splitting time with Josh Rose. Hardy is committed to the University of Richmond.
Christian Thomas should be one of the top receivers for the Spartans while Myles Hinton will anchor the offensive line. Hinton was an All-Region selection last season and is committed to Stanford.
On defense, Bride will see double duty at cornerback. A position that he was honored as an All-Region selection in 2018. Evan Byrd adds experience and will join Bride in the secondary.
Choe Bryant-Strother, another senior and All-Region selection, will be back at linebacker for the Spartans. Last season, Strother led the Spartans in total tackles. He has received interest from Power-5 schools as well.
We asked Coach Hardy if there were any games circled on the schedule this season.
“Prestonwood Christian,” he said.
