The Skinny
2018 will mark 108 years of Griffin Football. The Bears program is rich in history and tradition. They have been a perennial playoff team. In fact, since 1996, they have only missed post-season play once. Coach Andrews seems excited about the 2018 edition of the Bears. So what is all the buzz about in Griffin this season?
“We have had an amazing off-season. We have gotten bigger faster and stronger across the board as a team,” said Andrews.
But don’t think that Griffin doesn’t have it’s own set of challenges. Even with their proud history, Coach Andrews knows to take nothing for granted.
“I guess the biggest challenge will be not getting complacent. We have to continue to work. Continue to do what it takes to be become the best that we can be. If we can pull this off, I think we have a chance to be a pretty good football team,” he said.
The Bears return 3 of their top skill position players from last season.
“Alijah King is clearly our top running back. Jamoi Mayes and Tarrell Jester are leading WRs from a year ago,” said Andrews.
Griffin sports two First Team All-Region defensive players in lineman Mike Webb and linebacker Larry Corbin. They’ll be joined by Demarjahe Lewis up front who can create havoc with his 6’4” 280lb frame.
Andrews said, “LB Larry Corbin was our leading tackler a year ago. Defensive Linemen Michael Webb and Damarjahe Lewis also had really good seasons this past season. “
So what else is there to be excited about? Coach Andrews said that there are several players poised for a breakout season including the aforementioned King, Mayes, Corbin, Webb and Lewis. Some of the other players Andrews clued us in to are receivers Darryl Matthews, Tarrell Jester, Jacarlin Dennis and Amanuel Mcdowell. As well as Jaden Echols on defense.
Some big games dot the schedule for the Bears. We asked Coach Andrews if any of them were circled on the schedule, outside of region play.
“Of course our opening game against our in town rival Spalding is circled. Very next week we play Clay-Chalkville the #3 ranked team in 6A in Alabama at Lakewood Stadium in Atlanta. This will be our first time in history playing a team from a different state.,” he said.
Coach Andrews didn’t define success for this season in terms of wins and losses. He kept it simple and simply said, “Do your best.”
