The Skinny
The Marion County Eagles have qualified for post-season play in nine consecutive seasons. Coach Chris Kirksey is in his third season at Marion County and looks to continue the success that the Eagles have enjoyed. Coach Kirksey describes the biggest challenge that he and his staff faces coming into the new season.
“Always to develop as much depth as possible as the season goes,” Kirksey said.
The Eagles offense will certainly revolve around two of their leading skill position players, Trice McCannon and Travon Matthews. Matthews was a 2017 All-State Honorable Mention selection at running back. He rushed for over 1,500 yeards and 25 TDs. McCannon is another playmaker for the Eagles that can line up at WR, QB or in the backfield. McCannon was second on the team in rushing with almost 800 rushing yards and 6 TDs.
Last year’s starting QB transferred to Northside Columbus over the off-season, so the Eagles will be looking for a new starter in 2018.
Junior Garrett Sheffield appears to be the heir apparent. Sheffield saw limited action in 2017. Senior Josh Rogers, a Second Team All-Region selection at receiver, will be another tool that the Eagles offense can use while the new starting QB gets settled in to the position.
Defensively, the Eagles will look to a pair of junior linebackers for leadership this season. Both Kendrick Hawkins (52 total tackles) and Dayterious Chinn (81 total tackles) were in the top 6 on the team in tackles last season.
The Eagles also return First Team All-State Punter, Kevin Umanzer.
We asked Coach Kirksey if there were any games that were circled on the calender for his team.
He said, “Game 1 vs. Schley County”.
We asked Coach Kirksey how his team would define success this season.
Kirksey said, “(winning a) Region Title and a deep run in the playoffs.”
