Horseshoe Bend is getting ready for '08

By Chris Walsh | Dadeville Record

Published Wednesday, August 6, 2008

The Horseshoe Bend football team is gearing up for another run through one of the state’s toughest regions in 2A. After winning their spring game and succesful off-season workouts this past spring, head coach Jason Franklin is hoping they can keep it up.

“We’re just trying to keep going up tempo. That’s the main thing we’re preaching right now,” Franklin said. “We want them to go hard and fast every play.”

Entering his first season as the Generals’ head coach, Franklin is hoping he can keep the team motivated through the summer.

“The numbers are still real high and they’re working hard and getting better every day. That’s what we ask for,” Franklin said.

“But we need these next two weeks to see if the guys we expect to step up actually will.”

This year the Generals are returning a huge and talented group of seniors, but the real question is whether they can adapt to yet another offensive scheme.

“We’re really not filling any big holes from last year,” Franklin said. “We’re just trying to learn a new offense and defense.

“We are going to a more wide open, up-tempo style of offense. On defense we are going to be a lot more aggressive.”

Even though they still have three weeks until the season officially starts, the players and coaches alike are filled with anticipation of the new year.

“I’m already ready for it to get started. Friday night, when the lights come on, that’s what we play for,” said Franklin. “We’ve run out of things to do with just a helmet on.”