The Caleb Sorrells experiment is over, as Lumpkin County moved on after a 3-27 tenure since 2019. Heath Webb comes in from Gainesville, and he brings with him a wealth of football knowledge and playoff experience. Lumpkin County has a lot to be excited about, as you’ll read. There is talent, experience, great coaching, and a schedule that puts the Indians in a great position to succeed this year.

Head Coach: Heath Webb, 1st season
2021 Record: 2-8; No Playoffs

The goal is always to make the playoffs, but Lumpkin has only been one time (2014) since 2004. A step in that direction and away from 2-4 win seasons is more than welcomed.

“Our goal is to be a playoff team,” states Webb.

2022 Schedule

AUG 12 @ BANKS COUNTY *Scrimmage

AUG 19 vs RIVERSIDE MILITARY ACADEMY

AUG 26 @ UNION COUNTY

SEP 2 vs FRANKLIN COUNTY

SEP 9 vs TEMPLE

SEP 16 BYE

SEP 23 vs PICKENS ^

SEP 30 @ WESLEYAN ^

OCT 7 @ GILMER ^

OCT 14 BYE

OCT 21 @ WHITE COUNTY ^

OCT 28 vs DAWSON COUNTY ^

NOV 4 vs WEST HALL ^

^REGION 7-AAA GAME

Personnel & Schemes

Key Departures: Ricky Hicks, AJ Reeves, Andrew Adams, Cam Simpson, Tucker Bagley

Key Returning Players: Cooper Scott, Will Wood, Cal Faulkner, Mason Sullens, Tavion Lawrence, Caleb Norrell, Dakota Bennett, Cameron Stringer, Preston Cox

The firepower on offense is all back. Scott is a 3-year starter at QB, and Wood, Sullens, and Lawrence all chewed up yardage in both the run game and in hauling in some passes. Faulkner emerged as a top receiver. There is a lot of experience here, unlike we’ve seen at Lumpkin County since the Zach Matthews days (in terms of production) or even the Taylor Guthrie/Ian McIntosh days in terms of a complete offense.

Up & Coming Players: Harper Davenport, Jay Grizzle

Davenport is a multi-sport athlete, and got his feet wet with solid reps at the varsity level last year. He’s a year improved in skill, metrics, and conceptual (wisdom of the game). He’s a guy to look out for.

“We have a lot of guys that have played a lot of football – they’re just a year older now,” says Webb. “For the first time in a long time, Lumpkin won’t have to rely on freshmen to contribute on Friday nights. A guy that I believe that will have a breakout year is senior LB Jay Grizzle.”

Offense: Multiple Spread. This is a talented group that will lean on Scott’s dual threat abilities. He will extend plays, and the defenses will have to be honest with that stable of running backs of Sullens, Lawrence, and Wood. Faulkner may be the first option at WR, and Harper Davenport will be a go-to guy as well.

Defense: Lawrence is a great linebacker and will again anchor the defense. Wood and Dakota Bennett will be other linebackers you hear a good deal about. Faulkner and Davenport, as well as Preston Cox will all be called on in the secondary to cover it all. Jay Grizzle will also be huge this year. Caleb Norrell also will be relied upon, as will NG Lane McColman.

Trenches: Talented, but new.

Rumor has it that the OL specifically have won several line events over the course of the summer. They don’t have to give much room for the rock-toting group of Will Wood, Mason Sullens, Tavion Lawrence, and Cal Faulkner. But their protection of Cooper Scott will be pivotal. Still, last year’s starting OL were all seniors. Those guys doubled on the DLine as well, so both lines are in the same position – potential but unproven.

Strengths & Areas of Focus

Strengths: Offense. Never before has Lumpkin had this many players with proven experience returned intact on the offensive side of the ball. Offense should be no concern for this group.

“The offensive backfield of QB Cooper Scott and RBs Mason Sullens & Will Wood are strengths,” says Webb. “I also think our LB core of Jay Grizzle, Preston Cox, Cameron Stringer, and Will Wood are very good.”

Focusing On: Line play. Again, the OL and DL were all seniors a year ago. That means a lot of guys have to learn and adjust on the fly. Rebuilding OL and DL which were hit hard by graduation.

GAME-BY-GAME & SEASON PREDICTIONS FOR LUMPKIN COUNTY