By Marla Jones, Sports Editor
VALLEY HEAD, Ala. — The Valley Head Varsity Football Team has seen many changes in the last few years. In May, Coach Sam Graham resigned after one year at the helm of the team. Valley Head was without a coach until June 7, when the Dekalb County Board of Education approved Brain Knapp as the new head coach at Valley Head. After only three weeks, there is a feeling of excitement at Valley Head. Coach Knapp is already bringing new ideas and a new energy to the playing field.
This week, I went inside the huddle with the Tigers. While at Valley Head, I had the opportunity to see the team in action as they prepared for the 2016 season. When I pulled up to the football field, I could feel the electricity as the players were running the new plays that Coach Knapp has brought to the program.
The heat did not seem to slow the Tigers as they ran up and down the field. I was winded just watching them. I started looking for the Coach, but could not find him. It was not until he called out plays in his booming voice that I realized that he was filling in as quarterback, as the starting quarterback was at a basketball camp.
Knapp may be young, but displays a level of experience beyond his years. His coaching career spans twenty years, despite only looking to be twenty. As I shook his hand, I was still uncertain that he wasn't a player trying to fool me.
After a very intense workout on the field, the team then moved into the fieldhouse for a workout that would compare with college football teams. The team is working hard to prove that they will be a force to be reckoned with. The team interacted with Knapp as if they had played for him for years instead of just three short weeks.
I took note that Coach Knapp doesn’t mind getting into the trenches with the boys and show them exactly how it’s done. The sense of teamwork was strong as several older players encouraged the younger players to dig deeper as they worked out. The Valley Head Tigers have a “don’t quit” attitude. On each locker in the fieldhouse, a simple message is displayed which reads: “Whatever it takes.” This attitude and the feeling that they have something to prove will definitely help them this season.
The Tigers have the support of the community. Several fans showed up just to watch the boys practice. You can feel in the air that this is the season.
THE RECORD:
Valley Head finished the 2015 season with a 3-8 record and lost to Wadley High School in the first round of the state playoffs.
PREPARATION:
The summer workout schedule for the Tigers is Monday through Thursday, beginning at 4 p.m. Coach Knapp practices the Varsity and Junior Varsity together. Official practice with helmets and shoulder pads will begin the first week of August.
THE PLAYERS:
Valley Head has six returning seniors. The team boasts five returning defensive starters and five offensive starters for the 2016 season.
COACHES:
Coach Brian Knapp will start his first season with the Tigers. Previously, he was the head coach at Douglas High School where he was the winningest coach in school history. His father, Buddy, who is a member of the Georgia Coaches Hall of Fame will volunteer his time to help his son. Kyle Cochran will coach offensive and defensive Line. Matt Ogle will be the secondary and receivers coach, while Chuck Williams will coach the linebackers and running backs. Jerry Brown will assist with the defensive line.
SCHEDULE:
The Valley Head Tigers will start the 2016 season at home against Ider on August 26. They will then travel to Coosa Christian the following week. They will be back at home on September 9 as they face Jacksonville Christian Academy. The next Friday they will face-off against Spring Garden at home. Their off week on September 23 will be followed by traveling to Cedar Bluff on September 30 and then Gaylesville the following week. In the last two games, the Tigers will face Woodville and Collinsville in Valley Head to wrap up the season.
Valley Head has a tough schedule but an even tougher team. They have faced adversity and remained consistent. I look for them to do well this season and make a return to the state playoffs. They have the speed, dedication and determination to succeed.
Valley Head will definitely be a team to watch.definitely be a team to watch.
