Irwin County begins its summer training with lessons on not just how to become a better football team, but also on how to become better leaders. Coach Jon Lindsey has allotted classroom time for his athletes this summer so they are not only physically in shape, but mentally fit as well.
The Indians had records of 2-8 in 2010 and 3-7 in 2011, Lindsey’s first year. Last year, they went 7-3 before a loss in the playoffs. “We had a lot of freshmen start for us in the 2011 season and we had a lot of close games,” said Lindsey. “We had the big win against Clinch County who was ranked top 10 in the state. That was a big win for us that year.”
With the cloud of losing seasons in the past, the Indians made the playoffs last year. They now look for more success in 2013.
“Maturity and growing up will be a major factor this season,” said Lindsey. “We were young last year still. We played a lot of sophomores and juniors and it took some time to get their confidence up.”
With having a young team you have the opportunity for growth. Growth in more ways than one. “Our weight program has improved,” said Lindsey. “We are getting stronger and that has been the biggest part of the corner stone of our program, our offseason strength and conditioning program.”
The Indians think about their yearly clash with their archrival for motivation during the offseason programs.
“Our biggest rival is definitely Wilcox County, the region champs,” said Lindsey. “We have some great rivalries. This game was a great one for us last year. It was a close one!” Wilcox won 28-21 last year.
Despite the importance of the Wilcox rivalry, each game this fall will be important for the Indians.
“They are all important to us for where we are right now.” Defeating region opponents will seal a spot for them in the playoffs and give the young team the experience and confidence it needs to continue the tradition Lindsey is instilling in the program.
Even though the Indians lost three of their leaders in K.J. Billingsly, Taylor Hughes and Clay Paulk, Irwin County will bring back seven offensive players and seven defensive players for the next season. RB/DB Ryan Peterson and LB Antuane Merritt, both seniors, have each received looks from college programs. They will be counted on to lead the team this season.
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