The Shiloh Generals have seen a lot of turnover at head coach over the past few seasons as former North Gwinnett assistant Troy Hobbs is the third coach in as many seasons. Hobbs has his team off to the best start since 1991 and he’s done it with defense. The Shiloh defense has allowed a total of 20 points in the team’s first three games, and Hobbs is hoping to lead the Generals to their first winning record since 2003. The Generals fell 31-0 to South Gwinnett last week.
Austin Exford has been one of the catalysts thus far for the defense. The junior safety returned one interception for a score and blocked a punt for a score against Berkmar. Keith Thicklin, Amari Newsome, Stefan Delva and Austin Lang can also high heat from the defensive attack.
Quarterback Devante James and receiver Cam Stewart offer quite a look in Hobbs’ new offense, similar to what Hobbs coached while at North Gwinnett. The two have found a connection early on this season, though James has also found success with Grant Swinton and Paul Martin. Deshon Taylor is a capable back.
Grayson is still trying to make amends for dropping a 22-7 road game to Parkview on Sept. 14. The defending Class AAAAA champions were ranked by several services as No. 1 nationally, but now the Rams will need to refocus on winning the first GHSA Class AAAAAA title. Grayson seemed to get back on track last Friday night against Dacula, taking out the Falcons 45-7. All discussions of the Rams begin with the nation’s top recruit Robert Nkemdiche, who finished the Dacula game with a pair of sacks. Nkemdiche has also found success on the ground as a running back, but Wayne Gallman is the real threat out of the Grayson backfield. The future Clemson Tiger has great burst and must be locked down for the Generals to escape with a victory. David McTier will also need to be able to throw with some success in the opportunities granted by head coach Mickey Conn.
Defensively, Grayson has a championship-caliber defense even without Nkemdiche. Defensive back David Kamara (Clemson), defensive end Zachary Barnes (Tennessee), lineman Jack Banda (Arizona), Ryan Carter and Kasey Gaines (Penn State) are all studs for Conn’s defense.
Conn should have his team ready to go back on the road in an important Region 8-AAAAAA game while the excitement is sure to be at a fever pitch at Shiloh Community Stadium as Shiloh looks for yet another region victory.
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