By Damian Mitchell
Tribune Sports
Cougars preach Consistency for 2018
CLAY—As the 2018 season begins for the Clay-Chalkville Cougars, the expectations are high and obtainable. The word that head coach Drew Gilmer believes will be key is consistency.
“We’ve got the guys that could do something special this season and it’s going to come down to consistency.”
Coming off of an 11-2 season in his first stint as head coach of the Cougars in 2017, Gilmer believes that the leadership from his players will help with the consistency factor for the 2018 team.
Leadership and consistency will be a key role in the team’s success and leading the way will be third-year starting quarterback Willie Miller.
“Willie is the engine. As the quarterback you’re looked at as the leader of the team and I think that Willie has accepted that role and shown that he’s capable of leading the charge,” Gilmer said.
The numbers speak for themselves when it comes to Miller. In his two prior seasons as the starting quarterback he has thrown for 4,292 yards and 45 touchdowns.
His ability as a passer has been proven and with someone as athletic as Miller, you would think that he would like to show off his feet a little bit more but he is determined to just do what coach asks him to do.
“When the plays are called, I make any corrections and I go with it. It’s all about getting better for me, whether that’s getting better as a passer or a runner, I’m going to do what’s best for the team.” Miller said.
The Cougar offense has playmakers all over the field for Miller to throw to. Junior wide receivers Jamichael Thompson and Tristan Jones are expected to be key guys in the passing game.
Senior wide-receiver Logan Pruett is one of those guys that coach Gilmer expects to be a big time threat to opposing defenses as well.
“Logan is going to be a great player for us and his leadership is going to be key for all those younger receivers and for the team,” Gilmer said.
The running back position is one that will be an adjustment with seniors Courtney Braxton and Detoyrian Reeves who have not gotten as much playing time in prior seasons but coach Gilmer has no doubt they will be able to get it done.
“Those two guys are seniors and had great spring practices and I believe in those guys to get it done in the run game. Their numbers will be called on a lot more than they are used to but I have no doubt that they can get the job done,” Gilmer said.
On the defensive side of the ball, the defensive line will be anchored by senior defensive tackle and University of Alabama commit D.J Dale.
“He’s a great kid on and off the field. He’s done nothing but get better every single time he steps on the field,” Gilmer said.
The linebackers will include Alfred Thomas and Jack Jones. Both returning as seniors.
The secondary is the most experienced on the defense and coach Gilmer believes that they will carry the defense along.
Seniors Jaylin Mack Andru Ransaw lead the defensive backfield as they give opposing quarterback fits based on their abilities to disguise coverages and intercept passes seemingly out of nowhere. Mack has been known to lay some bone-crushing hits over his time at CCHS and is expected to continue the trend.
“Completing passes should be tough with those guys back there. I know they’re confident in their play and I am confident in them too,”Gilmer said.