When you go 0-10, the only place you can go is up.

The McIntosh Chiefs did not have a good season last year and the entire coaching staff and roster of players is hoping to put that memory far out of their minds this year.

“We had more camp time this year, but we’ve been battling the weather lately,” said head coach Dwight Jones, entering his second year at the helm of the McIntosh program. “The guys have been working hard to get better and I think we are a better football team this year.”

There are obvious differences between last year and this year and everyone involved with the program is hoping for different results. One major difference is that the players now know Jones and his coaching staff better and vice versa. Jones also believes that the team has benefitted from more camp time and the work his team put in the offseason.

McIntosh has also moved two coaches to heading up the ninth grade program, something Jones sees as important in developing the program.
“Booth is our feeder program and we want to keep these kids together, working during the season and in the offseason and hopefully developing a winning attitude,” Jones said.

Players working in the same system together for their middle school and high school football careers can help build a solid foundation for the program.

The Chiefs return 11 seniors this season and several stand out to Jones as team leaders.
“Nick Popiel played on both sides of the ball and practically every snap last season, “ said Jones, also mentioning Jonathan “Tank” Smith, Matt Miller and Matt Carroll as players who help lead their teammates.

Due to several injuries last year a number of younger players got significant playing time and their return gives McIntosh some experience that could help , though a number of sophomores are expected to get some playing time and learn as they go this year.

“Our offense has the capability to be better this year,” said Jones, who recalled that his team only scored a total of five points in the first three games of last season. “We have to be better.”

McIntosh returns both quarterbacks this season, seniors Jeff Prather and Ben Sims, as well as tight end Nick Wilson, and linemen Smith and Carroll. Sophomore Taylor Peterson will start at left tackle and Taylor Peaden will see significant playing time on the line as well.
Sharing duties running the ball will be Kenny Thomson, Dayon Epps, Qua Mack and Bradley Larson, while Popiel will play the fullback position.

“A lot of our guys play on both sides of the ball, so we need people to step up and give these guys some rest when they can get it,” Jones said.

One significant change the offense has this year is David Dowse serving as the team’s quarterbacks coach.

“That kind of attention is a big plus for our quarterbacks,” stated Jones, who added that he hoped to kep opponents off balance with an attack that could throw the ball when they wanted to instead of when they had to.
The defense returns some players but Jones is hoping to see his team run to the ball better and give up less big plays.

Joining Popiel and Carroll as defensive ends will be Kevin Dietze and Moroni De Moors, while Miller, Peaden and Smith will serve as defensive tackles alongside Shawn Coyne. Playing linebacker for the Chiefs this year will be Andrew Graham, Nick Nelson, Gavin Carson and Rickey Oskey. Thompson and Sims will play free safety, while Larsen and Epps will play at cornerback, as will Wolfe and Scott Taulbee.
Matt Mateos will kick extra points and field goals for McIntosh, while Thompson will punt. Michael White and Mateos are battling for kickoff duties.

“The kids are excited,” said Jones. “They have worked hard to become better. They got stronger in the offseason and they are committed to playing the game right.”

It isn’t an easy schedule with Sandy Creek and East Coweta in the first two weeks and a region schedule that is filled with teams who have Division I prospects, but the Chiefs are looking forward to Friday nights.

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