Perhaps no coach in the county is sitting on a hotter seat right now than Fayette County’s Tommy Webb.

In five seasons as Fayette’s coach, Webb hasn’t won more than two games in a single season. And Fayette hasn’t made the playoffs since 1997.

This very well could be the season, though, that Webb turns the program around and has his team contending for a spot in the state playoffs. Experience, especially on the offensive side of the ball, could spark Fayette’s turnaround.

Nine starters return on offense, including two of the top players in the state: quarterback/cornerback Brandon “Bam Bam” Boykin (5-10, 170), who has committed to Georgia, and fullback/safety Matt Daniels (6-1, 190), who has committed to Duke. And six starters return on defense.

“We have some talent and leadership and the desire to win,” Webb said. “The kids also have a commitment to hard work. We’ve had some great practices during the offseason, and the coaching staff is excited about our kids.

“I know what this year means. I have to win some football games. I don’t feel any pressure, though. Pressure is what you put in tires.”

Webb’s confidence stems, in part, from having Boykin back to lead Fayette’s multiple Wing-T offense.

Boykin is perhaps the top big-play threat in the region. He has a decent arm, but it’s his blazing speed — he runs a 4.3-second 40-yard dash — vision and elusiveness with the ball in his hands that scare opponents.

“Brandon is just a great athlete,” Webb said. “He has the ability to use his game-breaking speed to make plays. He has also improved as a passer.”

Webb plans on moving the versatile Boykin all over the field, inserting him at wide receiver and running back, so that means Boykin’s backup, Andrew Prosser (6-1, 165), will see significant action.

“Andrew’s ability to play allows us to use Boykin elsewhere,” Webb said. “Andrew gives us stability. He knows the offense and is efficient.”

Boykin isn’t the only dangerous running threat for Fayette. Daniels is fast — he runs a 4.4-second 40-yard dash — and has great vision and change-of-direction skills. His strength and power also make him a load to tackle.

“Matt gives us a threat to go the distance on every play,” Webb said. “He’s fast, and he has enough strength to take the ball inside and give us hard yards. We feel real good with the ball in his hands.”

Cecil Level (5-9, 165) and Jonathan West (5-8, 155) both start along with Daniels in the backfield and provide balance and speed. Their backups, Cuincy Carruthers (5-11, 175) and Tim Pettaway (5-9, 165), give Fayette perhaps the deepest backfield in the region.

Boykin’s top targets at wide receiver are Terrow Davis (5-11, 175) and Tashawn Pettaway (5-9, 165). Neither has blazing speed, but both are possession-type receivers who run precise routes.

Another offense weapon for Fayette is tight end Barrack Little (6-3, 215). Little has the size, speed and sticky hands to be a major factor in the play-action passing game. He’s also versatile enough to spread out and play wide receiver.

“Barrack gives us a run-pass threat,” Webb said. “He’s a good blocker and a very good receiver.”
Since Little also will start at defensive end, Drew Burkett (6-0, 185) should get on the field quite often at tight end, as well.

If Fayette’s experienced offensive line keeps Boykin upright and opens holes for him and the team’s talented collection of running backs, the Tigers’ offense could be the most potent in the region.

Center Trey Carter (6-0, 200), a two-year starter, is the anchor of the offensive line. He’s a scrappy, smart player who can play in space.

Right guard Josh Parker (6-0, 201) and left guard Ricky Ford (6-1, 190) are both athletic and have good feet.

Jervai McConico (6-1, 205) plays the all-important left tackle position, and will be asked to protect Boykin’s blind side. Right tackle Marcel Pitts (6-2, 230) is the lone offensive lineman who isn’t a returning starter.

The success of Fayette’s 3-3-5 defense will depend largely on the play of the team’s defensive line: nose tackle Travis Mihalik (6-2, 240) and defensive ends William Hood (6-1, 190) and Little.

Mihalik is a blue-collar, tough-nosed player who takes up space. Hood is the team’s fastest defensive lineman, and Little, a first-year starter on defense, is inexperienced, but he has the size and speed to make an impact.

Brian Ediomioya (6-0, 215), whose motor never stops, will spell Hood and Little.

“Our defensive linemen will be moving at all times,” Webb said. “We have some good speed at defensive end. But we have to be more consistent along the line.”

Middle linebacker Evan Reid (5-9, 185), weakside linebacker Marquis Dixon (6-0, 210) and strongside linebacker Parker work well as a unit. Each can track down the football.

Fayette’s defense features two more starting linebackers, both of whom are quick: Ed Bexley (5-11, 170) and Shemar Fletcher (6-0, 175).
Andre Columbus (5-10, 185) is Fayette’s top backup linebacker.

The same players who play in the Tigers’ offensive backfield play in the team’s defensive backfield, which is widely regarded as the best in the state.

“Our secondary is definitely one of our strengths,” Webb said. “We have a lot of talent back there. Our defensive backs give us the potential not to get beat deep.”

Boykin and Carruthers are one of the best cornerback duos in the state. Both have excellent athletic ability, explosive quickness and terrific footwork.

Boykin is arguably the top cornerback in the region. He’s an elite, lock-down cornerback who can cover a lot of ground.

Carruthers excels in zone coverage and loves contact. He’s drawing interest from a number of D-I schools.

Daniels patrols the deep third of the field as Fayette’s safety. He has the speed to make plays on the ball when it’s in the air and the toughness to come up and defend the run.

West, Tashawn Pettaway and Tim Pettaway also will receive significant playing time in the defensive backfield.

Luis Martinez will handle all kicking duties. This will be his first year playing on varsity. He has a strong, accurate leg up to 45 yards on field goals.

Fayette’s schedule features Stockbridge, two teams from Clayton County, Mt. Zion and Jonesboro, and opponents from the always-difficult Region 2-AAAA.

Webb said he doesn’t focus on his opponents; he concentrates on preparing his own team and aiming for the state playoffs.

“I’m not concerned about our opponents; I’m concerned about us,” Webb said. “We play a very competitive schedule. I just take one game at a time.

“Our motto is the state playoffs. That’s our goal.”

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