|
Anyone wondering
onto the Red Level practice field to watch the Tigers prepare for
the 2010 season would never know the team had a combined 5-25 record
over the previous three season. The team has grown in numbers
and in intensity during the offseason and a few coaching moves put
the Tigers in a great position to be the surprise team of Covington
County for the new season.
There are 38 players on the field
for Red Level with nearly half of those being seniors.
"We have a really talented group of players, but we need to stay
healthy," said head coach Tony Ingram. "There are a lot of
players who have put forth a lot of effort over the past three years
and if they commit to what they've learned - it should payoff for
them."
|
|
Ingram has also seen changes stepping in last season as head coach
after a 12-year stint as an assistant and his coaching staff this
year has changed up with four assistant coaches.
Allen Catrett, Heath Watkins, Tyler Ingram and Randy McGlaun join
Ingram on the sideline that could prove an exciting year for the
staff. Ingram's second season as head coach will also see an entire
new schedule of teams as the Tigers move from 2A region 1 into
region 2.
|
|
Red Level moves away from what many call the toughest region in 2A.
Since 1998 the 2A State Title has been a region 1 representative
seven times. Leroy, Southern Choctaw, Flomaton, and Excel in
2A region 1 disappear from the schedule and Samson, Calhoun, and
Goshen appear in 2A region 2. "It will be a change in the
travel schedule for Red Level fans," said Ingram.. "We may
lose Leroy and Southern Choctaw, but we pick up Elba, New Brockton
and Highland Home," as he addresses some of the teams the Tigers
will face this season Ingram isn't sure the move will be easy.
Elba finished last season with one loss and were shocked by
Washington County in the second round of the playoffs, 14-35.
The Tigers face Elba in week 9 on the road after a grueling
scheduled that includes their opening week contest hosting 1A #3
Brantley.
"We should know in week one where we are as a team," said Ingram of
his schedule with one of the dominate teams in the State.
Brantley is the defending 1A State Champ and a top pick to return to
the title game. The Tigers - could themselves return to the
playoff picture during the 2010 season - a place that has eluded Red
Level for the past three seasons. Red Level's last trip to the
playoffs, 2006 (8-5). The winner of the State Championship
that year - region 1, Leroy.
|
