‘Fueled’ by past, Raiders attack spring practice

As Habersham Football continues working through spring practice, there’s an unspoken uncomfortability throughout the locker room. Last year’s team left much to be desired as evidenced by its 3-7 final record. It’s oftentimes true that one must leave the past behind in an effort to wipe clean the slate of past shortcomings, but according to Raiders coach Benji Harrison, the Raiders are doing just the opposite.

“Frankly a lot of our guys, particularly these upcoming seniors, aren’t too happy about how last year went,” Harrison said. “They’re using that as fuel to work harder and rebound stronger.”

Given there’s 24 in the rising senior class, central will have the opportunity to further develop existing talent. “We’re certainly not yet where we need or want to be,” Harrison said. “That’s sort of what you expect in Spring, to address questions we entered the offseason with.”

Many of those questions involve who will be stepping up into leadership roles for the Raiders. quarterback Carson Parker, wide receiver Zeke Whittington, as well as two-way guys like Carter Barrett and Somdee Satiphone will all bring familiarity to the locker room. Even so, Harrison insists the door is wide open for guys willing to pilot the program into its latest era.

With the new campaign in its infancy, the Raiders head ball coach says a couple names have already emerged from the pack: the aforementioned Barrett and Brayden Hensley. “To me, those guys have done a wonderful job setting the precedent for the rest of the team regarding how practice is gonna go,” Harrison said. “Those two, along with a few more of the older guys, really bring it each and every day.”

The Raiders will line up against someone different Friday, May 19, in a spring scrimmage against Hart County. The game will serve as an opportunity for Habersham to see where it stands heading into the dog days of summer.

Whittington receives offer from Broncos

Whittington received a Division I offer from Western Michigan University. The Broncos of WMU, based in Kalamazoo, Mich., compete in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).

WMU’s wide receivers coach is Stone Mountain native and Parkview High School (Lilburn) alum Jordan Reid. Whittington says that local connection acted as an ally in the recruitment process.

“Coach Reid being from around this area and having connections with a lot of the same guys I train with really helped,” Whittington said.

Still just a sophomore, albeit for only a couple more weeks, Whittington is approaching what is widely considered the most important season of high school football from the recruiting perspective. Given his youth, work ethic and gaudy statistics, it’s unlikely the offer will be Whittington’s last.