The Warriors lost a second straight 4-year starting QB with Tripp Nix heading out just four years after J Ben Haynes. A battle is taking place for that spot, and the defense brings in a new scheme and coordinator and must replace just about every starter. Still, there are some solid skill position players back and the Warriors are hoping for a quick reset.
Head Coach: Chad Bennett (4th Season)
2024 Record: 3-7; No Playoffs
“The expectations remain the same,” states coach Chad Bennett. “Go 1-0 every week. Make the playoffs. Win a region championship. Make a playoff run.”
2025 SCHEDULE – WHITE COUNTY
Personnel & Schemes
Key Departures: Tripp Nix, Tyler Autry, Bryce Dockery, Cade Dockery
Returning Starters: 6 on offense; 2 on defense
Key Returning Players: Noel Lammers, Alex Freeman, Gaines Clark, Zach Godfrey, Reid Penrose (transfer from Savannah Christian)
Up & Coming Players: Reid Penrose (SR LB/TE; move-in from Savannah Christian); Zach Godfrey (JR S/WR), John Jarrard (FR CB/WR), Jack Clark (FR S/WR/RB)
Offense: Spread
SR Alex Freeman and SO Brinn Robinson are duking it out at QB right now, still competing for the starting gig. SR Noel Lammers and JR Savion Anderson will share the rock in the backfield. Junoirs Gaines Clark and Zach Godfrey will be the go-to options at WR.
Defense: Multiple 3-4
The D-line will be anchored by JR Josiah Williams and SRs Branson Smith and Austin Garrett. The LB group features SR Easton Drew, SR Matt Turner, SR Reid Penrose, JR Casey Crane, SR Noel Lammers, and JR James Hart. The secondary will be manned by JRs Kody Tuhey, Zach Godfrey, Gaines Clark, and Savion Anderson.
Trenches: “We have three starters returning on the offensive line,” adds Bennett. “Seniors Austin Garret and Matt Turner as well as JR JBo Kastner return to anchor the offensive line. SO Brayden Shubert, JR Mikey Moreno, SR Jackson Burford, SO Maxx Medley, and Branson Smith are competing for the two openings on the offensive line. We will be replacing all three starters and our key backup from last year’s defensive line. We expect the following guys to contribute and be playmakers for us this year on the defensive line: JR Josiah Williams, JR Chris Nunnally, SO Zay Cheek, JR JBo Kastner, JR Mikey Moreno, JR Austin Garrett, and SR Branson Smith.”
Strengths & Areas of Focus
Strengths: “Although we will be replacing nine guys on defense, I believe that our defense has a chance to be the strength of our team,” sates Bennett. “We have a new defensive coordinator (Zac Grace) and several new defensive coaches that have come in and done a great job installing a new defensive system. We have 6-8 guys that are repping on the defensive line. We feel like we have 3-4 guys that can play inside linebacker and I really like our first group of defensive backs.”
Focusing On: “The focus heading into this season is getting players ready to play after graduating 22 seniors,” adds Bennett. “Offensively, we have been trying to find our identity and what we will need to look like this year to give our players the best chance to get first downs and touchdowns. Defensively, we have been focused on installing a new defense and understanding all the different parts of the system. As we have entered July, we have begun installing our special teams and replacing our kicker and punter from last season.”
