With Tripp Nix leaving the team just four years after J Ben Haynes, the Warriors lost their second consecutive four-year starting quarterback. There is competition for that position, and the defense has to replace nearly every starter in addition to bringing in a new coach and system. Nevertheless, the Warriors are aiming for a speedy turnaround and have some good skill position players back.
Chad Bennett, head coach (4th season)3–7 in 2024; no playoffs
According to states coach Chad Bennett, the standards are still the same. Every week, go 1-0. Get into the playoffs. Take home a regional title. Make it to the playoffs.
2025 SCHEDULE WHITE COUNTY
Personnel & Schemes
Tripp Nix, Tyler Autry, Bryce Dockery, and Cade Dockery are the main departing members.
Six on offense and two on defense are returning starters.
Key Players Returning: Reid Penrose (transfer from Savannah Christian), Zach Godfrey, Gaines Clark, Alex Freeman, and Noel Lammers
Emerging Players: Zach Godfrey (JR S/WR), John Jarrard (FR CB/WR), Jack Clark (FR S/WR/RB), Reid Penrose (SR LB/TE; transfer from Savannah Christian)
Spread is the offense.SR Currently vying for the starting position at quarterback are Alex Freeman and SO Brinn Robinson. SR In the backfield, JR Savion Anderson and Noel Lammers will share the rock. Zach Godfrey and Junoirs Gaines Clark will be the preferred choices at wide receiver.
Defense: Several 3–4SRs Branson Smith and Austin Garrett, along with JR Josiah Williams, will spearhead the D-line. SR Easton Drew, SR Matt Turner, SR Reid Penrose, JR Casey Crane, SR Noel Lammers, and JR James Hart are all part of the LB group. JRs Kody Tuhey, Zach Godfrey, Gaines Clark, and Savion Anderson will staff the secondary.
Trenches: “On the offensive line, we have three starters coming back,” Bennett continues. To lead the offensive line, JR JBo Kastner returns along with seniors Austin Garret and Matt Turner. The two offensive line spots are up for grabs amongst SO Brayden Shubert, JR Mikey Moreno, SR Jackson Burford, SO Maxx Medley, and Branson Smith. All three of last year’s starters as well as our main backup will be replaced 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 are the defensive linemen we anticipate contributing and creating plays this season.
Strengths & Areas of Focus
Strengths: Despite the fact that we will be replacing nine defensive players, I think our defense has a chance to be our team’s strongest point. Bennett says. A new defensive scheme has been successfully implemented by our new defensive coordinator, Zach Grace, and a number of new defensive coaches. On the defensive line, we have six to eight men covering. I think our initial set of defensive backs is great, and we have three or four players who can play inside linebacker.
Focusing On: According to Bennett, the goal going into this season is to prepare players for competition when 22 seniors graduate. In order to provide our guys with the best opportunity to get first downs and touchdowns this season, we have been attempting to identify our identity and what we need to look like offensively. Installing a new defense and comprehending every component of the system have been our defensive priorities. We have started assembling our special teams and swapping out our kicker and punter from the previous campaign as July approaches.
