Football life at South Garland has been less than ideal the for the past couple of years as opponents have found themselves routinely tallying a mark in the win column against the Colonels. 2012 was the last time South Garland was able to produce a winning record and has been a long growing process to date.
Despite the restructuring of a program that has won only three games in four seasons and went 0-10 this past season, the light at the end of the tunnel is beginning to shimmer a bit more as second-year head coach Josh Ragsdale continues implementing his blueprint to create South Garland into a team that rises from the bottom of District 10-6A.
With some patience and grit, South Garland will head into 2017 looking to win in small aspects of the game that will hopefully in turn lead to winning in bigger moments and improving in increments.
Key Losses
WR BJ Matthews, DL TJ Williams
South Garland will be losing arguably its two most standout players from each side of the ball in Matthews and Williams. Both were exceptional athletes that had their talent recognized as they garnered season accolades.
Key Returners
RB Jalynn Sidney, LB DJ Williams, QB Caleb Dabney
Sidney will be returning after running for 970 yards and six touchdowns and hauling in one touchdown reception. No doubt that Sidney will be a viable option in the run game to assist quarterback Caleb Dabney who threw for 1,013 yards and 11 touchdowns. DJ Williams will look to elevate his game after having an exceptional sophomore year.
Verdict
While South Garland still has a long way to go, there should be some visible improvements with this team as the first year in any coaching change will come with its bumps and bruises. South Garland may not immediately propel itself into the playoff picture but they will be able to improve each day and take the small victories as they will eventually come to fruition as wins for a team that has been down on its luck for far too long. South Garland will no doubt be ready to start anew in 2017.
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