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Sports

Shiloh Looks to Rebound From 1-9 Season

In taking over the reins of Shiloh's football program, first-year Coach Brian Montgomery faces one of the toughest rebuilding tasks in Georgia high school football with no returning starters.

Coach Brian Montgomery moves over from North Atlanta High School to , where he faces one of the most challenging jobs in Georgia high school football -- rebuilding a 1-9 team that has no starters returning while installing brand new offensive and defensive schemes.

And, oh by the way, Montgomery will have to do all that in one of the state's toughest regions, 8-AAAAA where winning is expected and state championships are frequent.

For a coach, who has such a difficult road ahead, Montgomery is pretty upbeat.

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"I won't know how good we can do until they hit the field, but I think we can have a real good season," he said recently.

Stacey Butts, president of Shiloh Touchdown Club, Inc., said she has confidence in Montgomery.

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"Our players are in a much better mental and physical state than ever before," she said. "We are excited to have Coach Montgomery and his staff; they are dedicated to our program and have implemented many attributes of a winning program since spring."

Counting the jayvee team, Montgomery said he had more than 150 players try out in the off season. Hopefully, there is quality in numbers.

Montgomery was very high on his offensive line, saying, "this may be the best line I've had since I started coaching."

The projected starters on the offensive front include seniors Rolanzo Bruce (6'3, 265), Marquis Shelton (6'2,240), Kyle Hill (5'10, 205) and Tyler Claytor (6'4, 275), a manchild who comes from a good bloodline. His older brother is a lineman at Georgia Tech.

The Generals will run a two-back spread offense with junior DeVante James (6'3, 180), a dual threat, at quarterback. "He can beat you with his arm or his feet," Montgomery said.

The running backs are Deshan Taylor (6'1, 185) and Fred Mooring (6-2, 240) a good combination of speed and brute force.

Montgomery said all positions on the defense are up for grabs, but he expects the defense to be much improved and, he adds, the secondary will be one of the best in the region.

It will have to be for Shiloh to improve on last year's 1-9 record.

"I expect their hard work and dedication to present itself on the field," Butts, the touchdown club parent said. "Our Generals are ready to hit the field and claim their spot at the top of the toughest football conference in the state - region 8AAAAA.

"It may not happen over night, but we are in position and ready, the Shiloh Nation is ready."

The Shiloh Generals take on Newton County at 7:30 p.m. today, August 26, at home.

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