By Bob Sutton
Special to The Alamance News
Even with a new coach, Southern Alamance isn’t much interested in a lot of change for the 2024 season.
The program’s momentum has been steady if not soaring in recent years, and the Patriots intend to add to it.
“It’s not a rebuild,” coach Tony McCants said. “It’s a reload.”
The most-frequent question regarding McCants upon his arrival relates to the style of play.
Southern’s reputation was built on an offensive attack of almost exclusively running plays under former coach Fritz Hessenthaler. That approach demanded a straight-ahead, nothing-fancy brand.
“He’s not changing anything around,” senior tight end Riley Warren said.
The Patriots would like the same level of success after a 12-2 season that included an undefeated run through the Central 3-A Conference. That marked the most wins in school history with a playoff run described as the most memorable stretch for the school in about a half-century.
Yet the 2023 season doesn’t have to be a peak.
“We have a great group of guys,” said Kater Cornwell, a cornerback who also might line up at running back. “I feel like we can do it again. (McCants) is teaching discipline. I just like this team.”
Hessenthaler’s just-run-it philosophy mostly worked well and it made the Patriots unique. The success that came with it helped the Patriots produce a 29-9 record across the last three years.
Hessenthaler was fired last year during the opening week of the state playoffs for an off-field incident, a decision by school district administration that sparked controversy and protests from the Southern community. The Patriots went on to win their first three postseason games.
McCants is Southern’s sixth head coach in 19 years. The program also has had two interim coaches during that span.
McCants was hired during the winter from McMichael, a Rockingham County school. He said he understands what made the Patriots click and isn’t interested in messing much with the formula.
“The culture and identity we have,” McCants said. “We’re going to see how long we can ride this train.”
The Patriots want to be all aboard if it allows their recent winning percentage to be maintained or improved.
“It’s still the same base we had with Fritz,” said senior linebacker Drake Davis, who might add running back chores. “Always, it’s smash-mouth football. We’re still going to be run-heavy.”
The foundation for that rushing attack comes from the offensive line. Returnees up front include Jake Whitt, Jacob Asher, and Luke White.
The primary ball carriers will change from a season ago. Players such as Davis and Justin Donley are eager to see how they fill the roles.
Nathan McNeal likely begins the season at quarterback after potential starter Tustin Johnson suffered a non-football injury.
See separate story on the running back options for 2024 season:
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