Even without playing a regular season snap yet, Chatham Central football is already off to a much better start than 2023.
Last year, the Bears only had eight players coming out to practices, less than a month before the season. Around the same time this year, the Bears have seen triple that amount on the field.
“It’s exciting,” Chatham Central football head coach Derrin Little said. “I don’t think Chatham Central football has ever brought any type of excitement, just to tell the truth. That’s a history and tradition that everybody knows and just to see that we’re breaking away from that and starting the change the culture there, that’s the most exciting thing for me.”
The Bears are entering a new era in 2024 and hope the transfer the heightened buzz to more wins this season.
Last Year
The Bears came close to starting last year off with a win, falling to North Stokes after four overtimes in the season opener. However, as a small team with limited football experience and a first-year head coach in Little, the season didn’t get any easier.
Although the team did show improvements throughout the year, Chatham Central just couldn’t pull out a win, even in the close ones against Jordan-Matthews and Graham. The Bears still made the playoffs despite its 0-10 record, showing improvement with their hard fought 28-0 loss to North Moore in the first round just one week after falling to the Mustangs, 42-8.
Changes and Newcomers
Chatham Central brought in Jordan-Matthews transfers Nick Glover and Brennen Oldham this offseason who will provide boosts to the Bears’ athleticism and size.
After being one of the Jets’ most dangerous offensive weapons in 2023, Glover, a junior, will play at receiver and safety for the Bears, adding another threat to a receiving corps highlighted by Luke Gaines.
“I think it’s safe to say that with Nick, he has the potential to be the best football player in the county,” Little said.
Oldham hasn’t played football in a long time, but the senior has impressed so far in practices with his energy and physicality at the defensive end position. He’ll be crucial for freeing up returning defensive lineman Stephen Silhan Jr who saw plenty of double teams last year.
The Bears are also coming into 2024 with a new freshman quarterback in Reed Douglas who Little said has the “keys to the kingdom.” Little, who played quarterback in college, has helped Douglas develop in the role which he may hold for years to come.
“He’s helped me with all the stuff,” Douglas said. “He makes the playbook easy to learn.”
Chatham Central will also have some new faces on its offensive line that look to help protect its freshman quarterback this year.
There are new additions to the coaching staff, too, including Jacob Tedder (defensive coordinator), Trevon Tapp (special teams/safeties) and Duane Bland (defensive backs).
Players to watch
Of course, Glover and Oldham will bring interest to see how the standout receiver and local basketball star will make the Bears better in 2024.
Yet, there’s still other players on the roster that can have huge impacts.
Senior receiver Luke Gaines should be in for a big season as Glover and other offensive packages utilizing the Bears’ size in the passing game should take attention away from him. In fact, Chatham Central has already seen it happen in its summer 7-on-7 games.
“Luke didn’t see a single double team all summer,” Little said. “You can’t double team him anymore just because if you’re going to double team him, then you’re just leaving two valuable options.”
The Bears will also have senior Ben Wilson, an addition from the baseball team who has the size and athleticism to give Douglas another tall target at tight end and make a defensive impact at inside linebacker.
Silhan should have a big year in the trenches on both sides of the ball, too, as he’ll continue his role as a leader and have less pressure on the defensive line with other pieces helping out.
Outlook
Although there’s many new and exciting developments with the Bears coming into this season, including wins against tougher competition in its 7-on-7 season, they’re still on a losing streak heading into 2024.
Before there’s talk of a winning season and possibly making the playoffs, Little emphasized that the goal remains at just finishing games in the hopes that one win can turn into more.
Still in the process of building the program up, Chatham Central still may not have the prettiest record this year, but it should have a better product and possibly more victories than it has had in the past.
