Coach’s Corner
Coach Robert Akins
Coach’s CornerQ: How would you characterize this year’s team?
A: Hardworking! The 2016 Tigers have a strong work ethic!
Q: What will be the keys to your success?
A: Developing young talent and continuing to strengthen the leadership skills of our upperclassmen.
Q: Who will be your key leaders on the team?
A: Bucky Williams (Jr., OL/DL), Dee King (Sr., RB), and Cole Kibler (So., QB).
Q: What are your biggest reasons for optimism?
A: Solid talent and a superb work ethic.
Q: What will keep you up at night?
A: The need to develop quality depth, ball security issues, and every coach’s fear – injuries in key positions.
Q: What can you build on from last year?
A: This year, the team needs to finish the close games and develop strong leadership.
Q: Any lessons learned from last year?
A: The coaches and I learned that leadership isn’t always an “age thing.” Leadership can emerge from any player, regardless of age and experience.
Q: Will we see anything different this year?
A: People won’t see a drastic change in what we do, but there’s always the potential for surprises.
Q: How would you characterize your team’s speed?
A: The 2016 Tigers will place speed on the field. We have some skilled offensive players who can really move, and both lines are blessed with quickness and speed.
Coach’s View
The Ringgold coaching staff and I recognize that we have a challenging schedule. The 2016 Tigers are excited to prove themselves on the field of play. Opening with 6-AAAA opponents Heritage and Northwest Whitfield provides us with the opportunity to improve and enter region play ‘‘battle hardened.” If the young talent continues to develop, established starters improve, strong leaders emerge, and the team remains healthy, then the sky’s the limit for Ringgold’s 82nd year of football.
Photos by April Brooks and Tony Smith
Bucky Williams and Sam Kennedy
Andre Tarver
Cole Kibler
Joey Collins
Dee King
Mac Brower
Ty Jones
