SPARTANS HOPE SKILL PLAYERS, SPEED LEAD TO SUCCESS IN 7-3A

BY BILL MURPHY bmurphy@gainesvilletimes.com

For West Hall to get over the hump and back into the postseason for the first time since 2017, it’s going to rely on a veteran group in the trenches and some playmakers with sky-high potential to get the job done this year.

After going 4-6 in back-to-back seasons, the Spartans are blessed with substantial returning experience and talent on the offensive line.

And, in a competitive Region 7-3A, the Spartans will also need to develop some depth behind three-year starter Tito Hernandez, at center, and AJ O’Bryant, Sam Pettit and Bryce Reed rounding out an offensive line with ample varsity experience. For the next two years, West Hall will be battling against White County, Lumpkin County, Dawson County, Gilmer, Pickens and private-school powerhouse Wesleyan for one of the top four spots in Region 7-3A to the postseason. So far, West Hall coach Krofton Montgomery likes the direction of his program in 2022, even though a lot is still left to be determined.

On the field, senior Andrew Malin is the leader as a four-year starter at tight end and outside linebacker for the Spartans.

“I feel like we’ve gotten a lot better since the spring,” Montgomery said. “We have a lot of blue-collar kids who work extremely hard.”

At quarterback, West Hall is deciding between freshman Brett Sturm and Zach Stephens. Both have different strengths, Montgomery said. He’s not ruled out the possibility of rotating between the two signal callers during the regular season.

The running back position is settled with Malik Richardson in line to get most of the carries. After battling injuries in 2021, the 5-foot-9, 210-pound former defender has the ability to take it the distance.

“He’s a game-breaking of type running back,” Montgomery said.

Freshman Zack Wagner will do the dirty work as blocking back.

Senior speedster Jaylen Fagan, who is in his first year playing football with the program, will also be a big part of the Spartans’ offense. After moving in from Texas last spring, Fagan was a state-placer in multiple events in track and field.

“He’s electric as an athlete,” Montgomery said. “He’s one of the fastest kids we’ve had.”

Along with Malin, wide receivers Ethan Clifford and Quintavious Reed will get most of the looks in the passing game for the Spartans.

Up front on defense, Montgomery also feels good about his starting unit even though it lacks in depth.

At nose tackle, West Hall will start 305-pounder Travion McDowell, who is more than capable of causing havoc.

Bryson Grindle and Riley Packard are West Hall’s top two at defensive end. West Hall’s coach has lots of confidence in their abilities.

“Those two at defensive end look the part,” Montgomery said.

Starting inside linebackers will be Ryan McMillan and Brady Clark. Malin and Daniel Altamarino, a sophomore, will line up at outside linebacker.

In the secondary, Fagan, Clifford and Reed, among others, will see most of the playing time.

Fagan and Clifford will handle the bulk of the kick return and punt return work.

In kicking and punting, soccer standouts Junior Avila and Henry Ruiz will both be in the running.