Goshen must replace key components
Published 8:34 pm Tuesday, August 7, 2012
GOSHEN – Goshen head coach Bart Snyder will be busy for the next few weeks.
Like every high school coach, Snyder is looking to fill voids on the depth chart left by graduation. Snyder is also doing it with mostly a new coaching staff.
The Eagles advanced to the second round of the playoffs last season, falling to Flomaton.
With the loss of a four-year starter at both quarterback in Jerome Lawrence and running back Reginald Foster, Goshen will look to replace some key components before its Aug. 30 opener against Pike County.
“We thought we were sitting pretty good at our quarterback position,” Snyder said. “Some things came up so now we’re working four different guys in there. We have some kids that can play running back. They have some work to do but they have real positive attitudes.”
Though the Eagles may be shuffling some guys around, Snyder said all are excited to be back on the field after a grueling off season workout program.
“I’ve been really pleased with the turnout we had this summer,” Snyder said. “They’re happy to get back out here with helmets on.”
Defensively, Snyder says the linebacking corp has stood as the unit’s strong point.
“We’re replacing our entire defensive line so we moved some guys around to sure up the linebacking position,” Snyder said. “The main thing we lost was coaches. Players have to get comfortable with coaches and what they expect.”
Goshen will have coordinators on both sides of the ball this season. Offensive coordinator John Williford left to join the staff at Daleville High School while defensive coordinator Pate Harrison accepted the head coaching position at Dale County High School.
Replacing them will be former Tate High School (Pensacola, FL) head coach Ed Rigby and Johnny Mitchell.
Rigby, the husband of new Troy women’s basketball head coach Chandra Rigby, will handle the offense while Mitchell, who will also serve as Goshen’s basketball coach, will run the defense.
Rodney Jordan, a native of Goshen who played football at Troy from 1999-2002, also joins the staff and will coach offensive and defensive linemen.
“We’re excited about the staff we’ve been able to put together,” Snyder said. “There will be an adjustment period but the kids are doing a great job of listening and taking in everything they need to know