The school year has officially kicked off, meaning Friday-night lights are just around the corner.
After a successful 2024 season, Morgan County is anticipating its return to Bill Corry Stadium, where the ‘Dogs remained undefeated last season before finishing 11-2 overall.
The 2024 season ended for MCHS with a 49-40 loss to Rockmart in the third round of Class 2A playoffs. The game marked the Dogs’ first quarterfinal appearance since 1990.
Entering his fifth year leading the program, Morgan County head coach Clint Jenkins said he is proud of his players’ efforts last season but is now focused on the coming months.
“[Last year] was the first time [MCHS had] won 11 games since like 1962 or ‘64,” Jenkins said. “Anytime you get to the quarterfinals, that doesn’t just happen. I’m proud of last year, but now that’s last year.”
Over the summer, the Dogs prepared for the upcoming season with 8 a.m. practices four days a week, along with various workouts and two padded camps.
The beginning of the season, therefore, requires extensive preparations, and the team is now adjusting “to get in the right mindset."
“For us, [during summer] we’re four days a week, we’re lifting weights, we’re running, we’re doing seven on seven, so there’s definitely a lot that goes into getting ready,” Jenkins said. “So, a lot of prep always goes into this, and [the season] just seems to come faster and faster every year.”
The Dogs’ 2024 roster included a large junior class, with many returning for their final season of high school football. Multiple players on both offense and defense have received various college offers from numerous schools throughout the country, too.
After running practices all summer, Jenkins believes his team has shown “many strong points” in performance. He noted the offensive line represents an integral part of the game, and MCHS benefits from many of the players being veterans.
“I think it starts with our offensive line, and we’ve got everybody back, so there’s a really good group of guys who have played a lot of football for us,” Jenkins said. “Offensively, just having more guys back on that side of the ball, that’s a strong point for us.”
Morgan County senior quarterback Davis Strickland will return for another season, too, alongside wide receivers Makai Owens and Ty Tillery, and running back Christian Monfort.
Strickland threw for 3,164 yards in 2024, ranking No. 8 in the state for most passing yards, including 40 touchdown passes. Not surprisingly, Jenkins remains confident in his team’s passing game this season.
“[Strickland] was an All-State guy last year,” Jenkins said. “Having him back a year older, a year smarter, we’re expecting big things out of him.”
On the other side of the ball, Jenkins said he believes the Dogs’ defense has effectively shown strength in stopping the run.
“We’ve got some good run stoppers,” Jenkins stated. “I think our defensive front will be a year better, and what I’m talking about is our defensive line and our two inside backers, who are both really good players.”
Morgan’s defense also includes multiple contributors from last season, including senior linebackers Brody Jenkins, son of the head coach and an Army commit, as well as Jordan Gordon and Drew Ainslie.
Despite multiple areas in which the players have improved during the offseason, Jenkins believes there still remain areas that need work. He noted this season will bring a bigger challenge, and that Morgan “won’t sneak up on anybody” this season.
For a successful 2025, Jenkins hopes to see an improvement in his team’s ground game, which he said establishes its passing game. Overall, though, he believes the outcome will boil down to discipline, physical toughness, and mindset.
“We’re talking a lot about mindset right now with our guys,” Jenkins said. “Just because we won 11 games last season means zero going into this year, and we can’t have the mindset that we’re just going to show up and beat people.”
Overall, Jenkins said he is excited for another season at Morgan County and finds this upcoming season more meaningful because it will be his last time coaching his son. He appreciates the chance to be part of “a short but meaningful part” of each of his players’ lives.
“I just love the fall and the Friday-night lights. I just think it’s a real special time for these guys,” Jenkins said. “And to be able to coach my son for the last four years, it’s been extraordinary.”