The Greene County football program has stayed active this offseason in preparation for the 2023 football season, both on and off the field.
The Tigers have traveled all across the southeast, participating in 7-on-7 camps, organized team activities, and other events, where they have been able to test their skills.
Not only have they put some miles on the bus, but the team has also put in countless hours of work in Tiger Stadium.
GCHS second-year head coach Terrance Banks has been able to watch his players work over the last couple of months and believes they feel more comfortable with each other and the systems in place. “The boys have gotten a stronger bond with each other. It’s unspoken stuff that you can’t see, but it will show up in our play if we continue to work and get better every day,” Banks said.
“They’re connecting, and I think that means a lot. Now that I’ve been here through a whole football season and have had a full offseason with the guys, they’re getting more comfortable playing as a team.”
Banks acknowledged that adapting to each kid and the way they respond to coaching is essential for the growth of the program and its success this upcoming year.
“We’ve just been learning from each other more and [I am] starting to see our relationships grow. As players and coaches, we have a sort of family relationship, and we all have to know the expectations [we’ve set forth],” Banks said. “As you learn about each kid, you figure out ways to reach that kid and help him get to his next level. That’s important for the growth of a program, and I think we’re doing a good job of it so far.”
Greene County is coming off of a year in which the team went 6-4 during the regular season and made a trip to the GHSA Class A Division II state playoffs as the No. 2 from Region 8.
A great deal of the Tigers’ success came from their ability to consistently make stops up front on the defensive side of the ball. On the other hand, they were balanced on offense as the run-and-pass games complemented each other. Under Banks in his first season, the team averaged just over 25 points per game, while giving up only about three touchdowns per contest.
While Greene County does have star players such as quarterback Steve Miller and defensive tackle Kevin Wynn returning, Banks is more interested to see how some of the other position groups and younger guys – on each side of the ball – step up this year.
“Offensively, I’m excited about the wide receivers. I think for a lot of people, we have some question marks in that group about playmakers, but I feel confident that they’re going to be able to make the big plays when needed,” he said.
“Defensively, I’m excited about the step our linebackers will take. I think that will be the biggest determining factor of how good we are on defense, our linebackers. If they can communicate and make plays, we’ll be fine.”
Another underrated part of the Tigers’ success last year was its special teams.
Senior JaQuavious Burdette, Greene County’s punter last season, averaged over 35 yards per punt on top of putting a couple inside the 20-yard line. With the graduation of placekicker Ricky Picasso, the Tigers will look to Burdette to kick PATs as well.
Burdette also plays vital roles as a wide receiver and in the secondary as a safety and Banks expects him to play a large role in helping the Tigers score more often.
“He’ll do a little bit of everything for us this year. He’s the guy we’re looking to take the biggest leap offensively in our production in touchdowns,” Banks said of Burdette. “In terms of special teams, he’ll be key to what we do. He’s been training and working hard to have that year where he can be the go-to guy for Steve (Miller).”
Beyond the work on the field, the Tigers have been helping others all around the Greensboro area. They’ve visited city hall, nursing homes, and made a trip to a local prison.
Banks attributes that to the philosophies the coaching staff teaches in the locker room, and he believes all this extra work will pay off during the season. He thinks it helps the kids understand how important their success is to the people in the Greene County community.
“We preach that love equals sacrifice, and if you love somebody or something, then you’ll have to sacrifice something for it. Even if you asked a Greene County football player when I’m not around, they’ll tell you that’s what love means,” Banks said.
“That’s why we’ve been doing community service, going to camps, and helping out around the community when needed. I think that’s part of the brotherhood. When they can see the compassion from others and that they appreciate what you do, then they’ll have a better understanding that they have a lot of people that are pulling for them.”