The Amite Warriors look to make a return to the playoffs this year after a heartbreaking loss in the quarter-finals last year. While not having the best record last year going 7-5, It was good enough to get them into the playoffs where unfortunately they suffered a devastating 30-7 loss in the quarter-finals to Jena. Though the Warriors have started the season 0-2, They look to turn things around the upcoming weekend. Early this summer the Head Coach of the Amite Warriors came to sit and talk to us about his plans and goals for his upcoming season.
Coach Zephaniah Powell has been building character in his team this summer and hitting the weight room constantly. Early in the summer, they had been practicing 3 days a week and in July they switched 4 days a week and spent ample of time in the weight room working on getting bigger and more physical. Outside of the weight room they are working on speed and conditioning and getting their special teams going in the right direction as well as their offense.
We have really focused on speed development and conditioning and also special teams install and offensive install.
Amite Head Coach Zephaniah Powell
Coach Powell has taught his team how to act in certain situations that might lead to a penalty. Making sure his players keep their cool is something he says will help them for the next level of playing. Not only is he teaching players how to act in certain situations, he’s also teaching his coaching staff on how to handle and react to situations and not let their emotions get the best of them.
I coach my coaches on situation and stuff, as coaches that what we need to do. If something does happen on the football field, who’s going out to take care of it.
Amite Head Coach Zephaniah Powell
During the Spring, they had their annual spring fest where three to four teams come out and scrimmage. This year they had LaRonga High, South Plaquitman High, and Salman High. Throwing the ball was a main focus during the spring. Coach Powell is really excited to see his senior quarterback Jeremy Franklin who Coach Powell thinks will have a breakout year. Jeremy has been getting recruited, he has a few FCS schools looking at him as well as a few HBCU’s.
we have a senior quarterback that’s coming back in Jeremy Franklin that we feel is going to have a good breakout year.
Amite Head Coach Zephaniah Powell
On the perimeter, they have some guys that can really ball out in the wide receiver position that Coach Powell thinks will give him an advantage in games. That was something they also worked on in the spring that has really paid off for them. Malcolm Patrick is their running back this year and was actually third on our depth chart last year behind Christian Smith and Darien Martin at running back. In the last three games of the season, he got to start so that Christian and Darien could help on defense. Jimmy Hunt, their senior receiver is about 6’1″ about 185, his development is going to be very important for him to be successful this year. Brownie Buchanan, their Offensive lineman, is a dual sport athlete playing not only football, but also basketball, track, and baseball. Coach Powell is expecting big things out of Brownie this year. Last year they had two freshmen guards and development for them has been critical for this upcoming year. Defensively, they have replaced their entire defensive line. Their returning corner back, Franklin Morgan, has been starting for the Warriors since his freshman year. He is a poised young man and is on track to have a breakout season this year. When asked about his offensive scheme this is what Coach Powell had to say.
we’re a little bit of mix of air raid a little bit of a mix of Gus Malzone with a little bit of mix of Art Bryos you know when it’s something that’s we kind of studied art brows a little bit and University of Tennessee’s offensive a little bit because University of Tennessee there they’re true or form I say that there are all right as far as like stretching the field you know, side line to side line, pretty much kind of stretching the defense out.
Head Coach Zephaniah Powell
Defensively they will run a 4-2-5 but will implement multiple schemes. Coach Powell hope to put three men on the line and see what success will come from that.
Defensively I think we look good, I’m really excited to see them in action this year. Its gonna be something real special.
Amite Head Coach Zephaniah Powell
Ultimately their goal is to bring home their 7th state championships and Coach Powell is confident this is the year for that to happen. Though the Warriors are off to a rough start, the Warriors plan on turning things around and winning out the rest of the season, and making a play for the State Championship. The Warriors face Independence High this upcoming Friday, looking for their first win of the season.
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