CHULA — Tiftarea Academy football took a much-needed mid-summer rest and the Panthers head back out to the practice field this week. Barely a month lays ahead before the 2024 campaign kicks off.
Head coach Erik Soliday said he hoped everyone was able to recharge over the break.
Tiftarea participated in 7-on-7s and camps before dead week, including one at the University of Georgia. “It went well,” Soliday said. “I thought we competed pretty well.” He said the UGA camp was very beneficial.
Upon returning from their break, Tiftarea has a 7-on-7 against Irwin County. Other than that, they’ll be buckling down on preparing for the season ahead.
“We try to get most of that done in June,” said Soliday of the extracurricular practice activities. “In July, it’s getting ready for the season.”
The Panthers are hopefully in good shape for 2024, experienced all over the field, though they’ll have to replaced two key starters at halfback and fullback. Lane Cole and Eli Stevens both graduated. Fortunately, several candidates are capable of filling those shoes.
While the squad went 3-8-1 last year, the second half saw everything begin to fall into place. Tiftarea won three of their last five, including a blowout state playoff win against St. Andrew’s. The overall record is a bit deceiving as well. Four of the losses were by six points or less. The tie was to Central Fellowship, who had won three straight state titles in the GAPPS and GIAA.
Three Tiftarea players — J.R. Walker, Temond Marcus and John Jackson — figured into the GIAA All-State teams last year and all three will suit up again this year.
The Panthers will scrimmage at home Randolph-Clay before jumping into the regular season Aug. 16 at Central Fellowship. Randolph-Clay, led by former Tiftarea assistant Charles Truitt, went 4-6 last season, their best record since 2016 and made the state playoffs.