WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE ARDMORE TIGERS?

School Schedule

Date Participants Req Site Location Game Name Results 08/30/2013 @ 07:00 pm Elkmont High School (3A) Elkmont High School 09/06/2013 @ 07:00 pm Butler, S. R. High School (4A) R Butler, S. R. High School 09/13/2013 @ 07:00 pm North Jackson High School (4A) R Ardmore High School 09/20/2013 @ 07:00 pm Randolph School (4A) R Randolph School 09/27/2013 @ 07:00 pm Clements High School (3A) D Ardmore High School 10/04/2013 @ 07:00 pm Johnson, J.O. High School (4A) R Ardmore High School 10/11/2013 @ 07:00 pm Pope John Paul II Catholic (4A R Discovery Middle School 10/18/2013 @ 07:00 pm Madison County High School (4A R Ardmore High School 10/25/2013 @ 07:00 pm Smith DAR, Kate D. High School R Smith DAR, Kate D. High School 11/01/2013 @ 07:00 pm West Limestone High School (4A Ardmore High School

Smash mouth football fits Tigers’ plans

ARDMORE — Clint Legg says when you come to see the Ardmore Tigers this football season you better be prepared for some old fashioned smash mouth football.

Don't expect to see any spread formations with receivers all over the field. Don't come looking for an offense that snaps the ball so quickly after the last play that the officials have to race to get the ball set for the next play.

"We're going to line up with a quarterback, fullback and tailback," said Legg, who takes over as head coach this season.

When Legg wants to open his offense up a bit, he will put his quarterback in the shotgun formation.

"There aren't many teams that line up in the I-formation anymore," said Legg. "For us to win, we are going to have to run over people."

Legg said that style of play fits his team best. A lot of high schools like to spread it out and throw the ball. Some teams go with the Wing-T formation that uses the art of misdirection to develop lanes for running backs.

"We have to adapt to what we can do," said Legg. "We couldn't run the spread if we wanted to. We just don't have the depth at receiver you need to be successful doing that.

"We think we can dictate the pace of the game. We can control the game clock. Teams that spread it out won't like that. A slower pace will probably be frustrating for them."

Offense

Garrett Miller is back at quarterback. The junior has started since he was a freshman.

"We have had a great offseason working to get stronger for this season," said Miller.

Legg said the Tigers will strive for a balance between running and passing.

"To be successful running, we have to keep the defense honest with the pass," said Legg.

Literally leading the way for the rushing attack will be Joe Eubanks. The freshman will be like having a guard in the backfield. He's 5-foot-10, 230 pounds.

The tailback duties will be shared by Braden Edwards, Josh Maloon, Rickey Lowery, Cody Fox and Dominique Clemmons. Junior Chris Welling will also see time at fullback.

The offensive line is anchored by junior Tristan McCulley at center. The guards are senior Josh Brewer and junior Adam Davis. A pair of sophomores man the tackle spots. They are Kodee Kuncho and Garrett Hogan.

Senior Hayden Durrett will start at tight end. Also at tight end will be freshman Derek Lewis. The receivers are Clemmons and Austin Parks.

Defense

"We have to put the emphasis on tackling and hustling to the football," said Legg. "We've got to hit, hit, hit. Playing as many people as we will should help keep us fresh on defense."

While the defensive line is a work in progress, the linebackers are set with Lowery, Fox and sophomore Zac Free. Welling and Ben Magnusson are the defensive ends.

"We've got to attack and be physical," said Legg. "We have to be strong."

Clemmons mans the safety position. The rest of the defensive backfield will see combinations of Keegan Potter, Will Turner, Edwards, Maloon and Zac Clemmons.

Last season's 5-5 record was Ardmore's best since an 8-3 season in 2006. A late season loss to DAR kept the Tigers from having a winning record and spot in the playoffs.

Change is the name of the game for Ardmore Tiger football.It starts with new head coach Clint Legg. The team’s offensive coordinator for the past three seasons was promoted after former head coach Shannon Brown left. The team’s spacious field house got some updating thanks to some booster club money. It sports one of the best locker rooms in the area. There are some small colleges that would be envious. A third change is the helmets. The black and gold Tigers are going back to the traditional gold helmets after several seasons in black. It’s three changes that spotlight the future, community commitment and the tradition of Ardmore football.

For senior tight end Hayden Durrett, linebacker Ricky Lowery and quarterback Garrett Miller the changes create an extra excitement for this football season.  “Football is important in Ardmore,” said Durrett, the lone senior of the three. “When you grow up here, you can’t wait to be an Ardmore Tiger.  This community really wants a winner,” said Durrett. “A 5-5 record is not what Ardmore football is supposed to be about.”“We want to show everybody how much Coach Legg means to us,” said Miller. “He’s worked us hard and we know that’s going to make a big difference this season. He’s worked hard to get us ready for this season and we’ve worked hard to be ready.”

Ardmore Tigers

Coach: Clint Legg is entering his first season
Class: 4A, Region 7
2012 results: 5-5, 3-4 in region play
Number of starters returning: Five on offense and four on defense
Season opener: Aug. 30 at Elkmont
Source article: Decatur Daily