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Tigers aiming higher in '10

by Michael Butler

Tallassee enters its fifth season of 5A football in 2010. It will be the fourth year under Head Coach Rodney Dollar. Dollar Houston Academy team thrived as a perennial 2A playoff contender, consistently making runs deep into the playoffs. Tiger fans yearn for post-season runs in Tallassee.

Dollar took THS to its first 5A playoff berth in 2008. Last season, he led them to a region championship. Both post-season trips were short-lived though, with first round exits.

This year's squad is a preseason #10 pick, a selection that Dollar thinks might be a bit lofty. "We aren't a top ten team right now, but we can be by the end of the season," he said.

The Tigers have just one returning starter on the offensive front in Tyler Lynn. Defensive senior starters Caleb Parker and T.C. Robinson will be asked to play on both sides of the ball early in the year.

"This is a sign to the young guys that you've got to earn it," Dollar noted. "When you've got to have a big drive or a big first down, we're going to put the best we've got on the field no matter who that is."

The Tigers have 61 varsity players. 22 are seniors. "One thing about this senior class, they don't stand around. Most of them are players, Dollar said. "They don't run their mouth a lot. They lead by example."

Davis Knapp is a senior who wants to get Tallassee its first 5A playoff win. "We've got to get past the first round," he said. Knapp's father, Chris, kicked for Auburn University. He has been working with Davis and Tallassee's kickers as a volunteer coach. Tallassee has to replace Hunter Mullins who handled kicking and punting duties the last two seasons.

"Hunter was the MVP of our football team for the past few years," Dollar said. Knapp was the holder last year. He will punt this year and compete for the placekicking job. Is it possible for Knapp to kick and hold? "He says he can," Dollar quipped. "My main concern is to get somebody for the kickoffs. We may go back to the square toe, straight-on kicking."

Tallassee must replace Mike Smith and Quan Williams in the offensive backfield. The two combined for more than 2,000 yards last season. Hooper Academy transfer Morgan Faulkner and Michael Henderson are capable. "We'll have more depth, Dollar added. Chris Adams and Darius Williams will also fill at wing, slot and running back positions.

Tallassee averaged single digit pass attempts last year. Dollar said they might throw it "25 or 30 times" a game in 2010. Trey Cochran-Gill, an Auburn baseball signee, has a terrific arm and enters his third full-season as the starter at quarterback. Still, "Air Tallassee" will be something fans will have to see to believe.

Dollar feels that his defense might be the best he has had in 25 years of coaching. "If we stay healthy, we can be really good."

Tallassee opens the season against Class 6A Benjamin Russell in the newly renovated 5,000 seat J. E. "Hot" O'Brien Stadium on August 27th. All games will be broadcast on 1300 WTLS/106.5 FM, www.1300wtls.com and Bright House Networks Cable TV Channel 15. A live webcam can be seen on www.tallasseetimestv.com and www.networkalabama.com.

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