Coach: DARRELL REID
6-4
OFFENSE
After a 2024 season marked by youth and inexperience, the Wetumka Chieftains are entering 2025 with a hardened edge and plenty of returning firepower. Head coach Darrell Reid is confident in the growth and toughness of this group heading into the fall.
“The 2024 season, we were a young team bringing in nine freshmen and returning one starter from the
previous year,” said Reid. “The 2025 season, we will have way more experience under our belt and
will have four seniors leading the team.”
The offense is built on physicality and strength in the trenches, with three senior linemen leading
the way. Kylar Gordon (6-6, 330, Sr.) and Josh Lee (5-10, 205, Sr.) anchor the interior, while Phillip Ross
(6-6, 240, Sr.) will shift to tight end to help set the edge and be a threat in the passing game. The Chieftains
will feature a heavy run-oriented scheme with 12 personnel and double tight formations, designed to
take advantage of their size.
“The philosophy is to take advantage of defenses by using our size in a heavy run-oriented gameplan utilizing traps and GT blocking schemes,” said Reid. “We also find matchups and 1-on-1 opportunities where our skill players can make a play.” Running back Dwayne Lowe (5- 10, 185, Jr.) will carry the load after posting 1,500 rushing yards a year ago, and Nick Taylor (6-0, 160, Sr.) adds speed and versatility at wide receiver.
DEFENSE
Defensively, Wetumka returns seven starters and will base out of a 3-2 look, prioritizing gap discipline and
varying coverages.
“We run a gap scheme defense,” said Reid. “We want to ensure everyone plays disciplined gap scheme technique and does their job. We run a mixture of zone and man coverages to give offenses different looks.”
Phillip Ross, a three-year two-way starter, is the heart of the defense. A District Defensive Lineman of the
Year, Ross sets the tone from his defensive end spot with his physical play. Gordon plugs the middle at
nose guard, while Lowe flies around at linebacker. Taylor will patrol the back end at safety, and Dario Silla (5-
9, 165, Jr.) adds agility and coverage
