The Swainsboro Middle School football program, under the leadership of Head Coach Corey Chalker, is ready to embark on a new season with a focused approach and a clear set of goals. Coming off a successful run that ended just shy of a championship; the Tigers are determined to build on their past performance and make a statement this year.
In a recent interview, Coach Chalker provided insight into the team's preparations and mindset for the season ahead.
"Our summer workouts started back in June," Chalker began, highlighting the players' commitment. "We had a solid number of kids who attended workouts right up until school started. I am pretty excited about the number of kids who are interested in devoting the time and effort that most of these kids did in order to play football for Swainsboro Middle School."
The lessons from last season's close loss to Dublin are a key motivator for the team. "We lost to a Dublin team who was bigger and stronger, and they capitalized on our mistakes," Chalker explained. "We have taken into consideration our physical strength. Our kids went to work after that loss in the weight room, and they were able to win several weight classes in the conference championship. I’m excited to join that with some extra attention to detail with our on the field performances."
Chalker has challenged the team to improve in two specific areas: special teams and overall effort. "Special teams and flying around on the field. We have harped on this all summer long," he stated.
The coach also emphasized the importance of leadership, both on and off the field. "We need some kids who lead by example in the classroom and on the field," Chalker noted. "We have a few who are really trying to lead right now and it’s exciting to see." He expressed high expectations for the team's core of experienced eighth graders. "This 8th grade team is full of good football players. The linemen in this group have been playing together for a long time. They all have several SMS football snaps under their belt. The receivers and backs have been working hard on their skills also. I can’t wait to watch these guys have a chance to compete."
On the sidelines, Coach Chalker is not alone. He is supported by a dedicated staff, including coaches Cameo Holloway, Heath Palmer, Cedric Seabrough, Adrian Cunningham, and Roosevelt Young. This group is motivated and dedicated to making sure the boys are fundamentally sound, ready to put a product on the field that Swainsboro can be proud of. Chalker spoke highly of his colleagues, saying, "I couldn't ask for a better group of men to be on this journey with me. Their dedication and commitment to these young men are second to none, and it shows in the hard work our players put in every day."
For fans attending games, Chalker promises a team that is disciplined and gives its all. "We hope to show them a brand of football that we can be proud of. We want to limit our mistakes. We want to be the most disciplined team on the field. Lastly, we want them to see kids who play with tremendous effort. The best compliment is never the scoreboard, but how hard that our kids play."
The Swainsboro Middle School football program invites the community to come out and support these young athletes. The Tigers will kick off their home opener against Bleckley on August 20th at 5 p.m. at Tiger Field, located at Swainsboro High School. Admission to all games will be $5 for adults and students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Fans can catch the Tigers in action at home and on the road this season with the following schedule:
Aug. 20th: vs. Bleckley (Home)
Aug. 27th: at West Laurens (Away)
Sept. 3rd: vs. Dublin (Home)
Sept. 11th: at Dodge (Away)
Sept. 17th: vs. Jeff Davis (Home)
Sept. 24th: at East Laurens (Away)
Oct. 2nd: Open
Oct. 9th: 1st Round of Playoffs (Higher Seed)
Oct. 16th: Championship (Higher Seed)
