Cottondale aims for complete package with experienced senior-class

COTTONDALE, Fla. ( WMBB ) — The Cottondale football team is working to continue their playoff streak with an experienced roster and star power at skill positions.

The Hornets are coming off an explosive offensive season, averaging over 43 points per game. The scoring was led by quarterback Cam Odom and running back Joc Garrett, who have been starting for the last three years.

“They’ve been through the wars,” Cottondale head coach Chris Obert said. “They’ve had a lot of success. We are hoping that we can build on that and they can have a successful senior year.”

The run game has proved successful in the past, but the Hornets are aiming for a more well-rounded offense.

Tramond Collins became a key piece to the passing game last season and now his younger brother Trashonn Collins has joined to increase the threat.

“We’re going to try to be a little more versatile,” Obert said. “Just be able to throw it and run it, of course. We want to be able to air it out a little bit more this year.”

Scoring seems to come pretty easy for Cottondale, but this off-season the team has been working on their defense.

“I feel like our defense has got a lot better,” Cottondale senior wide receiver and defensive back Wyatt Speers said. “We’re going to be able to control the run game and pass game a little bit better.”

The Hornets return a strong line-backing core, but they’re trying to build depth in the secondary.

“We’re going to stop the pass more than we have in the past,” Cottondale senior quarterback Cam Odom said.

One of the strengths for Cottondale this season is the veteran leadership. More than a dozen players have three or more years of varsity experience.

“It’s been a long journey,” Odom said. “Just a lot of practice and a lot of reps. It’s just cool to see how far you can you can go.”

After two straight playoff appearances, the goal is to continue their streak and advance past the opening round.

“They’ve had some winning seasons and they kind of have a taste of it,” Obert said. “They want to get back there and have some success and try to win another playoff game.”

The Hornets will travel to Bozeman on Friday, August 16 for the preseason kickoff classic and play at Sneads on Friday, August 23 for week one.

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