Classification: 4A, Region 4

2004 record: 2-8

Outlook: A self-described “new kid on the block” is going to try and produce some new results for the Greene County Tigers this season.

William Morgan has taken over as head football coach at Greene County and has brought a positive attitude he says he’s glad to see from a Tiger team that went 2-8 in 2004.

“It’s a great opportunity to be here,” Morgan says. “I like our size and I like our attitude. I enjoy seeing 40 players out on that field.”

With a larger roster to work with and 17 of the 22 starting slots filled by returning players, Morgan feels he has a good shot at finishing with a better record than last year’s.

“I expect us to be a little better,” he says. “We’re gonna scrap at it and scrap at it and keep on scrapping at it until we get where we’re going.”

Morgan will have some talent to help out with that scrapping on both sides of the ball. Junior quarterback Robert Jones will enter his second year as the starter with the ability to both run and throw the ball, as well as an impressive work ethic.

“He’s out to win,” Morgan says.

The running game will get a lift from talented back Quentin McElroy, who qualified academically by spending summer school in Demopolis. Morgan says he’ll look to use McElroy to wear down opposing defenses in the first half before “breaking loose” and diversifying the Tiger attack in the second.

On defense, Greene County will boast one of the region’s best pair of defensive ends in Curtis Nickson and Kelvin Johnson. Nickson, at 6-9, and Johnson, at 6-4, were both members of Greene County’s state championship-winning basketball team and have the ability to translate their on-court athleticism to the football field. Despite their achievements on the basketball court, Morgan says their attitudes have been exemplary and he’s looking forward to seeing them stand up against the run and,–even more fun–rush the passer.

“I think we’ll be pretty good against the pass,” Morgan says.

Whether Greene County has enough behind its twin towers to reach the playoffs remains to be seen, but with Morgan’s brand of “scrap” on board, the Tigers will be moving forward again.