Meigs County
Team strengths: There isn’t another team in the area with more starters or overall experience back. Add to that the confidence gained from last year’s unbeaten regular season — the first in more than 20 years — and the run to the state quarterfinals, and the Tigers enter the season with soaring expectations.
Team concerns: The Tigers learned the hard way last year how important it is to keep Swafford healthy. Having their dual-threat quarterback hobbled by a foot injury was a key factor in their one-point quarterfinal loss. Freshman backup Aaron Carrol (5-10, 175) is talented but not ready to fill in just yet. Newcomer to watch: Coaxing Caleb Newman (6-6, 205) to give football a try could pay off in a big way. A basketball starter, he’s a raw but very athletic receiver who could be a matchup problem, especially near the goal line.
Season outlook: The Tigers have all the ingredients for a serious run at a state title in Class 2A. They have the size, speed and experience, as well as the motivation after falling a few wins short last season. Meigs reached last year’s quarterfinals unbeaten and ranked No. 1, averaging 39 points per game, before Swafford’s injury cost the Tigers a shot at advancing. They managed just eight points in their upset loss.
Still only a junior, Swafford was a state Mr. Football finalist who threw for 1,500 yards and ran for more than 1,200 last season. He was also among the team leaders in tackles and
interceptions from his safety position. Smith has added nearly 30 pounds to his frame, is coming off a 1,000-yard rushing year and should take much of the offensive load off Swafford’s shoulders.
“Our whole team knows what to expect because they’ve all been through the big games,” Fitzgerald said. “We should have no problem having the guys ready, because it’s been a long time since we’ve had this type expectations in Meigs County and we’re not going to shy away from it.
“Got to work every day. Right now we have to understand that everything people are talking about is just potential. It’s up to us to go out there and execute.”