Landmark looking for a return trip to 'The Dome'

Landmark Christian School had a magical season last year, making the state championship game, after facing elimination games six weeks in a row. Thirteen seniors graduated from that squad, all starters, but there are 16 seniors on this year’s roster and they know what it will take to return to the Class A championship and win.

“They all have a taste of what it take to make the big game,” said new coach Wayne Brantley. “It was a great accomplishment to make the big game but they feel they need to finish that job, get back and win it this time.”

Brantley, the school’s athletic director, has taken over for Kenny Dallas who is now teaching at a school in Tennessee. He feels that the team is benefiting from outstanding senior leadership.

“They are a great group of young men - academically, socially and spiritually,” Brantley said.

The offense will feature all five returning offensive linemen’ seniors Brooks Austin, John Paul Red, Connor Swords, Jacob Cobb and Reed McGuire.

“They will hopefully be a big strength for us,” Brantley said. “It gives us lots of confidence with some of the new starters.”
Cole Higbie, Stockton Mcguire and Ben Baggett will all see time at quarterback. Whoever is throwing the ball will have a terrific target in Josh Nobles at receiver and they will also have a talented weapon in Jeremiah Kirkland at tailback. Kirkland rushed for over 1,000 yards last season as a sophomore.

Landmark’s strength has typically been its defense, particularly the linebacking corps. William Higbie, the team’s leading tackler the last two seasons, returns at linebacker, while Cole Higbie, the safety, is a huge asset for the team, as is Reed McGuire, an all state defensive end last season. Playing in the secondary for Landmark are Ethan Sewell, Ben Patterson and Aaron Burtz.

Stockton will be the place kicker for the War Eagles, while Nolan Bryant returns at punter.

A return trip to the state championship game will be tough, especially as Landmark plays in arguably the toughest schedule in the state. They opened the season last week with a loss to Calvary Day, a top 10 team, and will also take on Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy, Holy Innocents and Pace Academy.

“It’s a tough region and not an easy path to the playoffs but if we can survive without getting too banged up, we’ll be OK,” Brantley said.