Entering the 2026 season, the Warhawks are building around growth, stability, and toughness under head coach Steve “Coach Devo” DeVoursney. Speaking with Joshua Profit on the Sportsmic Radio Network, Coach Devo described a program that remains young but showed major improvement throughout spring practice.
With nearly 170 players participating — including rising ninth graders and even eighth graders — he emphasized that valuable reps and long-term development are laying the foundation for the future.
Coach Devo reflected on how football shaped his own life growing up in a football-driven community. Coming from a single-parent home, he credited coaches for serving as mentors and father figures, inspiring his passion for coaching and developing young men beyond the field.
After opening last season 2–1 before facing one of Georgia’s toughest region schedules, Coach Devo believes continuity will be a major advantage moving forward. Unlike previous years filled with coaching turnover, the entire staff returns for 2026, bringing consistency and stronger player familiarity within the system.
The Warhawks continue to battle through a brutal South Georgia region featuring powerhouse programs such as Thomas County Central, Lee County, Houston County, Coffee County, Northside, and Tift County. While acknowledging the challenge, Coach Devo embraced the opportunity to compete against elite competition every week.
A major strength of the program appears to be its coaching staff. Defensive coordinator Jeremy Rowell, Ashley Anders, Patrick Flowe, Jason Simmons, and several other experienced assistants bring championship backgrounds, college experience, and deep Georgia football ties. Coach Devo stressed that the staff’s ability to connect with players is just as important as football knowledge.
Spring practice also revealed growing leadership within the locker room. Players such as Deric Ingram Jr., Tylan Glover, Christian Chambliss, and Kaden Gutierrez were highlighted for stepping into leadership roles and helping establish a culture built on discipline, accountability, and toughness.
At quarterback, Rowan Singleton and Jake Trail are currently competing for the starting role following the departure of Trey Byrd. Coach Devo praised both quarterbacks for strong spring performances and emphasized the program’s “next man up” mentality.
Several younger contributors also emerged during spring action, including Davareon Lightning, T.J. Ward, and Tyler Brown. While Coach Devo noted the team may not yet feature many “superstars,” he believes strong depth and competition across the roster will help elevate the program.
Rather than making bold predictions, Coach Devo said his primary goal for 2026 is simple: build a disciplined, competitive football team that fights until the final whistle.
