Most successful coaches are never satisfied.
While most fans of the Grenada High School Chargers are excited about a 7-2 record after nine weeks of the 2023 season, first-year head coach Michael Fair and his staff are pushing the team to make improvement each day as they head toward the end of the regular season and into the postseason.
Next up for the Chargers is a Friday Homecoming matchup with Class 6A, Region 1 rival Saltillo. It’s a game that – on paper – most people feel won’t be a problem for Grenada. However, don’t tell that to Fair, who sees an improved team from Lee County that is 4-5 overall and 2-1 inside the Region. After losing its region opener to South Panola, they have downed Lake Cormorant 28-14 and Olive Branch 21-17. Saltillo is shooting for its first playoff berth in 10 years.
“I have coached against Saltillo for several years and this may be the best group they have had during that span,” Fair said. “They are balanced on offense – they do a really good job of keeping you off balance with their run and pass games.”
The Tigers are led on offense by senior quarterback Samuel Timmons (6-foot-2, 175). As a passer, Timmons is a 61-of-115 for 739 yards and five touchdowns to go with three interceptions. The Tigers will also use junior C.J. Beasley (5-foot-11, 180) under center.
On the ground, sophomore Keeshaun Robins leads the way for Saltillo with 171 carries for 780 yards and 11 touchdowns. Senior Coby Owens (6-foot-1, 215) has 22 carries for 181 yards and two touchdowns.
“They run two quarterbacks and have a solid running game, along with a big offensive line,” Fair added. “On the perimeter, they have a playmaker in J.T. Beasley, who is a threat every time his catches the football. Our defensive unit will be challenged. They are very efficient on offense – a lot better than they have been. What makes them better this season is they are more athletic than in years past with a cycle of quality seniors on their roster.”
Preparing for the Saltillo offense, Fair knows his defense will need to be able to recognize formations and make the necessary adjustments. The Tigers like to show a run look and throw from that formation.
“They like to run formations with two tight ends and release five people into the route,” he said. “Defensively, we are going to have to be sound and tackle them in space because they do a good job of getting the ball to the playmakers in space. We have got to be discipline and keep everything in front of us.”
Defensively, the Tigers like to run odd fronts with the base being a 3-3-5 look, according to Fair. Last week, Saltillo had a 4-4 look on with their defense.
“They like to plan a lot of man coverage on the back end of their defense,” he said. “The front guys are very active and the key for us to see where the safeties are to determine what kind of coverage they are in and where to throw the football. In the run game, we need to see what front they are in for us to block the right area.”
Senior quarterback Charlie Fair is having a solid season completing 131-of-228 passes for 1,628 yards and 11 touchdowns to go with just four interceptions. Junior running back Macaleb Taylor has rushed 201 times for 1,169 yards and 11 touchdowns. As a receiver, Taylor has 10 catches for 152 yards and four touchdowns.
Sophomore Zayion Cotton is the leading receiver with 25 catches for 468 yards and three touchdowns. Senior Zayvon Herron also has 25 catches for 283 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, the Chargers have not allowed a point in region play so far this season. They are led by junior linebacker Jahmani Washington with 85 tackles and five tackles for losses. Senior linebacker Sema’j Avery has 47 tackles followed by junior linebacker Jatavious Lewis with 44 tackles and senior defensive tackle Aaron Travis has 42 tackles and nine tackles for losses.
Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Homecoming festivities are scheduled for 6:20 p.m.
