By: Kipp Branch

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

On February 1^st, 2017 the Sean Pender era started at Brunswick High School. Since that time, Pender has brought a new mind set to Altama Avenue.

The offseason conditioning program has been going strong with strong early morning attendance, the weight training program has pushed the players and the demands of in Pender’s words ‘we want to snap the football in 9 to 12 seconds’ has placed a huge emphasis on running and conditioning.

The Pirates had 130 players dressed out and competing in spring practice. The total number of kids in the program had dwindled down to about 80 players at the end of last season.

Some themes are starting to develop:

The offense could be very productive in 2017. Jamarius Stevens is back at QB and with his rocket arm the rising senior could put up huge numbers in this offense. According to the coaching staff, Stevens is picking up the offense quite nicely.

Ben McCloud and Shaq Robinson are back at RB. McCloud will be the inside between the tackle guy, and Robinson should be a force in the screen game out of the backfield.

The OL has 3 studs returning in Ty Hinson, John Cano, and Warren McClendon Jr. McClendon is rising junior with big time offers from SEC schools already.

DJ Whitfield is back at WR with Kalvin Godette, which should cause some major concerns for opposing defenses.

Sharrod Frazier and Jaylen Jackson could have special packages on offense as the season rolls around. This offense put up 5 TD’s on the number one defense in a red zone scrimmage at spring practice. This could be a special unit once everyone learns the system. TJ Carmena is also being counted on at RB/WR for this offensive unit.

The Pirate defense is stocked. This unit returns 10 players that started at one time or another in 2016.

On the defensive line Tevin Small, and Rudy Nixon return to form a solid position group.

The Pirates are loaded at LB with Kam Futch and Sean Ward in the middle for run support and Sharrod Frazier on the outside who can absolutely fly with his 4.4 forty at 195 lbs. Frazier has over 10 offers currently for the next level.

In the secondary Jaylen Jackson will play safety in the new 3-5-3 scheme and this super athlete, who received an offer from Army this week, should push for all state honors.

Alphonso Clinch is a lock down corner and players like Earl Bell will compete for the other CB slot.

The 2017 Pirates barring significant injuries could push for the region championship. Glynn is loaded once again. The Pirates have early road games at Coffee, Camden, and Wayne that will be tough, but will get the Pirates ready for the region slate where they play Effingham, Glynn, and Bradwell at home. The only road region game is at Richmond Hill.

Pender has started changing the culture at BHS. Practices are fast paced and up tempo. One of the goals Pender stated early on was that the Pirates had to learn how to practice and it seems to be paying results so far.

The excitement surrounding this program currently reminds me an awful lot of the excitement that swirled around the program in 2008 and that team won a region championship.

The 2017 theme for the season is “Swing Your Sword”. The 2017 Pirates will come out swinging and everyone better look out. Yes, I am excited.