#HSFT16: Stop No. 27 – Gordo Green Wave

GORDO, Ala. (WCBI) – For Gordo High School, the streak of 17-consecutive playoff appearances only tells part of the story.

The expectations are a state title each year in Alabama for the Green Wave. With a lot of pieces returning, fourth-year head coach Ryan Lolley and his players aren’t lowering any of those standards.

“We’ve got a good group of guys returning,” Lolley said. “We’re focusing on the little things, not being so concerned with the big picture.”

“We’re excited about the season,” senior quarterback Koy Chapman said. “The goals stay the same, state championship or bust.”

Ben Davis is now with the Crimson Tide. He was one of the most athletic high school football players in the last decade in the state of Alabama. Replacing his efforts on both sides of the ball will be tough.

“He’s an Under-Armour All-American, playing at Alabama. If somebody falls into that, that’s awesome,” Lolley said. “But we’re focused on taking our talent and making them the best players we can be.”

“You’re not going to replace a guy like Ben. He has all the tools,” Chapman said of Davis.

Senior wide receiver and linebacker Donnie Billups will have the task of stepping up in Davis’ place. He place wide receiver and linebacker, Davis’ positions.

“It’s going to take a whole lot more than me because he has such an impact on the game by himself,” he said.

Gordo feels like the returning starters on this team have what it takes to reach their goals this season.

“Some of the best leaders we’ve had in a while are the seniors this time,” Lolley said. “They’ve been pushing through it as well as anybody we’ve had.”

The last state title win was in 2001 for Gordo. The Green Wave reached the state semifinals last season, going 13-1 each of the past two years.