#HSFT17: Stop No. 24 – South Lamar Stallions

MILLPORT, Ala. (WCBI) — Year one of the Clay Gilliam era at South Lamar is in the books

The Stallions finished 6-5 (4-2 in Region 5-1A) in 2016, reaching the playoffs.

Year two has all the promise of bringing more success for the Stallions.

“I learned a lot last year with how the guys responded to how I coach and all, and our assistant coaches, how well they did with them, and I was really proud of them,” head coach Clay Gilliam said.

“One thing I tried to do when I came in, was try to change the culture. To get in the weight room early, that’s a big key. Then, getting everyone involved here in the community. Once you start winning ball games, everyone’s going to support you and that’s a big key to our success here at South Lamar.”

A first round exit in the postseason was a disappointing end for the Stallions, losing 40-14 to Spring Garden.

“[The loss] motivates us a lot in here to get better, bigger, and stronger,” junior running back and defensive back Buster Griffin said, “Focus is a lot more better this year, a lot more better than last year.”

“This year I’m going to try to do the same thing I did last year, lead the team the best way possible and hope for wins all the way out,” senior defensive tackle Malik Cox said.

The Stallions return a lot of young talent from a season ago, with the addition of the force in the middle in Cox. The current talent on this year’s roster has some of the players talking about a serious title run.

“I feel like…this is the year we can do it,” Griffin said, “go to Bryant-Denney Stadium and win a championship. I feel like this would be the year.”

South Lamar’s season begins with a Lamar County showdown with the Lamar County Bulldogs.