A season of records, dreams, sorrows and success wrapped up for the 2016 Chattooga Indians in the 3rd round of the state playoffs. The longest season in Chattooga history. The most games played (14 games), the longest field goal (47 yards), the most PAT’s in a game (9), the career rushing record, the single season rushing record, and several other records all were claimed by the 2016 team. And while the final scoreboard (21-30) didn’t reflect the level of effort displayed by the Indians, the crowd of Indian fans in the visitor’s section reminded the players and coaches just how far they’ve come; in miles and in achievement.
Chattooga finished 3rd in Region 7AA with a heartbreaking loss to #2 Rockmart and suffered a disappointing loss to #1 Pepperell in the final game of the regular season despite entering the 4th quarter trailing just 10-14. Injuries were scattered across a season that still saw the Indians gain over 4,000 yards rushing and score over 45 touchdowns. The stats on the season were staggering as the Foster Twins lived up to all the hype, Tyler Griffin had the game of a lifetime, CJ Martin demonstrated a kicking foot that has never been seen in Chattooga, and players stepped up across both sides of the ball to win big games. The rematch against Model was a dominating victory. The Indians defeated Alabama’s Fort Payne and state Runners-up, Cedar Bluff, in dominating fashion without key players in the lineup. And while the senior class left their hearts on the field week after week, the freshman class gave fans hope that some fresh familiar faces and names would be doing their best to fill the enormous shoes left behind.
The number of fans in the stands grew each week as the team rebounded from a rough opening against some major non-conference foes. The community embraced the team and gave tremendous support to the winning attitude and new found culture of pride instilled by Principal Jeff Martin and Head Coach, Charles Hammon and his staff.
While basketball season has been anxiously awaiting several key players from the gridiron to the hard court, the fans will continue to brag about the players and the record breaking season of 2016 for many years to come.
