Culture change has Baconton Charter believing again

BACONTON — The conversations sound different at Baconton Charter these days.

Players remind one another to hustle between drills. Teammates expect everyone to be in the weight room. Veterans make sure younger players know where they’re supposed to be before coaches have to say a word.

After four seasons, Jermaine King is finally seeing the culture he envisioned begin to take hold.

“We’ve seen a big change,” King said. “We’ve had 42 kids out here working during the summer. And the kids are holding each other accountable to be at practice and to be focused on what we are doing — not just be here, but be here.”

Those four words have become something of a motto for the Blazers.

King said showing up is no longer enough.

Players are expected to be mentally engaged every day, and he believes that attitude is the biggest reason optimism is running high entering the 2026 season.

For the first time in several years, Baconton Charter also enters a season with stability.

King returns for his fourth year as head coach, giving the Blazers continuity that has been difficult to find in the past. That stability, coupled with last season’s four-game winning streak to close the year, has changed expectations inside the program.

“Enthusiasm is high after winning four games at the end of the season,” King said. “I think the guys like that feeling, so they’re raring to go.”

The progress hasn’t happened by accident.

King points first to the weight room.

“Our improvement in the weight room has been very significant,” he said. “The kids have been working hard.”

Just as important, they’ve been working together.

Summer workouts have become an opportunity to build chemistry as much as strength, and King believes that bond will show up on Friday nights.

The Blazers graduated seven seniors but welcome eight freshmen who already understand what’s expected because they came through Baconton’s middle school program under coach Zack Dallas.

“They know the schemes and the expectations,” King said. “They’re familiar with the verbiage and the terminology.”

King also strengthened his coaching staff by adding Ryan Manard to coach the offensive line, Jay Tully to lead the receivers and Marcus Singletary to coach the running backs.

On the field, the biggest position battle remains at quarterback.

If the season opened today, Kayden Logue would get the nod, but Preston Hurst continues to push him every practice.

“Both of them are working hard and doing a good job,” King said. “Kayden is just a step ahead at the moment.”

Logue also is expected to handle the kicking and punting duties.

Running back Braylen Hundley may be the player King is most excited to watch.

“Braylen has had the best offseason and made huge gains,” King said. “I’m looking forward to a big season from him.”

The Blazers intentionally built a challenging independent schedule.

Rather than easing into the season, they’ll open Aug. 21 against Southland before traveling to neighboring Pelham a week later. They’ll also face perennial GIAA power Southwest Georgia Academy.

“We put some teams on our schedule that will push us,” King said. “We’re working toward being able to compete in the region.”

King knows success won’t come simply because confidence is growing.

His players hear the same message every day.

“Comfort and success don’t go together,” he said. “You don’t just have to show up to practice. You’ve got to be here mentally. Be in the moment. Enjoy this time on the field with your teammates.”

Four years ago, Baconton Charter was trying to find its footing.

Now, the Blazers believe they’re finally building something that can last.

“I’m looking forward to our best year yet,” King said. “The kids are really buying into what we’re teaching, and good things are coming.”