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By Nolan Imsande

ALBANY — There is a benefit to being forced to play younger kids and the Dougherty High School football team is hoping this is the year they see the results.

After years of being forced to play underclassmen in prominent roles because of a smaller roster, the Trojans feel like they have the depth and experience to make some noise in Georgia High School Association Region 1-AAA play.

“It will be a great benefit for us,” Dougherty coach Corey Joyner said. “We have never really had the same team in back-to-back years. It was like we were starting all over after every year. This year, we have the type of continuity that you need to be a successful team.”

The Trojans opened the year with three wins but ended the season on a down note by losing four in a row.

Joyner feels like the Trojans were hurt by playing bigger schools that had more players, while Dougherty was forced to play most players on both sides of the ball.

One particular spot where the Trojans were hurt was the line on both sides of the ball. They had five linemen all year, but have nearly doubled that number going into this season.

“The five linemen we had all played offense and also played defense,” Joyner said. “There was really no rest for them. We really never gave up, but we gave in. We were so tired.”

After watching film, Joyner noticed that there was a lull in his team during the middle of the game and when they finally got energized again, it was too late to build a comeback.

Dougherty will play this season one classification lower than last year which should help even the playing field.

“I think dropping down will help us,” Terrius Whitehead said. “I really think it will help us build our confidence by playing in Region 1-AAA.”

On offense, the Trojans return eight starters including the entire offensive line and wide receivers Dre’Shawn Alston, Terrius Whitehead and Henry Whitlock.

The quarterback spot will be Anphernee Jordan, who played running back last year.

“He is very fast and is a great athlete,” Joyner said. “We are looking forward to seeing big things from him.”

Dougherty will open the season on Aug. 18 with a home game against Turner County. They open region play on Oct. 8 when they play a home against Monroe at Hugh Mills Stadium.

“I expect great things from this team,” Keithtavious Cobey said. “I feel like we really have a chance this year.”

The Trojans’ goal of a winning season and playoff spot will likely be fueled by the experience the younger players received in previous seasons.

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DOUGHERTY TROJANS

• REGION: GHSA 1-AAA

• 2015 RECORD: 3-5

• COACH: Corey Joyner (5th season)

• RETURNING STARTERS: OL Kobe Oliver (Jr.); OL Keshaun Jenkins (Jr.); WR/DB Dre’Shawn Alston (Sr.); LB Keithtavious Cobey (Sr.); WR Terrius Whitehead (Sr.); WR Henry Whitlock (Sr.); S Martez Thomas (Sr.)

• TOP NEWCOMERS: QB Anphernee Jordan (Jr.)

• 2016 SCHEDULE:

Aug. 18 — Turner County

Sept. 2 — at Berrien

Sept. 9 — Westover

Sept. 16 — at Spencer

Sept. 24 — at Albany

Sept. 30 — at Perry

Oct. 8 — Monroe

Oct. 14 — at Cook

Oct. 21 — at Worth County

Oct. 27 — Crisp County