Monroe Golden Tornadoes focused on the trenches, the Red Zone, and the road ahead

ALBANY — The 2024 record reads 3-8, but don’t let that fool you.

Inside the Monroe High locker room, last year’s season wasn’t a disappointment — it was a stepping stone.

“We made the playoffs again,” said head coach Lacey Herring, entering his third season at the helm. “That tells me there’s something here to build on.”

With an experienced defense, a pair of promising backs, and a fortified offensive line, Monroe is setting its sights on more than just another postseason appearance. The Golden Tornadoes want to win Region 1-AAA and make a real playoff run.

But Herring is clear-eyed about what it takes to get there.

“We can match up skill-for-skill with just about anybody,” he said. “It’s in the trenches where we’ve got to take that next step.”

To speed that growth, Herring built a front-loaded schedule loaded with powerhouse programs — including Thomas County Central, Colquitt County, and Dothan — before region play begins.

“We’ve got to see how we stack up at game speed,” Herring said. “Expose our guys to top-end competition and let them adjust. That’s the best way to grow.”

QB competition and new faces

The Golden Tornadoes welcomed two quarterback transfers — Keyon Thomas and Jordan Shorter, both from rival Westover — giving Monroe immediate depth and experience under center. Thomas is expected to start, but Monroe has also developed rising sophomores Aiden Mathis and Brandon Massey.

“Mathis understands the system and gives us more in the run game,” Herring said. “Massey has a real arm and can spread it around. We’ll go with whoever gives us the best chance to win.”

In the backfield, Herring has high hopes for sophomore duo Ethan Aubrey and Justin Grice, calling them a “one-two punch” that can keep defenses off balance. Aubrey brings burst and vision; Grice delivers power and elusiveness.

Cleaning up the red zone

If there’s one stat that kept Monroe from flipping last year’s close losses into wins, it’s red-zone scoring.

“We had four trips inside the 10 against Westover and came away with zero points,” Herring said. “That’s the difference between 3-8 and 6-5. We’ve made that a point of emphasis all summer.”

Defense leads the way

Monroe’s defense — the team’s most experienced unit — could be the foundation for a strong start.

Senior Talaun Jones headlines a talented secondary, joined by Division I prospect Eric Spann. Up front, Rahshekeie Molden and Raymond Thompson give the Golden Tornadoes a pair of physical, fast-moving linemen. Thompson, a Troy University commit, anchors the unit with leadership and grit.

“Defense has to set the tone for us,” Herring said. “It’s where most of our experience and leadership is.”

Linebacker Devonte Jones adds size and speed to the middle, and freshman Robert Adams has turned heads with his relentless motor.

Meanwhile, Monroe’s offensive line — once filled with sophomores — returns four starters. After another offseason in the weight room, Herring says they’re stronger, more confident, and ready to run the football.

Special teams could swing games

Junior kicker Josh Martinez returns for his third season, and Monroe is placing a renewed focus on special teams.

“They’ve got to help win field position, steal points, give us a spark — something,” Herring said. “Special teams matter.”

The mission is clear

“We’re focused on winning the region and making a deep playoff run,” Herring said. “We feel confident in our guys. We’ve worked for it all summer. Now it’s time to take it snap by snap.”

🗓️ 2025 Monroe Football Schedule

Aug. 15 – @ Thomas County Central, 7:30

Aug. 22 – @ Colquitt County, 7:30

Aug. 29 – @ Dothan, 7:30

Sept. 5 – Northside (at Hugh Mills), 7:30

Sept. 19 – Pelham (at Hugh Mills), 7:30

Sept. 26 – Dougherty (at Hugh Mills), 7:30

Oct. 10 – Cairo (at Hugh Mills), 7:30

Oct. 17 – Westover (at Hugh Mills), 7:30

Oct. 24 – @ Bainbridge, 7:30

Oct. 31 – @ Peach County, 7:30