#HSFT16: Stop No. 24 – South Lamar Stallions

MILLPORT, Ala. (WCBI) – Clay Gilliam is the new head coach at South Lamar High School, taking over after Shannon McGregory’s departure. The 29 year old has been an assistant for various sports for the past year in Millport. He played baseball for South Lamar as a student and was once a manager on the football team.

“There are a few changes that will have to go on,” Gilliam said. “The kids have bought in to what we’re doing here.”

He’s taking over a team that’s reached the second round of the playoffs each of the past two seasons.

“I believe we’re improving every year,” senior Jalen Gardner said. “We’re surprising people each season.”

“Last two seasons have definitely been building blocks,” enior Sam Dowdle said. “Each year we’ve gained steps.”

The Stallions lost ten starters from a year ago. The handful of seniors this year experienced a winless season their eighth grade year. Now, the team says it’s focused on getting the younger guys to improve. And having some playoff experience always helps.

“We had a bunch of young kids that got to experience the playoffs. That’s always a positive,” Gilliam said.

“We can learn from the last two seasons. I think the experience can help us,” Gardner said.

Gilliam said the returning lineman will be a strength of this team, as well as how hard the team is working.

“Our biggest strength will be our aggressiveness,” he said.

The Stallions will start the year with the rivalry against Vernon.