Pilots hope bigger roster pays off in 2025

Sometimes the biggest hurdle a team like the Fulton County High School Pilots face is a numbers one, in regards to the roster, as they sometimes have had fewer than 20 players on the roster to start out the season in the past.

This year, however? They have 28 players, and that number could increase by the time they run out onto Sanger Field for their opening contest of the 2025 regular season Fri., Aug. 22 against the Gleason, Tenn. Bulldogs.

Of those 28 players, 14 are returnees, and 14 are new players.

The 2025 roster is compromised of Seniors Zayden Kinney, Kalon McCauley, Marcus Bonds, EDrece Bonds, Vincent Scott, and Keaton Goodson; Juniors Preston Smith, Brayden Eakes, Zyian Frame, ShaMarian Grey, William Jackson, and Tevin Hammond; Sophomores Wesley Goodman, Davarius Freeman, Landon Freeman, Eiyzhek Wilson, Rashaud Houston, Cooper Drake Thorpe, Charles Keys, Chrisstjeane Gordon, and Hunter Stonecipher; and Freshmen, Christian Alexander, Cobyn Jones, Ethan Poyner, Darwin Windham, Jaxon Harrison, Charlie Shempert, Alex Ducoto, and J.J Montgomery.

Leading the Pilots will be a familiar face, as James Bridges returns for his 12th season as a high school coach, and his 20th year overall.

Rounding out his coaching staff will be Will Greer, Johnny Smith, Tyler Love, James Blakney, and Rick Major.

Bridges believes senior Zayden Kinney will be one of his leaders this year, as he wants to loud, vocal leader for his teammates, along with returning lineman Cooper Scott who leads by example, and Kalon McCauley, who leads on both sides of the ball.

On the offensive side of the ball, Zayden Kinney Kalon McCauley and Davarius Freeman are expected to be the best players, while defensively, Wesley Goodman, Drake Thorpe, and Hunter Stonecipher are expected to be the best players.

Looking ahead at the schedule, Coach Bridges sees district opponents Russellville and Caverna as their toughest tests this season, as both teams have speed and a big offensive line.

With more kids playing this year than in previous years, it has made practice a lot easier, as they are able to hold complete practices and it allows for an increased competition for playing time among the players.

Coach Bridges hopes the deeper roster pays off with the Pilots hosting a playoff game.