August 16, 2011

For the first time in school history, Brud Bicknell will not join Monticello on the sidelines this football season. Instead his former assistant Rodney Redd takes over as just the second coach in the program's 13 year history.

Coach Redd spent a scattered eight seasons on Bicknell's staff, starting on the JV side in 2001 and last season serving as a varsity assistant.

"It's exciting especially because myself and about three of four other coaches have been a part of the program, Redd said about the promotion. "We've kind of all seen the program come full circle and to now be the head of all that is an exciting opportunity."

In his first season, Coach Redd welcomes a host of returning players including junior quarterback Jhalil Mosley and senior running back Isaac Robinson. Covenant star receiver Sam Patterson also joins the team for his final season.

The team is extra optimistic about the offensive line. Matt Hunt is one of three starters returning with the benefit of postseason experience.

"It's a big part of the game and we always want to control the line of scrimmage, Hunt said after a morning preseason practice. "We have a big offensive line, big defensive line so I think we should be able to start off in the trenches and work our way out."

"That group returns with playoff experience and with formidable size, added Redd. "Right now, two members of our line are over 6'4 and close to 300 pounds. So we're pretty big and experienced right now, but do have some young keys to plug in key spots."

Last season Monticello went 7-5, losing in the second round of playoffs to Handley 19-0.

The 2011 team, while still coming together as a cohesive unit, is confident in their abilities to continue the winning tradition. In fact, their goal is a pretty lofty one.

In the words of quarterback Jhalil Mosley, "State championship...that's the highest, and we ain't settling for nothing less."

Monticello opens the year with four straight home games, kicking off the season with Albemarle on September 2.