Sports
Johns Creek Gladiators Off to 3-0 Start
Coach Cloy says team's success could not be achieved without help from parents, community.
Off to an unexpected 3-0 start, Johns Creek head football coach Mike Cloy attributes the team’s recent success not only to the players and coaches but to the support they’ve received from the community, parents and athletic association.
“Everyone is so excited about the new school and the new program,” said Cloy, who enters his 41st season coaching football, 20 of which have been as a head football coach.
, which opened its doors two years ago in 2009, has had enormous support from the community as well as the parents and the Gladiator Athletic Association.
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“The support we’ve received shows the importance of athletics in the Johns Creek community,” said Tim Arrington, GAA co-president. “Coach Cloy’s guidance and leadership has been unbelievable and it has been a group effort between all parties to make it a success.”
Considering the team’s 4-6 record last year, many in the Johns Creek area are excited to see their Gladiators off to such a fast start at 3-0.
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“We have a very talented group of boys,” said Jeff Pomerantz, father of junior WR/DB Jack Pomerantz. “Some of them have been playing together since they were 5 years old.”
With only six senior starters and a total of 18 on the roster, Cloy has relied heavily on the play of his quarterback, junior Skye Overton, and his tailback, sophomore Chase Solomon, who is averaging over 100 yards a game.
“We switched our offense from a pro-I last year to a spread this year to give Skye more time and also give our playmakers the opportunity to be successful,” Cloy said.
So far, the Gladiators have outscored opponents 107-30, including a 34-0 shutout vs. Sequoyah Sept. 2. Cloy said seniors Grant Brown, Kirby Southard and Parker Asbell have provided the spark on defense.
With 41 years of coaching experience, Cloy’s main mission is to “help the players be as good as they can be both on and off the field.”
“The coaches and I have had our time,” he said. “This is their time. We teach them about life, we teach them about football and we teach them to be the best they can be while enjoying their high school athletics.”
Despite the positive energy flowing in the Johns Creek locker room, Cloy intends to keep his players ready as the Gladiators travel 51 miles to Cartersville Friday night to face Woodland-Bartow (2-1).