Macon feeling good after first preseason scrimmage
In 2023, the Itawamba Community College football team finished 3-6. This season, second-year head coach Travis Macon looks to flip the script and put the Indians back on the winning track in 2024, and he has good feelings about that based on what he has seen during preseason.
Macon feeling good after first preseason scrimmage
Cal Brown/LetsGoICC.com
FULTON, Miss. – In 2023, the Itawamba Community College football team finished 3-6. This season, second-year head coach Travis Macon looks to flip the script and put the Indians back on the winning track in 2024, and he has good feelings about that based on what he has seen during preseason.
"I'm very impressed," said Macon. "The guys have came back, they have a lot of high energy so they're coming to practice every day and they want to be out there. Whether they're on the field or off the field, they're competing in everything they do. So I'm very impressed with everything that's going on right now in preseason."
A New Look Offense in 2024
With several new additions to the offensive unit along with the hiring of former Indian quarterback Dan Ellington as offensive coordinator, Macon has been pleased with what he has seen on the offensive side of the ball so far in preseason.
"We have a lot of more speed and a lot of more size, so those guys are really starting to gel," said Macon.
Macon added that his team had their first scrimmage last week and the offense scored 28 points.
"That's always good when the offense goes out there and put up some numbers," said Macon.
Key Pieces Return on Defense
The Indians return nine starters on defense from a year ago, which is another key to this team that Macon is excited for.
"When you return nine starters, you know that's always good," said Macon. "Going into the season, those guys have gotten bigger, stronger and faster, so they're flying around. We've added a couple of more key guys into the mix, so we're excited about that."
The ICC defense returns their top two tacklers from last season in Jaiyden Thompson (Shannon), who recorded 84 tackles and six sacks in 2023, and Jayden Walker (Aberdeen), 81 tackles and 5.5 sacks.
"Jaiyden Thompson is doing really good. He had a really good freshman year for us last year, and coming back as a sophomore, he's doing what it takes to be a leader," Macon said. "We also have Jayden Walker, who had a lot of sacks for us last year. I'm very pleased with what he's doing as far as leading the defense."
Excitement on Special Teams
As for special teams, Macon spoke of sophomore punter Carson Langford (Saltillo), who pinned opposing offenses inside the 20 six times in 2023.
"Carson Langford is coming back, he did a really good job for us as a freshman," said Macon. "We also have a freshman coming in to do field goals for us, so we're excited about him. We're looking forward to seeing those guys play."
The Indians will open the 2024 season when they travel to Raymond to face Hinds at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 29.
Each ICC football game can be heard on SuperTalk Mississippi (101.9 FM) out of Tupelo and will also be available on LetsGoICCTV.com/red with the pregame show starting 30 minutes before kickoff. Adam Gore, Jim Ingram and Dr. Brad Boggs will return to the broadcast booth this season.