When Webb School’s football squad took the field for its first TSSAA practice this week, head coach George Quarles made a deliberate choice: no live tackling, no full‑contact drills, just a session of mental preparation.
A Strategic Shift Toward Identity Building
Quarles explained that the early weeks are about forging a cohesive team identity and honing strengths before the season’s first game. Rather than overwhelming the roster with a sprawling playbook, he wants the players to master a handful of core concepts that can be executed with precision.
The offense will be anchored by transfers Garrett King and Matthew Rogers, both of whom have already bought into Quarles’ system. King, who threw for 447 yards and seven touchdowns as a backup in 2025, and Rogers, who added 367 rushing yards and two scores as the No. 2 back, are expected to lead the unit.
Quarles emphasized that the focus will be on perfecting a few key plays rather than spreading attention across numerous formations. ‘We’re building a foundation that we can trust when the lights are on,’ he said.
The team’s season opener is scheduled for August 21 at Upperman, a matchup that will serve as the first real test of the new approach. The coach’s experience at Maryville, Furman, ETSU and Austin Peay adds a layer of credibility to his methodical plan.
Looking Ahead to a Promising Season
With a disciplined mindset and a clear tactical vision, Webb School hopes to translate its early‑season work into competitive performances. The combination of seasoned transfers and a coach who values mental sharpness over brute force could prove decisive as the schedule unfolds.