General Trass moves forward as winning program on solid ground

The last three seasons represent a very good run for General Trass.

In both 2020 and 2021, the Panthers reached the state quarterfinals. General Trass reached the regional round of the state playoffs in 2022.

Toriano Wells has done an excellent job of building a program in nine years on the job as the Panthers have gone from being an afterthought to being a serious contender in Non-Select Division IV. It’s a credit to Wells and his staff.

“We have great assistant coaches and the kids have bought in and the school board and administration has supported us,” Wells said. “The community as a whole has supported us in helping us transform things here.”

The Panthers have to replace some key players lost to graduation, including quarterback Aubrey Nash, who doubled as a defensive back, along with lineman AJ McMerchant and athletes KJ Green and Ad’adin Newman.

While General Trass is a young team, there are some fine players returning in 2023.

Junior Ahmonlee Williams (5-11, 160) takes over at quarterback after starring on defense a year ago and playing wide receiver. Williams had 26 tackles and broke up six passes last season.

“He’s a young guy with ability,” Wells said. “He has great leadership ability. He always works hard, stays after practice and works hard in the weight room and sets a great example for his teammates.”

Junior Zacorrian McCallum and senior Milton Ross are the running backs.

“Both are tough and quick,” Wells said. “Cameron Williams will come over from defense to run it some for us as well,” Wells said.

Junior lineman Joshua Hopkins was a force on offense, leading the team in pancake blocks and recorded 23 tackles on defense, including two for loss.

“Hopkins is a 3-year starter who is a hard-nose player who plays to the whistle. He is a very aggressive guy and we like that.

At wide receiver, senior Dylan Baker and sophomore Jordan Grimes are the standouts. Baker plays both ways. Junior Anton Davis (5-9, 160) is another with size who can catch and run. Junior Kaden Swift will be another who will be counted on.

“We have size and speed at that spot and we like our depth,” Wells said.

On the defensive line, Hopkins is an important piece to the puzzle. Junior Twan Wilson (5-5, 265) is the nose guard and he occupies blockers.

“Wilson is important to maintain integrity against the run,” Wells said.

At linebacker, Kameron Williams (6-2, 205) is outstanding and a college prospect. Williams was superb in 2022, recording 78 tackles, including eight for loss with two interceptions, three forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, four sacks and he blocked a punt.

“Williams will be a big factor for us,” Wells said. “Williams has great ball skills and he is unselfish. He will give his body up. He has blocked several punts in his career with us. He gets to the quarterback and is great in pass coverage. He is a sideline- to-sideline guy. He is getting a lot of college attention.”

Senior outside linebacker Stephon Everfield (6-2, 175) returns while in the secondary, Dylan Baker (5-10, 165) is a star while Williams will play there in certain situations. Sophomore Jameson Durant (6-1, 145) is a talented player as well.

The schedule presents early challenges with three straight road games to open the season, at Jonesboro-Hodge, Magnolia School of Excellence and Homer. The other non-district game is week seven at home against Bastrop.

District 2-2A play begins in week four at home against Mangham before a road trip to Rayville and a home game with Ferriday. The Panthers head to Vidalia and always tough Oak Grove, the defending state champion and winners of state titles three of the last four seasons. General Trass closes out the regular season at home against Madison.

Despite being youthful, there is real promise for General Trass to continue its winning ways.

“The leadership amongst this group is the best we’ve had in a couple of years,” Wells said. “They’re going to have their ups and downs during the season, but they’ll weather the storm. The kids expect to win. They have bought into the consistency and the work ethic. They know what is expected and they are living up to the expectations. They are no longer afraid of any opponent. The entire mindset has changed at General Trass. It is a winning culture.”

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