SPRING FOOTBALL: Pike Road getting right mind set leading into summer workouts
With coach Granger Shook looking on, Pike Road quarterback Gunner Gibbs races around the end for a gain in Pike Road’s scrimmage on Friday. (Tim Gayle)
By TIM GAYLE
PIKE ROAD -- Pike Road football coach Granger Shook figures he can find the skill players to replace the players he lost from last year’s squad, so the focus this spring has been more on the mental mindset of the Patriots as they prepare for the 2026 football season.
“I challenged them early in the spring,” Shook said. “Guys, I’m not really focused on the scheme, X’s and O’s right now, because I know there are going to be guys who screw up. I’m just focused on the how in which we practice, the how in which we compete with each other, the how in which we love one another and fight for one another.
“Yes, there were practices that got really emotional but that subsided after I challenged them. Playing with passion and not emotion is what I challenged this team with and I thought we got better at that each and every day, just a more disciplined mindset.”
Gunner Gibbs returns at quarterback, along with four of the five offensive linemen, but replacing some of the skill players will be a key as the Patriots try to improve on last year’s finish in the 6A quarterfinals.
“Any time you lose three D-I linebackers, I don’t think that’s replaceable,” Shook said. “Those are big shoes to fill. We have some really good linebackers that are younger that haven’t played yet but have taken full advantage of this spring and done a really good job.”
Another hole to fill is at running back where JaMichael Jones battled through an injury-plagued senior season last year.
“Quinton Robinson had a great spring,” Shook said, “and Tavarus Capurs, those two guys are hard working, humble young men who have a very high ceiling. So I’m excited about them and Gunner coming back, leading the charge
“We lost some good receivers, too, so out wide we’re not going to be as experienced as we have been in the past but we’re still pretty good,” he said. “I’m excited about that group.”
With talent returning in the trenches, the Patriots are expected to be better at running the ball and stopping the run this fall but only if Shook gets help from his defensive backs and wide receivers.
“We’ve got to tackle better in space on defense,” he said. “We’ve gotten a lot better as far as our coverages but we’ve got to do a better job tackling in space. And our wideouts have to do a better job of being physical and running our routes with a purpose and blocking on the perimeter.”
The Patriots wrapped up spring drills on Friday with an intrasquad scrimmage. Shook told his players after their final workout they had improved throughout spring workouts and he was pleased with their mindset.
“Our mantra this year is grit, sacrifice and discipline,” he said. “We’re trying to foster a gritty mentality, a sacrificial mindset of it doesn’t matter what Coach asked me to do or what my teammates need me to do, whether I feel like I want to do it or not, I’ve got to do it. Then, the discipline every day to show up with that mindset.
“I do believe our kids are getting tougher each and every day, that they’re buying into that mindset. We have definitely improved in those areas over the last two weeks.”