New football coach John Adams laid his vision for the Bradwell Institute program to players, parents and fans Monday evening.

And the Tiger faithful likes what the two-time state champion has to say.

Adams, most recently an assistant coach at Georgia State University, won two state championships in three years as head coach at Cedar Grove. His teams made the state championship every year he was coach, and the ending to the title game he didn’t win spurred the use of replay for state championship contests.

“It means a lot to be a part of a really good community that loves football, that loves the kids,” Adams said. “I just love everything about the community.”

Most recently a defensive assistant coach at Georgia State, Adams was hired earlier this month and is at work with the team already. He also laid out his expectations to the players and the community, even as he builds his staff.

“Football is a priority. It has to be a priority for the coaching staff,” he said. “It has to be a priority for the kids. It has to be a priority for the parents too.”

Among his expectations for the players are for them to be at practice every day and to compete every day. He also wants them to practice on Fridays, since they play on Fridays.

“If they’re there, we’re going to be fine,” he said. “All I need them to do is be present.”

The new Bradwell coach also wants to sharpen his players’ “football IQ” and deepening their football knowledge.

“I think that’s really important, putting these guys around a really good coaching staff and having them compete in everything,” Adams said.

Bradwell won a state title in 1965 – when the school’s mascot was the Lions – and played for what was then called the South Georgia Championship, the state semifinals, in 1985 and 1986.

But the Tigers have not had a winning season in nine years. Over that stretch, they’ve won just 16 games.

Longtime fans who have met and listened to the newest Tigers coach have come away impressed.

“I think he’s going to be great,” said Robert Darby. “We very lucky. I think there are great things ahead for us. He’s got a good plan but it’s going to take the community and the parents with football players, have to back this 100 percent.”

A program that did not have a losing season from 1955-81 has had four winless campaigns since 2014. Bradwell had undefeated regular seasons in 1964, 1965, 1979 and 1986 but has not won more than 10 games in a season since 1997.

“Over the past several seasons, our program has faced its share of challenges,” Dr. Mary Ryan, principal at Bradwell Institute, said. “With those challenges, come opportunities – the opportunity to grow, to rebuild and to re-establish a tradition of excellence that reflects the heart of this community.”

Adams, who played baseball and football at the University of South Carolina before transferring to Jackson State, played his high school football under legendary coach Buck Godfrey. The coach at Southwest DeKalb for 30 seasons, Godfrey won 273 games in his career.

His high school coach was more than just wins and losses, Adams said. He also sought to develop his players into young men.

“He taught me to be a really good man and work really hard and be determined in everything I do,” Adams said.

While Adams works on filling out his staff – Gage Sills has joined him to be his quarterbacks coach – he’s also focused on the kind of coach he wants.

“That’s why it’s taking so long – I’m picky,” he said. “I think it’s important to get the right leadership in place. To me, the best coaches are teachers. Coaching is an honor – it’s not a job.”

Adams said he wants his players to compete every day on the practice field and he wants them to compete in the classroom. He’s also looking for ways to get the players and the program involved in the community and with potential up-and-coming Tigers.

Adams wants to build a bridge between the middle schools and his program and has considered showing coaches in the Liberty County Recreation Department facets of his playbook.

“I think it’s important the elementary schools and middle schools are excited about Bradwell football,” he said. “I think it’s important to have a mentorship program with the elementary schools.”

Adams said he is working on his plan for spring practice and is working on a spring game opponent. He noted that last year’s Bradwell team, which went 2-7, had its share of close losses. The Tigers had four losses by one score, a total of 18 points.

“I’m excited about being here,” he said.  “I think we have a really good senior class. If they stay committed, if they stay focused, this could be a really good season.”