Despite

going 2-8 last year and learning the system of their

third coach in as many years, the landmark Christian War

Eagles varsity football team is playoff bound. That's

right. Before one minute of one game has been played, the

War Eagles are guaranteed a spot in the playoffs at the

end of the season. Thanks to the classification shuffle,

Landmark is in 5-A with three other teams.

How their

season will go is another question but the War Eagles are

sure to see a major difference from last year's record.

Landmark

returns to the Ironman system of play and returns five

starters on offense and defense. Senior Stephen Pass will

play tackle and defensive tackle, while Chris Rentz, also

a senior, will play halfback and defensive back. Ben

King, a junior, will play guard and linebacker, while Ray

Ross, another junior, will play guard and defensive

tackle. Sophomore Sean Hill returns to the fold playing

halfback and defensive back.

The War

Eagles will run the Wing T offense his season, trying to

run the ball more, use up the clock and rest their

defense, while hopefully wearing their opponents defense

out. Coach Fred Gilkeson, also the wrestling coach at

Landmark, will lead the team this year and hopes to see

the War Eagles as one of the top two teams in the region.

Their

schedule should be challenging and fun to watch. In the

month of September, they open their season at Wesleyan,

host Madison County, Ala., travel to Athens Academy and

then to Gordon Lee and then close out the month at home

against Adairsville.

Though the

team is assured of making the playoffs, don't expect

Landmark to rest on their laurels. This is a team that

wants to distance themselves from a disappointing season

and head into the playoffs with momentum.