Chiefland aims for loftier goals in 2023 under Corbin

CHIEFLAND, FLORIDA- Year 1 of the James Corbin era at Chiefland can be labeled a success.

The Indians were a Top 10 team in Class 1R for mostly the entire 2022 season, going 7-3, reaching the postseason and winning a playoff game before falling to Pahokee on the road. Nonetheless, Chiefland saw gains last year and under Corbin’s watch, the Indians are a viable state title contender in Class 1R.

This past spring gave Corbin’s bunch plenty to work on as they head into summer workouts and begin their March into the 2023 campaign in the fall.

“Heading into my second year as a head coach, I want to continue to build the culture here at Chiefland,” Corbin said. “The foundation was set by previous coaches Adam Gore and John Palmer, but we need to continue to lean into that, especially with our new facilities on the horizon. Becoming more efficient in practice time, weight room, and summer workouts are the most critical thing right now in my eyes. The kids will win us football games, I just need to do my part in setting them up for success.”

Exciting times are ahead for Chiefland as the school is completing renovations all around the campus, including to the gymnasium, locker room and weight room areas.

When it comes to spring football, the Indians were missing some of their top players due to being involved with other sports, it gave valuable reps to younger players throughout.

“Spring has given us a lot to work on,” Corbin said. “Currently, we are finishing up our new school and gym and we had to start moving out of the previous gym in the midst of spring ball. Thankfully, we are moving into our old building and renovating it into a full football facility with locker rooms, film room, weight room and indoor practice area. Between that and having multiple kids making a playoff run in baseball and state appearances in track, we've missed a few kids through the first couple of weeks. But that allowed some younger kids to get some much needed reps during practice and that will certainly pay off.”

Standout players returning to the team starts with all-everything Dakota Fisher, whom Corbin was quick to point out first. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound running back/linebacker rushed for a team-high 1,401 yards and scored 16 touchdowns. Fisher also added 106 receiving yards and 19 tackles on defense, making him one of the most versatile players in the area.

A player that really came onto the scene and exploded on the defensive side was rising sophomore Jon Adams. A 6-foot-2, 200-edge rusher made 58 tackles, 23.5 went for loss and nabbed 14.5 sacks. Standing at the other starting end is rising junior Reggie Adams, who made 53 tackles, eight for loss and 4.5 sacks.

“When it comes to stand outs there are kids that I'm always going to give praise to,” Corbin said. “Dakota Fisher is still a phenomenal running back and we're getting more creative in finding ways to get him the football. He can play anywhere on the perimeter on the defensive side of the ball as well. Jon Adams, Reggie Adams and Wykel Howard have been incredible on defense so far as well.”

Corbin made sure the Indians’ 2023 schedule was loaded with strong programs, with Chiefland facing Frostproof, Madison County, Suwannee and Williston. With the arduous schedule looming ahead, the Indians must remained locked in as the road through the season will not be an easy one.

“We have a tough slate for the 2023 season, but we intend to get better because of it. In terms of goals, I want the team to be focused on the current task at hand. We have the weapons to make a run when playoffs get here, but we need to ensure we are truly getting better every day at practice and week to week. The rest will take care of itself.”

Andy Villamarzo can be reached at andyvillamarzo@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @Andy_Villamarzo.