By Michael Butler

“The Replacements” is a 2000 football film loosely based on the 1987 strike season in the NFL. Comparing Tallassee in 2026 to the NFL of yesteryear may be a stretch, but there is a lot to replace at THS, most notably the head coach.

Eric Folmer is taking over the program vacated by L.A. O’Neal, who left for Park Crossing. O’Neal went 15-8 with two playoff berths in his two seasons in Tallassee. He followed Mike Battles, Jr., who put in 12 seasons, second most in program history behind only J.E. “Hot” O’Brien. Battles was 78-54 with eight post-season appearances.

“I’m very aware of the tradition and history of Tallassee High School,” said Folmar, who was 9-3 in his most recent head coaching stop, Fort Dale Academy. “My time at Fort Dale was a good resume builder of what can be done.”

Tallassee will be replacing more than their head coach. Their most explosive player, Jaiden Gordon, has transferred to Reeltown. He led the Tigers with 557 receiving yards last year and was second in rushing with 288 yards. He scored 14 touchdowns.

Tiny Green, the team’s top ground gainer with 480 yards and five scores has graduated.

If Folmar is playing the part of Gene Hackman’s character in the movie, he hopes senior Trent Morris is his Shane Falco, played by Keanu Reeves.

Morris is a familiar face, a four-year returning starter at quarterback. Last year he threw for 879 yards with eight touchdowns and three interceptions. He ran for 244 yards and two more scores.

“If Trent was six feet tall, we’d be beating colleges away with a stick,” said Folmar of Morris, who stands 5-7. “They should be calling anyway. He’s one of the best football players I’ve ever been around.”

Morris was sidelined with a hand injury at the beginning of last season. John Carter filled in at quarterback but has since transferred to LeFlore. One of Morris’ top targets will be Milaki Griffin, a junior.

“He’s as talented as any kid in his class. He ran 4.4 in the 40 in the spring.”

There will be several other targets for Morris. Braylon Rigsby, Hamp Love and Hudson Timmerman all have varsity experience.

“We have a quarterback that can distribute and receivers that can go get it.”

On defense, leading tackler Tra’mel McCoy graduated but second-leading tackler Kaleb Jackson is back. Jackson will be a senior.

“He’s had a great summer for us,” Folmar said. “Abram Whittington has been a lockdown at corner. We’ve bumped Monkia Hooks out to corner.”

Mike Laniez, Randall Morgan and Alex Stillwell will play on both lines.

“We’ve got such a good group,” Folmar added. “We’ve gotten to spend some time together outside of football. This is a phenomenal staff, probably the best I’ve been around. They’ve done a great job in developing relationships.”

The Tigers open the season on Aug. 21 at Montgomery Academy.