The Eufaula Ironheads head into a new conference and classification from Class 2A-6 to Class 3A-3 under head coach Larry Newton. Newton has his dual threat quarterback Ledger Folsom returning to the line up and he’s excited about the season.
Folsom is strong, tough, has a great arm and is very intelligent on the football field with great vision.
I interviewed Folsom on Sunday and I think you’re going to enjoy getting to know this Ironhead quarterback a little better.
Q- How are you preparing for this season that you didn’t do last year?
A- I have gained weight and gotten stronger. Plus with our new coaches, we’ve been running new defenses.
Q- What kind of security does having senior Connor McAllister (6’4”, 275) as center give you?
A- Connor gives me a lot of security. He’s great at that position and actually can read the defensive front when he goes to the line of scrimmage. He’s a great passprotection center.
Q- Talk about that huge offensive line.
A- We have a great line consisting of Carson Luna (6’4”, 275) Connor McAllister (6’4”, 275), Day Day Shine (6’1”, 275) Simeon Hill (6’2”, 320) and the other might be Trevor Dodd (6’1”, 272). Last year we had a lot of arguing but this year we have better chemistry and are more cohesive as a unit. We accept our assignments and responsibilities.
Q- You had over 1,600 total offensive yards in 2023. Can you do that again in 2024?
A- I think so. Last year we didn’t play a full four quarters because we were up so much. This year with new competition we’re going to have to play a full game and play well.
Q- The Ironheads head into the season in what many coaches think (Class 3A-3) may be the toughest district in Class 3A. Are you looking forward to playing state champs Lincoln Christian and why?
A- Yes. We have a team that can compete with anybody. This season we know who’s playing where and we’ve been practicing harder. Under Coach Couch we have been more physical in practice and hitting and tackling.
Q- You have a great receiving corp. Talk about your tight ends and receivers.
A- We’re better this year. We have Maddox Bridges, Logan Plant, Kaden Rice, Dresden Chiles and Richie Beaver. Most of them are seniors, except Logan. They know this offense and know where they’re supposed to be when I throw the ball.
I’m excited to have all these targets to throw to.
Q- Peter Lee is back at running back and that’s another weapon for you. What kind of player is Peter and what does he bring to the offense?
A- Peter is tough and won’t give up. He’s the toughest kid I know mentally and physically. He’s so fast with great speed, toughness, maturity and vision. I expect him to have a huge season.
Q- What’s it like playing for head coach Larry Newton?
A- It’s more than football when you’re playing for Coach Newton. His spirit, enthusiasm instantly gets you fired up. You’re going to get a history lesson on what being an Ironhead is and what’s expected of you.
