Bay High seeks strong start to Foreman era

The Ben Foreman era as head coach of the Bay High Tigers begins on Friday night in a game at West Harrison High School.

A thirteen-year veteran of the coaching ranks, Foreman assumed his first varsity head coaching position after nine years in the Bay High program and four years prior at Long Beach.

Foreman brings a wealth of experience and leadership to a program that has struggled over the past three seasons, which was preceded by a big 2012 season when the Tigers racked up 12 twelve wins and only two losses.

Foreman was the defensive coordinator that season as he has been for the past seven seasons.

The first-year varsity head coach faces several immediate challenges on the field, primarily building an offensive line that lacks size and experience and a new starting quarterback.

“One of the things we're trying to change is the mentality, especially with the O-line,” Foreman said. “You've got to win that battle up front, at least for a little bit. With the O-line and D-line, we are working with their strength and their mentality with the jobs they need to do. With the O-line, hopefully, with Vernon Barnes coming, you won't have to hold it long.”

Barnes is one of the bright spots on the Tigers' roster. At 6 feet, 190 pounds, the senior running back brings toughness, quickness and leadership, as well as an attitude of redemption as he overcomes an injury-shortened junior season.

“He's got size; he's got speed. He was injured last year, and even with his injury, he was consistently timed at 4.5 (seconds in the 40-yard dash)," said Foreman. “His leadership is outstanding; his work ethic tremendous. He makes people around him better. We're going to get the ball in his hands.”

Another bright spot is Jaylen Wilson, who is stepping into the role of quarterback. The quick-footed 6-foot, 170-pound junior moves from receiver to signal caller. He and Barnes will lead the Tigers' offense, which will feature various formations to create opportunities for them to get past the line of scrimmage.

Justin McKee is joined by Cade and Cooper Compretta as other players expected to share ball-carrying duties for the Tigers.

“Our main focus has been the offensive line,” added Foreman. “It doesn't matter what football you play, whether it's high school or college, it starts up front. That's where our main concentration has been.”

Senior lineman Chris Brown brings leadership and size to the offensive tackle position. Yancey Mayfield is the other tackle. Bryce Barbay is the center. Several players are still battling for starters at the guard positions.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Tigers are young with five returning starters. But they should be pretty good. The linebackers are solid. Sophomore Cade Compretta brings toughness along with his brother, senior Cooper Compretta, who brings leadership and junior Kyrie Hodges, who plays fast and with "great effort."

“Cade is tough and has a nose for the ball,” said Foreman. “He plays downhill. He recorded 19 tackles against Moss Point as a freshman.

“Our defense should be the strength of our team. I cut my teeth on the defensive side of the ball,” added Foreman. “Defensively we are going to be young. We're going to have several freshmen out there. The freshmen have been working hard in the weight room. Some of them out there we've been very impressed with, especially Sam Shepherd and Jordan Calomese.”

Shepherd is expected to start at free safety and Calomese at defensive end.

Senior Bo Bowman will handle kicking and punting duties.

This story was originally published August 16, 2016 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Bay High seeks strong start to Foreman era."