While it is not unusual for football teams to have freshmen play vital roles in their success, Mike Davis is in an unfamiliar role this season as he is leaning on not just one but four freshmen to help guide Kentucky's Grant County High School.

"The first thing for them to realize is middle school is different than high school. We are talking about four very good athletes who have the potential to be varsity starters as freshmen, and more is going to be expected from them," Davis said.

The four players in question are Shelby Caudill, Tyler Robinson, Nathan Davis and Tyler Haar, all of whom were instrumental in the Grant County Middle School team going undefeated two seasons ago and losing just two games in two years. All four have spent their summers attending various camps with the goal of trying to earn a starting spot.

"They could very well be the building blocks of an incredible run for the varsity team," GCMS coach Jamey Dalzell said.

Dealing with expectations

"A lot of people are expecting big things out of us, and I think the expectations will be fair," said Caudill, who played free safety and wide receiver on the middle school level. "I anticipate our success to carry over. We have been playing together for a long time, and we showed people what we can do the last two years."

Davis, however, has different thoughts on what his classmates can accomplish at the next level.

"We will be young. I think our sophomore and junior years, the expectations will be fair. When we went undefeated, the upperclassmen were on that team. I don't think our success will carry over our first year because we will be playing bigger and better teams than what we played on the middle school level," said Davis, who was the middle school team's signal caller.

Robinson, who rushed for over 1,000 yards in two years on the middle school team, echoes Caudill's sentiments.

"Our expectations are pretty fair. We have high expectations and they will push us past what we are capable of," Robinson said.

Coach Davis says while the expectations "are never fair," they are there.

"When you come to the high school, you have to be committed year round to football, especially if you want to play at the next level. I am glad to know they already know how to win games," Coach Davis said.

Like Father, Like Son

If anyone completely understands what it means to suit up for the Braves it is Davis, who will play for his father should he make the varsity team.

According to Nathan, it would not be the first time his father has coached him in athletics.

"There is a lot of added pressure on me because of who my dad is. I'm just going to put forth the best effort and show I deserve my spot. I do, however, have the added luxury of having my dad and coach at the house. If I have any question about football, I can just ask him," Nathan Davis said.

Just because he is the coach's son doesn't mean he is assured a starting spot, something Nathan Davis knows well.

"This is not the first time he has coached me. People say that I will start because of him, but I have to forget about. I feel like I will get what I deserve. I remember when I was in the third grade, he didn't start me because I wasn't the best player, and I expect the same if I am not the best player," Nathan Davis said.

While he has been surrounded by the game of football since birth, Coach Davis is expecting from his son the same thing he expects from all his players.their best on and off the field.

"I don't expect anymore from Nathan than the others. He just needs to go out there and play football. I expect him and the other three to be leaders for our football team," Coach Davis said.

One thing that may help Nathan Davis adapt to the next level is a strong arm, that has drawn rave reviews from coaches.

"A lot of people say I have a strong arm, but I try to better myself and focus on my techniques. I am pretty sure the transition will be easy," Nathan Davis said.

What will success be?

While the freshmen had different opinions on expectations, they all are on the same page when it comes to what it would mean to have a successful first season.

"Winning would be a successful season," Caudill said.

Davis said his first varsity season would be successful if his team not only won games but also learned the system.

Coach Davis believes his freshmen could truly win some games this season, while also learning what is expected on the next level.

"After watching them compete during the summer in passing leagues, I am not concerned," he said.