DECATUR — For most of their history, it has been their defense that has determined the success of the Newton County Cougars on the gridiron. This year, the bulk of the burden will rest with the offense, especially in the early going.

The Cougars got their swagger back last fall as they compiled an 11-2 record that saw them reach the third round of the Class 3A playoffs. The Cougars fell in that round to eventual state runner-up Franklin County.

It was a major comeback from a program that was just 2-8 in 2006. However, gone from 2007 are that team’s top three tacklers — Guy Holden (185 tackles), Darius Walker (130) and Brandon Wilbourn (121).

Finding their replacements will determine how far the Cougars can go this fall.

“We grew up a lot last year,” said Newton County head coach Jeff Breland (78-30, 10th season). “We had some good things happen to us and we were right there in the third round with a shot to go on to the South State championship. It didn’t work out, but we’ve got eight starters back on offense so we feel good there.

“Defensively, we’ve got to find two inside linebackers to fill Guy and Darius’ places and that’s going to be tough to do.

“Our defensive front is back and our secondary is going to be pretty solid, but we’ve got to find those run stoppers in the middle.”

Among those expected to step up defensively are Ladarius Gallaspy, Matthew Ezell and C.J. Mapp.

Until the defense solidifies, the offense will have to keep the Cougars in the win column.

“The offense is going to have to carry us early on until the defense comes around,” Breland said. “Hopefully, we can get it going early and play with a lot of confidence.”

One of the Cougars’ top returnees on offense is running back Floyd Graves, a 5-foot-9, 170-pound senior. As a junior, Graves rushed 226 times for 1,632 yards and 18 touchdowns.

“Floyd’s a great back,” Breland said. “He has great vision. We’ve been fortunate here to have some great tailbacks in the past and we rely a lot on those guys.

“Floyd’s a good inside runner. He can hit it up in there and take a little pounding as well as dish some out. He can also go the distance too. And he can make you miss. He’s just a good all-around back.

“Floyd’s going to have to carry the load this year back there. We’re going to try to spread it around a little bit to Michael Granger and Gabe Loper and CoCo Brown and some other guys. Hopefully, they won’t be able to just load up and put nine in the box on us. We’ll have some weapons out wide that we can get the ball to also.”

Granger, a 5-foot-7, 160-pound senior, has been the Class 3A 100-meter dash state champion the last two years.

“Michael ran a 4.29 (in the 40-yard dash) over at Alabama a couple weeks ago and then turned around and ran a 4.32,” Breland said.

Also returning in the offense is John McDougle, a 5-foot-11, 215-pound senior, who has moved from fullback to tight end. He rushed 80 times for 365 yards and two touchdowns last year.

“McDougle will play some fullback and he’ll also play tight end too,” Breland said.

The quarterback role goes to Patrick Ezell (6-1, 195, Sr.) following the graduation of Cory Edwards. Edwards was 39-of-79 passing last year for 534 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed 117 times for 450 yards and nine scores. Ezell threw only 16 passes, completing three for 85 yards and one touchdown.

“If we can just keep Patrick healthy, he has a lot of talent,” Breland said. “He’s lost some weight and his speed has gotten better. He’s a very intelligent kid. A lot of times he forces things, but he knows when he messes up.

“Patrick’s a leader. Those guys respect him. They know that he can get the job done. Hopefully, he’ll stay healthy and have a big year.

“We’re also going to play Michael Granger back there some in a Cougar package where he’s got the ball in his hands.”

The Cougars return seven starters on defense.

“We’ve got both corners, a linebacker that we moved to safety, both tackles and a nose guard, and a linebacker,” Breland said. “We’ve got seven back, but we’ve had to move some folks around.

“Our defense is going to have to be played with our secondary and our front. We’re going to involve our secondary guys in the run also until our linebackers come around.

“Ellis Thompson (6-0, 215, Sr.) and Tyler Reeves (5-9, 185, Jr.) are working inside. Those guys are going to have to step it up big time. We’re going to have to make plays at the line of scrimmage.”

Playing in Division 5-3A with Newton County are Carthage, Choctaw Central, Heidelberg, Morton, Raleigh, and Southeast Lauderdale.

“I think Raleigh’s going to be good and Morton’s going to be good,” Breland said. “Morton’s real big. Carthage is going to be athletic as always along with Southeast.

“It should be a real competitive district.”

Other Cougar assistants are Michael Kelly, Josh Chaney, David Blount, and Loray Jordan.