CAIRO – The Cairo Syrupmakers had their share of high moments in David Coleman’s second year as coach. They finished 8-3, hosted a first-round playoff game and toppled rival Thomasville; part of an eight-game winning streak.

Coleman was impressed by various leaders who stepped up throughout the year.

“I’m proud of a lot of our kids who stepped up for us this year. We had some leaders emerge. We started off the year and had to replace a lot of people,” Coleman said. “Finding the guys that were going to step up was a challenge for us. I think we did that.

“I’m proud of a lot of our players for that and the leadership that they showed. It ended a little earlier than we wanted to. We’re back to work in the offseason and getting ready for the next one.”

Cairo dropped its final two games, one to Bainbridge for the Region 1-4A championship, and the other to Troupe County in the first round of the state playoffs.

If Cairo is to advance past the second round for the first time since 2018, they’ll have to do so by replacing its share of starters. The Syrupmakers will graduate 20 seniors, covering positions all over the field.

“We’ll have to replace several on the offensive skill (positions); wide receivers, quarterback and one running back,” Coleman said. “Really on defense, it’s every level; defensive line, linebacking corps and the back end, we’ll be replacing a lot of people.”

One positive for the Syrupmakers is the stability within the program. It was just last spring that Coleman took over just before the summer workout period. Now that he’s been in charge for two seasons, players know what to expect.

“It helps us in the offseason. It helps us get a start in January. That’s big,” Coleman said. “The offseason is huge for a program our size. We’re looking at a good one this year.”