Asbury believes it can reverse fortunes after two straight winless years
By DRUW GIAMALVA, Sports Editor
The Asbury Rams football program has seen an improved summer with head coach Matt Harris entering his fourth year with the Rams.
It hasn’t been easy for Harris or the Rams as they finished 2024 and 2025 with no victories but brighter days are coming for the program which saw growth on the field and in the weight room.
“We’ve had a pretty decent summer,” Harris said. “We’ve had between 20 to 30 kids consistently showing up and we’ve had workouts four days a week in July. The kids have gotten in here and they have bought into the program and as far as the weight program, they are starting to show new maxes. We are getting excited about what they’re doing.”
The Rams will have an exciting season opener to start the 2026 year as they will travel to face the Crossville Lions in what will be the Lions first varsity game since 2022.
“It is a big deal for them as far as their history with it being their 100th anniversary of football,” Harris said. “I am thankful and glad they are able to have it back. I wish them the best except for on August 21 but coach [Jason] Walker is a good dude and he comes from a great family.”
The Rams saw no change in their classification or region this offseason as they remain in Class 3A, Region 8 which includes DAR, Geraldine, Madison County, New Hope, North Jackson, Plainview and Sylvania.
Some key returning starters for the Rams in 2026 will be senior quarterback Blake Hillis, running back Jordy Franco, wide receiver Levi Jacoby and lineman Bradley Gielle.
“Blake has matured a lot since last year,” Harris said. “Most of our guys will have to play both sides of the ball. Starting running back will be Jordy Franco and he has developed into a leader. Levi Jacoby will play wide out for us. He can also play running back and quarterback for us. He is a big defensive guy for us. Bradley Gielle played a lot of snaps for us last year on both sides of the ball. He has been a leader in the weight room for us.”
The Rams kick off the 2026 season at Crossville on Aug. 21. Asbury will start Class 4A, Region 8 play on September 4 when they host DAR.
Asbury football coachMatt Harris talks to senior quarterback Blake Hillis during fall camp. The Rams are coming off back-to-back winless seasons, but Harris thinks brighter days are ahead after a good summer of workouts. Photo by DRUW GIAMALVA l The Leader
