CARNESVILLE — Marcus Kelly has been pleasantly surprised by the transition from Danny Durham to Tommy Welch at the Franklin County coaching post.

Welch, who was hired from LaFayette in January to replaced Durham, who resigned after six seasons, has gained the confidence of the Lions’ senior class.

“Usually when you bring in a new group of coaches they kind of push the seniors out of the way,” said Kelly, a senior linebacker. “But this year they’re all about the seniors.”

A Rome native and Georgia College alumnus, Welch previously coached Armuchee to a 66-26 record in eight seasons, and Thomasville to a 38-17 mark in five seasons. The Lions were 18-32 the last six seasons.

Shortly after being hired at Franklin, Welch said he was “very, very much” looking forward to re-joining an area that supports football like Northeast Georgia and Region 8-AAA.

Junior wideout DaQuan Merritt said it took the seven months since Welch was hired to gain familiarity with the new coaches and terminology.

“It’s difficult because team chemistry isn’t as good as it was last year,” Merritt said. “Everybody’s really getting used to each other. I’m not saying we’re glad we got a new coaching staff, but some change is good.”

Welch takes over a program with some of the best skill players around, most notably senior running back/defensive back Jay Moon, a four-year starter.

“I’m not used to having a centerpiece, you’ve got some kids who’ve played for four years, and definitely his playing experience needs to be a plus for us,” Welch said. “He’s had a really good summer.”

Along with those experienced skill players, Franklin returns six starters from arguably the best defense in Region 8-AAA.

“I hope they can make tackles and play physical for four quarters, not just a half, not just three quarters,” Welch said.

Merritt said Moon’s experience, along with others like receiver Jerry Fortson, quarterback Dashun Merritt, and linebacker Ryan King, give them an edge over opponents.

“We’ve got a whole lot more experience than everybody else,” DaQuan Merritt said. “It’s a big advantage. We know what to do. If I don’t know what to do, I can ask Jay Moon, who’s been here for four years, starting since he was a freshman.”

Last year: 4-6 (did not make playoffs)

Returning starters: 10 (6 on defense, 4 on offense)

Key loss: LB Quan Johnson was the team’s leading tackler the last two years, and leader of the vaunted “Hit Squad” defense. Candidates to replace him include Marcus Kelly and Ryan King.

To be a factor in playoffs: “You’ve got to avoid injuries, you’ve got to get lucky, because you’re going to have some, and it’s how quickly we can learn each other and all that implies. The quicker that comes along the easier it will be, and the quicker we’ll be able to tell.” — Tommy Welch

Jay Moon, sr., RB/DB

A four-year starter who expects to get snaps on both sides of the ball. “Speed, agility, he knows the plays, knows what to do when the audible is called. He’s a smart player, he knows football. About all you can ask for from a running back,” DaQuan Merritt said.

Dashun Merritt, jr., QB

Will get the nod under center for the second straight season. “The quarterback’s got to be a decision-maker, put us in the right place, and minimize mistakes,” Welch said.

Marcus Kelly, sr., LB

One of the more versatile players on the team, Welch looks forward to moving Kelly around the field to gain better matchups. “He’s a very smart football player, you can utilize him in a number of ways,” Welch said.