Undefeated Gilbert reviving the school’s winning tradition

Chad Leaphart had success as a player at Gilbert High, and is off to a good start as the Indians’ coach.

Leaphart, who left Swansea in January, has Gilbert 4-0 for the first time since 1999, heading into its bye week. The Indians’ strong start has earned them The State’s Team of the Week honors.

“One of big things I wanted in coming back here is these kids to experience what it’s like to be a winner at Gilbert, because we had success when I played here,” said Leaphart, who was a member of three consecutive Lower State finalist teams from 1990-92.

“It was a great time in this community, the way people rallied around the football team. They are getting a taste of that. We had a great crowd Friday against Airport. There wasn’t an empty space on the home side. That is exciting stuff for these kids.”

Leaphart credits his team for buying into the coaching staff’s message and the commitment to a more intense offseason conditioning program.

“Biggest thing is the work in the weight room and offseason conditioning we were able to start here in the spring,” Leaphart said. “We made some great gains, and that has been evident in the success we have had in the fourth quarter against Batesburg-Leesville, River Bluff and Airport. That has been the biggest thing that has helped us as much as anything scheme-wise, the physical and conditioning part.”

One of the keys for Gilbert’s success has been its running game, led by Catriez Cook. The senior was moved from defense to offense full-time this season, and leads the Midlands with 709 yards rushing and eight scores. He’s rushed for more than 200 yards in two games.

“He is a man,” Gilbert senior defensive back Dylan McNatt said. “Definitely miss him on the defensive side of ball, but he is a better fit there.”

“It’s been a while since I played running back, but coach Leaphart put me there and I want to live up to those expectations,” said Cook, who picked up his first offer from Newberry over the weekend.

Leaphart said the ability to run the ball helps the team control the ball and has opened the passing game for freshman quarterback Josh Strickland. He took over after Tyler Thomas broke his collarbone against River Bluff.

Defensively, Gilbert has moved to a 4-3 from a 4-4 under former A.C. Flora coordinator Mark Cagle. The Indians have given up 20 points over the past two games, wins over 5A River Bluff and 4A Airport.

“Our defense has done great,” Leaphart said. “To sit here and be 4-0 is a credit to the kids and staff for what they put together so far.”

This story was originally published September 13, 2016 at 8:23 PM with the headline "Undefeated Gilbert reviving the school’s winning tradition."