Forrest County Agricultural High School is entering a new era as the football season kicks off next week. First-year head coach Bo Russum will try to lead the Aggies back to the playoffs. But this time with a brand new offense.
Russum takes over after four successful seasons as Columbia’s defensive coordinator. During his tenure with the Wildcats, Russum helped Columbia compile a 45-10 record, including a Class 4A state championship in 2021 and a state title appearance in 2023.
He inherits an Aggies program that finished 6-5 last season and reached the second round of the playoffs.
Russum brought in TC Chambliss to lead the offense, and together they have completely changed the style of play. Historically a Wing-T offense, FCAHS will now spread the football in a modern attack designed to maximize speed and athleticism while putting more responsibility on the quarterback and skill positions, which return significant production from a season ago.
“The goal is to be as close to 50/50 as you can,” Russum said. “If there are some weeks where we can get more production running the ball, we will run the ball more. If there are some weeks where we can get more production throwing the ball, we will throw the ball more. But the goal is always to be as balanced as you can.”
The Aggies benefit from veterans in the backfield, starting with quarterback Parks Brock. Last season, Brock threw for 978 yards with 12 touchdowns and five interceptions while completing 51% of his passes.
“He has made a seamless transition to the new offense,” Russum said. “The kid can make every throw. He’s smart, the offense can run through him. It’s been a whole lot easier transition having him for sure.”
Russum also praised Brock’s leadership. “He is more of a lead-by-example type guy than a vocal leader,” Russum said. “Everybody sees what he does and tries to buy in. What he does on the field makes it where he doesn’t have to say a lot.”
The backfield features standout running back Terrence Horne, who totaled 1,100 all-purpose yards last year, including 699 rushing yards and 401 receiving yards. Cleveland Thompson provides depth as another experienced ball-carrier. Horne’s leadership and buy-in during the offseason have already impressed Russum.
“We’re very fortunate to have Terrence and Cleveland in the backfield,” Russum said. “They play really hard, they run real hard. I was very fortunate to have them when I got here.”
Russum is also excited about his wide receiver room, noting that every player can play multiple positions, which is key in the new offense. The group includes Lee Roberts, Tyrique Britton, Josh Williams, Jordan Husband and Malik Patton.
“They have all come along in their ability to catch the football,” Russum said. “They are having fun and continuing to get better and better each day. If anyone is doubled, we’ve got somebody else to throw the ball to. That’s the beauty of this new offense.”
The spread offense and a player-led culture could set the stage for a strong 2025 season as FCAHS adapts to a faster, more dynamic brand of football.
The Aggies open the season on the road at Saint Stanislaus on Aug. 29.
