The Ledger

Youthful Barons eager to build on recent success as 2026 season kicks off

By Becky Holland

COCHRAN — The start of a new school year also marks the beginning of a new era for Bleckley County Middle School football.

With longtime Head Coach Ray Hardin retiring in May, Alex Garnto is stepping into the role of head football coach while continuing to serve as the school’s assistant athletic director.

As the Barons prepare to open the 2026 season next week, Garnto is excited about the opportunity to lead a young team eager to make its mark.

Garnto, 30, has been a teacher in the Bleckley County School System since the early 2020s. A Dublin native, he played both football and baseball during high school before continuing his baseball career at the collegiate level. Today, he is also the father of three and is looking forward to helping develop the next generation of Baron student-athletes. He also is the head junior varsity baseball coach for the Royals and is a part of the Royals’ football coaching team.

While the faces on the field may look different this season, Garnto believes the future is bright.

“We’re coming off two great seasons,” he said. “We have one returning starter, and we’ve got a lot of new faces on both sides of the ball. We’ve got a youthful, dynamic team.”

Building chemistry has been one of the team’s biggest priorities throughout the offseason. From summer workouts to OTAs, Garnto has seen his players embrace the challenge.

“Our summer sessions went pretty well,” he said. “We learned a lot, especially during the OTAs. The guys have responded well to challenges.”

That dedication was reflected in a group of players who achieved perfect attendance during the team’s summer workouts, demonstrating the commitment Garnto hopes will carry into the regular season.

Despite the team’s youth, the Barons aren’t shying away from competition. One game already stands out on the schedule.

“One of the hardest games could be the region game against Dodge County,” Garnto said. “Not because of skill level, but that will be the first time they will have played at that level.”

For Garnto, coaching extends well beyond the scoreboard. He hopes the lessons learned on the football field will stay with his players long after the season ends.

Asked what advice he would give his younger self, Garnto didn’t hesitate.

“If there’s something you can’t fix, work at it and make the next day better,” he said.

The Barons will open the season on Wednesday, Aug. 12, when they host Hawkinsville at Royal Stadium, Shelly Hayes Field. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.

Most middle school games this season will be played on Wednesdays and Thursdays, giving the community plenty of opportunities to cheer on the Barons throughout the fall.

With a new head coach, a youthful roster and a foundation built through months of hard work, the Barons are ready to begin writing the next chapter of Bleckley County Middle School football.

The Bleckley Middle School Barons’ Football Schedule