ITG Next South Georgia August/September 2023 Magazine

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ITG Next is published bi-monthly. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher. Dykes Media Group LLC makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2023 Dykes Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

LANDEN

COMMITTED

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Learn more by visiting www.ValdostaToyota.com/Going-Places-Program/

REGION 1 - 7A

HEAD COACH: JEFF HERRON

Written by: Phil Jones Game to Watch

WHO’S BACK KEY LOSSES

Coach Herron has a ton of experience returning to the 2023 Wildcats, including a number of seniors. That group includes offensive starters QB Mason Robinson, FB Jaden Dailey, C Caden Thompson, and G Zack Owens, along with two-way starters Ja’Marley Riddle and Shamarion Gibbs, who each will play DB/RB again this season. Junior guard Cazio Rosso also returns to the offensive line.

On defense, senior DEs Denigal Cooper and Dylan Higginbotham return. As far as the special teams is concerned, two aces of that unit are back, and Herron had high praise for both players. He called senior Wyatt Rubinhoff “as good a long snapper as I have ever seen.” Senior five-star kicker Gabe Caison connected on 9 of 11 FGs last season, along with 42 of 44 PATs. His long was 44 yards, so it’s no surprise to hear Herron say, “If we got to the 40yard line, we were comfortable with sending him in.”

Camden County will miss one of the team’s biggest sparkplugs on and off the field in Jake Lindsey. The former safety is off to continue his football career at West Point with Army.

Other Wildcats who are moving on to play college football include Ian Pederson, who was a TE/MLB for Jeff Herron’s team. Pederson is now at Kennesaw State University. CB/WR Tyre Young signed with Troy University, while WR/CB Quan Floyd is attending Georgia Military University. Other key players not returning include OT Gavin Wright, DL Khristian Dallas, TE Cam Chandler, and WR Saige Roche.

Jeff Herron is a winner. He led his Wildcats to the #2 seed and a 3-1 record in the tough Region 1-7A last season, and an overall 8-4 record. With most of his team back this year, you can expect an even better season from Camden County. The majority of the offensive and defensive starters are back, and with one of the best special team units in the state, Camden will be a contender for the region title, even in a region with the Colquitt County Packers. Finding a replacement for safety Jake Lindsey could be the key to just how far Camden County advances this year.

I like Camden County to finish with a 10-win season. So give me Camden and a 10-3 record in 2023.

Columbia Brunswick @ Glynn Academy New Hampstead Somerset Academy (FL) Atlantic Coast (FL)

Richmond Hill Colquitt County @ Valdosta @ Lowndes

REGION 1 - 7A

HEAD COACH: SEAN CALHOUN

Written by: Phil Jones Game to Watch

WHO’S BACK

Returning for Sean Calhoun’s Packers this season will be a group of seniors intent on taking this talented team even farther than last season’s semifinal squad. The group includes playmaking wide receiver Ny “ScatPack” Carr, who is committed to UGA. You can bet Carr will be a primary target for returning QB Neko Fann. The Packers signal-caller will line up behind returning center Jay’Den Williams, and returning alongside him on the offensive line will be Ja’Quavion “Turk” Daniels. One of the best tight ends in the country is Landon Thomas, who flipped his original commitment from UGA to Florida State this offseason.

On defense, returning at safety is Nick “Headhunter” Pace, who had one of the more memorable hits of the Packers’ spring. Pace will provide needed strength with the loss of Luttrell and Lyric Thomas.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Calhoun, who was named our Hughston Clinic Coach of the Year in 2022, is one of the best motivators in high school football, and he’ll continue to bring out the best in an already-talented group in his second season as the Packers head coach. He told ITG Next that the team has had a good offseason getting faster and stronger.

“Our guys have worked really hard this preseason in the weightroom,” Calhoun said. He added that his team “has a lot of potential,” but it’s one of the intangibles that he thinks could make the difference. “This team has a ‘family feel’ that we hope can take us all the way,” Calhoun said.

The Packers will lose some big-time talent to graduation, especially on the defensive side of the ball, starting with safeties Jack “White Lightning” Luttrell, who signed with the University of Tennessee; and strong safety Lyric Thomas, an All-Region defensive selection last season.

The Pack also lose a pair of linebackers with the departure of Quay McCoy, who collected 66 tackles with 6 sacks last year; and Kamal Bonner, who signed with NC State. Running back and special teams specialist Charlie Pace has taken his talents to Georgia State University.

KEY LOSSES PREDICTION

The Packers are going to be the favorite in practically every game this season, and will be one of Class 7A’s favorites to win it all. I like their chances – I see 13 or 14 wins in a season of 15 games.

Dutch Fork (SC) Stockbridge

@Tift County Lee County Cedar Grove Lincoln (FL)

@ Camden County @ Lowndes Valdosta Richmond Hill

LOWNDES

REGION 1 - 7A

HEAD COACH: ADAM CARTER

Written by: Phil Jones

WHO’S BACK

New head coach Adam Carter is eager to welcome back several top offensive and defensive starters this season. That group includes junior QB Marvis Parrish, who will be back for his second year as the Vikings starter. Last season, he threw for 1,329 yards and 8 TDs, while rushing for 709 yards with 15 TDs. He’ll have the reliable senior RB Jacarre “Smoke” Fleming back with him in the offensive backfield. Smoke has rushed for 1,328 yards and 17 TDs over the last two seasons as the Vikings feature back.

Junior WR Jaylin Carter will return this season, as will senior TE Grant Lasky and OT Daniel Jones. Carter tells ITG Next that his top returning defensive players are junior LBs Coleman Lewis, Johnny Bebo, and Austin Williford, and junior DT Andres Contreras. He added senior LB Oshea Brooks to the group of top returning defensive players from last season.

Carter inherits a Vikings team that is still in a bit of a two-year rebuilding mode, with a lot of young talent.

Asked about his new team, Carter told ITG Next the following: “We are still a young football team that is learning ev-

The Vikings will miss big-time playmaker Kevis Thomas, who played receiver and cornerback for the Vikings, in addition to returning kicks and punts. Thomas pulled down 427 receiving yards and 3 TDs, and he returned 2 kickoffs for TDs, too. Defensively, Thomas was credited with 25 tackles and 1 INT. He signed with the Maryland Terrapins after his Lowndes career ended.

Ronnie Davis was a major locker room influence with the Vikings, and on the field he got it done, too. Like Thomas, he played offense and defense, and he was awarded our ITG Next Community Involvement Award at last year’s annual football banquet. Other players who will be missed are LB Mekhi Crawford, CB Ja’khai Blair, and CB CJ Brown.

eryday. 2023 will come down to our senior leadership, and we have some great kids who show up and work hard everyday.”

Carter said he really likes the Vikings offensive line, adding “our offense will go as they go.” He went on to say that “we must

KEY LOSSES WHAT TO EXPECT PREDICTION

learn to start fast and play disciplined. We will need a physical brand of football to compete in Region 1.”

Carter has proven he can build a team into a state champion contender. He did that very thing at Grayson, leading the Rams to the 2020 Class 7A state title. There’s no doubt he’ll get there with this Vikings team … eventually. My prediction for the 2023 Lowndes team: 8-4

Christ School (NC) Gadsden County (FL) West Broward (FL) East Coweta @ Grayson @ Valdosta Dunbar (FL)

Colquitt County @ Richmond Hill Camden County

Game to Watch

PRIMARY CARE

URGENT CARE

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Written by: Phil Jones

WHO’S BACK

Valdosta will bring back a lot of talent to this season’s team, starting with junior dual-threat quarterback Todd Robinson. He has really grown into the position and will only be more comfortable this season. He has thrown for more than 1,000 yards with 10 TDs and rushed for 569 yards and 7 TDs.

Joining their QB on the offense will be returning RB Shaq Wright, WR Prince Jean, TE Jontavious McGriff, and OL Jalen Burgess. On that suffocating defense, DE Eric Brantley just might be the best defensive end in the country. The senior has 130 career tackles, with more than half of those (74) being TFL. That also includes 22 sacks, 11 in each of the past two seasons. Other members of the defense returning this year are DBs Khalil Mollay, Jabari Baker, and Jaylen Bentley, along with senior LB Amari Tomblin.

KEY LOSSES

The ’Cats will lose a few key contributors from their 2022 eightwin squad, including several sack masters and one of the best takeaway players in the state. Tim Robinson, known as “Mr. Pick 6,” signed with Troy after a season that saw the DB come away with 7 INT. LB Jarius Curry leaves after a great senior season in which he recorded 71 tackles and 6 sacks. His defensive mate, DL TJ Morrison, had 73 tackles with 4 sacks over the last two seasons. Curry signed with Thomas University, while Morrison is headed to Reinhardt University.

The offense will miss TE Jalen Whitehead, who pulled down 21 receptions with 5 TDs last season before being injured in the Winnersville Classic at Lowndes. He has recovered and is headed to Clark Atlanta to continue his football career. RB Ahmad Denson is off to Coffeyville Community College following a high school career in which he rushed for 727 yards and 6 TDs, including two games when he rushed for 100+ yards.

They say defense wins championships. That’s true, but you must have enough offense to outscore your opponent, and while that led to a premature end to last season for Valdosta, this year could be very different. Robinson is turning into a very talented QB, and with another year of growing into the position, he’ll be ready to take this offense to new heights this season.

The defense will be very solid again and will remain a top-10 unit in the state, just as it was last season. Put those two factors together and that could mean great things for the 2023 Valdosta football team and head coach Shelton Felton, who will be starting his third season leading the Wildcats.

WHAT TO EXPECT PREDICTION

Valdosta finishes strong with a 10-3 record.

2022

Massillon (OH) @ Cook Banneker Warner Robins Coral Glades (FL)

@ McEachern Lowndes

@ Richmond Hill Camden County @ Colquitt County

Game to Watch

GLYNN ACADEMY

Written by: Phil Jones

WHO’S BACK

When asked about the top players returning to the Red Terrors in 2023, Hidalgo listed five players, all of them super-talented and ready to lead Glynn Academy to a potentially special season. The group includes 6-foot, 5-inch, 220-pound senior WR David Prince, who has already committed to Georgia Tech. Junior RB Greg Peacock returns and has received offers from several schools, including Cincinnati, Indiana, and Georgia Southern. He is coming off a stellar sophomore season that saw him rush for 1,037 yards with 11 touchdowns, plus 2 special teams TDs and 3 receiving scores. Others Hidalgo mentioned are senior LB Peyton Parker, OL Max Poysky, and LB D’Vontae Lang.

KEY LOSSES

Included in the list of key players who will not be returning this season are QB Tyler Devlin. The dual-sport athlete was also one of the top baseball players for Glynn Academy, and he’s headed to Florida State College in Jacksonville to play baseball. He was pretty good as the Red Terrors QB, too, taking a run-heavy offense and incorporating an effective passing game with the Red Terrors during his two seasons as the starter. He will be missed.

Coach Rocky Hidalgo told ITG Next that the other key players who will be missed are OLB Daniel Smiley, who is headed to Centre College to play collegiately, along with DL Xzavia Cummings, who is also continuing his career at the next level. The defensive standout is now at Carson Newman. OL/DL John McCleod is another player the Glynn Academy head coach cited as a key loss, along with LB/RB Hank Noonan. Like his teammate Devlin, Noonan was also a standout baseball player, and he will play college ball at Georgia College State University.

Probably the first order of business for Hidalgo and his staff will be to find a replacement at QB for Tyler Devlin. That appears to be senior Ryan Schuneman, and he’ll have plenty of returning talent and support around him, with running back Greg Peacock and receiver David Prince providing a ton of offense.

Glynn Academy ended the 2022 season with a tough playoff loss, but still, the Red Terrors’ 4-1 finish should provide momentum rolling over into this season. If the Red Terrors can take care of business in their region, which would likely mean finding a way to get past Brunswick and Effingham, that could give Hidalgo’s

team a chance to repeat the 2018 and 2020 seasons, when they finished as the region champion and won two home playoff games. They have the talent to do it, and Hidalgo is just the veteran coach who can motivate his team once they get there. Look for a solid season from this 2023 Glynn Academy football team.

@ Statesboro @ McIntosh Co. Academy Camden County Baker Co. (FL) Brunswick

@ Effingham County South Effingham @ Grovetown @ Evans Lakeside, Evans

Game to Watch

REGION 1 - 6A HEAD COACH: JEREMY EDWARDS

Written by: Phil Jones

WHO’S BACK KEY LOSSES

“We return just about everybody on offense this year,” said Edwards. Leading that group back will be junior quarterback AJ Hill, who has already shown ability and poise beyond where most QBs are at this point in their careers. This will be Hill’s third straight season as the Bears starting signal-caller.

Hill will have plenty of targets returning this season, including receivers Kale Woodburn and Ricky Johnson. Edwards said Woodburn has committed to Cincinnati, while Johnson committed to Stanford. Jaquari Brown and Recordo Tarver will also be back, and they’ll likely be headed off to play collegiately following their HoCo careers.

Edwards told ITG Next that in addition to the standout wideouts, the Bears have a solid group of returning tight ends, including Ryan Mackey, who also played LB last season but will be moved to play only on offense this year. Joining Mackey at TE will be Gavin Kurpis and Ty Waters.

Houston County did not lose many key players from last season’s quarterfinal team, which should make Bears fans smile as they look forward to the 2023 season. According to head coach Jeremy Edwards, HoCo will be without the services of former free safety and part-time wide receiver Arthur “AB” Brown, who signed with Charleston Southern University to continue his football career. Brown finished his HoCo career with 129 tackles and 5 INT.

Edwards said the other key losses on defense are DL Jaydon Phillips and Damian Martinez, along with LB Nick Jordan. On offense, the key loss Edwards points out is OL Kahlil House. OL Jeremy Blute is headed to Air Force.

With 34 seniors returning, including a lot of experienced players, hopes are justifiably sky high for Edwards, his staff, and the Bears in 2023. And Edwards isn’t exactly shy about what he thinks his team is capable of doing this year.

“I think we have a very good team returning,” he said. “I like this roster.”

One thing Edwards plans to do to make his team even better in 2023 is using a “two-platoon” system. That’s one reason for moving Mackey to play TE only this year, and he’ll do that with other positions to avoid guys playing on both sides.

“We got exposed some late in one of our playoff games as a result of just wear-

ing down and getting tired, so we’re not going to play anyone both ways this season,” Edwards said.

That tactic should make an already talent-rich HoCo team even better in 2023.

the 6A championship. 13-2 overall record.

Sumter County @ Perry West Laurens @ Locust Grove @ Warner Robins Lee County

@ Northside WR @ Thomas Co. Central @ Tift County Veterans

Look for Edwards and his HoCo Bears to challenge for

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Troy Skidmore, DO

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Anie Uyoe, MD

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John Fennessy, MD

Ryan Breland, MD

Written by: Phil Jones

WHO’S BACK

Several starters on both sides of the ball will return in 2023, starting with one of the best running backs in the state, Ousmane Kromah. The ITG Next Georgia Offensive Player of the Year for 2021 and 2022 will return for his junior season, and he provides Lee County with a breakaway threat every time he touches the ball. He is also a terrific kick returner for the Trojans. Kromah has rushed for over 3,800 yards and 38 TDs the last two seasons.

Quarterback Weston Bryan, who took over as starter in the second half of the season, will be back as the starting QB from day one. RB/WR Braxton Honer returns to give Lee County a two-way threat offensively. Offensive linemen Kyle Greene and Angel Fausto will be back to provide run and pass blocking up front for the Trojans. Other key pieces include ATH Devin Collier, FS/WR Tion Garmon, LB Jace Angry, and DL Tion Garmon – and that’s just a few names; there are many more.

KEY LOSSES

Fortunately for Coach Dean Fabrizio and his Lee County team, graduation losses were minimal. But there are a few key players whose presence will be missed this season, including speedy WR Jevell Fugerson, who was a major weapon in the Lee County passing attack. He received several offers to continue his football career at the next level before deciding on the University of Buffalo. Fugerson was a three-year starter who finished his career with more than 130 career receptions for over 2,500 career yards and 22 TDs.

All-Region DB Kason Hooks has moved on to Army after a stellar career at Lee County that saw him pull down 7 career interceptions and record 30 PBUs. He also had 2 TDs while patrolling the Lee County defensive backfield. The offensive line will miss Kaden Schlegel, who was a big-time force up front for Lee County. He has graduated.

This 2023 Lee County football team will be one of Class 6A’s deepest and most talented squads, with just about everybody returning on both sides of the ball at its key positions. Weston Bryan showed that he is much more than capable at leading the Lee County offense, and he’ll have a chance to thrive as teams try to focus their efforts on shutting down Ousmane Kromah.

Dean Fabrizio has shown what he can do when he has the talent to work with and boy does he have talent on this 2023 Trojans team. Devin Collier will be back, and he gives Lee County a three-way weapon as a RB, DB, and kick returner. Look out for Lee in 2023.

12 wins should be expected. Playing 15 games is very likely, too – that would mean Lee County playing for a state title. The Trojans will be a favorite to win it all this year in Class 6A.

Warner Robins Hapeville Lithia Springs @ Colquitt County Lake Gibson (FL)

@ Houston County Veterans

@ Northside WR @ Thomas Co. Central Tift County

Game to Watch

2022 STATS

NORTHSIDE (WR)

REGION 1 - 6A

HEAD COACH: BEN BAILEY

Written by: Phil Jones

WHO’S BACK

Leading the returning starters and contributors from last season is DB/LB Ricardo Jones, a super-talented defender against the run and pass. He has 78 tackles over the last two seasons, along with an incredible 12 INT. Five of those came last season in just seven games he appeared in due to a lower leg injury. The standout senior is poised for a breakout final season with the Eagles.

Senior LB Jarris JC Coney has also put up solid numbers over the last two seasons as an Eagles defender, racking up 126 tackles, including 13 TFL with 2 sacks. Returning with Jones and Coney to the Northside defense will be LB Daylan Kendrick. Back on offense this season are senior receiver Keron Hilton, who has 487 career yards receiving with 2 TDs, and OL Bobby Royal.

KEY LOSSES

The Eagles will lose a couple of big lineman from the 2022 team, including 6-foot, 8-inch, 300-pound three-star OL Quinton Lewis, who played center and guard for Northside. He is now with the Yale University Bulldogs, whom he chose out of several schools. His linemate, 6-foot, 5-inch OL Kyle Mixon, has also graduated and is headed to the University of Kentucky. TE Brandon Wilson has graduated and will continue his football career at Reinhardt University. On defense, Northside will enter the season without OLB Mikell Roberts, who is headed to West Georgia to play for the Braves, while DL Isaiah Harvey will continue his football career at Tennessee-Chattanooga.

New head coach Ben Bailey takes over the Northside Warner Robins football program in 2023 after Chad Alligood left to take the Jones County AD position. Bailey is no stranger to Middle Georgia football, having served in coaching capacities in Houston County, as the Bears former OC, and most recently as Peach County’s OC last season. He takes over a Northside program that is coming off a seven-win season.

Bailey is ready to put his own stamp on the tradition-rich Eagles program, and he has implemented a few new wrinkles.

“We’ve paid more attention to the strength and speed programs for our players, which is something kinda new here, so we’re ready to get going,” Bailey told ITG Next. “I’m excited about the direction our program is headed in.”

Bailey has brought in Patrick Flowe as

WHAT TO EXPECT PREDICTION

the team’s defensive coordinator and Nick Ward as offensive coordinator. He said the Eagles’ 2023 roster is a talented group.

“We have a really good base group of kids this year, and they have looked good so far this offseason,” Bailey said.

This is a talented team, and Bailey is a high-energy coach with a solid staff of assistants. An 8-4 record with this schedule will be a great season.

Jones County Peach County @ Warner Robins North Cobb @ Crisp County @ Tift County Houston County Lee County @ Veterans @ Thomas Co. Central

Game to Watch

THOMAS

REGION 1 - 6A

HEAD COACH: JUSTIN ROGERS

Written by: Phil Jones

WHO’S BACK

Senior RB Trey Brenton will be back to give the Jackets a backfield threat once again this season. Brenton’s junior season in 2022 was his breakout year, as he carried the ball 132 times for 955 yards and 10 TDs. For his career he has 195 carries and 1,216 yards. TE Malachi Thomas will return for his senior season, and if his production from last season can carry over to 2023, he’ll give the Jackets another receiving threat. Last season he caught 33 passes for 442 yards and 3 TDs.

Returning to the TCC offensive line will be senior Ty Brown, a 6-foot, 3-inch, 300-pound RT. Junior ATH Kendarius Reddick is one of the highest rated players in his class, and he’ll give TCC a threat from anywhere on the field. On defense, sophomore DE Cam Brooks will be a force coming off the edge. He is receiving attention and offers from several D-1 schools.

KEY LOSSES

Sam Brown was one of the most efficient and accurate passers of any quarterback in the state last season, and he was a major reason for the Yellow Jackets’ success in 2022. He threw for 2,220 yards and 22 TDs in 216 attempts (67% completion rate) with only 3 INT last season, and he ended a stellar high school career with 3,094 yards passing. Brown also rushed for 604 yards and 14 TDs in his career.

RB Ricky Fulton was quite an effective back in his only season as a Yellow Jacket, running for 796 yards and 11 TDs. During his entire high school career, Fulton had 622 carries for 3,457 yards and 40 TDs. WR Adam Hopkins ends his high school career with 111 receptions, 1,555 yards receiving and 16 TDs. ATH Tyler Floyd winds up his TCC career having contributed in several different ways: 369 passing yards, 321 rushing yards, and 1,204 receiving yards. Add to that his yards as a kick/punt returner, and his total all-purpose yards were 1,674.

Yellow Jackets fans are hoping for a repeat of 2022, when Thomas County Central came out swinging and ran through its regular season schedule undefeated. A stunning home loss against Roswell in the Class 6A quarterfinals brought an end to an

incredible season, and now TCC is hoping to find that same magic in 2023.

Whether they can do it again remains to be seen. Lee County, Tift County, and crosstown rival Thomasville will all be better, and the key to the Jackets’ season may lie in how

they fare against those teams. There’s some good talent returning this season, and one of the big questions will be replacing the steady hand of Sam Brown at quarterback. His lack of mistakes was a big reason for Central’s offensive success in 2022.

record.

@ Cairo Thomasville @ Bainbridge @ Brooks County Godby (FL)

@ Veterans Tift County @ Houston County Lee County Northside WR

Another solid season for Thomas County Central football in 2023: 10-3

REGION 1 - 6A HEAD COACH: NOEL DEAN

Written by: Phil Jones

WHO’S BACK KEY LOSSES

The good news for Tift County fans is that several key contributors from last year will be back this season. Coach Dean tells us that group includes senior RB Damian Moate and senior receiver Taylan Morrow.

“Taylan is due for a breakout season this year,” Dean said.

Dean listed several members of the Devils defense who will be key returnees in 2023. That group includes senior ILBs Danny Freeman and Kaleb Lewis, along with OLB Lee Jackson and CBs Javion Romer and Za’morian Brown, who Dean called “one of the strongest kids, pound for pound, that we have.” Dean also said he’s looking forward to having FS Jaden Nelson and DE Landon Jones back, along with K/P Dave Sandoval.

The Blue Devils don’t have many key losses to graduation from last year, but Blue Devils head coach Noel Dean told ITG Next that there are a couple of players that Tift County will miss. Defensive end JaCoiley Nathan was a standout lineman for the Blue Devils, earning All-Region honors last season. He will continue his football career at Thomas University, where the school is fielding its first football squad. Athlete Tyler Parker, who played a few roles for the Blue Devils, is headed to Wofford University to continue his football career.

In taking over the Tift County program, Dean has started from the ground up, and he has the players buying into his way of doing things. His methods are effective, as three state championships on his resume can attest.

“We have really had to go through a lot to get to where we are today,” Dean told us.

After a one-win season, this year’s Tift program is loaded with college-bound talent, with recruiters making regular daily visits to see players such as Romer, Lee Jackson, Za’morian Brown, new QB Chris Martin, and Landon Jones, who are among the players who have received offers already.

The Blue Devils looked impressive in its 31-20 win over Crisp County in the spring game, and while that may not count, this 2023 Tift County football program is ready for any positive vibes. Right now, there’s a lot of that headed into the season. Look out for Noel Dean’s Blue Devils this year.

I

think 5-5 is a good step for Dean’s Devils in 2023. Better things are yet to come, however.

Game

Written by: Phil Jones

WHO’S BACK KEY LOSSES

Returning this season is senior quarterback Jake Maxwell, who enjoyed a solid junior season that saw him throw for 2,428 yards with 15 TDs and a 63% completion rate (166 for 263). He’ll have one of his primary receiving targets back in senior Preston Bird, who has 88 receptions with 1,203 receiving yards and 6 TDs over the last two seasons.

Fellow receiver Chandler Thomas will be back to give Maxwell another talented target in the Veterans passing game. He has 37 receptions with 596 receiving yards and 2 TDs in his Veterans career. Junior DE Kane Byrd and senior RB/LB Kayleb Jackson are the other key returners to the 2023 Veterans football squad.

Graduating from Veterans are some key players who have made their mark on the Warhawks football program. However, several are not done with their football careers. That includes LB Jaron Benjamin, who had a spectacular 2022 season, finishing strong with 83 tackles and 6 sacks. He’s headed to Reinhardt University.

Fellow LB Malik Holiday also has graduated and is off to Virginia University of Lynchburg, where he too will continue his stellar football career. Defensive back Anthony Morley has signed with Georgetown College, and DL Jalen Banks also has graduated. The Veterans offense will miss WR Damare Franklin, who is headed to Alcorn State. He leaves Veterans having put up 2,135 receiving yards with 13 TDs over the past two seasons.

This offseason was a good one for the Warhawks, especially with their strength training program, according to head coach Josh Ingram.

“Our offseason has been really good,” Ingram said. “We won the GACA weightlift-

ing championship in February for Class 6A.”

Ingram also is pleased with the player turnout this offseason.

“Our total numbers in the program with grades 9-12 are up to 170 kids,” he said.

Those are very solid numbers for any

WHAT TO EXPECT PREDICTION

program, but especially a Class 6A team that’s in one of the most competitive markets in the state. With an experienced returning quarterback and a group of experienced receivers, Veterans could make some noise this season.

It’s a tough region. The key will be to win one you’re not supposed to. 7-4 overall this year.

Richmond Academy Griffin Perry Lakeside, Evans Northgate

Thomas Co. Central @ Lee County Tift County Northside (WR) @ Houston County

Game to Watch

Written by: Phil Jones

WHO’S BACK

Returning at QB will be senior Maurice Hansley, who enters his final season with the Trojans with 1,468 career passing yards and 12 TDs. He also has 180 rushing yards and 3 scores. Other returnees include senior RB Fred Brown and junior ATH Tyrese Woodgett, along with senior slot receiver Pat McCall. Senior offensive tackle Jerzabeon Grant and his massive 6-foot, 3-inch, 300-pound frame will give the Trojans a big body for both run blocking and pass protection.

Senior DB Anthony Paulk leads a group who will return to the Coffee defense in 2023. Paulk has 68 career tackles and 4 INT, and he hopes to add to that total this year. He’ll have fellow DB Tyriq Edwards joining him, along with defensive ends Elgie Paulk and Larenzo Harvey, while LB Pooh Williams returns to the defense, too.

KEY LOSSES WHAT TO EXPECT

The Trojans will miss RB Antwan McDuffie, who signed with Highland Community College following his graduation from Coffee High this offseason. McDuffie rushed for 1,700 yards with 25 TDs in his career. Teammate Brandon Reed will join McDuffie at Highland. LB Larry Daniel had 96 tackles, including 4 sacks, during his time on the Coffee defense, but he has also graduated.

Another Trojan defender who is off to play college football is DL Jackson Banks, who will attend Mississippi Gulf Coast College. The offensive line will have to replace linemen Dane Rish and Mason Roberts, who are taking their talents to the next level, too. Rish has signed with Reinhardt University, while Roberts will play at Valdosta State.

The Trojans always seem to be in the mix, as their recent history of 8 to 10 wins per season reflects. But the Trojans and their fans are hoping 2023 will be the year when the team finally takes that next step. They’ll have a favorable schedule that should again provide the opportunity for another double-digit win season. The key to Coffee making this season different than last will be winning a game or two against the tougher opponents, such as Bolles, Bainbridge, and Ware County.

Look for another 9- or 10-win season for the Trojans with a couple of playoff wins in 2023.

Tift County Bainbridge Bolles (FL) Salem

@ Richmond Hill Bradwell Institute @ Statesboro Jenkins Greenbrier @ Ware County

Game to Watch

WARNER ROBINS

REGION 2 - 5A HEAD COACH: SHANE SAMS

Written by: Phil Jones

WHAT TO EXPECT WHO’S BACK

Can Warner Robins make it to yet another state championship game? Their streak is at 6 straight as they get ready to kick off their 2023 season against some really stout competition. New coach Shane Sams is very familiar with the team, having served as the Demons offensive coordinator in 2017 and 2018, which were the first two years of the team’s streak of six consecutive title game appearances.

Still, Sams will be under a huge microscope to see if he can fill the shoes of the departed coach, Marquise Westbrook. He should have a great opportunity, given the talent that will greet him in the opening game of the season against Lee County. Isaiah Canion can basically fill in at just about any position on the field. The Demons will miss Vic Burley, but with solid talent returning elsewhere, look for yet another stellar season for Warner Robins football.

Coach Sams welcomes back several key players from last year’s team, including WR Cam Flowers, who enjoyed a breakout season last year, nearly doubling his number of receptions from the previous season from 16 to 31, giving him 47 catches for 931 total receiving yards in that span. He also increased his TD total from 3 in 2021 to 10 last season.

Another player who has done a bit of everything for his team is Isiah Canion. At quarterback he has thrown for 776 yards and 8 TD’s and rushed for 231 yards and 3 scores. Add to that his 31 receptions for 446 yards and 6 TDs and you see his importance to the team as an offensive threat. But Canion can also contribute on defense, where he has 2 interceptions. Canion will be a welcomed returnee for Sams and the Demons fans this season. Others coming back to help this 2023 Warner Robins football team are juniors Resean Dinkins, Isiah Gibson, and OL Nick Reeves.

The Demons will enter the Shane Sams era without some key contributors who were a major part of their success over the past few years, including six straight visits to the state championship game. Sams and the Warner Robins fans will miss Vic Burley on the defensive line. The Clemson-bound standout had 193 tackles, with 57 of those

TFL. He also racked up 22 sacks, and he contributed 6 catches and 2 TDs from his parttime position as a tight end.

Malcolm Brown, an all-around great athlete, will also be missed this season. He was a workhorse-type of player, carrying the ball 491 times for 3,253 yards rushing and 33 TDs as a Demons running back and catch-

ing 34 passes for 342 yards and 3 TDs as a receiver. He also had a TD as a kick returner. RB/OLB Elijia Antonio leaves Warner Robins with141 tackles, including 18 TFL. He also contributed 370 yards rushing with 6 TDs over the last two seasons.

Don’t expect anything different. Warner Robins finishes 10-5 again.

@ Lee County Northside (WR) @ Valdosta @ Dutchtown Ola Houston County

@ Union Grove @ Eagle’s Landing Jones County Locust Grove

REGION 1 - 4A

HEAD COACH: JEFF LITTLETON

Written by: Phil Jones

WHAT TO EXPECT KEY LOSSES

Littleton said he has a solid group to work with this season: “We have a strong nucleus of seniors returning, and they’ve really bought in on the process as leaders on the field, in the weightroom, and in the classroom.”

Speaking of the weightroom, Littleton said his team has been working hard this offseason, and it’s paying off with a bigger and stronger team ready to take the field in 2023.

“I really like the attitude this team has,” Littleton added.

Coach Jeff Littleton and the Bearcats will surely miss linebacker Dontavious Broadnax, who was a tackling machine during his four seasons as a Bearcat defender. He leaves Bainbridge with 272 career tackles, including 44 tackles for loss and 19.5 sacks. As a parttime running back, he rushed for 6 TDs.

QB Bo Smith was a productive weapon for Bainbridge, throwing for 3,762 and 37 TDs as the Bearcats signal caller the last three seasons. He also ran for 451 yards and 11 TDs. Defenders Devon Smart and Dariyon Smart will be missed, as will their tackles and sacks – Devon leaves with 70 career tackles and 8 sacks while Dariyon leaves with 91 and 5. Tackle Devin Pugh will be missed for his outstanding line play while a Bearcat.

2022 STATS

WHO’S BACK

Bainbridge returns some playmaking weapons on offense and special teams this year, starting with RB Keenan Phillips, who has rushed for 2,018 yards in three seasons. He also has 31 rushing TDs during that time. WR/CB Antavious Murphy caught 69 passes last season, and he has 100 receptions for 1,600 yards over the last two years. He caught 15 TDs last season and has 18 for his career. Murphy also has 3 INT

returned for TDs and a rushing TD.

Despite losing Smith, Bainbridge should be fine with QB Cam Sanders returning. He played a good bit in relief of Smith, and he had 582 yards passing along with 6 TDs last season. Two-way standout Javon Cox will return at LB/RB with 5 sacks in the past two seasons to his credit. OL Kahleem Murphy is a big presence returning up front.

PREDICTION

On defense, Bainbridge will be solid also, with the Bearcats returning LB Braylon Phillips, along with DBs James Jackson and Jace Weaver. Up front, defensive linemen Donterius Williams and Bradley Mashburn return in 2023. Kicker Nick Tyre is back after being named as one of the top five kickers in the state by ITG Next.

Look out for the Bearcats in 2023. This team is loaded, and this could be the best Littleton team since the 2018 state championship squad. A 13-2 record and a trip to the 4A state title game is very possible.

Eagle’s Landing Christian @ Coffee Thomas Co. Central @ Thomasville

Brooks County Ware County @ Westover Shaw @ Hardaway Cairo

REGION 1 - 4A

HEAD COACH: DAVID COLEMAN

Written by: Phil Jones

WHO’S BACK KEY LOSSES

David Coleman, who wore the Interim Coach tag last year while leading Cairo to an eight-win season, was named the fulltime coach this offseason. We congratulate coach Coleman as he returns to the Cairo sideline in 2023.

He’ll welcome back senior LB Jeremiah Williams and OL Cade Puckett. Joining them will be senior TE/WR Amari Powell, who has 27 receptions for 348 yards and 2 TDs, and senior WR/RB Cory Baker, who rushed for 133 yards and a TD last season while also catching 25 passes for 479 yards and 6 TDs. Junior TE/DL RW Jones also is back this season.

Cairo will no doubt miss their starting quarterback from the last three years, Braylon Robinson. The ITG Next Cairo High Offensive Player of the Year threw for 3,073 yards and 32 TDs as the Syrupmakers signal caller. The two-sport athlete is headed to Albany State to play college baseball.

Robinson’s primary target in the Cairo passing game was Tyree Kelly, who will play college football at South Florida. Kelly hauled in 70 receptions for 1,129 yards and 12 TDs as Cairo’s top receiver.

Others moving on to play collegiately are DB Fabian Yarbrough, who will play at Thomas University, and WR Justin Bryant, who is headed to Warner University in Lake Wales, FL. Jalen Davis, who played DE/TE and LB at Cairo is off to Georgia Military College. Landon Vickers, who converted 13 of 24 FG attempts, 69 of 78 PATs, and punted for a 34.7-yard average, has graduated.

Coleman told us earlier this offseason that he’s really looking forward to being back at Cairo as the head coach, and he is looking forward to seeing which players can step up and fill some of the big shoes that graduation left him and the Syrupmakers.

“Offensively, we graduated some very

productive skill players, but I am eager to see who’s ready to step up,” Coleman said.

Coleman said the defensive unit will need to find playmakers in the backfield, but otherwise, he likes what he has returning.

“We will have some experience coming back in the box [defensive line and LBs],

WHAT TO EXPECT PREDICTION

but we will replace most of our secondary,” he said.

He added that with the graduation of Landon Vickers, Cairo will have a new kicker and punter this season.

Look for another 8-4 season from the 2023 Syrupmakers.

Thomas Co. Central Monroe @ Thomasville @ Godby (FL) Pelham Salem Shaw Hardaway @ Westover @ Bainbridge

Game to Watch

Trojans RB Chris Cole Jr. Carving His Own Path at Brooks County

Written by: Phil Jones |

Chris Cole Jr. will enter the 2023 season as Brooks County High School’s feature back, and while many football fans may have expected Cole Jr. to just naturally pick up where his famous father, Chris Cole Sr., left off almost 30 years ago, Cole Jr. has had to work hard to earn his way here. He had to overcome a couple of challenges when he first joined the Trojans varsity squad two seasons ago.

First of all, Cole Jr. was being compared

to his father, who most still consider the greatest running back to ever play the position for the Trojans. It’s always tough playing in the shadow of a father who played before you, much less one who shares your name.

Then, in his first season with the varsity as a freshman, Cole Jr. was trying to break into the rotation behind another great player in Omari Arnold, who led Brooks County to a state championship while surpassing Cole Sr. as the school’s

all-time leading rusher. That made for a bit of a tough start for Cole Jr., according to Trojans head football coach Maurice Freeman.

“In Chris’s freshman season, he was playing behind a great back like Omari, who is now a starting running back at Georgia Southern,” Freeman said. “Plus, we went on to win a state championship, and Chris was still trying to find his way into the rotation, and I’m sure that was a little frustrating for him.”

Then came more challenges for Cole Jr..

Last year during his sophomore season, he suffered an early season injury with an MCL sprain, which Freeman said set him back before he really got started that year.

“Any time a running back is facing a nagging injury like that on their legs, that’s tough, especially when you’re a player like Chris still trying to break through and show what he can do,” Freeman said.

Cole Jr. would not be deterred, however.

“Chris remained enthusiastic, kept a great attitude, and worked hard,” Freeman said. “He really remained determined all of last season.”

It was not easy, according to the Trojans head coach.

“We played a very tough schedule, and

Photography by: Sean Perry

Chris took a bunch of licks out there, but he stayed with it,” Freeman said.

Cole Jr. ended up with a solid season, emerging as Brooks County’s go-to rusher. He finished the year with 903 yards rushing and 14 TDs.

Still, Freeman said he thought Cole Jr. could be better.

“He was just missing something,” Freeman said. “I thought he was still a step slow.”

Determined to make himself a better player and running back, Cole Jr. ran track this offseason, and that seemed to kickstart the rising junior. Freeman and other coaches took notice.

“When Chris came out of track, he had picked up another gear,” Freeman said. “Then that carried over into our spring practice, and in our spring game (versus Coffee), Chris showed us flashes that he can be great. Chris proved to us that he was the dude in the spring game.”

The head coach isn’t the only one who has noticed the improvement in Cole Jr.’s play. Brooks County offensive coordinator Josh McFather sees the improvement too.

“Chris had a very decent season last year, but he has grown and improved exponentially this offseason,” McFather said. “He’s gotten much stronger and faster this offseason. When it comes to work ethic and the mental side of the game, Chris is unmatched. He comes every day ready to work and get after it. Chris is a real lunch pail type of guy.”

Freeman said Cole Jr. has come a long way in a short period of time and has left no doubt that he is ready to go in 2023 –and 2024.

“Chris has done his job this summer,” Freeman said. “He has shown

me all the things to become our feature running back. He has become one of the best players on our team – period.

“As the head coach, you love to see a player make the leap like Chris has.”

Cole Jr.’s father has noticed his son’s improvement too.

“His work ethic has been the main thing and his explosion to the hole,” Cole Sr. said about his son’s main areas of improvement this offseason.

The father said last season’s first-round playoff loss has been a huge motivator for his son this offseason.

“Chris has a very large chip on his shoulder after that first-round playoff loss,” Cole Sr. said. “That loss has really motivated Chris to want to contribute more.”

As you would expect, Cole Sr. is happy to see his son doing well and blazing his own path, even if dad is providing a few tips along the way.

“Yes, I’m very proud of him” Cole Sr. said. “He has handled all of my workouts, and he is ready to start the season.”

Spoken like a proud father.

“As the head coach, you love to see a player make the leap like Chris has.”

Maurice Freeman

COACH: KEVIN SMITH

Written by: Phil Jones

WHAT TO EXPECT WHO’S BACK

The loss of Armar Gordon would have been a big hit to the Perry team if not for Colter Ginn transferring in from Peach County. The senior three-star recruit was the region 2-3A Offensive Player of the Year last year, and he’ll keep the Perry offense rolling in 2023.

Smith said he likes what he has seen of his team this offseason, but he knows there are a few holes to fill with losses to graduation.

“We know we have a tough task in front of us replacing a few key spots on defense,” the Perry head coach told ITG Next. “But we had a great spring and it has carried over through the summer. This group has shown a lot of grit this summer, which any head coach likes to see.”

The Perry football program has enjoyed a complete turnaround under Smith, and you get the feeling he’ll have this team ready to compete at a high level again in 2023.

Returning in 2023 is a group of seniors who not only bring back their talent, but loads of valuable experience, too. Leading the offensive returnees are seniors Dakarai Anderson and Donovan Funsch. Anderson will be back to man his WR position as he looks to add to his career total of 2,143 receiving yards and 21 TDs. Funsch returns to his TE spot, where he is receiving attention from college recruiters, including The Citadel.

Junior Kory Pettigrew is a junior WR who posted modest numbers last year with 18 catches, but recruiters can spot his talent, including Georgia Southern, which has already offered the 6-foot, 2-inch wideout. Smith said other key players who will help the team this year are senior offensive guard Quesntin Askins and senior LB Jerrell Pinckney, who had 97 tackles and 2 sacks last season. He will be joined along the defensive line by DE Cashious Williams.

Coach Kevin Smith’s Panthers will lose some really good talent to graduation as they head into the 2023 season. One of the biggest losses will be starting QB Armar Gordon, who had played for the past three seasons, but really took over the Perry offense these last two seasons. He leaves with 5,386 career passing yards and 61 passing TDs. Gordon was an extremely

accurate passer – he posted a 65% completion percentage. He will continue his career at the University of Tennessee-Martin.

Others not returning are RB Demetrius Carter, who rushed for 1,507 yards in his Perry career, and two-way standout Tre Wright, who had 43 tackles from his safety position, while pulling down 6 TDs and 437 receiving yards on offense. Wright is head-

ed to Memphis to play college football.

Free safety Caleb Wilson and his 126 career tackles will be missed as he takes off to the Air Force Academy Falcons, while his defensive backfield mate Cam Marshall heads off to Georgia State after a three-year career as a Panthers SS with 231 tackles.

10-3 overall.

Houston County Jones County @ Veterans @ Peach County @ Westside, Macon @ Howard Griffin Baldwin @ Spalding West Laurens

Game to Watch

Written by: Phil Jones

WHO’S BACK KEY LOSSES

Returning to the Crisp offense in 2023 will be junior QB Markevion Hartage, who threw for 651 yards, 5 TDs last season and 7 INT in 2022. He’ll look to improve in both areas this year. One of his top targets will be returning sophomore WR DeShaun Fedd. Sophomore offensive linemen Charles Black also returns, and joining him up front on the line will be seniors Ralphael Williams and Barry Walker.

On defense, senior linebackers Omarion Young and Ke’Von Merrell return, along with senior defensive back Carjarian Jones. Joining Jones in the defensive backfield will be returning junior Cayden Daniels, while junior defensive lineman Zymarion Hudson returns up front.

The Cougars will have to replace several key members of not just last year’s team, but players who have made an impact over the last several seasons at Crisp County. That begins with ATH Ahmad Brown, who did it all, amassing 1,800 all-purpose yards and 31 TDs over his career. Brown played QB and WR, and rushed for 900 career yards with 12 TDs, too.

DL Amir Dwight leaves a huge hole to fill on the defense after amassing 131 tackles, including 10 sacks, while at Crisp. Trae Walker is another multi-purpose player; he ended his Crisp career with 15 TDs and 1,484 yards receiving; 56 tackles and 2 INT last season; and 6 special teams TDs on kick and punt returns. Kicker David Mitchell has signed with Louisiana-Monroe. DB/WR Latrevious Walker and OLB/RB Julian Fox will not return.

Crisp will lose a ton of talent. But despite having several playmakers on the roster last season, it did not translate to a winning season, as it did in the prior three seasons, when Crisp won 31 games, including back-to-back 11-win seasons in 2019 and 2020. Perhaps what the Cougars and coach Lawrence Smith could use is more of a team approach in 2023. The offense will be young and inexperienced, but the defense is where most of the Cougars experienced playmakers will be this season. It’s really a wait-and-see approach with this year’s team for coach Smith and his staff.

I’m optimistic about this Crisp Cougar football team. I think they scrap out a seven-win season and surprise some folks.

@ Dooly County Westlake Lovejoy @ Sumter County Northside WR Dougherty

@ Monroe Carver Col. @ Columbus Thomasville

Game to Watch

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SAVANNAH COUNTRY DAY

REGION 3 - 3A

SMARTER. HIGHER. TRAIN SMARTER. SMARTER. RUN FASTER.

HEAD COACH: JOHN MOHRING

Written by: Phil Jones

WHO’S BACK

Of a roster of 30 players last year, 28 will return, plus 17 freshman who Mohring said will have a chance to break in and make their presence felt as the season goes on. Starting QB Barton Mixon is one of those returnees. The junior was a first-year starter last season, and his performance gained him All-Region Honorable Mention recognition. He threw for 1,361 yards and 11 TDs while rushing for another 211 yards.

Junior Hyers Holland, with Michael Grandy primary backup, will move into the starting role as the team’s RB. The Hornets also return All-Region receiver Josh Washington this year. The sophomore caught 36 passes for 630 yards and 4 TDs in 2022. Senior Keith “KJ” James will return to the slot, while junior Brooks Kleinpeter returns to play TE.

Seniors Rooster Bing and John Avito bring their experience back to the offensive line, while the defense returns all 11 starters, plus two experienced starters who missed all of last year due to injury. MLB Hayes Beaver returns from a back injury, while DL Deondre “Ray Ray” Jackson returns after missing all of 2022 with a torn ACL.

The defense will be led by junior WLB Tyler Scott, who had 100 tackles and 7 sacks last season and has accumulated 185 tackles over the last two seasons. Athon Herrin and Andrew Wynn are both 6-foot, 2-inch cornerbacks who Mohring called “really good.”

Sophomore kicker Cash Ramirez is one of the state’s best, having converted 28-30 PATs last year along with 5 of 7 FG attempts, including a long of 47 yards – and that was as a freshman.

KEY LOSSES

Savannah Country Day will graduate just two seniors from last year’s team, and even though head coach John Mohring said the Hornets will miss both Michael Grandy and Phil Ajayi, the fact his team lost so few players is a good thing.

“Don’t get me wrong, we will miss them,” said Mohring. “Both Phil and Michael were impact players for us, but I’m glad we aren’t having to replace any more guys.”

Grandy was an All-Region selection last season. He rushed for 1,661 yards with 23 TDs over the last two years as the Hornets primary running back. He carried the ball 329 times during that span and had seven games in which he rushed for more than 100 yards. Ajayi played RT and was used on the defensive line some, too.

“Phil is a big kid we had converted from basketball, and last season was his only season playing football, but he became a really physical player,” Mohring said. “Losing him will hurt.”

This will be Mohring’s third season as the Savannah Country Day head coach, and he said he feels like his team is ready to take that next step.

“I came here to take over a single-A private team, and last season was when we got moved up to Class 3A, so it’s been crazy,” he said.

Mohring has adjusted his team’s schemes on both sides, especially on offense, to account better for his personnel and small roster size.

“We have 30 players going against teams with a roster of 80 guys, so we’ve made some adjustments on our end as kind of an equalizer,” he said.

Mohring said the team is going from a run-heavy philosophy to more of a spread attack. So far, the results are positive. SCD defeated Class 5A Jenkins in their spring game by a 31-14 final score, after losing to them in their spring game last season.

“It’s the only thing we have to compare to so far to test our progress, but so far I like the revamped offense,” Mohring said.

WHAT TO EXPECT PREDICTION

Look for a much-improved Savannah Country Day football team in 2023 as coach John Mohring leads the Hornets to an 8-5 overall record.

@ Windsor Forest @ Pinewood Christian Aquinas Savannah Christian Long County @ Beach @ Liberty County Calvary Day School @ Johnson, Savannah Groves

Game to Watch

THOMASVILLE

REGION 1 - 3A

HEAD COACH: JOE DELAY

Written by: Phil Jones

Game to Watch

WHO’S BACK KEY LOSSES

The Thomasville offense will have a lot of firepower returning to offset some of the losses that the defense suffered. Coming back to help the Dogs in 2023 is sophomore QB Cam Hill, who took over the job exclusively after an injury to Parker Beckham. Hill would grow into the position rather quickly and throw for 1,529 yards and 16 TDs.

Senior ATH Jay Randall will return to give the Dogs a major weapon all over the field. He finished last season with 1,153 rushing yards and 12 TDs. Sophomore RB Lavonte Cole is back after rushing for 458 yards and 8 TDs as a freshman. The defense returns just three starters, all at end: Keshawn Jordan, Keymon Jefferson, and Geremiah Humbert. The Dogs also welcome back standout punter Andrew Bennett.

Gone is four-year starter DJ Thurman, who was a two-way standout for the Bulldogs during his time at Thomasville. He will continue his football career at Gordon State College. Also leaving a defense that was hit hard by graduation is a group of four linebackers, including MLB Monleth Perkins, who signed with Greensboro College in North Carolina. Fellow linebackers Kamarius Bradshaw, Jayden Alston, and Evan Wynn also leave the Bulldog program, with Wynn continuing his career at Clark Atlanta University. Offensive lineman Caden Shokat has graduated as well.

The key to Thomasville’s season will likely depend on an inexperienced defense growing up in a hurry, but coach Jonathan DeLay proved last season that he is a master motivator who can get the most out of his players, and he’ll do the same this season with the defense.

Offensively, Thomasville will have most of its top playmakers back, so they shouldn’t have any problems like last season, when it took the unit a few weeks to find its identity and get rolling. Once they did, there was no turning back. Expect that approach from week one this year.

WHAT TO EXPECT PREDICTION

This Thomasville team could challenge for a state title in 2023. I like these Dogs to finish with 12 wins and compete for the 3A championship.

Brooks County @ Thomas Co. Central Cairo Bainbridge @ Tift County Monroe

@ Carver Col. @ Columbus Dougherty @ Crisp County

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REGION 1 - 2A HEAD COACH: KEN ELDRIDGE

Written by: Phil Jones

WHO’S BACK KEY LOSSES

Returning to lead the Rebels in 2023 will be one of the top return men in Georgia high school football, Josiah Davis. The Rebels senior returned 7 of his 13 kickoffs for a TD last season, averaging a staggering 51 yards per kickoff. He also contributed on offense and defense, winding up with 12 rushing TDs, 2 receiving TDs, and an INT returned for a TD. He accounted for a total of 22 TDs.

On defense, the do-it-all Davis had 70 tackles in 2022, and he has 121 tackles over the last two seasons combined. He has already committed to the University of Florida, but Berrien is delighted to have him back for one more season before he heads off to Gainesville.

Joining Davis will be WR/DB Logan Rowe, who new Ken Eldridge described as “a really good route runner with sure hands.” Senior LB Carlos Velasquaz also returns to the Rebels, and he’ll look to duplicate his efforts of last season, when he had 36 tackles with a sack and a fumble recovery. He may also see time at RB this season.

Berrien County will suffer some big losses on defense, where they graduate four playmakers on the defensive line, including Henry Range, who had 105 tackles with 9 tackles for loss over the last two seasons. Teammates from the defensive front who also won’t be returning are Jeremiah Tillman, who had 85 tackles with 5.5 sacks last season, Darius Calhoun (102 career tackles, 3 sacks), and Carlos Reliford (84 tackles). Also lost are several members of the defensive backfield, including Jamon Robinson, Jacolby Allen, Dontravious White, Deville Adams, and Keith Jackson.

Hayden Futch leaves as one of the best punters in the state. In his three years at the Nashville school, Hayden averaged 38.4 yards per punt, including a long of 60 yards. Thirty-four of his 97 punts were downed inside the 20-yard line. New head coach Ken Eldridge called Futch “a huge weapon.”

Veteran high school coach Eldridge was hired this offseason, and he is excited about his new team at Berrien County.

“We have a lot returning on the offensive side of the ball, especially along our line,” Eldridge told ITG Next. Anytime you can return the majority of the O-line,

you become more confident in what your abilities might be offensively.”

The defense is another story, and Eldridge laid out the reality of what he and his staff are facing with that unit in 2023.

“Defensively, we must replace the entire defensive line, secondary, and all

WHAT TO EXPECT PREDICTION

but one of our linebackers,” he said. “A lot of young players will be expected to step up and fill those shoes. Those young guys must gain knowledge and experience early and fast.”

Ken Eldridge was a great hire for the Rebels, and they’ll need his experience to guide them after so many players were lost to graduation. Look for a 5-5 record from this 2023 Berrien County football team.

@ Clinch County Atkinson County @ Bacon County Lanier County Worth County @ Jeff Davis Sumter County @ Cook Dodge County @ Fitzgerald

Game to Watch

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REGION 3 - 2A HEAD COACH: GEOFF CANNON

Written by: Phil Jones

WHO’S BACK KEY LOSSES

Among the key players returning for coach Geoff Cannon and the Herons this season are the ITG Next Defensive Player of the Year for Brantley, LB Mason Thomas. The senior has recorded 60 tackles over the last two seasons. Junior DE Carson Jacobs will join Thomas on the defensive unit again this year, and he’ll hope to repeat his 2022 performance of 57 tackles, including 4 sacks. Jacobs was selected to play in the GACA All-Star game in the offseason.

On offense, the Herons welcome back junior OL Kyler Knox, and WR Greyson Guy. The senior receiver had right at 200 yards receiving last year, and he’ll be one of the top targets again this season for returning senior QB Kirkland Cannon. The Herons signal caller has thrown for 1,717 yards over the last two seasons while rushing for just over 300 yards.

When discussing the losses for Brantley County, we see one player who will leave behind quite the legacy from his time as a Heron, and it will be very hard to replace what he meant to the program. Kellon Middleton starred for Brantley over his entire high school career, and he will be missed. He will continue his football career at Berry College.

Other Herons who have graduated and are moving on include LB Nathan Willis, who was also a four-year contributor for Brantley. He ended up with 145 tackles. Safety Joel Willis was a force on the Herons defense, ending his career in Nahunta with 136 tackles, 2 INT and 4 fumble recoveries. TE/LS Garrison Chesser and OL Kasey Hendrix have also graduated from the Brantley program.

WHAT TO EXPECT PREDICTION

Middleton will be tough to replace. He was a do-it-all type player for Cannon and the Herons, but that just means someone else will have the opportunity to step up and contribute this season. It’s always a good thing when you have your starting quarterback and a couple of top defenders returning, which Brantley County has with Kirkland Cannon, Carson Jacobs, and Mason Thomas. The key to the offense may be having Greyson Guy step up with more production in the Herons passing offense this season, because you feel that Cannon’s going to be able to distribute the football quite well, just as he has done the past two seasons.

If Brantley can win their tossup games with Johnson-Savannah, Tattnall County, and Vidalia, that could mean a seven-win season or better. I’ll split the difference and predict a 6-4 regular-season finish.

@ Atkinson County Groves Beach Johnson Sav. Pierce County @ Toombs County Windsor Forest Vidalia

@ Tattnall County @ Appling County

HEAD COACH: BYRON SLACK

Written by: Phil Jones

WHO’S BACK

Cook will have several key pieces returning this season, starting with QB Drew Folsom. The senior threw for 815 yards with 8 TDs last season, and he added 4 rushing TDs. Handling most of the Hornets rushing duties will be returning RB Keshaun McKever. The senior ran for 1,247 yards and 18 TDs last year, and he’ll be a force in the Cook rushing attack this season.

McKever will run behind senior OL Keyshaun Pitts, who at 6 feet, 1 inches tall and 306 pounds gives defenders nightmares. Senior WR/DB Nyshawn Wallace is emerging as one of the region’s top receiving threats, and he’ll likely be a favorite target for Folsom.

On defense, Cook welcomes back safeties Reshaud Tippins and Jamarcus McCrae, along with LBs Terion Jones and Aiden Lester. Ja’Kori Jones will return along the defensive line for Slack’s Hornets.

KEY LOSSES

Cook will lose a big presence on the offensive line with the graduation of Bryson Wilson. The 6-foot, 5-inch 320-pounder is one of two linemen that head coach Byron Slack mentions as key losses for the Hornets as they head into the season. Guard Cody Spencer is the other lineman.

Slack also said the Hornets will miss fullback/linebacker Nick Goodwin, along with wide receiver/linebacker Tyler Covington, who had 300 yards receiving and a TD and collected 29 tackles and an INT last season. Caleb Goins is another big loss – he had 43 tackles and 3 sacks as a Hornets defender last season.

WHAT TO EXPECT PREDICTION

Many think the Hornets are poised to take the next step towards mounting a threat to Fitzgerald for the region title and the #1 playoff seed. Last year, Slack’s first season as head coach, they finished 8-4, with victories over Brooks County and Clinch, two of the state’s top championship programs. They will have just about all of their experienced playmakers back this year, and with Slack settling in for his second season, the players and coach should be comfortable with each other.

All of the ingredients are in place to give Cook their best season in years. I’ll go with a 10-win season for Cook – at least.

@ Pelham Valdosta

@ Brooks County @ Clinch County Jeff Davis @ Sumter County Berrien

@ Dodge County Fitzgerald @ Worth County

Game to Watch

REGION 1 - 2A HEAD COACH: TUCKER PRUITT

Written by: Phil Jones

8 18 3 6 22 20 27 13 25 1

WHO’S BACK

Fitzgerald will return several key offensive linemen in 2023, and for a team that relies so much on being able to run the football year after year, that’s a big deal. The returners along the line include 6-foot, 5-inch, 300-pound senior Gabe Pearce and Christian Riggins, another senior who weighs in at 6 feet, 3 inches tall and 225 pounds.

The other returning O-linemen are senior Lavon Simmons and senior Roderick Morgan (6 feet, 3 inches, 215 pounds). Simmons (6 feet, 1 inch, 310 pounds) will anchor the line as the team’s center, while Morgan will contribute as a tight end, also. Among key skill position players, Pruitt said Calvin Tillman will return at wide receiver this season.

KEY LOSSES

The Purple Hurricanes will lose a couple of All-State linemen with the graduation of 3-sport star Xavier Walker on offense and Daniel James on defense. One of the top ball carriers to ever suit up for Fitzgerald football is RB Sylon Davis, who also played LB for head coach Tucker Pruitt’s Purple Hurricanes. The two-way standout is another player who has graduated and will not return in 2023.

Cornerback DJ Brown and TE/LB Drew Moore will leave a couple of major talent voids in the Purple Hurricanes’ locker room as well as the field. All of these players have been a big part of Fitzgerald’s success and a major reason for back-to-back trips to the 2A state championships game. Davis, Brown, and Walker all signed with Reinhardt University, while James signed with Berry College.

The expectations in Fitzgerald go well beyond just being satisfied with making the postseason every year. Like most championship-caliber programs, Fitzgerald has come to expect playing for state titles.

“This season needs to be a championship season for us,” Pruitt said.

Pruitt said the 2023 team will have a load of experience, with many of the players having played for two straight state championships. But it’s last year’s loss in the 2A title game that will serve as a motivator.

“This year’s group has a pretty bad taste in their mouth,” he said about the 32-27 loss to Thompson.

Pruitt and his team also know the thrill of victory, having won the state title in 2021, and with an experienced team returning along with their experienced head coach who knows what it takes, you can look for these Purple Hurricanes to be right back in the mix this season.

See above comments. Fitzgerald will run behind that experienced offensive line all the way to 12 or 13 wins – at least – in 2023.

@ Irwin County @ Turner County Northeast @ Madison County (FL)

@ Dodge County Worth County

@ Jeff Davis Sumter County @ Cook Berrien

Written by: Phil Jones

WHO’S BACK WHAT TO EXPECT

Returning to the Bears this season will be senior All-Region LB/ TE Carson Sloan, who is considering several offers from college programs to continue his career at the next level. He is a hardnosed player who will be a welcomed presence for the 2023 Pierce County football team.

Joining Sloan among the key returnees are senior MLB/HB Wade Diabase, senior OL/DL Bryson Hutchenson, and Elijah Howard. Junior Dixon Morris will return to the Bears defensive unit this year.

The key will be replacing Bell, who was a one-man wrecking ball for Herring and the Bears. But Herring is one of the best coaches around, and he’s got a lot of talent to work with, so he’ll find a way to have Pierce County right back in the hunt again this year. Herring and his staff produced a state championship in 2020, and since then, he has his team have been in the hunt every season. Players come and go, but Bears fans can bet they’ll be right back in the mix again in 2023.

DJ Bell was one of the most impactful players in the state. One look at his career stats over his four years as the Bears’ primary rusher tells the story: 618 carries, 4,835 rushing yards and 64 TDs. He had 22 games of 100 yards or more rushing. To say he is a key loss is quite the understatement. He will be taking his incredible talents to Washburn University in Kansas.

Bell isn’t the only big loss, though. According to head coach Ryan Herring, other key players not returning are WR/DB Jaquez White, who also put up big numbers during his career at Pierce. He finished with 1,080 all-purpose yards as a RB/WR/ KR and will join Bell at Washburn.

Center Henry Peagler is headed to Athens as a preferred walk-on at UGA. He was

a four-year starter an All-Region selection. RB Jimarion Guyton is being rewarded for his stellar high school career with an offer to play collegiately at Independence Community College in Kansas. Kicker Jonah Allen is headed to Valdosta State to kick for the Blazers.

Jeff Davis @ Liberty County Metter Charlton County @ Brantley County Appling County @ Lanier County @ Toombs County @ Windsor Forest Tattnall County

KNOW, THEN GO: Education is Vital for Appropriate Care

You return home from grocery shopping Saturday morning, only to stumble up the stairs and find yourself with a swollen ankle. You can't put weight on it and the swelling shows signs of bruising.

You pick the children up from school, only to find out that your youngest has a sore throat and fever.

All too often, illness or injury appears out of the blue. Should you head to the emergency department or urgent care?

Knowing where to seek medical care makes a big difference. While the answer is not always simple, understanding the basics can help you save time and money, but most importantly, ensure you receive the right level of care.

According to Dr.

Elizabeth Flail, co-director of South Georgia Medical Center's Emergency Department and Urgent Care Center, recognizing the difference between 'emergency' and 'urgent' care can be difficult because both terms imply a medical need that needs to be addressed quickly.

"There are distinct differences between the level of care provided at hospital emergency departments and urgent care facilities," says Dr. Flail. "Our ERs are equipped to handle the most complex or critical medical needs, which include life and limb-threatening situations ranging from a heart attack and stroke to traumatic injuries following an accident."

For non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, Dr.

Flail shares that there are a few reasons your primary care physician (PCP) should be your first call.

"Your PCP knows you and your health history, including what medications you take and any chronic conditions that should be considered in your treatment," says Dr. Flail. However, if you don't have an established PCP or if your PCP is unavailable, an Urgent Care center may be your next best choice as they typically accept walk-in patients and are open afterhours and on weekends.

"Urgent Care is the middle ground between a PCP and the ER. If you have a minor illness or injury that just can't wait until a regular appointment, Urgent Care fills that gap."

Urgent care centers generally have shorter wait

to check to see what is covered by your insurance plan.

A good rule of thumb: if your sudden illness or injury is something you would normally feel comfortable addressing with your PCP, then an urgent care setting is probably more appropriate than the ER.

SGMC offers the entire continuum of care including 12 primary care offices, four emergency departments, and an urgent care center. For more information, visit sgmc.org.

Elizabeth Flail, DO is an Emergency Medicine Specialist in Valdosta, GA and has over 12 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2011. She is affiliated with South Georgia Medical Center

South Georgia Technical College College Experience COMPLETE The

• Named the top community college in Georgia for three straight years

• SACSCOC Accredited

• Over 200 degree, diploma, and technical certificate of credit programs offered

• On-campus housing

• Nationally recognized intercollegiate athletics

• Award-winning student life clubs and organizations

• Outstanding job placement rate for graduates

www.southgatech.edu

AMERICUS 900 South GA Tech Pkwy Americus, Georgia 31709 229.931.2394

CORDELE 402 North Midway Road Cordele, Georgia 31015 229.271.4040

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed a program, and other important information, please visit our website at southgatech.edu/academics/ gainful-employment/

As set forth in its student catalog, South Georgia Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, veteran status, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, Eulish Kinchens, 229.931.2249 or ekinchens@southgatech.edu; or the Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Jennifer Robinson, 229.931.2595 or jennifer.robinson@southgatech.edu.

REGION 1 - 2A HEAD COACH: WILL ROGERS

Written by: Phil Jones

WHAT TO EXPECT KEY LOSSES

Rogers was an assistant under former coach Clifford Fedd, and when Fedd left to take the head coaching position at Griffin, Rogers decided to stay.

“I wanted to stay and finish what we had started,” Rogers said. “We have some really talented kids coming up through our system here, and I wanted to see them continue to grow in our system and help get this thing turned around.”

The turnaround Rogers is talking about involves reversing the fortunes of a Panthers team that has won one game in each of the past three seasons, a period in which Sumter County holds a 3-25 record. Rogers isn’t concerned about where the Panthers have been – only where they are headed.

“We have really high expectations, and that’s why I decided to stay,” he said. “We have had some very young guys playing over the last couple of seasons, and now it’s time to start the process of winning.”

The 2023 Sumter County football team will lose 17 seniors, and that group includes some talented pieces that new head coach Will Rogers would love to have returning as he takes over the Sumter County program this season. Gone and on his way to Georgia Military College is top receiver Brandon Pope, a late bloomer who played his only season of football last year, and Roger said he made it count.

Quarterback Cam Evans was a four-year starter, and he will continue his career at Albany State University. Rogers lists three linemen who were key players for the Panthers and will be missed. They are Bryan Williams, who contributed on both sides as an OL/ DL; Lonnie Battle, an OL who is headed to Georgia State on a full academic scholarship; and defensive end Mel McCluster, who Rogers called the “heartbeat of the defense” and said played with a “high motor.”

Returning to help get the Panthers back to their winning ways will be senior Anthony Tyson, a CB/QB who Rogers says will compete for the starting QB job and will start as one of the team’s corners.

“Anthony is one of the most explosive players on our team,” Rogers said.

Another two-way player Sumter fans and

coaches have had their eye on for a while now is sophomore Aaron Kearce. The OLB/ RB started as a freshman last season, and he brings a high energy level to the team.

“He has Power 5 ability – no doubt,” Rogers said. “He is going to be a great one here at Sumter.”

Another 10th grader who will be count-

ed on to help out on both sides up front is Josh Coleman.

“Josh has a lot of upside to his game,” said Rogers.

Senior T/G Brian Foster is a returning starter on both sides of the ball, while Broshawn Snead is a returning starter and All-Region selection from last year.

Baby steps. But Rogers made the right choice to stay. 5-5 in 2023.

@ Houston County @ Westover Crisp County Northside Col. Cook @ Berrien Dodge County @ Fitzgerald Worth County @ Jeff Davis

Game to Watch

The Rams will have some talent returning that should keep them headed in the right direction this season. That group of returning contributors from last season’s eight-win team will include a couple of skill positions in junior WR D’ontae “Dee” Fulton and RB Kaden Chester. Fulton had a breakout season in 2022, catching 61 passes for 910 yards receiving and 11 TDs, while Chester enjoyed a freshman season to remember, carrying the ball 148 times for 734 yards rushing and 8 TDs. Chester also was effective as a receiver out of the backfield, catching 33 passes for 350 yards and a TD.

Worth will have Tristan Carter and Chase Foley returning on the offensive line, while the defense will welcome back defensive linemen Danny Wilkerson and Andrew Dixon, along with LB Sherman Smith and SS Hunter Barber.

REGION 1 - 2A

HEAD COACH: JEFF HAMMOND

Written by: Phil Jones

The key to the Rams being able to maintain the excitement and winning culture Hammond brought to Sylvester last year will come down to finding a suitable replacement for Cooper, and that’s not going to be easy. Hammond said there are two

The Rams, coach Jeffrey Hammond, and Worth County fans know they will likely never see another quarterback as talented as Chip Cooper, who has graduated and is off to Georgia Military. Cooper was truly a great player as well as a leader on and off the field. He leaves some very big shoes to fill, with 5,560 yards passing and 1,919 yards rushing over a three-year career as the Rams signal-caller. He combined for 77 TDs – 54 through the air and 23 more rushing.

Joining Cooper at GMC will be LB Jaleb Fluellen, while LB Quentin Cole will continue his career at Maryville College. Quantavious Frier, a DB/WR, and WR Parker Weaver will not return to the 2023 Rams football program.

likely candidates to take over: Freshman Lyndon Worthy was an eight-grade QB last season, while junior Drake Jones is a standout pitcher on the Rams baseball team who will compete for the job, too.

But look for the Rams to maybe lean

WHO’S BACK KEY LOSSES WHAT TO EXPECT PREDICTION

heavily on their ground game with Chester at RB. The Rams can hopefully shore up a defense that allowed 27 points per game last year, and with eight starters returning, they’ll definitely have the experience on that side of the ball to be successful.

Hammond is a winner, and he proved it last season. Can they do it again in 2023? I say yes. Look for another eight-win season.

Turner County Mitchell County @ Upson-Lee @ Central Macon @ Berrien Dodge County @ Fitzgerald Jeff Davis @ Sumter County Cook

Game to Watch

Written by: Phil Jones

WHO’S

BACK KEY LOSSES

Returning to play QB will be senior Javen Watts, who took over late in the season for Sanders. Despite the limited time behind center, he’ll open the season as the teams starting QB in 2023 and he’ll be surrounded by a lot of talent to help him. That includes his backfield mate, RB Chris Cole, who got better and better as the season went on, and finished with just over 800 yards rushing.

“We are expecting big things from Chris this year,” said Brooks offensive coordinator Josh McFather.

Amar Thomas, who has been a three-year starter for Brooks County at safety, will return there for his senior season, but he will also see additional time this season on offense, at RB.

“He hasn’t played much offense for us here at Brooks, but he will this year,” McFather said.

Sophomore DT Tamarrion Kimbrough will return there after starting his entire freshman season in 2022.

The Brooks County Trojans must replace 12 starters from last season’s team. Many of those come from the defensive side of the ball, including standout OLB Kamari Blankumsee, who also spent time on offense at running back. But it was on the defensive side where he made the most impact, finishing with 182 career tackles, including 3 sacks.

Fellow LB Jeremiah Henderson will also be missed, as will his 139 career tackles and 4 sacks while at Brooks County. Defensive tackle Jailyn Sparkman is another defender not returning this season.

On offense, the Trojans will miss the production of quarterback Jamal Sanders. Despite missing the final three games of the season last year due to an injury, he still threw for 2,600 yards during his career as the Trojans QB. Sanders and Blankumsee both signed with Fort Valley State in the offseason.

The 2023 Brooks County Trojans will be young, but the loss of Blankumsee and Sanders could hurt.

“That’s a lot of speed and experience we have to replace there this year,” McFather said.

How fast Javen Watts catches on will be one

of the keys to how Brooks County does this year. McFather said he’s more of a pro-style QB than the dual-threat Sanders was, so it’ll be interesting watching how that position plays out as the season gets going.

One of the things you can expect with Maurice Freeman as the head coach is that the 2023 Brooks County Trojans will be right there at the end, like they always are – regardless of who or how many players they lost to graduation.

I see the Trojans finishing with an 8-5 record, and once again making a push in the later rounds of the Class A state playoffs.

@ Thomasville @ Wayne County Cook Mitchell County @ Bainbridge Thomas Co. Central

Early County @ Irwin County Bacon County @ Pelham

Game to Watch

Written by: Phil Jones

WHO’S BACK

Head coach Casey Soliday will welcome back several playmakers who have been main contributors to the Indians’ success, including junior RB Shane Marshall, who shared time with Demarkus Lundy and has 1,609 rushing yards and 21 TDs over the last two seasons.

Junior receiver Brodie Suggs also returns to the Indians offense, along with junior linemen Hudson Royal and Kellen Wynn, and senior tackle Shyheim Alexander. Returning to the defense in 2023 will be senior defensive ends Michael Joiner and Ulysses Tomblin, along with senior DB Jaken Thomas and senior LB Wesley Walters, who will also see time at wingback again this year. Junior DL Elijah Fears is back as well.

WHAT TO EXPECT

No reason to think Irwin won’t be right back in contention for the Class A-D1 title in 2023. Yes, they lost some major contributors from the successful teams over the last three or four seasons, but Casey Soliday has seen this before. The biggest X factor for the Indians head coach will be finding a replacement for his son Cody at QB. Coach Soliday told ITG Next that junior Luke Snyder will get the first chance as the Indians starter there, but sophomore Carter Howell could compete for the job, also. Otherwise, Irwin County should be just fine.

Irwin County will lose its starting quarterback from the last four years as Cody Soliday graduates. He threw for 5,855 yards and 76 TDs over his career, and he rushed for another 16 TDs. He is off to Mercer, where he’ll play baseball.

Three of Soliday’s top receiving targets are also leaving, as receivers Bo Payne, Mason Snyder, and Malachi Hadden all head to the next level to continue their football careers. Payne signed with Georgia Military College, Snyder inked with Berry College, and Hadden is headed to the University of Charleston. The trio combined for 2,400 career receiving yards and 31 TDs during their time at Irwin County. RB Demarkas Lundy will join Payne at GMC after a career that saw the Indians rusher rack up 2,567 yards and 30 TDs.

I’ll take this 2023 Irwin County football team to finish 11-3 with a run at the Class A-D1 state title once again.

Fitzgerald @ Dooly County Turner County Rockmart @ Metter @ Swainsboro @ Pelham

Brooks County @ Early County @ Bacon County

Game to Watch

Written by: Phil Jones

WHO’S BACK KEY LOSSES

Returning to lead the Panthers in 2023 will be senior WR Jeremy Bell, who had a tremendous season last year catching the football. With head coach Don Tison running a Pro Gun-style of offense, Bell had 31 receptions for 742 yards receiving and 10 TDs. The player returning to try to get him the ball once again this season will be junior QB Aaron Bryant, who will also play some DB this year. Bryant is a dual threat at QB.

Senior RB Jayshon Raymond will return to the Clinch offense as well as the defense, where he’s slated to play linebacker. He may be more productive from a DB spot if last year is any indication: Raymond had 63 tackles and 4 INT, along with a fumble recovery in 2022. Returning RB Xavion Johnson may very well be the one to get the majority of the carries between the two, although he will likely see some time at linebacker this season as well. Returning to the line will be senior OL/DL Elijah Cobb.

The 2022 Panthers were a very good team, and several players who were a big reason for that success have graduated and won’t be returning. The group includes several two-way standout players, such as DJ Magby, who got the job done for Clinch offensively and defensively. On offense, Magby had 238 yards rushing, 90 yards receiving and 5 TDs.

LB/RB Xavion Johnson has graduated, as has Patrick Kimple, the ITG Next Farah and Farah Forward Progress Award Winner. Kimple will attend Georgia College. Marvin Gainey, Eddie Smith, Tucker Robbins, Levi Reliford, and Demarious Magby have all graduated and will not return to Clinch as well. Tucker is headed to the University of Georgia as a student, while Fountain is off to Peru State to play football. Everyone else mentioned will be playing at Thomas University.

Head coach Don Tison says his Panthers team is riding the momentum of last season’s success, with the team enjoying a solid offseason, and that has made the Clinch County football coach a happy camper as he gets set to kick off his fifth season as the head man in Homerville.

“Last season was a great year, and so far we’ve picked up right where we left off,” Tison said. “So far during spring practice and summer workouts we’ve had a great turnout. Kids are excited to be back on the field.”

The Panthers head coach added that

he’s excited about the returning leadership as well as some underclassmen as the start of the 2023 season approaches.

“We have a great group of seniors returning to lead us, as well as a great group of younger kids coming up that we’re excited about,” Tison said.

With a large group of returning seniors from last year’s 10-win team, look for another great season: 11-3 record.

Berrien

@ Miller County @ Macon County Cook @ Bacon County Frederica Academy

@ Lanier County Turner County @ Atkinson County Charlton County

REGION 3 - 1A-DII

HEAD COACH: BRADLEY WARREN

Written by: Phil Jones

WHO’S BACK WHAT TO EXPECT

Returning to help the Bucs and coach Warren make another run in 2023 is a handful of players including junior ATH Nehemiah West, who played FS, KR, PR, and QB over the last two seasons. He had 64 tackles last year from his DB position, and he threw for 167 yards passing on 31 attempts for the run-heavy McIntosh offense. West had 3 passing TDs and 2 more on the ground. He’ll return to help the team in all three phases once again this season.

Warren lists several more key returners he’ll be counting on in 2023, including senior LB Jaylen Ellison and junior SS Jaylen Dallas. Senior Dawson Hassler will return as the team’s LS and TE.

According to Warren, the Buccaneers have had a great offseason with the team’s strength and conditioning program, and he feels like that will help the team capitalize on one of its greatest strengths.

“We have tremendous team speed overall, and I think we have a great deal of potential heading into this season,” Warren said. “When this team develops their own identity, we will be hard to handle.”

Warren is right. With a ton of talent returning from last season’s 10-win team whose only losses were to 6A Glynn Academy and a 1-point loss to Clinch in the quarterfinals, opponents should look out for this talented McIntosh County Academy football team in 2023.

The Bucs will miss RB JaReese Campbell, who will continue his football career at the next level with Concord University. His four-year career saw him carry the ball 371 times for 2,143 yards and 22 TDs. His best season was last year, when he had 203 carries for 1,008 yards and 13 TDs. He also recorded 325 yards receiving and 4 TDs. Campbell was a stellar defensive player, too with 59 career tackles, along with 3 INT last season and a fumble recovery.

JaReese’s twin, Tyreese Campbell, will join his brother at Concord University after finishing his high school career with 88 tackles, including 2.5 sacks and an INT. Other key players who will not return include LBs Lake Linton and LeDerrious West, and RB Deondray Bacon. OG Daniel Rush has graduated and will be missed on the Bucs offensive line.

KEY LOSSES PREDICTION

At least another 10-win season, and likely much more. I’ll go with 12-2 this year.

@ Johnson, Savannah Glynn Academy West Nassau (FL) @ Lanier County

@ Bradwell Institute Atkinson County @ Jenkins County Montgomery County @ Emanuel Co. Institute @ Bacon County

Game to Watch

TURNER CO.

REGION 2 - 1A-DII

HEAD COACH: BEN SIMMONS

Written by: Phil Jones

WHO’S BACK KEY LOSSES

Simmons says there are three seniors and two juniors he will be counting on to lead the Turner County football team in 2023. The senior group of key returners includes WR/CB Kaleb Joiner, who had 234 all-purpose yards last season, along with 19 tackles and an INT from his DB slot; OG/DT Mitch Phillips; and CB/RB Shawn Nelson, who has 46 career carries for 221 yards and a TD for the Titans.

The two key returning juniors Simmons mentioned are RB/LB Tyrone Perry, who has rushed for 272 yards on 61 carries so far in his time at Turner County, and ATH Cedric Hillmon, who has seen time as a running back, cornerback, and quarterback. He has 437 career rushing yards with 3 TDs over the last two seasons, and last year he passed for 401 yards with 6 TDs in spot duty at QB.

Coach Simmons and the Titans will enter this season missing some talent from the last couple of years. That group includes four college signees and a talented DE/TE who will all move on to the next stage of their life. Tackle Cam Parker and RB/LB Vaad Bynum will be taking their talents to the University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky. Bynum was the Titans’ leading rusher last season with 1,364 yards and 16 TDs. He also had 148 yards receiving, and he contributed 50 tackles from his LB spot last year.

QB Amarion Blanks leaves behind a stellar career at Turner County that saw him throw for 4,538 yards and 42 TDs while rushing for over 400 yards with 4 scores. He and OG Corey Jordan are headed to Columbus State. TE/DE Aaron Walker will leave a hole to fill this season, as he has graduated also.

There’s some talent leaving Turner County, but there appears to be a group of returning contributors who will be ready to step in and take over. Simmons is entering his second season as the Titans head coach, and he’s actually in his second stint in that role at Turner County. He hopes to do what he did back in 2015 and 2016, when he led the Titans to consecutive state playoff appearances and a 16-7 overall record. Simmons’ team struggled last season, but he has shown he can win at Turner County, and everyone who is a fan of the Titans is hoping at will be the case in 2023.

Look for a big improvement over last season. This year will see the Titans finish 6-4.

@ Worth County Fitzgerald Randolph-Clay @ Irwin County @ Westover

Dooly County

Charlton County @ Clinch County Lanier County @ Atkinson County

HONORING SOUTH GEORGIA’S TOP ATHLETES

Major Awards

Hughston Clinic Coach of the Year

Offensive Player of the Year

Valdosta Toyota Defensive Player of the Year

Special Teams Player of the Year

Farah & Farah Forward Progress Award

Scholar Athlete of the Year

Community Involvement Award

South Georgia Medical Center Middle School Player of the Year

12th Man Award

Top Offensive & Defensive Players From 35+ South Georgia Teams

Presented by:

Valdosta High School

Presented by:

Crisp Academy

Crisp County High School

Doooly County High School

Presented by:

Clinch County High School

Lanier County High School

Lowndes High School

Presented by:

Cairo High School

Written by: Phil Jones

WHO’S BACK KEY LOSSES

The team will be glad to welcome back FB/DE Cole Jones this year. The rising junior had 65 tackles last season from his DE spot, including 4 sacks. Offensively, Jones had 88 combined yards as a rusher and receiver. DE/TE Jackson Deriso, a 6-foot, 4-inch senior, will likely play an even bigger role than last season, when he had 31 tackles with 2 sacks on defense and 3 receptions for 64 yard on offense.

Senior LB John Allen Rigsby will return, and Deerfield is hoping he can have another strong performance as he did last season, when he had 85 tackles with 2 sacks. The special teams will get a boost with the return of senior kicker Waylon Marbury, who converted 33 of 36 PATs last year, along with 3 of 7 FG attempts, including a long of 48 yards.

The Knights were hit hard by graduation, with 16 seniors moving on, according to head coach Jake McRae. Gone from last year’s 10-win team that advanced to the GISA Class 3A state title game is starting quarterback Thomas Ray, who threw for 1,894 yards and 14 TDs over the past two seasons. Ray also rushed for 549 yards and 7 TDs in 2021 and 2022.

The Knights also lose top RB Ethan Johnson, who will continue his football career at Mercer University after signing with the Bears this offseason. The Knights’ other losses include WRs Boles Middleton, Chance Bacon, and Tillman Dew, and running back/ defensive back Reed Martin.

Coach McRae knows that a repeat of last year’s 10-win season with a trip to the state title game may be a bit tougher to accomplish this year, with the Knights having suffered so many personnel losses.

“We are going to be a young team with

only six seniors with varsity experience, and we will be relying heavily on our sophomore class to grow up fast,” the Knights head coach told us earlier this year.

But don’t think McRae and the Knights are going to sit back and feel sorry for themselves.

WHAT TO EXPECT PREDICTION

“We still have some good players and great leaders returning, and it’s going to be a fun year finding out exactly what we have,” he said. “We are excited about this season.”

I think 7-5 will be a great season for this young Deerfield Windsor team.

@ Westfield @ Maclay (FL)

@ Strong Rock Christian Southwest Georgia Acad.

@ Terrell Academy Stratford Academy Brookwood

Tiftarea Academy @ Valwood Southland Academy

Written by: Phil Jones

WHO’S BACK KEY LOSSES

New head coach Brad Wells will have a few key pieces returning to the roster as he takes over for former coach Justin Henderson, who left Valwood to start up the football program at the new Providence School in Valdosta. Senior Conner Hutto is a two-time All-State selection who will line up on the Valwood line as its starting LT again this year.

Hutto will have fellow senior center Jake Goff joining him as a returning O-lineman, while Triston White will be counted on for the same solid production he provided the Valiants last season as the team’s primary running back. White rushed for 1,369 yards with 15 TDs on 173 carries last season, so look for the junior rusher to get a ton of carries again as he leads the Valwood offense in 2023.

Coach Brad Wells will have to replace some key pieces of this Valwood team that were a big reason for their seven-win season in 2022. Among the players who have graduated are Worth Kimbro, who Wells describes as “a great player and even better kid.” Kimro was a slot receiver and played tight end, too. OL/DL Brooks Browning will be missed along both lines, where he served as a run stopper, pass rusher, and pass and run protector.

Another player who will be missed is receiver/defensive back Hayes Perry, who provided the Valiants with a weapon on both sides of the ball, with 412 yards receiving and 3 TDs on offense, while ending his career with 65 tackles and an INT on defense.

With seven offensive starters and nine defensive starters returning, Wells will have the luxury of not having to reinvent things. He’ll have a group who knows what’s expected of them, so he can focus on getting the team ready for a return to the prominence that Valwood has been known for in GISA.

The Valiants have a freshman quarterback to watch for in Marquise Fennell – “He’s gonna be good one; he’s a great athlete,” Wells said – and with him joining an already deep and experienced Valwood team, this could be the most talented Valiant team that fans have seen in quite a while.

Valwood will have the team to contend for a championship in 2023. Look for a 10-win season and good things for the Valiants and firstyear head coach Brad Wells.

@ St. Andrew’s Frederica Academy @ Georgia Christian Robert Toombs Christian @ North Florida Christian (FL)

Tiftarea Academy @ Terrell Academy Southland Academy DeerfieldWindsor @ Brookwood

Written by: Phil Jones

WHO’S BACK KEY LOSSES

Westwood and coach Ford will welcome back several key players this season, starting with senior halfback Weston Fears, a two-time All-Region player and an All-State selection last season. Fears had 792 yards combined rushing and receiving with 14 TDs last season. He will also return to play safety on defense.

Ford says the other key returning contributors include senior C/DL Luke Moss, senior OL/DL Jett Hinteregger, junior FB/LB Braxton Ethridge, and sophomore offensive guard Wes Swiley

Head coach Earl Ford told ITG Next that he’ll have to replace some key guys who were not just really good players, but who were critical to the recent success of the Westwood program. That group includes a four-year starter who changed positions last season to help the team. Ben Shirah was a receiver who Ford moved to quarterback last year to replace the departed QB DJ Palmer, who was among the best ever to play at the tradition-rich Camilla school. Shirah performed quite well in his new spot directing the Wildcat offense, leading them to the GIAA 8-Man semifinals. Shirah also played CB and some SE last season.

Ford admits that this year could be a bit of a rebuilding project for his Westwood squad.

“We have got to replace our starting quarterback and receivers,” he said. “We must replace our entire kicking game. Right now, at this point of the offseason, we have no idea who will replace those guys.”

Ford added that the competition for those positions is wide open: “Right now any one of our 17 guys could do it. We must grow up and mature quickly with a roster of mostly young and inexperienced players.”

Westwood is two years removed from a state championship and two straight years of winning football. The last time Westwood was looking at this type of rebuilding situation was in 2019, when they finished with just one win. However, Ford is a state champion-caliber coach, not only in football but also in track, where he has won double-digit state titles for Westwood, so I’d bet that the veteran coach will find a way to lead this team to a respectable 2023 season.

Other players who have graduated are OL/DL Noah Spencer and Bo Holton, a key receiver, as well as the team’s kicker and punter, and his talent and experience as a four-year starter will be missed. FB/LB Ty Griner had returned to the team last season and was a key rusher and receiver for Westwood. OL/DE Grayson Stanaland is the other senior who will have to be replaced.

2022

Coach Earl Ford and the 2023 Westwood football team find a way to get it done. 5-5 this season.

Photography by: Brandon Pham

@ Baker County @ Westminster Schools of Augusta

@ David Emanuel Academy

@ Twiggs Academy @ Sherwood Christian Academy

Crisp Academy

Dominion Christian John Hancock Academy Covenant Academy @ Windsor Academy

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