KICKOFF '23

KICKOFF ’23

Is it east Cobb’s year?

Walton, Kell set to bring home a state championship

Marietta milestone Blue Devils to become first Cobb program with 600 wins

Inside: * Dynamite Dozen * Super Six * Team previews * Features * Schedules * Predictions

A publication of the Marietta Daily Journal and Cherokee Tribune

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Kickoff ’23

Marietta Daily Journal/Cherokee Tribune Annual Football Preview Issue Master Schedule Team-by-Team Schedule

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High Schools Region 2AAAAAAA Preivew 28 Campbell Spartans 30 Pebblebrook Falcons 34 Region 3AAAAAAA Preview 41 Harrison Hoyas 42 Hillgrove Hawks 46 Marietta Blue Devils 50 McEachern Indians 54 Region 5AAAAAAA 57 Cherokee Warriors 58 Kennesaw Mountain Mustangs 62 North Cobb Warriors 66 Osborne Cardinals 70 Walton Raiders 74 78 Wheeler Wildcats Region 4AAAAAA Preview 84 South Cobb Eagles 86 Region 6AAAAAA Preview 93 Allatoona Buccaneers 94 Creekview Grizzlies 97 Etowah Eagles 100 River Ridge Knights 104 Sequoyah Chiefs 107 Woodstock Wolverines 110 Region 7AAAAAA Preview 121 Lassiter Trojans 122 Pope Greyhounds 126 Sprayberry Yellow Jackets 130 Region 6AAAAA Preview 134 Kell Longhorns 135 Region 6AA Preview 138 Mount Paran Christian Eagles 139 North Cobb Christian Eagles 142 Walker Wolverines 146 Region 6A Preview 149 Whitefield Academy Wolfpack 150 College Kennesaw State 154 AAC Preview 158 Reinhardt Eagles 159

MDJ Dynamite Dozen

Marietta at 600 38

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Cherokee Super Six

East Cobb’s Time?

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114

Sequoyah’s Approach 90

Marietta Daily Journal/Cherokee Tribune Kickoff ’23 Credits Editor/Designer: John Bednarowski Staff: John Bednarowski, MDJ Sports Editor; Griffin Callaghan, Cherokee Tribune Sports Editor; John James, Intern; Banji Bamedele, Intern; Gunter Schroeder, Intern; Jordan Howard, Intern; Nigel Whittington, Intern; Amara Newsom, Intern; Caleb Drakes, Intern; Adam Carrington, Correspondent; Anthony Stalcup, Photographer; Graphic Designers: Jennifer Hall, Bent Poirier KICKOFF 2023 3

2023 Cobb/Cherokee Master Schedule 8/16 Parkview at Kell

8/18 North Paulding at Allatoona Campbell at Sprayberry Cherokee at Cartersville Cambridge at Creekview Lassiter at Etowah Harrison at South Paulding River Ridge at Hillgrove Kennesaw Mountain vs Creekside Midtown at Mount Paran Westlake at North Cobb Christian Heritage at NCC Osborne at Woodstock South Gwinnett at Pebblebrook Sequoyah at Lambert Chamblee at South Cobb Cross Keys at Walker Centennial at Wheeler Macon Co. at Whitefield Academy 8/19 Marietta vs Norcross McEachern vs Brookwood Walton vs Grayson 8/25 Kell at Allatoona Etowah at Cherokee Hillgrove at Creekview Harrison at South Forsyth Kennesaw Mountain at Campbell Wheeler at Lassiter West Forsyth at Marietta McEachern at Langston Hughes Mount Pisgah at Mount Paran North Cobb Christian at Ridgeland Chattahoochee at Osborne Pebblebrook at South Cobb Pope at River Ridge Sequoyah at Rabun Gap Sprayberry at Paulding County Riverside Military at Walker Brookwood at Walton Whitefield Academy at Strong Rock Woodstock at Hiram 9/1 Allatoona at Cartersville Campbell at Meadowcreek Cherokee at Woodstock Creekview at Calhoun Etowah at Forsyth Central Paulding County at Harrison Hillgrove at East Coweta Kell at Pope N. Paulding at Kennesaw Mountain Marietta at Roswell Douglas County at McEachern

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Mount Paran at Mount Vernon Buford at North Cobb North Cobb Christian at Wesleyan Hapeville at Pebblebrook River Ridge at Sprayberry Cedartown at Sequoyah South Cobb at Wheeler Walker at Harvester Christian South Cobb at Wheeler Providence Chr. at Whitefield Acad.

Cherokee at Woodstock 9/7 Campbell at Miller Grove Osborne at Lakeside 9/8 Allatoona at Hillgrove Cherokee at Sequoyah Creekview at North Forsyth Centennial at Etowah Denmark at Harrison Sprayberry at Kell Woodstock at Lassiter North Cobb at Marietta Boyd Buchanan at NCC Pebblebrook at Rome Walton at Pope North Atlanta at River Ridge South Cobb at Chapel Hill Walker at B.E.S.T Academy Whitefield Academy at Wesleyan 9/9 McEachern at Newton 9/14 Woodstock at River Ridge 9/15 Creekview at Allatoona Hillgrove at Campbell West Forsyth at Cherokee Etowah at Sequoyah Kennesaw Mountain at Harrison Lassiter at Dalton Marietta at Walton McEachern at Tucker Mount Paran at KIPP Atlanta North Cobb at Northside North Cobb Christian at Therrell Clarkston at Osborne Pebblebrook at Denmark Pope at North Paulding Wheeler at North Atlanta 9/22 Rome at Allatoona Wheeler at Campbell Harrison at Pebblebrook Carrollton at Hillgrove Centennial at Kell

South Cobb at Kennesaw Mountain Marietta at Buford Valdosta at McEachern North Cobb at Milton Washington at North Cobb Christian Osborne at Woodland Pope at Alpharetta Blessed Trinity at Sprayberry Walker at Skipstone Academy Rabun Co. at Whitefield Academy

9/29 Creekview at Etowah Johns Creek at Lassiter B.E.S.T Academy at Mount Paran Sequoyah at River Ridge Riverwood at South Cobb Alpharetta at Sprayberry King’s Academy at Walker North Paulding at Walton Brookstone at Whitefield Academy Woodstock at Rome 10/6 Allatoona at Woodstock Wheeler at Cherokee River Ridge at Creekview Harrison at McEachern Marietta at Hillgrove Northview at Kell Osborne at Kennesaw Mountain Lassiter at Roswell Mount Paran at South Atlanta Walton at North Cobb KIPP Atlanta at NCC Pebblebrook at Westlake Blessed Trinity at Pope Rome at Sequoyah Sprayberry at Johns Creek Notre Dame Academy at Walker Wheeler at Cherokee Whitefield Academy at Elbert Co. 10/13 Campbell at East Coweta Cherokee at Osborne Sequoyah at Creekview Woodstock at Etowah North Paulding at Harrison Kell at Cambridge Kennesaw Mountain at Walton Lassiter at Alpharetta McEachern at Marietta Mount Paran at Social Circle North Cobb at Wheeler So. Atlanta at North Cobb Christian Cherokee at Osborne Pebblebrook at Carrollton Pope at Roswell Marist at South Cobb 10/20 Etowah at Allatoona

Campbell at Pebblebrook Creekview at Woodstock Harrison at Hillgrove Greater Atlanta Christian at Kell Kennesaw Mtn. at North Cobb Pope at Lassiter McEachern at North Paulding NCC at Mount Paran Wheeler at Osborne Campbell at Pebblebrook Pope at Lassiter River Ridge at Rome Dunwoody at South Cobb Roswell at Sprayberry Walker at Cherokee Christian Walton at Cherokee Whitefield Academy at St. Francis 10/26 Kell at North Springs 10/27 Allatoona at Sequoyah Carrollton at Campbell Cherokee at North Cobb Rome at Creekview River Ridge at Etowah Marietta at Harrison Hillgrove at North Paulding Wheeler at Kennesaw Mountain Sprayberry at Lassiter Therrell at Mount Paran B.E.S.T Academy at NCC Osborne at Walton Johns Creek at Pope South Cobb at North Atlanta Osborne at Walton Mt Vernon at Whitefield Academy Lanier Christian at Walker 11/2 Mount Paran at Washington 11/3 Allatoona at River Ridge Westlake at Campbell Kennesaw Mountain at Cherokee Etowah at Rome Hillgrove at McEachern Kell at Chattahoochee Lassiter at Blessed Trinity North Paulding at Marietta North Cobb at Osborne East Coweta at Pebblebrook Sprayberry at Pope Sequoyah at Woodstock South Cobb at St. Pius X Walton at Wheeler Whitefield Academy at Mt Pisgah Walker at Pinecrest Academy

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2023 Cobb/Cherokee Team Schedules

Allatoona 8/18 North Paulding 8/25 Kell 9/1 at Cartersville 9/8 at Hillgrove 9/15 Creekview 9/22 Rome 10/6 at Woodstock 10/20 Etowah 10/27 at Sequoyah 11/3 at River Ridge

Campbell 8/18 at Sprayberry 8/25 Kennesaw Mountain 9/1 at Meadowcreek 9/7 at Miller Grove 9/15 Hillgrove 9/22 Wheeler 10/13 at East Coweta 10/20 at Pebblebrook 10/27 Carrollton 11/3 Westlake Cherokee 8/18 at Cartersville 8/25 Etowah 9/1 at Woodstock 9/8 at Sequoyah 9/15 West Forsyth 10/6 Wheeler 10/13 at Osborne 10/20 Walton 10/27 at North Cobb 11/3 Kennesaw Mountain Creekview 8/18 Cambridge 8/25 Hillgrove 9/1 at Calhoun 9/8 at North Forsyth 9/15 at Allatoona 9/29 at Etowah 10/6 River Ridge 10/13 Sequoyah 10/20 at Woodstock 10/27 Rome Etowah 8/18 Lassiter 8/25 at Cherokee 9/1 at Forsyth Central 9/8 Centennial 9/15 at Sequoyah 9/29 Creekview 10/13 Woodstock 10/20 at Allatoona 10/27 River Ridge 11/3 at Rome Harrison 8/18 at South Paulding 8/25 at South Forsyth 9/1 Paulding County 9/8 Denmark

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9/15 Kennesaw Mountain 9/22 at Pebblebrook 10/6 at McEachern 10/13 North Paulding 10/20 at Hillgrove 10/27 Marietta Hillgrove 8/18 River Ridge 8/25 at Creekview 9/1 at East Coweta 9/8 Allatoona 9/15 at Campbell 9/22 Carrollton 10/6 Marietta 10/20 Harrison 10/27 at North Paulding 11/3 at McEachern Kell 8/16 Parkview 8/25 at Allatoona 9/1 at Pope 9/8 Sprayberry 9/22 Centennial 10/6 Northview 10/13 at Cambridge 10/20 GAC 10/26 at North Springs 11/3 at Chattahoochee Kennesaw Mountain 8/18 vs Creekside 8/25 at Campbell 9/1 North Paulding 9/15 at Harrison 9/22 South Cobb 10/6 Osborne 10/13 at Walton 10/20 at North Cobb 10/27 Wheeler 11/3 at Cherokee Lassiter 8/18 at Etowah 8/25 Wheeler 9/8 Woodstock 9/15 at Dalton 9/29 Johns Creek 10/6 at Roswell 10/13 at Alpharetta 10/20 Pope 10/27 Sprayberry 11/3 at Blessed Trinity Marietta 8/19 vs Norcross 8/25 West Forsyth 9/1 at Roswell 9/8 North Cobb 9/15 at Walton 9/22 at Buford 10/6 at Hillgrove 10/13 McEachren 10/27 at Harrison

11/3 North Paulding

McEachern 8/19 vs Brookwood 8/25 at Langston Hughes 9/1 Douglas County 9/9 at Newton 9/15 at Tucker 9/22 Valdosta 10/6 Harrison 10/13 at Marietta 10/20 at North Paulding 11/3 Hillgrove Mount Paran Christian 8/18 Midtown 8/25 Mount Pisgah 9/1 at Mount Vernon 9/15 at KIPP Atlanta 9/29 B.E.S.T Academy 10/6 at South Atlanta 10/13 at Social Circle 10/20 NCC 10/27 Therrell 11/2 at Washington North Cobb 8/18 Westlake 9/1 Buford 9/8 at Marietta 9/15 at Northside 9/22 at Milton 10/6 Walton 10/13 at Wheeler 10/20 Kennesaw Mountain 10/27 Cherokee 11/3 at Osborne North Cobb Christian 8/18 Christian Heritage 8/25 at Ridgeland 9/1 at Wesleyan 9/8 Boyd Buchanan 9/15 at Therrell 9/22 Washington 10/6 KIPP Atlanta 10/13 South Atlanta 10/20 at Mount Paran 10/27 B.E.S.T Academy Osborne 8/18 at Woodstock 8/25 Chattahoochee 9/7 at Lakeside 9/15 Clarkston 9/22 at Woodland 10/6 at Kennesaw Mountain 10/13 Cherokee 10/20 Wheeler 10/27 at Walton 11/3 North Cobb Pebblebrook 8/18 South Gwinnett 8/25 at South Cobb

9/1 Hapeville 9/8 at Rome 9/15 at Denmark 9/22 Harrison 10/6 at Westlake 10/13 at Carrollton 10/20 Campbell 11/3 East Coweta

Pope 8/25 at River Ridge 9/1 Kell 9/8 Walton 9/15 at North Paulding 9/22 at Alpharetta 10/6 Blessed Trinity 10/13 at Roswell 10/20 at Lassiter 10/27 Johns Creek 11/3 Sprayberry River Ridge 8/18 at Hillgrove 8/25 Pope 9/1 at Sprayberry 9/8 North Atlanta 9/14 Woodstock 9/29 Sequoyah 10/6 at Creekview 10/20 at Rome 10/27 at Etowah 11/3 Allatoona Sequoyah 8/18 at Lambert 8/25 at Rabun Gap 9/1 Cedartown 9/8 Cherokee 9/15 Etowah 9/29 at River Ridge 10/6 Rome 10/13 at Creekview 10/27 Allatoona 11/3 at Woodstock South Cobb 8/18 Chamblee 8/25 Pebblebrook 9/1 at Wheeler 9/8 at Chapel Hill 9/22 at Kennesaw Mtn. 9/29 Riverwood 10/13 Marist 10/20 Dunwoody 10/27 at North Atlanta 11/3 at St. Pius X Sprayberry 8/18 Campbell 8/25 at Paulding County 9/1 River Ridge 9/8 at Kell 9/22 Blessed Trinity 9/29 Alpharetta 10/6 at Johns Creek

10/20 Roswell 10/27 at Lassiter 11/3 at Pope

Walker 8/18 Cross Keys 8/25 Riverside Military 9/1 at Harvester Christian 9/8 at B.E.S.T Academy 9/22 at Skipstone 9/29 King’s Academy 10/6 Notre Dame Academy 10/20 at Cherokee Christian 10/27 Lanier Christian 11/03 at Pinecrest Academy Walton 8/19 vs Grayson 8/25 Brookwood 9/8 at Pope 9/15 Marietta 9/29 North Paulding 10/6 at North Cobb 10/13 Kennesaw Mountain 10/20 at Cherokee 10/27 Osborne 11/3 at Wheeler Wheeler 8/18 Centennial 8/25 at Lassiter 9/1 South Cobb 9/15 at North Atlanta 9/22 at Campbell 10/6 at Cherokee 10/13 North Cobb 10/20 at Osborne 10/27 at Kennesaw Mtn. 11/3 Walton Whitefield Academy 8/18 Macon County 8/25 at Strong Rock 9/1 Providence Christian 9/8 at Wesleyan 9/22 Rabun County 9/29 Brookstone 10/6 at Elbert County 10/20 at St. Francis 10/27 Mount Vernon 11/3 at Mount Pisgah Woodstock 8/18 Osborne 8/25 at Hiram 9/1 Cherokee 9/8 at Lassiter 9/14 at River Ridge 9/29 at Rome 10/6 Allatoona 10/13 at Etowah 10/20 Creekview 11/3 Sequoyah

{INDEX OF ADVERTISERS} ANSLEY REAL ESTATE, CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL........51 ATLANTA BAY BREEZE....................................................... 34, 41 ATLANTA BRAVES....................................................................... 7 ATLANTA COMMUNITIES.......................................................113 BLACKWELL’S JEWELRY.................................................... 76, 79 BRUMBY CHAIR......................................................................... 81 BUFFALO’S CAFE............................ 58, 61, 98, 100, 105, 108, 113 CARMICHAEL FUNERAL HOME.................................30, 52, 151 CHATTAHOOCHEE TECHNICAL COLLEGE........................... 33 CHOW KING - SMYRNA..................................................8, 28, 30 CITY OF KENNESAW............................................................... 162 CITY OF SMYRNA....................................................................... 33 COBB EMC................................................................................ 163 COBB HARDWARE..................................................................... 49 CREDIT UNION OF GEORGIA.....................................60, 85, 97, ...................................................................... 101, 104, 107, 111, 159 DANCE STOP STUDIOS............................................................. 74 DAYCO SYSTEMS HEATING & COOLING.............. 53, 63, 66, 69 DERMATOLOGY & SURGERY SPECIALIST OF NORTH ATLANTA ..................................................................................................... 77 DR. BRUCE HESTER, DMD........................ 36, 42, 53, 54, 63, 66, .............................................................................. 94, 139, 142, 154 EMORY HEALTHCARE................................................................ 2 ERICKSON CONSTRUCTION.................................................... 75 FABRIC & FRINGE WAREHOUSE.............................76, 122, 126 FLEMING CARPET..................................................................... 45 FOWLER ELECTRIC................................................................... 93 G. CECIL PRUETT COMMUNITY CENTER.............................. 58 GEORGIA MEMORIAL PARK ..................................... 35, 70, 162 GILREATH FAMILY DENTISTRY............................................. 29 HONEYSUCKLE BISCUIT & BAKERY.................. 64, 67, 142, 155 J M HELLER ATTORNEY AT LAW.......................................... 103 JOHNNY WALKER REALTY......................................................50 MARIETTA HEARING CENTER................................................ 37

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MARIETTA PLASTIC SURGERY.............................................. 164 MARIETTA WRECKER SERVICE............................................ 139 MASTERPLAN RETIREMENT CONSULTANTS....................... 46 MEGAPHONE MARKETING.....................................................48 MIDWAY COVENANT CHRISTIAN SCHOOL.......................... 57 MINI MAID OF NW GEORGIA......................................... 123, 135 MT. PARAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL.......................................... 140 NORTH COBB CHRISTIAN SCHOOL......................................145 NORTH GEORGIA STATE FAIR................................................ 92 OTTER’S CHICKEN.................... 36, 43, 47, 55, 59, 71, 73, 74, 79, ....................................................................... 95, 127, 132, 136, 147 PARC AT PIEDMONT................................................................. 81 PIEDMONT CHURCH...............................50, 62, 68, 78, 131, 136 PINNACLE ORTHOPAEDICS........................5, 42, 47, 52, 65, 67, .......................................................................... 71, 88, 94, 128, 154 POWERS ELECTRICAL SOLUTIONS................... 48, 55, 141, 143 PRESBYTERIAN VILLAGE........................................................89 RIGHT PATH HYPNOSIS & WELLNESS................................ 133 SEAN PERREN- STATE FARM..................................................86 SERVICE LEAGUE OF CHEROKEE COUNTY...................59, 98, ................................................................................... 100, 105, 108 STELLA ALLURE........................................................................ 87 SUPERIOR PLUMBING SERVICES..................43, 46, 62, 68, 70, ................................................................. 82-83, 88, 110, 124, 126, .............................................................. 128, 131, 141, 143, 157, 160 THE BOTTOMS GROUP............................................................... 9 THE IVY LANE...................................................................125, 129 THE WALKER SCHOOL........................................................... 146 TOMAHAWK MOVERS............................................ 35, 54, 64, 87 VICKERY ACE HARDWARE.......................................................31 WHITEFIELD ACADEMY........................................................ 150 WILLIE JEWEL’S OLD SCHOOL BAR-B-Q............................ 130 WINNWOOD RETIREMENT COMMUNITY........................... 103 WYNDSHYLD AUTO GLASS.............................................. 78, 122

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2023 MDJ DYNAMITE DOZEN

By John Bednarowski sportseditor@mdjonline.com

If there was a question as to whether the talent in Cobb County was taking a step back, it can be answered with a resounding no.

For the sixth year in the last seven, the 13 players who make up the Marietta Daily Journal Dynamite Dozen have all reached at least three-star status. Four players this year are four stars and each player on this year’s list has the potential to gain another star before National Signing Day. To better understand exactly how good this year’s crop of players are, pay attention to the national and state rankings. They can be found on each players page right under their height and weight.

There are three rankings taken from the 247Sports.com Composite Rankings. The first number is the player’s overall national ranking, the middle number is their national ranking at their position, and the final number is their overall rank in the state of Georgia.

For example, Walton offensive

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lineman Daniel Calhoun is the 96th ranked player in the nation, ranked sixth at his position and he is the No. 14 player in the state.

For the second straight year we have an interactive feature with the Dynamite Dozen which can be accessed with your smart phone. Each player’s page has a QR code, and when the phone’s lens app is hovered over the code, it will direct that person to a video highlight package and story about the chosen prospect.

The annual MDJ Dynamite Dozen is a subjective list of the top 13 players in Cobb County.

However, that does not mean those are the only players who were considered for the list.

As has been the fact for more than the last decade, the Dynamite Dozen list begins each fall with more than 50 players who we begin considering. The number begins to get whittled down as the spring goes on, and it becomes a difficult selection to narrow it down to the final list.

Here is this year’s Dynamite Dozen class. Welcome to football season.

DANIEL CALHOUN WALTON

Learn more about Daniel

OL 6-6, 360 4-Star 96 nat, 6, 14 GA Committed to Georgia

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BRYCE CLAVON KELL

QB 5-11, 182 3-Star 1,339 nat, 72, 142 GA Offers from Appalachian State, Austin Peay, Campbell, Dartmouth, Eastern Kentucky, Indiana, James Madison, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Troy, UNLV, Western Kentucky, Western Michigan

Learn more about Bryce

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Learn more about David

DAVID EZIOMUME

NORTH COBB

RB 6-1, 205 4-Star 336 nat, 30, 42 GA Committed to Clemson KICKOFF 2023 13

Learn more about Wendell

WENDELL GREGORY WALTON

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LB 6-2, 217 4-Star 160 nat, 15, 24 GA Committed to South Carolina

Learn more about Jeremy

JEREMY HECKLINSKI WALTON

QB 6-0, 180 3-Star 782 nat, 46, 91 GA Committed to Wake Forest

KICKOFF 2023 15

DANIEL JAMES

MCEACHERN

DB 5-11, 177 3-Star 592 nat, 53, 69 GA Committed to Cincinnati Learn more about Daniel

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BRADY KLUSE

HARRISON

WR 6-3, 195 3-Star 1,556 nat, 186, 152 GA Committed to Memphis Learn more about Brady

KICKOFF 2023 17

ELIJAH LEE

NORTH COBB

DB 6-0, 165 3-Star 1,107 nat, 100 CB, 124 GA Committed to Coastal Carolina

Learn more about Elijah

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JUSTIN LOGAN KELL

LB 6-3, 215 3-Star 448 nat, 40 LB, 52 GA Offers from Alabama A&M, Appalachian State, Arkansas, Boston College, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Colorado, Duke, Eastern Kentucky, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Liberty, Louisville, Maryland, Memphis, Mississippi, Missouri, NC State, Pittsburgh, Toledo, Tulane, UCF, USF, Vanderbilt, West Virginia

Learn more about Justin

KICKOFF 2023 19

DWIGHT PHILLIPS JR. PEBBLEBROOK

ATH 5-11, 170 4-Star 93 nat, 8, 13 GA Committed to Georgia

Learn more about Dwight

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MARQAVIOUS SABOOR KELL

DB 5-11, 175 3-Star 615 nat, 61, 72 GA Committed to Cincinnati

Learn more about Marqavious

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HUNTER TEAL WALTON

TE 6-1 220 3-Star 1,602 nat, 80, 155 GA Committed to Miami (OH)

Learn more about Hunter

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ASHTON WOODS WALTON

LB 6-3, 220 3-Star 534 nat, 51, 62 GA Committed to North Carolina

Learn more about Ashton

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Is it finally east Cobb’s time?

Walton and Kell are set up for deep playoff runs which potentially could bring the first state championship to their part of the county

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Special - Anthony Stalcup

Above: Walton celebrates after upsetting Buford in the second round of the state playoffs last year. This year they are hoping to celebrate the first state championship in program history. Previous page: Kell’s Justin Logan and Marqavious Saboor, along with Walton’s Ashton Woods and Jeremy Hecklinski hope to break through and bring east Cobb the championships they deserve.

After near misses, Raiders, Longhorns ready for title runs

By John Bednarowski sportseditor@mdjonline.com

Four years ago, the talk of high school football around Cobb County centered on a handful of teams – Allatoona, Harrison, Marietta and McEachern.

They were loaded with top-end talent. Their rosters were deep, and they proved it on the field.

Marietta won the Class AAAAAAA state championship, but McEachern defeated the Blue Devils in the regular season and were the Region 3AAAAAAA champions. In Class AAAAAA, Allatoona and Harrison faced off for the state title, with the Hoyas claiming victory in an all-Cobb matchup.

Heading into the 2023 season,

the power within the county seems to have shifted from west Cobb to east Cobb. Walton and Kell are the ones loaded with talent. They have the deep rosters, and both are expected to make deep playoff runs.

It begs a long-wondered question. Is this the year an east Cobb team finally brings home a state championship?

Knowledgeable football fans in the area can say it’s long past due at this point. Over the last 15 years, Walton, Kell and Lassiter have all had their chances, but this year could be the best opportunity the right side of the county has had yet.

Walton coach Daniel Brunner and Kell coach Bobby May See East, Page 26

File

Former Georgia quarterback Hutson Mason led arguably the best Lassiter team to a 12-1 record, but the Trojans got a bad playoff draw and may have been kept from playing for a state title in 2009.

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File

Former Walton coach Rocky Hidalgo celebrates with his team after it defeated Lassiter 30-24 to win a Class AAAAA state semifinal game in 2011.

The Raiders would face Grayson the following week in the state championship game at the Georgia Dome.

EAST

From Page 25 agree on what it would mean for not only their communities, but the east half of the county, too.

“It would be huge,” they each said.

Walton has been at the top of its game the last couple of years. Two years ago, quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski had his breakout during the playoffs and led the Raiders to an unlikely run to the state semifinals.

Last year, Hecklinski led Walton into Buford in the second round of the playoffs. The Wolves were ranked as high as No. 3 in some of the national polls, but Hecklinski threw for 326 yards and three touchdowns to pace the Raiders’ 42-35 upset.

Now as a senior, Hecklinski leads a team with the likes of tight end Hunter Teal, offensive lineman Daniel Calhoun and linebackers Wendell Gregory and Ashton Woods — all Division I commitments — into a season with only one goal in mind — win that state championship.

“We’ve won nine playoff games in our first six years here,” said

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Brunner, referring to his time as Walton’s head coach. “We won 14 over our first 41. We feel like we’ve pushed it to the next level, and it would mean the world to this group.”

May has rebuilt Kell to the point that the program is nearly where it was from 2010-16, when it made two semifinal appearances, two quarterfinals and won all four of its region titles.

This year’s squad can rival, or maybe equal, Walton’s talent.

The defense is loaded with Division I talent, including defensive backs Maqavious Saboor (Cincinnati), Cedric Franklin (Virginia) and Kemari Nix (Arkansas State), along with threestar recruit Justin Logan at linebacker.

On the other side of the line of scrimmage, three-star dualthreat quarterback Bryce Clavon is an elusive talent who can throw as well as run. A baseball player by trade, he has quickly made a name for himself on the football field. Last year, Clavon threw for 2,668 yards with 24 touchdowns, while he ran for another 785 yards and another 15 scores in his first season as Kell’s starter.

The experience Kell gained last year, advancing to the second round of the state playoffs, will benefit it as it heads into 2023.

Walton and Kell are in position to do what no east Cobb team has done before, though nearly every program has been close.

Since 1973, 10 east Cobb teams have advanced to at least the state semifinals, while two — Wheeler in 1973 and Walton in 2011 — took the next step and played for a title.

Wheeler, coached by Cobb County legend Corky Kell, had four good chances to win a title from 1973-77, which included a quarterfinal appearance (‘77) and two semifinal appearances (‘74, ‘76), but the best shot came in 1973.

Playing in the Class AAA championship game at Hallford Stadium in DeKalb County, the No. 5 Wildcats faced off against No. 1 Thomasville. The Bulldogs entered the game having allowed only 20 points the entire season, which included shutting out nine of its 12 opponents. Wheeler provided Thomasville with its biggest challenge of the year, but the Bulldogs

still held off Wheeler 40-35 to cap an undefeated season and hand the Wildcats their only loss of the year.

It would be almost 40 years before another east Cobb team got a chance to play for the state title. Heading into the 2011 Class AAAAA semifinals, east Cobb was guaranteed a team would play for the championship — either Walton or Lassiter.

Walton had rolled through the season undefeated. For the year, the offense put up 526 points, while the defense allowed only 173. That included a 34-10 victory over Lassiter at the end of September.

Lassiter ended the regular season 7-3, but it caught fire in the playoffs behind a stingy defense and quarterback Eddie Printz.

The Trojans defeated Alpharetta 17-16 in the first round, McEachern 20-17 in the second and M.L. King 24-14 in the quarterfinals — all on the road.

The semifinal, a rematch of what then-Walton coach Rocky Hidalgo called the East Cobb Super Bowl, proved to be a classic.

Walton led by 14 heading into See East, Page 27

EAST

From Page 26 the final quarter, but Lassiter rallied and had driven to the Raiders’ 9-yard line with a minute to play. A final fourth-down pass was incomplete and Walton held on for a 30-24 victory to advance to the championship game.

“It was a game that was up and down and back and forth,” said Walton baseball coach Shane Amos, who was a longtime assistant on the football team and in charge of the linebackers for the 2011 squad.

“Leading up to it, neither wanted to be the east Cobb team who would be sitting at home watching the other. The entire community was excited (after the win). They were excited about getting to see them play in a championship game and at the Georgia Dome.”

Walton, however, ran into Grayson, which had an AllAmerican defensive lineman and future NFL first-round draft pick in Robert Nkemdiche.

If it wasn’t bad enough on defense, where Nkemdiche dominated the line and could not be moved off his spot, he doubled as Grayson’s fullback, rushing for 81 yards and a touchdown.

“We just ran into a buzzsaw,” Amos said.

Lassiter’s best team may have been its 2009 squad, led by former Georgia quarterback Hutson Mason.

The Parade All-American was finishing up a season in which he threw for 4,560 yards and 54 touchdowns. The Trojans were 12-0 and Mason had just thrown for 530 yards and eight touchdown passes in a second-round game against South Gwinnett as they headed into the Class AAAAA state quarterfinals against Colquitt County.

Colquitt County was in its second season under coach Rush Propst, who employed then-Lassiter coach Chip Lindsey as his offensive coordinator at Hoover High School in Alabama just two years previous.

The Packers were the only team that figured out how to slow down Mason and the Trojans in a 46-17 victory.

“The reason we had success is because we were running

File

Former Kell coach Derek Cook had the Longhorns in position to win a state title several times during his tenure. Coach Bobby May will now try to finish what Cook started. a scheme that was new on the scene,” Mason said about Lindsey’s spread offense. “Not many people had seen it, so it was a little bit of bad luck playing Colquitt. They saw it every day in practice. But overall, I think we just ran into a team that was better than us.”

Bad luck and some uncharacteristic plays at the wrong times may have kept Kell from one or more state championships.

Like Walton, the Longhorns ran into a buzzsaw when they reached the 2013 Class AAAAA semifinals against Creekside. Kell turned the ball over five times, but it was a testament to the way Creekside was playing at the time, more than it was just unforced errors. The Seminoles won 55-10 and went on to win the state championship the following week.

“They were the best team in

the state of Georgia regardless of classification,” former Kell coach Derek Cook said.

Three years later, Kell was back in the semifinals, but it fell 28-16 on the road at Buford.

A victory would have set up a state finals rematch with Rome, which Kell had already beaten earlier in the season.

While the 2013 and 2016 teams reached the semifinals, the Longhorns’ best team may have been the 2012 squad that went 9-1 in the regular season and made the second round of the playoffs.

Kell had a defense that included future Georgia defensive backs Brendan Langley and Quincy Mauger, Kennesaw State signee Taylor Henkle and other standouts such as Jay Moxey and Julian Burris.

In the second-round game against Gainesville, Kell gave Red Elephants quarterback Deshaun Watson fits — for a half. Behind 265 passing yards

and five touchdowns in the first half by Matthew McGuigan, the Longhorns led the Red Elephants 35-21 at the half.

H o w e v e r, G a i n e s v i l l e ’s defensive adjustments in the second half stymied the Kell offense, while Watson was turned loose in the running game. The Clemson-bound standout and future NFL first round draft pick, ran for four of his five touchdowns in the second half as the Red Elephants posted a 61-42 victory.

Gainesville was not challenged in any of the three games that followed, on its way to the title.

“In the first half, we put in a nickel defense, and they couldn’t really throw on us,” Cook said about Gainesville. “In the second half, they put (Watson) in the power read, and he ran all over us.

“That was the state championship game that year.”

Pope and Sprayberry have not had quite as much success as their other east Cobb brethren. The Greyhounds have yet to get past the second round, and the Yellow Jackets have not made it to a quarterfinal since 1982, but that does not mean they haven’t played good football.

Sprayberry coach Brett Vavra said in 2019 he felt like he had a team that could contend. Unfortunately, his squad was in Region 6AAAAAA. “We got to the playoffs,” Vavra said, “but we were the No. 3 seed because we were in the same region as Allatoona and Harrison.”

Vavra understands east Cobb’s challenge maybe better than most. As a Sprayberry alum, he played for the Yellow Jackets. “(In 1999), we won six games in a row to make the state playoffs, and then we ran into Parkview and Jeff Francoeur,” Vavra said, referring to the future Atlanta Braves outfielder, who was also a star receiver and cornerback for the Panthers.

Vavra, too, knows what it would mean for east Cobb to finally break through.

“I think it would validate to the rest of the state the quality of coaching and the players we have in this area,” he said.

KICKOFF 2023 27

REGION 2AAAAAAA

Campbell, Pebblebrook set for another tough test

By John James MDJ Sports Writer

The coaching terrain of Region 2AAAAAAA will look a little different in 2023, as Pebblebrook and Campbell will both be entering the season with a first-year head coach at the helm.

As the pair of coaches embark upon their inaugural season in Cobb County, they’ll look to gain ground on the likes of Westlake, East Coweta and Carrollton — which could be a tall task, considering that the latter fell to Mill Creek in the 2022 Class AAAAAAA state championship. Despite Carrollton’s success last year, Campbell coach Jeff Phillips didn’t shy away from the prospect of facing a talented region opponent.

“You play Carrollton just like you play anyone else,” he said.

“They’re a good measuring stick as far as a championship-caliber team, but at the end of the day, they didn’t win a championship.

They made it, but they didn’t win it.”

Phillips has more pressing concerns than a Week 9 matchup against Carrollton. He’s taking over a team that went 1-9 in 2022 and failed to claim a single region victory.

He spoke at length about the need to create a culture and play together as a team, rather than operating as individuals. In addition, Phillips and his staff have been trying to instill the importance of technique in their players.

“At the end of the day, four verts is four verts and power is power,” Phillips said. “The schemes are schemes. It’s really going to be Special - Greg Spell

Dwight Phillips Jr. will try to lead Pebblebrook to a Region 2AAAAAAA title before he heads off to play for the Georgia Bulldogs.

about our kids being more fundamentally sound.”

Campbell’s first region game of the season will come against East Coweta. Last year, the Indians ended the year with a 6-5 record, falling in the opening round of the playoffs.

East Coweta lost Christian Langford, last year’s starting quarterback.

The junior is off to Buford, just one of a number of departures over the offseason. The Indians are retaining Josh Anderson, however. Anderson led the team in tackles during the 2022 campaign, and could bring continuity to the defense.

Pebblebrook was another region team that fell in the first round of the 2022 state playoffs. The Falcons finished with a 4-7 record, winning only one of their final five games of the season.

Even with their lackluster record last year, the Falcons have made the playoffs in three straight seasons. First-year coach Michael Woolridge said that the talent in the region helped improve each team over the course of the season.

“When you are playing the Westlakes, Carrolltons and East Cowetas, when you get into the playoffs you’re used to the strength of those teams and playing good football week in and week out,” Woolridge said.

The Falcons will rely on senior running back Dwight Phillips Jr. — a four-star athlete who committed to the University of Georgia in January — as they look to gain ground on their region rivals.

Westlake is the final of those region opponents. In coach Rico Zackery’s first year at the helm, he led the Lions to a 9-4 record,

losing in the third round of the state playoffs. Westlake also fell to eventual champion Mill Creek in the postseason.

Quarterback Paxton Land will be returning to the team for his senior year, and he could combine with 6-foot-4 receiver Travis Smith to prove an imposing tandem in the passing game. The junior wideout received an offer from the University of Georgia in June — with a breakout performance in 2023, he could see even more national attention come his way.

It could be a tough road for Westlake to repeat last season’s success, though. The influx of new coaching talent provides the region an aspect of uncertainty, and the established talent of Carrollton,

PREDICTION

1. CARROLLTON 2. WESTLAKE 3. PEBBLEBROOK 4. EAST COWETA 5. CAMPBELL Pebblebrook and East Coweta is nothing to scoff at.

Woolridge said the strength of the region would only benefit its teams when the postseason arrived.

“This is the kind of football that you want to play being in a tough region, this is a region that prepares you for the playoffs,” Woolridge said.

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CAMPBELL SPARTANS

Phillips ready to get Spartans back on track

2023 Schedule

By John James MDJ Sports Writer

8/18 at Sprayberry

8/25 Kennesaw Mtn.

9/1 at Meadowcreek

9/7 at Miller Grove

9/15 Hillgrove

9/22 Wheeler

10/13 at East Coweta

10/20 at Pebblebrook

10/27 Carrollton

11/3 Westlake

No. Name 1 Maddox West 2 Malachi Sheperd 3 Luke Marble 4 Rachis Bassinga 5 Lamontay Aken 6 Jordan Bailey 7 Boston Marshall 8 Norman Thornton 9 Darian Bolton 10 Elijah Leonard 11 Nathaniel Davis 12 Nehemih Sherman 13 Marolmn May 14 Peyton Butler 15 Nick Buggs 17 Aiden McConnell 18 Darrin Henderson 19 Jaylen Newsom

Pos. DB/WR DB/WR QB RB DB/WR WR/DB DB/WR WR WR LB/DL QB DB/WR WR/RB DB WR QB WR DB

Cl. 10 12 12 11 12 11 12 12 12 11 10 12 10 11 10 11 10 11

Campbell is a team in flux.

First-year head coach Jeff Phillips is taking over a team that he estimated would be fielding at least 15 first-year starters. At the same time, Phillips is also working on building a culture in his new squad. He said he wants to emphasize a “team-first” mentality to a group that had played “individualized” football in prior seasons.

“We want to be competitive,” Phillips said. “We want to have divergent thinking. (To) make sure we’re constantly thinking outside the box and then we want to make sure we’re staying consistent with changes and updates — never staying the same.”

Competitiveness would be an improvement for a Campbell team that finished 1-9 in 2022, and 3-6 in the season prior. Phillips said No. Name 20 Jackob Fowler 22 Zahimr McNeil 23 Ethan Jefferson 24 Leonid Dyer 25 Thomas Love 26 Ashton Gochett 27 Kosh Fort 28 Henry Pullen 29 Kadin Strozier 30 Brayden Matthews 31 Jermiah Ferguson 32 Yuri Bridges 33 Aiden Jenkins-Burns 35 Jonathan Wiley 37 Gavin Hodges 38 Jaquan Mays 40 Tavon Bunn 41 Adrian Smith Jr.

Pos. RB LB DB/WR RB DB/WR RB/LB DB/QB RB DB LB DB/WR DB/WR LB/RB LB/TE DB DB LB LB/OL

that the turnaround would start with a culture shift, but another crucial factor would be the team’s senior quarterback, Luke Marble.

Marble led Campbell in rushing and passing yards last season, though Phillips said he wants to cut back on Marble’s rushing workload this season. Despite that, Phillips spoke highly of the signal-caller.

“He’s the reason we feel good about this year,” Phillips said.

“He has the ability to make all the throws, make all the reads, he can run, he can do all the special things. He’s a championship-caliber guy.”

Phillips will be relying on sophomores Jordan Bailey and Ashton Gochett to help with the rushing production next season. Neither of the running backs saw the field much in 2022 — Phillips said Campbell employed a senior-laden policy last season — but he emphasized their ability

2023 Roster Cl. 12 11 11 12 10 10 10 11 10 10 10 11 11 10 10 12 11

No. Name 42 Danile Ogboru 43 Jemar Mitchell 44 Patrick Curry 45 Caleb Donaldson 47 Joseph Smith 48 Ja-Juan Thomas 49 Leandrew Bennett Jr. 51 Zy’Shaun Jones 54 Emmanuel Summerour 55 Celeb Wray 56 Naquan Wynn 57 Emmanuel Ceron 58 Tyree Stocker 60 Donovan Loveless 61 Tyler Cooper 62 Teon Allen 63 Brykell Northington 70 Noah Greene

Pos. DB LB LB LB LB DB LB/DB OL DL OL/DL DL OL/DL DL OL RB OL/DL OL OL

Cl. 11 10 10 10 11 10 10 11 12 10 12 10 10 12 10 10 11 10

to get involved in the passing game, as well.

They’ll be running behind a relatively young offensive line.

ZaMario Woodgett will lead the way. The 6-foot-5 junior is one of the veterans in a group that includes only one senior, though Phillips said that the group was beginning to find a rhythm, even with the lack of experienced leadership.

“They’re really coming along and gelling,” Phillips said. “The best thing we like about the offensive line is that they constantly talk like friends and family … With an o-line like that, that’s the key.

They’re buying into the ‘family, forget-about-me, I-love-you’ mentality of doing things.”

The defense will have a slight edge on the offense as far as experience is concerned. Phillips said defensive lineman Jalen Shelton would lead the charge See Spartans, Page 31

No. Name 71 Zamario Woodgate 72 Omar Jackson 73 Evan Turner 74 Micah Boyd 75 Bin Sulaiman 77 Sean Beirne 83 Zahaad Williams 84 Essudan Ashraf 86 Ryan Moran 87 Kamron Neal 88 Jeremiah Gentry 89 Ben Manseka 90 Tyler Cooper 96 Jackson Carter 98 Maynor Mendoza 99 Jalen Shelton

Pos. OL OL OL OL OL OL TE/DL DB LB/TE DL/TE DL/TE DL/TE RB DL K DL/RB

Cl. 11 12 11 12 10 10 10 10 12 11 10 10 10 10 12

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30 KICKOFF 2023

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2022 RESULTS Sprayberry.............................0-21............L Kennesaw Mountain..........14-45............L Meadowcreek .....................17-29............L Miller Grove .......................34-30.......... W Hillgrove ............................... 7-29............L Wheeler ...............................17-28............L East Coweta ......................... 7-44............L Pebblebrook .........................0-41............L Carrollton ............................. 7-52............L Westlake ............................. 14-56............L

Instagram: @campbellfootballinsta

2022 LEADERS

VARSITY COACHING STAFF

FIVE YEAR

RUSHING Luke Marble ...........107 car. .670 yds......9 TD

Jeff Phillips ........................ HC Brad Watkins ................... OC Tiger Greene...............Co-DC Joseph Gardner ..............WR Lyndon Winchester ......... DB Joseph Hodge ............Co-DC Thomas Williams .............. LB Chris Holcomb ..................OL DaShawn Allen ................ DB Tom Abel ...........................OL

RECORD 7-42

PASSING Luke Marble ...........91/174 ....1230 yds. ...10TD...5INT

2022: 1-9 2021: 3-6 2020: 2-8 2019: 0-10 2018: 1-9

RECEIVING Tywon Wray ...........29 rec. ..408 yds. ....3 TD TACKLES Grant Fielder ..........58 Lamontay Aiken....38 Bucchi Eleukeme .38

FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI

SACKS Grant Fielder ..........14

DB Chris Lewis-Harris (2004-07) .....UT-Chattanooga, Cincinnati Bengals DL Jake Richardson (1978-81) ...........................................................Georgia ATH Mike Rogers (2010-13)................................................................ Towson WR Brian Sutherland (2004-07) .............................................. Chattanooga DB Tay Glover-Wright (2006-09) .............. Utah State, Indianapolis Colts

ALL TIME RECORD 114-235 REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS (1) 1984

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (0)

Coach: Jeff Phillips • 1st Season • Record: 0-0 • Career: 58-48

Historical Info from Georgia High School Football Historians Association

upperclassman has been coverage. said he was trying to create a SPARTANS Neither a full-time starter, though Aiken Phillips said that Campbell ‘one game’ mentality, though he moved into a starting role late in was trying to remain flexible in also had his sights set on a numthe 2022 season.

Phillips specified that the linebacker corps was the least-tenured group on the defense. Jonathan “Jon-Jon” Wiley is poised to receive a large role among the group.

Phillips praised the junior’s physicality, in addition to his willingness to get involved in pass

the gameplanning element. He emphasized the team’s desire to implement divergent thinking, changing schemes and strategies on the fly in order to maximize the talent of Campbell’s players.

Despite only joining the team in February, Phillips has high expectations for the team. He

GO $ Campbell Spartans!

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From Page 30

for the team. Shelton, a threeyear starter on the line, had the fourth-most tackles on the team last year.

Only one returning player had more tackles than Shelton last year: Lamontay Aiken, who will pair with fellow safety Malachi Shepherd to captain the secondary.

ber of larger objectives for the season; namely, winning a region championship, hosting a playoff game and advancing in the state playoffs.

“We’re chasing greatness,” Phillips said. “We’re not chasing to win three games. We’re chasing greatness. We’re chasing championships.”

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Special - Anthony Stalcup

Campbell’s Luke Marble has earned the nickname ‘Luke the Magician,’ for his ability to keep plays alive.

Marble hopes to keep plays alive long enough to help lead the Spartans to the playoffs this season.

Marble proving he’s Campbell’s magic man

By John James MDJ Sports Writer

Luke Marble’s got a nickname around the halls of Campbell High School — ‘Luke the magician.’

He earned the moniker through a combination of his work ethic, his toughness and a desire to succeed that earned him a position as Campbell’s starting quarterback. In the locker room, on the basketball court, on the football field or even seated in a classroom, it follows him everywhere.

“They don’t call him Luke Marble, they call him ‘Luke the magician,’” said Jeff Phillips, who is entering his first season as Campbell’s football coach. “He just seems to have some type of magic about him where he can keep plays alive.”

Marble led Campbell in passing yards and rushing yards last season, including a performance where he gained more than 350 combined yards to go along with three touchdowns in the Spartans’ lone win on the year.

This year, the senior has higher aspirations.

“It would be amazing to go to the playoffs,” Marble said. “Getting some solid wins in the beginning

32 KICKOFF 2023

of the year, and then taking that region win. And if we do take a tough loss — because that will happen at some point — banding together (as a team), because we’re all in it together.”

Marble emphasized his desire to build camaraderie amongst the team, helping each other develop both athletically and academically. In their few months working together, Phillips has seen the senior interact with teammates, and praised the senior’s work ethic. He called Marble a leader by example, saying that he frequently worked with younger players and sought out feedback for his own performance.

Marble hasn’t always been in this position. The 6-foot-3, 195pound signal-caller said that his lighter frame has been an obstacle in the past, especially when playing against larger and stronger opponents. He also dealt with nerves in prior years, but as he settled into his role last season, he became more comfortable on the field.

“That’s where I started loving the game,” Marble said. “Being able to show out on Friday night and playing comfortably and having fun and doing everything that most athletes dream of in front of

all the fans in the crowd.”

Marble said Phillips — a former high school quarterback himself — has made strides with Marble’s progressions and his ability to navigate and maneuver the pocket.

Phillips isn’t the only coach in the senior’s ear, though. He’s been on the Campbell varsity basketball team for two seasons, something he said has added to his talent as a football player.

Marble said the spacing required on a basketball court has changed his perspective on the football field, allowing him to exploit holes and openings in the opposing defense.

James Gwyn, Campbell’s basketball coach, said Marble has also become a better athlete as a result of his time on the team.

Gwyn said the senior’s lateral movement and footwork has improved, helping him gain a different type of athleticism that some football players aren’t quite as polished in. Gwyn described Marble as “sneaky fast,” saying that other teams often underestimate his athleticism.

“He’s a leader,” Gwyn said. “And he’s not just a leader verbally — he leads by example. He’s willing to do the dirty work and get on the floor for loose balls. If there’s ‘lunch pail’ things to be done, he’s

willing to do that. There’s nothing he shies away from … and the way he plays gets the respect of his teammates.”

As Marble heads into the season, he’s got one more responsibility to keep track of. Marble, who sports a 4.4 GPA as a member of the International Baccalaureate program, visited a number of college football camps over the offseason, weighing his options at the next level.

According to Gwyn, academics will weigh heavily into the quarterback’s final decision.

“I’m considering everything right now,” Marble said. “Whichever one I feel is the best fit for me with what they offer academically as well as athletically, then I’ll take that on.”

Regardless of where he winds up, both coaches expressed belief in Marble’s ability to succeed, no matter what path he pursues.

“I told him, ‘I care more about you than just playing for me,’” Phillips said. “‘I know you’ve got a future. I want to help you achieve that goal, and get there.’

He can play. He can definitely play on Saturdays and he can definitely play at the highest level. He’s just gonna need that chance.”

KICKOFF 2023 33

PEBBLEBROOK FALCONS

Falcons ready to fly in Region 2AAAAAAA

2023 Schedule

By Banji Bamidele MDJ Sports Writer 8/18 South Gwinnett

8/25 at South Cobb

9/1 Hapeville

9/8 at Rome

9/15 at Denmark

9/22 Harrison

10/6 at Westlake

10/13 at Carrollton

10/20 Campbell

11/3 East Coweta

No. Name 2 Keyawn Spencer 3 Luis Aquino 4 Jerrick Nyantak 5 Walter Willis 6 Kobe Scott 7 Randy Parker 8 MySonne Pickens 9 Dwight Phillips 10 Chukwunedu Okeke 11 Malik Leggett 12 ShuMond Johnson 13 Jalen Brassell 14 Marcus Robinson 15 Preston Wooten 16 Cheikh Ly

Pos. WR/DB RB DB WR LB WR/TE QB RB/WR DL WR DL WR/DB RB/WR WR DB

Cl. 11 12 12 12 11 11 11 12 12 11 12 11 12 10 12

Pebblebrook is primed and ready to make a serious run in the state playoffs. The team returns an experienced roster with talent littered across various positions.

The Falcons are in a competitive region that features state runner-up Carrollton and perennial playoff contenders East Coweta and Westlake.

In order to have a successful year, Pebblebrook will have to stay healthy and maximize the play of their key pieces, including running back Dwight Phillips Jr. The four-star prospect and Georgia commit is one of the fastest players in the country and runs a 4.28 40-yard dash and a 10.24 100-meters. Last season, Phillips had 58 carries for 797 yards and nine touchdowns. He also caught 21 passes for 320 No. Name 17 Emanuel Stafford 18 Chase Pinckney 19 Abdur-Rahman Woodard 20 Martavious Adams 21 Deon Ledbetter 22 Elijiah Phillips 23 Tylan Smith 24 Damarien Ward 25 Sir Mitchell 26 Garrison Trammell 27 Rashard Griffin 29 Cameron Yeary 32 Kalen Wyche 36 Devin Murray 37 Taylor Davis

Pos. LB/DL DL WR DB DB DB LB RB LB RB/LB LB DB DB DB LB

yards and three scores.

“We always start with him because he is our stud running back and he is back healthy now,” coach Michael Woolridge said.

The offseason saw a complete redesign of the program especially with a vacancy at the head coach position.

Woolridge, the former South Atlanta coach, has a winning record in six of the seven seasons as head coach. He said he can bring a winning mentality to a Pebblebrook team looking for a new direction.

In two seasons with the Hornets, Woolridge had a 22-3 record and reached the state quarterfinals in both seasons.

“I want these players to believe in themselves because we have great kids and scholar athletes,” Woolridge said. “I think the disconnect is the belief that they can really do great things and take that next step and be a consistent

2023 Roster Cl. 10 11 11 11 11 11 12 10 11 12 12 11 11 11 11

No. Name 40 Carlos Gilmere 43 Joseph Rivera 44 Nazir Allen 45 General Samuela 49 Gabriel Haudey 50 Jair Hutchins 52 Camryn Scott 53 Tyler Miller 54 Anthony Cater 55 Trenton Chapman 56 Tyler Miller 57 Deashaun Manning 58 Traiden Robinson 60 Qais Johnson 65 Justin Tunstall

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Pos. RB/DB LB LB LB/DL LB DL OL LB OL DL LB OL LB DL OL/DL

Cl. 12 10 11 10 11 10 12 11 10 11 11 12 10 11 11

playoff team.”

The Falcons lost six games last season, with games against Rome, Denmark and East Coweta being decided by three points or fewer. Woolridge said he wants the focus to be on flipping the script and winning the close games.

At South Atlanta, Woolridge operated with a run-centric offense, but with the Falcons he said he plans on everyone producing and getting involved.

“Offensively we are going to try to spread the ball out and get it into our playmakers hands and let them make plays in space,” he said.

The Falcons return experienced varsity receivers Randy Parker, Preston Wooten and Walter Willis.

Under center will be junior MySonne Pickens, who spent time at quarterback and running back last season.

See Falcons, Page 35

No. Name 66 Dominique Laswon 69 Antonio Abrams 71 Raphael Mbucho 73 Demetrius Thornton 74 Tyrone Pitts 75 KingTriton Samuela 79 Ricky Boyd 80 Tyler Roberson 81 Darryl Rivers 82 William Martinez 83 Jorden Curtis 89 Jason Wallace 94 Chance Calloway

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2022 RESULTS South Gwinnett ................. 18-26............L South Cobb ........................ 38-15.......... W Hapeville Charter ..............42-28.......... W Rome ...................................28-30............L Denmark ...............................14-17............L Harrison ............................... 31-14.......... W Westlake ............................... 5-27............L Carrollton ........................... 12-42............L Campbell ...............................41-0.......... W East Coweta .........................14-17............L State Playoffs Colquitt County ................. 16-56............L

Instagram: @pebblebrookfootball

Facebook: @PebblebrookFalconsFootball

2022 LEADERS VARSITY COACHING STAFF RUSHING Michael Woolridge ........... HC Michael Robinson .....OC/OL Richard Brimm ...................RB Obaury Conner.................WR Marcus Patterson ............. QB Glyn Maynor................... Asst.

Calvin West ...................... DC Wiltrume Black ................. LB Kelly Dawsey ................... DB Gary Samuel ............... DB/ST Latravius Morgan .............DL Tabugbo Anyansi ..............DL

FIVE YEAR

RECORD

Dwight Phillips.......58 car....797 yds. .....9 TD PASSING Qamar Grant ..........106/151..1,500 yds...11 TD . 5 INT RECEIVING T.J. Holmes .............43 rec. ..595 yds. ....6 TD

26-28-1

2022: 4-7 2021: 9-2-1 2020: 6-5 2019: 3-7 2018: 4-7

FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI ALL TIME RECORD 260-335-9

ATH CJ Adams (2020-23), .................................................... South Carolina OL Andy Cheatham, .................... Clemson, Birmingham Stallions (USFL) DB Thomas Flowers (2000-03), ........................................................Georgia LB Tre Pinkney (2015-18), ................................................... Coastal Carolina RB Brent Thomas (1998-2001), .........................................................Georgia

REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS (3) 2006, 2000, 1980

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (0)

Coach: Michael Woolridge • 1st Season • Record: 0-0 • Career: 51-26

FALCONS From Page 34

“MySonne is a big, physical quarterback learning a new system and is getting better every day,” he said. “We are playing to his strengths and helping in

areas that he may not be as well versed in.”

Woolridge believes that his secondary, offensive and defensive fronts are the positions of strength.

Leading the secondary are juniors Keyawn Spencer and Jalen Brassell. The defensive

Historical Info from Georgia High School Football Historians Association

front will be spearheaded by Chukwunedu Okeke and ShuMond Johnson, both gaining Division I interest from schools like Georgia Southern, Maryland and Syracuse.

Woolridge wants the squad to focus on themselves and let the outside noise stay where it

is, outside.

“Our focus is us and not on who did what last year, or who went to the state playoffs,” he said. “I know if we play Pebblebrook football we can compete with anybody because we have the players and the athletes to do so.”

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Over MySonne 50 yearsPickens, of CareAnthony and Compassion Keyawn Spencer, Cater, Jalen Brassell and Tylan Smith are taking coach Michael Woolridge’s message of a new Pebblebrook to heart with the idea of challenging for the Region 2AAAAAAA championship.

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Players creating a new Pebblebrook

ids. Crystal clear

h my hands.”

By Banji Bamidele MDJ Sports Writer

“The new ’Brook.”

The three-word phrase is the new motto and philosophy that Pebblebrook is using as a culture-definer and fuel for a fresh regime within the Falcons’ nest.

Coach Michael Woolridge is only a few months into his tenure and is already having a resounding impact on his players.

“This year I feel like we have a head coach that has more passion for the game,” quarterback MySonne Pickens said. “It carries onto the field and to the players, we like him.”

When looking around the campus, it would be hard not to notice the construction and excavators at work building a new gym, theater and classrooms.

Along with the area, the coaching staff changed with Woolridge bringing staff from

South Atlanta that are focusing on building their players in the best way possible.

“Having to adapt to a brand new coaching staff has helped us develop as a team and bond more,” defensive back Tylan Smith said.

Smith is one of the senior leaders on the squad. He is a man of few words, but still garners the respect of his teammates.

“I usually lean towards my actions to lead the team, but I am looking to vocalize more and be a loud voice for our guys,” Smith said.

The Falcons made the playoffs for the third straight season last year, but fell in the first round against perennial powerhouse Colquitt County. The team has a fire lit, itching for a chance to right last season wrongs.

“This year we are trying to make a statement and be more

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disciplined,” offensive tackle Anthony Cater said. “Coach has been helping us with fixing the little things.”

With inconsistency on the offensive side last season, Pickens is focusing on improving his overall game. He will be protected upfront

by Cater and have weapons in wideouts Keyawn Spencer and Jalen Brassell.

“I lead by example and my speed makes me different, especially when I get into space,” Spencer said.

The duo also competed in track, with Spencer claiming the second-fastest on the team behind only Dwight Phillips Jr. The wide receivers double as defensive backs. They have several goals heading into the season.

“I want to have zero dropped passes, five interceptions, 15-plus tackles and first-team selections,” Brassell said.

Last year’s region losses to Westlake and state runner-up Carrollton left sour tastes in the mouths of every player on the squad.

The Falcons only region win came against Campbell, but now they’re looking to secure their first region title since 2006.

“We have to win the region,” Smith said. “I am looking forward to an undefeated season, because I have faith in this team and believe we can make it far.”

Carrollton returns as this season’s favorites to win the region, but the Falcons have their eyes set on being the victors during the Oct. 13 matchup.

“We want to upset Carrollton because everyone has that game as a loss for us already,” Spencer said. “These are the best games and we love playing good competition.”

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600!

Marietta to become first Cobb school to reach milestone victory 38 KICKOFF 2023

MDJ Archives

Above: Marietta coach French Johnson enjoys a ride across Grant Field at Georgia Tech after the Blue Devils defeated Columbus 14-7 in the 1967 Class AAA state championship game. It was Marietta’s first state championship. Previous page: Coach Richard Morgan holds up the Class AAAAAAA state championship trophy after the Blue Devils defeated Lowndes in the 2019 title game.

Blue Devils to become 23rd team in Georgia to reach 600 wins

By Gunter Schroeder MDJ Sports Writer

With a storied history that includes 15 region titles and two state championships, the Marietta Blue Devils could reach another unprecedented milestone in 2023 by notching the 600th win in program history.

With 599 wins, Marietta is set to become the 23rd team in Georgia high school football history to reach the 600-win mark according to the Georgia High School Football Historians Association, and the first program to do so in Cobb County. The Blue Devils have 165 more wins all-time than any other county program, alongside McEachern, North Cobb, Walton, South Cobb and Wheeler as the only Cobb programs to

reach 300 all-time wins.

Marietta coach Richard Morgan expressed his gratitude to have the opportunity to be the coach who leads the program to the historic 600th victory.

“I think it’s a very storied program, having been around for 100 years. It’s a great milestone and great for a proud community,” Morgan, who has been at Marietta since 2016, said. “I’m more than honored to deliver that 600th win. A lot of programs never reach this, so we look forward to it and many more to come.”

Over the program’s 121-year history, Marietta has produced legendary teams like the 1967 state championship team under French Johnson, the 1970s and ‘80s squads under Ray Broadaway, See Wins, Page 40

COBB COUNTY FOOTBALL PROGRAM ALL-TIME WINS School W-L-T Win Pct. State Region Years Marietta 599-444-29 .572 2 15 1902-2023 McEachern 434-263-10 .621 0 19 1960-2023 North Cobb 368-312-10 .541 0 7 1958-2023 Walton 335-193-1 .634 0 8 1976-2023 South Cobb 326-387-13 .458 0 3 1952-2023 Wheeler 325-289-8 .529 0 10 1965-2023 Sprayberry 268-408-8 .398 0 3 1956-2023 Pebblebrook 260-335-9 .438 0 3 1965-2023 Harrison 221-130-0 .63 1 6 1992-2023 Lassiter 207-221-2 .484 0 3 1982-2023 Campbell (Old) 202-169-13 .543 0 1 1952-1988 Osborne 165-485-4 .255 0 0 1957-2023 Pope 161-202-0 .444 0 3 1988-2023 Kell .690 160-72-0 0 4 2003-2023 Allatoona 129-49-1 .723 1 4 2008-2023 Hillgrove 118-67-0 .638 0 4 2006-2023 Campbell (New) 114-235-0 .327 0 0 1989-2023 Whitefield Academy 106-119-0 .471 0 2 2002-2023 Mount Paran Chr. 105-61-0 .633 1 2 2008-2023 Lemon Street 94-42-9 .679 1 0 1947-1966 Kennesaw Mountain 86-138-0 .384 0 1 2000-2023 Walker .347 74-139-0 0 1 2001-2023 Wills 67-174-2 .265 0 0 1965-1988 North Cobb Christian 61-95-0 .391 0 0 2007-2023 Marietta Christian 42-15-2 .729 0 0 1974-1983 Acworth 32-54-4 .378 0 1 1944-1957 Shiloh Hills Christian 32-21-0 .604 0 0 1983-1991 Powder Springs A&M 28-53-9 .361 0 0 1914-1932 Dominion Christian 26-51-0 .338 0 0 2009-2021 Marietta Industrial 7-3-1 .682 0 0 1934-1938 Smyrna 0-2 .000 0 0 1928-1933 Information from the Georgia High School Football Historians Association

KICKOFF 2023 39

WINS

From Page 39 the 1990s and 2000s teams under Dexter Wood and James “Friday” Richards and, more recently, the 2019 state championship team led by Morgan.

Several Marietta players have recently gone on to have success in college and in the NFL. Brothers Azeez and BJ Ojulari of the New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals, respectively, both started their football careers as standouts with the Blue Devils, along with the record-breaking duo of quarterback Harrison Bailey and tight end Arik Gilbert who led Marietta to the 2019 Class AAAAAAA state title.

However, one thing Morgan highlighted as key to their impact on the program as well as every other member of his teams at Marietta was their attitude off the field and in the community.

“Bringing home the state title (in 2019) was a huge accomplishment, but our players coming through have been even better kids, ambassadors and role models,” Morgan said. “They’ve led by example and given back, and that’s what tells the tale of this program. They’re great allaround, and now every kid coming through understands it’s part of our DNA to be a leader and role model.”

That DNA has been a key part of the continued identity of Marietta football, one that emphasizes continuing the storied tradition of the program by being great on and off the field.

Paul Hall was a former player at Marietta from 1986-89 who returned to spend 14 years as an assistant coach before becoming athletic director from 2009-18. Hall noted that, in many ways, that DNA of tradition at Marietta has meant the football program has largely stayed the same because of its impact on their values and role in the community.

“Everything has been based on tradition and everybody builds on that,” Hall said. “Marietta has always had good teams and the expectation of coming in and working hard to achieve certain goals.

When I played, Fridays at Northcutt Stadium were a big deal, and I really enjoyed my years there.”

With a football history that dates all the way back to 1902, it’s no surprise that the Marietta

40 KICKOFF 2023

community has rallied around the team in such a big way throughout the years. Players and coaches alike noted the immense pride and support the community continues to show has been key to the team’s success on and off the field.

The team has inspired countless young players to join the team and be part of the Marietta tradition, including LaBrone Mitchell, who grew up in the area and eventually played quarterback for Marietta from 1994-97. He returned in 2003 to serve as an assistant to Richards and has remained on the sideline ever since.

“Marietta was the place I grew up as a kid,” Mitchell said. “I used to walk to the game to see some of the great players, watching (Eric) Zeier playing growing up, and would see coach Wood and coach Friday on the sidelines. I was a big fan of Marietta football.

It was a dream to play for Marietta, and I was able to do so.”

Another former player who is currently a member of Marietta’s coaching staff is former star running back Derrick Tinsley, who recalled watching games as a young kid and grew up wanting to leave his own legacy on the program.

“When I was young, I could hear the band playing from where I stayed on Friday nights,” Tinsley said. “Playing at Marietta, it was definitely my duty to honor the ones that played before me.

Although I did have dreams of playing pro ball, playing football at Marietta was the ultimate dream, so it meant everything to play.”

In addition to supporting young children like Mitchell or Tinsley in Marietta, the community has consistently rallied to support its coaches as well, building programs like the Touchdown Club that aided the team and its success. One of those former head coaches, Dexter Wood, who led the Blue Devils to 72 victories in his stint as head coach from 198794, highlighted the Marietta community as integral to his team’s continued success.

“The general community has off-the-charts spirit and pride in athletics,” Wood said. “There was a family feel of pride in the school system, but another facet was the group of parents and community leaders that went to work for us. It’s remarkable they supported us so well, but Marietta is a See Wins, Page 53

File

James “Friday” Richards, left, was a decorated player, assistant coach and longtime head coach at Marietta.

MARIETTA COACHING RECORDS

Name Richard Morgan Scott Burton Friday Richards Dexter Wood Ray Broadaway French Johnson Bill McCampbell Red Pressley Henry Kemp Andy Anderson Jody G. Hollins Mutt Stephens Charlie Royston Jake Northcutt McNeel A.F. Guthrie Owens Herbert Clay

W-L-T Win Pct. 37-48 .435 31-34 .477 108-57 .655 72-23 .744 89-56-5 .593 124-50-7 .685 5-14 .263 48-31-4 .602 6-13 .315 1-8 .111 45-62-6 .398 12-10--1 .521 6-11 .352 12-12-1 .500 1-3-1 .250 0-2-1 .000 1-1 .500 0-1 .000

Years 2016-current 2010-2015 1995-2009 1987-1994 1973-1986 1956-1972 1954-1955 1946-1953 1944-1945 1943-1943 1929-1942 1926-1928 1924-1925 1920-1923 1919-1919 1917-1917 1916-1916 1902-1902

Information from the Georgia High School Football Historians Association

REGION 3AAAAAAA

Special - Cecil Copeland

Chase McCravy will try to lead Marietta to the top of what appears to be a wide open Region 3AAAAAAA race in 2023.

Cobb teams hope to tame open Region 3AAAAAAA

By Nigel Whittington MDJ Sports Writer

There’s hardly a dull moment in Region 3AAAAAAA. With four of the five teams making it to the postseason and last year’s region champion North Paulding unable to fully sweep the region, the race for the region title is wide open.

Three of the four region games the Wolfpack played were all decided by one score, including their lone region loss to Harrison by a score of 24-21. With the team’s leading passer, receiver and rusher all graduating, the group will look different as it prepares for the gauntlet of Cobb teams looking to make deep postseason runs.

Marietta, who also had a 3-1 record in region play, finished in second place. After battling it out for the starting spot last year with Daniel Gray, who has now graduated, quarterback Chase McCravy is entering the 2023 season as the established starter for the Blue Devils. McCravy threw for 1,448 yards and eight touchdowns last year while also adding three rushing touchdowns for Marietta.

While the region title is important, it’s just a step towards the goal coach Richard Morgan is trying to achieve once again – a

state title.

“Our only sights are (the) second week of December, Mercedes Benz, playing for a championship,” Morgan said.

The Blue Devils advanced to the second round of the playoffs after a dominant 35-0 win over Covington before falling to the eventual state runner-up Carrollton.

While Harrison finished third in the region with an even 2-2 record, the team advanced just as far as Marietta did with a 21-17 victory against Brookwood before falling to Colquitt County in the second round.

Many of the team’s wins were thanks in part to Memphis commit Brady Kluse. The 6-foot-3 receiver was the receiving game for the Hoyas, leading the team in catches (66), yards (1033) and touchdowns (13). Kluse had the 25th most receiving yards in the state and is a key factor in Harrison’s aspirations for a second state title.

Hillgrove came in fourth in the region, with its lone region win against rival McEachern arriving in exciting fashion. The Hawks won by a single point after scoring on the last play of the game to not only send their team to the playoffs, but to deny their crosstown rivals the fourth and final playoff spot.

PREDICTION

1. NORTH PAULDING 2. MARIETTA 3. HARRISON 4. MCEACHERN 5. HILLGROVE Hillgrove’s strong defense is what helped them win games, and that defense will be led by first team all-region playmaker Braylon Hansbrough. The 6-foot, 200pound linebacker returns after finishing 2022 with 97 tackles along with his 6 1/2 sacks.

This region is so wide open that one play can decide if postseason dreams become a reality or not, and this was the case for McEachern. The Indians were one score away from a 3-1 record, with their only double digit loss coming against Marietta (34-16).

In football, defense wins championships and the Indians have the perfect playmaker to lead the defense in corner Daniel James.

The Cincinnati commit recorded 25 tackles, including 21 solo tackles, and is an important piece for a McEachern defense full of rising juniors and seniors.

Last season had multiple onescore games, proving the region is truly up for grabs. With such a small margin for error, mistakes

could be the difference between a trip to the postseason or an early trip to the offseason.

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KICKOFF 2023 41

HARRISON HOYAS

Hoyas offense ready to take it to next level

2023 Schedule

Coach Josh Cassidy said he expects junior Oliver Perez to step in at the linebacker posiQuarterback Braylan Ford and tion, trying to fill the shoes of the wide receiver Brady Kluse are departing Trice. To replace Trice’s ready to take Harrison to the production, Perez will be paired next level. with senior Collin O’Hara, who Ford and Kluse have become tallied 71 tackles last season. one of the best connections in the In the secondary, Cassidy said state after playing together since senior Maki Andrade is expected seventh grade. Kluse accounted to be bumped to a full-time role for almost half of Ford’s 2,186 after sparse gametime last year. passing yards and 13 of his 21 As for protecting the high-powtouchdowns in 2022. ered offense, Cassidy said the Kluse, a University of Mem- offensive line is made up of four phis commit, led Cobb County returning starters – Corey Burkin receiving yards last year (938) low, Landon Davis, Cameron Carand Ford finished second in pass- land and Nathan Wymer. This is ing yards. This duo is prepared a rare occurrence in high school to take their talents to another football, and a huge sign of optilevel in their senior season. mism for Ford and the offense.

On the defensive side of the Moving into the left tackle position ball, the Hoyas are looking for is First Team All-Region defenreplacements at the linebacker sive lineman, Jaden Gnagy. and safety position after losing Cassidy led his team to the leading tackler Holden Trice and playoffs in each of his first two interception leader Tyler Wells. seasons, with a first round exit 2023 Roster

By Jordan Howard MDJ Sports Writer

8/18 at South Paulding

8/25 at South Forsyth

9/1 Paulding County

9/8 Denmark

9/15 Kennesaw Mtn.

9/22 at Pebblebrook

10/6 at McEachern

10/13 North Paulding

10/20 at Hillgrove

10/27 Marietta

No. Name 0 Quinton Charles 1 Amari Watson 2 Kailan Ford 3 Sam Porter 4 Jackson Connors 6 Austin Perry 7 Brady Kluse 8 Ethan Sweat 9 Ethan Harris 10 Jacob Keasler 11 Ty Hartzog 12 Xavier Hill 13 Maki Andrade 14 Donovan Martin 15 Shiloh Thomas 16 Braylan Ford 17 Matthew Traster 19 Kasen Aikionbare 20 Ethan Munive 21 Blake O’Hara 22 Aaron Mackarvich 23 William Reed 24 Jack Evans

Pos. WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB WR/DB TE/LB TE/LB WR/DB RB/DB QB WR/DB RB/DB RB/DB QB QB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB

Cl. 12 12 11 12 11 11 12 12 11 12 11 11 12 11 12 10 11 11 10 12 11 12

No. Name Pos. 25 Max Helms WR/DB WR/DB 26 Grady Capes 27 Jowell Combay WR/DB TE/DL 28 Christian Smith 30 TC Washington 31 Tate Harkness TE/LB RB/LB 32 Collin O’Hara 33 Anderson Itnyre TE/LB 34 RJ Cowser RB/DB 35 Andy Szczepkowski TE/LB 36 Mitchell Lilly III 37 Lawson Scholl 38 Eric Geralds 40 Oliver Perez RB/LB 41 Joshua Velazquez 42 Damiyon Mack 43 Andrew Boetig WR/LB 44 Liam Gray RB/LB 47 David Rudd 48 Bennett Wright RB/LB 49 Tyler Donaldson 50 Oscar Cruz-Cortez OL/DL 51 Nicholas Sevilla OL/DL

Over 50 years of Care and Compassion

GOOD LUCK

Cl. 11 12 10 11 11 12 10 10 12

11 11 12 11 12 11

No. Name Pos. OL/DL 52 Cilve Anatole 53 Joshua Fisher OL/DL OL/DL 54 Terrence McCrae 55 Jaden Ehima OL/DL OL/DL 56 Landon Davis 57 Carson Canup OL/DL 58 Rafa Benitez OL/DL 59 Jaden Gnagy OL/DL OL/DL 60 Nathan Wymer 61 Harrison Thomton OL/DL 63 Cole Tessereau OL/DL 64 Bryce Galsgow OL/DL 65 Taevon Mburu OL/DL 66 Robert Mackarvich OL/DL 67 Oscar McAdoo 68 Will Grantham OL/DL 69 Luke Bleazard 70 Thomas Wall OL/DL 71 Sam Steinhausar OL/DL 72 Sebastian Osorio OL/DL 73 Elijah Figueiredo 74 Corey Burklow OL/DL 75 Cameron Carland OL/DL

Cl. 11 10 11 12 12 11 10 12 12 11 10 11 12 10 11 12 12 11 12 12

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in 2021 and a second round exit in 2022. As he enters his third season at the helm, Cassidy has high hopes for his star-studded offense.

The Hoyas have rattled off three straight four-win seasons since their state champion 15-0 mark in 2019.

The Hoyas 4-8 record last season is somewhat deceiving, as the Hoyas lost three games by four or less points. Cassidy said the theme for his team this year is to “Find a way” as the Hoyas try to flip the outcome of the close losses last year.

“We want to be on the winning side of competitive,” Cassidy said.

“Last year, we felt like we were on the losing side of competitive because four of the games we lost were by a score or less.”

Harrison is still searching for its first winning season since its bump to Class AAAAAAA See Hoyas, Page 43

No. Name Pos. OL/DL 76 Zachary Gilley 77 Danny Garcia OL/DL OL/DL 78 Hayden Bramlett 79 Nicholas Wall 80 Katriel Trivino-Melendez 81 Graham Auldrigde WR/DB 83 Koden Sullivan 84 Aaron Aguilar WR/DB 85 Reece Bentley 86 Jason Monica TE/LB 87 Brady Hambrick TE/DL 88 Kendall Walker TE/DL 89 Muhammah Bobb 90 Rudolph Gleason K 91 Eli Leonard K 92 Harris Sparrow K 93 Ian Castro 94 Jordan Zimmerman K 95 Owen Page 97 Simon Zeidan K 98 Eli Gleason LS 99 Collin Bellomy TE/DL

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H A R R I S O N H OYA S 4500 Due West Road, Kennesaw, GA 30152 • Bruce Cobleigh Stadium https://www.harrisonhoyafootball.com/ Twitter: @hhhoyafootball

2022 RESULTS South Paulding ................. 20-28............L South Forsyth .................... 21-24............L Paulding County ............... 28-14.......... W Denmark ............................. 21-25............L Kennesaw Mountain.........23-45............L Pebblebrook ....................... 14-31............L McEachern ............................ 7-10............L North Paulding .................. 24-21.......... W Hillgrove ............................... 37-8.......... W Marietta ................................. 7-31............L State playoffs Brookwood...........................21-17.......... W Colquitt County .................27-49............L

Instagram: @harrisonhoyafootball

VARSITY COACHING STAFF Josh Cassidy ..................... HC Fran Mahan ............... LB/ DC Nick Williamson ................ LB Emmett Hill Sr. ..................OL Braeden Langford .............DL Brandon Mitchell.............. DB Bobby Thompson .... QB- OC BJ Lock ...............................OL Travis Farmer .....................RB Jeff Meese.........................WR CJ Turner ...........................OL

FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI WR Darvin Adams (2004-07)..... Auburn, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL) LB Jon Abbate (1999-2002),...................... Wake Forest, Houston Texans QB Daniel Cobb (1993-96), .................................................................Auburn QB Justin Fields (2014-17), ............................... Ohio State, Chicago Bears DB Paul Oliver (1998-2001), ........................Georgia, San Diego Chargers

2022 LEADERS

From Page 42

following its 2019 Class AAAAAA state championship run. However, this has not stopped Cassidy from intentionally scheduling a tough non-region schedule each year.

Only one of the Hoyas six nonregion opponents missed the playoffs last year – Kennesaw Mountain, who finished 7-3 in 2022.

Cassidy said he holds his team

FIVE YEAR

RUSHING Grayson West ........64 car....241 yds.......1 TD

RECORD 36-24

PASSING Braylan Ford...........180/283 ..2186 yds. ..... 21 TD ...8 INT RECEIVING Brady Kluse ............56 rec ...938 yds......13 TD TACKLES Holden Trice...........145 SACKS Jaden Gnagy .........7 INTERCEPTIONS Tyler Wells...............4

to the standard of competing against the best teams in the state every year.

“It’s what we expect here,” Cassidy said. “I don’t know that there’s much that we have to do to kind of keep them dialed in. It’s just a part of our program.”

Cassidy said although his team was one of the 32 teams in the playoffs last year, the Hoyas did not reach the outcome they had desired.

But he believes if he and his staff focus on whole-person development,

2022: 4-8 2021: 4-7 2020: 4-6 2019: 15-0 2018: 9-3

ALL TIME RECORD 221-130 REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS (6) 2019, 2017, 2005, 2002, 2001, 2000

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (1) 2019

Coach: Josh Cassidy • 3rd Season • Record: 8-15 • Career: 8-15

HOYAS

Facebook: @HarrisonHoyaFootball

Historical Info from Georgia High School Football Historians Association

the rest will fall in place.

“We’re going to try to develop our kids cognitively, socially, spiritually, emotionally and physically, that’s our number one goal, first and foremost,” Cassidy said. “We feel like if we take care of those things, the scoreboard will take care of itself.”

Schematically speaking, Cassidy doesn’t expect any drastic change, referring to his team as a toolbox each year.

“We’ve got a lot of things to

choose from each year, we may pull out a different tool based on the player,” Cassidy said. “But no, offensively, defensively and on special teams, we’re staying pretty true to who we are.”

Defensively, the Hoyas have some holes to fill, but they will continue to try and control the game with the middle of their defense.

The offense will stay consistent in its shotgun look, due to the dual-threat abilities of Ford and the talent out wide.

You had me at

HOT WATER KICKOFF 2023 43

Special - Anthony Stalcup

Harrison’s Braylan Ford is a leader on the field and a builder of his brand off of it.

He is hoping the combination of the two will help him succeed with a career in football.

Ford knows how to play game on and off field

By Jordan Howard MDJ Sports Writer

Harrison quarterback Braylan Ford has established himself as the Hoyas’ starter after finishing second in Cobb County in passing yards and touchdowns during his junior campaign.

Heading into the 2022 season, the Hoyas were unsure who would take the reins at the quarterback position, not making the final decision until right before the start of the season.

Ford’s 2,186 passing yards and 21 touchdowns put an end to that discussion.

With this success came recognition, and the dual-threat quarterback is taking full advantage of the opportunity. Through his social media that highlights his junior season and his abilities, Ford has attracted many college coaches in the past year.

“You have to build a brand, you have to build an image that people can see you in,” Ford said.

“Show that you’re confident in your ability, because coaches

44 KICKOFF 2023

know that you’re confident to say this, you know, he must mean something.”

Along with highlighting his game, Ford also boasts his 3.9 GPA on Twitter and Instagram. The signal-caller said he knows what his position entails, and performing in the classroom is essential to his success on the field.

“Everything is about small details, every little detail matters. You know, sometimes it’s the small foxes that get you so you have to be good at everything down to a tee,” Ford said, referring to the Song of Solomon story in the Bible. “Having a handle on everything in the classroom, you know, that gives me time for film after homework.”

At the center of the offense, Ford has an expectation to be a leader for the rest of his team, and coach Josh Cassidy said his quarterback plays this role perfectly.

“He’s a silent warrior,” Cassidy said. “When you deal with a bunch of high schoolers, at times you can be concerned about this kid or that kid. He’s not one of those

kids that you’re concerned about.

He’s a coach on the field. He’s a coach in the weight room. He’s a coach in the film room.”

Cassidy said in his first season as a starter, the quarterback carried himself as a seasoned veteran, acting as a players coach and handling matters with class.

Ford agreed, adamant about proving himself as a leader.

“I want to lead by example, first to show the guys that I can do it,” Ford said. “And then I add that vocal aspect, speaking out when something needs to be said.”

Although Ford isn’t the most vocal leader, he certainly does not lack confidence, claiming on his Twitter, “My goal is to play for an NFL team and one day own one, too.”

He carries this mindset onto the field every Friday night, using this confidence to lead his team.

“I have to be confident in myself because the players, they feed off of that, the offense feeds off of that,” Ford said. “I can’t show any moments of weakness, because everything runs through me. So

I have to show the guys that I’m comfortable in what I can do…

That makes them comfortable with themselves too because they’re like ‘We got a guy that we know is going to lead us no matter what.’”

The Hoyas are on pace to have an explosive offense this season, following a 2022 campaign where Ford and star wide receiver Brady Kluse connected for 1,033 yards and 13 touchdowns. Ford said the duo has been throwing together since seventh grade, building chemistry for over five years.

Ford has another familiar face out wide this season – his younger brother Kailan Ford. The rising junior is expected to play alongside Kluse this season, and the quarterback was excited about the opportunity to throw to his brother.

With one of the most competitive schedules in the state, Ford said he is excited to put his talents on display in his senior season, and he expects his offense to take another step-up from last season.

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HILLGROVE HAWKS

Hawks’ defense poised for big season

2023 Schedule

By Nigel Whittington

leadership roles.

“We’ve got a first team allregion playmaker in Braylon The Hillgrove football team Hansbrough,” DeShon said. “He’s is built by the strength of their excellent with all his movement defense. stunts and he understands our With an established quarter- coverages. He’ll be our main back going into the season and communicator, he’s the middle a playoff appearance under their of our defense, and he’s a really belt, the Hawks’ offense is look- good player.” ing to make as large of an impact The 6-foot, 200-pound lineas the defense has for so many backer finished the 2022 seayears. son with 97 tackles along with The Hawks went 3-8 on his six and a half sacks. the season and 1-3 in Region “The guys in front of him on the 3AAAAAAA with their lone region defensive line are really, really victory against rival McEachern good too,” DeShon said. allowing them to advance to the Juniors Nicholas Mathious and playoffs.

Gavin Askew are both returning.

“At the end of the year we Mathious is a 6-foot, 265-pound started playing our best foot- defensive tackle who recorded ball. We got into the first round 40 tackles and one and a half and have carried that momentum sacks. Askew is a 6-foot-3, 228into this summer,” coach Justin pound defensive end who had DeShon said.

14 tackles while only appearing The defense is filled with return- in seven games. ing playmakers stepping into new Brandon Jett is expected to 2023 Roster MDJ Sports Writer

8/18 River Ridge

8/25 at Creekview

9/1 at East Coweta

9/8 Allatoona

9/15 at Campbell

9/22 Carrollton

10/6 Marietta

10/20 Harrison

10/27 at North Paulding

11/3 at McEachern

No. Name 1 Jeremiah Valdry 2 Mark Coaxum 3 Dylan Green 4 Mykah Hines 5 Brandon Jett 6 Chase Gibson 7 Toryn Wilkins 8 Kadden Breazeale 9 Raymond Boyd 10 Daniel Okonkwo 11 Carter Carter 12 Brody Bond 13 Jared Thomas 14 Jonathan Owusu 15 Ethan Morse 16 Braylon Hansbrough 17 Donovan Mack 18 Tristan Fry 19 Jackie Young 20 Kason Boggs 21 Matthew Najjar 22 Xavier King 23 Ari Morris 24 C.J. Ford

Pos. WR/DB DB DB/WR WR LB DB QB RB WR DB/WR TE DB/QB DB WR DB LB QB TE WR DB WR WR WR RB/DB

Cl. 12 12 10 12 12 12 11 12 11 11 12 11 12 12 12 12 10 12 11 10 11 11 12 11

No. Name 25 Aiden Purify 26 Jameson McCullough 27 Devon Johnson 28 Sean Garcia 29 Chris Carbin 30 Justin Massey 31 Josh Robinson 32 Tyler Galardo 33 Trace DeFreezer 34 Caleb Walters 35 Carter Genchi 36 Colin Cooperwood 37 Javier Barrera 38 Carter Rose 39 Maliek Coaxum 40 Ethan Hoage 41 Xavier Alexander 42 Christian Bakkar 43 Presley Gonzalez 44 Ohenba Yebeoah 45 Nico Marierose 46 Braden Naylor 47 Parker Meador 48 Ethan Davis

Pos. DB LB DB DB LB/TE RB RB DB/RB DL RB K DB RB DB DB LB/TE DL LB LB DB LB WR DB LB

Cl. 12 10 12 12 10 11 11 10 12 11 10 11 12 10 10 11 10 12 10 11 11 10 10 10

No. Name 49 Julian Gomez 50 Gavin Askew 51 Cabe Thomas 52 Ali Jaradat 53 Corbin Forbes 54 Nick Mathious 55 Cooper Pedro 56 Gilbert Smith 57 Max Mollohan 58 Andrew Holcomb 59 Braylon Kuenker Foco 60 Brynden Fields 61 Gabe Harkness 62 Isiah Marbury 63 David Rivero 64 Christopher Solis 66 John Cummings 68 Sean Bush 70 Micah Banks 71 Jose Munoz Rivera 72 Cam Harris 73 Jacob Bannister 74 Pierce Wood 75 Will Crimm

Pos. LB DL/OL LB LB LB DL/OL OL/DL OL/DL OL LB OL/DL DL/OL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL DL/OL OL/DL DL/OL OL/DL OL/DL TE OL/DL OL/DL

Cl. 11 11 11 11 10 11 11 10 10 11 11 10 10 10 10 12 11 10 10 12 11 10 10 11

be all over the Hawks’ defensive backfield. The senior plays linebacker and strong safety and recorded 31 tackles and half a sack last season.

While the defense contains multiple all-region players, the offense is young, but they have earned the trust and respect of DeShon throughout last season.

“What we like is our guys,” DeShon said. “I know that’s a simple answer, but we’ve been through the battle with these kids at a young age and we’re excited to see them play football now as juniors and seniors.”

The young offensive core is led by Toryn Wilkins. The 6-foot, 165-pound quarterback threw for 1,675 yards and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore.

“Just having a quarterback now for the first time in three years, that is not a sophomore, leading our (Class) AAAAAAA program, See Hawks, Page 47

No. Name 76 Bryce Browning 77 Jack Howe 78 Caanan Humphries 79 Ahmad Jaradat 80 Noah Anderson 81 Idriss Stampley 82 Ross Dawson 83 Emerson Floyd 84 Brayden Hembree 85 Teddy McKinley 86 Grant Korson 87 Shane Brinson 88 Haleem Crooks 89 Ethan Kimbrough 90 Jonah O’Neal 91 Jaiden Argueta 92 Travis Johnson 93 Jalen Grant 94 Slade Brazile 95 Ryan Thompson 96 Makaio Richard 97 Michael Williams 98 Aaron Carvajal 99 Micah Leacock

Pos. OL OL LB WR WR/DB DB WR WR WR TE/LB TE WR DB TE DB/WR RB K DB LB WR WR DB DL/TE DB

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H I L LG R OV E H AW K S 4165 Luther Ward Rd, Powder Springs, GA 30127 • Cobb EMC/Hillgrove Stadium https://www.hillgrovefootball.org/ Twitter: @HgroveFootball

2022 RESULTS River Ridge..........................14-27............L Creekview .............................10-6.......... W East Coweta ....................... 21-55............L Allatoona ...............................9-31............L Campbell .............................. 29-7.......... W Carrollton ...........................28-56............L Marietta ............................... 10-14............L Harrison ...............................15-37............L North Paulding .................. 10-26............L McEachern .......................... 16-15.......... W State Playoffs Grayson ................................ 3-30............L

2022 LEADERS VARSITY COACHING STAFF RUSHING Justin DeShon ...................... HC Pete DeWeese .......................OC Andy Szatkowski ..................DC Joe Gerda ................................DL Keon Humphries ............WR/ST Robert Foster ........................WR Ronney Daniels ..................... RB Rodney Castlin ......................QB Travis Mihalik ...................OL/TE Luke Hayes............................. OL Ben Ford..................................DB Taylor Ivey ................................LB Branson Hall............................LB

FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI LB Bradley Chubb (2010-13), ...........................N.C. State, Miami Dolphins RB Kenyan Drake (2008-11), .......................... Alabama, Baltimore Ravens TE Evan Engram (2009-12), ......................Ole Miss, Jacksonville Jaguars DL Myles Murphy (2016-19), ........................Clemson, Cincinnati Bengals TE Chigoziem Okonkwo (2014-17), .............. Maryland, Tennessee Titans

Kadden Breazeale............91 car. .......274 yds. ...2 TD PASSING Toryn Wilkins............. 128/244 ..1,675 yds. .....12 TD RECEIVING Jonathan Owusu ...33 rec.....405 yds...... 3 TD TACKLES Zion Rutledge........122 SACKS Braylon Hansbrough .......6.5 Knox Henderson ...............5.5 INTERCEPTIONS Brody Bond .............................2 Payton Gonzalez ...................2

From Page 46

that is a huge deal,” DeShon said. “We have a quarterback that we trust. He sees the field and understands defensive coverage.”

On offense, the team only lost two seniors with the Hawks retaining their leading receiver and leading rusher.

Receiver Jonathan Owusu had 33 catches, 405 receiving yards and three touchdowns while running back Kadden Breazeale carried the ball 91 times for 274 yards

FIVE YEAR

RECORD 28-26

2022: 3-8 2021: 2-8 2020: 4-5 2019: 7-4 2018: 12-1

ALL TIME RECORD 118-67 REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS (4) 2018, 2017, 2014, 2011

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (0)

Coach: Justin DeShon • 3rd Season • Record: 5-16 • Career: 35-58-1

HAWKS

Instagram: @hillgroveathletics

Historical Info from Georgia High School Football Historians Association

and two touchdowns.

While the offense is young, DeShon says last season’s experience is what he hopes will propel the Hawks to the playoffs in 2023.

“It’s youth,” DeShon said. “But it’s youth that has a year ’s experience under their belt

playing Grayson, playing Marietta and playing Harrison.”

DeShon said. “These are kids that have been through the fire, all these kids who are starting for us as juniors, started as sophomores and that’s something we’re excited about.”

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KICKOFF 2023 47

Special - Anthony Stalcup

Braylon Hansbrough has turned his biggest doubters into his biggest supporters. Now, he’s ready to lead the Hillgrove defense into the 2023 season with a return to the playoffs in sight.

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Hansborough makes people believe

By Nigel Whittington MDJ Sports Writer

Initially, Braylon Hansbrough’s father was his biggest doubter.

As the Hillgrove linebacker played in his first varsity game as a freshman his father, Mario Hansbrough, was nowhere to be found.

“I remember dropping him off at school that morning,” Mario said. “I told him that I wasn’t going to sit in the cold and rain just to watch him sit on the sidelines and for him to call me after the game and I’d pick him up.”

Braylon didn’t spend a lot of time on the sideline that night.

“He told me he played from the second quarter all the way until the end of the game,” Mario said.

“I told him at that point in time that I would never miss another one of his football games, no matter what.”

Three seasons later Mario

has been with his son at every football game, every football camp and every football recruiting visit.

“My dad is probably my biggest role model,” Braylon said.

“He takes me to trainers, he spends his money on me, getting me to different camps and getting me exposure. In a span of about five years I’ve had six trainers and I’m still with some of them right now.”

With last year’s leading tackler in the county, linebacker Zion Rutledge, graduating last season, Braylon is now tasked with being the leader of the Hawks’ defense. He is focusing on this new role off the field as well as on the field.

“I’ve known some of these people since they were freshmen all the way until now,” Braylon said.

“The second I see that change I always ask ‘what’s happening’ and it’s kind of like a mutual

relationship.”

Braylon focuses on a humble leadership role when addressing his teammates.

“Some of them have this little thing where they’re like, ‘Oh you’re Mr. (Division I) now,’ and trying to set me apart,” Braylon said. “But I always try to bring myself back down to them where they know I’m not trying to be over them.”

The 6-foot, 200-pound linebacker has offers from Reinhardt, Sewanee, and Shorter. He finished the 2022 season with 97 tackles, 15 tackles for loss along with six and a half sacks.

Even after being named first team all-region last year, Braylon is still working to improve his game.

“Footwork is probably one of the biggest (areas of improvement),” Braylon said. “Footwork and reading the field. There’s so much going on on the field

that you have to learn to slow it down in your head and in your eyes.”

Braylon and his father said they understand everything he brings to the team on the field.

“My dad says this and honestly I think he’s right,” Braylon said. “The greatest thing I bring to the field is my determination, my lack of injuries and when a play is called I know where everyone on defense is supposed to be at or I know an idea of everyone’s responsibility.”

As Braylon prepares for a larger role on defense this season, he understands his father will be in his corner supporting him before, during and after every game.

“It comes with him helping me, watching film and noticing the little details,” Braylon said.

“My dad has a bigger impact on me and on my game than he thinks.”

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MARIETTA BLUE DEVILS

Blue Devils ready to make another run MDJ Sports Writer

8/19 vs Norcross

8/25 West Forsyth

9/1 at Roswell

9/8 North Cobb

9/15 at Walton

9/22 at Buford

10/6 at Hillgrove

10/13 McEachern

10/27 at Harrison

11/3 North Paulding

No. Name 1 Bobby Butler 2 Luke Morgan 3 Russell Bey 3 Samaj Anderson 5 Jaleel Smith 5 Drew Box 6 Chase McCravy 6 Aiden McPherson 7 Brandon Rosado 7 Jayden Whiteside 8 Anthony Kruah 9 Thomas Abercrombie 9 Cooper Patterson 10 Aden Canty 10 Jude Morris 11 Shawn Morgan 12 Carson Snipes 13 Landon Stewart

Pos. WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB TE/LB RB/DB QB QB WR/DB QB TE/LB WR/LB WR/LB TE/DL WR/LB WR/DB QB WR/LB

Cl. 12 12 12 9 12 9 12 9 12 9 11 12 9 12 9 11 10 10

Marietta’s goal has never changed – win a state championship.

“You coach to try and win the whole thing,” coach Richard Morgan said. “If you don’t, you’re shortchanging the players.”

For Morgan and his players, winning a title is a goal but it’s only a part of what it means to be a Blue Devil.

“It’s not a program that you just play football at,” Morgan said.

“You’re a part of the community and football is a part of you if you’re going to play here.”

Cobb County has five state football titles in its history and two of them are owned by the Blue Devils.

The team has made the playoffs in the past six seasons and won a title in 2019. Morgan, armed with more than 20 returning seniors, No. Name 14 Noah Brown 16 Andre Collins 17 Zack Hogan 18 Max Turner 19 Joseph Mosley 20 Max Brimer 21 Donta Young 22 Landon Mannery 23 Kelvin Shaw 24 Aiden Newkirk 25 Alec Huff 26 Donivan Gober 27 DJ Plummer 28 Ayden Brock 29 Jaylen Frazier 30 Xavier Gwynn 32 Gavin Brumbaugh 35 Alex Whiteside

Pos. WR/DB WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB DB TE/DL WR/DB RB/DB RB/LB WR/DB RB/LB RB/DB TE/DL WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB RB/DB RB/LB

is hoping to lead the Blue Devils to a state title in 2023.

“Last year it was younger guys thrusted into new roles and now they understand those roles better,” Morgan said. “I’m hoping that, along with the leadership from the senior class, puts us over the hump.”

Quarterback Chase McCravy is returning to play his first full season as the established starter.

McCravy and Daniel Gray spent the 2022-23 season splitting playing time but with Gray graduated, McCravy is set to be the team’s signal caller this season.

McCravy threw for 1,448 yards and eight touchdowns last year while also adding three rushing touchdowns for the Blue Devils.

With all four of last season’s leading receivers graduating, it’s up to some familiar faces to step up into these new roles.

Two weapons returning are Luke Morgan and Brandon

2023 Roster Cl. 11 12 11 10 12 10 10 10 12 12 10 10 9 11 12 10 12 12

PIEDMONT CHURCH SUPPORTS MARIETTA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

No. Name 36 Davis Parrot 37 Jordan Hawkins 38 Payton Smith 39 Larell Keaton 41 Vasean Casey 42 Martavious Ross 43 Terrance Booker 45 Tarion Anderson 46 Markeith Linen 47 Eric Ovalle 49 Renardo Linen 50 Chandler Hall 51 Marvin Roberts 52 Reago Hutson 53 Jack Stofer 54 Trey Hudgens-Tucker 55 Cole Davis 56 Liam Etheridge

Pos. K/P LB RB/DL RB/DB TE/LB RB/DB RB/DB TE/DL RB/LB TE/DL WR/DB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DT OL/DL OL/DL

Cl. 10 12 10 12 10 10 10 11 10 11 12 10 11 11 10 10 12 10

Rosado. Morgan had 10 receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown while Rosado caught 23 passes for 207 yards. Both receivers should see an increase in their numbers with their new roles in the offense.

Bobby Butler plays both offense and defense but missed the entire 2022-23 season with an ACL tear.

Morgan is confident that he will be another playmaker on the field.

“I saw how much work he put into his rehab last year and now he’s back full speed so I’m excited to see him,” Morgan said The team’s backfield won’t have any changes as both Russell Bey and Jaylen Frazier are returning for their senior season. Bey carried the ball 72 times for 313 yards and two touchdowns while Frazier carried the ball 64 times for 394 yards and four touchdowns.

“All these guys that were starting for the first time last year or See Blue Devils, Page 51

No. Name 57 Blake Bartlett 58 Jordan Adams 59 Demary Toney 61 Stephen Salazar 63 Henry Mendoza 64 Kevin Salazar 66 Larry Peck 67 Jahkari Jenkins 68 Cezar Garcia 71 Noah Herrero 72 Tristan Bolden 74 Djbril Thiam 75 Tate Jones 81 Jamine Soloman 82 Cole Baumgartner

Pos. OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB K

GO BLUE Marietta ’s real eDEVILS! state CoMpany

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M A R I E T TA B L U E D E V I L S 1171 Whitlock Ave NW, Marietta, GA 30064 • Northcutt Stadium https://mariettafootball.com/ Twitter: @MHSFBFAMILY

2022 RESULTS Grayson ...............................12-32............L West Forsyth .......................24-17.......... W Roswell................................20-24............L North Cobb ........................ 21-35............L Walton ..................................17-30............L Buford ....................................0-14............L Hillgrove .............................. 14-10.......... W McEachern ..........................34-16.......... W Harrison ................................. 31-7.......... W North Paulding ................... 14-21............L State Playoffs Newton .................................35-0.......... W Carrollton ............................14-47............L

Instagram: @mariettafb

2022 LEADERS VARSITY COACHING STAFF RUSHING Richard Morgan...... HC/OC/QB Troy Duke ..........................WR Labrone Mitchell ..............WR Derrick Tinsley ..................RB Robert Holman ..................OL Joe Brunet..........................OL Jason Allen ................. DC/LB Terrance Duke ...................DL Adrian Wright..................... LB Michael Brown.................. DB Tom Guckian .....................K/P

FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI QB Harrison Bailey (2016-19),......................................................... Louisville TE Arik Gilbert (2016-19), .................................................................Nebraska LB Azeez Ojulari (2014-17), ............................... Georgia, New York Giants LB BJ Ojulari (2016-19),............................................LSU, Arizona Cardinals RB James “Friday” Richards (1968-71), ..................Florida, New York Jets K Rex Robinson (1974-77), ........................ Georgia, New England Patriots K Scott Sisson (1985-88), ................Georgia Tech, New England Patriots RB Derrick Tinsley (1997-2000), ..................................................Tennessee RB Travis Zachery (1993-96), ...........................................................Clemson QB Eric Zeier (1989-90) ...................................Georgia, Cleveland Browns

PASSING Chase McCravy ....128/231 .1448 yds. ...8 TD .11 INT RECEIVING Nacari Ashley ........23 rec. ..430 yds. ...2 TD Christian Mathis ....30 rec. ..395 yds......4 TD TACKLES Kelvin Shaw............73 Malachi Sanders...69 Nacari Ashley ........68

RECORD 34-28

2022: 5-7 2021: 7-5 2020: 3-8 2019: 14-2 2018: 5-6

SACKS Anthony Kruah ......4 Nacari Ashley ........4

ALL TIME RECORD 599-444-29

INTERCEPTIONS Joseph Mosley......4

2005, 2004, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1983, 1967, 1966, 1959, 1957, 1949, 1948

BLUE DEVILS ping in including Anthony Kruah maybe missed their season last year, are all back now and that’s an opportunity to get the ball in their hands in space,” Morgan said.

On the defensive side of the ball

FIVE YEAR

Russell Bey .............72 car. ...313 yds. ......2 TD

Coach: Richard Morgan • 8th Season • Record: 37-48 • Career: 201-68

From Page 50

Facebook: @MariettaFootball

REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS (15) STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (2) 2019, 1967

Historical Info from Georgia High School Football Historians Association

multiple underclassmen are step- a sophomore defensive end.

Joseph Mosley led the team who is returning but at a differ- in interceptions as a junior. The ent position. defensive back had four intercep“Kruah was our all-region defen- tions along with 40 tackles. sive end, he’s playing linebacker “We’ve got a lot of kids that love so we’re excited to free him up,” football and we’re trying to free Morgan said. them up and put them in posiKruah had 50 total tackles as tions to let their talent shine,”

Morgan said.

Even with new faces the Blue Devils still have the same goal and are aiming to keep that same winning tradition.

“Our only sights are (the) second week of December, Mercedes Benz, playing for a championship,” Morgan said.

KICKOFF 2023 51

Special - Anthony Stalcup

Sometimes it can be hard being the coach’s son. However, Luke Morgan has proved he’s more than deserving to be out on the field. As a starter, he hopes to help lead Marietta to another state championship.

GO BLUE DEVILS!

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Morgan is getting, taking no favors his players, regardless of the last name on the jersey.

“Being a coach, I’m very demanding and have high standards for my players so when I had my own children, they understood that,” Richard said. “Nothing was different for them.”

This is the same case for Luke who earned his way onto the field as a three-year starter. He caught 10 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown last year for the Blue Devils.

Being a starter for the Blue Devils is something Richard says is only earned and never given.

“On the football field, with my team they’re all my sons, and they all know that,” Richard said.

“I love my sons but the team comes first and if you are the best at your position, it is your position.”

Luke was a part of an offense that consisted of multiple senior

receivers, with each totalling more than 250 receiving yards. Now that the seniors have graduated, an increase in productivity and responsibility rests on Luke’s shoulders.

“It’s the whole senior class’ team,” Luke said. “It falls on us and that’s pressure but I think it’s a good thing because we have a good senior class.”

Luke is adapting to his new role as a leader for the underclassmen on the team.

“I’m working on my craft more and trying to be more vocal,” Luke said. “I’m trying to let the players know the culture of what we’re trying to build here.”

While working on achieving the goals he has for himself as a leader, Luke said he had high hopes for his performance on the field this season, outside of the standard of bringing home a state title for the Blue Devils.

“I want to try and break that touchdown record that we have here,” Luke said. “I think it’s 19 (touchdowns), I’m trying to go for 20 (touchdowns) and 1,000 yards.”

These personal goals and the goal of a state championship are what Richard expects of his players and is the standard he expects them to hold him to.

“Why would you want it any other way?” Richard said. “If you’re a player, why would you not want your coach to demand the best of you and hold you accountable to the highest level?”

For Luke, Richard and the entire team, the highest level is a championship and that is what they’re trying to achieve this year and every year.

“We’re going for a championship,” Luke said. “That’s what we have to do, not just us seniors, but all of us.”

supportive, and everyone wanted to help in any way. It’s a great place to be.”

From Page 40 As the program approaches family, so it’s no wonder the foot- win No. 600, there’s a consensus ball program has accomplished feeling among past and present coaches and players alike what it has.”

Nearly three decades on from of pride and satisfaction in the Wood’s tenure, Morgan echoed program’s continued success. the same sentiment about the Hall said it is a testament to the community’s present-day attitude collective hard work and dedicatowards his team and coaching tion put into the program each and every day. staff.

“I think it means the world “They were open arms immediately, and very accepting and (to reach 600 wins),” Hall said.

“Everyone has put in their time inviting,” Morgan said.

“Nobody Over 50 years of Care and Compassion in this community has not been and effort to sustain excellence.

To see us reach that mark is unbelievable.”

Mitchell remarked about how special it is to him to be part of a program that provided him the same opportunities as the players he now coaches.

“The best part is seeing the kids develop and grow. It’s a blessing to be with a winning program and coach with great coaches, men and kids,” Mitchell said. “It’s a community I grew up in, and it’s been very enjoyable to see kids grow up and be successful while keeping the tradition going.”

Tinsley said that although he does not keep track of those numbers very often, he is honored to be a part of the coaching staff that looks to reach the milestone.

“I’m totally honored to be on the staff to win the 600th game,” Tinsley said. “Playing for coach Friday, and now to coach with Richard Morgan, is a wonderful feeling. It’s hard to explain, but just thinking about it, it’s truly amazing that (win No. 600) is right in front of us.”

The term “coach’s son” often carries a negative weight to it.

Many believe every starting snap is given, not earned and that favoritism takes the place of skill for the son of the head coach. Luke Morgan wants to flip that narrative on its head.

“I just want to prove people wrong and let them know that I deserve to be on this field,” Luke said.

The 5-foot-9, 170-pound wide receiver plays for his father, Richard Morgan, at Marietta.

“Everyone’s dealing with the same toughness that he brings, I get it at home too,” Luke said.

“But I wouldn’t change it, it makes me tougher.”

That same toughness is what Richard makes the standard for

WINS

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MCEACHERN INDIANS

Reid to return Indians to previous heights

2023 Schedule

By Banji Bamidele MDJ Sports Writer 8/19 vs Brookwood

8/25 at Hughes

9/1 Douglas County

9/9 at Newton

9/15 vs Tucker

9/22 Valdosta

10/6 Harrison

10/13 at Marietta

10/20 at North Paulding

11/3 Hillgrove

No. Name 0 Bryce Givens 1 Jaydon Kinney 2 Daniel James 3 Terry Wilson 3 Dy’lon Womack 4 Robert Echols 7 Cam Traylor 7 Kannen White 8 Seth Parker 8 Andrew Ruffin 9 Reece Agerbeek 9 Kayden Peterson 10 Tristan Arey 10 Jayreon Campbell 12 Austin Brown 12 Kayden Johnson 13 Hezekiah Alao 13 Reginald Grogan 14 Shemar Hall 14 Zavion Harris 15 Justin Barber 15 Calvin Pittman 16 Immanuel Crum 16 David Otobo 18 Tyrone Benton 19 Coledye Wamock

Pos. DL QB DB WR DB WR/DB WR LB ATH LB DL WR DB RB DB RB DB WR DB WR LB QB WR DL QB ATH

Cl. 12 12 12 12 11 12 11 12 12 12 12 12 12 10 11 12 12 12 12 10 11 10 12 11 10 12

Honesty. Accountability. Relentless effort.

These are the core values new McEachern coach Kareem Reid said he hopes to instill in his players.

“Honesty breeds trust and is the foundation of a relationship,” Reid said. “Accountability involves making no excuses and getting the job done and relentless effort to be where we are supposed to be off the field and emptying the tank giving maximum effort on the field.”

An atypical 4-6 season resulted in offseason changes for the football program. Coach Franklin Stephens departed the program for the position at his alma mater, Burke County.

The Indians found their replacement in Reid, a Florida Gators No. Name 20 Kaden Stroud 20 Tyce Williams 21 Jacobi Fox 21 RJ Harris 22 Myles Character 22 Malachi Reyes 23 Elisha James 24 Demarcus Cleaves 24 Jaiden James 25 Jesse Jallah 25 Brad Menhorn 26 Devin Felton 26 Deyi White 27 Marion Clark 27 Jachai Hackney 28 Kiyante Ingram 28 Michael Shelby 29 Alexander Smith 30 Chukwuma Opene 30 MJ Smith 31 Zion Anderson 32 Dominic Marshall 33 Collins Irozuru 34 Travis Moore 35 Kornelius Pettway 36 Sean Draggin

Pos. QB DL WR DB DB RB DB RB DB WR LB LB RB WR DB DB WR DB LB WR RB DB LB DL RB DB

Over 50 years of Care and Compassion

GOOD LUCK

assistant defensive-line coach.

A defensive-minded coach by trade, Reid said that he will use the concepts and knowledge he gained in the college sphere and implement his team with a nextlevel mindset.

The Indians have strengths in their defense, spearheaded by senior cornerback Daniel James, a Cincinnati commit. The physical corner makes it nearly impossible for receivers to get off the line of scrimmage and into their desired route.

The defense also returns Andrew Ruffin, last season’s leader in tackles (79) and sacks (6).

On the offense, quarterback Jaydon Kinney returns after an up-and-down junior campaign.

Kinney threw for 1,155 yards, nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Leading receiver Robert Echols returns coming off a

2023 Roster Cl. 11 11 12 11 11 10 11 11 10 12 11 11 12 11 10 10 10 11 11 11 10 10 12 10 11 10

No. Name 37 Desmond Hammond 38 Darrius Harris 39 Robert Nesmith 40 Robert Hudson 41 Javion Williams 42 Armon King 43 Damian Burts 45 Sharod Gatson 46 Sekai Pegues 47 Ethan Carlton 50 Brayden Irby 51 Trejuan Walker 52 Martavius Candies 53 Justin Sinon 55 Paul Bowling 57 Khaleed Carter 60 Jason Doss 61 Antoine Bryant 62 Landon Clements 62 Qui’Marion Ross 63 Jaden Miller 64 Tyler Ameen 65 Shackiar Wisdom 66 Daryon Thompson 67 Kirk Hunter 68 Daniel Gordon

Pos. DB DB DB DB DB DB LB LB DL DB LB DL DL K/P OL LB OL OL DL OL OL K/P OL DL OL OL

Cl. 12 10 10 10 10 10 10 12 10 10 10 10 10 10 11 10 10 10 11 10 11 11 10 10 11 10

year where he had 47 catches for 587 yards and four scores.

“He (Kinney) has done a good job of grabbing the bull by the horns and accepting the coaching,” Reid said. “Offensively we will be spread, throw the ball around a little bit and with tempo.

When we have the opportunities we are going to hand it off and run it because we have a really good running back room that has multiple kids that can tote it.”

The running back room will be led by seniors Seth Parker, Kayden Johnson and rounded out by sophomore Jayreon Campbell.

Reid said the offensive line is the position of strength and that this current group is the best that he has ever inherited in his time as a head coach. The line includes 5-foot-10, 233-pound Zayden Charity, 6-foot-1, 285pound KeyDrell Thomas and See Indians, Page 55

No. Name 69 Darius Biggins 70 Gael Aguina-Ortiz 71 Kaleb Forrest 72 Lovar Cusic 73 Zayden Charity 75 KeyDrell Thomas 76 Leon Wesley 77 Lucas Marquez 78 Parker McClendon 79 Jeremiah Boykin 80 Owen Irozuru 81 Keyshon Douglas 83 Jakai Greshman 84 Jonathan Rodriguez 87 Zamar Williams 88 Ivan Kynes 89 Chris Kennedy 90 Cimeyon Jordon 91 Jeremiyah Wright 92 Dabriel Yap 93 Arinze Opene 94 Jaelyd Labon 96 Albert Butler 97 Victor Rodriguez 98 Anthony Jordan 99 Trevor Williams

Pos. OL DL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL WR WR WR K/P WR TE WR DL LB LB DL LB DL K/P LB DL

Cl. 11 10 11 10 12 12 12 10 12 11 10 11 11 11 12 12 12 11 10 10 10 10 11 10 10 10

Over 50 years of Care and Compassion Good Luck McEachern High School!

ALLATOONA!

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McEACHERN INDIANS 2400 New Macland Rd, Powder Springs, GA 30127 • Walter Cantrell Stadium https://mceachernsports.com/football Twitter: @McEachernFtball

2022 RESULTS North Gwinnett..................20-32............L Hughes ................................21-47............L Douglas County .................35-31.......... W Newton ................................ 31-21.......... W Tucker ................................. 51-20.......... W Valdosta ...............................14-24............L Harrison .................................10-7.......... W Marietta ...............................16-34............L North Paulding ..................... 7-14............L Hillgrove .............................. 15-16............L

Instagram: @mceachernftball

2022 LEADERS VARSITY COACHING STAFF RUSHING Kareem Reid ...........................HC Derek Segaloff........................OC Aaron Sheppard..................... DC Jabari Wilder.............................OL Chip Russel ..............................QB Hans Batichon ........................WR TJ Rhaming .............................WR Calvin Middleton ..............ST/RB Lou George ..............................DB Chris Cody ................................DB Phillip Hoskins...........................LB Carlton Hadley Jr. ....................LB Michael Martin ..................... DFO

FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI OL Kofi Amichia (2008-11), .................. South Florida, Green Bay Packers OL Tremayne Anchrum (2015-18), ...............Clemson, Los Angeles Rams RB Rajaan Bennett (2006-2009), ................................................ Vanderbilt DL Jamil Burroughs (2013-16),.........................................................Alabama OL Chuma Edoga (2011-14), ......................................USC, Dallas Cowboys DL Ted Laurent (2003-06), .....................Mississippi, Hamilton Tiger-Cats OL Adam Meadows (1988-91),........................ Georgia, Indianapolis Colts DL Julian Rochester (2012-15), ..........................................................Georgia QB A.J. Suggs (1995-98), .........................................................Georgia Tech

RECORD

Jaylon Brown.........193 car. .1083 yds. ...8 TD PASSING Jaydon Kinney ......87/179 ...1155 yds. ....9TD ..10INT RECEIVING RJ Echols.................47 rec....587 yds......4 TD TACKLES Andrew Ruffin .......79 Matthew Draper ...75 SACKS Andrew Ruffin .......6 Matthew Draper ...4 INTERCEPTIONS Christian Lynn ........1

nasty and physical up front,” he said “We need to improve on the defensive line because we From Page 54 don’t have a lot of depth, so we 6-foot-2, 305-pound lineman need to develop the younger guys.”

Parker McClendon.

McEachern finished with a 1-3 “They’ve played a whole lot of football and they want to be record in Region 3AAAAAAA last

35-22

2022: 4-6 2021: 7-5 2020: 4-6 2019: 12-1 2018: 8-4

ALL TIME RECORD 434-263-10 REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS (19)

2021, 2019, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2010, 2009, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1987, 1986

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (0)

Coach: Kareem Reid • 1st Season • Record: 0-0 • Career: 45-17

INDIANS

FIVE YEAR

Historical Info from Georgia High School Football Historians Association

season. The Indians would have made the playoffs with a victory against rival Hillgrove in the final game of the season, but they lost 16-15 on the final play of the game.

Reid said his goal is to go from worst to first and get the

Indians back on track.

“Every year our goal is to win the region and make it into the playoffs,” he said. “Our goal is to reestablish the brand that McEachern is, and to be the most disciplined team that plays the hardest.”

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Special - Anthony Stalcup

Jayreon Campbell is poised to take on the role of McEachern’s next big-time running back.

Campbell ready to follow path of big-time backs

By Banji Bamidele MDJ Sports Writer

Legacy has a lasting impact on those that will come after you.

McEachern has produced high level collegiate running backs from the likes of Taj Griffin (Oregon), Jordan Simmons (Michigan State) and Paris Brown (Pittsburgh).

The idea of legacy and following in the path of the past backs weighs heavy in the mind of sophomore Jayreon “J.J.” Campbell as he is prepared to leave his own legacy as the next great McEachern running back.

“I want everyone in the McEachern area and Powder Springs community to know that I came here to work and I take part of the great running backs game and make it part of mine,” Campbell said.

He credits new coach Kareem Reid for helping his development and for helping him get the

56 KICKOFF 2023

exposure to college programs.

The 5-foot-11 sophomore has already amassed college offers from Georgia Tech, Michigan, Ole Miss, Louisville and Austin Peay.

“The new coaching staff has us doing certain drills like outside zone work which we consistently rep,” he said. “Once we get into the game it will help us because it will already be instilled in us.”

Campbell said team chemistry is at an all time high and some of his closest confidants are the ones that help him be the most successful on the field.

“Every time I get a good run or good yards I always say that I could not have done it without my offensive line,” he said. “Our relationship off the field matters as much as the one on the field and I make sure that we are good at all times.”

As a running back, reaction time is important. Once the ball

is snapped, you make a split second decision on where you will take your first step and which hole you will charge into.

Once he is out of the huddle, he looks at his reads and analyzes the linebackers and defensive lineman’s positioning to see which alley he will take. Campbell takes a deep breath and makes a quick prayer to God before each play.

“I have to make sure my alignment is good so the quarterback and I have good exchanges which we rep in practice,” he said.

Campbell said it does not take a lot to motivate him because he witnesses the day-to-day impact he has on younger and older teammates who watch him and follow his lead on and off the field.

Campbell is listed at 190-pounds and has twitch-like quickness for a player of his size. He models his game after former Georgia Tech and Alabama back Jahmyr Gibbs.

“(Gibbs has a) quick twitch and he is very fast,” he said. “I am not that fast yet but I will get there.”

Last season, Campbell had 54 carries for 236 yards and one touchdown. He was sharing the rushing load with senior Jaylon Brown, but now will take the majority of snaps and has his sights on a record year.

“I want 1,500 rushing yards, which is a personal goal,” he said.

“Team goal is to make it to the state championship or at least deep into the playoffs.”

Campbell said that the two games he has his eyes on are the opener against Langston Hughes and the closing game against Hillgrove.

“To make a statement, we need to beat Langston Hughes,” he said. “Hillgrove was a different type of loss when you lose to a certain team that you were not supposed to lose to.”

REGION 5AAAAAAA

Walton, North Cobb to tangle for top spot again

By Nigel Whittington MDJ Sports Writer

For the past three seasons, North Cobb had a step up on Walton and the rest of Region 5 AAAAAAA. Even after last year’s region realignment, the Warriors posed the same threat despite new opponents. While the Raiders have always seemed to be one step behind, this season seems to be a turning point in the rivalry.

Jeremy Hecklinski, a Wake Forest commit, returns as the signalcaller for the Raiders and he did an outstanding job leading the team to the state quarterfinals, throwing for 3,520 yards and 37 touchdowns. Hecklinski propelled the Raiders to second place in the region, with their only loss coming against North Cobb.

Raiders coach Daniel Brunner said he has respect for the Warriors’ program, but also knew what this rivalry meant for his players.

“They hold the belt right now and it’s our job to go knock ‘em off.” Brunner said. “For our kids to achieve that goal of winning the region, it’s going to go through North Cobb. I won’t lie to you, that game is important to the boys, it’s important to our coaching staff.”

On the other side of the rivalry stands North Cobb, who made it to the top of the region and the third round of the playoffs with a new face at quarterback last season.

While Malachi Singleton was the Warriors’ starter at the beginning of the season, Nick Grimstead took over for the current Arkansas Razorback, and using last year’s experience, will attempt to duplicate the region success.

Grimstead will have some continuity with running back David Eziomume, who is arguably the best athlete on the team. The 6-foot-1, 205 pound Clemson commit carried the ball 48 times and produced 490 yards and six touchdowns on the ground with 26 receptions for 252 yards and three receiving touchdowns.

Warriors’ coach Shane Queen said this rivalry does nothing but make his team better.

“You wanna be compared to the best team in your region.”

Queen said. “They bring out the best in us and I hope we do the

PREDICTION

Special - Greg Spell

Jeremy Hecklinski and Walton will try to dethrone North Cobb as the Region 5AAAAAAA champions.

1. WALTON 2. NORTH COBB 3. KENNESAW MTN. 4. WHEELER 5. CHEROKEE 6. OSBORNE same. Our boys know the region championship goes through Walton so you don’t have to motivate your team when your team is trying to be the best and beat the best.”

The rivalry runs deep, with top players from both teams saying this year’s game between the Raiders and Warriors is one they have circled on their calendars.

The game opens up region play for both teams on Oct. 6, and will more than likely determine the winner of the region.

Wheeler finished third in the region and was one of the three teams to finish 2-3. This was done on the back of the county’s leading rusher, Josiah Allen, who rushed for over 1,700 yards and 16 touchdowns. The Wildcats’ success in the region depends on the junior, who averaged 159.2 yards a game.

Cherokee was fourth in the region and was the final team to make a playoff appearance.

The Warriors are also looking to make a bigger splash in the playoffs as they enter the second year of the region.

Kennesaw Mountain also finished 2-3 in the region, but 7-3 overall. Unfortunately for the Mustangs, they were the odd team left out of the playoffs.

They will have to restock the roster this season after losing quarterback Cayman Prangley, wide receiver Caden Lee (Mississippi), offensive lineman Connor Lew (Auburn) and defensive back Jaylen Moson (Furman).

Osborne turned a 1-9 season in 2021 into a 5-5 season a year ago. While the Cardinals failed to win a region game, with continued improvements on both sides of the ball in Year 3 of the Luqman Salam era, a third or fourth spot in the region and its first playoff appearance since 1994 could be on the horizon.

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KICKOFF 2023 57

CHEROKEE WARRIORS

Warriors set to extend record playoff run

2023 Schedule

By Griffin Callaghan

gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com

8/18 at Cartersville

8/25 Etowah

9/1 at Woodstock

9/8 at Sequoyah

9/15 West Forsyth

10/6 Wheeler

10/13 at Osborne

10/20 Walton

10/27 at North Cobb

11/3 Kennesaw Mtn.

No. Name 0 Jared Jones 1 Jayce Jones 2 Tanner Savasir 3 Weston Bergman 4 Pops Jameson 5 Gracen Sexton 6 Cayden Hilliard 6 Israel Conway 7 Ethan Vecsey 8 Tre Walton 8 Asa West 9 Charles Dahlen 9 Pharell Dutailly 10 Braiden Satterfield 11 Wyatt Lucas 11 Jack Ruban 12 Hunter Blackerby 13 Quinton Brown-Westbrook 14 Giancarlo Ortiz 16 Wyatt Tash 17 Jordan Brown-Westbrook

Pos. RB WR/DB QB DB WR WR/DB DB WR TE DB QB LB WR DB DB WR TE WR K/DB TE DB

Cl. 11 11 11 12 12 11 12 11 12 12 10 11 12 11 12 10 12 12 11 11 11

Cherokee’s young guns are up.

The Warriors’ junior class is beaming with potential, between quarterback Tanner Savasir, who threw for 1,606 yards last season, his receiving corps and a dynamic running back duo.

Cherokee extended its playoff streak to a school-record five consecutive seasons. Now, with a full season of starting experience in Class AAAAAAA and plenty of time to learn second-year offensive coordinator Kevin Burnette’s system, the Warriors are striving for another playoff return.

“We are just bigger, stronger and faster from being in the weight room,” coach Josh Shaw said. “When we started sophomores, we were going up against teams that bench twice as much as we are. Now they’ve gotten the opportunity to get stronger 2023 Roster

No. Name 18 Everett Watkins 19 Brooks Adams 20 Andy Debaker 20 Jayson Moore 21 Elijah Foote 22 Brayden Nuckolls 23 Keynon Hunter 24 Christian Irwin 24 Devon Weathers 25 Gino Quintero 26 Chris Allen 27 Malakiah Echols 28 Alex Perales 29 Gaylon Sanders 30 Javon Hobson 30 Selvin Bernabe 31 Griffin Goodrow 32 Chase Horton 33 Jeremiah Saddyk 34 Jordan Echols 36 Major Knight

Pos. LB DB LB RB DB LB DL RB DB RB WR WR LB WR DL DB DB WR RB WR TE

Good Luck This Season!

Cl. 11 10 12 10 10 11 12 11 10 10 10 11 11 10 12 11 10 10 11 10 10

and physically make it through a (Class AAAAAAA) season in our region.”

Cherokee’s run game projects to take a step forward in 2023 with a combination of juniors Jared Jones and Christian Irwin.

Jones’ role will dramatically increase after he tallied just 16 yards on five carries last season. Irwin, on the other hand, battled injuries in 2022 but still finished with 168 yards and one touchdown on 40 carries as the Warriors’ second-leading rusher.

Keeping that duo healthy throughout the season tops Shaw’s to-do list, with them poised to complement an explosive passing offense.

“We’ve got thunder and lightning,” Shaw said. “Jared is our lightning. He’s got extremely good hands coming out of the backfield, and we are excited about him. Then we’ve got Christian.

He’s our tackle-to-tackle pounder.

He’ll be our counter-power and inside-zone guy. They bring two completely different skill sets.”

Cherokee returns all three of its top receivers from last year in senior Pops Jameson (400 yards, four touchdowns), junior Jayce Jones (325 yards, three touchdowns) and junior Gracen Sexton (253 yards, two touchdowns).

Savasir said he’s made substantial strides in his accuracy and reads leading into 2023. The dual-threat quarterback is a different player than former standout AJ Swann, but Savasir said he learned plenty from the nowVanderbilt quarterback.

With his 1,606 yards, Savasir threw a county-best 14 touchdowns to nine interceptions while leading an offense that averaged 18.1 points per game. Shaw expects the Cherokee offense to be much more dangerous See Warriors, Page 59

No. Name 37 Patrick Berutich 39 Jordan Lingerfelt 40 Chase Montgomery 41 Jayce Carson 42 Kolton Martin 43 William Dragoone 44 Caleb Roderick 45 Luke Fazzio 49 Andrew Trowers 51 William Slanina 52 Kayson Simmons 54 Patrick Crowley 56 Logan Jacobs 58 Cooper Byerly 59 Anthony Bogdady 60 Max Solomon 64 Dillon Balser 65 Owen Jiles 66 Carson Patten 68 Noland Painter 69 Courtney Minott Jr

No. Name 70 Gabe Payne 71 Axel Atkins 72 Alan Ortega 74 Spencer Kelly 75 JD Burn 76 Andrew Banks 77 Jyles Carson 78 Hayden Burch 80 King Belin 81 Gavin Stewart 82 Hunter Gould 83 Chris Nathenson 84 Zachery Fullen 85 Ian Klebar 86 Brandon Edmondson 87 Spencer Radnoti 88 Eli Woody 97 Reed Chandley 99 Malcolm Coney

Pos. LB WR LB LB LB LB DB DL RB DL LB OL LB OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL

Cl. 11 10 12 11 10 10 10 10 10 12 10 12 10 12 10 12 12 10 11 11 11

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Pos. DL DL OL OL OL/DL DL OL DL WR LB WR WR WR WR WR DL/LS DL K/P DL

Cl. 12 11 12 11 12 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 12 10 12 11

CHEROKEE WARRIORS 930 Marietta Hwy, Canton, GA 30114 • Tommy Baker Field https://chswarriors.org/teams/3131564/boys/football/varsity Twitter: @WarriorsCHS

2022 RESULTS Cartersville ...........................0-35............L Etowah .................................30-31............L Woodstock ........................... 34-6.......... W Sequoyah ........................... 14-30............L West Forsyth ........................ 7-34............L Wheeler .............................. 21-35............L Osborne ..............................29-25.......... W Walton ....................................3-41............L North Cobb .........................17-47............L Kennesaw Mountain......... 30-14.......... W State Playoffs Milton .................................. 14-28............L

Facebook: @CherokeeWarriorTDClub

2022 LEADERS VARSITY COACHING STAFF RUSHING Josh Shaw ......................... HC Jason McDaniel............. AHC David Blaylock................DFO Kevin Burnette Jr ......OC/QB Brett O’Buck ......................OL Justin Berutich .................. TE Niagel Curtis ......................RB Jeremy Law .......................WR Andrew Harris ..................WR Davis Harvey.............. DC/DB Mitch Smith ........................DL Jeff Joiner .......................... LB Bobby Evans ...................... LB

FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI RB Brittain Brown (2012-15) ............................... UCLA, Las Vegas Raiders WR Jayson Foster (1999-2002).........Georgia Southern, Miami Dolphins QB A.J. Swann (2018-21) ............................................................... Vanderbilt WR Montrell Washington (2013-16) ................. Samford, Denver Broncos

FIVE YEAR

Zi Johnson ..............86 car....375 yds. .....1 TD PASSING Tanner Savasir....165/272 ...1606 yds. ....14TD .. 9 INT RECEIVING Pops Jameson ......32 rec. ..400 yds. ....4 TD Jayce Jones ...........32 rec. ..325 yds......3 TD TACKLES Daniel Young ..................89 Chase Montgomery .....87 Javon Hobson................58 SACKS Kyan Simmons ......11 Javon Hobson.......7 INTERCEPTIONS Jayce Jones ..........3

RECORD 29-27

2022: 3-8 2021: 5-6 2020: 8-3 2019: 8-4 2018: 5-6

ALL TIME RECORD 275-411-7 REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS (1) 2002

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (0)

Coach: Josh Shaw • 12th Season • Record: 53-66 • Career: 53-66

Historical Info from Georgia High School Football Historians Association

we need to catch the After that matchup, the War“One of the biggest things WARRIORS efficient, balls and secure it. We’ve refined riors will face off with Etowah and this year is how connected this the details.”

Woodstock before diving into their team is and how they play for

From Page 58

R VE FE

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The Warriors’ Aug. 18 seasonopener against Cartersville will be an important test. It’s the sixth year in a row the teams will meet, with Cherokee’s lone win in the series coming in a low-scoring 14-12 affair in 2020.

ST

going forward.

“Their chemistry has been evident this summer,” Shaw said.

“Their ball security is probably the No. 1 thing that’s improved.

In order for our offense to be

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challenging Region 5AAAAAAA schedule. Cherokee came through in a do-or-die game against Kennesaw Mountain to sneak into the 2022 playoffs, and with team chemistry a strength, the only way to go is up.

each other,” Shaw said. “We break it down on family, and I know a lot of people do that, but this group is truly a family.

They love each other, and that goes a long way.”

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KICKOFF 2023 59

Special - Anthony Stalcup

J.D. Burn, Javon Hobson and Keynon Hunter make up a big part of the Cherokee defensive line, which will be one of the team anchors heading into the 2023 season.

60 KICKOFF 2023

Veteran D-line to pace Warriors in ’23

By Griffin Callaghan

gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com

Cherokee coach Josh Shaw said it best when he called his veteran defensive line group the “cornerstone” of his defense.

Composed of six seniors in J.D. Burn, Keynon Hunter, Javon Hobson, Spencer Radnoti, Gabe Payne and Will Slanina, the Warriors’ defensive line is loaded ahead of the 2023 season.

Already with a school-record five consecutive state playoff appearances after sneaking into last year’s bracket, Cherokee’s senior D-linemen are determined to make it six.

“We have all the motivation in the world right now,” Burn said. “All of us want to get back, even the ones that are not seniors. They know that we could have done better last year, and now we want to improve on it.”

Burn (6-foot-2, 220-pounds), Hobson (6-2, 265-pounds) and Hunter (6-3, 240-pounds) make

up Cherokee’s starting group, with the other three rotating. Hobson led the unit with 58 tackles in 2022, including seven tackles for loss, seven sacks and two forced fumbles.

Hunter and Burn each registered 42 tackles last year, with Hunter picking up three sacks and Burn amassing 15 quarterback hurries.

“We can have the biggest impact on the field,” Hunter said. “We are coming out with all the energy.

There is an amazing group of D-linemen on this team. It’s the physicality. Going up against someone twice your size sometimes and beating them on the line.”

This season, Burn will be pulling double duty, playing his usual defensive line role while also starting at right guard along the offensive front. Endurance will determine Burn’s effectiveness late in games, but it’s something he spent the offseason preparing for.

“It’s just the fundamentals,”

Burn said. “Knowing that when the fourth quarter comes around, I’m still 100%, and we are still 100%. This team gets conditioned more than most teams.

We can last longer than most teams.”

Hunter possesses the biggest frame of the Warriors’ starting trio, as he eats up space and often warrants a double team. He secured his third sack of the 2022 season in Cherokee’s first-round playoff matchup with Milton and finished that game with five tackles and another tackle for loss.

An All-Cherokee County wrestler as a sophomore and junior, Hobson showcased skills that make him effective in the trenches. He said the wrestling experience has improved his footwork.

Hobson was third in the county in sacks last season, behind only teammate Kyan Simmons (11) and River Ridge’s Ethan Anderson (nine). He was another critical performer in keeping Cherokee’s playoff game within striking distance. Hobson tallied 10 tackles,

two tackles for loss and one forced fumble.

“It makes me sad to know that next year we’ll have to replace them,” Shaw said. “We’re even able to dabble on offense with those guys because they have been such constant starters for us. The three of them have been unblockable at some of our camps.”

All six of Cherokee’s defensive linemen have played together and built chemistry for years, and Hunter said their goal is to be the greatest team to ever compete for the program.

The group exudes confidence, and they’re ready to show it on the field.

“We can definitely be the best in the county, if not the state,” Hobson said. “We have the talent to go far enough, and we showed that last year. It’s like a brotherhood. I’ve been playing with these guys since I moved over here. It’s a great bond to have. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Good Luck This Season!

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KENNESAW MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS

Mindset key to Mustangs’ season in 2023

2023 Schedule

to strive to be 1-0 every single day. And I think if you do a good job of attacking each day, that Kennesaw Mountain coach success will come on the field Caleb Carmean had a message on Friday nights.” for his team over the offseason.

One player receiving a larger After finishing his fifth season role this year will be senior quarat the helm — a 7-3 campaign terback Tyson Harmon, who that ended without a postsea- started the last two games of son appearance — Carmean 2022. Harmon threw for 540 wanted to change the culture yards and seven touchdowns around the team. To do that, he in his starts last season. This will said he needs to change the be his first full season as the startmindset of his players. ing signal-caller.

Entering an offseason in which Harmon’s primary receivers Kennesaw Mountain lost more will be sophomores Nalin Scott than 20 seniors, Carmean said and Kobe Lewis. Scott caught 18 he needed to connect with the passes for 278 yards and three underclassmen who were receiv- touchdowns. He already has a ing larger roles as a result of those number of offers from Division I departures. He focused on those universities including Georgia, relationships to help convey his Georgia Tech and South Caromessage. lina, thanks in part to an impos“For us, it’s about attacking ing 6-foot-3 frame that allows him every day,” Carmean said. “I to outmaneuver smaller defenwant our guys to come out with sive backs. Lewis is arriving from a mentality in which they want Mount Paran Christian, where he 2023 Roster

By John James MDJ Sports Writer

8/18 at Creekside

8/25 at Campbell

9/1 North Paulding

9/15 at Harrison

9/22 South Cobb

10/6 Osborne

10/13 at Walton

10/20 at North Cobb

10/27 Wheeler

11/3 at Cherokee

No. Name 2 Nalin Scott 3 Michael Bell 4 Tysen Price 5 Hayden McDougal 6 Nyle Winston 7 Tyson Harmon 8 Ray Carthen 9 Kobe Lewis 10 Jeremiah Tatum 11 Caden Brooks 12 Carson Lew 13 Chase Walker 14 Noah Voltaire 15 Jayden Deloach 16 Chase Jones 17 Chris Miller 18 Peyton Simpson 19 Liam Grannis 20 Drew Fiedler 21 Ryan Ford

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No. Name 22 Nate Blake 23 Jalen Dowell 24 Aiden Hatchett 25 Melvin Emioma 26 Austin Henderson 27 Giovanni Barronette 28 Tyler Worley 29 Chris Truell-Hudson 30 Anthony Shaw 31 Ashtun Arnold 32 Adrian Madelon 33 Sanjay Duprea 34 Jamori Mcmichael 36 Julian Byrd 37 Xavier Boyd 38 Prince Nixon 39 James Mondesire 40 Julian Drake 41 Ty Roldan 42 Anja Remolina

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No. Name 43 Brandon Gac 44 Sam Richardson 45 Joey Barrett 47 Alex Burke 48 Mason Williams 49 Adnon Abdulrauf 50 Jacob Smith 51 Elijah Burke 52 Herman Gatewood 53 Noah Simpson 54 Jabari Tilson 55 Andrew Smith 56 Reily Johnson 57 Bryce Erskine 58 Myles Kirk 59 Emilio Acevado 60 Samuel Perez 61 Damaris Whipple 62 Melvin Brown 63 Alan Mondesire

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caught 20 passes for 207 yards during his freshman season.

Much like the receivers, Carmean said the offensive line will also be young. The Mustangs are losing offensive linemen Connor Lew, who is at Auburn, and Ben Smith, who had started together for the previous three seasons.

In their absence, Carmean will need to appoint a pair of fresh faces.

“We’ve definitely got some pieces to replace,” Carmean said. “But the group we have coming back is really solid as far as doing a great job of playing together. They’re really strong and very athletic.”

That inexperience will be mirrored on the defensive line, which Carmean said would be occupied by several sophomores and juniors in 2023. The coach described his defense as extremely aggressive, saying the See Mustangs, Page 63 No. Name 64 Bryce Roberson 65 Bryson Adamson 66 Quentin Thomas 68 Adrian Kimble 69 Chase Holbrook 72 Brandon Jones 73 Justin Ruiz 74 Dylan Morehead 75 Hanley Baltzell 77 Christian Morgan 80 Christian Winston 81 Jeremiah Jackson-Giliham 83 Xavier Kyle 85 Ethan Nasurutia 86 Cooper Anderson 87 Devyn Gossett 88 Walt Higgins 89 Jeremiah Wright 90 Daylin Clarke 99 Damari Brinson

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2022 RESULTS Cass .....................................26-25.......... W Campbell .............................45-14.......... W North Paulding ..................37-36.......... W Harrison ..............................45-23.......... W South Cobb ..........................60-6.......... W Osborne ................................49-0.......... W Walton ..................................14-42............L North Cobb ........................ 19-22............L Wheeler ..............................38-35.......... W Cherokee ............................ 14-30............L

Instagram: @kennesaw_mtn_football

Facebook: @KMHS Mustang Football

2022 LEADERS VARSITY COACHING STAFF RUSHING

FIVE YEAR

Caleb Carmean ........................HC Muhammed Abdellatif ...........DC Chris Walker ......................OC/TE Dennis Stanley..........................RB Jonathan Henslee ....................LB Josh O’Kelley.............................OL Jared Parker .............................WR

FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI RB Keyon Brooks (2015-18),.................................................. Louisiana Tech OL Jeremy Ciulla (2004-07),........................................................... Michigan OL Jay Finch (2005-08), ...........................................................Georgia Tech OL Connor Lew (2019-22), ..................................................................Auburn TE Ryland Goede (2015-18)............................... Georgia, Mississippi State

RECORD

T.J. Jenkins .............81 car. ....522 yds. ....5 TD Cayman Prangley 80 car....410 yds.......8 TD PASSING Cayman Prangley ..118/195 ...1757 yds. .... 19 TD ..7 INT RECEIVING Cayden Lee............62 rec. ..901 yds.......10 TD TACKLES Hayden McDougal...64 Ethan Voltaire ........51 Kyle McKinney.......45 SACKS David Attaochu .....3.5 Ethan Voltaire ........3 Christian Winston.2 Jacob Smith ...........1

25-27

2022: 7-3 2021: 10-2 2020: 4-6 2019: 0-10 2018: 4-6

ALL TIME RECORD 86-138 REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS (1)

INTERCEPTIONS Michael Bell............5 Jaylen Moson ........4

2021

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (0)

Coach: Caleb Carmean • 6th Season • Record: 25-27 • Career: 25-27

Historical Info from Georgia High School Football Historians Association

both three-year start- well as a safety who started that coach said he was pleased by MUSTANGS McDougal, ers at their respective positions. many games, those two guys kind his players’ willingness to adopt Carmean singled them out as lead- of make sure everyone gets on the mentality during the offsea-

From Page 62

team had speed on all three levels of the defense.

That aggression will have to be kept in check by safety Michael Bell and inside linebacker Hayden

ers on the defense, emphasizing their importance heading into next season.

“When you have the strength of returning an inside linebacker that started that many games, as

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the same page and is ready to son. If the team continues to buy play,” Carmean said. in — and a few key underclassIt remains to be seen whether men step up to fill in the void left Carmean’s mindset of “attacking by senior departures — then the Over 50 years of Care and Compassion the day” will translate into victory Mustangs could find themselves on the football field, though the back in the playoffs.

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Special - Anthony Stalcup

Kennesaw Mountain receiver Nalin Scott is entering his sophomore season, but his versatility has already caught the eyes of a number of Power 5 teams, including Georgia, LSU and others.

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Scott becoming Mustangs’ go-to guy

By John James MDJ Sports Writer

Kennesaw Mountain coach Caleb Carmean first stumbled upon Nalin Scott when the athlete was in the seventh grade.

The 5-foot-11 running back stood apart from the rest of his middle school team, slashing through the defense and evading would-be tacklers. Immediately, Carmean knew there was something special about him.

“It was middle school football,” Carmean said. “(The game plan was) just, ‘Get the ball to Nalin.’”

Now, a few years later, Scott is a sophomore at Kennesaw Mountain. A growth spurt — putting him at 6-foot-3 — prompted a change to receiver, and Scott hasn’t looked back.

As a freshman, the Acworth native caught 18 passes for 278 yards and three touchdowns. He played behind a duo of senior receivers — Jailen Taylor and Cayden Lee — giving him the opportunity to observe and learn

from the upperclassmen.

“Last year as a freshman, he had a lot of opportunities that a lot of freshmen don’t get, because he had two great receivers in front of him,” Carmean said. “So he was a sponge. He soaked it up, and then when his time came, he took advantage of it.”

Scott worked on improving his route-running and technique during his first year of high school football, citing game speed and size as two things he needed to adjust to in his freshman campaign.

“Learning my route running and all my abilities, just getting the hang of everything because it was my first season playing wide receiver,” Scott said. “Once I got everything — all the routes and signals and all — it was alright.”

Scott started playing football at 5-years-old, cycling through a number of positions on each side of the ball before picking up receiver at the start of his freshman season.

Scott’s frame is one of his biggest assets, allowing him to outmuscle smaller defenders even when he

can’t use his 38-inch vertical to leap over them for the reception.

That’s one reason he’s meshed so well with senior quarterback Tyson Harmon. Harmon threw for 600 yards last season, and is poised to compete for a starting role with the Mustangs this year. “(Nalin is) very electric,” Harmon said. “Like, if we’re down, he’s the type of guy that can make a big play and affect the whole outcome of the game, change the motivation, change the whole mindset.

He’s a great guy.”

Scott’s athleticism also brings an element of unpredictability to the offense, Carmean said. Scott’s size and speed creates mismatches across the defense, and Carmean plans to factor that versatility into next season’s gameplan.

“As a team, he allows us to be very multiple and move him around,” Carmean said. “(We can) play him in the backfield, play him attached, play out wide, play in the slot. You can play him everywhere and he creates matchup problems.”

That versatility hasn’t gone

unnoticed at the college level, either. Scott has received more than a dozen offers, including from Georgia, Tennessee and LSU. At the college camps he’s attended, Scott said that he’s been playing at both wide receiver and tight end.

“It’s amazing,” Scott said of the attention from colleges. “I just (have to) stay humble and stick to what I know and not quit.”

Carmean said that Scott was gaining information and collecting details from all the different schools that are currently showing interest in him. Scott said he hasn’t put together a list of priorities regarding a potential college decision yet.

The sophomore emphasized his desire to take things slow, continuing to focus on his craft and develop as a player with each and every successive snap.

“The future’s bright if he continues to work like he has and continues to improve and get better,” Carmean said. “I think great things will come for him.”

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KICKOFF 2023 65

NORTH COBB WARRIORS

Warriors look for fourth straight region title

2023 Schedule

hands of the eventual Class AAAAAAA state champion Mill Creek. Despite the loss and the North Cobb’s season last fall roster turnover, North Cobb coach could be likened to a roller coaster Shane Queen is confident his ride with all the ups and downs team can take another step in the Warriors faced during their 2023.

2022 campaign.

“We ran into a buzzsaw in Mill When star quarterback Mala- Creek and we did lose some great chi Singleton went down with a seniors, but at the same time, our season-ending foot injury in just program has done a great job of their second game, the outlook developing young players,” Queen seemed bleak for the rest of the said. “We have lots of contributors season. In stepped sophomore returning, and I’m excited about Nick Grimstead, who righted the the youth of our team.” ship and led North Cobb to a The team will be led on offense third straight region title in Class by Grimstead, who returns to capAAAAAAA. tain the team at quarterback, Totaling 1,829 total yards from along with standout running back scrimmage and 18 touchdowns David Eziomume, who totaled 742 in 10 games, Grimstead filled the yards and nine touchdowns last quarterback role well, leading year as a dual threat receiving North Cobb to an 8-2 record as back. The wide receiver room the starter. Despite Grimstead’s will be led by Elijah Lee, who excellent play, North Cobb’s sea- looks set for a breakout season son ended in the second round at both wide receiver and defenfor the third straight year at the sive back in 2023. Defensively, 2023 Roster

By Gunter Schroeder MDJ Sports Writer

8/18 Westlake

8/25 Buford

9/1 at Marietta

9/15 at Northside

9/22 at Milton

10/6 Walton

10/13 at Wheeler

10/20 Kennesaw Mtn.

10/27 Cherokee

11/2 at Osborne

No. Name 1 Elijah Lee 2 David Eziomume 3 TJ Smith 4 Kaleb Narcisse 5 Phillip Gladney 6 Zamaryion McCray 7 Noah Hobbs 8 Grayson Hodges 9 Jason Grier 10 Steele Ingram 11 Jacob Befield 12 Zion Bryan 13 Jamauri Major 14 Abou Guira 15 Nick Grimstead 16 Miles Butler 17 James Askew 18 Kaiser Criss 19 Sebastian Easley 20 Cayden Trotter 21 Josiah Alexander 22 Cade Alexander 23 Damar Madison-Clay 24 James Roe 25 Jace Caldwell

Pos. WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB QB WR/DB WR/DB WR RB/LB TE/LB WR/DB WR WR RB/DB LB QB WR/DB TE/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB TE/LB TE/LB RB/LB

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No. Name 26 Jacob Carroll 27 Sincere Cyrill 28 Carlos Ledbetter 29 Jayden Bryant 30 Chris Neal 31 Aaron Childress 32 Noah Hill 33 Thomas Hagos 34 Quavy Echols 35 Bryce Wilson 36 Donte Wagner Kline 38 Daelyn Guy 39 Cam Morris 40 Bryan Carr 41 Sean Wilkinson 42 Evan Cooper 43 Vayden Harris 44 Christian McGee 45 Dan Idiku 46 Shamar Whitaker 47 Leighton Radar 49 Aaron Bowman 50 Elvin De La Cruz 51 Kam Cullins 52 Jesse Jean Claude

Pos. RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB QB/DB RB/LB QB/DB LB TE/LB RB/DL TE/DL RB/LB WR/DB RB/LB DL LB LB WR/DB RB/LB DL WR/DB TE/LB WR/DB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL B

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No. Name 78 Zach Addison 79 Javian Vaughans 80 Greg Buranich 81 Kaleb Castro 82 John Buabeng 83 Jeremy Steele 84 Brennan Roderick Bush 85 Jasaun Guadaloupe 86 Alexander Beckles 87 Aiden Vayens 88 Jude Blessington 89 Mustafa Mohamad 90 Goldys Nwose Kenneth 91 Cavin Davis 92 Orlando Wilson 93 Jeremiah Holden 94 Mark Watson 95 Kenneth Johnson 96 Micheal Heyliger 97 Isaiah Henderson 98 Logan Smith Ortiz 99 Sam Okafor

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No. Name 53 Xavier Daniels 54 Cooper Negron 55 Dom Moody 56 Ryan Murania 57 Josh Keyes 58 Isaac Sikes Rasby 59 Isaiah Stahl 60 Kaleb Marshall 61 Jordan Johnson 62 Jahleel Thompson 63 Xavier Duke 64 Alex Perez 65 Tyson Griggs 66 Joshua Dahan 67 Dravyn Young 68 Jackson Krueger 69 Austin Childs 70 Camelo Francois 71 Ori Nyangani 72 Michael Henderson 73 Jovan Desforges 74 Jackson Oliver 75 RJ Garbutt 76 Vincent Martinucci 77 Alex Kolev

the Warriors are a well-rounded unit from front to back, with key contributors returning at linebacker in Grayson Hodges and defensive back in Cayden Trotter and Phillip Gladney. Queen said the amount of talent coming back for North Cobb this season is a big positive.

“Nick’s gonna have a great year after the experience he gained last year. We’re really excited about Eziomume and Grimstead,” Queen said. “Defensively, we’re gonna be strong. We’ve got a strong defensive line and deep secondary with guys like Hodges, Gladney and Trotter that are gonna be big this season.”

As the team transitions focus to the 2023 season, the main focus for players and coaches alike has been on the details that have, in part, cost North Cobb a chance to make a deep playoff run in years past. Queen said See Warriors, Page 67

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N O RT H C O B B WA R R I O R S 3400 Old 41 Hwy NW, Kennesaw GA 30144 • Emory Sewell Stadium https://northcobbfootball.com/ Twitter: @NCWarriorsFB

2022 RESULTS Westlake ...............................21-17.......... W Buford .................................. 14-21............L Marietta .............................. 35-21.......... W Northside.............................17-20............L Milton ..................................... 21-7.......... W Walton ................................... 33-6.......... W Wheeler ...............................45-14.......... W Kennesaw Mountain......... 22-19.......... W Cherokee .............................47-17.......... W Osborne ................................35-0.......... W State Playoffs Denmark ............................. 42-10.......... W Mill Creek ............................. 7-43............L

Instagram: @northcobbfootball

VARSITY COACHING STAFF Shane Queen.................... HC Robert Ingram..........AHC/OL Tom Clark ....................OC/OL Mitch Henghold.......... DC/LB Jude Blessington ....... ST/DB Tyler Queen ......................WR Michael Dillard ..................DL Oscar Guerrero ................. TE Donte Sawyer ...................WR David Sidler........................RB Nic Snowden .................... DB Matt Tener .......................... LB Steve Trotter ..................... DB

FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI DL Christian Albright (2013-17), ....Ball State, Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL) OL Mike Fredenburg (1987-90), ............................... East Tennessee State LB Eric Norwood (2002-05), ...............South Carolina, Carolina Panthers DL Derrick Lott (2007-10) ....................Chattanooga, Philadelphia Eagles QB Malachi Singleton (2019-22), ................................................... Arkansas TE Darren Waller (2007-10),.....................Georgia Tech, New York Giants LB Chandler Wooten (2013-16),....................... Auburn, Carolina Panthers

Facebook: @North Cobb football

2022 LEADERS

FIVE YEAR

RUSHING David Mbadinga ..125 car. .761 yds. ......10 TD PASSING Nick Grimstead .....93/149...1,482 yds. ..12 TD..2 TD Malachi Singleton 22/44 ....192 yds.......1 TD... 2 INT RECEIVING 2022: 9-3 Xavier Jackson .....25 rec. ..368 yds......1 TD 2021: 10-2 David Eziomume ..26 rec. ..252 yds. ....3 TD TACKLES 2020: 10-2 Grayson Hodges..147 Ben Trelles ..............140 2019: 7-4 Kam Owens............125 2018: 6-4 SACKS Andrew Trelles ......5 Grayson Hodges..5 ALL TIME RECORD 368-312-3 Kam Owens............3 INTERCEPTIONS REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS (7) 2022, 2021, 2020, 2013, 2007, 1979, 1959 Jordan Lonas ..........................3 Caleb Jenkins.........................2 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (0) Elijah Lee ..................................2

RECORD 42-15

Coach: Shane Queen • 8th Season • Record: 125-67 • Career: 161-95

Historical Info from Georgia High School Football Historians Association

in the weight room and class- Kennesaw Mountain, Cherokee, you don’t have to motivate your WARRIORS hard room and do many of the little Wheeler and Osborne looking to kids a lot,” Queen said. “We have things right. You don’t know when take the next step this season. With to work every time we walk on

From Page 66

the environment of the program has been a big positive so far this offseason.

“I love the culture of this group and program,” Queen said. “Our big motto has been to win the moment. Every rep is valuable, and all of them work tremendously

the deciding factor of the game is, and we feel we left games there and made mistakes ourselves.”

North Cobb will be attempting to win a fourth consecutive region championship in Class AAAAAAA. It won’t be easy in a region containing a loaded Walton squad likely to be favorites and programs at

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a tough non-region schedule which includes perennial Class AAAAAAA contenders such as Buford, Milton and Westlake, Queen said he expects every game to be a battle.

However, he has faith his squad is ready for the challenge.

“When you open against Westlake, Buford, Milton, and Marietta,

this campus and prepare all offseason for these teams. It’s not hard to get players’ attention with a schedule like that. We want to be mentioned with the Bufords, the Carrolltons, the Mill Creeks.

To do that, our kids are working hard and they’ll be prepared when the time comes.”

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KICKOFF 2023 67

Special - Anthony Stalcup

Nick Grimstead stepped into the starting role last year and helped lead North Cobb to the second round of the playoffs. Now, he hopes that experience will help him lead the team on a deeper playoff run in 2023.

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Grimstead ready to take next step When North Cobb quarterback Nick Grimstead stepped onto the field for the first time in an important showdown against Marietta last September, it was a situation almost no one would have seen coming.

Heading into the 2022 season full of promise, North Cobb looked strong at quarterback, as current Arkansas quarterback Malachi Singleton looked set to take the reins of the offense with Grimstead on the sidelines. But that all changed against Buford on Sept. 2. When Singleton went down with what turned out to be a broken foot in just the second game of the season, it was Grimstead who stepped into the role of starting quarterback.

Coach Shane Queen saw in Grimstead a player that was prepared for the spotlight of Georgia high school football.

“I was proud of him for embracing the ‘next man up’ mentality

we talk about,” Queen said. “He was ready when his time came, and it had a lot to do with coach Clark, our offensive coordinator, having those guys ready at all times. He came in and we didn’t miss a beat on offense.”

The preparation paid off, as Grimstead led North Cobb to a 35-21 victory over Marietta in his first varsity start and never looked back.

In 10 games, Grimstead showcased an ability to throw and run the football efficiently. He completed nearly 70% of his passes for 1,334 yards, 11 touchdown passes and just one interception while adding 290 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.

His ability to pass and run at a high level was a big reason why North Cobb went a perfect 5-0 in region play to capture a third consecutive region title in Class AAAAAAA in 2022.

“I would agree my dual-threat ability is my biggest strength,” Grimstead said. “My arm strength is really what sets me apart as a

passer. I can run pretty well, but I’d say I break away when I need to break away.”

Grimstead finished with an 8-2 record as a starter, the best game of which was a dominant performance against region rivals Walton on October 7. Aided by a shutdown performance from the defense, Grimstead completed 6-of-8 passes for 188 yards and three touchdowns while running for 53 yards and another score, as North Cobb cruised to a 33-6 victory.

“I’d say the best performance I had was definitely against Walton,” Grimstead said. “It was an important region game and the whole team prepared and played really well.”

Grimstead continued his breakout season into the Class AAAAAAA playoffs with a 42-10 first-round playoff win against Denmark. Despite North Cobb’s season ending with a second-round defeat to the eventual state champion Mill Creek, Queen believes the experience Grimstead gained

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will be vital this upcoming season.

“Having (10) games that he played last year, the games start really slowing down for you,” Queen said. “He came in on offense, we didn’t miss a beat, and we ended up winning eight ball games. You have to do a lot of preparation and he was ready at all times.”

Grimstead said he felt that his confidence had vastly improved throughout the season with his first year as a starter now under his belt.

“I think first and foremost, being the starter gives you experience and that is what really helps your confidence level go up,” Grimstead said. “You see things on the field that you wouldn’t see previously.”

As North Cobb turns the page to 2023, the Warriors look to be a strong contender in Class AAAAAAA once again with Grimstead leading the offense. While Grimstead is now familiar in playing in a starting role, the leadership

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OSBORNE CARDINALS

Cardinals will try to build on 2022 success

2023 Schedule

By Banji Bamidele MDJ Sports Writer 8/18 at Woodstock

8/25 Chattahoochee

9/7 at Lakeside

9/15 Clarkston

9/22 at Woodland

10/6 at Kennesaw Mtn.

10/13 Cherokee

10/20 Wheeler

10/27 at Walton

11/3 North Cobb

No. Name

1 Treyvion Martin 2 Aiden Williams 3 Dayton Wilson 4 DJ Washington 5 Kristopher Davis 6 Lamarri Robertson 7 Tyree Cook 8 Ian Williams 9 Jakobie Reaves 10 Marques Vincent 11 Ronald Lawton 12 Edward Burr 13 Donovan Grenion 14 Julian Kendrick 15 Cohen Spaulding

Pos. WR LB DL DB WR DB WR DB QB WR LB QB DB DB QB

Cl. 12 12 12 12 12 10 12 11 10 12 12 12 11 10 11

Osborne’s football program saw a major breakthrough last season.

The team reached five wins for the first time since 1994. With a taste of victory, Cardinals coach Luqman Salam is establishing new goals and setting higher expectations.

Entering his third season, Salam has continued to build upon the foundation he built two seasons prior and is looking for ways to keep the program thriving.

“We just want to take the next step and our focus is at a microlevel where we want to be better tomorrow than we are today,” Salam said. “We think if we put that together it could resolve some problems for us.”

The program improved in every aspect, averaging 29 points per game, which was three times No. Name

16 Joshua Tattershall 17 Kevon Mathis 18 Cameron Baptiste 19 Will Blunt 20 Whieton Whinegar 21 Emilio Cervantes 22 Teron Todd 23 TJ Randolph 24 Taedon Washington 25 Edin Soto-Williams 26 Licori Humphrey 29 Jordan Lavant 30 Jamichael Grant 32 Elijah Johnson 33 Caleb Jones

Pos. QB WR DB WR DB RB RB LB LB DB RB DB RB DB RB

more than the previous year’s total. The defense also improved, only giving up 22.1 points a game.

As the Cardinals notched win after win, the attendance numbers at Cardinal Field rose, seeing crowds of students and the community showed the shift in culture surrounding the program.

“I have seen a change in our kids’ level of commitment and desire of wanting to be good and believing in themselves,” Salam said.

Osborne won five straight games in dominant fashion but faced trouble once they entered region play. The Cardinals failed to win a game in Region 5AAAAAAA and missed out on the playoffs.

“Winning a region game and getting into the playoffs is important to us and are two things that we hope we can accomplish,” Salam said. “We have to take care of the ball and to be solid in crucial moments during special

2023 Roster Cl. 10 12 11 12 12 11 11 12 12 10 12 11 11 11 11

No. Name Pos. 39 Zacharia Abdullah OL 40 Alejandro Ruiz-Etheridge DL DL 42 Gabriel Hirsh 43 Justin Grier LB 44 Cedric Norman DL 52 Jordan Watkins OL 54 Drayden Miller DL 55 Malec Coppage DL 58 Brenno Olivera K 58 Justin Zamora OL 61 Yasir Smith DL 63 Johnny Ramierz OL 64 Jayvius Ross WR 65 Melvin Washington OL 66 Derrick Mack OL

Cl. 10 11 11 11 10 11 10 11 12 10 10 10 10 11 12

teams.”

The team will depend on senior quarterback Edward Burr to lead the offense once again after coming off his best year under center. Burr threw for 1,603 yards, 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. Salam said that Burr will be well protected with experienced lineman Derrick Mack serving as the leader up front for the offensive line.

The quarterback will be without the majority of his offensive production of Khalif Walters, who had 103 carries for 774 yards and 12 scores last season. Licori Humphrey and Emilio Cervantes will be in the backfield making up the production this upcoming season.

Burr’s favorite target, Joshua Horton, graduated, but receivers Tyree Cook, Kevon Mathis and Anthony McCoy return on the outside this fall.

See Cardinals, Page 71

No. Name 68 Michael Warman 70 Malik Culbreth 71 Jaden Hall 72 Leo Estrada 76 Daquan Allen 77 Christian Doh 79 Koyenn Touray 81 Tim Brown 82 James Burriss 83 Maurice Bolton 85 Ryan Arrington 87 Anthony McCoy 88 D’ Herelle Herrin 90 Dylan Bois 91 Henry Benjamin

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70 KICKOFF 2023

Pos. RB DL OL OL OL DL OL WR WR WR WR WR WR DL DL

Cl. 10 12 11 12 11 10 12 11 11 11 11 10 11 11 10

OSBORNE CARDINALS 2451 Favor Rd SW, Marietta, GA 30060 • Cardinal Field https://www.cobbk12.org/osborne/page/19916/football Twitter: @osborne_fb

2022 RESULTS Woodstock ........................... 46-7.......... W Chattahoochee...................42-13.......... W Lakeside ...............................55-0.......... W Clarkston .............................. 70-8.......... W Woodland ............................38-14.......... W Kennesaw Mountain...........0-49............L Cherokee ............................25-29............L Wheeler ............................... 14-21............L Walton ...................................0-45............L North Cobb ..........................0-35............L

Instagram: @osborne_fb

2022 LEADERS VARSITY COACHING STAFF RUSHING Luqman Salam.................. HC Markus Bailey ................... DB Cornelius Baker................WR Brad Bond ..........................OL Robert Fisher ..................... LB Phil Ironside ......................OC Reuben Lowery ............... DB Troy Pruett..........................OL Trent Pruett ........................DL Justin Scott ........................ TE Spencer Thomes ............... LB Nate Walker .......................RB Ahmad Salam ...................OL

FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI LB Tumbo Abanikanda (2001-04), ... Southern Miss, Edmonton Eskimos (CFL) OL Randy Duckworth (1964-67), .............................................Georgia Tech WR Nyakki Height (2008-11), ..................................................Georgia State

FIVE YEAR

RECORD

Khalif Walters .........103 car. .774 yds. .....12 TD PASSING Edward Burr..................121/219.....1603 yds........18 TD ..16 INT

2022: 5-5 2021: 1-8 2020: 1-9 2019: 0-10 2018: 0-10

RECEIVING Joshua Horton ......28 rec. ..547 yds. .....10 TD TACKLES Ian Williams.............65 DJ Washington......57 SACKS Dayton Wilson .........6.5 Davonte Thomas ...4.5

7-42

ALL TIME RECORD 165-485-4

INTERCEPTIONS Ian Williams.............4

REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS (0) STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (0) Historical Info from Georgia High School Football Historians Association

Coach: Luqman Salam • 3rd Season • Record: 6-13 • Career: 6-13

(51). Lineman Dayton Salam said that experience is “Having maturity and experiCARDINALS Washington Wilson returns after leading the a major factor why he thinks his ence are going to be key,” he said.

team with 6.5 sacks a year ago.

Three-year starter Aiden WilThe defense returns leading liams returns at middle linebacker tacklers Ian Williams (65) and DJ and is the anchor of the defense.

From Page 30

squad will be successful, especially with the Cardinals returning 20 seniors for the upcoming season.

“Being in the third year of a system we are trying to latch onto what we do well and see where that takes us.”

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KICKOFF 2023 71

Special - Anthony Stalcup

Edward Burr led Osborne to its first non-losing season since 1994 last season. Now, he wants to be the one who takes the Cardinals to the playoffs.

Burr ready to lead Cardinals to new heights

By Banji Bamidele MDJ Sports Writer

Quarterback Edward Burr is ready to show the Osborne faithful last season’s 5-5 finish was not an aberration, but a sign of good things to come.

Burr led a Cardinals’ offense that flew high in various parts of the season. Burr completed 55% of his passes, throwing for 1,603 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Last season he got off to a hot start, throwing for more than 1,000 yards and 16 touchdowns through the first four games, highlighted by a four touchdown pass performance in the 55-0 romp of Lakeside.

“One of my best attributes is my accuracy and my ability to make something happen when all odds are against me,” Burr said.

72 KICKOFF 2023

He credits offensive coordinator and quarterback guru Phillip Ironside, for helping him fundamentally and opening his eyes to reading the defense and overall improvements.

“The first thing I noticed and stood out to me about Edward was that he was very accurate,” Ironside said. “He does not have a tremendously strong arm but his accuracy makes up for it.”

Coach Luqman Salam has the utmost confidence in his signal caller and sees Burr having a big year.

“Coming back as a three-year starter, his leadership and role on the team is tremendous and we rely on him outperforming last season for us to be successful,” Salam said.

The Cardinals began the season 5-0 but sputtered through a winless

region schedule. Burr struggled against the likes of North Cobb, Walton and Kennesaw Mountain making mistakes and throwing 16 interceptions.

“The things that we have tried to work on is decision making and trying to take care of the football,” Ironside said. “We’ve had growth and maturity throughout the spring and summer and have seen improvements that will show this fall.”

For the upcoming season, Burr said he has the Cherokee, Wheeler and Kennesaw Mountain games circled as the ones he is the most excited about. Last season’s matchups against Wheeler and Cherokee came down to the final possession.

“I am approaching this year with a big chip on my shoulder because we were supposed to win some

of those close games that we lost and it stopped us from making the playoffs,” he said.

Last season’s five wins were the most since 1994, and the offense was putting up impressive numbers, including 3,136 yards of total offense. Burr said he is starting to see the culture and perspective on the football program change around the school.

“The energy has completely changed and flipped from previous years,” he said. “We have a lot more people coming to the games and believing in us.”

As for expectations for the season, Burr has big hopes on a winning season and a playoff push.

“I hope for a big year for myself and for many of the other seniors coming up,” he said.

WALTON RAIDERS

Raiders primed for potential state title run

2023 Schedule

had 42 catches, 744 yards and 11 touchdowns, while Loyd had 50 receptions, 851 yards and Walton’s senior class has won a nine touchdowns. lot of football games. Now, they’ve The Raiders’ leading receiver, got one more chance to win the Hunter Teal is a 6-foot-2, 220biggest game of them all — the pound tight end who caught 50 AAAAAAA state championship. passes for 970 yards and four Raiders quarterback Jeremy touchdowns. Teal committed to Hecklinski is coming off his first Miami of Ohio in April. full season as the starter. He “We’ve got a lot of returning threw for 3,520 yards and 37 receptions out of that group,” touchdowns. The 6-foot senior assistant coach Bill Letton said. committed to Wake Forest last The backfield for the Raiders December. isn’t losing its one-two punch of “Jeremy is probably the best MaKari Bodiford and Austin Wilquarterback in the state, in my liams. Bodiford, a Memphis comeyes,” coach Daniel Brunner said. mit, had the bigger share of the “He knows how much he brings to load, carrying the ball 253 times, the table. He’s the money man.” producing 20 touchdowns and Hecklinski and his weapons 1,582 yards, but he was aided contributed to the team’s success by Williams, who carried the ball last season and those weapons 63 times for 387 yards and two have returned as well. touchdowns.

Wyatt Sonderman and CamHecklinski will have some eran Loyd are the two senior added protection in Daniel receivers returning. Sonderman Calhoun, who transferred from 2023 Roster

By Nigel Whittington MDJ Sports Writer

8/19 vs. Grayson

8/25 Brookwood

9/8 at Pope

9/15 Marietta

9/29 North Paulding

10/6 at North Cobb

10/13 Kennesaw Mtn.

10/20 at Cherokee

10/27 Osborne

11/3 at Wheeler

No. Name 1 Wendell Gregory 2 Austin Williams 3 Makari Bodiford 4 Cameran Loyd 5 Tyson McCrary 6 Kaeden Gilstrap 7 Ashton Woods 8 Jordan “Bam” Bride 9 Hunter Teal 10 Wyatt Sonderman 11 Mason Crawford 12 Jeremy Hecklinski 13 Drake Luckie 14 Palmer McRaney 15 Tanner O’Brien 16 Josh Segal 17 Jake Thorner 18 Nasier Pressley 19 Pranav Chandrashekar 20 Christian Ferrell 21 Tino Appice-Davis 22 Oliver Skeean 23 Lota Ugokwe 24 Ben Simons 25 Tyson Poole

Pos. LB/DL RB RB/LB WR DB QB LB DB/WR TE/LB WR WR QB LB/TE QB P/K QB LB DB DB/TE RB/DB WR LB DL DB DB

Cl. 12 12 12 12 12 11 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 10 12 11 11 12 12 11 12 11 12 12 12

No. Name 26 Ethan Stannard 27 Carson Baker 28 Japhet Veasy 29 Jake Rheaume 30 Noriega Thompson 31 Sam Strickland 32 Jude Cascone 33 Todd Haley 34 Noah LaVallee 35 Coleman Lantrip 36 Hudson Beard 37 Jack Kilm 38 Hall Pruet 39 Kieran Smith 40 Garrett Bailey 41 Sam Basulto 42 Mathayo Odhiambo 43 Max McRaney 44 Hayden Williams 46 Buie Crawford 47 Hogan Hans 48 Mac Crosby 49 Derrick Williams 50 Hayden Halpaus 51 Chralie Hubbard

Pos. DB DB DB RB/LB RB/DB DB TE/DL LB/TE LB LB DB WR/DB LB DB WR DB DB WR DL LB DB/WR WR RB/LB DL OL

Cl. 11 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 11 10 10 11 10 12 10 10 12 11 11 11 10 11 12

Celebrating our 50th Season

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No. Name 52 Sam Trainor 53 Cooper Bowles 54 Gryffin Johnson 55 Patrick Burris 56 James Harvey 57 Andrew Aston 58 Brody Ford 59 Justin Krueger 60 Sam Nicholson 61 Hudson Pruet 62 Joaquin Koger 63 Gabe Blalock 64 Nicholas Thorner 65 William Lehman 66 John Dunning 67 Lucky Eilola-Bastek 68 Sam Moradi 69 Grayson Young 70 Nick Bicek 71 Filippo Zei 72 Eddie Defanti 73 Ryan Siegle 74 Matthew Ladner 75 Sam Besselink 76 Ben Costello

Pos. OL OL OL OL/DL LB LS OL DL/OL OL OL OL OL DL/OL DL/OL OL DL/OL OL DL DL/OL DL/OL OL OL DL/OL OL DL/OL

Cl. 12 10 10 11 12 12 12 12 10 12 10 11 10 10 11 10 10 10 10 10 12 11 10 10 10

Centennial.

“We’ve got a big time prospect at tackle,” Letton said. “He’s just about on everybody’s radar. He makes us better.”

Calhoun is the biggest college recruit on the team at 6-foot-6, 355-pounds. The No. 6 offensive tackle in the country, according to 247sports.com, committed to Georgia in July over programs like Alabama, Auburn, Ohio State, Texas and Tennessee.

Offense isn’t the only place where the Raiders have experienced playmakers returning.

“Defensively of course, we’ve got a couple of really highlyregarded players in Ashton Woods and Wendell Gregory,” Letton said.

Woods had 106 tackles paired with his five sacks while Gregory finished his junior year with 25 tackles and four sacks. With Woods commiting to North See Raiders, Page 75

No. Name Pos. DL/OL 77 Daniel Calhoun 78 Nolan Fahrner DL/OL DL/OL 79 David Rueda 80 Andrew Keiser WR 81 Liam Miller WR 82 Brady Franson WR/DB 83 Caleb Carlson WR 84 Ethan Baker WR WR 85 Khalfani Hefner 86 Tate Adams WR WR 87 Coleman Fleury 88 Josh Chapman TE/DL 89 Gavin Renegar WR 90 Dallas Bethune DL K/P 91 Bryant Gunnels 92 Sebastian Banai K/P 93 William White K/P 94 Alex Rupp K WR 95 Om Patel 96 Abdul Ead WR K 97 Daniel Stricklin 98 Jaylen Hawkins

Cl. 12 10 10 11 11 11 11 10 11 10 10 10 11 12 10 11 10 12 10 10 10 10

W A LT O N R A I D E R S 1590 Bill Murdock Rd, Marietta, GA 30062 • Raider Valley http://www.raidersfb.org/ Twitter: @WaltonRecruiting

2022 RESULTS Mill Creek ............................41-44............ L Brookwood.........................34-20.......... W Pope ......................................49-0.......... W Marietta ...............................30-17.......... W North Paulding .................. 51-49.......... W North Cobb .......................... 6-33............ L Kennesaw Mountain..........42-14.......... W Cherokee ............................... 41-3.......... W Osborne ................................45-0.......... W Wheeler .............................. 49-10.......... W State Playoffs South Forsyth .................... 35-21.......... W Buford .................................42-35.......... W Carrolton ............................27-52............ L

VARSITY COACHING STAFF Daniel Brunner ................. HC Bill Letton ................ AHC/OC Monty Bumper................DFO Alan Gordon..........Co-DC/LB Tyler Jones ........................ OC Pat Kay ................................ TE Josh Allen............. Co-DC/DB Kevin Horne .................ST/DL Juwan McKnight ...............RB Bret Cooper ......................WR Vince Cary .......................... LB Morgan Burnett ................ DB Kirbie Bodiford ..................OL Tim Ewing...........................DL Sam Letton ........................WR Tristan Reaves ..................WR Brent Cimaglia..................... K

Instagram: @waltonraidersfootball

2022 LEADERS PASSING Jeremy Hecklinski ... 194/305 ..3,520 yds.... 37 TD .12 INT RECEIVING Hunter Teal .............50 rec. ..970 yds......4 TD Cameran Loyd.......50 rec. ..851 yds.......9 TD Ayden Jackson .....34 Rec. .811 yds. .......10 TD TACKLES Ashton Woods ......128 Matthew Traynor ..120

FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI

SACKS Quin Bannon..........6 Ashton Woods ......5

WR Dominick Blaylock (2015-18), ...........................................Georgia Tech DB Chuck Carswell (1983-96), ........................... Georgia, Miami Dolphins RB Justin Forte (2000-03), ............................................................Richmond OL Brandon Kublanow (2009-12), ..................Georgia, Baltimore Ravens DL Chase Thomas (2004-07), ....................Stanford, New Orleans Saints

INTERCEPTIONS Ayden Jackson .....2 Matthew Traynor ..2 Wendell Gregory ..2 Braylen Stokes ......2

Coach: Daniel Brunner • 7th Season • Record: 52-22 • Career: 52-22

RAIDERS From Page 74

Carolina in June and Gregory committing to South Carolina in January, the senior linebacker duo could be a difficult task for the offenses across the region.

“The whole key with those guys that have been good players coming up is that they’ve been good players,” Letton said. “Now you’ve

FIVE YEAR

RUSHING MaKari Bodiford....253 car. .1,582 yds..20 TD

got to be a good player and you’ve got to be a leader.”

After a deep playoff run in each of the last two years, the Raiders are committed to fixing the small mistakes that got them beat last season.

“A game can change in a heartbeat and we had a couple (games) change,” Letton said.

One such example is when the Raiders 2022-23 season came to an end in the Class AAAAAAA

RECORD 41-21

2022: 10-3 2021: 9-4 2020: 6-6 2019: 6-6 2018: 10-2

ALL TIME RECORD 335-193-1 REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS (8) 2017, 2011, 2008, 2007, 2004, 2003, 1999, 1986

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (0) Historical Info from Georgia High School Football Historians Association

quarterfinal against the eventual runner-up Carrollton. Two mistakes for the Raiders within 70 seconds caused a tied game to turn quickly.

“Two possessions, back to back, and in a span of two minutes the game just totally flipped” Letton said. “It’s just managing things like that.”

Mistakes like these are what Brunner, Letton and the Raiders are looking to eliminate this season

as they hope to hoist the championship trophy for the first time in program history. Even with playmakers returning on both sides of the ball, coming out on top of one of the toughest regions in the state is something the entire team knows won’t be easy.

“In Georgia (Class) AAAAAAA it’s going to be highly competitive regardless of the name on the jersey, every single week,” Letton said.

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KICKOFF 2023 75

Special - Anthony Stalcup

MaKari Bodiford paces the Walton running game, which makes the Raiders’ passing game all the more dangerous. Bodiford, a Memphis commit, is ready to help lead the team on another deep playoff run, which could end up in a state championship.

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Bodiford helps Raiders’ offense run

By Nigel Whittington MDJ Sports Writer

When thinking of an offense that threw for more than 3,500 yards and 37 touchdowns, many would think the running game would be overlooked.

For Walton, this was not the case.

MaKari Bodiford joined the Raiders his junior year after transferring from McEachern and essentially became the Raiders’ running game.

“I’m a good little addition to the team,” Bodiford said.

Bodiford was a good addition indeed, as the 6-foot, 205-pound senior carried the ball 253 times for 1,582 yards and 20 touchdowns during his junior season.

He also had 14 catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns.

Bodiford had seven games with more than 100 yards rushing

and never had less than 65 yards on the ground all season with his best performance coming against Kennesaw Mountain. In the 42-14 victory, Bodiford had 265 yards on 24 carries along with four rushing touchdowns.

“I can catch the ball (and) run the ball,” Bodiford said. “I feel like I bring a lot to the table.”

The three-star running back committed to Memphis in June.

He chose the Tigers over programs like Cincinnati, Coastal Carolina and South Florida.

Bodiford will join former Raiders’ running back Sutton Smith in Memphis. Smith is a sophomore running back for the Tigers.

Bodiford said that Smith played a big part in his decision, as both players shared time together at McEachern before Smith transferred to Walton in 2020.

“I felt like it would be a smooth

transition,” Bodiford said. “With him there I feel like he could walk me through the in’s and out’s.”

Even after the junior season he had, Bodiford is steadily trying to improve many aspects of his game.

“There’s always room for improvement,” Bodiford said.

“I’m working on improving my pass catching and getting better at setting up blocks.”

Walton coach Daniel Brunner had high praise for the running back’s work ethic.

“He’s a football junkie,” Brunner said. “He eats, sleeps and dreams football.”

In the fall, Bodiford began wrestling to help stay in shape for football and is using the skills he learned on the wrestling mat to make him a better player on the football field.

“Wrestling is a competitive sport,” Bodiford said. “It helps

Have a Great Football Season!

alot with my stamina and goes hand-in-hand with football, I feel.”

While improving on the field, Bodiford is also working to help those around him improve. He talked about how his new leadership role will impact the team’s success.

“I feel like I’m going to add and bring more leadership because I feel like that plays a big role in our team.” Bodiford said. “Serving everybody, making sure everyone is doing the right things at the right times and just protecting the team is what I’m trying to do.”

The Raiders made it to the quarterfinals of the Class AAAAAAA state playoffs last year and Bodiford is hoping to help his team hoist their first state championship trophy.

“We’re going to be there,” Bodiford said.

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KICKOFF 2023 77

WHEELER WILDCATS

Wildcats want to build on 2022 playoff run

2023 Schedule

By Adam Carrington MDJ Sports Correspondent 8/18 Centennial

8/25 at Lassiter

9/1 South Cobb

9/15 at North Atlanta

9/22 at Campbell

10/6 at Cherokee

10/13 North Cobb

10/20 at Osborne

10/27 at Kennesaw Mtn.

11/3 Walton

No. Name 1 Josiah Allen 2 Malachi Young 3 Kentrell Brown 4 Jesse Santos 5 Elijah Muhammad 6 Jahsai Cole 7 Javon Broussard 8 Justin Wilson 9 Kobe McInnis 10 Terrell Harris 11 Tre’Vaughn Calhoun 12 Marcus Romain 13 Javon Tucker

Pos. RB LB/WR RB/LB DB/WR DB WR/DB WR/DB DB/WR DL/TE DB/WR DB/WR QB DB/WR

Cl. 11 11 11 12 11 12 11 12 11 12 11 11

Only five starters graduated from Wheeler’s playoff squad from a year ago, which was a sophomore-laden team.

Now, as those sophomores become juniors, a return to the postseason — along with a deeper run once they get there — is the Wildcats’ primary goal heading into the 2023 campaign.

“Anytime you go to the playoffs, you want to make sure that we are able to repeat in that aspect,” Wheeler coach Bryan Love said. “Not only do we want to get back into the playoffs, we want to be able to make a deep run in the playoffs. But first, we have to take care of region play.”

A significant advantage for No. Name 15 Patrick McCullough 16 Ryan Deal 17 Eliezar Lara 20 Zion Collins 21 Greg Kendrick 22 Christian Andrews 23 Shemarr Sessions 24 JaShawn Sanders 26 Jordan Whitehead 29 Joshua Rodriquez 33 Landon Harper 34 Christopher Geter 37 Taye Clarkson

Pos. QB K K RB RB/DB WR/DB DB DB LB/WR RB/LB LB LB DB

Wheeler, which finished with a 5-6 overall record last year, is having all its firepower returning on offense.

Leading the way is junior running back Josiah Allen, from whom much is expected after finishing with 1,731 yards and 16 touchdowns a year ago.

Allen isn’t the only rusher opposing teams should be concerned about. Quarterback Marcus Romain is back, along with Allen’s reliable backup tailback Kentrell Brown.

Romain, who threw for 904 yards and six touchdowns, ran track in the spring to enhance his speed. As a second-year starter, maturity should bode well in his favor.

“He has spent time in the weight room and has spent a lot of time studying film and learning coverage and learning

2023 Roster Cl. 9 10 11 12 10 10 12 10 11 11

No. Name 38 Lorenzo Graves Jr. 39 Larry Paul 40 Caleb Griffin 44 Shamar Yarber 45 Brion Grimes 46 Jonny Meneses 47 Garrison Duryea 49 JT Hatter 52 Bryce Carries 53 Greg Blanks 54 David Cowart 55 Donovan Smith 56 Khalil Bullock

12 12 11 10 12 9 9 10

Pos. OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL DL/TE

Cl. 11 10 12 12 10 12 10 12 12 10 11 11

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Pos. DB WR DL/TE DL/TE TE TE/DL TE/LB LB OL/DL LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL

where to go with the football,” Love said. “He is a dual threat to run it and throw it.”

Romain is familiar with his targets this season — senior Jahsai Cole and juniors Tre’Vaughn Calhoun (12 rec., 256 yds., 2 TD), Javon Broussard (12 rec., 145 yds., 2 TD), and Javon Tucker. There is also fellow junior tight end Kobe McInnis.

The offensive line lost three starters from a year ago but has two talented returning players in junior Joao Noleto and sophomore Rodney Hester who have potential to step up.

“We were able to expand the offense a little more,” Love said.

“When we went into (last year), we may have been limited in things that we can do.”

On defense, Wheeler has See Wildcats, Page 79

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2022 RESULTS Centennial ........................... 14-21............L Lassiter ................................ 10-16............L South Cobb .......................... 28-3.......... W North Atlanta ..................... 20-13.......... W Campbell .............................28-17.......... W Cherokee ............................ 35-21.......... W North Cobb .........................14-45............L Osborne ............................... 21-14.......... W Kennesaw Mountain.........35-38............L Walton ................................. 10-49............L State Playoffs Lambert................................14-45............L

Instagram: @wheelerwildcatsfootball

2022 LEADERS VARSITY COACHING STAFF RUSHING Bryan Love ........................ HC Terry Jones Jr ............OC/QB Christopher Beal .............. DC Rammon Spann .................OL Jason King ......................... ST Taylor Diamond .................RB Darryl Smith ....................... LB Arth Holiday ......................WR Chance Jackson............... DB Xavier Womack ................WR Lee Culp .............................OL Eric Curry .......................... DB Zane Smith .........................DL

FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI DB Byron Capers (1989-92), ............... Florida State, Philadelphia Eagles DL Randy Edwards (1976-79),........................Alabama, Seattle Seahawks RB Ed Guthrie (1972-75), ....................................................................Georgia OL Robert Shaw (1972-75), ........................... Tennessee, Dallas Cowboys

Josiah Allen............208 car. 1751 yds. ....16 TD

FIVE YEAR

RECORD 20-31

PASSING Marcus Romain .....58/138...904 yds. ....6TD ....6INT RECEIVING Tre’Vaughn Calhoun ..........12 rec. .. 256 yds. ....2 TD TACKLES Julian Stevenson..72 SACKS Renardo Lewis ......8 INTERCEPTIONS Jesse Santos ..........................3 Tre’Vaughn Calhoun ............2

2022: 5-6 2021: 1-9 2020: 3-6 2019: 5-6 2018: 6-4

ALL TIME RECORD 325-289-8 REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS (10) 2006, 1997, 1993, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1977, 1976, 1974, 1973

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (0)

Coach: Bryan Love • 5th Season • Record: 14-27 • Career: 50-57

Historical Info from Georgia High School Football Historians Association

highlighted by senior and McInnis, both juniors, are Seniors Gregory Blanks WILDCATS secondary Justin Wilson, who finished last counted on to anchor a young a n d C h r i s G e t e r a r e season with 39 tackles and an defensive line. Both combined expected to man the lineinterception. for five sacks and 37 tackles backer positions. everyone returning in a Defensive ends Shamar Yarber last season.

From Page 78

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Special - Anthony Stalcup

Cobb County’s leading rusher in 2022, Wheeler’s Josiah Allen has a flair on the field and in the designing room.

Allen is creative on and off the field for Wildcats

By Adam Carrington MDJ Sports Correspondent

Wheeler running back Josiah Allen is skilled at making his own cuts, weaving in and out of tackles as he races across the field.

Further proving that he’s cut from a different cloth, Allen is also skilled at making his own clothes.

Allen, a junior who led Cobb County with 1,751 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns, grew up with a love for art. He loved to draw and paint – most notably cartoon and movie characters.

As he entered high school, he incorporated drawing to designing his clothes, similar to the way he transitioned from playing defensive end to running back during his sixth grade season.

“Yes, I do sew,” Allen said. “I design hoodies and shirts. I was seeing different types of clothing,

80 KICKOFF 2023

I see other people making clothes and it looked like a good idea. I sewed my first piece last year and I enjoyed it.”

What Allen is known for at the moment is the way he designed himself last season into becoming arguably Cobb County’s top running back last year.

Allen describes himself as a balanced back who finds the open hole. He can also barrel his way through opposing defenses to fight for extra yards, in addition to running routes as a receiver if needed.

Spending one-on-one time after workouts with coach Bryan Love helped elevate his game.

“We’re always trying to work on his footwork after practice and working on his balance when he makes a cut,” Love said. “A lot of times, ball carriers make cuts and they’re off balance. So when they get hit, they can’t really explode

out of the cut, so we really want to work hard on that.”

It didn’t take long last season for Allen to make a name for himself. He ran for 202 yards and scored three touchdowns in Wheeler’s first win of the year over South Cobb.

He was even more impressive in the Region 5AAAAAAA opener against Cherokee. He amassed 334 yards on 22 carries en route to a critical 35-21 victory.

He continued to be consistent down the stretch in helping Wheeler finished the regular season with a 5-5 record, good enough for a playoff berth.

“One of the things I felt that helped me succeed was putting in the extra work after practice with my coach in working on my cuts and reading the holes,” Allen said. “With the help of my teammates and my (offensive line) I was able to make

those cuts.”

Nowadays, when he is not thinking of football, much of his time is spent thinking about his wardrobe.

Unlike football, Allen coached himself when he started making own clothes. He learned from watching videos on YouTube.

Allen started with hand sewing until he had enough money to purchase a sewing machine.

His specialties are making hoodies and jeans. “(With jeans), I make sure I double stitch it so they don’t fall apart,” Allen said, “and make sure they are very tight so the stitching won’t fall off when its washing or drying.”

On the field, Allen is determined to ensure that his game won’t take a fall. He said he is concentrating on his top end speed in order to finish runs and not get caught from behind.

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REGION 4AAAAAA

File

Javon Richardson will try to lead South Cobb to the Class AAAAAA state playoffs out of Region 4AAAAAA.

South Cobb gets another shot at Region 4AAAAAA

By Banji Bamidele MDJ Sports Writer

Last season, South Cobb competed in a region as the lone representative of Cobb County for the first time in program history.

The Eagles found it tough without their county brethren and struggled through a winless region campaign, but coach Thomas Hanson said that he has a positive outlook on this season’s region play after getting accustomed to a region that brought something new and fresh.

“We are playing against some teams that are going to run the spread, which everyone runs,” Hanson said. “But we are also playing against teams that run the Wing-T or they run the option.”

Besides the change in opposing scheme and play style, one of the hardest challenges last season was the excruciating travel across Interstate 285.

84 KICKOFF 2023

“I’ll be honest with you, the travel sucks,” he said. “For example Marist is only 15 miles from here, but on a Friday afternoon it could take an hour and a half or even more than that.”

North Atlanta (12.7 miles) and Riverwood (11.1 miles) on any normal day take 20 minutes but with traffic on the interstate, Hanson has to leave an hour or two earlier just to make it to the stadiums on time.

However, Hanson said that he believes his team is better suited to respond to adversity, whether it is travel issues or miscues during the game.

Marist, St.Pius X Catholic, North Atlanta and Riverwood all qualified for the playoffs in 2022, with Marist going the furthest reaching the quarterfinals.

Marist (10-3) swept through the region with the War Eagles’ offense soaring under the Wing-T playbook, averaging 33.3 points

per game.

Marist will have to navigate the year without three-star tight end Luke Harping, a Georgia Tech signee, and first team all region lineman Kevin McDonald.

St. Pius X Catholic (6-6) finished second, with its only loss in the region coming against Marist. The Golden Lions will be without Class AAAAAA Defensive Player of The Year Jack Tchienchou, but return a strong defense that allowed only 16.2 points per game.

“With those types of programs, whenever you can play a game against teams (Marist, St.Pius X Catholic) that are perennial state playoff contenders, it is only going to make you better,” Hanson said.

North Atlanta (8-4) made the playoffs for the second time in the past four seasons. The Warriors excelled offensively, scoring 30 points in six of their 10 regular season matchups.

PREDICTION

1. MARIST 2. ST. PIUS X 3. NORTH ATLANTA 4. RIVERWOOD 5. SOUTH COBB 6. DUNWOODY Riverwood (2-9) made the playoffs with region victories over South Cobb and Dunwoody. The Raiders are led by 6-foot-5 senior quarterback Jackson Davis, who threw for 1,664 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions last season.

Dunwoody’s (5-5) only victory in the region came against South Cobb. The Wildcats lost a majority of their offense, with All-County quarterback Porter LeDoyen, wideout Jack Pankey, running back Jordan Wade and tight end Mason Weeks all graduated.

SOUTH COBB EAGLES

Eagles searching for winning formula

2023 Schedule

By Banji Bamidele MDJ Sports Writer 8/18 Chamblee

8/25 Pebblebrook

9/1 at Wheeler

9/8 at Chapel Hill

9/22 at Kennesaw Mtn.

9/29 Riverwood

10/13 Marist

10/20 Dunwoody

10/27 at North Atlanta

11/3 at St. Pius X

No. Name 2 Javon Richardson 3 Tyler Jackson 4 Ethan Gray 5 Ryan McDaniels 6 Jalen Waller 7 Edward Ablorh 8 Brock Adams 9 Chase Harrison 10 Moetre Cunningham 12 Marlon Paige 13 Cameron Brown 14 Jeremy Robinson 15 Maverick Toomer 16 Jadyn Daigre 17 Rashad Gardner 18 Kenneth Robertson

Pos. WR LB WR LB RB LB/TE QB/WR DL LB/QB DB/WR QB WR DB WR/DB LB WR

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All aboard the Energy Bus. The South Cobb football program is looking to fully embrace the ideals from Jon Gordon’s, “The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy.”

The book stresses the importance of cutting out negative energy and replacing it with a positive outlook that fuels your personal and professional journey.

Each summer the Eagles participate in a character development program that promotes unity and brings players and coaches together through different mediums.

“The buy-in has been really good,” coach Thomas Hanson said. “We have also added videos from retired Navy SEAL Jocko Willink which stresses your response is much more important than the No. Name 19 Michael Cortes 21 Adrian Floyd 22 Khilan Reed 23 Micah Harley 24 Trevontae Cuthbert 25 Daniel Aniagor 26 Justin Smith 27 Armani Williams 28 Ivan Williams 29 Kenjuan Alexander 30 Ty’lil Terrell 31 Jordan Jones 32 Angel Hernandez 33 Jermaine Hill 34 Zaire Douglas 36 Ian Lartey

Pos. RB/DB DB/WR DB LB RB LB DL DB LB/RB DB RB/DB DB DB RB DB DB

outcome or the event.”

Two seasons ago the Eagles won four games and showed signs of progress towards being competitive in the county. After going winless this past season the goal this year is to get back on track and find the formula that results in victories.

One of the key pieces to that formula is junior quarterback Cameron Brown. In the matchup against Marist, Hanson made the decision to change quarterbacks. He moved Javon Richardson to receiver and put Brown under center for the remainder of the year.

Through six games Richardson had thrown for 267 yards, with three touchdowns and three interceptions. He also rushed for 456 yards and two scores.

Brown finished the season throwing for 692 yards and three touchdowns. He also had two rushing scores.

2023 Roster Cl. 11 11 11 12 11 11 12 10 10 10 10 10 10 9 10 10

Pos. No. Name 37 Carlson Ngome LB 38 Jaison Caldwell LB 39 Judah Aroniyo RB 40 Christian Miller DL 43 Tashad Heard LB 44 Jacorey Jones LB 46 Wisdom Iheanacho RB 47 Paul Brown DL 51 Aidyn McConnell DL 52 Teyon McDonald OL 54 Marcus Laurent OL/DL 55 Bryce Quick OL 56 Matthew Ekwueme OL 57 Josiah Brooks OL 58 Jeremy Fahie OL/LB 59 Jacob Sean PadillaPerren, Agent OL

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Brown showed enough to maintain his position as the starter and was well helped by Richardson, who has taken on the role of lining up in numerous positions on the offense.

“Lining up Javon on different parts of the field is what we believe will help us from a matchup standpoint,” Hanson said. “Cameron is going to be in a great position to feed him the ball as he continues to progress in our offense.”

Brown will be protected by an experienced offensive line that returns a trio of seniors including center Christian Kamau, left tackle Jeremy Fahie and right tackle Marcus Laurent. Along with Richardson, the Eagles return playmakers Kenneth Robertson and running back Jalen Waller.

Hanson plans on putting his best players on the field, which results in several players playing See Eagles, Page 87 Pos. OL/DL OL OL OL DL OL OL OL/DL K/P WR/DB WR WR DL DL DL DL

No. Name 60 Christian Kamau 65 Jason Johnson 70 Josiah Thomas 71 Awwal Babatunde 72 Kaiser Russel 75 Ashton Long 76 Jerome Hill 77 Devin Munford 80 Antonio Saldana 81 Demond Blanchard 83 LyJae Blue 87 Edwin Lopez 95 Fredrick Okonkwo 96 Michael Iheanacho 97 Tyler Jackson 98 Simauri Harris

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SOUTH COBB EAGLES 1920 Clay Rd SW, Austell, GA 30106 • Clay Stadium https://southcobbathletics.org/teams/3131562/boys/football/varsity Twitter: @SouthCobb_FB

Thomas Hanson .............. HC Josh O’Kelley ............. AHC/OC Ahmad DeRamus .........QB/OC Trey Scott ..........................WR Jerry Perry ..........................RB Eugene Dorsey ..................DL Dustin Taylor ...................... LB Cedric Smith ..................... DB

FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI QB Kylil Carter (2011-15), ...............................................North Carolina A&T OL Mike Cole (1956-59), .....................................................................Georgia WR Kenny McKinley (2001-04), .............South Carolina, Denver Broncos DL Justin Jones (2010-13), .................................. NC State, Chicago Bears DB Jerry Jacobs (2012-15),.....................................Arkansas, Detroit Lions

2022 LEADERS

2022: 0-10 2021: 4-6 2020: 1-9 2019: 1-9 2018: 2-8

TACKLES Edward Ablorth.....53 Marlon Paige..........43 SACKS Edward Ablorth.....2

ALL TIME RECORD 326-387-13 REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS (3)

INTERCEPTIONS Marlon Paige..........2

2005, 1971, 1969

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (0)

respond to adversity. Instead of some guys who just do their job letting a negative play derail the and I can’t express that enough,” entire game, the response should he said. “The problem is when be, “Good, move on.” we try to do someone else’s job Hanson said the linebacker core we have breakdowns.” of Edward Ablorh, Moetre CunningThe Eagles have a mix of expeham and Tyler Jackson are all set rienced upperclassmen and freshto have big seasons and are the men, who when paired together, strength of the defense because can feed off each other and be the of their continued progression in right mixture to make a good team. the weight room and in drills. ST O F COB “We are in a position where we “There will be other guys that we ER surprise some people and we Nwill 23 WIN

just don’t know yet, and we20have are going to compete,” he said.

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game-type situation drills called EaDo’s. The offense runs plays at full speed for a designated period of time, all while communicating plays and assignments.

“The drills put pressure on not only the players, but the coaches as well,” he said. “From a coaches standpoint it is so nice to see it because everyone is talking back and forth like a real game situation.”

The coaches are also stressing the importance of how the players

Historical Info from Georgia High School Football Historians Association

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both sides of the ball.

“Marcus (Laurent) might be the starting offensive tackle, but he is going to get 15-20 plays on the defensive front because we are going to need him, and they just have to know that,” he said.

Hanson has keyed in on grueling conditioning by incorporating

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RECEIVING Javon Richardson..27 rec. ..407 yds.

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From Page 86

RECORD

PASSING Cameron Brown ...59/131....690 yds. ....3 TD Javon Richardson ..47/90 ....373 yds. .....3 TD

Coach: Thomas Hanson • 3rd Season • Record: 4-16 • Career: 4-16

EAGLES

FIVE YEAR

RUSHING Javon Richardson ....112 car....509 yds. ..2 TD

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2022 RESULTS Carver ...................................6-22............L Pebblebrook ...................... 15-38............L Wheeler ................................ 3-28............L Chapel Hill ........................... 13-21............L Kennesaw Mountain...........6-60............L Riverwood ..........................20-48............L Marist .................................... 7-43............L Dunwoody ..........................24-38............L North Atlanta ........................ 7-51............L St. Pius X .............................. 7-29............L

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Special - Anthony Stalcup

Marcus Laurent, Christian Kamau and Jeremy Fahie make up a powerful trio on the South Cobb offensive line, with the hopes of helping the Eagles return to the postseason in 2023.

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Eagles powered by offensive line trio

By Banji Bamidele MDJ Sports Writer

For a car to move and fire on all cylinders it needs a powerful engine.

In some ways, the same can be said for an offense. To advance down the field it needs a stout and dominant offensive line.

Last season, South Cobb struggled on all three phases of the ball, and it resulted in a 0-10 season. One of the positions that remained consistent throughout the year was the offensive line.

The Eagles return the majority of their offensive linemen. Leading the way are the senior trio of Christian Kamau, Jeremy Fahie and Marcus Laurent, all of whom want to leave last year’s turbulent season in the past.

“We are trying to turn things around by building better habits from work ethic all the way

to the weight room,” Fahie said. “Coach has helped us by bringing us together with team bonding.”

As upperclassmen the linemen are leaders on the team, and said it comes with an enormous amount of responsibility which includes leading the younger guys and setting the example, not only on the field but in the classroom.

“We have to change somehow for people to want to come to South Cobb because nobody wants to come somewhere that just went 0-10,” Laurent said.

“Everytime we come to practice we stay positive and try to work together to become a complete unit across the board.”

The linemen credited coach Thomas Hanson for putting them through tough summer workouts and conditioning that they’ve said helped them become better athletically and better disciplined.

“I want us to be a dominant force since as the O-line we pretty much run the offense,” Kamau said. “As a vocal leader I am looking forward to putting more energy on the field and leading by example because it goes a long way on and off the field.”

In years past, the mindset and perception surrounding the program was not exactly positive and was further amplified in games where a few mistakes would spiral and snowball into blow out losses and losing seasons.

A turnover or blown coverage would leave the team in disarray but this offseason they have embraced a new motto. “If something goes bad, good, move on to the next thing.”

With Cameron Brown becoming the starting quarterback during the latter stages of the season, the lineman have been putting in extra work on the

field and studying the playbook. Looking forward to the season schedule, the games the linemen are looking forward to most are against Wheeler and long-time rival Pebblebrook.

“Our goal is to always beat Pebblebrook every year because it has been a rivalry ever since I got here,” Laurent said.

As the driving force of the offense, all the linemen agreed that when lining up against a defensive front, they enjoy taking that first step and engaging with the opposing defenders.

“There is nothing better than pulling, running down the line and laying out a linebacker in the open field and getting a pancake,” Fahie said.

The team is reinvigorated starting with this trio who have their aspirations set high.

“We haven’t made the playoffs in 12 years so this is our last chance to do that,” Laurent said.

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Special - Anthony Stalcup

Sequoyah’s Wing-T offense isn’t one opponents see much of anymore, and the players use that to their advantage. Jackson Hancock (2) and Tyler Bell (19) follow offensive linemen Dmitiri Morris (72) and Brady Curl (50) to the end zone every Friday night.

Chiefs take upper hand with uncommon approach

By Griffin Callaghan

gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com

In the era of spread offenses, Sequoyah stands out.

The Chiefs and 15-year coach James Teter employ the Wing-T offense, a rarity in modern football.

It took Sequoyah back to the Class AAAAAA playoffs last season for the first time since 2018, and in 2023, with the team’s focal points returning, Teter expects his unique offense to continue giving opposing defenses fits.

“We run an offense they don’t see every week,” Teter said. “It’s the multitude of formations we use.

That’s the biggest thing you’ve got to get used to because, in the spread world, you’re going to be

90 KICKOFF 2023

more limited, formationally. You do the wing, and it adds a gap.

It creates issues.”

Sequoyah’s Wing-T offense was created with deception in mind, through misdirection and short passes to keep defenses off balance.

The Chiefs’ offensive system can be traced back to the 1950s and University of Delaware coach Dave Nelson, who spent 15 years with the program and compiled an 84-42-2 overall record.

Former Auburn and current UCF coach Gus Malzahn still employs certain aspects of the old Delaware Wing-T offense. At Auburn, he used Wing-T formations and prioritized power football but added a wrinkle where his quarterback

would start in the shotgun instead of under center.

Malzahn used pulling linemen to overpower smaller linebackers and defensive backs, creating gaps for his running backs and dual-threat quarterback. It worked, and in 2013, with Malzahn calling plays, the Tigers went 12-2, scored 39.5 points per game and made the BCS championship game.

Sequoyah’s offense wasn’t the highest-scoring in 2022, when it finished 4-2 in the loaded Region 6AAAAAA with an average of 16.3 points per night, but it controlled games with a methodical rushing attack, quick passes and big-play threats.

It starts at the line of scrimmage, where the Chiefs expect one of

their stronger units to reside in 2023. All-county stalwart Tayo Ogundele is gone, but Sequoyah returns seniors Brady Curl and Dmitri Morris in vital roles for the Wing-T offense.

“We really just need to have our blocks,” Curl, another all-county honoree, said. “If we don’t, it’s not going to work. Everyone has to do their job. In the spring game, we did a great job of that, and it shocked some people. People thought Meadowcreek would walk all over us.

We showed them this new offense, and they were like, woah.”

What makes Sequoyah so dangerous is the wealth of playmakers it has behind its stout offensive line.

See Approach, Page 91

APPROACH From Page 90

Missouri commit Jackson Hancock leads the bunch. The 6-foot1, 185-pound senior running back and safety was third on Cherokee County’s rushing list with 591 yards and seven touchdowns last season. He picked up another 315 yards and two touchdowns on 18 receptions (17.5 yards per catch).

In the backfield, Hancock is joined by senior Tyler Bell (323 yards, three touchdowns in 2022), junior Ean Marria (184 yards, three touchdowns) and sophomore Will Rajecki (14 yards, one touchdown), among others. With so many options, it’s a recipe for success in the Wing-T system.

“It’s easy to just put a dude on the running back and guard him the whole game,” Hancock said.

“A big part of our offense is having so many actors. You don’t know who is really getting the ball with the misconceptions and fakes. It frees people up.”

In the majority of formations within the Wing-T offense, Sequoyah will have two players in the backfield, a wingback closer to the line of scrimmage and a tight end. The ball can end up anywhere, with the quarterback adding another dimension with a potential scramble.

“It’s hard for defenses to concentrate and understand,” Hancock said. “When we get late into the game, they start to get lazy, but we are mentally tough. They can’t keep up.”

Between Hancock and Bell, defenses can’t afford to take one play off.

“We can be dangerous because we’ve got some guys who can really run the ball,” Bell said. “Our line can push, and we get behind them. Our receivers really work.

We can be dangerous and put some work on defenses.”

For sophomore quarterback Kolby Martin, 2022 was trial by fire as he was thrust into the starting role due to injuries.

Sequoyah was already replacing former quarterback Matthew Traynor, who had transferred to Walton. After going into 2022 with Jaxon Nesbitt and Hunter Scoggins as potential replacements, Martin split time with Alex Conti in Game 3 against Cedartown. By the fourth game, an intra-county

Special - Anthony Stalcup

Quarterback Kolby Martin, then a freshman, got his chance to play last year after the starting quarterback was injured. Martin led Sequoyah to the playoffs. Now as a sophomore, he hopes to take the team to bigger heights this season. matchup against Cherokee, it was Martin’s job.

There’s substantial pressure on the quarterback to make checks and audibles at the line of scrimmage in a Wing-T offense, something Martin said is a strength of his game and why he fits the Chiefs’ system so well.

Having players like Hancock, Curl and other veterans around him doesn’t hurt either.

“A lot falls on me, with play calling and just knowing where everyone is,” Martin said. “But, I rely on a lot of these dudes. The whole offense relies on each other, the other skill guys, the receivers. If someone messes up, the whole play messes up. We have to count on everybody.”

Teter has served as coach at Sequoyah since 2009, when he took the reins from another longtime coach, Sid Maxwell, who spent 15 years with the program. Teter is

just the third head coach since the team was founded in 1990.

Since Teter took over, the Chiefs have always run a Wing-T offense outside of a two-year stint when they converted.

“There was a period here, years ago, where we went to the spread,” Teter said. “But after those years, we felt like it didn’t fit our kids. We went back to the Wing-T because it helps us stay in games and puts pressure on other people. They have to coach against something they haven’t coached against all year.”

Like last season, Sequoyah will be tested early with Lambert and Rabun Gap in Weeks 1 and 2, respectively. The Chiefs fell to 0-3 with losses to both those teams, plus Cedartown in Week 3. However, they bounced back to beat Cherokee, Etowah and River Ridge,

improving to 3-3.

Teter’s offense erupted for 56 points to beat Woodstock in the regular-season finale. It ran for 379 yards and scored seven rushing touchdowns, with 439 yards of total offense.

Sequoyah took its playoff matchup with South Paulding into the fourth quarter, thanks to its ball-control offense, but fell 28-13.

In 2023, the Chiefs look to start better, go further and compete for the second region championship in school history.

“It’s hard to get people to play us because of what we run, but we set things up this way to handle the gauntlet of the region,” Teter said. “They learned that as long as they keep working every week, no matter what happens those first three weeks, they’ve still got a chance.”

KICKOFF 2023 91

REGION 6AAAAAA

Special - Leah Watson

Jackson Hancock and Sequoyah will try to get past Allatoona this season and set their sights on knocking off defending region champion Rome.

Sequoyah looks to take next step toward region title

By Griffin Callaghan

gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com

With seven teams vying for four spots, every Friday night matters in Region 6AAAAAA. The six Cherokee County teams were equally distributed between two regions, but with the realignment before the 2022 season, Creekview, Etowah, River Ridge, Sequoyah and Woodstock all reside in the same division, joining traditional state powers Allatoona and Rome.

Rome was last year’s champion, sweeping all six county opponents and bulldozing its way to the Class AAAAAA state semifinals, where it was upended by eventual champion Langston Hughes.

The Wolves averaged 38 points per game last season, with a season-high 70 points against Woodstock. Standout quarterback Reece Fountain returns for his senior campaign, with Rome looking for backto-back region titles.

Allatoona, at 4-2 in region play, earned the 2-seed, beating out Sequoyah because of a tiebreaker, and River Ridge claimed the region’s fourth and final postseason spot.

“It’s probably the most competitive region top to bottom in the state,” Knights coach Mike Collins said. “You’ve got to bring your A-game every night. That’s good and bad. Anybody can beat anybody on any given night.”

The Buccaneers, riding a 13-year playoff streak, have only missed the postseason twice in the program’s existence. However,

there’s substantial turnover within the program before the 2023 season, including new head coach Brad Smith taking over for longtime coach Gary Varner.

Smith is switching Allatoona’s defensive scheme to a 4-2-5 and must replace 10 of 11 starters on that side of the ball.

On offense, the Buccaneers are down 1,627 yards and 12 touchdowns worth of production from former running back Jayden Ponder, who signed with Reinhardt on Feb. 1, but Smith said that position remains one of the deepest on the 2023 roster.

Sequoyah, at third, was Cherokee County’s top placer, and it expects to contend for another playoff berth this year. The Chiefs’ only two region losses last season came to Rome and Allatoona, and with the Buccaneers undergoing change, Sequoyah hopes to jump them in the standings.

“It will be competitive,” Chiefs coach James Teter said. “Everybody is probably picking Rome and Allatoona again, and the rest of us are fighting for third and fourth in most people’s minds. We’re going to approach it like we have just as good of a chance as everybody else, and we’ll see how the chips fall.”

River Ridge snuck into the playoffs at 3-3 in region play, taking a tiebreaker over county rival Creekview.

The Knights return Cherokee County’s leading tackler in senior Brandon Burdette (104 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, two sacks) and leading passer in junior Ethan Spector (1,688 yards, 11 touchdowns) in an offense that hit the 40-point mark three times last season.

For Etowah, the 2023 season is

about continuing its upward trajectory. The Eagles won five games last year but only beat one region opponent. With a much-improved offense, Etowah is looking for its first playoff trip since 2019.

“Hopefully, we can work our way up in the region standings and get into the playoffs,” Etowah coach Matt Kemper said. “It would be great if we could get to the level to host a playoff game, but that’s still another step. Just getting into the top four in the region, we would be feeling pretty good about things.”

Creekview has made the postseason in nine of its 17 years of existence, and with junior quarterback Austin Guest (1,514 yards, six touchdowns) returning alongside a veteran offensive line, the Grizzlies expect to compete for their 10th playoff appearance.

Woodstock’s rebuild with firstyear coach Dan Devine kicks off in a challenging atmosphere, but

770.312.8982

PREDICTION

1. ROME 2. SEQUOYAH 3. ALLATOONA 4. ETOWAH 5. CREEKVIEW 6. RIVER RIDGE 7. WOODSTOCK he’s excited to test his squad. The Wolverines, after going winless over the last two seasons, hope to make strides toward being competitive on both sides of the ball in 2023.

“It’s a tough region,” Devine said. “It’s great because Cherokee County is so competitive with one another. It’s just fun. When you add Rome and Allatoona to it, which are two traditional powerhouses, you get a really tough region. But that’s how you want it.”

Canton, GA KICKOFF 2023 93

ALLATOONA BUCCANEERS 2023 Schedule

Smith, Bucs looking to continue playoff run

By John James MDJ Sports Writer

8/18 No. Paulding

8/25 Kell

9/1 at Cartersville

9/8 at Hillgrove

9/15 Creekview

9/22 Rome

10/6 at Woodstock

10/20 Etowah

10/27 at Sequoyah

11/3 at River Ridge

No. Name 1 Saadiq Teel 2 Lucas Espino 3 Deion Dobson 4 Myles Daniel 5 Bryce Stack 6 Aidan Guilbeau 7 Rhett Howard 8 Martin Pardieu 9 Xavier Rucker 10 Camden Phillips 11 Owen Turner 12 Cruz Paul 13 Joshua Pardieu 14 Keegan Vandagriff 15 Myles Davis 17 Aidan Navarro 18 Nathan Boswell 19 Gavin Hunter 20 John Arnold 21 Ethan Corpus

Pos. Cl. QB 12 RB/LB 12 WR/DB 12 WR/RB/DB 12 WR/DB 12 TE/DL 12 RB/LB 12 RB 12 RB/DB 10 WR 12 WR/DB 12 QB/DB 11 WR/DB 11 WR/DB 11 WR/LB 10 WR/DB 10 WR 12 DB 12 WR/DB 10 RB/LB 10

In Brad Smith’s first season as Allatoona’s head coach, he’s already brought a number of changes to the locker room.

The incoming coach brought in a new coordinator on offense, defense and special teams. He’s switching up the offense’s scheme — Smith said he is instituting a zone-spread system — and changing the defense from a 3-3-5 to a 4-2-5. In addition, he said they’d be replacing 10 of 11 starters along the defense, adding an influx of youth to the unit.

With all that in mind, Smith said his priorities for the season were more than simply winning football games. He said that he wants to instill a culture of growth and focusing on personal improvement with each successive week.

“Our goals are to go out every weekend, be a competitive team No. Name 22 Jacob Simmons 23 Justin Lawyer 24 Addison Blackwell 25 Cameron Boeger 26 Max Makar 27 Tyler Turner 28 Javaun Mussenden 29 Deacon Smith 30 Caleb Jackson-Smith 31 Noah Atkins 32 Aaron Smith 33 Brayden Garner 34 Ethan Fernandez 36 Micah Morgan 37 Bryan Fernandez 39 Chase McAuliffe 40 Colton Greaves 41 Jonathan Sandberg 42 Andrew Ingle 43 Ben Harrison

Pos. TE/DB WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB WR/DB DB WR/DB WR RB LB WR/DB WR DB DB RB QB LB DB TE/DL WR/DB

and not beat ourselves,” Smith said. “Create high level standards for our team and what we want it to look like, and then each week, we’re trying to meet those goals and standards. If we do those things, we’re going to win quite a few games.”

Allatoona’s senior quarterback Saddiq Teel will be one part of the process. Smith described the dual-threat quarterback as one with a skillset which fit especially well in the team’s new offensive scheme. Smith said Teel earned the starting job with more than just his legs.

“He’s impressed me so much with his ability to throw the football,” Smith said. “We’re looking forward to big things from him in the run game and the pass game.”

The running backs will also play a central role in Smith’s new offense. He described the running back group as one of the deepest on the roster, with multiple

2023 Roster Cl. 11 12 12 11 11 11 10 11 12 10 11 11 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 11

Pos. Cl. No. Name 44 Nygel Strong DB 10 45 Ryan Samspon 10 47 Bryan Flores LB 10 48 Malcom Nunes LB 10 49 Jaelyn Robinson DB 10 50 Anthony Puccio OL/DL 11 OL/RB 11 51 Zach Stephens 52 Brandon Williams DL 11 OL 11 53 Trent Farmer 54 Gabe Morgan DL 10 OL/DL 10 55 Jackson Kelley 56 Paul Burkly OL/DL 12 57 Chandler Ownby OL/DL 11 58 Landon Koel OL 11 59 Clayton Cutts LB 10 60 Daniel Plata K 11 OL/RB/DL 10 61Jack Brown 62 Owen Blackwell OL 10 63 Zach Warner OL 12 69 Justin Lukulu OL/DL 12

upperclassmen and underclassmen all vying for playing time.

Smith said that no matter the player, there was one connecting factor between each back on the roster.

“Our running backs are going to be very physical,” Smith said.

“We’re going to be a physical running team. We run some zone principles, but we’re going to try to get north and south — stretch them out and pierce them through the middle.”

The defense’s projection is less clear for 2023, though. Smith said he is excited about the youth on the roster — and specifically the fact that some of them would be returning with starting experience in 2024.

One of the underclassmen being relied on is defensive lineman Jeremiah “J.J.” Coleman.

Smith singled out Coleman as one of the playmakers on the See Bucs, Page 95

Pos. No. Name 70 Caleb Hite OL 77 Alex Greger OL 83 Brian Ohia DB 85 Noah White DB 86 Jacob Wan QB/K 87 Gray Kelley K 88 Collin Fields TE/DL WR 89 Eric Downie 90 Jerimiah Coleman DL 91 Brett Dennison DL 92 Eli Gravitt TE/DL 93 Brooks Chandler WR 94 Zach Harmon DL 95 Andrew Stringham 96 Jonah Grant WR 97 Ryan Mappes DL 98 Logan Sphuler TE

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ALLATOONA!

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game Canton 770-345-5717

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Woodstock 770-926-9112

94 KICKOFF 2023

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Cl. 12 12 10 10 10 12 11 10 10 10 11 10 11 10 10 12 10

A L L AT O O N A B U C C A N E E R S 3300 Dallas-Acworth Hwy NW, Acworth, GA 30101 • Cobb EMC/Buccaneer Stadium https://allatoonabucs.com/football/ Twitter: @ahsbucsfootball

2022 RESULTS North Paulding ...................13-35............L Kell ..........................................9-21............L Cartersville ........................ 20-28............L Hillgrove ................................31-9.......... W Creekview ..........................22-24............L Rome ................................... 19-42............L Woodstock ............................ 41-7.......... W Etowah ................................. 21-16.......... W Sequoyah ..............................10-0.......... W River Ridge............................31-0.......... W State playoffs Douglas County ..................24-0.......... W Roswell................................30-49............L

Instagram: @ahsbucsfootball

Facebook: @AHS BUCS Football

2022 LEADERS VARSITY COACHING STAFF RUSHING

FIVE YEAR

Brad Smith ........................ HC Edward Russ ..............OC/QB Troy Petersen ................... DC Randy Reed .............. AHC/DL Mike Dennison .................. TE Jeremy Anderson ............WR David Cintron....................WR Seth Cross ..........................RB Bradley Dodd.....................OL Jacob Longacre.................OL Dan Mullins ....................... DB Brett Hubinger...................DL Zach Edwards .................... LB

FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI TE Bennett Christian (2017-20) ....................................................Ohio State DL Royce Francis (2013-17) ....................................................... Wake Forest K Jude Kelley (2016-19)................................... Georgia Tech, Chattanooga QB Brandon Rainey (2012-15) .................................................... The Citadel WR Raleigh Webb (2012-15) ..............The Citadel, New England Patriots

From Page 94 defensive line, emphasizing the sophomore’s potential.

“I think the sky’s the limit for what he could be,” Smith said.

“He’s going to be a heck of a football player, but he is just a rising sophomore. He’s going

42-18-1

PASSING Tyler McGuire .......36/101....527 yds......3 TD.. 6 INT RECEIVING Aiden Vandegriff .12 rec. ..256 yds. ...0 TD TACKLES Bryce Stack ............59 Ezra Odinjor ...........58 Vinnie Canosa.......57 SACKS Ezra Odinjor ...........8 INTERCEPTIONS Adrian Fitts..............2

to have to take some time to learn.”

Even with the talent on the defensive line, Smith specified that his defense ran through the second level, with senior linebacker Lukas Espino. With so many young players in the rotation, Espino could play a valuable part in keeping the team on the same page in the heat

2022: 6-6 2021: 6-4 2020: 11-1 2019: 11-3-1 2018: 8-4

ALL TIME RECORD 129-49-1 REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS (4) 2020, 2015, 2014, 2011

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (1) 2015

Coach: Brad Smith • 1st Season • Record: 0-0 • Career: 18-14

BUCS

RECORD

Jayden Ponder ....152 car. 1,091 yds. ...7 TD

Historical Info from Georgia High School Football Historians Association

of the game.

“Lukas Espino is our alpha,” Smith said. “He’s our (middle) linebacker, which is the perfect position for him. He’s the leader of our team — offense, defense and special teams. It all runs through Lukas, and he’s the picture of positivity.

When things are down, he keeps everybody up.”

Espino won’t be able to keep Allatoona afloat on his own, though. The Buccaneers will need some of their changes — from inserting new players into the defense, to switching up the offense’s scheme — to pay off.

If that happens, then the Buccaneers could find themselves back in the playoffs for a 14thstraight season.

KICKOFF 2023 95

Special - Anthony Stalcup

Gray Kelley is following in his brother Jude’s footsteps as Allatoona’s place kicker, and soon he will follow him as a college prospect.

Kelley giving Buccaneers a leg up on competition

By John James MDJ Sports Writer

Gray Kelley sat in the bleachers, watching Allatoona face Harrison in the 2019 Class AAAAAA state championship.

His brother Jude had hit a gamewinning field goal a week prior to send Allatoona to the championship game, and with another victory, the Buccaneers would claim their second state title in program history.

Harrison had other things to say about that, grinding out a 20-7 victory in rainy conditions. Jude didn’t have a much better showing than the rest of his team. He had a pair of field goals blocked, and converted the only extra point attempt he took.

And yet — despite watching his brother fall in one of the biggest games of his career — Gray said that game inspired him to pursue high school football.

“The environment was just insane,” Gray said. “They lost that game, but it was just like, ‘I

96 KICKOFF 2023

really want to be a part of this, and doing it gives me the opportunity to do something special not only for me, and for the school, but for our community as well.’”

The brothers were raised with a soccer background, and both Jude and Gray agreed that it was a fairly competitive upbringing.

The duo were each rated as fivestar prospects by Chris Sailer’s kicking academy.

Jude, the older of the two, tried to help Gray with his mechanics when the younger brother took up kicking. More than anything, though, Jude tried to stress the highs and lows that any kicker can experience on a weekly basis.

“I’ve tried to keep him as modest as possible,” Jude said. “Just prepare him going out — as many times as you’re the hero and everybody’s gonna want to praise your name, just as quickly as you miss that next kick, all of a sudden you’re the villain.”

Now, Gray is entering his senior year at Allatoona. He’s already

made quite the impression on Brad Smith, the team’s first-year coach. Smith said Gray’s personality immediately stood out.

“He’s just extremely energetic,” Smith said. “Most kickers aren’t introverts, but they’re quiet guys. That’s just not Gray’s personality. He’s very outspoken — he’s loud. He’s a leader on the team, and that’s an unusual character trait (for a kicker).”

Gray converted 12 of 14 extra points last season, and 4 of 7 field goal attempts. In his final year at Allatoona, Gray said he wants to return to the playoffs again, keeping the team’s 14-year streak alive.

More than that, though, Gray has his eyes set on a number of school records set by his older brother — including the most career field goals in Allatoona history.

For his part, Jude knows that Gray is closing in on the records he set in high school.

“I’m more than happy with everything he’s done and who he’s become,” Jude said. “And there’s been a lot of talk about him trying

to break all of my school records and all that crap — but if anyone is gonna do it, I hope it’s him.”

Jude said he’s been giving Gray advice while the younger brother made the rounds through various kicking camps, trying to prove himself to collegiate scouts from across the country.

At those camps, he’s been working on distinguishing himself and building relationships with the coaches he meets. If all goes well, Gray hopes to follow in his brother’s footsteps one day, carving out a role playing football at the college level.

“I’ve gone up against some of the best kickers in the country, and we all push each other to be better and the best person we can,” Gray said. “Just kick your own ball and don’t worry about if you make it or miss it, because at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter. What matters is building a good relationship with the coaches and kicking your ball in front of them. And if they like it, we’ll see where it goes.”

CREEKVIEW GRIZZLIES

Grizzlies seek return to postseason play

2023 Schedule

the playoffs in a loaded Region 6AAAAAA. They fell to 0-3 after losses to Cambridge, Hillgrove Creekview heads into the 2023 and Calhoun. They turned things season with its returning starter at around with a 35-7 win over North quarterback, junior Austin Guest, Forsyth in Week 4, igniting a 2-0 and a veteran offensive line led start to region play and a threeby North Carolina commit Andrew game win streak.

Rosinski as it seeks a return to With Isaac Hubert gone, a the postseason. workhorse on both sides of the The Grizzlies have made the ball, more pressure falls onto playoffs in three of the last five Guest this season to run what seasons, and now they’re out to was already a quarterback-cenprove that missing the playoffs tric offense. in 2022 was a fluke.

Guest displayed his versatil“Here at Creekview, for a really ity in 2022, with 1,514 yards and long time, there has been a high six touchdowns through the air standard,” Grizzlies coach Trevor and another 494 yards and four Williams said. “(Reaching the touchdowns with his legs. Still, playoffs) is one of the standards Creekview must replace the 920 that’s been set since it opened, yards and 12 touchdowns Hubert so that’s motivation. It’s being gave the offense on the ground. the best version of us and the “Our offense is extremely quarbest team we can be.” terback-centered,” Williams said.

After a slow start last sea- “There is always a lot that falls son, the Grizzlies rebounded, on our quarterback position. but it still wasn’t enough to make When you lose a running back 2023 Roster

By Griffin Callaghan

gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com 8/18 Cambridge

8/25 Hillgrove

9/1 at Calhoun

9/8 at North Forsyth

9/15 at Allatoona

9/29 at Etowah

10/6 River Ridge

10/13 at Sequoyah

10/20 at Woodstock

10/27 Rome

No. Name 1 Jonah Dirrim 2 Evan Wayland 3 Cal Schubert 4 Lee Brock 5 Josh Tuten 6 Michael Roach 7 Nigel Agyemang 8 Reed Anderson 9 Jackson Stanley 10 Austin Guest 11 Nathan Agyemang 12 Charlie Harrington 13 Nick Vacarro 14 Grayson Davis 15 Frank Young 16 Bryson Guy 17 Luke Crane 18 Alex Penrod 19 Edgar-Duarte-Armas 20 Austin Penrod 21 Andrew Hammond 22 Andrew Adams 23 Mason Munn

Pos. WR/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB TE/LB RB/LB RB/LB WR/DB QB WR/LB TE/DE TE/DE RB/LB QB WR/DB WR/DB QB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB

Cl. 12 11 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 10 10 11 12 9 12 11 10 12 10 11 12 10

No. Name 24 Jasper Gilliam 25 James McClosket 26 Tristan McWilliams 27 Ryan Brooks 28 Ty Gill 29 Kole Thorson 30 Tyler James 32 Ezra Dirrim 34 Aiden Drake 35 Ben Prior 36 Brant Freeman 37 Kevin Meade 38 Jack Gibson 39 Lucas Hubert 40 Aydin Grice 41 Gunner Cantrell 42 Zach Wilkerson 43 Weston Wilkie 44 Aiden Caraballo 45 Colt Davis 46 Randall Garcia 47 Kyle Weist 48 Carter Cundy

Pos. WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/LB TE/DL RB/LB K/WR RB/DB LS/DL WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB K RB/LB WR/DB RB/DL

Cl. 10 12 11 11 11 11 12 11 12 11 11 11 12 12 10 11 11 10 11 10 12 11 10

No. Name 49 Connor Davis 50 Andrew Jones 51 Charlie Counts 52 Peyton Robertson 53 Adrian Alanis 54 Dillion Bowling 55 Andrew Rosinski 56 Grffin Jane 57 Rylan Moffitt 58 Beckett Singleton 59 Jackson Locke 61 Joahm Jaquez 62 Dean Plants 64 Henry Mosley 65 Braxton Walker 67 Pierson Sears 68 Jason Nicks 70 Brayden Granthem 71 Journey Cowart 72 Trent Gray 74 Noah Rushing 75 Isaac Lobo 76 Drew Clevenger

Pos. RB/DL OL/DL OL/DL LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL

Cl. 12 10 11 10 10 12 12 12 11 12 10 10 10 11 11 12 10 11 10 12 10 12 10

the caliber of Isaac (Hubert), even more falls on the quarterback’s shoulders.”

The Grizzlies’ rushing attack will be more of a committee approach in 2023, with up to five different running backs vying for time in Williams’ offense. Among those names is sophomore Mason Munn, who took 16 carries for 72 yards and a touchdown during his debut season in green.

Senior Nigel Agyemang (20 carries, 38 yards) and junior Tristan McWilliams (11 carries, 44 yards) also project to have roles in the backfield.

Creekview’s offense battled inconsistency last season, averaging just nine points per game over its first three. However, over those next three wins, the Grizzlies scored 32.7 points per game.

They finished the year averaging 18.3 points a night.

Three of Creekview’s five See Grizzlies, Page 98

No. Name 77 Cam Mears 78 Fernando Zurita 79 Jiraiya Powell 80 Aiden Trujillo 81 Rylee Connor 82 Jaxon Stephens 83 Braden Kimber 85 Bilaal Maliki 86 Michael Hanaford 87 Nikolas Shakespeare 88 Pearson Smith 89 Jack Davis 90 Trey Thomas 91 Eben Mann 93 William Blakey 94 Thomas Gagnon 95 Justin Graham 96 Grandon- Garcia-Jarquin 97 Eli Martin 98 Edgar Martinez 99 Kamball Padgett

Pos. OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB RB/DL WR/DB WR/LB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/LB OL/DL TE/DL WR/LB WR/DB WR/LB K/P RB/DL RB/DL K/P

Cl. 12 11 10 10 10 10 10 12 10 10 10 10 12 10 10 10 10 11 10 10 10

KICKOFF 2023 97

CREEKVIEW GRIZZLIES 1550 Owens Store Rd, Canton, GA 30115 • Grizzly Den https://www.gogrizzly.net/ Twitter: @FtballAtTheView

2022 RESULTS Cambridge ...........................0-28............L Hillgrove ................................6-10............L Calhoun .............................. 21-26............L North Forsyth....................... 35-7.......... W Allatoona ............................24-22.......... W Etowah ................................ 39-21.......... W River Ridge..........................17-20............L Sequoyah ................................3-7............L Woodstock ...........................38-0.......... W Rome .....................................0-30............L

Instagram: @ftballattheview

Facebook: @CreekviewGrizzlyFootball

2022 LEADERS VARSITY COACHING STAFF RUSHING Trevor Williams .......................HC Chip Martin ....................AHC/DC Avery White ............................. OL Bo Page .................................AHC Michael Mathis .................. ST/RB Josh Pritchett...........................DB Taylor Hunt............................... DL Peyton Parker .......................... OL Chas Pierce .............................. DL Jeff Imperial ............................. OL Josh Hixon ............................DFO Ross Cravens ............................LB Paxton Nayman ................. TE/RB

FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI OL Nick Pendley (2015-18) .......................................................Georgia Tech OL John Williams (2016-19)..............................................................Clemson RB Cade Radam (2015-18)...................................................Kennesaw State

From Page 97

projected starters along the offensive line are returners, headlined by Rosinski (6-foot-6, 282 pounds). That consistency is vital for the Grizzlies as they strive for a third playoff appearance in the

RECEIVING Cal Schubert ..........27 rec. ..376 yds. .....1 TD TACKLES Cole Sackman.......88 Reed Anderson ....84 SACKS Josh Tuten ..............5 Reed Anderson ....4

REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS (1) 2018

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (0) Historical Info from Georgia High School Football Historians Association

another impact season.

“It’s a testament to our strength and conditioning program and how hard our kids work in the weight room during the offseason,” Williams said. “Some of those guys that were role players last year can step into bigger roles this year, and we expect a lot from our returners.”

R VE FE

39th Annual Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival

RI

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what goes on Monday through Thursday.”

The Grizzlies’ leading tackler, Cole Sackman, has graduated, but linebacker Reed Anderson heads into his senior year after posting 84 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and four sacks in 2022. Behind him, senior Lee Brock (58 tackles, 112 receiving yards) looks to have

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Presented by:

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98 KICKOFF 2023

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Canton 1625 Ballground Hwy. (Across From Walmart) Woodstock 12035 Hwy. 92 (92 @ Trickum)

2022: 4-6 2021: 8-3 2020: 7-3 2019: 6-4 2018: 12-1

ALL TIME RECORD 116-64

INTERCEPTIONS Zachary Wilkerson................3 Cole Sackman........................2

Good Luck This Season!

Monday & Wednesday All you can eat wings

37-17

PASSING Austin Guest ..........125/215 ..1514 yds. ....6TD ....5INT

last four years.

“It’s just the consistency overall, throughout the program,” Williams said. “It’s how you come in the weight room; it’s how you come to practice. It’s all those things that lead to what you see on Friday night. We are firm believers that what you see on game day is a reflection of

BASH NIGHT

RECORD

Issac Hubert ...........177 car. ..920 yds. ....12 TD

Coach: Trevor Williams • 5th Season • Record: 25-16 • Career: 25-16

GRIZZLIES

FIVE YEAR

at Etowah River Park Saturday, Sept. 23 10am - 6pm Sunday, Sept. 24 10am - 5pm Learn more at www.serviceleague.net

Special - Anthony Stalcup

Cam Mears, Andrew Rosinski and Pierson Sears lead a Creekview offensive line that will bully opponents at the line of scrimmage.

Grizzlies’ O-line trio ready to bully opponents

By Griffin Callaghan

gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com

The offensive line is where it all starts. From the moment the ball is snapped, contact is immediate. At Creekview, that initial contact is where it beats its opponents.

North Carolina commit Andrew Rosinski leads a group of three returning senior starters along the Grizzlies’ offensive line, with Pierson Sears and Cam Mears by his side. It’s a physically imposing group, with Rosinski’s 6-foot-6, 282-pound frame at tackle leading the way.

“Violence,” Rosinski said about what makes his group so special. “It’s the mental side of it.

They’re going to be scared of you, and they know they’re going to get hit.”

Between Rosinski, Sears (6-foot-2, 255-pounds) and Mears

(6-foot, 290-pounds), Creekview will be hard-pressed to find an opponent that can go pound-forpound on the line of scrimmage.

Sears patrols the middle at center, while Rosinski contains the edge and Mears rotates between guard spots.

The Grizzlies’ trio was a vital part of Isaac Hubert’s breakout rushing season in 2022, where he ran for 920 yards and 12 touchdowns. Now, with a Hubert-sized void, they put in extra work this summer to pave the way for dualthreat junior quarterback Austin Guest and Creekview’s new host of ball carriers.

“We definitely made big improvements in the weight room and with our speed,” Sears said.

“We’ve practiced a lot of outside zone and inside zone, and we are really hitting those. We are going to be a really solid running team this year.”

Creekview’s rushing offense was very efficient in the trio’s junior season, totaling 1,572 yards and 18 touchdowns on five yards per carry.

Coach Trevor Williams said the Grizzlies’ offensive line is one of their strongest units, and he’s seen plenty of improvement in the weight room, where Rosinski hit the 500-pound threshold on the squat rack.

“I’m extremely confident with these guys,” Rosinski said. “I believe in all four of the guys that I am lined up next to. I know they’ll go do their job and absolutely maul somebody.”

Taylor Lewan, Trent Williams and Jason Kelce were three names the trio came up with when thinking of who they studied the most. All three of those NFL stars are known for their toughness and grit, above all else.

“If you can’t get the run game

going and you can’t make yourself known, you will not be able to throw the ball,” Sears said.

“You have to make them scared of you.”

Like many offensive linemen, the Creekview trio loves to tell stories centered around their love for food, like when Mears ate 33 lobster tails by himself or how they’ve all been kicked out of buffets.

The Grizzlies’ chemistry has never been stronger, both on and off the field, and in 2023, they expect that to translate into a state playoff-bound season.

“We have all gotten better overall, emotionally, morale and in the weight room,” Mears said. “I think our chemistry is extremely strong; I would even say it’s the strongest in the state. We’ve all grown up together. We’ve all played football since we’ve been walking.

That chemistry is real.”

KICKOFF 2023 99

ETOWAH EAGLES

Eagles’ formula ready to build on success

2023 Schedule

next step.”

For Etowah to continue that rise, it starts with Mahoney, who Coming off its best season of took Cherokee County by storm the Matt Kemper era, Etowah last year. Before he even took is ready to take the next step. the lead role last year, Kemper The Eagles have one of Cher- said his dynamic signal-caller was okee County’s most dangerous the fastest kid in the program. offenses, spearheaded by returnMahoney finished as the couning junior quarterback Xavier ty’s leading rusher with 1,014 Mahoney, who was approach- yards and 13 touchdowns and ing a 2,000 total yard season in another 836 yards and seven 2022. touchdowns through the air. As Etowah has eyes for the post- the centerpiece of the Eagles’ season this year with its new-look offense, Mahoney will be the focus offense and all the momentum in of opposing defenses every night. the world after Kemper’s method “He’s not a secret anymore,” paid off in Year 3.

Kemper said. “People are going to “That’s part of the formula,” do everything to stop him. We’ve Kemper said. “If you’re a program got some talented kids around that’s trying to build, those first him, especially at those skill positwo years are tough. We are able tions, with Reece (Wehr) at runto put together our own schedule, ning back. Those guys have to find some non-region teams we force other teams to respect can be more competitive with, them.” like North Cobb, Milton and those Wehr was an excellent comguys. Now, we want to take that plement to Mahoney in 2022, 2023 Roster

By Griffin Callaghan

gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com

8/18 Lassiter

8/25 at Cherokee

9/1 at Forsyth Central

9/8 Centennial

9/15 at Sequoyah

9/29 Creekview

10/13 Woodstock

10/20 at Allatoona

10/27 River Ridge

11/3 vs Rome

No. Name 2 Malone Pesqueira 3 Vinny Pacini 4 Kristian Nelson 5 Jaiden Warfield 6 Brody Hendrix 7 Rashed Kurdi 8 Jack Strickland 9 Devin Wright 10 Xavier Mahoney 11 Dravin Cole 12 Eli Bermudez 13 Reece Wehr 14 DaVinci Allen 15 Gabriel Smith 16 Ashton Martin 17 Trevor Condon 18 Tyson Lewis 19 Mason Mancini 20 Ethan Weidner 21 Will Zazzara

Pos. WR DB LB DB DB OL RB RB RB DL WR RB DB LB WR RB WR WR DB WR

Cl. 11 12 12 12 11 12 12 12 11 12 12 12 11 12 11 10 12 12 11 11

No. Name 22 Jaysen Pertz-Moye 23 Andrew Christofferson 24 Cain Moss 25 Phoenix Caesar 26 Jermaine Brown 27 Julian Hamlin 28 Eddie Jiminez 29 Daniel Sarabria 30 Brenan Sato 31 Brandon Stewart 32 Aiden Haines 33 Gabe Cuevas 34 Nate Truitt 35 Caleb Smith 36 Preston Most 37 Luke Stradley 38 Jordan Baldwin 39 Omari Hudson 40 Bradyn Hawkes 41 Victor Price

Pos. LB LB DB WR RB LB WR WR RB RB WR LB WR LB RB DB RB DL WR WR

Cl. 11 11 10 10 11 11 10 11 10 11 10 12 10 10 10 11 11 10 10 10

No. Name 42 Quinn Bergner 43 Nyri Haywood 44 Caden Colon 45 Carter DeWitt 46 Oliver Creigh 47 Zach Pailthorpe 49 Ian Rojas 50 Sam Lewis 51 Jackson Smith 52 Grant Griffith 54 Joshua Harding 55 Andrew McNair 57 Kaden Powell 58 Dylan Nichols 59 Julian Foster 60 Slade Ponder 61 Layton Westbrook 62 Ethan Rosen 64 Zack Starling 65 Jacob Cassell

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Canton 1625 Ballground Hwy. (Across From Walmart) Woodstock 12035 Hwy. 92 (92 @ Trickum)

100 KICKOFF 2023

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Pos. OL RB LB DL LB LB K DL DL DL LB OL DL OL OL DL OL OL OL OL

adding 510 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.

On the perimeter, Etowah returns all four of its top receivers in Malone Pesqueira (275 yards, one touchdown), Ethan Weidner (274 yards, three touchdowns), Mason Mancini (219 yards) and Will Zazzara (184 yards, two touchdowns).

“They are a year older, and they’ve taken their lumps,” Kemper said. “They’ve been through some battles. Hopefully, that gives us the chance to take a step and win some of those closer games that we were not able to a year ago.”

Last season, Etowah’s defense surrendered 28 points per game, its highest average since 2019.

The Eagles brought in a new defensive coordinator for 2023, Xarvia Smith, who last held the same position at Allatoona.

“We have a new defensive See Eagles, Page 101

No. Name 66 Aromani Reid 67 Isaiah Medina 68 Rafael Maciel-Tapia 70 Cooper Kerr 71 Nick Sexson 72 Tajhaun Fabian 74 Aiden Nunez 75 Tate Nelms 76 Joshua Alleyne 77 Terrel Mensah 79 Jeremiah Smith 81 Cam Carson 82 Mason Lyles 83 John Garcia 84 Mekhi Williams 86 Cooper Hendrix 94 Hughes Mills 95 Liam Kinsella

Pos. DL OL OL OL OL DL DL OL OL OL DL RB DB WR LB OL WR K

Cl. 12 10 12 10 12 12 11 12 10 10 12 10 10 11 10 10 11 11

39th Annual Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival at Etowah River Park Saturday, Sept. 23 10am - 6pm Sunday, Sept. 24 10am - 5pm Learn more at www.serviceleague.net

ETOWAH EAGLES 6565 Putnam Ford Rd, Woodstock, GA 30189 • Eagle Stadium https://www.etowaheaglesfootball.com/ Twitter: @etowahfootball

2022 RESULTS Lassiter ............................... 25-14.......... W Cherokee .............................31-30.......... W Forsyth Central...................35-14.......... W Centennial .......................... 28-21.......... W Seqouyah .............................. 7-18............L Creekview .......................... 21-39............L Woodstock ......................... 42-21.......... W Allatoona ............................. 16-21............L River Ridge......................... 21-39............L Rome ..................................... 3-63............L

Instagram: @etowaheaglesfootball

2022 LEADERS VARSITY COACHING STAFF RUSHING Matt Kemper ..................... HC Jason Borcherding ....... Asst.

Christopher Bryce......... Asst.

Eric Burton ..................... Asst.

Jason Caesar ................. Asst.

Russ Isham ..................... Asst.

Ron Gardner................... Asst.

Matt Kemper .................. Asst.

Nick Luly ......................... Asst.

Ben Martin...................... Asst.

Kevin Pena ..................... Asst.

Xarvia Smith................... Asst.

Andrew Sugg ................. Asst.

Casey Wingard .............. Asst.

Iandon Brooks ............... Asst.

Geoff Truan .................... Asst.

Taylor Majors ................. Asst.

Vicki Kemper ................. Asst.

FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI Buster Skrine (2003-06) ......................... UT-Chattanooga, New York Jets Christian Harris (2007-10) .............................................................Tennessee Stuart Head (2013-16) ....................................................................... Stanford

From Page 100

coordinator, and we are ecstatic that he is here,” Kemper said. “He coaches them hard, but he loves them. They know that, and they play hard for him.”

The last time Etowah made the state playoffs was in 2019, Dave

FIVE YEAR

RECORD

Xavier Mahoney ...148 car. .1014 yds. ....13 TD Reese Wehr............139 car. 510 yds.......7 TD PASSING Xavier Mahoney ...75/143 ...836 yds......7 TD...3 INT RECEIVING Malone Pesquira ..40 rec. ..275 yds......1 TD Mason Mancini......18 rec. ...219 yds.......0 TD Will Zazzara ............14 rec.....184 yds.......2 TD TACKLES Joshua Harding ....88 Jamerson Riva.......78 Benjamin Pierce ..68 Frank Mosley IV....60

16-36

2022: 5-5 2021: 1-9 2020: 1-9 2019: 5-6 2018: 4-7

ALL TIME RECORD 205-268-1

SACKS Drew Doran............4

REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS (3)

INTERCEPTIONS Jamir Maxime ........2

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (0)

Coach: Matt Kemper • 4th Season • Record: 7-23 • Career: 78-80

EAGLES

Facebook: @Etowah Eagles Football

Svehla’s final year with the team.

They haven’t finished over .500 since 2015, but with plenty of talent, and a coach who’s known for turning programs into winners, the Eagles are ready to make the jump.

Etowah started 4-0 last season, beating Lassiter, Cherokee, Forsyth Central and Centennial, but the streak ended

2010, 2008, 2006

Historical Info from Georgia High School Football Historians Association

against Sequoyah in Week 5.

In those four wins, the Eagles’ offense averaged 29.8 points, with that average falling to 18.3 points per game the rest of the year.

Woodstock was the only region opponent Etowah beat, and with the playoffs a goal in 2023, it needs to manufacture more wins in the competitive Region

6AAAAAA. With Mahoney, Wehr and a formidable offensive line, the Eagles expect to end the drought.

“Our kids feel confident about what we’re doing in training and on the field,” Kemper said.

“The fact is that we’ve only won two region games in the last three years. That needs to change.”

KICKOFF 2023 101

Special - Anthony Stalcup

Etowah tight end Rashed Kurdi is driven by his Muslim faith and culture. He has found they mesh just fine with football, but with a few challenges.

Culture, faith driving Kurdi’s success

By Griffin Callaghan

gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com

There’s more diversity in Cherokee County than some may realize, with Etowah senior tight end Rashed Kurdi front and center.

Kurdi is not only a native of Jordan, but he’s a practicing Muslim and possibly the only one on the Eagles’ football team. From fasting during Ramadan to speaking fluent Arabic, Kurdi is all in on his faith and his craft.

“It’s just where I’m from, something I’ve been taught as a person and as a football player,” Kurdi said. “Always remember who you are and where you’re from. My parents have always been great about pushing me with my religion and culture.”

Kurdi’s father was also born in Jordan, and he traced his lineage back to Kurdistan, which was broken up and divided between Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Syria. Jordan, which has a population of over 11 million, borders Israel, Syria and Saudi Arabia. His mother was

102 KICKOFF 2023

also born in Jordan, though her family tree originates in Syria.

During elementary school, Kurdi moved back and forth between the United States and Jordan. He spent time in America as a baby and again in second grade before leaving for Jordan before his thirdgrade year. In fourth grade, Kurdi moved back to Georgia for good.

“My dad came down here looking for a better life,” Kurdi said.

“He just wanted more shots for us.

You can get your goals accomplished here a lot better than in Jordan and some Middle Eastern countries, just because there are so many opportunities and it’s such a big country. It just keeps on developing.”

Kurdi spent a summer back in his home country, but his immediate family is now based in Cherokee County. He remains fluent in Arabic, along with English, as Kurdi’s culture is essential to both his and his family’s identity.

As an already athletic kid, Kurdi’s football journey didn’t begin until 2020, when he was a

freshman. Most of Kurdi’s friends had already taken up football, and after a little bit of pressure, he decided to give it a shot.

He’s glad he did.

“I just fell in love with it,” Kurdi said. “We have really good coaches. Coach (Matt) Kemper is not only a great coach, but he is a good person, too. He is always there for you. With our teammates, too, we have such good bonds.”

As an important part of his culture and faith, Kurdi observes Ramadan, which took place from March 23 to April 21. Ramadan happens during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims throughout the world as a time of fasting, prayer, reflection and community.

It’s the offseason for football, but it’s important for Kurdi to stay in shape, and Etowah strength and conditioning coach Andrew Sugg helped keep the Eagles’ senior hydrated and ready to go.

Ramadan is observed by numerous professional athletes, including NBA players Kyrie Irving and Mo Bamba, which Kurdi said is inspiring to see.

“Even in the classroom, being very tired, very thirsty and hungry, just being able to focus,” Kurdi said. “That plays a part on the field whenever we’re out there doing sprints. It’s hot outside, and you feel like you’re about to pass out, but you’ve still got a few more reps to do.”

After starting his football career on defense, between linebacker and safety, the 6-foot-2, 177pound Kurdi is transitioning to tight end for 2023, ready to contribute to Etowah’s high-powered offense.

“I just want to go out there and perform,” Kurdi said. “I want this team to make it to the playoffs.

Everyone’s been working so hard and showing up every day.

I think we are going to have a very good season, just as long as we believe in ourselves and believe in each other.”

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RIVER RIDGE KNIGHTS

Offense ready to put up big numbers in ’23

2023 Schedule

‘it’ factor and can be that explosive play guy for us, then I feel like we can pick up right where River Ridge is prioritizing an we left off.” explosive offense this year, and Spector is one of River Ridge’s with the county’s leading passer, biggest returning weapons on Ethan Spector, returning, the the offensive side. He posted a Knights could score with the county-best 1,688 yards with 11 best again. touchdowns as a first-year starter, In 2022, River Ridge crossed and after another full offseason the 40-point mark in two of its getting first-team reps, the 5-footfirst three games, and it reached 11 signal-caller is ready to go. that total again in Game 5. With “It always helps when you have Spector back to lead another high- three or four offensive linemen powered offense, alongside three back, and your quarterback is starting offensive linemen, con- back,” Collins said. “That’s a great tinuity is on its side. place to start.”

However, the Knights are forced Spector threw a touchdown in to replace two of their most explo- his debut game under center, and sive players from last season in he followed with a three-touchDaniel Fichtner and MJ Ayers. down showing against Pope as “We have a lot returning on the Knights throttled the Greyoffense, but (Fichtner and Ayers) hounds. were responsible for a lot of exploHis breakout, though, came in sive plays for us,” coach Mike a 44-42 shootout against SprayCollins said. “If we can find a berry, where he led River Ridge couple of guys who have that to victory with 401 yards and two 2023 Roster

By Griffin Callaghan

gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com 8/18 at Hillgrove

8/25 Pope

9/1 at Sprayberry

9/8 North Atlanta

9/14 Woodstock

9/29 Sequoyah

10/6 at Creekview

10/20 vs Rome

10/27 at Etowah

11/3 Allatoona

No. Name 0 Andrew Hand 1 Isaiah Coughlin 2 Trevon Gilder 3 Brooks Moore 4 Camden Cox 5 Christian Pansera 6 Michael Fallon 7 Matthew Lipcsey 8 Colton Florence 9 Joseph Moreno 10 Grant Hollier 11 Thomas Thompsen 12 John Ferguson 13 David Kurz 14 Hunter Lockerman 15 Harrison Deriso 16 Sam Vincent 17 Cam Johnson 18 Ethan Spector 19 Wyatt McCarty

Pos. WR/DB WR/DB WR/RB WR RB/LB DB/RB DL/H DB ATH WR/DB WR WR LB WR/TE QB/DB LB/TE WR WR/DB QB WR/DB

104 KICKOFF 2023

Cl. 12 12 12 11 10 11 12 12 11 12 11 11 12 11 9 10 10 12 11 10

No. Name 20 Elijah Simmons 21 Brandon Burdette 22 Mateo Jimenez 23 Cam Jackson 24 Revis McClairen III 25 Jackson Cheponis 26 Will Hughes 27 Austin Karwoski 29 Miles Lesley 30 Nathan Hundley 31 Eli Bolden 32 Matthew Burdette 33 Cooper Cudworth 34 Rance Dampier 35 Jacob Bellville 37 Will Schmidt 38 Nathanael Griesbeck 39 Michael Olifiers 40 Zade Currin 42 Davin Gayle

Pos. LB WR/DB WR DB/WR DB DB LB WR/DB LB/RB DB DB/WR LB/RB WR DB DB DB DB RB K/P DB

Cl. 11 12 10 12 11 11 12 10 10 11 10 10 11 10 11 11 11 11 10 10

No. Name Pos. 43 Antrevious Gilder DB 44 Mason Gotsch DL/OL 46 Brice Tomlinson LB 47 Michael Imperial LB 48 Will Barry 50 Jonathan Faletra OL/DL 51 Tristian Crocket OL/DL 52 Luke Morrison OL 53 Tyler Harrison OL/DL 54 Gabriel Belbeck OL/DL 55 Dayde Goforth OL/LB 56 Mason McLendon DL 57 Jasper Roach OL/DL 58 Mark Prewett OL/DL 59 Shepherd Brown OL/DL 60 Jacob Sluss OL/DL OL/DL 61 Daniel Green 62 Eleazar Altamirano OL/DL 63 Mason Malcom OL 64 Ty Dispennett DL/OL

Cl. 10 11 12 10 12 11 11 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 12 12 10 10

touchdowns through the air. The Knights also bring back part-time quarterback and utility man Isaiah Coughlin, who finished 2022 with 392 rushing yards and another 130 through the air.

River Ridge’s backfield gets even stronger as last year’s leading rusher Camden Cox (505 yards, six touchdowns), is returning, with tight end Grant Hollier (300 yards, two touchdowns) poised to take a step forward after top target Jackson Head graduated.

On the defensive side, Cherokee County’s leading tackler, Brandon Burdette, returns to the field. He tallied 104 total tackles, beating out the County’s Defensive Player of the Year, Kyan Simmons.

Burdette was second in tackles for loss with 12 and added two sacks. This season, he hopes to improve his pass-rushing See Knights, Page 105

Pos. No. Name 65 Taylor Crocket DL/OL OL/DL 66 Tomas Perez 67 Chase Bramblett DL 68 Andres Nash OL/DL 70 Joan Soza OL/LB 72 Sam Turner OL/DL 73 Dylan Pedroza OL/DL 75 Raymond Rodriguez OL/DL 76 Ryan Raiford OL/DL 77 Christian McColgan OL/DL 78 Stephen Welch OL/DL 80 Grant Singletary WR/LB 82 Paxton Rocky WR 84 Harrison Redmond DB/WR 86 Aden McVicker P 87 Cayden Thompson WR 88 Nik Bryant WR 89 Arden Redmond 90 Jaxen Wages DL/TE K 92 Gracen VanGilder

Cl. 11 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 12 12 10 10 10 12 10 11 10 11

RIVER RIDGE KNIGHTS 400 Arnold Mill Rd, Woodstock, GA 30188 • River Ridge Stadium http://www.riverridgefootball.com/ Twitter: @RR_Knights

2022 RESULTS Hilgrove ...............................27-14.......... W Pope .....................................43-14.......... W Sprayberry..........................45-42.......... W North Atlanta ......................13-27............L Woodstock ...........................44-0.......... W Sequoyah .............................. 7-13............L Creekview ...........................20-17.......... W Rome ..................................... 7-55............L Etowah ................................ 39-21.......... W Allatoona ...............................0-31............L State Playoffs Hughes .................................6-49............L

Instagram: @riverridgefootball

Facebook: @River Ridge Knights Football

2022 LEADERS VARSITY RUSHING COACHING STAFF Michael Collins ................. HC Levi Brown .................OC/QB Joe Tousignaut ........... DC/LB Greg Dirts ...........................OL Julian Todd .........................DL Jacob Sullivan ...................DL Joe Mullinax .......................OL Kevin Roach .......................RB Gary Roach........................ DB Adrian Morris .................... DB Andy Schultz .....................WR Mike Collins Sr..................WR Blake Davis ........................RC Cecil Phillips ................ ST/LB

FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI Amerhe Morrison (2017-20) ............................................. SE Missouri State

FIVE YEAR

RECORD

Camden Cox..........106 car. .505 yds. ....6 TD

27-26

PASSING Ethan Spector ........146/243..1688 yds. ....11TD......11INT RECEIVING Jackson Head .......50 rec. ..615 yds.......5 TD TACKLES Brandon Burdette ..104 Matthew Lipscey ....90 SACKS Ehan Anderson .....9

2022: 6-5 2021: 6-4 2020: 11-1 2019: 3-7 2018: 1-9

ALL TIME RECORD 55-83

INTERCEPTIONS Andrew Hand ........2

REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS (1) 2020

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (0)

Coach: Michael Collins • 5th Season • Record: 26-17 • Career: 95-96

KNIGHTS From Page 104

game and up his sack total to become the Knights’ most productive defensive player since Brian Bradley.

Last season, River Ridge turned to a more collective

approach as it looked to replace the production of former star running back Amehre Morrison. Now, that mindset remains, along with a renewed toughness and grit.

“We are looking for some real solid, disciplined and hardnosed football,” Collins said.

“We won’t know until we get there, but that’s what we’ve been

Historical Info from Georgia High School Football Historians Association

which handed the Knights their first loss last season.

“Our main focus will be just to take it one game at a time,” Collins said. “You can’t get too down if you have a setback, and you can’t get on your high horse if you win one. You have to start all over again next week.”

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39th Annual Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival

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preaching. It’s a high level of discipline and physicality. We have to check those boxes to be successful.”

River Ridge kicks off its season with Hillgrove, Pope and Sprayberry, all teams it beat in 2022.

All three of those teams had sub.500 records, leading to North Atlanta (8-4 in 2022) in Week 4,

Canton 1625 Ballground Hwy. (Across From Walmart) Woodstock 12035 Hwy. 92 (92 @ Trickum)

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at Etowah River Park Saturday, Sept. 23 10am - 6pm Sunday, Sept. 24 10am - 5pm Learn more at www.serviceleague.net

KICKOFF 2023 105

Special - Anthony Stalcup

Matthew Lipcsey is a key member of both the football and baseball teams at River Ridge, and he has become a leader for both.

Lipcsey leading a pair of contending squads

By Griffin Callaghan

gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com

Matthew Lipcsey isn’t just a twosport athlete; he’s a star in both.

River Ridge’s senior defensive back, was second on the Knights with 90 tackles last season, and after his career-best performance, he turned around and led the school’s baseball team to the Class AAAAAA final four.

“I know my role on both teams,” Lipcsey said. “I assume that role and (have) become a leader. I’ve surrounded myself with good people to elevate myself and excel in both sports.”

Lipcsey has played baseball since he was three years old, and six years later, in third grade, he tried his luck on the gridiron. He

106 KICKOFF 2023

always found himself playing football at recess on the playground, and now, it led him to become a pivotal part of his high school team.

After finishing second on River Ridge in tackles last fall, Lipcsey turned around and hit .346 for the baseball team with 31 runs scored, 14 RBIs, 11 stolen bases, five doubles and three triples.

“It’s a unique thing at this school; we’ve had multi-sport athletes, but Matthew really excels in both,” River Ridge coach Mike Collins said. “He was a huge part of the baseball team’s run this year and is a three-year starter for us.”

The Knights’ baseball team went 23-12 overall and 11-7 in Region 6AAAAAA, sneaking into the playoffs as the region’s 4-seed. They upset Alexander in the first round

of the playoffs before downing Lassiter and Woodward Academy.

River Ridge football also made the big dance last season as another 4-seed. The Knights fell to Langston Hughes in the first round, but it marked the second time in the last three seasons they made the postseason bracket.

As a dual-sport athlete, Lipcsey said he takes things from one to improve his game in the other.

Baseball is such a precision-oriented sport, both physically and mentally, and combine that with the agility and athleticism needed as a defensive back, and it creates a dangerous combination.

“From baseball, I’d say you can use the mental aspect of it to stay focused,” Lipcsey said.

“From football, I get that speed

and agility and the strength you get from it. It helps in baseball and other sports, too.”

Lipcsey is headed into his senior year, and he understands his role as a leader on River Ridge’s defense in 2023. On the heels of his deep baseball playoff run this past spring, Lipcsey’s got a taste of success, and this year, he wants more.

“It was a cool experience to go that far in the playoffs,” Lipcsey said. “It’s good to gain experience from a deep playoff run like that.

I can use that with some of the guys on the football team who may not have been around when we made it that far in the playoffs. I can help show them and lead them to do what it takes to get back to that spot.”

SEQUOYAH CHIEFS Chiefs poised for return trip to postseason

2023 Schedule

already designed to give opponents fits, but with a stable of reliable running backs, including Sequoyah is determined to Hancock, senior Tyler Bell, sophoget back into the playoffs, and more Will Rajecki and more, the with the majority of its top play- Chiefs have plenty of options. ers returning, that goal is more Hancock was the Chiefs’ best than attainable. player on both sides of the ball, The Chiefs have two-way stand- and he spearheaded the rushout Jackson Hancock gearing up ing offense with 591 yards and for his senior year, along with seven touchdowns, which put him stability at the quarterback posi- third on the Cherokee County list. tion in sophomore Kolby Martin.

Bell was ninth on the county Sequoyah broke a three-year rushing list with 323 yards and playoff drought last season, and three touchdowns, while Rajecki it has every intention of building earned his spot in the backfield a streak. this summer.

“It’s just the overall attitude Defensively, senior Bretton of the kids,” coach James Teter Darling returns after a breakout said. “This is a great group here. 2022 season. He finished fourth I think the group last year set in the county with 91 tackles and the tone for them to get back was tied for the county lead in in the playoffs and get it going. interceptions with three. StartThis group has taken it from the ing linebacker Taiwo Ogundele offseason to now, and they are (83 tackles, four sacks) returns, running with it.” and Hancock (49 tackles) is also Sequoyah’s Wing-T offense is expected to play a vital role in 2023 Roster

By Griffin Callaghan

gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com 8/18 at Lambert

8/25 at Rabun Gap

9/1 Cedartown

9/8 Cherokee

9/15 Etowah

9/29 at River Ridge

10/6 Rome

10/13 at Creekview

10/27 Allatoona

11/3 at Woodstock

No. Name 2 Jackson Hancock 3 Will Rajecki 4 Kolby Martin 5 Ean Marria 6 Dylan Mitchell 7 Javon Salazar 8 Bretton Darling 9 Christopher Jordan 10 Hunter Scoggins 11 Taiwo Ogundele 12 Jaxon Nesbitt 13 Anthony Wolfe 14 Andrew Harmon 15 Kenneth Simmons 16 Luke McRae 17 Anthony Santana 18 Hayden Kleine 19 Tyler Bell 20 Brooks Darling

Pos. RB/DB RB/LB QB RB/DL WR/LB RB/LB WR/DB TE/DL LB LB QB TE/LB QB/LB QB/DB QB/DB LB WR/DB RB/DB RB/DB

Cl. 12 10 10 11 12 12 12 12 11 11 12 11 10 11 12 12 12 12 10

No. Name 21 Drew Zablotny 22 Benji Smith 23 Carter Haymond 24 Graydon Zarter 25 Cam’ron Walker 26 Bryson Shaw 27 Michael White 28 Maddox Waller 29 Carson Bahry 30 Caden Kell 31 Tanner Davis 32 Holden Campbell 33 Eli Jerguson 34 Jayden Dupervil 35 Michael Fountain 36 Spencer Geist 37 Parker Henley 38 Ahmed Dauda 39 TJ Hill

Pos. LB RB/DB RB/LB LB DB LB TE/DL TE/LB WR/DB LB RB/DB RB/LB RB/DB WR/DB TE/DL RB/DB TE/DL RB/DB WR/DB

Cl. 12 10 12 12 12 12 10 10 10 12 11 10 12 10 10 11 10 12 10

No. Name 40 Ken Johnson 42 Sospeter Maqua 43 Griffin Collier 44 Clinton Martin 45 Lucas Nieves 46 Hector Gonzalez 47 Hayden Poole 49 Matthew Ruiz 50 Brady Curl 51 Matthew Matz 55 Carter Ligetti 56 Drake Plowman 58 Kehinde Ogundele 59 Grant Plowman 61 Asher Martineau 62 Riley O’Neill 64 Colton Bass 67 Charlie Miller 72 Dmitri Morris

Pos. RB/DB TE/LB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/K WR/DB WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL DL OL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL

Cl. 10 10 11 10 10 11 10 10 12 10 11 10 11 11 12 10 10 10 12

the secondary.

“There are some spots we have to fill with guys who graduated, but most of our key pieces are back,” Teter said. “It’s just a matter of plugging in those other kids and helping them understand what they are doing. The defense did well this summer, and hopefully, they are ready to go.”

After cycling through quarterbacks and battling injury last year, Martin emerged as Sequoyah’s go-to option as a freshman. He accounted for 407 yards through the air, and he picked up a rushing touchdown. Now, as a sophomore, Teter hopes his signal caller can take the next step.

“I just expect a lot of growth,” Teter said. “He’s a sophomore now, and he has been through the system. We have changed a few things, but for the most part, he’s handled that really well. We expect him to improve See Chiefs, Page 108

No. Name 73 Noah Normile 75 William Rueve 76 Alex Brewer 77 Tanner Phouangphet 78 Will Evans 79 Carson Cagle 81 Jack Ripley 82 Bradley Joseph 83 Easton Richardson 84 Sarah Pittman 85 Trent White 86 Noah Ayers 88 Dominic Ulloa 89 Ellis Hobba 91 Caleb McClure 98 Nathan Boronat 99 Tyler Patterson

Pos. DL OL OL/DL OL OL/DL OL/DL WR WR/DB WR/DB WR WR/DB DB TE/DL TE/DL K OL/DL DL

Cl. 10 12 10 10 11 11 10 10 10 12 10 11 12 10 11 12 10

KICKOFF 2023 107

S E Q U O YA H C H I E F S 4485 Hickory Rd, Canton, GA 30115 • Skip Pope Stadium https://www.sequoyahfootball.com/ Twitter: @SequoyahChiefs

2022 RESULTS Lambert................................ 14-41............L Rabun Gap .........................28-35............L Cedartown ...........................0-35............L Cherokee ............................ 30-14.......... W Etowah ................................... 18-7.......... W River Ridge............................ 13-7.......... W Rome .....................................0-52............L Creekview ...............................7-3.......... W Allatoona ...............................0-10............L Woodstock ......................... 56-12.......... W State Playoffs South Paulding ...................13-28............L

Instagram: @sequoyahchiefsfootball

Facebook: @SequoyahChiefsFootball

2022 LEADERS VARSITY COACHING STAFF RUSHING James Teter....................... HC Ben Jacqmein .............OC/OL Greg Key .............................OL Steve Collins .....................WR Eric Burkhalter ...................RB Wes Emery ........................... K Brent Budde.............. DC / LB Lane Whitley ...................... LB Colin Dozier .......................DL Kevin Bannister ................ DB Breon Isaac ....................... DB Joe Hulen ...........................SC Billy Pichon ........................ LB

FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI ATH Patrick Hall (1998-2001)....................................................... Penn State DB Austin Thomas (2001-04) .............................................................Indiana OL Paul Cantrell (1998-2001).......................................... Middle Tennessee

Jackson Hancock ...114 car....591 yds.......7 TD PASSING Kolby Martin ...........31/72......407 yds......0 TD ...1 INT Jaxon Nesbitt.........14/30 .....254 yds......1 TD... 2 INT RECEIVING Jackson Hancock ..18 rec. ...315 yds.......2 TD TACKLES Bretton Darling......91 Taiwo Ogundele...83

From Page 107

on some things and continue to grow throughout the season.”

Sequoyah’s march back to the state playoff bracket starts with the health of players like Hancock,

REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS (1) 2003

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (0) Historical Info from Georgia High School Football Historians Association

minuscule, but Teter knows his team’s potential.

“There are certain positions where we are thin, and if we lose the wrong person, that could affect us big-time,” Teter said. “But, the expectation for this team is that we are going to do whatever we can to get back in the playoffs.”

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39th Annual Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival

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“We want to get back in the playoffs, win this region and sweep the county,” all-county offensive lineman Brady Curl said. “We have to be mentally and physically tough to get that done. We can’t be lazy because that can cost us a game.”

The margin for error is

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Presented by:

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108 KICKOFF 2023

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Canton 1625 Ballground Hwy. (Across From Walmart) Woodstock 12035 Hwy. 92 (92 @ Trickum)

2022: 5-6 2021: 4-6 2020: 4-6 2019: 5-5 2018: 10-3

INTERCEPTIONS Bretton Darling......3

Good Luck This Season!

Monday & Wednesday All you can eat wings

28-26

ALL TIME RECORD 191-163

Martin and the rest of its starters, especially once the Region 6AAAAAA gauntlet begins against four county foes, plus Allatoona and the reigning region champion Rome.

The Chiefs went 4-2 in region play last season, and now they’re looking for more.

BASH NIGHT

RECORD

SACKS Taiwo Ogundele...4 Drew Zablotny ......3

Coach: James Teter • 15th Season • Record: 77-73 • Career: 118-106

CHIEFS

FIVE YEAR

at Etowah River Park Saturday, Sept. 23 10am - 6pm Sunday, Sept. 24 10am - 5pm Learn more at www.serviceleague.net

Special - Anthony Stalcup

Ean Marria has carved himself out a role on both sides of the ball for Sequoyah.

Versatile Marria finds success on both sides of ball

By Griffin Callaghan

gcallaghan@cheroikeetribune.com

Strength, size and toughness, three of football’s most important traits, are what Sequoyah junior Ean Marria brings to the table in 2023.

Marria is one of multiple twoway players for the Chiefs and is expected to have a significant impact. A defensive lineman by trade, the 5-foot-11, 200-pound Marria is transitioning from tight end to fullback on offense, a change that began toward the end of last season.

“It’s hard at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s great,” Marria said. “I got to see and do both last year with tight end and defensive end, but making the switch to fullback this year, it’s a little more difficult. You have to know more stuff. It also helps that I have people I can ask questions because Jackson Hancock and I are both doing it.”

Hancock and Marria will see

time together in Sequoyah’s backfield in the Wing-T offense, with the Missouri-bound Hancock (591 rushing yards, seven touchdowns in 2022) being the focal point.

Marria was the Chiefs’ fourthleading rusher in 2022, registering 28 carries for 184 yards and three touchdowns. On the defensive side, he picked up 21 tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack and one fumble recovery.

One of Marria’s best games as a sophomore came in the regularseason finale, a 56-12 win over Woodstock. Playing exclusively on offense that game, he took six carries for 92 yards, a 15.3 yards-per-carry average.

In Sequoyah’s first-round playoff game against South Paulding, Marria took 13 carries for 50 yards and two touchdowns.

“It’s just the hard running I do,” Marria said. “I’m hard to tackle. I am not trying to make a guy miss; I am just there to run the ball hard and straight and get three or four good yards. Being able to run the

ball makes it a little more fun.”

Marria, also a legitimate Division-I baseball prospect at Sequoyah, began playing football in middle school. The thirdbaseman, pitcher and outfielder said he’s open to either sport at the next level.

On the football field, though, Marria said his mental toughness sets him apart, which is necessary to play both offense and defense in 85-plus degree weather in August.

Chiefs’ coach James Teter loves the versatility he gets with Marria, countering the styles of his other running backs, Hancock and Tyler Bell (323 yards, three touchdowns in 2022).

“He adds a different view of things, offensively,” Teter said.

“And defensively, he’s a force at defensive end. On offense, he’s a different version to Jackson (Hancock). Jackson is more speed and finesse, but Ean is more physical and a hard runner inside.”

Sequoyah was among the best

teams in Cherokee County last season, beating all five county opponents in Cherokee, Etowah, River Ridge, Creekview and Woodstock. The Chiefs finished 4-2 in Region 6AAAAAA, with their only losses coming to region champion Rome and secondplace Allatoona.

Getting Sequoyah its second region championship was the first thing on Marria’s mind when he pondered his goals for 2023. With an increased role on both sides of the ball, the Chiefs’ bruiser will be vital to achieving those goals.

“I always just want to win our county and then our region next,” Marria said. “Last year, we won county, but we could have been better. I just want to help out as much as I can in all phases. It’s just a pride thing. It’s the feeling of winning a tough game.

That’s a good feeling, and when they are region games, too, it brings something different, a little extra.”

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WOODSTOCK WOLVERINES

Process and core values spur Devine era

2023 Schedule

hard, so hopefully, it will pay off on the field.”

Woodstock last made the playIt’s a new era at Woodstock. offs in 2017 under then-head Former West Forsyth assis- coach Brent Budde, who now tant Dan Devine has taken over serves as Sequoyah’s defensive the Wolverines with a focus on coordinator. The Wolverines finrebuilding the culture. ished winless in each of the last Devine joined the program with two seasons. nearly 20 years of coaching expeFor Devine and Woodstock in rience, including an eight-year 2023, it’s about progress while stint with Alpharetta, where he building strength and confidence won two region championships. that wins will follow.

As a head coach in 2016, he led “Besides wins and losses, it’s North Springs to its first state play- just competing every week against off appearance in 18 years. the opponent and keeping things Woodstock’s new lead man close, where we can pull out a has already seen a better player couple of wins here or there,” turnout as he looks to steer the Devine said. “From the time we program back to contention. step onto the field, we always “It’s sticking to our process and expect to win. That’s what we’re our core values,” Devine said. trying to teach these guys with “We’re trying to show them what changing the culture.” that means every day. It’s tough, Woodstock’s top defensive but it’s good, and I think the kids player, junior Drew Burmeister, have responded well. They wel- returns and will play both sides comed it and have worked really of the ball. Burmeister registered 2023 Roster

By Griffin Callaghan

gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com 8/18 Osborne

8/25 at Hiram

9/1 Cherokee

9/8 at Lassiter

9/14 at River Ridge

9/29 at Rome

10/6 Allatoona

10/13 at Etowah

10/20 Creekview

11/3 Sequoyah

No. Name 3 Braedy Sommerville 4 Elijah Wadsworth 5 Drew Burmeister 6 Chase Colina 7 Elijah Cofer 8 Luke Renninger 9 Tyler Barbera 10 Tobias Sallee 11 Isaiah Payton 12 Johntavious Richardson 13 Will Furstein 14 Sullivan Burke 15 Luke Similien 16 Peyton Lynch 17 Graham Burmeister 18 Brant Arnold 19 Jackson Wallace 20 Trenton Sallee 21 Sharrod Elly 22 Sam McCallister 23 Justin Yearout

Pos. LB WR/TE LB WR/TE DB WR/TE DB DB RB LB WR WR WR/DB QB QB WR DB DB RB DB WR

110 KICKOFF 2023

Cl. 12 12 11 11 11 12 10 11 11 12 11 12 10 12 9 11 11 10 12 11 11

No. Name 24 Tobias Sallee 25 Reece Giles 26 Delvin Hill 27 Colin Assiamah-Ansong 28 Khalil Anderson 29 Yarell Culp 30 Darryl McClendon 31 Oluwatobiloba Aknabi 32 Evan Stacey 33 Gabe Meek 34 Davis Cranford 35 Gianni DeLegge 36 C’Ante Smith 37 Dawson Owen 38 Nicholas Shade 39 Brody Mullins 40 Zachary Lasenyik 41 Israel Silimon-Jones 42 Cooper Price 43 Adam Pinkston 44 David Wadsworth

Pos. DB DB WR/DB WR RB WR RB DB RB LB LB DB DB TE LB DB TE DL LB DB LB

Cl. 12 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 12 11 11 11 12 11 12 11 12 11 10 11

No. Name 45 Carson Parker 46 Brandon Benton 47 Aeneas Maniatis 48 Jacob Pistone 49 Jake Brantly 50 Tyler Howard 51 Quiency Constant 52 Robert Coats 53 Jamarcus Gentry 54 Nathan Washington 55 Maddox Mann 56 Cameron Lavette 58 Tate Washington 59 Brody Briggs 60 Timmy Shackelford 61 Jake Muehlberger 62 Gabe Johnson 63 Jacob DePaul 64 Carter Clay 65 Jaxson Griffin 66 Jerry Pham

Pos. DL LB DB LB LB LB OL DL DL OL/DL OL OL OL/DL OL DL OL DL OL DL OL DL

Cl. 12 11 10 10 10 10 11 10 12 11 10 12 12 11 12 11 11 11 10 10 10

96 tackles, good for third in Cherokee County, with three tackles for loss and one sack.

At quarterback, the Wolverines have senior Peyton Lynch ready to step in. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Lynch played in three games last season, finishing with 89 yards on 10-for-19 passing.

Woodstock, overall, averaged 85-90 players per day during summer workouts, which Devine said was encouraging for his Class AAAAAA program.

“They are working every day and learning how to grind,” Devine said. “Any time you’re trying to change a culture, it’s different and fun. They’ve responded really well to it, and I am proud of all the hard work.”

Woodstock opens its season against Osborne, which was in a similar position not too long ago. The Cardinals went 0-29 from 2017-19 but finished 5-5 See Wolverines, Page 111

No. Name 67 Caden Beard 68 James Boye 70 Eli Myers 75 Jamir Richardson 77 Joe Cousin 78 Bryan Osebor 80 Ryan Wright 81 Chase Collins 82 Kyle Sentell 83 Cavaughn Profit 84 Alex Paul 85 Anthony Colby 86 Nathan Kellner 87 Austin Wedemeier 88 Chase Tieman 89 Maurice Baggett 90 Caleb Baxley 91 Ryder Romijin 92 Raymond Aguilera

Pos. OL OL OL DL OL/DL OL DB WR TE WR WR WR WR WR TE WR WR/DB K/P LB

Cl. 10 10 11 10 11 11 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 11 12 11

W O O D S T O C K W O LV E R I N E S 2010 Towne Lake Hills S Dr, Woodstock, GA 30189 • Wolverine Den https://www.woodstockfootball.net/ Twitter: @WoodstockFtball

2022 RESULTS Osborne ................................ 7-46............L

Instagram: @woodstockwolverinesnation

Facebook: @Woodstock Wolverines Football

2022 LEADERS VARSITY COACHING STAFF RUSHING

FIVE YEAR

Hiram.....................................9-49............L Dan Devine ....................... HC Isaiah Payton..........53 car....187 yds. ......1 TD Cherokee .............................. 6-34............L Lassiter ................................14-64............L River Ridge...........................0-44............L Rome ..................................... 0-70............L Allatoona ............................... 7-41............L Etowah ................................ 21-42............L Creekview ............................0-38............L Sequoyah ........................... 12-56............L

Justin Pearce .............OC/QB Andrew Price .............. DC/LB Josh Weaver ................ST/DL Jared Wallace ................... DB Scott Stansel ...................... TE Jake Brock .................. OL/SC Josh Smerker....................WR Bernard Walker .................RB

FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI DL Latrell Bankston (2014-17) ...........................................................Houston RB Corey Carmichael (2006-09) ................................... Middle Tennessee RB Bruce Miller (2007-10) ................................. UCF, San Francisco 49ers

PASSING Dan Comeau .........83/172...832 yds......3 TD.. 8 INT RECEIVING Adonis Garcia ........42 rec. ..385 yds......1 TD Drew Burmeister ..13 rec.....240..............1 TD TACKLES Drew Burmeister ..96 Carson Gray ..........68 Evan Mckeller ........67 SACKS Carson Gray ...........4 INTERCEPTIONS Carson Gray ...........1 Kristian Colina........1 Brody Mullins .........1

Coach: Dan Devine • 1st Season • Record: 0-0 • Career: 6-5

RECORD 9-41

2022: 0-10 2021: 0-10 2020: 3-7 2019: 3-7 2018: 3-7

ALL TIME RECORD 109-156 REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS (0) STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (0) Historical Info from Georgia High School Football Historians Association

WOLVERINES siter and Cherokee before div- time; however, his “grind-it-out” that they played Woodstock. That’s The Wolverines will meet Las-

Devine knows rebuilds take “Anyone who comes in here knows

ing into a challenging Region mentality can translate, and he 6AAAAAA schedule featuring four hopes to be competitive from last season for their best record county opponents plus traditional Game 1. powers Rome and Allatoona.

“Physical and fast,” Devine said. since 1994.

From Page 110

important to us. My identity, and my staff’s identity, is that we’re going to get after you and set the tone.”

KICKOFF 2023 111

Special - Anthony Stalcup

Defensive end Drew Burmeister has become a role model in the Woodstock locker room, and he is helping the Wolverines with the rebuild of their program.

Burmeister accelerating Woodstock’s rebuild

By Griffin Callaghan

gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com

It doesn’t get much better for a rebuilding team than having a player like Drew Burmeister on the roster.

Burmeister, a 6-foot-1, 215pound junior, was a force last season, and he expects to be even better in 2023 as Woodstock attempts to build from the ground up.

“We’ve got to prove people wrong, and we have to change for real this time,” Burmeister said.

“We had a new coach that did not work out, but this is our second chance. We have to work, and we’ve got to get there.”

Burmeister led the Wolverines with 96 tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack last season,

112 KICKOFF 2023

while separating himself as Woodstock’s best defensive player. He also had a presence on offense, catching 13 passes for 240 yards and one touchdown.

For first-year head coach Dan Devine, Burmeister is vital to his culture-building efforts with the Wolverines.

“You wish you had 90 Drew Burmeisters, but unfortunately, you don’t,” Devine said. “He’s everything you want in a player. He’s a leader and our best returning player. He’ll be our quarterback on defense. We expect a huge year from him.”

Burmeister also competed in the 300-meter hurdles in the spring for Woodstock’s track and field team, showcasing great athleticism for a defensive end.

During his sophomore track

and field season, Burmeister took fourth place in his event at the Region 6AAAAAA championship meet. He recorded a time of 42.11 seconds. He also took fourth place at the Cherokee County championships with a 43.52-second run.

Burmeister will primarily play defense once the season begins, but later on, depending on how Woodstock’s offense manifests, he may regain his offensive role as well.

“I’m going to start learning the offense this season, but I’ll start on defense, mainly,” Burmeister said. “I’m working to master my role there. I love tackling, and I love reading the offense’s plays.

It’s awesome when you get to stop those plays and get hyped up after a big tackle.”

The Wolverines are a young

team overall, and with leaders and team captains Tyler Douthit (Samford) and Adonis Garcia (Wofford) gone, Burmeister has to take a leadership role as one of the program’s most experienced players.

He already led Woodstock in tackles, though Burmeister expects more, both individually and for the team. The Wolverines may seem like an afterthought in the competitive Region 6AAAAAA, but Burmeister is helping them clear the hurdles to success in 2023.

“I’m hoping to increase my stats and just get better. I can’t mess up,” Burmeister said. “I have to try and be a better player for this team. It’s really good to be fast, and you’ve got to be well-rounded.

I try and do as much as I can in other aspects, too.”

State title football games return to Mercedes-Benz

By John Bednarowski sportseditor@mdjonline.com

The Georgia High School Association’s state championship football games are returning to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The GHSA and the Atlanta Falcons agreed to a three-year contract to bring the games back to the stadium, and Falcons president and CEO Rich McKay said he hopes the agreement will continue long after the initial contract ends.

“We are pleased to have the championships back where we think it belongs,” McKay said during a joint news conference at the stadium after the season.

The current agreement will begin with the 2023 season and last through 2025. The championship games will be held the week after the Southeastern Conference championship, with next year’s games tentatively scheduled for Tuesday through Thursday, Dec. 12-14.

The high school games could shift depending on what happens with the Falcons’ schedule. McKay said the organization has to leave the weekend dates open until the NFL schedule is revealed.

This year, the championship games were spread over three days at the outdoor Center Parc Stadium. The three girls flag football title games were played Thursday, Dec. 8, along with the Class A Division I and II games. The Class AA, Class AAAA and Class AAAAAA games were played Friday, Dec. 9, and the Class AAA, Class AAAAA and Class AAAAAAA games Saturday were on the 10th.

GHSA executive director Robin Hines said he was excited about bringing the games back to the indoor Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

“I’m extremely excited about that,” Hines said. “It’s also nice to have these things planned without weather being an issue.”

The reason the games moved from Mercedes-Benz Stadium four years ago was price. When

the move was made, it was reported that the cost for the GHSA to put the games on at Mercedes-Benz Stadium was nearly $500,000. The cost at Center Parc Stadium was reportedly $125,000.

However, over the last four seasons, attendance was down considerably compared to the games that were played in Mercedes-Benz Stadium and, before that, the Georgia Dome. At least twice during that time, a full day’s schedule of games was affected by weather, including in 2019, when Harrison and Allatoona played for the Class AAAAAA title in a constant rain and temperatures in the 40s.

For Cobb County coaches, the move back to Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a good one.

“I am excited that the GHSA found a way to make this work,” Hillgrove coach Justin DeShon said. “It shows a commitment to the game in our state and rewards the players and fans in each community with a beautiful atmosphere

that will allow everyone to focus on football.”

Kell coach Bobby May agreed.

“I’m excited that the GHSA and MBS were able to work out a deal that allows our great players in this state to showcase their talents at the best platform possible,” he said.

South Cobb coach Thomas Hanson liked the games at Center Parc Stadium, but he agreed that the move is good for the masses.

“I really like the smaller venue at Georgia State,” Hanson said, “but the weather obviously impacted the crowd size for these games over the past few seasons. These kids deserve to play in front of larger crowds, and playing at an NFL venue provides great memories for kids who may be playing in their last game.”

Walton coach Daniel Brunner also likes the move and hopes the new surroundings can help with an additional feature.

“It was the right thing to do for these student-athletes,” Brunner said.

BASH NIGHT

Monday & Wednesday • All you can eat wings

Canton 1625 Ballground Hwy. (Across From Walmart) Woodstock 12035 Hwy. 92 (92 @ Trickum) Luck

Good son! ea This S

Canton 1625 Ballground Hwy. (Across From Walmart) Woodstock 12035 Hwy. 92 (92 @ Trickum)

ound Hwy. (Across From Walmart) 12035 Hwy. 92 (92 @ Trickum)

KICKOFF 2023 113

2023

CHEROKEE SUPER SIX

By Griffin Callaghan

gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com

Cherokee County’s Super Six is an offensive-heavy group in 2023, featuring two quarterbacks, two offensive linemen and one running back, and only one linebacker.

Three county teams made the state playoffs last season in Cherokee, River Ridge and Sequoyah, with the Chiefs taking South Paulding to the brink in Round 1 of the playoffs.

Sequoyah’s Jackson Hancock and Creekview’s Andrew Rosinski are the most decorated prospects of the bunch, with Hancock heading to the SEC at Missouri, while Rosinski is committed to North Carolina in the ACC. Hancock plays both sides of the ball, leading Sequoyah’s offense with 591 yards and seven touchdowns in 2022 while anchoring the secondary with 49 tackles. In 2021, Hancock had a county-best six interceptions.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound senior had 13 offers before committing to Missouri and will join former Cherokee quarterback AJ Swann (Vanderbilt) and former Woodstock defensive back David Daniel-Sisavanh (Georgia) as Cherokee alumni in the SEC. Hancock had a signature game in a 30-14 win over Cherokee last year. He took a blocked field goal 73 yards for a touchdown and followed with a kick-return touchdown later in the game.

Rosinski is one of Creekview’s biggest prospects over the last

114 KICKOFF 2023

few years, and the 6-6, 285pound tackle has Division-I size and strength. He headlines an offensive line that’s expected to drive the Grizzlies’ offense in 2023.

Cherokee’s Tanner Savasir and Etowah’s Xavier Mahoney are the two quarterbacks in this year’s Super Six, with Savasir finishing last season second on the county’s passing list and Mahoney leading the rushing chart.

Savasir led the Warriors back to the playoffs for a schoolrecord fifth consecutive season, posting 1,606 yards and 14 touchdowns with a 60.7% competition rate.

Mahoney dominated the run game as a sophomore, picking up 1,014 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2022. He threw for 836 yards and seven touchdowns to just three interceptions, and Etowah coach Matt Kemper hopes to see him take a step forward and become more dangerous this year.

Tate Nelms, a senior offensive lineman, is a two-time member of the Super Six and paves the way for Mahoney’s offensive prowess. Nelms stands at 6-4 and 285 pounds, who Kemper said is another legitimate Division-I prospect.

River Ridge’s Brandon Burdette was Cherokee County’s leading tackler a year ago, flying around the field for 104 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and two sacks. He returns as the clear leader of the Knights’ defense as they look for a postseason berth for the third time in the last four years.

BRANDON BURDETTE RIVER RIDGE LB 5-9, 190

Learn more about Brandon

KICKOFF 2023 115

JACKSON HANCOCK SEQUOYAH

ATH 6-0, 175 3-Star 1,285 nat, 139, 139 GA Committed to Missouri

Learn more about Jackson

116 KICKOFF 2023

XAVIER MAHONEY ETOWAH

QB 5-9, 160

Learn more about Xavier

KICKOFF 2023 117

TATE NELMS ETOWAH OL 6-4, 280

Learn more about Tate

118 KICKOFF 2023

ANDREW ROSINSKI CREEKVIEW

OL 6-6, 284 3-Star 529 nat, 36, 60 GA Committed to North Carolina

Learn more about Andrew

KICKOFF 2023 119

TANNER SAVASIR CHEROKEE QB 6-0, 175

Learn more about Tanner

120 KICKOFF 2023

REGION 7AAAAAA

Special - Cecil Copeland

Jason Pitts will be a large part of Sprayberry’s offense this season as they try to manuver through Roswell, Alpharetta, Blessed Trinity and their east Cobb rivals, to the top of Region 7AAAAAA.

Dudley to lead Blessed Trinity through Region 7AAAAAA

By Adam Carrington MDJ Sports Correspondent

East Cobb schools are on their way back.

Sprayberry looks to make a move this season while Lassiter and Pope continue their rebuilds. But at this point, Roswell appears to be the likely favorite to repeat as Region 7AAAAAA champions.

The Hornets return many of its players from last season including offensive lineman Anthonie Knapp, who is committed to Notre Dame, Marshall wide receiver commit Dylan Williams and Virginia commit Chase Morrison at defensive end.

However, there is a familiar face around the corner who is looking to throw a wrinkle into Roswell’s plans if not this year, in the years to come.

The Hornets, along with the Yellow Jackets, Trojans and Greyhounds, have had past

encounters with former longtime Walton coach Ed Dudley, who has now taken the reins at Blessed Trinity.

While Blessed Trinity may not be as experienced on paper as in years past, Dudley has the resume to get things turned around quickly.

He led the Raiders to five region championships and two state semifinal appearances during his 14 year stint at Walton.

Since leaving Walton, he has had five-year stints apiece at Ware County and Winder-Barrow, plus two seasons at Carrollton. He took Ware County to the state finals in 2012.

Dudley brought a few of his Walton assistants with him to Blessed Trinity. Tripp Allen will serve as his offensive coordinator, Chuck Goddard is coordinating the defense, and Leo Barker is coaching linebackers.

PREDICTION

1. ROSWELL 2. ALPHARETTA 3. BLESSED TRINITY 4. SPRAYBERRY 5. JOHNS CREEK 6. LASSITER 7. POPE “It’s going to be a crazy competitive region,” Dudley said.

“We may be in for a tough fight.

We have a young team, so we hope to get up to speed by the time region starts.”

While Roswell has experience on its side, Dudley will be inheriting a Titan squad that graduated key players after finishing third in the region.

Dudley will also have to contend with playoff teams Alpharetta and Sprayberry.

Region runner-up Alpharetta lost its starting quarterback but has talented skill players

coming back. Sprayberry will have a first-year quarterback as well but is expecting to have a banner season from running back Jason Pitts.

“I expect everyone in the region to be better,” Sprayberry coach Brett Vavra said. “It’s going to be a challenge for us.”

Johns Creek, Lassiter and Pope are looking to bounce back from just one region win apiece last year.

The key for the Trojans is staying healthy after getting decimated by injuries last season.

Pope and Johns Creek are getting acclimated to first-year coaches Sean O’Sullivan and Jim Rowell.

“There are so many things I’ve learned these last five years that are outside your control,” Lassiter coach Sean Thom said.

“We’re taking a step back and focusing on us. At the end of the day, you got to win three region games.”

KICKOFF 2023 121

LASSITER TROJANS

Trojans’ goal is postseason or bust

2023 Schedule

Now Lassiter has to find a way to push forward with a less experienced squad.

Lassiter’s prime objective this “We had many guys that have season is to play an 11th game. seen Friday night action, but I The Trojans are not going think (five) guys – on each side to allow the excuse of having of the ball – have seen signifionly 10 returning starters — five cant playing time,” Thom said. on both sides of the ball — to “Overall it’s a good group. It is derail them from qualifying for a group of hard-working kids. the postseason for the first time The kids want to be successful.” since 2017.

Junior quarterback Levi Mundt Lassiter appeared to have the has been tabbed the full-time talent a year ago to get over the starting quarterback this season hump. During the first half of after getting four starts during his its season, the team’s chances freshman and sophomore sealooked good, especially after sons combined. He started the beating Johns Creek 23-20 in last two games against Spraythe Region 7AAAAAA opener. berry and Blessed Trinity last The season then unraveled season and finished the year over the last five games. Lassiter with 389 passing yards, one also lost 18 players to season- touchdown and two interceptions. ending injuries throughout the Mundt’s receivers are senioryear, coach Sean Thom said, oriented and got playing time which didn’t help its playoff last year. Aaron Daniels, Renchances. nen Kelly and Michael O’Brien 2023 Roster

By Adam Carrington MDJ Sports Writer

8/18 at Etowah

8/25 Wheeler

9/8 Woodstock

9/15 at Dalton

9/29 Johns Creek

10/6 at Roswell

10/13 at Alpharetta

10/20 Pope

10/27 Sprayberry

11/3 at Blessed Trinity

No. Name 1 Michael O’Brien 2 Gavin Rose 3 Shaw Mixon 4 Joshua Frere 5 Johnny Michaels 6 Archer Burke 7 Collins Price 8 Mitch Seaman 9 Emmett Elmore 10 Tyler Morton 11 Wyatt Mikesell 12 Levi Mundt 14 Dalton Price 15 Sabien Thigpen 16 Sabine Manning 17 Aaron Daniels 18 Christian Cole 19 Griffin Mack 20 Rennen Kelly 21 Kevin Taylor 22 Harston Harrison

Pos. WR/DB WR/LB WR/DB QB WR/DB RB/DB WR/LB QB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB QB WR/DB WR/DB TE/LB WR/DB WR/DB TE/DL WR/DB RB/DB WR/LB

Cl. 12 11 12 9 9 10 9 10 10 9 11 11 9 11 11 12 9 12 12 10 10

No. Name 23 Will Davidson 24 Jax Brickley 25 Ethan Schneeberger 26 Chase Campbell 27 Jake Johnson 28 Michael Jones 29 Zachary Prewett 30 Damon Goins 31 Jackson Muse 32 Bryce Parker 33 Nick Hoggard 34 Jack Smith 35 Caden Bloom 36 Hayden Shartle 37 Jayden Sylvain 38 Nate Adams 39 Joseph Grice 40 Brayden Barnes 41 Corey Epling 42 Cole Stewart 43 Brody Brantley

Pos. RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB TE/LB TE/DL WR/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/LB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB TE/LB TE/LB

Cl. 12 9 10 9 10 10 10 9 10 11 9 9 9 9 11 10 11 9 9 9 10

No. Name 44 Connor Clark 45 Zachary Dyar 46 Eli Dasher 47 Dayton Davis 48 Matthew Cox 49 Elijah Freeland 50 JP Vincent 51 Noah Luchkowec 52 Joey Del Pozzo 53 Reid Ashmore 54 Noah O’Neill 55 Walker Boswell 56 Tavaris Knuckles 57 Nicklaus Brasco 58 Espen Holm 59 Jalil Isaac 60 Keegan Sellers 61 Colin Rex 62 Michael Henson 63 Cole Verhoef 64 Alan Rodriquez

Pos. TE/LB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB TE/LB WR/DB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL TE/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL

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are all back for another year.

“They are showing good progress,” Thom said. “We’re happy with where they are at.”

Lassiter plans on rotating players at the running back position this year. Senior Will Davidson, who started at outside linebacker last year, will make the transition to running back. Junior Zach Dyar, also a linebacker, is expected to get reps.

Up front, senior center J.P. Vincent and senior offensive tackle Marcus Shank return to anchor a young unit after graduating four seniors from last season.

On defense, junior Bryce Parker returns at linebacker after playing all 10 games last season. He finished with 39 tackles, five tackles for loss and a sack.

Senior defensive end Griffin Mack, who led the Trojans with five sacks, will be key up front.

See Trojans, Page 123

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2440 Canton Road, Marietta 30066

LASSITER TROJANS 2601 Shallowford Rd, Marietta, GA 30066 • Lutzie Field at Frank Fillmann Stadium https://www.lassiterfootball.net/ Twitter: @LassiterTrojans

2022 RESULTS Etowah ................................ 14-25............L Wheeler ............................... 16-10.......... W Woodstock ..........................64-14.......... W Dalton.................................... 3-35............L Johns Creek .......................23-20.......... W Roswell..................................0-58............L Alpharetta ...........................21-70............L Pope ....................................23-26............L Sprayberry.......................... 10-63............L Blessed Trinity .....................0-49............L

Instagram: @lassitertrojanfootball

2022 LEADERS VARSITY COACHING STAFF RUSHING Sean Thom ........................ HC Tom Sheehan ....................OC Joshua Poole .................... DC Josh Herring ..................... QB Howie Decristofaro...........OL Kenneth Ling.....................WR Paris Brown ................. ST/DB Tyler Donaldson ................ LB Campbell Price .................. LB Mike Helmly ....................... ST

FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI OL Ross Brannon (1992-95), .....................................................Florida State TE Philip Lutzenkirchen (2005-08),............... Auburn, Los Angeles Rams QB Hutson Mason (2006-09), ......... Georgia, Washington Commanders LB Kevin Schimmelmann (1997-2000),......Stanford, Green Bay Packers OL Camden Wentz (2005-08), .................. N.C. State, Minnesota Vikings

FIVE YEAR

RECORD

Samuel Gadsden .129 car. .612 yds.......4 TD Bryson Harrison....100 car. .605 yds. ....5 TD PASSING Bryson Harrison....69/154 ..787 yds ......4 TD.. 6 INT RECEIVING Rickardo Jackson.22 rec. ..272 yds......2 TD Shaw Mixon............11 rec......158 yds.......1 TD TACKLES Charle Alexander ..................43 Parker Hungerbuhler...........42

11-39

2022: 3-7 2021: 4-6 2020: 2-8 2019: 1-9 2018: 1-9

SACKS Griffin Mack ............5

ALL TIME RECORD 207-221-2

INTERCEPTIONS Jaheem Murray.....1

REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS (3) STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (0)

Coach: Sean Thom • 5th Season • Record: 10-30 • Career: 10-30

TROJANS

2013, 2012, 2009

Historical Info from Georgia High School Football Historians Association

the defensive line after posting battling for spots.

Seniors O’Brien and Shaw 22 tackles and a sack.

Lassiter’s inexperience on Mixon are the most seasoned From Page 122 defense will come in the sec- players coming back.

Junior Noah O’Neil returns to ondary with young players “It’s going to be one of

those things where we have to do a good job as coaches putting them in the right spots and giving them a chance to be successful,” Thom said.

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KICKOFF 2023 123

Special - Anthony Stalcup

Levi Mundt has gone from ball boy to starting quarterback for Lassiter. This season, he hopes to take the Trojans back to the state playoffs.

124 KICKOFF 2023

Mundt gets his shot to lead Trojans

By Adam Carrington MDJ Sports Correspondent

Four years ago, Levi Mundt worked as a ball boy for Lassiter football.

“He was a hard worker then,” Lassiter coach Sean Thom said. “That was the thing you saw. He took a great amount of pride in being the ball boy and being involved on Friday nights and seeing the excitement he would get when the team had success. He lives and breathes football.”

Mundt has been a quarterback since the sixth grade.

Entering his junior season, his current position with the Trojans will require more responsibility.

After serving as backup quarterback to Bryson Harrison for the last two seasons, Mundt is expected to get his first taste at being the full-time

starter.

“He’s been heavily involved on Friday nights since he was in middle school,” Thom said.

“He’s followed that natural progression of backup quarterback to starter (because of injury) and then (back to) backup. The way he’s handled it has been great. Right now, it’s the natural progression for him to get a shot.”

Mundt’s had four starts in the past two years with both of them coming in the last two games of the season. Even though Lassiter lost all four games he has started, all have come against playoff opponents.

His first career start came his freshman year against eventual region champion Allatoona. Although the Trojans didn’t get the result they wanted, Mundt’s numbers were respectable.

He threw for 128 yards and a

touchdown and ran for another.

His only setback was completing only 4 of 14 attempts.

His completion percentage was better against Kell the following week — completing 7 of 11 pass attempts for 43 yards.

“I was nervous at first,” the 5-foot-10 Mundt said. “I wasn’t expecting how much faster it is than JV. People are just bigger. I trusted my coaches and my teammates that they’re not going to put us in the wrong spot. It helped us slow the game down and make it easier.”

Of the four starts, he said Lassiter’s regular season finale against Blessed Trinity was his best overall performance. He was 16 of 25 for 153 yards.

While his favorite player is NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, he patterns his game after former Georgia standout Matthew Stafford.

When Stafford led the Rams to the Super Bowl title two years ago, Mundt was paying close attention.

“I’m an accurate player,” Mundt said. “I like to give the ball to my teammates. I like being in the pocket, but when I have to, I like to run. I can throw it pretty far and put the ball into tight windows.”

Mundt said he has been more fluent with his progressions and reads than he was last season.

He also developed a better understanding of reading defenses. If there is one area of his game he is working on, it is developing a quicker release.

His goal this season is to lead Lassiter to the state playoffs for the first time since 2017.

“We want to continue building the program,” Mundt said. “We want our 11th game this season. We want to be up there in the region.”

KICKOFF 2023 125

POPE GREYHOUNDS

O’Sullivan returns to ‘Hounds with a plan

2023 Schedule

By Gunter Schroeder

me when I was a student here.

Any time you get a chance to go to your alma mater, it’s hard For many coaches, a new head to pass up.” coaching position means a chance This will be the third head to leave a mark on a program. coaching stop of O’Sullivan’s For Pope’s Sean O’Sullivan, it’s career, but it may be his toughan opportunity to leave a mark est test yet as Pope finished just on the program he was once a 1-9 in 2022. Coming into his first part of himself. season, O’Sullivan is focused on A former varsity letterman of getting the players to buy into the the Greyhounds football team new brand of football he wants and a 2004 graduate, O’Sullivan, to play and embrace a competiwho was the defensive coor- tive football environment. dinator in 2017, returns for his “The biggest thing is we want second stint at his alma mater. to compete in anything we do,” This time around, he’ll have the O’Sullivan said. “I think it’s the opportunity to lead the program entire program model. We want as head coach after holding the to have a sense of pride in anysame job for three seasons at thing we do, whether it be football Centennial. on the field, in the community, in “I was definitely excited to get the building, or working with our back home,” O’Sullivan said. “It’s middle school program.” a great community to be a part Pope’s roster under O’Sullivan of, and it’s an opportunity to give will be getting younger in 2023, back to the student athletes at as the team will have a large Pope, just like my coaches did for group of underclassmen. To 2023 Roster MDJ Sports Writer

8/25 at River Ridge

9/1 Kell

9/8 Walton

9/15 at North Paulding

9/22 at Alpharetta

10/6 Blessed Trinity

10/13 at Roswell

10/20 at Lassiter

10/27 Johns Creek

11/3 Sprayberry

No. Name 1 JT Way 2 Logan Castro 3 Robert Johnson 4 John Stuetzer 5 Ian Davis 6 Andrew Nelms 7 Tyler Smith 8 Keita Watanabe 9 Ethan Brinkman 11 Davis Griffin 12 Brock Standfest 13 Hudson Marinko 15 Nick Chao 16 Cole Witte 17 Alex Tushabe 19 Hudson DeLine 20 CJ Sandy 21 Oliver Kopach 22 Enzo Thompson 23 Nate Pennington 24 Nash Rickers 25 Cae Rueter

Pos. ATH DB RB WR LB K WR WR WR DB K QB LB/TE QB WR QB DB DB RB DL TE DB

Cl. 11 12 12 11 12 12 12 10 12 12 11 9 11 11 12 11 12 12 11 11 12 12

No. Name 26 Nigel Combs 27 Sawyer Grace 28 Reed Egan 29 Nathaniel Pierce 30 Caden Helgeson 31 Josiah Moss 32 Caden Helgeson 33 Jeremy Snavely 34 Ethan Alterman 36 JP Haring 37 Charlie Rollins 38 Michael Howell 39 Corban Lewis 40 Owen Whitten 41 Harry Watts 42 Denver Campbell 43 Bradley Carter 44 David Chen 45 Merritt Maltby 46 Cole Spankowski 47 Will Armstrong 48 Reid Joseph

Pos. LB DB DB WR LB LB DL LB RB LB LB LB DB LB RB LB DL WR LB LB DB RB/LB

Cl. 11 11 11 9 10 9 11 12 10 10 10 10 11 10 10 9 9 9 9 10 10 11

No. Name 49 Sam Mokhtari 50 Charles Harrison 51 Carson Baker 52 Jackson Heaton 54 Jaden Jerry-Milliman 55 Stone Fortson 56 Malcolm McGowan 57 Jackson Jordan 58 Jaiden Grimes 59 Nathaniel Irvine 60 Jason Holder 61 Ethan Vaskoardzic 62 Francis Romano 63 Sam Mitchell 64 Grady Kane 65 Francisco Rosa 66 Preston Cort 67 Dillon Klein 68 Max Fumerton 71 John Moore 72 Ellis Couch 73 David Phenes

Pos. LB OL/LS OL OL OL OL OL OL DL DL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL DL

Cl. 10 11 9 10 11 11 12 9 12 12 11 9 11 11 9 10 10 9 11 9 9 11

begin developing the brand of football O’Sullivan wants to play, he’ll instead be relying on the upcoming senior class to help him kickstart the process.

“We’ve got a bunch of pieces in the senior class,” O’Sullivan said. “Guys like Andrew Nelms at kicker, Jaiden Grimes at defensive tackle, Adam Norwood at center, Oliver Kopach on both sides of the ball, there’s several kids that I think will have a big senior year. There’s lots of kids in that class we’re trying to develop and that can help our success on the field.”

O’Sullivan will be aiming to bring Pope back to a competitive level in Class AAAAAA right away. But in Region 7AAAAAA, every game looks to be a battle, with county rivals Lassiter and Sprayberry looking to be right back in the playoff hunt and region favorites such as Roswell, See Hounds, Page 127

No. Name 74 James Burns 75 Hunter Foree 76 Cole Loveless 77 Adam Norwodd 78 Jospeh Casale 79 Gavin Bray 80 Jack Gorney 81 Simon German 82 Alex Hall 83 Nicholas Brown 84 Jack Hutchison 85 Fletcher King 86 R’laymone Wilkerson 87 Price Baskin 88 William Childs 89 Ford Whyte 90 Nask Ivie 91 Luke Neighbor 92 Mason Dogget 94 Brody Bryington 98 Mathew Lago 99 Michael Watson

Pos. OL OL OL OL OL OL WR WR TE WR WR DB WR WR DL WR LB DL DL LB K DL

The South’s Largest Selection

Cl. 10 10 11 12 9 9 10 9 9 9 9 10 9 9 9 9 10 9 10 9 10 11

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POPE GREYHOUNDS 3001 Hembree Rd NE, Marietta, GA 30062 • Pope Multi-Sport Complex https://www.popefootball.com/ Twitter: @PopeFootball

2022 RESULTS River Ridge..........................14-43............L Kell ....................................... 14-56............L Walton ...................................0-49............L North Paulding .................... 7-55............L Alpharetta ............................ 7-48............L Blessed Trinity ..................... 6-34............L Roswell..................................3-56............L Lassiter ...............................26-23.......... W Johns Creek ........................15-47............L Sprayberry............................0-56............L

Instagram: @popefootball

2022 LEADERS VARSITY COACHING STAFF RUSHING Sean O’Sullivan ............... HC Butch Climmons ................RB Jerad Johnson ..................WR Landon Bonner.................. LB Carl Pfaff............................. LB Matt Fox ..............................DL Jerry Mahon ...................... DC

FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI QB Holland Frost (2008-11), .....................................................Georgia Tech OL Max Kemper (2011-14), ............................................................... Air Force OL Thomas O’Reilly (2007-10),................................................Georgia Tech WR Ryan Sawyer (1995-98), ..............................................................Virginia QB T.J. Yates (2002-05),......................... North Carolina, Houston Texans

FIVE YEAR

RECORD

Kris Hayes...............55 car....275 yds......1 TD Vinny Cantando....55. car...181 yds. .......1 TD PASSING Patrick Lowe...........64/128 ..882 yds. ....9 TD ...1 INT Cole Witte ...............67/110....689 yds. ....2 TD . 6 INT RECEIVING John Stuetzer ........42 rec. ..605 yds.. ...2 TD TACKLES Trent Godfrey ........60 Nick Chao ...............37 SACKS Vinny Cantando.....................1 Jaiden Grimes ........................1 INTERCEPTIONS Chandler McDade ................2

Coach: Sean O’Sullivan • 1st Season • Record: 0-0 • Career: 18-32

HOUNDS

Facebook: @Pope Football

runs in 2023. In addition, Pope will face arguably the best two teams in the county in Walton and Kell From Page 126 during their non-region slate. To Alpharetta and Blessed Trinity be more competitive, O’Sullivan looking primed for deep playoff outlined the consistency with which

22-28

2022: 1-9 2021: 7-4 2020: 4-4 2019: 5-5 2018: 5-6

ALL TIME RECORD 161-202 REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS (3) 2011, 2000, 1998

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (0) Historical Info from Georgia High School Football Historians Association

his team plays as key to potential success this season.

“The big thing is, we have to get better every week,” O’Sullivan said. “Our schedule is one of the tougher ones within the state of

Georgia. We have to be playing good football each week and really build consistency, but it’s about us getting better at Pope football, not necessarily who we’re playing.”

KICKOFF 2023 127

Special - Anthony Stalcup

John Steutzer was Pope’s leading receiver and was an all-star center fielder. The junior has found the sports work together in making him a better all-around athlete.

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128 KICKOFF 2023

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Multiple sports make Stuetzer better

By Gunter Schroeder MDJ Sports Writer

Pope’s John Stuetzer has the ability to make a catch as a wide receiver look almost as effortless as catching a fly ball in the outfield.

As a dual-sport athlete, Stuetzer has carved out a role for the Greyhounds in both football and baseball with his raw athleticism and ability to adapt his skill sets to both sports.

While football and baseball require mostly different skill sets, Stuetzer says there is a lot he learns from each sport he plays which improves his skills in the other.

“Both sports that I play make me better at the other,” Stuetzer said. “A lot of playing baseball is mental, so that mindset I’ve developed for baseball is extremely helpful to me each play when I’m on the football field. For football, because it’s more physical than mental, my physical skill set that I need for football really helps me on the baseball field.”

Stuetzer’s strong mental and physical skill sets complemented each other well in 2022, as he

enjoyed a breakout sophomore season as a wide receiver and as an outfielder. He led all Pope receivers with 42 receptions for 605 yards and two touchdowns, while also batting .423 in 111 atbats and leading Pope baseball with 29 stolen bases.

Stuetzer’s raw numbers in both sports jump off the page, but football coach Sean O’Sullivan has been most impressed with Stuetzer’s work ethic behind the scenes in balancing both sports so far this summer.

“Although he’s extremely busy with baseball, he does come and take part in everything on the field and in the weight room,” O’Sullivan said. “His understanding of how to manage a complete schedule with baseball and football, and making time for both at his age, is incredible.”

In 2023, O’Sullivan and his Pope coaching staff will be looking to steer the program back in the right direction after a disappointing 1-9 campaign in 2022. O’Sullivan will be looking for returning impact players like Stuetzer to help set the

tone for a new era of Pope football.

“We want to put out a physical brand of football that’s gonna compete, and obviously that’s what we’re trying to instill right now,” O’Sullivan said. “With a player like John, he’s highly competitive playing multiple sports, his leadership ability is great, and he brings that edge to the football field.”

Stuetzer established himself as Pope’s clear top receiver last season, and he looks poised to be a game-changing player for Pope in for 2023. Although fundamentals are a big part of the position, Stuetzer credited his athletic skill set for much of his success.

“As a receiver, my speed helps a lot because it allows me to get off the line quickly and beat the corners immediately,” Stuetzer said. “I can also jump really well, so if a jump ball is thrown to me, it gives me another advantage one-on-one.”

However, the transition to the top receiver on the field is far from the only change Stuetzer will be completing in 2023. By becoming an upperclassman in 2023, he expects

to carry a much larger leadership role for a Pope team undergoing a sizable youth movement.

“We’re going to have a pretty young team this year,” Stuetzer said. “Now that I’m not an underclassman anymore, I have much more of a role. I think now I have more of an ability to have a say in how to really lead the team and help the younger players.”

Coming into his junior year, Stuetzer appears to have his sights set on primarily focusing on baseball at the next level. However, he says the game of football still has a special place in his heart, and he’s excited to continue playing both sports in 2023.

“I’ve really started focusing on baseball and wanting to focus on trying to play college baseball, but I also love football because I’ve been playing it about as long as baseball, since I was about seven years old,” Stuetzer said. “Football was the first sport I played, and I’m looking forward to playing for the brotherhood and high school memories I’ll make with football at Pope.”

KICKOFF 2023 129

SPRAYBERRY YELLOW JACKETS

Jackets set to build on youthful experience

2023 Schedule

By Adam Carrington

experience, but they appear to have both the talent and drive to make another postseason return.

“This team has a very strong competitive spirit,” Vavra said.

“They don’t want to displease anyone. They want to please each other and please their coaches. I’m hoping that carries over to the field.”

Sprayberry’s offense this season will center around senior running back Jason Pitts Jr., who was named Second Team All-Region 7AAAAAA. He had limited touches last year with just 100 carries for 592 yards and five touchdowns.

This year the team will be leaning on him.

“Jason Pitts Jr. is an absolute stud,” Vavra said. “He’s fast, physical and explosive.

He’s got great balance, great

MDJ Sports Correspondent 8/18 Campbell

8/25 at Paulding County

9/1 River Ridge

9/8 at Kell

9/22 Blessed Trinity

9/29 Alpharetta

10/6 at Johns Creek

10/19 Roswell

10/27 at Lassiter

11/3 at Pope

No. Name 1 Mark Manfred 2 Roman Spink 3 Aaron Ingram 4 Jayden Duckett 5 Austin Almy 6 Jaden Russell 7 Jason Pitts 8 Kealan Jones 9 Austin Hampson 10 Darai Carter 11 Kashe Hall 12 Demetrius Brown 17 Everett Currie 18 Jordan Edmonds 20 Dein George 21 Jamarion Cooper

Pos. WR/DB WR/DB LB QB/DB QB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB TE/LB WR/DB TE/LB RB/LB RB/LB WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB

Cl. 11 11 11 10 11 12 12 10 11 10 11 12 11 10 11 11

Youth seems to be a trend with Sprayberry’s teams as of late.

The advantages of being young, coach Brett Vavra said, is that the future looks promising.

Roughly 75% of Sprayberry’s roster was underclassmen last season. Yet, it still managed to make the Class AAAAAA state playoffs.

The team’s 4-7 overall record was a bit misleading considering that the Yellow Jackets lost three non-region games by a combined eight points.

Sprayberry is older this season with a bevy of juniors on the roster but has only eight seniors to lead the way. The Yellow Jackets may lack

No. Name Pos. 22 Mason Rainey TE/LB 23 Isaac DaSilva TE/LB 24 Christian Bowden WR/DB 25 Jayden Gillis WR/LB 27 Kol Garcia WR/LB 28 Liam Dingle K/P 30 Cuaron Cook 31 Justin Nguyen LB 32 John Funchess 33 James Funchess 35 Aiden Williams WR/DB 36 Justin Bumper 39 Robert Madayag K/P 40 Krish Bhagat LB 42 Brock Trout TE/LB 43 Robert Young

2023 Roster Cl. 11 10 10 10 11 10 10 10 10 10 11 10 11 11 10 10

Pos. No. Name 44 Gabriel Clarke DL 45 Adoniz Vickerstaff RB/DL 48 Rayshawn Simpkins 49 Mark Colin 50 Ben Couey OL/DL 51 Einar Sundberg DL 52 Dante Holden DL 53 Thomas Genevish OL/LB 54 DJ Holford OL/DL 55 Brice Smith OL 56 Donovan Davis OL/DL 58 Judah Williams OL/DL 59 Gustavo Lima OL 60 Ahmari Wright OL 61 Jace Goggins OL 62 Cash Barowsky OL

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130 KICKOFF 2023

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Cl. 10 10 11 10 12 11 10 11 11 12 10 10 10 11 10 10

vision. He’s got great ball skills out of the backfield. I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t have over 1,000 yards of all-purpose yards.”

Sprayberry will rely on a pair of first-year quarterbacks in junior Austin Almy and sophomore Jaden Duckett. Almy appears to have the edge in experience but the position is still open for competition between the two, Vavra said.

Whoever wins the job will have an experienced corps of receivers to throw to this season.

Junior Mark Manfred returns as a deep threat for the Yellow Jackets after posting 316 yards and five touchdowns last season. Junior tight end Aiden Lynch is expected to contribute, and sophomore Darai Carter is touted to be See Jackets, Page 131

Pos. No. Name 63 Isaac Edakhaye OL/DL 64 Javarious Troutman OL/DL 65 Mathew Carmona OL 66 David Giwa OL 68 Kevin Wang OL/DL 71 Rashey Garrison OL/DL 74 Ashton Wright OL 75 Osa Obarogie DL 76 Zayden Thomas OL 81 Kaiden Hardin 83 Noah Botello WR 84 Ari Tabb TE 86 Jerry Gao WR/DB 88 Naitwan Thompson 89 Aiden Lynch TE 90 Taylen Swinney TE

Cl. 12 10 10 11 10 11 10 11 11 10 11 10 11 10 11 10

SPRAYBERRY YELLOW JACKETS 2525 Sandy Plains Rd, Marietta, GA 30066 • Jim Frazier Stadium https://www.sprayberryfootball.org/ Twitter: @ShsYellowJacket

2022 RESULTS Campbell ...............................21-0.......... W Paulding County ............... 20-21............L River Ridge.........................42-45............L Kell .......................................35-40............L Blessed Trinity ....................14-27............L Alpharetta ...........................17-27............L Johns Creek ........................ 41-21.......... W Roswell.................................. 7-49............L Lassiter ............................... 63-10.......... W Pope ......................................56-0.......... W State Playoffs Gainesville........................... 21-51............L

Instagram: @sprayberryfootball

Facebook: @Sprayberry High School Football

2022 LEADERS VARSITY COACHING STAFF RUSHING Brett Vavra ........................ HC Chris Stewart ................... DC Ben McLane ......................OC Jack Marinich................... ST/WR Brendan Langley .............. DB Brent Haygood ..................OL Robbie Jenkins ..................OL Chester Ransom ..............WR Bill Bellus ............................RB Mike Davidson................... TE John Wernquist ................ LB Brad Trout ..........................DL Jesus Ventura ................... LB

FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI K Rodrigo Blankenship (2011-14), .........Georgia, Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Jerick McKinnon (2006-09), ..Georgia Southern, Kansas City Chiefs RB Trey Sermon (2013-16), ...................... Ohio State, Philadelphia Eagles DB Brynden Trawick (2004-07),.............................Troy, Baltimore Ravens DL Jabari Zuniga (2015-19), ...........................Florida, New Orleans Saints

PASSING Kemari Nix.................75/152 ...1483 yds. ....12TD ..10INT

TACKLES Patrick Jones .........113 Isaiah McGarity .....108 SACKS Darius Gailliard.......................7 Demetrius Brown ..................5 INTERCEPTIONS Mark Manfred .........................2 Roman Spink ..........................2 Zaybrion Brown .....................2

Smith will be back, but the rest of the offensive front will be sophomores and juniors competing From Page 130 for spots. a starter.

The secondary will be Senior offensive lineman Bryce expected to be the strength of

PIEDMONT CHURCH SUPPORTS KELL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

GO LONGHORNS!

RECORD 22-30

2022: 4-7 2021: 3-6 2020: 6-5 2019: 6-5 2018: 3-7

RECEIVING Mark Manfred .......19 rec. ...316 yds.......5 TD Darius Gailliard......17 rec.....274 yds. .....3 TD

Coach: Brett Vavra • 7th Season • Record: 24-38 • Career: 24-38

JACKETS

FIVE YEAR

Kemari Nix...............128 car. .1002 yds....21 TD

ALL TIME RECORD 268-408-8 REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS (3) 2008, 1982, 1978

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (0) Historical Info from Georgia High School Football Historians Association

Sprayberry’s defense. Manfred, who had two picks last year, and sophomore Jordan Edmonds are both over 6-foot and will line up at cornerback.

Junior Everett Currie is

returning at linebacker and senior Benjamin Couey is the lone returning player on an inexperienced defensive line that graduated sack leader Darius Gailliard.

The “THRONE” Ranger

piedmontchurch.tv 570 Piedmont Road • Marietta • 770-422-2566 KICKOFF 2023 131

Special - Anthony Stalcup

Sprayberry’s Mark Manfred has quickly made a name for himself as a potential shutdown cornerback. Entering his junior season he already has a number of college offers, with many more likely on the way.

132 KICKOFF 2023

Manfred making early mark with Jackets go with his two interceptions.

That was good enough to help the Yellow Jackets secure a spot in the Class AAAAAA state playoffs.

During the offseason, he received his first offer from Pittsburgh. Other offers soon followed – North Carolina, Central Florida, Georgia Southern, Appalachian State and Coastal Carolina.

Manfred went on his first college visit to North Carolina this summer where he got a brief taste of life as a football player at the next level. He was introduced to coaches and players, toured the football facilities and competed against fellow Tar Heel prospects during camp.

Manfred left campus feeling confident, and now he has set lofty goals for his junior year.

By Adam Carrington MDJ Sports Correspondent

Receivers had a tough time beating cornerback Mark Manfred during his sophomore season at Sprayberry, which has impressed college recruiters.

As a junior, he must continue to play at a high caliber in order to help take Sprayberry to the next level.

“I’m just going to keep doing what I am doing and try to get better at what I do,” Manfred, who has played in the secondary since the first grade, said.

“The offers were overwhelming at first. I’m just working and trying to show everybody who I say I am.”

The 6-foot-1 Manfred, known for his long arms and his offman coverage, finished with 11 pass deflections last season to

For someone who claimed five straight championships as a youngster while playing for the Cobb Football League, he got used to being a winner.

“I need at least seven picks and hope to get my tackles up a lot more,” Manfred, who came away with 30 tackles last season and two tackles for loss, said.

“I want to get between 50 and 60. I’ve learned to tackle better and what kind of tackles I need to make.”

He said he is continuing to work on what he does well as a corner, but the one area he wants to improve upon last season is his press technique, as he sometimes got in trouble for playing too close. “(Manfred) can run,” Sprayberry coach Brett Vavra said.

“He’s faster than he is twitchier, but he’s gotten more

stronger and he’s really dedicated himself to the weight room.”

“He’s got the length at corner that college coaches are looking for. He’s got the athleticism but probably the most important trait that sets him apart is his competitiveness, whether it’s football or on the basketball court, the weight room or sprints. He wants to compete and he wants to win.

It’s hard to find a lot of kids who want to win at everything they do.”

Manfred will also line up at receiver, another position he has played for most of his life. He was the deep threat last year, finishing with 316 yards and five touchdowns. It included a 190-yard, two touchdown performance in the playoffs against Gainesville.

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REGION 6AAAAA

File

Quarterback Bryce Clavon is back to try to lead Kell to the top of the Region 6AAAAA standings.

Kell looks for Region 6AAAAA championship, and more

By Gunter Schroeder MDJ Sports Writer

Following a runner-up finish in their first season back in Class AAAAA in 2022, the Kell Longhorns have their sights set on seizing the top spot in Region 6AAAAA during their 2023 campaign.

Kell looks to be the favorite this upcoming season, but it looks likely to be a three-horse race at the top of the region, with defending region winners Cambridge and Greater Atlanta Christian posing the biggest threat to Kell winning their first region championship in nine seasons.

“We have a lot of returning players on offense and defense with experience,” Kell head coach Bobby May said. “Cambridge and GAC will both be tough games for us. GAC in

134 KICKOFF 2023

particular has a lot of players coming back as well.”

In May’s first season, the Longhorns enjoyed immediate success in their return to Class AAAAA, recording their first 10-win season since 2016 and their first playoff victory since 2019. Kell will return 16 starters from a year ago, with standout quarterback Bryce Clavon running the offense. On defense, Kell has a well-rounded unit led by returning players such as linebacker Justin Logan and defensive backs Marqavious Saboor and Cedric Franklin.

After making the leap from Class AAA to Class AAAAA, GAC secured their 11th straight playoff appearance under head coach Tim Hardy in 2022. The Spartans also return an abundance of talent, including the talented duo of quarterback Jack Stanton and wide receiver Xavier

PREDICTION

1. KELL 2. GAC 3. CAMBRIDGE 4. CENTENNIAL 5. CHATTAHOOCHEE 6. NORTH SPRINGS 7. NORTHVIEW Daisy, and will likely be Kell’s main competition for the region crown in 2023.

After taking home the school’s first region title in their 11-year history last season, defending region winner Cambridge will also be a tough out at the top of Region 6AAAAA. But it won’t be an easy feat, as the Bears will suffer considerable roster turnover this upcoming season in their quest to win back-to-back region championships.

The battle for the fourth and

final playoff spot in the region will likely be a close race between the remaining four teams, with Centennial seemingly the early favorite after finishing in third place a year ago. However, the program will be doing so under a new coaching staff, with former Westover coach Adam Miller taking over the Knights’ head coaching responsibilities in 2023.

Two more schools in Region 6AAAAA joined Centennial in making a head coaching change during the offseason, as Chattahoochee will hand the keys to first-time head coach Danny Carlisle and North Springs to former River Ridge head coach Robert Braucht. Both schools will be seeking their first playoff berth since 2017, along with Northview, who will seek to snap a playoff drought dating back to 2019 under third-year head coach Scott Schwarzer.

KELL LONGHORNS

Doesn’t matter; Longhorns getting better

2023 Schedule

and roster, but now we can focus on the little things instead of the big picture.”

Entering a new region with a Despite Kell winning its first new head coach, there weren’t playoff game in four seasons high expectations surrounding the and finishing runner-up in Region Kell Longhorns in 2022. But in 6AAAAA in 2022, the team looks their first year at the helm, head to have the talent and coachcoach Bobby May and his staff ing on both sides of the ball to defied expectations, leading the make an even further run this Longhorns to an extremely suc- year towards region and state cessful debut campaign. championships.

The former Westlake head Offensively, the Longhorns coach made an instant impact will likely run through quarterwith a 10-win campaign, and back Bryce Clavon and his dualexpectations will certainly be threat ability in 2023. A talented elevated after what May and his two-sport athlete in football and staff were able to do in Year 1. baseball, Clavon totaled 2,470 Overall, however, May says his total yards to go along with 27 second year at Kell will be much total touchdowns last season. easier than the first.

Running back Elijah Washington “We feel we’ve done a great and wide receiver Peyton Zachjob at taking the next step this ary also look poised for breakyear,” May said. “In Year 2, we out campaigns in 2023. Defenare comfortable. Last year, we sively, the Longhorns are as deep were just throwing things together as they come in Class AAAAA, a little bit with the coaching staff with a talented front seven led 2023 Roster

By Gunter Schroeder MDJ Sports Writer

8/16 Parkview

8/25 at Allatoona

9/1 at Pope

9/8 Sprayberry

9/22 Centennial

10/6 Northview

10/13 at Cambridge

10/20 GAC

10/26 at North Springs

11/3 at Chattahoochee

No. Name Pos. 0 Darlington Olalude DL 1 Bryce Clavon QB 1 Cedric Franklin DB 2 Justin Logan LB 3 Tyriq Green ATH 4 Peyton Zachary WR 5 Marqavious Saboor ATH WR 6 Derian Thomas 7 Kyle Vaka WR 8 Kemari Nix ATH 9 Elijah Washington ATH LB 10 Michael Domanik 11 Justin Mitchell ATH 13 Jaden George WR 14 Jonathan Baker QB QB 16 Landon Garretson 17 Landon Mayes WR 18 Brayden Rouse WR 19 Trenton Wanjogu ATH 20 James Ludgood

Cl. 12 12 12 12 10 10 12 12 12 12 12 10 12 11 10 10 11 10 11 9

No. Name 21 Zayd Rogan 22 Simeon Royes 23 Ricardo Jackson 24 Cooper Kanuch 25 Ben Wagner 27 Petyon Newcomb 28 Luke Paxton 29 Landon Duncan 30 Samad Edwards 31 RJ Moore 32 Nick Kraus 33 JaMarcus Green 34 Andrew Turner 35 Kamari Smith 36 Hayden Bretti 38 JJ Vaughn 39 Omar Studemaker 40 Isiah Edmonds 41 Preston McParland 42 Rashad Jones

Pos. DB DB ATH DB DB LB LB DB RB TE DB DB DB RB DB RB WR DB DL WR

Cl. 11 12 12 10 12 12 12 10 12 11 10 12 10 10 10 9 9 10 12 10

Pos. No. Name 44 Davis Squbbs DL 45 Jojo Hall DL 47 Quincy Gholston LB 48 Jaylyn Turner DL 49 Noah Gonzales LB 50 Darian Edmond DL 51 Bryce Robinson DL 52 Keenan Thompson OL 53 Brodey Bedwell OL 54 AJ Montana DL 55 KhaSani Courmarbatch OL 56 Rocky Ruredzo OL 56 Kayo De Morais LB 57 David Torres OL 58 Vaylin Collier OL/DL 59 Casey McDougal OL 60 Jared Miller OL 60 Darius Simms 62 Kayden Jacobo OL OL/DL 64 Vincent Concolino

Cl. 9 11 12 10 9 10 10 10 10 9 11 11 9 11 12 10 11 9 10 10

by standout linebacker Justin Logan and a top-tier secondary headlined by Marqavious Saboor, Cedric Franklin and Tyriq Green.

May is excited about the talent and depth the Longhorns have, but has made sure to emphasize a working mindset during this offseason.

“It’s about DMGB for us, ‘doesn’t matter, get better,’” May said. It’s about us and what we do, not about what anyone else does.”

With a strong roster from top to bottom, Kell looks primed to make a run at its first region title since 2014, and possibly even a first state championship in the program’s 21-year history. But it looks to be a tough region, with both Greater Atlanta Christian and last year’s region winner in Cambridge. Both are expected to field strong teams that will challenge the Longhorns for the title.

See Horns, Page 136

No. Name 65 Gabe Pimiento 66 Jerry Cade 69 Rocky Ruredzo 70 Harold Gyasi 72 David Ornelas 73 Jose Valles 77 Gavin Doherty 80 Fernando Tavares 81 Colin Mitchell 83 Malcolm Yancey 84 Donte Jackson 85 Jarrett Wilson 86 Brock Burrus 87 Luke Pelzel 88 Emmanuel Ulifan 88 Martin Yancey 90 Kenneth Ambrose 92 AJ Germain 94 Stephon Bottoms 99 Tyshawn Natt

Pos. DL OL OL OL OL OL OL K K WR WR P WR WR WR WR DL DL DL DL

Cl. 10 10 10 11 10 9 12 10 12 10 10 12 9 9 12 10 10 10 10 10

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KICKOFF 2023 135

KELL LONGHORNS 4770 Lee Waters Rd, Marietta, Ga 30066 • Cobb EMC/Corky Kell Stadium https://www.kellfootball.com/ Twitter: @Kell_Football

2022 RESULTS Cherokee Bluff ..................38-23.......... W Allatoona ...............................21-9.......... W Pope .................................... 56-14.......... W Sprayberry..........................40-35.......... W Centennial ............................26-9.......... W Northview ..............................47-7.......... W Cambridge .........................24-42............L Greater Atlanta Christian... 28-19.......... W North Springs ......................42-0.......... W Chattahoochee...................35-14.......... W State Playoffs Lithia Springs .....................38-22.......... W Calhoun ................................ 7-34............L

Instagram: @kell_football

2022 LEADERS VARSITY COACHING STAFF RUSHING Robert May ........................ HC Chaz Ferdinand .......AHC/DB Chris Pack ..........................OL Jonathan Dwyer ................RB Dan Sanso ......................... DC Codi Vick ..................... ST/DB Nico Sawtelle .....................DL Decorian Swain ................ QB Stephon Brown .. Co-OC/WR Anthony Guerra................. LB Travis Booker ................. Asst.

Brian Golson ...................... LB Jasper Grimes ...................DL Brendan Tyner ...................OL

FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI LB Bryson Armstrong (2012-15), ........................................Kennesaw State RB Jonathan Dwyer (2003-06), ......... Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh Steelers DB Taylor Henkle (2010-13),................................................Kennesaw State WR Brendan Langley (2009-12), ...........................Lamar, Denver Broncos DB Quincy Mauger (2009-12), ..............................Georgia, BC Lions (CFL) DB Brian Randolph (2007-10), .................. Tennessee, Los Angeles Rams

From Page 135

In addition, Kell will play a strong non-region schedule, headlined by a season-opening showdown in the Corky Kell Classic against

PASSING Bryce Clavon .........117/169 ..1845 yds ....15TD ...5INT RECEIVING Peyton Zachary.....34 rec. ..502 yds .....4 TD Davion Hampton .26 rec. ..405 yds .....3 TD TACKLES Josh Barker ............80 Nelson Woghiren...60 SACKS Joshua Barker .......15 INTERCEPTIONS Marqavious Saboor..............1 Justin Mitchell.........................1 Elijah Washington .................1

Class AAAAAAA powerhouse Parkview.

“We’re in a region with six other teams, but we’re looking at Cambridge and GAC as our two toughest opponents in the region this year,” May said.

“GAC, in particular, has a lot

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FIVE YEAR

Bryce Clavon .........71 car. ....625 yds. ....12 TD

Coach: Bobby May • 2nd Season • Record: 10-2 • Career: 37-12

HORNS

Facebook: @KellLonghornsFootball

RECORD 40-17

2022: 10-2 2021: 6-5 2020: 6-4 2019: 9-3 2018: 9-3

ALL TIME RECORD 160-72 REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS (4) 2014, 2013, 2012, 2010

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (0) Historical Info from Georgia High School Football Historians Association

of their team coming back this season.”

Although Kell will likely be picked as a favorite in the region and possibly labeled as a state championship contender in Class AAAAA, May said the most important thing is his team keeps working hard

and blocking out the outside noise surrounding the program.

“We try not to talk about (expectations),” May said. “Summer is the time to focus on us.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter until we show up and play.”

Special - Anthony Stalcup

Cedric Franklin can play all five positions in the defensive backfield and is a key member of the Kell secondary.

Franklin is primary in Longhorns’ secondary

By Gunter Schroeder MDJ Sports Writer

After a breakout junior season, Kell cornerback Cedric Franklin is set to leave a stamp on the Longhorns’ program with a big senior campaign.

Franklin was a central contributor for a Longhorns team that went 10-2 and reached the second round of the Class AAAAA playoffs a year ago. Franklin, who had 39 tackles, seven pass deflections and two fumble recoveries, was part of a talented defensive back room that also returns key players in Marqavious Saboor, Kemari Smith and Tyriq Green.

Standing at 6-foot-1, 185-pounds, Franklin has both the size and intangibles to match up with any pass-catcher he faces.

Having played snaps all over the secondary for the Longhorns last season, Kell coach Bobby May highlighted Franklin’s versatility as a big advantage to his game

at defensive back.

“Cedric played a lot of snaps for us last season and was capable at multiple positions,” May said.

“He can play all five defensive back positions and he’s a really smart player as well. I think his versatility in the secondary is something that’s really gonna help us.”

Although Franklin will be playing most of his snaps at cornerback this season, he still credits the technique and footwork he works on each practice as critical to his success on the field no matter what position he lines up at.

“Obviously, every receiver you line up in front of, you’re not always going to be faster or bigger than, but your technique is gonna beat them every time,” Franklin said. “As a DB, I’d say my footwork definitely helps me.

At the end of the day, you can be long and fast, but if your footwork isn’t great, you’re gonna get beat off the line.”

As a senior, Franklin has grown into a leader on the back end for the defense this upcoming season. With the Kell team growing from 70 players last season to nearly 100 at the start of this summer, Franklin’s biggest desire as a leader is to help the next generation of Kell football players become better players and leaders.

“I’ll be able to give talks from experience,” Franklin said. “For example, maybe someone catches a deep ball on you, but you have to be able to come back on the next play. At the end of the day, it’s my job to make sure us as DBs stay together. Coach May always preaches being BIA, ‘Best in America,’ so my job is to hold us to that standard.”

After playing lots of meaningful snaps throughout last season, May has been impressed so far with the growth Franklin has displayed as a leader from his junior year to his senior year.

“One thing he has grown in is his maturity. I think a mix of experience and maturity is what’s really gonna help us,” May said. “The most important thing in leadership to me is to lead by example, and a lot of it is helping the young kids and holding them and yourself accountable. I think he’s done a good job at accountability and showing up and working these last couple months.”

Since the team started practices for the upcoming season, Franklin and the rest of Kell’s team has adopted an all-in mindset based on a mantra from May called DMGB, “Don’t Matter, Get Better”. Franklin says the work ethic displayed by both the coaches and players so far this offseason has also created a close bond in the locker room.

“Coach May is the type of coach where he’s always going to do his best on your behalf. If we know you’re gonna do your best, See Franklin, Page 153 KICKOFF 2023 137

REGION 6AA

File

A rebuilt North Cobb Christian will try to move to the top of Region 6AA.

NCC, MPC set to challenge South Atlanta for title

By Jordan Howard MDJ Sports Writer

After strong showings in their first season following a Class AA bump, North Cobb Christian and Mount Paran Christian are ready to contend for the region title with three-time defending champion South Atlanta.

North Cobb Christian coach Matt Jones said the biggest advantage entering Year 2 will be the familiarity in preparation. He said while teams will not stay exactly the same, his team has a firm idea of what to, and what not to, attack based on last season.

Jones’ team had a great debut in their new region, finishing 5-1 in region play, with their only loss by the hands of South Atlanta.

He said his team feels more prepared in practices as well after familiarizing themselves with the new team’s tactics last season.

Mount Paran Christian coach Matt Ely said the logistical preparation is a huge advantage for him and his staff this season.

138 KICKOFF 2023

Last season his team was traveling to all-new stadiums and areas, adding additional preparation for his staff.

“Year 2, especially when you have such a drastic change… from an all private region, it won’t be easier with the gameplanning and Xs and Os but going to those new stadiums, going to those new places that we’ve never traveled to before, definitely makes the logistics easier,” Ely said.

Mount Paran Christian finished third in the region last year with a 4-2 record, and Ely said how his team starts the season will define their success in the latter half.

“I preach to our guys all the time about approaching (the season) from a day to day, rep by rep standpoint,” Ely said. “You have to take care of making sure you can get as good as you can get from your non-region schedule. And then in September and October, you have to win enough region games to where the region games and beyond

PREDICTION

1. SOUTH ATLANTA 2. NO. COBB CHRISTIAN 3. MOUNT PARAN CHR. 4. THERRELL 5. WASHINGTON 6. KIPP ATLANTA 7. BEST ACADEMY in November make a difference.

We have to put ourselves in a position where the games we play in November matter.”

Four of the seven teams will earn a playoff spot in the region, and Jones believes the region will be even more competitive in the second year. Jones said both his team and South Atlanta lost a lot of seniors, and he expects Therrell and Washington to take a step up after returning most of their players.

Walker, who is technically a part of Region 6AA, will compete in a non-region schedule for the second straight year. The Wolverines have been hindered by a lack of depth, after finishing

last season with less than 20 players on their roster.

However, first year head coach T.J. Anderson is ready to put his stamp on the program, and he has already increased the roster to 34 players heading into the 2023 season.

Right now, Anderson said his team is focused on building the roster and getting in the weight room so that they can prepare for a return to region play in the future.

“I’ve competed at a very high level at every level of football, whether it was coaching or playing. And I definitely want to put Walker on the map, and put a product in the field that this community and the city of Marietta can be proud of,” Anderson said.

Other teams in the region include Atlanta Public Schools programs Therrell, Washington, BEST Academy and KIPP Atlanta. Washington won the tie-breaker against Therrell for the final playoff spot from the region. The four teams won a combined 10 games in 2022.

MOUNT PARAN CHRISTIAN EAGLES

Eagles look for return to deep playoff runs

2023 Schedule

By Nigel Whittington

touchdown. He contributed on the defensive side of the ball as well, having 23 total tackles and After a year with a new coach two interceptions. in a new region, Mount Paran “With our roster, being a (Class) Christian’s football team is ready AA school, the size we are as a for a deep playoff push – some- private school, a lot of those same thing that isn’t new considering its kids are going to be those same decade of playoff appearances. difference makers on defense,” The Eagles offense will be Ely said. led by a new face in quarterHank Stevens will be a key back Andrew Overton. The ris- difference maker for the Eagles. ing junior will be taking over the The senior plays wide receiver role as the starting quarterback and free safety. On offense he after last year’s starter Ryan had 22 receptions for 184 yards Strickland transferred to Hiram. but defense is where he shined, “He’s just a kid who shows up, totaling 44 tackles and leading works hard, does everything you the team with four interceptions. ask, and is really grasping that “Hank’s a phenomenal overQB1 type role,” coach Matt Ely all athlete all across the board.” said.

Ely said. “Hank’s going to be our With both of the Eagles lead- Swiss Army knife, and we’re going ing receivers either transferring to try and use him to take away or graduating, Micah Mumford any team’s best player.” will be poised for a breakout Carson Harmon played a large season. As a junior, he had 13 role on defense last season. receptions for 151 yards and a The rising senior led the team 2023 Roster MDJ Sports Writer

8/18 Midtown

8/25 Mount Pisgah

9/1 at Mount Vernon

9/15 at KIPP Atlanta

9/29 BEST Academy

10/6 at South Atlanta

10/13 at Social Circle

10/20 N.C. Christian

10/27 Therrell

11/2 at Washington

No. Name 1 Rhett Bonner 2 George Childs 3 Hank Stevens 4 Davis Cauley 5 VJ Ray 6 Gavin Steele 7 Jacob Brackman 8 Colby Shoch 9 Kaleb Trowell 10 Sam Westbrook 11 Carson Wilbur

Pos. WR/DB K WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB LB/K WR/LB WR/LB WR/DB WR/DB

Cl. 10 12 12 10 11 9 12 11 9 11 11

No. Name 13 Cameron O’Conner 15 Nevan Oswald 16 Andrew Overton 18 Wheeler Green 19 Andrew Fitzpatrick 21 Christopher Cochran 22 KJ Benefield 23 Christian Holmes 28 Carson Harmon 29 Easton George 30 Reed Stallings

Pos. WR/DB WR/DB QB RB/LB K RB/LB WR/DB RB/LB WR/LB RB/LB RB/LB

Cl. 10 12 11 11 9 9 9 9 12 9 11

No. Name 33 Jack Hollis 40 Jack Farrell 44 Mason Raymer 45 Micah Mumford 46 Austin Smith 50 Finn Crowley 51 Nathan Misati 52 Wyatt Smith 53 Terrence Waithera 54 Brandon Rosado 55 Brent Perren

Pos. RB/LB RB/DL RB/DL WR/DB K RB/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB

Cl. 10 12 11 12 10 11 9 12 11 11 12

in tackles (56) and sacks (four) and will look to be a team leader.

The 2022-23 season was the first season with Matt Ely as head coach and the first season moving from Region 7A Private to Region 6AA. After spending six seasons as the team’s defensive coordinator, Ely made the transition to head coach last season and led his team to a 4-6 record and third place in the region.

“The first year was unique from the standpoint of, I had gone from years of being a defensive coordinator where my sole focus was the defense and taking that same approach but trying to expand it out to now the whole team.”

Ely said.

While it was a transition in Year 1, Ely said he’s improved in focusing on other aspects than just the defense.

See Eagles, Page 140

No. Name 58 Webb Scarbrough 60 JJ Hankins 61 Michael Warren 70 Carter Levstek 75 Luke O’Kelley 77 Taylor Stephens 78 Zach Swanson 80 CooperThompson 88 Bennett Schwab

Pos. OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DL TE/LB

Cl. 9 10 9 9 10 12 12 9 10

Over 50 years of Care and Compassion

GOOD LUCK

Over 50 years of Care and Compassion Good Luck Mount Paran!

ALLATOONA!

Wishing all the teams a great season!

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www.bhesterdmd.com KICKOFF 2023 139

MT. PARAN CHRISTIAN EAGLES 1275 Stanley Rd NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152 • Catherine Steele Sewell Stadium https://mpcathletics.com/team/football/ Twitter: @MPCAthletics

2022 RESULTS Mount Pisgah Christian ..... 7-42............L

Instagram: @mpcfootball

2022 LEADERS VARSITY COACHING STAFF RUSHING

FIVE YEAR

Mount Vernon....................45-49............L Matt Ely .............................. HC Nick Germain.........144 car. .1301 yds. ....17 TD KIPP Atlanta Collegiate ......41-0.......... W B.E.S.T. Academy ................ 38-8.......... W South Atlanta ....................... 7-44............L Social Circle ....................... 14-28............L North Cobb Christian .........0-36............L Therrell.................................33-13.......... W Washington ......................... 14-12.......... W State Playoffs Eagle’s Landing Christian ..22-52............L

Connie Arnold ............... AHC Daniel Hazard ................... DC Tyron Kirkland ............Co-OC Jimmy Pullia ................Co-OC Chris Harmon ...................OL Blake Jones .......................OL Jon Lewis............................DL Gistand Minor ....................RB Ahmad Broadnax ............. QB CJ Cody ............................. DB Tyler Jones ......................... ST

FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI OL Brady Scott (2013-16), ..........................................................Florida State DL Allen Cater (2012-15), ....................................................... North Carolina RB Taylor Trammell (2012-15), ................................Seattle Mariners (MLB) QB Niko Vangarelli (2016-19),.........................................................Princeton DB Dorian Walker (2011-14), ................................................Kennesaw State

PASSING Ryan Strickland .....90/183 ..1041 yds. ....4 TD...7 INT

TACKLES Carson Harmon ....56 Andrew Martin ......52 Jackson Stephens .. 52 SACKS Carson Harmon ....4

ALL TIME RECORD 105-61

INTERCEPTIONS Hank Stevens ........4

REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS (2)

this is the first time I have felt totally plugged into our offense.”

Ely said.

From Page 139 Ely said he’s impressed “It was funny, we had a coaches with his players and how each meeting last week and for the first grade level has something to time in my 15 years of coaching, offer.

5 YEARS!

L” ESCHOO ’23 “BEST PR ‘20,‘21,‘22,

RS” TEAC’23HE “BEST ‘20, ‘21,‘22,

” NG ARTS RFORMI “BEST PE ‘20,‘21,‘22, ’23

UDIO” NCE ST “BEST DA ‘22, ’23

mtparanschool.com/experience

25-27

2022: 4-6 2021: 6-5 2020: 1-7 2019: 7-5 2018: 7-4

RECEIVING Lincoln Broadnax .18 rec. ...280 yds. ....2 TD Kobe Lewis .............20 rec. ..207 yds......0 TD

2017, 2014

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (1) 2014

Coach: Matt Ely • 2nd Season • Record: 4-6 • Career: 4-6

EAGLES

RECORD

Historical Info from Georgia High School Football Historians Association

“We’ve got great leadership out of our senior class.”

Ely said. “Our junior class is solid, and our freshman and sophomore class is going to be a good bunch over these next few years. Our freshmen

and sophomores have a fivestar work ethic.”

Armed with many two-way playmakers, Ely is looking to lead the Eagles to an 11th-straight playoff appearance in Year 2 as the head coach.

” RUCTION SIC INST “BEST MU ‘22, ’23

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140 KICKOFF 2023

E “ BEST ‘2T0,‘2

Special - Anthony Stalcup

Wyatt Smith is the third brother from his family to play for Mount Paran Christian, and like his older siblings, he will play on both sides of the line of scrimmage during his senior season.

Smith continues on family tradition of Eagles

By Nigel Whittington MDJ Sports Writer

For Wyatt Smith, his older brothers are his greatest teachers – and his biggest rivals.

Wyatt’s oldest brother, Carter, was a part of the 2014 Mount Paran Christian football team that accomplished what no other Cobb County school had done in 47 years to that point: it brought home a state championship title.

Will Smith, the middle child of the three, played for the Eagles on both the offensive line and defensive line from 2017 to 2020.

The added pressure of continuing the legacy for the Smith family is something that Wyatt says he’s using as fuel going into the 2023 season.

“Having two older brothers who used to play here definitely puts a lot of pressure on me,” Smith said. “But I work harder to deal with that pressure.”

Eagles’ coach Matt Ely spoke about the changes mentally and physically he’s seen in the rising senior going into the upcoming season.

“Wyatt’s a kid that, at the end of last season, was 220-pounds

and something clicked and he said ‘I want to play college football,’” Ely said. “I put it bluntly and told him he was going to need to be around 275-pounds going into his senior year.”

Adding over 50 pounds of weight during the offseason is not an easy feat for anyone, but at 6-foot-3, it becomes a truly difficult task.

Yet over the course of a few months, a determined Wyatt kept returning bigger and stronger.

“Sure enough, I see him one time in January, he’s about 240 pounds, then he’s 250 pounds

the next time I see him,” Ely said.

“Now he’s like 265-pounds so when he’s motivated he puts in the work.”

The added weight goes along with the added roles Smith will be undertaking this year. The senior will be playing offensive guard in addition to the defensive tackle position he played last season where he finished with 37 tackles including six tackles for loss.

“I’ve played offensive line in the past.” Smith said. “I think it’ll be really fun because I get to pull, run and hit people. Hitting See Smith, Page 153

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NORTH COBB CHRISTIAN EAGLES

Eagles set forth with big youth movement

2023 Schedule

By John James MDJ Sports Writer 8/18 Chr. Heritage

8/25 at Ridgeland

9/1 at Wesleyan

9/8 Boyd Buchanan

9/15 at Therrell

9/22 Washington

10/6 KIPP Atlanta

10/13 South Atlanta

10/20 at Mount Paran

10/27 BEST Academy

No. Name 2 Alexander Nelson 3 Brody Archie 5 Will Mosely 6 Jaden Rivera 7 Coker Ormsby 8 Turner Davis 10 Will Hewitt 11 DJ Huggins 12 Teddy Jarrard 13 Dylan Rainey 14 Kayson Fernandez 15 Austin Tamborra 17 Thmas Hale 19 Collin Barfield

Pos. RB/LB WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB QB WR/DB QB/LB QB/LB RB/LB WR/DB

Cl. 12 9 12 12 10 11 12 9 9 9 9 9 11 10

North Cobb Christian is searching for an identity.

That might be a strange statement for a team that went 10-2 and lost in the second round of the state playoffs in 2022. But after losing more than a dozen seniors in the offseason, coach Matt Jones is trying to piece together the best possible combination of the Eagles’ roster heading into 2023.

Jones estimated that the team could start as many as 15 underclassmen next season, describing the players as young and talented, if a bit inexperienced.

“It’s exciting to coach a team like that — that is very young and eager to learn,” Jones said.

“Practice every day is awesome because the kids are hungry and want to get better and want to win and want to learn. They No. Name 20 Island Duffy 21 Michai Rowe 22 JD Aufderheide 23 Carson Bruce 24 Denim Stevens 25 Spears Martin 27 Hudson Freeman 28 Cooper Bazarsky 30 Jake Orton 31 Brady Brister 33 Trey Dewalt 34 Christan Duffy 35 JT Herr 41 Raymond Dixon

Pos. WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB WR/LB RB/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB WR/LB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB RB/DL

really want to build off last year’s success.”

Perhaps no position better illustrates that inexperience than quarterback. Jones said the starting position would fall to either Austin Tamborra or Teddy Jarrard, a pair of freshmen signal-callers.

Whoever lands the job will be protected by a similarly inexperienced offensive line — which Jones called “a continual work in progress,” over the offseason.

Jones said the team could start up to five sophomores on the line, many of whom played on the junior varsity squad in 2022.

To make up for that inexperience, Jones said that he and his coaching staff stressed the fundamentals of football to his players.

“I’m very much about the fundamentals of playing the game and just trying to be great at the fundamentals and all that,” Jones said. “We spend a lot of

2023 Roster Cl. 11 9 9 9 10 11 10 10 9 10 12 11 10 11

No. Name 43 Jaden Batista 44 Max Byrom 45 Derrick Blackwell 47 Sam Brink 50 Beedjy Guerrier 51 Andy Reed 52 Lee Brown 53 Noah Brashear 54 Alex Byrom 55 Mills Morris 56 Connor Feltauht 58 Jaden Lee 59 Will Sever 62 Kaiden King

Good Luck North Cobb Christian School!

No. Name 65 Mike Patterson 68 Alex Miller 70 Ryder Siniard 74 Jackson Elbert 76 Nick Jackson 78 Jack Bitner 81 Nico Prince 83 Parker Luke 85 Gram Bullock 87 DJ Turnure 88 Oakland Padgett

Pos. OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB

Cl. 10 10 10 10 11 9 9 9 9 12 9

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142 KICKOFF 2023

Cl. 10 10 10 10 11 10 9 11 11 12 10 12 9 10

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Pos. WR/LB RB/LB WR/DB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL

time teaching fundamentals on both sides of the ball — trying to teach our kids how to play the game of football.”

Whereas the offense will be laden with newcomers, the defense will be filled with familiar faces. Jones said the Eagles’ defense would be returning three starters on both the defensive line and in the secondary.

Jones described North Cobb Christian’s defense as the strength of the team, especially in light of the youthful nature of the offense.

The defense’s weakness could be found at its heart. Jones expressed uncertainty around the team’s linebacker rotation, something that could prove problematic if not addressed.

“For three linebacker spots, we’ve got six kids that are all pretty decent,” Jones said. “All six of them are good players, See Eagles, Page 143

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NORTH COBB CHRISTIAN EAGLES 4500 Eagle Dr, Kennesaw, GA 30144 • Jacob Dennis Field https://www.ncchristian.org/athletics/team-schedules/team-details/~athletics-team-id/140 Twitter: @NCCEaglesFb

2022 RESULTS Christian Heritage.............. 21-14.......... W Ridgeland ............................. 20-7.......... W Wesleyan ............................. 19-15.......... W Copper Basin .......................50-6.......... W Therrell................................ 40-13.......... W Washington .......................... 34-6.......... W KIPP Atlanta Collegiate .....34-0.......... W South Atlanta .................... 12-30............L Mount Paran Christian .......36-0.......... W B.E.S.T. Academy .................21-2.......... W State Playoffs Columbia ...............................14-6.......... W Rockmart ............................ 10-63............L

Instagram: @nccfootball

2022 LEADERS VARSITY COACHING STAFF RUSHING Matt Jones................................HC PJ Hughes ................Asst Coach Gary Varner..............Asst Coach Bill Parker..................Asst Coach Raymond Priester ..Asst Coach Hunter Poole ...........Asst Coach Mack Baul.................Asst Coach Armani Martin .........Asst Coach Edgar Mercado ......Asst Coach Zack Shelton ...........Asst Coach Jack Knapp ..............Asst Coach

FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI LB Jacob Cruz (2019-22), .........................................................Georgia Tech OL Gabe Fortson (2019-22), ....................................................Georgia Tech

FIVE YEAR

Jadin Coates..........87 car. ...714 yds. ......6 TD PASSING Matty Go ..................58/102 ..988 yds. ....12TD ...3INT RECEIVING Jacob Cruz .............24 rec. ..481 yds.......6 TD Jadin Coates..........20 rec. ..379 yds ......2 TD TACKLES Jacob Cruz .............90 Will Mosely..............64 Blake Konchak ......56 SACKS Sam Ayegunle.......6.5 Raymond Dixon ....5

RECORD 39-19

2022: 10-2 2021: 3-8 2020: 8-3 2019: 8-4 2018: 10-2

ALL TIME RECORD 61-95

INTERCEPTIONS Sam Ayegunle.......3 Jacob Cruz .............2 Jaden Rivera ..........2

REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS (1)

Coach: Matt Jones • 3rd Season • Record: 13-10 • Career: 14-29

Historical Info from Georgia High School Football Historians Association

EAGLES

around North Cobb Christian heading into 2023. Jones said he emphasized the importance From Page 142 of a ‘ceiling’ to his players — the we just don’t quite know who’s concept of doing one’s very best going to rise above the others at every occasion, striving to fulfill their full potential. at this point.”

Jones hadn’t seen a lot of Uncertainty is a defining theme

2018

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (0)

these players in action, and he’d never seen them work together as a unit on Friday night. Because of that, Jones said he wasn’t quite sure what this team’s ceiling is.

“We want to reach the ceiling, but I really have no idea what

that ceiling is,” Jones said. “We obviously want to win every game we play. That’s the goal, right? I talk to the kids about being 1-0 every week — not worrying about the past week or the week after that, but focusing on the week you’re in.”

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Special - Anthony Stalcup

Will Moseley, Alex Nelson and Jaden Rivera have played together since middle school, and now they are the anchors of the North Cobb Christian defense.

Longtime trio poised to step up for Eagles’ defense

By John James MDJ Sports Writer

North Cobb Christian lost more than a dozen seniors during the offseason, departing a team that went 10-2 and lost in the second round of the state playoffs.

The team will enter the 2023 season without last year’s leading tackler, last year’s leading pass rusher and a variety of other key pieces in the defense. With all of those losses compiled, it would be reasonable for the Eagles to undergo some form of regression.

Alex Nelson, Will Moseley and Jaden Rivera — a trio of rising seniors on the team — said the team hasn’t even considered the possibility of taking a step back.

“Winning,” Nelson said of the team’s mindset for the upcoming year. “Just straight winning games.”

Nelson, Rivera and Moseley have played together since the eighth grade. Rivera and Moseley share space in the secondary, while Nelson’s role as linebacker

144 KICKOFF 2023

keeps him a bit closer to the line of scrimmage.

Matt Jones arrived at North Cobb Christian three seasons ago, taking over as the football team’s head coach. In their time together, Jones has seen the trio develop not only as football players, but also as people.

“They’ve all grown through maturity,” Jones said. “Knowing where you fit and what your role is — understanding that it’s not about you. It’s about the team and being able to do whatever it takes for us to win.”

Both Rivera and Nelson identified Moseley as the leader of the defense. Moseley is coming off back-to-back seasons with at least 50 tackles. Nelson described Moseley as softspoken, though he noted that when the safety was flying to the football, that soft-spoken nature was nowhere to be found.

For his part, Moseley said that his role was one of reliability. By maintaining a consistent level of

performance, and a consistent demeanor alongside it, he helped keep the rest of the defense operating in rhythm. “(Leadership is) knowing what everyone’s doing on defense, and making sure they know what they’re doing,” Mosely said.

“Being the guy that everyone else can come to (for help).”

Jones said that Moseley led by example last season, speaking with his body language and his actions instead of his words.

Nelson, on the other hand, was a bit more evocative, according to Jones. Rivera landed somewhere in the middle of that spectrum.

The cornerback said that his biggest development hasn’t been athleticism, or technique, or anything that could be measured on the field. Rivera said that his biggest strides have been growing closer to his teammates, and improving his performance as a result of those improved relationships. “(I’ve improved at) just being

able to trust my teammates,” Rivera said. “I used to think it was just a ‘me’ thing, but I’ve got them right beside me, always making sure we’re doing the right thing and doing a good job.”

Those relationships will be put to the test during this season.

All three players stressed their desire to win as much as possible during their final year with the team. Moseley voiced his goal of securing another region championship, and Rivera specified that he’d like to make it past the second round of the state playoffs this year.

For Nelson, though, success this season is less of a tangible objective.

“I want to make this the best year I can for me and my teammates,” Nelson said. “I want to win, of course, but I’ve been here all my life and I want to leave this place better than I found it. I want these younger guys to carry this program, carry the boat and keep moving forward.”

Five Cobb teams set for Corky Kell-Dave Hunter Classic

By John Bednarowski sportseditor@mdjonline.com

After playing in the first game of the Georgia high school football schedule in 2022, Kell is going to have to wait a little longer to take the field in 2023 — about three more hours to be exact.

The Longhorns will play the second game of the season when they host Parkview on Wednesday, Aug. 16 in the 32nd annual Corky Kell-Dave Hunter Classic. Kell will be one of five Cobb County teams participating in the season-opening event.

Kell, which shares the same namesake with the event — the longtime Cobb County coach and athletic administrator — has played in every Classic since 2010, but this will be the first time it has been chosen as a host for a two-game slate. Before the Longhorns kick off at 7:30 p.m., North Atlanta and Johns Creek will face off at 4:30 p.m.

For the second straight season, Kennesaw Mountain will

Corky Kell-Dave Huter Classic Schedule

Wednesday, Aug. 16 Friday, Aug. 18 at Kell at Barron Stadium, Rome 4:30 p.m. — North Atlanta vs. 2 p.m. — Fellowship Christian Johns Creek vs. Mount Pisgah Christian 7:30 p.m. — Kell vs. Parkview 5 p.m. — Kennesaw Mountain vs. Creekside Thursday, Aug. 17 8 p.m. — Cass vs. Rome at West Forsyth 4:30 p.m. — Archer vs. North Saturday, Aug. 19 Forsyth at Mercedes-Benz Stadium 7:30 p.m. — West Forsyth vs. 10 a.m. — Norcross vs.

Cherokee Bluff Marietta 1 p.m. — Brookwood vs.

McEachern 4 p.m. — North Gwinnett vs.

Mill Creek 7 p.m. — Walton vs. Grayson play in the Classic’s three-game schedule at Barron Stadium in Rome. The Mustangs, who beat Cass 26-25 there last season, will face 2022 Class AAAAA state quarterfinalist Creekside at 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 18.

The three remaining Cobb teams — Marietta, McEachern and Walton — will be highlighted in the four-game schedule on

Saturday, Aug. 19 at MercedesBenz Stadium.

It will be a battle of Blue Devils when Marietta takes on Norcross in the morning game, which is set for a 10 a.m. kickoff. Both teams made the second round of the Class AAAAAAA playoffs this past season.

McEachern will play in the second game of the day when

it faces Brookwood at 1 p.m.

The Indians and the Broncos are the founding programs of the Corky Kell Classic and have played in it every year since it began in 1992.

This will be the sixth time McEachern and Brookwood have met as part of the Classic, with the Indians having won all five previous meetings.

Walton, which advanced to the Class AAAAAAA state quarterfinals this past season, will play in the final game of the night when it faces fellow state quarterfinalist Grayson at 7 p.m.

It will only be the second meeting between the Raiders and Rams. The other was at the Georgia Dome, when they met for the 2010 Class AAAAA state championship game. Grayson won 24-0.

The other game at MercedesBenz on Saturday will be North Gwinnett and Mill Creek at 4 p.m.

The Corky Kell Classic will also include a pair of games at West Forsyth on Thursday, Aug. 17.

Friday Night Lights are back!

SCHEDULE + ROSTER | ncchristian.org/football KICKOFF 2023 145

WALKER WOLVERINES Anderson ready to rebuild Wolverines

2023 Schedule

By Jordan Howard MDJ Sports Writer 8/18 Cross Keys

8/25 Riverside Military

9/1 at Harvester Chr.

9/8 at BEST Academy

9/22 at Skipstone

9/29 King’s Academy

10/6 Utopian Acad.

10/20 at Cherokee Chr.

10/27 Lanier Christian

11/3 at Pinecrest Acad.

No. Name 2 Elijah Dennis 3 Gavin Johnson 4 Mike Milligan 5 Cole McKee 7 Jackson Ramon 8 Jackson NeSmith 9 Lucas Cardona 10 Nick Evangelista 11 Grant Addison

Pos. RB/DB WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB RB/LB QB/DB WR/DB

Cl. 9 12 12 11 9 12 10 10

Walker is entering its second season in non-region play but TJ Anderson hopes it’s the last.

The Wolverines’ new coach is optimistic about a return to region play after seeing the roster increase by 10 entering this season.

Anderson said he convinced some players who had previously left the team to return this year.

He even picked up some kids who were playing pick-up games around campus, proposing the idea to come try football.

He said the goal with his program is to establish a culture of brotherhood and to give his team a meaning.

His recruiting paid off and Walker will start the season with 34 players after ending last season with less than 20.

Anderson, the team’s fifth head No. Name 14 Gavin Rosen 17 Aidan Charles 21 Landyn Good 22 Lyndon Davidson 23 Aaron Foster 24 Strummer Bailey 25 Vicente Fortes 27 Ty Evangelista 28 Robbie King

Pos. WR/DB QB WR/DB RB/DB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB

coach since 2020, served as the offensive coordinator for two years before accepting the head coaching job. But he is excited about the opportunity to put his own stamp on this program, and he was actively recruiting kids to join the football team during the offseason.

Anderson said his first task is to find the right mindset, believing that his roster has a lot of talent but is hindered by their depth.

“We need to get behind the mindset that we can’t, that we don’t measure up to schools.

So that’s kind of the message,” Anderson said. “And hopefully, we can build upon that, as we get back to the Georgia High School Association.”

The culture that Anderson hopes to build is already taking form as he said his team is averaging 25 participants at their offseason workouts — the team had 24 players on their roster at the

2023 Roster Cl. 9 12 9 9 9 9 9 10 10

No. Name 30 Davis Sharp 32 Luca Goodrum 33 Alex Tobano 34 Mattias Simon 35 KJ Johnson 45 Max Perrin 51 Quinn Keskonis 52 Gabe Herlong 54 Brandon Tarbeart

Pos. WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB TE/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL

Cl. 12 9 9 9 10 12 12 12

beginning of the 2022 season.

Anderson credits this increase to his senior class, a group of eight kids who kept the football program afloat.

“This senior group is going to be what kept football alive here at Walker,” Anderson said. “They stuck with it, with all the backlash that they hear from people in the community saying Walker football is no good and with people that leave and to go play elsewhere.

They stayed here and stayed committed to the program.”

One of the seniors who will be leading the Wolverines offense this season is quarterback Aidan Charles. Anderson has been impressed with the work Charles has put in this offseason, and the quarterback also helped Anderson build his coaching staff. “(Charles) has really grown in his growth and just knowledge of the game. He’s been working See Wolverines, Page 147

No. Name 55 Dawson Davis 56 Amir Edwards 57 Max Zolfo 58 Parker Van Etten 77 Haskell Murray 81 Owen Lambert 88 Ronan Flaherty

Pos. OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE/LB WR/DB

Cl. 9 9 10 9 9 9

On and off the field, we are One Walker. thewalkerschool.org | @twsathletics

146 KICKOFF 2023

W A L K E R W O LV E R I N E S 700 Cobb Pkwy N, Marietta, GA 30062 • Robertson Field https://www.thewalkerschool.org/team-detail?Team=195260 Twitter: @TWS_Football

2022 RESULTS St. Mary’s Academy .......... 28-12.......... W Lake Oconee Academy ... 18-36............L Strong Rock Christian ........ 6-43............L South Atlanta .......................... 0-1............L King’s Ridge Christian...... 18-48............L Skipstone Academy ......... 12-39............L King’s Academy ..................6-42............L Cherokee Christian ............8-45............L Lanier Christian ..................... 0-2............L Pinecrest Academy ..........22-26............L

Instagram: @footballtws

2022 LEADERS VARSITY COACHING STAFF RUSHING T.J. Anderson .................... HC Jalen Whitlow ............OC/QB Derrick Clay ............... DC/ LB Josh Lammert ...... ST/ LB/ TE Darryl Overton ............ OL/DL Tavarres Dennis .........RB/DB

FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI RB Evan Kasian (2009-12), ....................................... Birmingham Southern OL Hunter Nourzad (2014-17), ..................................................... Penn State DL Nick Schulz (2003-06), ........................................................ Wake Forest DL Mike Ramsay (2009-12), ................................................................... Duke

FIVE YEAR

RECORD

Grant Addison .........14 car. .....184 yds........3 TD Steph Morrison .......19 car......112 yds.........2 TD

PASSING Aiden Charles..........62/118 ....866 yds. .....7 TD ....7 INT RECEIVING Grant Addison .........27 rec. ...500 yds. .....5 TD TACKLES Lucas Cardona........109 Tae Washington......94 SACKS Lucas Cardona........2.5 INTERCEPTIONS Lucas Cardona........1

8-42

2022: 1-9 2021: 1-9 2020: 1-9 2019: 4-6 2018: 1-9

ALL TIME RECORD 74-139 REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS (1) 2012

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (0)

Coach: T.J. Anderson • 1st Season • Record: 0-0 • Career: 0-0

Historical Info from Georgia High School Football Historians Association

WOLVERINES back at the University of Ken- nightly Zoom meetings as the group, Anderson believes his From Page 146

with a quarterback coach, who I ended up hiring as my offensive coordinator,” Anderson said.

This new offensive coordinator,

Jalen Whitlow, played quarter-

Whitlow leads the team in

With the leadership of this senior

tucky for three years before finishing his career with Eastern Illinois.

Anderson said Whitlow has been a great addition to his staff, and he embodies what it means to be a players coach.

Wolverines gear up to start the new season.

Along with Charles, seniors Gavin Johnson, Gabriel Herlong and Michael Milligan are expected to make a big impact on both sides of the ball.

team can be competitive in their schedule.

He hopes to use this year as a building block to establishing a Walker football program that can compete in Region 6AA and beyond.

KICKOFF 2023 147

Special - Anthony Stalcup

Grant Addison is a standout athlete for Walker in football, baseball and basketball.

He hopes to lead the Wolverines to a winning season in 2023.

Addison can, and will, do anything for Wolverines

By Jordan Howard MDJ Sports Writer

Grant Addison is only entering his sophomore year at Walker, yet he has already established himself as one of the best athletes on all three of his teams – football, basketball and baseball.

During his freshman season, Addison led his team in rushing and receiving yards. With this kind of production, he plays almost every position on the field, depending on the need at the time. He has been lined up at linebacker, cornerback, safety, quarterback, wide receiver, running back, kicker and punter.

In order to handle the workload, Addison said he makes sure to not let the bad plays get to him as he knows he will be out on the field at other positions soon,

148 KICKOFF 2023

ready to make another play.

His individual goals are very simple for this season – score more touchdowns, gain more yards and have more tackles.

As for his team, Addison is confident the Wolverines will take a step up from last season.

“I want to break .500. Last year we weren’t able to, we fell short,” he said. “This year I’m hoping for a lot more success with all of the new people we have picked up.”

Addison said he appreciates the camaraderie that football provides. He said his favorite season is the fall with football. He focuses mainly on football and baseball, but he said he has no intention of dropping basketball.

“After this year I might consider (dropping basketball). My dad wants me to drop one, but I do

not have an interest (in doing that),” Addison said.

With all three sports, Addison said staying active in different sports throughout the year has helped his performance on Friday nights.

“The athletic impact that I get from both of the other sports helps me to perform better in every sport I play. In football specifically, it helps me with my cuts, my agility and my quickness,” Addison said.

Like many athletes, he has a pregame ritual, though he heads to enemy territory for it.

“I go to the other team’s end zone and I lay down and relax with headphones in for a minute,” Addison said.

He said he has never received any backlash, and he plans on continuing with it this season.

Coach T.J. Anderson, while impressed with his commitment to three different sports, said one of the most impressive aspects of Addison is his 3.9 GPA, claiming he is the epitome of a student-athlete.

He also praised Addison’s maturity at his age, saying that he is everything a coach wants out of a young player.

“He’s just really mature beyond his years. He does everything the right way. You know, you don’t have to get on to him too much,” Anderson said. “You can tell him something one time. He’s got it. You know, he’s smart. He’s really smart in that aspect.”

Addison said while he is too young to have started his college search, he has aspirations to play at the Division I level in any of the three sports.

REGION 6A

File

Harrison Rowe and the Whitefield Academy defense will try to slow down St. Francis and Mount Pisgah enough to claim the Region 6A title.

Whitefield Academy set for climb to top of Region 6A

By Jordan Howard MDJ Sports Writer

Whitefield Academy is once again looking to climb to the top of Region 6A – this time with new head coach Robert Walsh.

With a strong group of 14 seniors, Walsh said he has the group to climb the mountain and raise the region banner for the Wolfpack for the first time since 2008.

“The leadership that they’ve shown this offseason has been unbelievable,” Walsh said. “I think (the seniors) want to accept that challenge of winning the region championship and hanging 2023 in that gym behind that 2008.”

However, this feat will not go uncontested as Mount Pisgah and St. Francis proved to be more than respectable foes last year, finishing a combined 14-6.

They finished first and second,

respectively, in the region, and each team advanced to at least the state quarterfinals.

Whitefield got out of the gates early, posting a 5-1 mark through Week 6. However, they finished the season losing three of their last four, only winning one region game in a 59-41 shootout against Mount Vernon.

Wa l s h h a s e m p h a s i z e d the importance of closing out the season well, noting that the games in the latter half of the season are far more important.

“I’m trying to get them to understand, listen, it’s not what we do at the beginning of the season, we’re going to be remembered for what we do in the region games,” Walsh said.

On this note, Walsh is implementing a four-person running back room made up of senior Bo Thompson, juniors Bryson Logan and Bryce Duck, and sophomore Mason Hollingsworth.

PREDICTION

1. ST. FRANCIS 2. MOUNT PISGAH 3. WHITEFIELD 4. MOUNT VERNON This group does not have a defined starter, as Walsh plans on splitting time in order to keep everyone fresh for the entirety of the season.

Although Whitefield lost some key seniors last year in 3-star recruits Caleb LaValle, Ayden Duncanson and Ian Geffrard, Walsh said he has a strong, committed group that is ready to take on the challenge.

“I bet probably 12 or 13 out of the 14 seniors have made 90% of the workouts, if not more,” Walsh said. “Most of the guys have made 100%. So their commitment to this team and to what they want to accomplish this

season has been amazing for me to see.”

In a four-team region, where each team is guaranteed a playoff spot, Walsh said the biggest opponent his team faces this season is themselves.

He is approaching this season with the motto, “Beat yourself everyday,” with the hopes that if his team focuses on their own work, the rest of the pieces will fall in place.

Both Whitefield and St. Francis are entering the season with new coaches, and Mount Pisgah graduated 18 seniors last season. The region is up for grabs, and Walsh believes his team will be tested in each of the last three games of the season.

“That region championship could be on the line every single Friday night against those opponents. So I’m looking forward to the challenge and wishing luck to those guys as well,” Walsh said.

KICKOFF 2023 149

WHITEFIELD ACADEMY WOLFPACK Walsh retooling Wolfpack as runners

2023 Schedule

By Jordan Howard MDJ Sports Writer

8/18 Macon County

8/25 at Strong Rock

9/1 Providence Chr.

9/8 at Wesleyan

9/22 Rabun County

9/29 Brookstone

10/6 at Elbert County

10/20 at St. Francis

10/27 Mount Vernon

11/3 at Mount Pisgah

No. Name 0 Diego Lopez 1 Mason Hollingsworth 2 Callum Neese 3 Bryson Logan 4 Mac Wotton 5 Ian Weihe 6 Bryce Bowling 7 Jack Schuster 8 Bryce Duck 9 Jack Anderson 10 Landon Ryan 11 Parker Shim 12 Jackson Wallace 13 John Durden

Pos. Cl. K/WR/DB 12 RB/LB 10 QB/WR/DB 12 WR/DB 11 WR/DB 12 WR/DB 12 WR/DB 12 WR/DB 12 RB/DB 11 WR/DB 10 QB/DB 9 WR/DB 10 WR/DB 10 WR/DB 10

150 KICKOFF 2023

New coach Robert Walsh is wasting no time establishing his brand of football at Whitefield Academy.

Walsh said in the past, the Wolfpack have run a pass-heavy offense. In his first year at the helm, Walsh plans on establishing the run early and often with a four-headed running back room made up of senior Bo Thompson, juniors Bryson Logan and Bryce Duck and sophomore Mason Hollingsworth.

Walsh said all four backs are more than capable of running the ball, and there won’t be one true starter. They will all split time to stay fresh, and he expects this group to carry his team.

After graduating quarterback Ayden Duncanson, the Wolfpack had a hole to fill under center.

Walsh said senior Callum Neese No. Name 14 Ian Kelly 15 Wyman Shaheen 16 Harrison Brantley 17 Cole Rabalais 19 Henry Tidwell 20 Grayson Morris 21 Cole Wotton 22 Bo Thompson 23 Liam O’Halloran 24 Jake O’Connor 25 Thomas Baxter 26 Andrew Glover 27 Camden Hayslip 28 Will Boyer

Pos. WR/DB WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB K RB/LB WR/DB WR/LB WR/DB WR/DB

has stepped in during the offseason and has shown great improvement already.

Neese has not played quarterback since freshman year, but Walsh expects him to have a successful year commanding the offense.

Walsh said two more underclassmen are expected to play big roles for his team – Cole Rabalais and Parker Shim. Rabalais will be operating in the slot receiver position and Shim will play out wide. Both will also play in the secondary with their speed.

Walsh said a strong point for his offense this year will be the offensive line. Four of the five starters are seniors who have had playing time on the line in the past – Taylor Craig, Hines Harmon, Harrison Rowe and Tee Tidwell.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Wolfpack have a few holes to fill after graduating a

2023 Roster Cl. 9 12 10 10 9 9 10 12 9 9 10 12 9 11

No. Name 29 Mychal Haynie 31 Parker Bassing 32 Ben Yarbrough 35 Aaron Schuster 38 Jamison White 40 Mason Bordoni 42 Harris Clark 44 Tharpe Erler 45 Brendon Hermanson 47 Luke Linder 50 Tip Tippins 51 Tee Tidwell 52 David Tidwell 53 William Dukes

Pos. Cl. WR/DB 9 WR/LB 9 RB/DB 10 RB/LB 12 RB/DL 9 WR/DB 9 WR/DB 9 RB/DB 9 TE/DL 9 TE/DL 9 OL/DL 11 OL/DL/LB 12 OL/DL 10 OL/DL 10

trio of three-star recruits in Cobb County leading tackler Caleb LaValle, Duncanson in the secondary and Ian Geffrard on the defensive line.

Walsh said he expects his linebacker group to be the backbone of his defense. Centered around senior Wyman Shaheen, Walsh said he has five to six seniors that will be rotating through the three linebacker positions.

Scheme-wise, Walsh wants his defense to attack the ball and play as a team, leaning on the strength of his athletes.

“I’m not going to try to draw up X’s and O’s and try to out scheme people. I want our kids to play fast on Friday night,” he said. “I’m going to try to keep it simple and allow our kids to play at a fast pace and not think as much. They’re going to be a physical, run to the ball, teamoriented defense.”

See Wolfpack, Page 151

No. Name 55 Taylor Craig 57 Hines Harmon 58 Harrison Rowe 59 Case Martin 60 Edgar Velez 63 Samuel Suddath 64 Alex Keck 65 Christian Smith 66 Truman Hudson 68 Sam Blee 70 Landon Hooper 77 Joshua Ellis 88 Sumner White

Pos. Cl. OL/DL/LB 12 OL/DL 12 OL/DL 12 OL/DL 9 OL/DL 10 OL/DL 9 OL/DL 9 OL/DL 9 OL/DL 11 OL/DL 10 OL/DL 9 OL/DL 10 WR/DB 11

WHITEFIELD ACADEMY WOLFPACK 1 Whitefield Dr SE, Mableton, GA 30126 • Whitefield Stadium https://www.whitefieldacademy.com/athletics/teams/football/varsity Twitter: @WhitefieldFBall

2022 RESULTS Macon County ...................35-30.......... W Strong Rock Christian ........35-0.......... W Providence Christian .......... 35-7.......... W Wesleyan .............................. 42-7.......... W Rabun County .................... 14-28............L Brookstone........................... 24-7.......... W Elbert County.....................24-35............L St. Francis..............................0-14............L Mount Vernon.................... 59-41.......... W Mount Pisgah Christian ...24-37............L State Playoffs Social Circle ..........................7-10............L

Instagram: @whitefieldfootball

2022 LEADERS VARSITY COACHING STAFF RUSHING Robert Walsh..................HC/DC Justin Krueger .............DL/ST Kevin Bentley..................... LB Ray Orio ................ Co-OC/OL William Bell .......... Co-OC/RB Everett Pollard ................. QB Brad Hawkins ....................DL Ben Pollard.........................SC

FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI TE Kennard Backman (2007-10), ....................... UAB, Green Bay Packers DL T.J. Carter (2016-19) ................................................ Kentucky, L.A. Rams DB Ayden Duncanson (2019-22), ........................................ North Carolina DL Ian Geffrard (2019-22), .............................................................. Arkansas LB Caleb LaVallee (2019-22),................................................ North Carolina QB Trey Miller (2005-08), .......................................................................Navy

Ayden Duncanson ..67 car. ...752 yds......8 TD Merce Relaford .....76 car. ...605 yds .....3 TD PASSING Ayden Duncanson..74/139 ...1255 yds....15TD ...3INT RECEIVING Ian Weihe ................37 rec....525 yds. ....3 TD Conlon Walker ......25 rec. ..475 yds. .....5 TD TACKLES Caleb LeVallee ......177 Bo Thompson........97 SACKS Conlon Walker ......7 Caleb LaVallee ......6 Harrison Rowe ......5 INTERCEPTIONS Caleb LaVallee .......................3 Ayden Duncanson................2 Jonathan Cassady................2 Wyman Shaheen ..................2

Coach: Robert Walsh • 1st Season • Record: 0-0 • Career: 0-0

FIVE YEAR

RECORD 31-23

2022: 6-5 2021: 6-5 2020: 6-5 2019: 7-4 2018: 6-4

ALL TIME RECORD 106-119 REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS (2) 2008, 2007

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (0) Historical Info from Georgia High School Football Historians Association

with each (senior), and 6A, made up of only four teams. every single day. Your biggest WOLFPACK meetings every one of them said, ‘Coach, With this size, every team in the opponent is not going to be who

From Page 150

Walsh’s team is centered around 14 seniors who he said have taken on their leadership role effortlessly this offseason.

“I came in and did individual

we want higher standards. We want more discipline. We want you to hold us accountable.’ And that’s something as a high school coach, you love to hear,” Walsh said.

Whitefield is a part of Region

region is guaranteed a playoff spot. Knowing this, Walsh said the biggest opponent his team will have this season is themselves.

“What I’m trying to get these kids to understand is beating yourself

we play on Friday night,” Walsh said. “It’s not going to be what scheme or somebody’s doing against us. It’s going to be us getting out of our own way overcoming and doing things that we think we can’t do.”

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Wyman Shaheen has taken a leadership role on the Whitefield Academy defense and has changed positions, moving from the secondary to linebacker.

Shaheen takes over Wolfpack’s leadership role

By Jordan Howard MDJ Sports Writer

Sitting on the scorching artificial turf, Whitefield Academy linebacker Wyman Shaheen vividly recalled his first varsity tackle during his freshman year.

“I didn’t have a guy come near my gap so I just got to free release,” he said. “(The opponent) shook our long snapper and right as he shook him I was right there to wrap him up. It was just crazy and when I got up I saw the whole sideline and all the fans were going crazy.

It was just memorable to see everyone yelling my name.”

Now entering his senior season, Shaheen has established himself as a veteran leader on the Wolfpack squad. His goal is to set an example for the underclassman – an example that lasts beyond his time at Whitefield.

“I want to be a vocal leader, but also I want to be a leader

152 KICKOFF 2023

that can show out and show you how to be a leader,” Shaheen said. “I want to be a mentor to the sophomore defenders or even to the juniors, who will become seniors to make sure they know how to be leaders next year.”

His coach, Robert Walsh, drew the same conclusion about his leadership, emphasizing his commitment this summer, even when it isn’t convenient.

“He leads not only with his abilities and his work, but he leads with his voice, too,” Walsh said.

“This is a kid that’s made 90% of our workouts, but he’s also probably playing 40 to 60 baseball games (this summer).”

Shaheen said his time with baseball has been crucial in developing his mental fortitude on the football field.

“One game, you can go 0-for-4 with three strikeouts and it’s like, ‘Oh my gosh, I suck,’ but just knowing in baseball you’re going to get so many more bats. It

helps me keep my cool with my emotions on the field with football,” Shaheen said. “(In football) I have 30 seconds until the next play to make up for it.”

Shaheen, who had 63 tackles and two interceptions last season, has played in the secondary for most of his football career, but during this offseason, his coach moved him to linebacker as he saw the potential with his physical style of play.

“He embraces the physicality of football which is awesome to see. And he’s not afraid of it,” Walsh said. “He’s got that mentality, that hard nosed mentality.”

Walsh said Shaheen has put on some good weight this summer, and expects him to lead the middle of the defense during his first year at the position.

On the offensive side of the ball, Shaheen has embraced his role as lead blocker in the fullback position. He is obsessed with the physical side of the

game, and he dives head first into any opportunity to show off his physicality.

Shaheen said his individual goal this season is to lead his team in tackles, but that he could not accomplish this feat without the support of his teammates.

Ironically, he said his pregame ritual involves sitting back and listening to John Legend – a mellow tune for a guy that attacks the ball without hesitation.

“There’s something about his music,” Shaheen said. “It gives me inner peace and instead of just stressing like, ‘Oh, I’m nervous,’ (his music) helps me breathe and just relax.”

Shaheen said another goal is to lead his team to their first region championship since 2008.

“I want to win a region championship,” he said. “That’s the first thing but that’s just the beginning. We want to make it deep into the playoffs.”

KSU making the jump to FBS level, Conference USA

By John Bednarowski sportseditor@mdjonline.com

Kennesaw State is officially moving to Conference USA. Following its meeting with the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents, the Kennesaw State athletic department was charged with getting approval from the students and the community before the move could be made.

Kennesaw State completed the task, and the impending move was approved by the USG. “We met with our constituent groups and they were unanimous with their support,” Kennesaw State athletic director Milton Overton told the MDJ. The Owls will leave the ASUN Conference following the 2023-24 academic year and join Conference USA on July 1, 2024. Kennesaw State has been a member of the Cumberland-based ASUN since 2005, following its transition from the Division II level.

“Today is an important day as we formally welcome Kennesaw State University to Conference USA,” league commissioner Judy MacLeod said in a release. “The addition of this growing university

continues to build upon our strong foundation, and we are excited to partner with president (Kathy) Schwaig and KSU’s leadership team to transform our membership and strategically position the conference for long-term success.”

Overton said things were put in motion when there was significant movement by schools within the Group of Five conferences and their addition of Football Championship Subdivision schools.

Kennesaw State administrators then began doing studies for if a potential move would became available.

“We were doing our due diligence at that time last fall,”

GRIMSTEAD From Page 69

that comes with that is something he is continuing to develop.

Grimstead said the execution of being a leader is crucial as he transitions to the role of full-time starter this year.

“The transition to being a leader on offense has been pretty smooth,” Grimstead said. “To me, quarterback is mostly about just stepping up, embracing it and being that guy in the huddle and on offense. You just have to go in and do it and lead your teammates.”

Grimstead’s skills in leadership and quarterbacking will certainly be put to the test early in 2023,

SMITH

From Page 141 people is kind of the highlight.”

All three of the Smith brothers played on both the offensive and defensive line, giving Wyatt a wealth of knowledge to pull from his siblings.

Overton said.

The Conference USA Board of Directors voted unanimously in September to invite Kennesaw State to join the conference.

“It is an exciting time for Kennesaw State, and this is an opportunity to continue the upward trajectory of the athletic programs and academic mission of KSU,” Schwaig said in a release. “This step was not one taken lightly, but with thoughtful review and analysis of the benefits to elevated competition for our student-athletes, the expanded opportunities for research and academic engagement, and the advancement of a unique and exciting

as the Warriors face a tough non-region schedule against fellow Class AAAAAAA pow erhouses in Westlake, Buford and Milton.

To prepare, Grimstead has been focusing on the basics to help North Cobb chase their ultimate goals of taking home a region title and a state title.

“So far, I’ve been trying to get the little things right, since coach Queen says those little things have cost us in the past,” Grimstead said. “Hopefully by doing that, I can then build more consistency on offense with the group we have and make sure our plays and drives run more smoothly than last year. I think that’s the key to us having success and winning the region this year.”

“It’s a mixture of trying to be better than them and trying to learn from them.” Smith said.

“My freshman year and when I was in eighth grade, my oldest brother was one of my coaches.”

Even with the experience from his siblings, Smith says he understands the difficulty of playing both sides of the ball and is working

student experience at KSU. We look forward to an exciting future of competition and collaboration as a member of Conference USA.” The study included a five-year plan, which Kennesaw State administrators presented to the Board of Regents earlier this week, showing the university had the ability to make the move.

The biggest change will come within the football program.

Kennesaw State, which began playing football in 2015, has claimed three Big South Conference championships and made four FCS playoff appearances.

It will begin the transition in this recruiting cycle, going from 63 full scholarships to 85.

That will make the Owls’ football team ineligible for the ASUN championship and a potential FCS playoff bid in 2024.

With an increase in scholarships for football, the athletic department will also have to add scholarships for women’s sports to remain Title IX-compliant. Overton said scholarships will be added to the existing programs and no new sports would be added.

Overton said the athletic budget See KSU, Page 162

FRANKLIN From Page 137

we’re gonna do our best for you,” Franklin said. “We come here every practice to keep ourselves to that Best in America standard with a DMGB mindset no matter the circumstances, and we want to play our butts off every rep.”

Following high school, Franklin is set to continue his football career in the ACC, having chosen to play his college football at the University of Virginia over 27 other offers that included Power 5 schools such as Missouri,

to improve every day.

“I’m trying to focus more on using my hands now.” Smith said.

“I realized a lot of the time I was just trying to bull rush. I went to a camp at Berry and just saw how much of a big part your hands play as an offensive lineman.”

With the improvements he is making both on and off the field,

Boston College, Indiana and West Virginia. Despite his high school career coming to a close following the season, Franklin wants it to be known to the Cavaliers’ coaching staff that he plans to carry over the same approach from football at Kell to the next level.

“My coaches will be getting a player that will always give it my all and bring that DMGB mindset to get better every day no matter what,” Franklin said. “As a coach, we may not always see eye-to-eye, but at the end of the day, you’re always gonna get my all during every single rep.”

Wyatt is using the lessons he’s learned from his brothers to be the best of the three.

“It’s a lot of pressure to continue that legacy and do even better than them,” Smith said.

“But it also pushes me because one of my biggest goals is to surpass them.”

KICKOFF 2023 153

KENNESAW STATE OWLS

New coordinators, new looks for Owls

2023 Schedule

new systems. Coming off the first losing season (5-6) in program history, KSU changed coordinaThis season will be one of tran- tors, put in a new offense and sition for Kennesaw State. saw a lot of roster turnover leadThe Owls will not play an ASUN ing to a full reset. schedule because of its impend“It’s not who we play, it’s how ing move up to the Football Bowl we play,” Bohannon said. “Our Subdivision and Conference USA standard got away from us last next summer. With the team’s year. That being said, this has roster expanding from 63 to 85 been as good an offseason as players, it also isn’t eligible for we’ve had since 2017. There has the Football Championship Sub- been a lot of buy-in. We had more division playoffs. That being said, guys in the building this offseason there is still plenty to play for in than we have had in a long time.”

2023.

New offensive coordinator Chris “It has nothing to do with the Klenakis, a coaching veteran of next move,” coach Brian Bohan- more than 30 years, brings experinon said. “We have a lot to prove ence coaching the likes of Lamar to ourselves. It’s about us.”

Jackson at Louisville and Colin In some ways, the upcoming Kaepernick at Nevada. season is similar to the inauguHe has installed a new spreadral season in 2015. That year option attack from the shotgun, was about a lot of players play- which will give opponents a new ing their first season of college look they haven’t seen from KSU football, learning how to practice in the past, which now includes and figuring out how to play in utilizing a tight end.

2023 Roster

By John Bednarowski sportseditor@mdjonline.com

8/31 Tusculum

9/9 at Chattanooga

9/16 Furman

9/23 at Tenn. Tech

9/30 at Charleston So.

10/7 Tennessee State

10/28 Lincoln

11/4 at Sam Houston

11/11 Va.-Lynchburg No. Name 0 Michael Benefield 1 Gabriel Benyard 2 Preston Daniels 3 Chance Gamble 4 Jonathan Murphy 5 Blake Bohannon 6 Deontre Morris 7 Garland Benyard 8 Tykeem Wallace 9 Davis Bryson 10 DeAngelo Hardy 11 Sidney Porter 12 Isaac Foster 14 Jalen Barnum 15 Jayven Williams 16 Tyler Nelson 17 Cole McCarty 18 Nick Sawyer 19 Braden Bohannon 20 Tyler Hallum 21 Markeith Montgomery 22 Elijah Kirby

Pos. Cl. RB JR RB JR TE SR DB JR QB GS WR JR DB JR LB JR WR JR QB SO DB SR DB JR WR GS LB SR DB SO QB FR QB FR DB SO QB SO DB JR DB GS LB SR

No. Name 23 Sulaiman Bah 23 Kemari McGowan 24 Yesiah Clemons 25 Que Bllingsley 26 Kenai Grier 26 Tyriek Johnson 27 Tarez Hamilton 27 Josh Williamson 28 David Cole 28 Jerico Washington Jr. 29 Joe Williams 30 Qua Ashley 31 Isaac Paul 32 DJ Scott 33 Rob Brown 34 Andre Craig 35 Markell Redding 36 Remington Adams 37 Alexander Diggs 38 Navelle Dean 38 Dylan Hand 39 Jordan Gaines

Pos. Cl. DB JR WR SR RB SR DB FR RB FR DB JR DB FR WR FR WR FR DB FR DB SO RB SO DB FR RB FR RB SO WR FR DB FR RB SO RB SO WR FR DB JR DB FR

No. Name 39 Eli Leiatua 40 Milon Jones 41 Amir Scarver 42 Danarius Johnson 43 Jerrod Woods 44 Baron Hopson 45 CJ Donaldson 46 Mikey Kriegbaum 47 Deldrick Franklin 47 Jacob Ray 48 Javian Boykin 48 Donelius Johnson 49 Juandarion Silas 50 Terrell Saxton 51 William Johnson 51 Jaden Richeson 52 Trey Hargrove 53 AJ Miller 54 Kaleb May 55 Seaburn Hines 56 Deamtric Barnes 57 Tyler Scott

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Pos. Cl. TE SO DB SO LB FR DB SO LB JR LB JR DL FR TE FR LB FR WR FR TE GS LB SO LB SO OL GS OL SO DL JR LB FR DL FR OL FR OL JR DL SR DL SR

No. Name 58 Jahon Myers 59 Cameron Donald 60 Jaylan Jarrett 61 Darron Willis 62 Al Hogan 63 Ramontei Dardy 64 Trey Butts 65 JT Pennington 67 Matthew Gilliam 68 Trenton Jackson 70 James Dawson 71 Nate Wright 72 Ethan Newman 73 Corr’yon Watson 74 Havik Pettigrew 75 Hall O’ Neal 76 Brian Habeck 77 Connor Cummins 78 Ronnie Thomas 79 Dylan Hannon 79 Kevin Smith 80 Connor Finer

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“The guys in the tight end room are fun to watch,” Bohannon said. “Our whole offense is fun to watch, and it’s already taken huge steps.”

Back for one more season is starting quarterback Jonathan Murphy. The senior reclaimed the starting role last year when Xavier Shepherd got injured and started the back half of the season. Murphy finished the year completing 28 of 54 passes for 375 yards and a touchdown. He added another 386 yards and nine rushing touchdowns.

Murphy will be backed up by Davis Bryson, a sophomore who didn’t see any action last year, but who Bohannon said has all the tools to be special when his name is called.

The role of the running back is expected to change slightly in the new system, where the Owls will try to utilize an every-down See Owls, Page 155

Pos. Cl. DL SR DL SR DL FR OL SR OL GS DL FR OL SO OL SO OL JR OL SR OL SR OL SO OL FR OL FR OL SO OL SR OL SR K JR LS SO DL SO OL FR WR JR

No. Name 81 Bryce Hopson 82 Seth Adams 83 Jacob Ulrich 84 Gatlin Hancock 85 Rowan Darnell 86 Carson Kent 88 TJ McElmurray 89 Acha Mbanwei 90 Joshua Huiet 90 Ugonna Nwoha 91 Joshua Agbenou 92 Carlos Allen 93 Jamar Rucks 94 Jordan Miles 95 Joel Parker 96 Charles Remy 97 Adam Watkins 98 RJ Taylor 99 Pooda Walker Gene Sledge

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K E N N E S A W S TAT E O W L S 1000 Chastain Rd NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144 • Fifth Third Bank Stadium https://ksuowls.com/sports/football Twitter: @KSUOwlsFootball

2022 RESULTS Samford ...............................17-27............ L Cincinnati ........................... 10-63............ L Wofford ...............................24-22.......... W Jacksonville State .............28-35............ L North Alabama ..................40-34.......... W Central Arkansas .............. 24-51............ L Tennessee Tech ................33-30.......... W Charleston Southern ....... 30-20.......... W UT Martin............................44-27.......... W Austin Peay ......................... 14-31............ L Eastern Kentucky ..............38-45............ L

VARSITY COACHING STAFF Brian Bohannon ............... HC Chris Klenakis ................... OC Nathan Burton .................. DC Ossie Buchannon ......WR/ST Stewart Cook ..................... TE Liam Klein ...........................DL Darius Safford................... DB Tim Glanton .......................RB Chandler Burks ................ QB Greg Harris......................... LB Davern Williams ................DE Jake Lassiter ..................... GA Hampton Hammer ........... GA

FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI Travis Bell (2019-22)................................................................Chicago Bears Auzoyah Alufohai (2016-19) ................................................Houston Texans Chander Burks (2014-18) Bryson Armstrong (2017-20) Justin Sumpter (2014-18)

Instagram: @ksuowlsfootball

2022 LEADERS RUSHING Xavier Shepherd....205 car..589 yds. .....11 TD Preston Daniels ....84 car. ...423 yds......4 TD Isaac Foster ............72 car. ...420 yds. ....4 TD PASSING Xavier Shepherd ..68/137...1,130 yds.....7 TD...7 INT RECEIVING Isaac Foster ............27 rec. ..314 yds. ......2 TD Gabriel Benyard ...13 rec.....234 yds......2 TD Blake Bohannon...12 rec. ...213 yds.......1 TD TACKLES Markeith Montgomery ........60 Garland Benyard ...................53 Deontre Morris.......................51 Chance Gamble ....................49 Jalen Barnum .........................48 SACKS Garland Benyard ...................3.5 Adam Watkins ........................2.5 INTERCEPTIONS Deontre Morris.......................5 Markeith Montgomery ........5 Chance Gamble ....................3

Coach: Brian Bohannon • 9th Season • Record: 68-24 • Overall: 68-24

OWLS

From Page 154 back instead of one by committee. The question will be: who will emerge as the go-to guy?

Two of last year’s starting ball carriers have switched positions.

Preston Daniels, who was the team’s second leading rusher with 423 yards and four touchdowns, was the primary between-thetackles rusher but has moved to tight end.

Facebook: @Kennesaw State Football

Isaac Foster, who was the team’s third-leading rusher with 420 yards and four touchdowns, is arguably the most dangerous open-field playmaker the Owls have. He has moved to full time slot receiver to take full advantage of his skills. Foster was the leading receiver in 2022 with 27 catches for 314 yards and two scores.

Even without Daniels and Foster, Bohannon said the running back room is deep with returners Michael Benefield, Yesiah

RECORD 42-14

2022: 5-6 2021: 11-2 2020: 4-1 2019: 11-3 2018: 11-2

ALL TIME RECORD 68-24

Clemons, Qua Ashley and Gabriel Benyard.

KSU’s defense, under new coordinator Nathan Burton, has positions it needs to fill.

The biggest challenge is identifying who will play up front with returning starter Joel Parker and top reserve Carlos Allen.

Bohannon said he was excited when defensive back Markeith Montgomery, the program’s all-time leader in interceptions, returned for his COVID-19 season. He will team with Chance Gamble, who

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Garland Benyard and Juan Silas are back to anchor the linebackers, where other starters and rotational players need to be identified.

The specialists will be anchored by kicker Conor Cummins. The former Walton High School standout made 10 of 14 field goals, including a program record 50-yarder, and all 25 of his extra points.

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Special - Kyle Hess

Isaac Foster is back for his seventh season as a member of the Kennesaw State Owls. The graduate student is back to help the team prepare to make the jump to Conference USA next season.

Foster helps set a standard at Kennesaw State

By John Bednarowski sportseditor@mdjonline.com

Kennesaw State coach Brian Bohannon didn’t offer Isaac Foster a scholarship until the day before National Signing Day in 2017.

The scholarship was pegged to go to someone else, who bowed out of the picture at the last moment. With that being the case, Bohannon turned to the then 5-foot-10, 150-pound running back from Summerville, and he’s glad he did.

Following a redshirt season, one in which Bohannon said he nearly decided to play Foster anyway, the diminutive back quickly became a fan favorite.

In just the third game of his career, Foster fielded the second-half kickoff against Alabama State and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown. A few weeks later, he did it again against Gardner-Webb.

“My first kickoff return was my first collegiate touchdown,” Foster said. “Coming out of halftime I took it to the house. It’s still my top memory.”

It soon appeared as if he was on the way to setting every return and running back rushing mark the program had. He was named the Big South Special Teams Player of the Year,

156 KICKOFF 2023

and was forecasted to be the conference offensive player of the year the following season, but injuries slowed him down.

Two medical redshirts and a COVID season later, Foster is back for a seventh season in black and gold, and while things may not have gone exactly to plan, both he and Bohannon know everything is for a reason.

With the team preparing to move up to Conference USA next season, it can’t play for any kind of a conference championship or a playoff berth. For many players, this kind of a transition year would have signaled the end of their career, but Foster is exactly the type of player Bohannon needs to help guide the younger players toward the Football Bowl Subdivision.

“He’s still here,” Bohannon said. “Before the season, I talked with him and explained what was going on. He could have gone anywhere, but he said ‘I want to be here.’ It speaks volumes of who he is.”

Foster is a mature presence, and being in his mid 20s, he said he gets called ‘Grandpa’ nearly every day in the locker room. However, the extra miles haven’t kept him from leading the way.

“The older you get, you feel like you have to help the new

guys out,” he said. “You have to pull them up. I love helping the guys out, especially the ones in my position room.”

Bohannon said Foster is the “ultimate practice player,” a 100% effort guy who practices at full speed. He does extra reps, he’s a presence in the weight room, meetings and has a strong attention to detail.

“He represents what it is to be a Kennesaw State football player,” Bohannon said. “He has been through some tough stuff.”

He suffered a broken ankle in 2019 on a long kickoff return against Charleston Southern.

Other injuries followed – knees, ankles and just generally being banged up. It has limited him to career numbers of 1,447 yards rushing, 565 yards receiving and 14 total touchdowns, but there is something new in store for 2023.

With a change in the offense under new coordinator Chris Klenakis to a more spread attack, Foster will be playing slot receiver full time. It will allow him to play in space and take advantage of his speed, quickness and good hands. It will also allow Foster a full season to put his skills on tape as he hopes to catch the eyes of the CFL, XFL and ultimately the NFL. And he said if he is able to play at the

next level, he knows it will be at his new position.

Foster said the reason he returned for a seventh season is because he loves football, but he took full advantage of his time on campus.

Foster graduated with a degree in business management in 2021. He got a second undergraduate degree last year in marketing, and he is about to finish a certificate program in physical education. If playing at the next level doesn’t work out, he may become coach Foster faster than he even imagined.

“It’s down the road,” he said.

“But my goal is to play as long as I can.”

Foster said it’s interesting looking back and it’s hard to believe it is already 2023, yet he still feels like he has things to prove, especially to himself. He’s completely healthy entering the fall, and he wants to be the first Kennesaw State receiver to hit the 1,000-yard plateau, all while helping restore the standard.

After last year’s 5-6 record, he wants to leave the program after an undefeated season.

“That’s what makes him special,” Bohannon said. “He’s appreciative of the opportunity, and the way he does things is the way we want to do it.”

APPALACHIAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

Griffin Callaghan

The Reinhardt defense helped lead the Eagles to the conference championship in 2022, and it is back to do it again in 2023.

Eagles search for another conference trophy

By Griffin Callaghan

gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com

Reinhardt topped the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) standings last season, and it expects a similar outcome again in 2023.

Last season marked the first year of the AAC being a standalone conference, breaking away from the Mid-South Conference, containing its current six teams: Reinhardt, Bluefield, Point, Kentucky Christian, St. Andrews and Union.

The Eagles were 2022 conference champions at 5-0 (8-2 overall), ahead of top competitors Bluefield (4-1, 8-3 overall) and Point (3-2, 4-7 overall). They were seven-time MSC champions, including six straight titles from 2016-21.

The AAC also has a new addition this season as Pikeville joins the ranks. Pikeville has competed in the MSC since the 2000-01

158 KICKOFF 2023

season and was approved for membership last October.

Reinhardt was the lone AAC team to make the NAIA Football Championship Series, though it fell in a 23-22 heartbreaker to Lindsay Wilson in Round 1 of the playoff bracket.

Reinhardt has multiple key returners but must battle turnover at the quarterback position, along with a new offensive coordinator in Tyler Hennes.

The Eagles bring back bigplay threat Navarie Solomon, a senior who had 425 yards and six touchdowns last season. Solomon’s best year came in 202122 when he had 923 yards and 13 touchdowns on 19.2 yards per reception.

On defense, Reinhardt returns defensive leaders in senior defensive backs Kellen Neal (34 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and one interception in 2022) and Keyovione Whitlock (47 tackles, three interceptions),

PREDICTION

1. REINHARDT 2. BLUEFIELD 3. POINT 4. KY CHRISTIAN 5. UNION 6. ST. ANDREWS along with junior defensive lineman Jalen Cannon (40 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks).

The Eagles won every conference game by double digits, but it’s the non-conference schedule that coach James Miller is focused on.

“I think it’s going to be competitive,” Miller said. “Our outof-conference schedule is really tough. We got Faulkner, who’s always good, and then Southeastern comes up here, which is a really good football team from Florida. Then we’ve got Cumberlands and

Georgetown.”

Bluefield has been one of Reinhardt’s biggest challengers in conference play over the last few seasons with its high-octane offense. The Rams scored 50-plus points in three games last year but could only muster 21 points on the Eagles’ defense.

St. Andrews and Union are looking to rebound following a rough 2022 season where they went 0-10 and 1-10 overall, respectively. Kentucky Christian showed promise with a 2-3 conference record but won just a single non-conference game.

Point heads into 2023 with momentum after winning four of its final six games last season.

The Skyhawks begin their schedule with a challenging opponent in Bethel, but with second-year coach Trevor Zeiders’ system fully in place, they hope to move up in the standings.

REINHARDT EAGLES

Eagles expect to run new-look offense

2023 Schedule

Billy Hall in 2022. This year, the Eagles have three options, with the starter not expected to be There’s a lot new for Reinhardt named until closer to Week 1. football this year.

Reinhardt’s quarterback battle With new offensive coordinator is down to a trio of sophomores Tyler Hennes, on the sidelines in Taylor Jackson, Stephen Craig and new faces at the quarterback and Ethan Rice. and running back positions, the Jackson, a transfer from BreEagles head into the 2023 sea- vard, and Craig, a former Loveson with plenty of intrigue. joy High School standout, have However, coach James Miller a leg up in the starting race, is confident in his team’s poten- according to Miller. Jackson tial after a productive summer is coming off a knee injury he session. suffered last fall. At Brevard in “We’ve had anywhere from 35 2021-22, Jackson threw for 376 to 60 guys here over the summer, yards and six touchdowns in six which is the best turnout we’ve appearances. had in a long time,” Miller said. “(Jackson) knows the sys“Our kids that are on campus tem really well, and he knows have been working really hard. what we are doing,” Miller said.

I feel like they are in the best “He’s pretty good, vocally. We shape of their lives.” just have to clean some stuff up.

It’s the second straight sea- Then, there’s (Stephen) Craig, son Reinhardt faces turnover at who comes from Lovejoy. (He the quarterback position, after has a) very strong arm and very Hunter Arters took the reins from accurate. Ethan Rice brings a 2023 Roster

By Griffin Callaghan

gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com

8/31 Faulkner

9/9 Southeastern

9/16 at Cumberlands

9/23 Georgetown

10/7 Pikeville

10/14 at St. Andrews

10/21 at Point

10/28 Union

11/4 at KY Christian

11/11 Bluefield

No. Name 2 Markell Sutton 3 Louis Morris 4 Zaryon Stubbs 5 Herve Aktolsoe 6 David Friedberg 7 Jalen Cannon 8 Navarie Solomon 10 Tyress McKey 11 Javarsia Meadows 12 Gage Stephens 13 Keyovione Whitlock 14 Jakari Clark 15 Taylor Jackson 16 Ethan Rice 17 Stephen Craig 18 Chris Harris 19 Tyshun Jordan 20 Keon McGhee 21 Kellen Neal 22 Kamari Pough 23 Jeremiah Rowe 24 Bryghton Peters

Pos. Cl. DB SR. WR SR. DL SR. DL FR. WR JR. DL JR. WR SR. RB SO. WR SR. WR SO. DB SR. WR SO. QB SO. QB SO. QB SO. DB SO. WR FR. DB FR. DB SR. DB FR. DB JR. DB SO.

No. Name 25 Kendrick Hawkins 26 David Wingfield 27 DJ Brown 28 Cameron Brooks 29 Namari Jenkins 29 Charles McGhee 30 Harlem Diamond 30 Jakorrian Paulk 31 Christopher Barnes 32 Marcus Richardson 33 Peyton Williams 34 Jayden Ponder 35 Jerdavian Colbert 38 Kenon Dicks 40 Orlando Gandy Jr. 42 Mandrel Lewis 44 Sirmarcus Burney 46 Jared Whitmore 48 Devon Sullens 52 Brayden Nance 56 Quintavious Kendrick 58 Justin Pinkney

Pos. Cl. LB JR. DL SR. DB FR. DB SR. DB FR. WR SO. RB FR. TE SO. RB FR. DB FR. RB FR. RB FR. RB SO. DB SO. LB JR. DL SO. RB SO. RB SR. RB JR. LB SO. DL SO. OL SO.

No. Name 59 Kaece Supples 60 Charles Workman 61 Darrien Doster 62 Ben Hollars 63 Dermon Richard 64 Trey Harding 65 Micah Moten 70 Lorenzo Robinson 71 Codey Bennett 74 Zac Lyle 76 Sam Stout 77 Aaron Inman 78 Cole Edge 79 Marquez Washington 81 Ryan Blank 81 Cedric Cullars 84 Colby Harrison 85 Clayton Holland 86 Bryant Do 87 Jake Wallace 88 Kish Wright 90 Nathaniel Sanford

Pos. Cl. LB SO. DL JR. DL SO. OL JR. OL SO. OL SO. OL JR. OL SR. LS FR. OL SO. OL JR. OL SO. OL SO. OL JR. TE SO. WR JR. P SO. TE JR. WR JR. TE JR. WR SO. DL SO.

No. Name 91 Vertez Shorter 92 Reid Schratwieser 93 Malachi Moten 95 Nick Hackett 96 Calvin Issac 99 Rashad Wonnum Mari Armstrong Julius Beavers RJ Bellflower Brandon Boatwright Braxton Blakey Trashaun Burnett Tyler Cheatwood Eddren Chester Nyreon Cooper Austin Davis Jack Duncan Caleb Ezeudu JD Galligan Jordan Ghant Jacarian Grier Josh Hale

run element to the table. It’s a hard decision, but they have to buy into whatever we decide.”

Reinhardt’s newest OC, Hennes, joins the staff after two seasons as the offensive coordinator at Ottawa University in Kansas, where he also served as the quarterbacks coach. Hennes’ 2022 offense finished ranked 53rd in the NAIA in yards per game (328.5).

Despite the loss of top rusher Devyn Collins, one of Reinhardt’s most explosive offensive players returns in Tyress McKey. The 5-foot-9, 175-pound sophomore registered 401 rushing yards and four touchdowns, with another 200 yards of damage on returns.

Another expected difference maker for the Eagles in 2023 is sophomore running back Jerdavian Colbert, who saw limited playing time last season. He See Eagles, Page 160

Pos. Cl. DL JR. K JR. DL JR. DL JR. DL JR. DL SR. LB DL OL DB LB RB WR WR DB TE LS OL DB RB LB DB

No. Name Caleb Hamilton Cassius Hann Alex Hardy Jaquan Hart Braylon Jones Kace Kinnamon Luke Layson Jamir Maxime Ian McGill Miller Meeks Bailey Mohler Dahmonei Mosely Tristan Mullins Trent New Jarvis Parks Jace Pressley Brandon Rangel Ilyas Rashid Josiah Smith Conney Tolley Darryl Turpin Gavin Van Dyck

Pos. Cl. DL DB K DL DB QB WR DB RB DL TE DB LB RB DB DB DB DB QB QB DL LB

KICKOFF 2023 159

REINHARDT EAGLES 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska, GA 30183 • Ken White Field https://reinhardteagles.com/sports/fball/index Twitter: @ReinhardtFb

2022 RESULTS Faulkner..............................34-27.......... W Bethel .....................................8-16............L Cumberland ..........................PPD Point .....................................24-14.......... W St. Andrews ..........................35-9.......... W Kentucky Christian ............47-21.......... W Bluefield ............................. 45-21.......... W St. Andrews .........................43-14.......... W Point .................................... 48-21.......... W Union.....................................40-0.......... W NAIA FCS Playoffs

James Miller ...................... HC Tyler Hennes..................... OC Greg Blue .......................... DC Willie McCloud ..................RB Forrest Jackson........... ST/LB Cliff Matthews ...................DL Mike Peeples .................... DB Larry Prather ............ DL/DFO Randy Owens ..............TE/OL Weston Gillespie ...............SC

FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI

From Page 159

finished his freshman season with 200 yards and one touchdown.

“Colbert’s as good a ball carrier as we’ve had around here in a little while,” Miller said. “He can

160 KICKOFF 2023

FIVE YEAR

RECORD

Devyn Collins.........192 yds. 1017 yds. ....17 TDS PASSING Hunter Arters...........122/209 .1807 yds. ...18 TD.7 INT RECEIVING Navarie Solomon .21 rec. ...425 yds......6 TD TACKLES Kenneth Lowery ....................66 Keyovione Whitlock .............47 SACKS Kenneth Lowery ....................8.5 Jon Perry ..................................5

44-12

2022: 8-2 2021: 9-3 2020: 9-1 2019: 9-3 2018: 9-3

INTERCEPTIONS Keyovione Whitlock .............3 Tylan Oglesby ........................2

Coach: James Miller • 7th Season • Record: 57-13

EAGLES

Facebook: @Reinhardt University Football

2022 LEADERS VARSITY COACHING STAFF RUSHING

Lindsey Wilson ..................22-23............L

Tre Coney (2016-19) Billy Hall (2018-21)

Instagram: @reinhardtfootball

make something out of nothing, and McKey is the same way. Both those guys can catch the ball out of the backfield, and they both can make guys miss in the open field. They are well-rounded running backs.”

Reinhardt also returns senior receiver Navarie Solomon (2,188 career yards, 28

ALL TIME RECORD 91-24

touchdowns), who’s been a bigplay threat throughout his college career.

Week 1 against Faulkner is circled on Reinhardt’s schedule, and not only because it’s the first game of the season.

Reinhardt took last season’s meeting 34-27 in the season opener and won a close 14-6

battle two years ago. It’s an early test for the new-look lineup, but Miller is confident.

“I think we have what it takes from the facility, the administration and the kind of player we get here that I think we can win the whole thing,” Miller said. “That’s my goal, and that’s our goal as a team.”

Special - Anthony Stalcup

Markell Sutton has waited for his moment, and now it’s here. The senior defensive back is expected to be a starter for the first time when Reinhardt takes the field this season.

Patient Sutton earns his chance in senior season

By Griffin Callaghan

gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com

Markell Sutton has waited his turn leading up to the 2023 season, where he is expected to command a starting role and bring his physical style of defense to the Eagles’ secondary.

Sutton, a defensive back, has spent his entire college career at Reinhardt, something rather uncommon in the age of the transfer portal and NIL. Now, as a senior, his patience has paid off.

“I just have to capitalize on it and make sure I’m still on my ones and twos,” Sutton said. “I have to continue to keep working. I’m just trying to be a better version of myself.”

Sutton saw the field in seven games last season, picking up 10 tackles and one interception with an 18-yard return.

The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Sutton started playing football at five

years old and went on to Columbia High School in Decatur, GA. He led Columbia to a secondplace finish in Region 5AAAAA and a state playoff appearance as a senior in 2019.

Sutton played receiver at Columbia but switched to defensive back once he got to Reinhardt. With three years in the Eagles’ system already, Sutton is ready to show how much better the patience has made him.

“Markell is a guy that’s put in his time,” Reinhardt coach James Miller said. “He’s probably the opposite of what you see in college football now. He hasn’t played much for two years. He played a lot of special teams, but he’s just kept getting better every single year. He puts so much into it and never misses a day. He’s just a phenomenal kid who works his tail off.”

Sutton was at every one of Reinhardt’s summer workouts ahead of his first season as a

full-time starter. He hit the weight room hard, which shows after he put on nearly 10 pounds of muscle since his freshman year.

“He has grown mentally and physically as a football player ever since he’s been here,” Miller said. “I am super proud of him. I told somebody the other day that if I needed somebody to watch my kids, I would have no problem saying Markell could come watch them. He’s a guy you can put trust into. He is going to put the team first.”

Sutton joins a Reinhardt secondary that allowed just 16.6 points per game last season and 288.9 yards per outing.

The Eagles pitched a shutout against Union in 2022 and held Bethel’s high-powered offense to only 16 points.

The Reinhardt defense is well established, led by senior Kellen Neal (34 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and one interception in 2022) and junior Jalen Cannon (40 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss

and 2.5 sacks), among others.

Sutton said the team’s chemistry and brotherhood will be the key to its success in 2023.

“We can be as good as we want to be,” Sutton said. “It’s up to us. (The coaches) are going to put us in the right situations, and then it’s up to us. At the end of the day, we are the ones playing. It’s our brotherhood and our teamwork. Everybody stays together here.”

Sutton said the best part of his game is how physically imposing he can be in the secondary, punishing ball carriers and forcing drops. As he steps into the spotlight, Miller is excited to see his senior showcase his improvement and his physicality.

“He is a Reinhardt guy, through and through,” Miller said. “He’s battled through the mental side of it, not having it go your way all the time. Instead of quitting and finding something else, he has continued to just battle.”

KICKOFF 2023 161

KSU

From Page 153

Special - Greg Spell

Coach Brian Bohannon will lead Kennesaw State into Conference USA beginning with the 2024 season.

to make the move to Conference USA will increase from $25 million to $31 million, which will focus on salaries, travel and equipment.

While not giving specific numbers, Overton said those funds would be made up by a significant increase in funds from media rights from the new conference affiliation.

One of the biggest challenges for Kennesaw State’s move will come with facilities.

A $25 million capital campaign is being launched to raise money for a 49,000-square-foot football operations building, which would be located adjacent to Fifth Third Bank Stadium. It is expected to include training facilities, a weight room and coaches offices. In addition, the funds would also go to complete improvements on the university’s current b a s e b a l l f a c i l i t y, S t i l l w e l l Stadium.

The size of Fifth Third Bank Stadium will also need to be addressed.

The stadium currently has 8,300 physical seats and the capacity for 10,000 fans. Overton said 1,500 seats will be added in the north end zone next season. There will also be field-level club seats, and as attendance improves, more seats will be added to existing areas of the stadium to reach the 15,000-seat threshold FBS stadiums must meet by 2024.

Getting Fifth Third Bank Stadium to 15,000 seats is one challenge, but getting people to sit in the seats is another.

To help that cause, Overton said the sales department has increased its staff by two, and the marketing department is putting an increased focus on making the stadium experience fan-friendly.

New initiatives will be put in place directed at increasing student attendance, including putting the student tailgate area within the footprint of the stadium, and group ticket sales.

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