1998 The Dragon Yearbook

Travalyer Watlcins Amanda Watson

Jeff Watson Rodney Wells

Jessica Wesson Brenton Whatley Matt Wheat Michael Wheeler Lee Wigley Misty Wilbanks Maranda Willcins Raymond Williams

Tiffany Williams Ryan Wilson Benjamin Woodall Heather Wright

BIG Freshmen Joseph Cole thinks he is "Big." Yet, Cole did not have to go through the same experience as Tom Hanks.

Kristi Yarbrough Brandon Young

Comica Wade Michelle Wallace Lisa Warren Latisha Watlcins

Freshmen

Pepperell People

Heidi Layman , Sarah Roger s, Kevin Highfield , Tracy Sis so m

John Davis, Sidney Ford Lauren Allen

Lindsey Abrams, Amber Lansdell , Amber Morris , Whitney Jones , Nikki Powell, Stephanie Pearson

Lui s Rivera Trey Tyler

SENIORS

Right: Sophomore Lee Mitchell grips the bat tightly to make a strong hit. Mitchell followed closely behind Shiflett with a .414 batting

fJunior Bratcher strides his way to third. Shiflett prepares for the Rockmart ball. Pate, who had 12 runs this season, tries for another.

Bubba Owens

Denver Pate

Joey Shiflett

MAJOR LEAGUE

By Amanda Ferguson

The 1997 baseball team finished the season with a 9-10 record.

"I never could have had such a great season without all of my teamates' encouragement," senior Joey Shiflett said.

Teamwork was the key that made Pepperell a winning team With good pitchers and good batters, every game was intense Shiflett helped the team by scoring a total of 24 runs.

"I owe all my success to my dad because of his knowledge towards baseball," sophomore lee Mitchell said.

Pitching is a major role in baseball Senior Denver Pate ended the season with 27 strikeouts and only 16 walks. Senior Johnny Ray Wheat pitched two winning games striking out 13 batters

"I was proud because I had done my best, and all the practicing had paid off," Wheat said.

This year's team had two grand slams. Mitchell hit a grand slam out of Chattooga's 325-foot field . Pepperell won that game. Senior Bubba Owens hit a grand slam out of Rockmart's field, scoring the only four runs Pepperell had that game.

"It felt like I had just achieved one of my greatest goals in my high school career in sports," Owens said. "I knew then that my teammates , coaches, and fans believed in me ."

The Rome News Tribune chose Shiflett as the all area player of the ear. Pate and Mitchell received honorable mention.

"This season I was successful in the goals that I set for myself," junior Seth Murdock said.

Senior Bubba Owens makes a quick throw to first base for an out. Owens played strong defense from second base and short stop.

The 1997 Pepperell Baseball team. Front row: Kevin Boatner, Matthew Middleton, Bubba Owens, Josh Adams, Wayne Groves, Matt James, Johnny Wheat, Adam Stroupe, and Greg Camp. Back row: Coach Shiflett, Denver Pate, lee Mitchell, Stuart Bratcher, Brian Huck aby, Joey Shiflett, Greg Hunnicutt, Seth Murdock, and Coach Alcorn.

A FIELD OF DREAMS

By LaSaunda Forrister

The softball team started its season off on August 4th with tryouts. With a new coach, tryouts were difficult but opened opportunities for different people with the chance to start over.

"Having a new coach has given each member and team a new start," junior Brandi Littlejohn said. "Everything from years past has been forgotten. Now it's time to prove we can do it."

Coach Mindy Leftwich was not the only addition to the team. Coach Brian Henderson came on as the team's assistant coach. He helped out Coach Leftwich during her first days and continued to help her and the team throughout the season.

The ladies had a successful season. They played their first games in the Strike Zone tournament at Alto Park. From there they turned around and played in the Cartersville tournament the next weekend.

"I have faith in our team," Junior Candace Millican said. "I think if we give it 100 percent, we can go all the way."

Outfielder Heather Hill takes her turn at the plate. Hill was the only freshman on the varsity team.

You must also have the skill; it is not only in the mind. The team started the season trying to hit it out of the park, but then realized the fence was too far away. They had to go back to basi's and study level swinging. Eventually, everyone got the hang of it, and it all came back natural.

"I think hitting is my strong point in softball," unior Addie Tucker said. "When I get my head into the game I can hit pretty well."

"Softball is a sport that requires a lot of brains, skill, and dedication," Erin Crawford said. "It has taught me how to cope with everyday situations and it has given me the self-confidence that I have today."

Their season came to an end during an upset during region tournament. Pepperell lost to Cartersville in the first round of region games, which placed them up against Rockmart in the second round. Pepperell went into the second half of the game losing twelve to three, but came back to tie it. The home team advantage paid off for Rockmart when they scored one run in the last inning to win the game and put Pepperell out for the season.

JV Team Top : Coach Leftwich, Tiffany Conelly, Kim Ball, Molly Nichols, Melody Green, Amy Brooks, Natilie Bowman Bottom : Courtney Guest, Kara Thacker, Rebecca Alford, Tish Watkins, Tonya Ashley, Doi-rin Maybry, and Brittany Harrison.

Varsity Team Top: Brandi Littlejohn, Erin Crawford, Kandace Edwards, Kristy Green, Elizabeth Kizziah, Meredith Casey, Coach Letfwich Bottom: Heather Hill, Candace Millican, Addie Tucker, Carabeth Battles, LaSaunda Forrister, and Melissa Johnson.

First baseman and junior Candace Millican gets on her toes to prepare for the ball.

SENIORS

Outfielder and junior Addie Tucker hits in the number four spot against Rome. Brandi Littjohn waits on third base. Junior Carabeth Battles throws the ball for an out.

Kandace Edwards

Melissa Johnston

SENIORS

Senior Jason Payton goes low to return the ball over the net. Junior Sarah Durrett reached for the ball. Sophomore Jefferey Sutton anxiously awaitts the serve during a tennis match.

Mary Kathryn Kuss

Jason Payton

Genna Grimes

Junior Elisabeth Kizziah waited agressivly at the net for the balls return

IT TAKES TWO

By Leon Bowers

The 1997 boys tennis team began their season with a winning start against Villa Rica. The boys showed Villa Rica how to work together. David Cook and Brandon Shelly were confident that they would bring a win to their team. Their confidence paid off because the team beat Villa Rica 5-0. As the season continued , the team practiced to make sure they would be at their absolute best.

"God is my biggest inspiration because of all that he has done for me," junior Cook said.

The team worked together to be sure that the victory would be in their hands. The boys finished their season with a 9-3 record.

The 1997 g irl s tennis team a lso had a good season finishing with an overall record of 10-2. The team participated in a region tournament. There they received second place and earned a berth at the state playoffs. This was the first year in history at Pepperell that any tennis team has made it to the playoffs. They suffered a hard loss but played defensivly.

"The team put forth a lot of effort this year and because of that we competed in state," junior Elizabeth Kizziah said

With the addition of Ulrike Knurren , an exchange studen t from Germany, the team had another country s upporting them. There were many underclassmen on the girls tennis team, so Pepperell has many girls returning for the next season.

Junior Carabeth Battles carefully returns the ball. Sophomore Ron Stokes serves the ball over the net.

"I was very proud of their accomplishment as a team," Coach Gillespie said. "Current and past players worked hard to elevate PHS to this level."

Boys Tennis Team Back: David Cook, Ace Amerson, Zack Battles, Brandon Shelly Middle: Philip Martin, Philip Eaker, Derrick Sartin, Ron Stokes Front: Jefferey Sutton, Michaellucus, Michael Davis, and Brooks Mathis.

Girls Tennis Team Back: Coach Gillespie, Ulrike Knurren, Sarah Durrett, Lanee Puckett, Tiffany Burnham Middle: Carabeth Battles, Rebekah Hannay, Jordan Dailey, Elizabeth Kizziah, Genna Grimes Front: Pam Franks, Mary Kathryn Kuss, Shannah Brannon, and Beth Brannon.

TIN CUP

By Amanda Ferguson

Above: " I owe all my success to Shane Peveto," junior Chad Culbreth said. "Without him I wouldn't know how to play the sport of golf."

Right: Junior Rob Williams hits the ball forcefully to reach the green. He used power and strength to make a good swing.

Golf Team Top: Dean Nelson, Rob Williams, Walter Studdard, Jonathon Kilgo, Will Pinson, Matt Kerce Bottom : John Peterson, Clay Middleton, Michael Folsom, Chad Culbreth, Charlie Crider, B.J. Starling, and Coach Jones.

Junior Dean Nelson eyes the hole in hopes of making the putt. Nelson was one of the most improved golfers this season.

Junior Walter Studdard patiently waits to make a clean, straight shot.

SENIORS

Junior John Peterson makes a hard tap to beat his opponents . Senior Will Pinson begins to drill the ball. Sophomore Charlie Crider watches the ball role on the green

Will Pinson

SENIORS

Senior Denver Pate practices before the Rome game Pepperell played hard winning with a score of 16-17.

Senior Ryan Thacker warms up with the team before game time. Junior Jonathon Kilgo prepares for the Rome game. Junior Herschel Waddell listens to Hunnicutt's instructions.

Bubba Owens

Joey Shiflett

A TIME TO KILL

By LaSaunda Forrister and Amanda Ferguson

The 97-98 Varsity football team played extremely well this season making it farther in the playoffs than any team since 1990. The varsity team ended the season with a record of 11-3.

" My goal was to take each game one at a time and play the best to my ability," senior Joe Knight said.

Defensively we had a total of 13 interceptions and 20 fumble recoveries thanks to big contributors Bubba Owens with eight inteceptions, Matt Middleton one, Will Pinson one, Orlando Johnson one, Johnny Ray Wheat one, and Greg Hunnicutt one. We allowed only 2904 rushing yards against u s compared to our own 3419.

"I gave it my all this year, knowing it was the last chance I had to play the sport that I love," senior Bubba Owens said.

The main let down this season was against Carrolton. While the scoreboard allowed Carrolton the victory the heart's of the Dragons allowed another story.

"The only thing I would change this year would be the score of the Carrolton game," junior Greg Hunnicutt said. " But we didn't let it discourage us We kept fighting the rest of the season."

"I owe all my success to my mom and dad," senior Bubba Owens said. "Without them, I wouldn't be what I am today."

Football Front: Zack Pitts, Greg Hunnicutt , Will Pinson, Johnny Ray Wheat , Kevin Popham, Coach Hunnicutt , Matt Johnston. Pedro Holloway , Luke Sheffeild, Jonathan Neighbors, Jeremy Whiteside Second row: Adam Mull , Denver Pate, Brad Burnham, Herschel Waddell , Matt Wheat, Chris Davenport , John Peter son, Chad Culbreth , Roney Gibbon s, Sidney Ford , Matt Middleton , Melonie McCrary, Third: Dennis Flannigan, Micah Farrer, Du sty

Bright , Ryan Loveless , Matt James , Ronnie Waddell , Bubba Owens, Derek Forrister, Sean Davis, Daniel Gazaway , Shane Forsyth Fourth: Brent Cu lbreth, Ben Woodall , Micheal Davis , Mark Middleton , Greg Hampton , Chad Terry , Joey Shiflett , Orlando Johnson , Steven Brannon , Jimmy Hillis , Chad Giles, Betty Silver Fifth: Brian Dudley , Kevin Boatner, Joe Knight , Patrick Sis som, Ja son Ford, Kenneth Baker , John Davis, Seth Murdock , Wayn e Grove s, Jason Hawk, Jake Co lston Sixth: Breon Ford , Mark Letson, Gene Hooper, Derrick Campbell , Jesse Chapel , Jason Self, Justin Nichol s, Will Sullins , Ryan Evens, Matt Sanders , Brian Hu ckaby , Ryan Mathis Seventh: C lint Blasengame, Jonathan Stamey , Lee Turner, Paul McCoy , Josh Jenkins , Charlie Crider, Nick Swindle , Zack Padgett , Ryan Thacker, Jay Brimberry , James Barber Eight: Butch Mathis , Mike Mulkey, Jonathon Kil g o , Chri s Alford, Stanley Watkin s, Cody Evan s , Brook s Mathis , David Mathis

Ninth: Coach McKenzie , Coach Farrer , Coach Wh eeler, Coach Jones, Coach Shiflett, Coach Moore, Coach A lcorn , Coach Pinson , Coach Horne , Coach Morgan.

ABSOLUTE POWER

By Aman d a Ferguson and LaSaunda Forrister

The Dragons had a great season! Making it further than anyother team since 1990 and only losing two regular season games. Playing in the Georgia Dome was a very awkward but honorable situation. The team had to play a hard and unfamiliar team, and on top of it all they had to play on turf. However, this did not stop the Pepperell Dragons, they never quit or gave up. At the end, with the score 14-42 Washington County, the Dragons were gracious they made it as far as they did.

"I owe all my success to my parents, coaches, and especially God. I would also like to give thanks to Stamey, Huckaby, Murdock, Hawk, Nichols, Knight, and Thacker for all their help on the field, "junior Sidney Ford said.

"I would like to thank the coaching staff for all that they done," junior Jason Hawk said. "Without them, we would not be a team."

Junior Varsity Update

The JV football team followed the Pepperell football traditions set forth by those of past years. This year's JV team done it again. They had another great season going all the way undefeated.

"We had our mind set on our goal to be number one," said sophomore Ryan Loveless. "We knew what it would take, and we let no one stand in the way of what we had our mind set to accomplish."

The Pepperell Dragons run onto the field with determination and spirit. These men made their hometown proud!

Senior and quarterback Denver Pate looks for an open teammate who can receive the ball.

Holiday carried the ball nervously at the dome. The Pepperell High School players huddle to get pumped up for the game in the Georgia Dorne. Freshman Justin Nichols blocks from the line to allow Bright running room.

SENIORS

Senior Dusty Bright carried the ball with determination to

James Barber

Stanley Watkins

SENIORS

Senior Kandace Edwards throws the disc at a home track meet Senior Jennifer Miller sets her pace on the way to the finish line. Junior Herschel Wad dell showed his strength while throwing the shot put.

Jennifer Miller

c\ ' I mmm Kandace Edwards

Shaun Wilbanks

Senior Takila Wilson uses her strength and skill while jumping hurdles.

GONE WITH THE WIND

By Amanda Ferguson

The girl's track team had another strong year winning four meets. This was the fourth consecutive year that PHS's track team placed second in Rome Relays and region.

"My father inspired me to run track," Rebekah Hannay said "He always pushes me to do my best."

A new record of 34'8 feet was set in shot put by Sommer Davis

.

"I believe my biggest accomplishment this year was mastering the skill of throwing the shot put and disc without falling out of the circle," junior LaSaunda Forrister said.

The boy's track team had another successful season winning the Floyd County Invitational. For the seventh consecutive year the boy's team won the Rome Relays. This is the longest consecutive string of championships in the thirty-six year history of Rome Relays.

"Coach Pinson inspired me to work hard and be serious so I could start and compete," junior Sidney Ford said.

At the Region 6AA meet, the Dragons were runners up to state AA champion Carrollton. Both 400 and 1600 meter relay teams qualified for the state meet.

"My biggest track accomplishment would have been my freshman year when I lettered," junior Herschel Waddell said.

Boys Track Team Bac k: Jesse Chapel, Patrick Sissom, Jeremy Whiteside, Herschel Waddell, Jason Hawk, Clay Hyde , Josh Casey , Patrick Collum, Ricky Holloway , Ernie Moses , Kodi Keith , Jody Cantrell, Joe Knight, Matt Johnston , T.J. Wilson, Tom Ayer Middl e: Jonathon Stamey , Lee Roper, Jeremy LuAllen, Daniel Gazaway, John Davis, Brandon Cassidy , Fred Collins , Shaun Wilbanks, Sergio Montona, Adam Colston , Jo s h Strehle Fro nt: Jimmy Corno , Sidney Ford , Jason Blalock, Adam Rogers , Jake Farrer, Jeremy Hickman, Jason Parris, Bradley Huckaby, Jeremy Lang, Scott Jacobs, and Shane Wesson.

Girls Track Team Bac k: Natasha Wright, Breanna Pryor , Jennifer Miller, Kim Ball, Kandace Edwards, Katie Gosa , Tikisha Longino, Melody Green, Aly son Modlin , Crystal Turner , Karri Range , Amy Buchanan , Casey Bright Middl e: Sommer Davis , Michelle Miller, Tiffany Connelly, Rebecca Cox, Rachel Bech, Erin Crawford, Stephanie Strahan, Kristy Green, Rebekah Hannay, Heather Morgan Front: Shauna Cox , Tara Cook, Lisa Swanson , Lindsey Abrams, Abbie Edge , LaSaunda Forrister , Brandi Littlejohn, and Mandi Mount.

"I like running the 200 because I feel that it is my most important event," sophomore Lindsey Abrams said. "I run this event the best."

Senior Heather Morgan runs with an untied shoelace The cross country teammates celebrate after a hard run Sophomore Josh Casey keeps going at the end.

Senior Angelica Voils runs with in tense speed and endurance to improve her time.

FAR AND AWAY

by: LaSaunda Forrister

This year's cross country season started at the Berry Invitational. Freshman Trey Tyler, sophomore Adam Colston, and senior Scott Jacobs were the top three Pepperell finishers. The boys qualified for state in this race due to their performance and the changes in qualifications. This year's teams no longer have to compete through region to qualify for the state competion.

"The boys made it to state," junior Adam Rogers said. "I am looking forward to see how well we perform."

In the Heritage Road Race , two runners from Pepperell placed in their age group. Colston placed second in the 15-19 age category, and Nicholas Hopper placed third in the 13-14 age category.

"You have to set your mind on a goal and work hard to achieve it," said freshman Hopper.

The girls faced their opportunity to qualify for the state competition in October rather than the Berry Invitational like the boys. However, in the season opener Berry Invitational senior Jennifer Miller, freshman Trina Bright, and senior Heather Morgan were the top three Pepperell finishers.

In the Calhoun meet, the girls finished in first place. The boys finished second. Tyler, Colston, and Jacobs again were the PHS top three . Miller, Morgan, and freshman Tara Cook were the top three PHS girls.

"We had a successful season," said Cook. "We came a long way, and I am proud of our progress."

Sophomore Adam Colston warms up before his run.

Junior Roseanna Heath remembers that she can do it as she reaches the finish line.

Top: Coach Hopper, Shaun Wilbanks, Richie Eaker, Justin Oliver, Jordan Pierson, Walter Studdard, Tom Ayer, Josh Casey, Scott Jacobs, Coach Hall. Middle: Andrew Trotter, Phillip Eaker, Brandon Cassidy, Lee Roper , Sergio Montana, Adam Rogers, Eric McJunkin, Russ Atkins, Nicholas Hopper, Trey Tylor. Bottom: Adam Colston, Tara Cook, Brianna Pryor, Jennifer Miller, Angelica Veils, Heather Morgan, Roseanna Heath, Miranda Jiles, Trina Bright, Valerie Miller, and Rebekah Hannay.