2015 Gwinnett Prep Football

2015 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Gwinnett Daily Post SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

gwinnettprepsports.com

@gdpsports

otball o f l o o h c s igh Gwinnett h in on hot topics in eigh coaches w onymous poll our an

2 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

gwinnettprepsports.com

Inside • Archer............................................... 6-7 • Berkmar............................................ 8-9 • Brookwood....................................10-11 • Buford........................................... 12-13 • Central Gwinnett........................... 14-15 • Collins Hill..................................... 16-17 • Dacula.......................................... 18-19 • Duluth........................................... 20-21 • Greater Atlanta Christian.............. 22-23 • Grayson........................................ 24-25 • Hebron Christian.......................... 26-27 • Lanier........................................... 30-31 • Meadowcreek............................... 32-33 • Mill Creek..................................... 34-35 • Mountain View.............................. 36-37 • Norcross....................................... 38-39 • North Gwinnett............................. 40-41 • Parkview....................................... 42-43 • Peachtree Ridge........................... 44-45 • Providence Christian.................... 46-47 • Shiloh........................................... 48-49 • South Gwinnett............................. 50-51 • Wesleyan...................................... 52-53 ALSO • County composite 2015 schedule........ 4 • Gwinnett coaches’ poll results...... 28-29 • Preseason all-county team................ 54 • 247Sports.com recruiting rankings for Georgia.................................................... 55 MORE ONLINE • Follow us on Twitter @GDPsports for all prep coverage and @GDPfootball for live scoring throughout the season • Follow our football staff writers on Twitter: @WillHammock, @PaulLeeThomas and @DFried_GDP • Go to www.GwinnettPrepSports.com for complete high school coverage all year long • Will Hammock, Sports Editor: will.hammock@gwinnettdailypost.com • Christine Troyke, Staff Writer: christine.troyke@gwinnettdailypost.com • David Friedlander, Staff Writer: david.friedlander@gwinnettdailypost.com • Paul Thomas, Staff Writer: paul.thomas@gwinnettdailypost.com • Scott Smith, Senior Correspondent: scott.smith@gwinnettdailypost.com • To report scores, call 770-339-5850 • To subscribe to the Gwinnett Daily Post, call 770-963-9205 or visit www. gwinnettdailypost.com

Poll offers chance to get to know coaches “Off the record” is a term we journalists hear constantly, and it’s no different for our writers as we cover high school football.

Coaches regularly use the term with us when giving some information or background for an issue or story, providing details they feel we should know about but they don’t necessarily want to see in the newspaper.

It’s a sign of trust between the Daily Post and our contacts, but more importantly it tells a lot about the relationships between our writers and the coaches. We’ve provided excellent high school football coverage for decades and built up that trust over the years. In my case with some coaches, it’s close to 20 years of trust.

Because of that relationship, we hear plenty that

Will Hammock the average fan doesn’t.

Coaches are more open with us than writers they don’t know well, and we respect when they want to go “off the record.”

The centerpiece of this year’s tab — our confidential coaches poll — gives our readers some insight into those Gwinnett County head football coaches, the men who shape thousands of young lives every year.

We polled the head coaches on a variety of

football topics, including plenty of questions they wouldn’t answer normally if their name was attached.

But answering them anonymously hopefully gave them the freedom to answer more honestly, and without worry about how their responses would be viewed publicly. It’s not “off the record,” but it hopefully gives our readers a more in-depth glimpse into the Gwinnett coaches and where they stand on certain issues.

The toughest questions were those involving their peers, such as: • The best head coach in Gwinnett County • The most underrated head coach in Gwinnett County • The best offensive coach in Gwinnett County • The best defensive coach in Gwinnett County

One head coach participated in our survey, but abstained from the four questions involving his colleagues.

Even without those four questions, the poll delivers some interesting information, from a local level (their picks for Gwinnett’s best players) to a college level (what college coach they would want their son playing for) to more widespread issues (like what age they would let their own son play full-contact football).

We hope you enjoy it.

Will Hammock can be reached via email at will.hammock@gwinnettdailypost.com. His regular column appears on Thursdays. For archived columns, go to www.gwinnettdailypost.com/willhammock.

COMING SATURDAY AUG. 22

blitz

the

Gwinnett’s Friday night football coverage every Saturday in a publication all its own

Made possible in part by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Available at many Gwinnett county newspaper sales locations starting Aug. 22rd

gwinnettprepsports.com

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 • 3

AUG. 21 AUG. 28 Archer

2015 Schedule

SEPT. 4 SEPT. 11 SEPT. 18 SEPT. 25

OCT. 2

OCT. 9

OCT. 16

OCT. 23

OCT. 30

NOV. 6

N. Paulding^

P’tree Ridge$

BYE

at Grayson

BYE

Parkview

at Berkmar

South

at Shiloh

Central

at Dacula

Brookwood

Newton

at Buford

BYE

at Dacula

Brookwood

at Grayson

Archer

at Parkview

BYE

South

at Shiloh

Central

Brookwood

Mill Creek*

Norcross

BYE

Parkview

at Berkmar

South

at Shiloh

Central

at Dacula

BYE

Grayson

at Archer

Buford

E. Christian

Berkmar

at McEachern

BYE

at White Co.

BYE

Chestatee

at North Hall

Monroe Area

N. Oconee

BYE

Collins Hill

at Mundy’s Mill

South

at Shiloh

BYE

Dacula

at Brookwood

Grayson

Archer

Parkview

at Berkmar

Dacula

at Central

South

BYE

North

at Meadowcreek

Mnt. View

at Duluth

BYE

Mill Creek

at P’tree Ridge

at Norcross

Dacula

at Collins Hill

BYE

Mill Creek

Berkmar

at South

Shiloh

at Central

BYE

Brookwood

at Grayson

Archer

at Parkview

Duluth

at Wheeler

Northview

at Lakeside-D

BYE

at Mill Creek

Norcross

at P’tree Ridge

Collins Hill

BYE

at North

Mnt. View

Meadowcreek

at Benedictine

at N. Oconee

ELCA

BYE

at Hapeville

BEST Acad.

at KIPP Atlanta

Pace

BYE

at Holy Inno.%

Lovett

Wesleyan

Grayson

BYE

at Gainesville

Langston H.

Archer

at Parkview

Berkmar

at South

Shiloh

at Central

Dacula

at Brookwood

BYE

Hebron

E. Jackson

at Mt. Vernon$

Commerce

BYE

Towns Co.

at Prince Ave.

Lakeview

at Providence

BYE

at Ge. Walton

at Athens Aca.

Athens Chr.

Lanier

Lambert

BYE

Clarke Cent.

at Flowery Br.

at Ce. Shoals

Loganville

BYE

at Gainesville

Heritage

at Salem

at Winder-Barr.

Apalachee

BYE

Newton$

Rockdale

at Clarkston

at P’tree Ridge

Collins Hill

at Mill Creek

Norcross

BYE

at Mt. View

North

at Duluth

Mill Creek

Brookwood*

W. Forsyth

at Dacula

BYE

Duluth

at North

Meadowcreek

at Mnt. View

BYE

at Collins Hill

Norcross

P’tree Ridge

Mountain View

at S. Forsyth

Parkview

at Kennesaw

BYE

at Norcross

P’tree Ridge

at Collins Hill

Mill Creek

BYE

Meadowcreek

at Duluth

North

Valdosta*

at Brookwood

Milton

BYE

Mnt. View

at Duluth

North

at Meadowcreek

BYE

P’tree Ridge

at Mill Creek

Collins Hill

Colquitt Co.*

at North Cobb

Hillgrove

BYE

at Collins Hill

Mill Creek

at Norcross

P’tree Ridge

BYE

Duluth

McCallie#

at Mnt. View

BYE

at Brookwood

Grayson

at Archer

BYE

Berkmar

at South

Shiloh

at Central

Dacula

Christ Presby.#

at Archer$

BYE

McEachern

Meadowcreek

at Mnt. View

Duluth

at North

BYE

at Norcross

Collins Hill

at Mill Creek

Providence

BYE

St. Francis

Whitfield Acad.

BYE

at Ge. Walton

Lakeview

at Athens Chr.

Hebron

at Commerce

Athens Acad.

at Towns Co.

Prince Ave.

Shiloh

BYE

at Hillgrove

Westlake

BYE

Central

at Dacula

Brookwood

at Grayson

Archer

at Parkview

Berkmar

at South

South Gwinnett

Walton

BYE

at Collins Hill

at Central

Dacula

at Brookwood

Grayson

at Archer

Parkview

at Berkmar

BYE

Shiloh

Wesleyan

Walker

at East Hall

Stratford Ac.

BYE

KIPP Atlanta

Pace

at Hapeville

BEST Acad.

BYE

at Lovett

Holy. Innoc.

at GAC

Berkmar

Central Gwinnett Collins Hill

GAC

Meadowcreek

Norcross North Gwinnett Parkview Peachtree Ridge

at Madison Co. Stephens Co.

at Meadowcreek at Mnt. View

^at McEachern; *at Georgia Dome on Aug. 22; $on Aug. 29; #at Peachtree Ridge on Aug. 22; %on Oct. 24

4 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

gwinnettprepsports.com

17

SHELBY MILLER

WE LOVE RIVALRIES THAT COME IN PINSTRIPES.

BRAVES vs YANKEES FRIDAY, AUGUST 28 - SUNDAY, AUGUST 30 FRI, AUG 28 FRIDAY NIGHT FIREWORKS PRESENTED BY SAT, AUG 29 MLB NETWORK TOTE BAG GIVEAWAY SUN, AUG 30 ALUMNI SUNDAY PRESENTED BY KIDS RUN THE BASES PRESENTED BY SUPERHERO DAY

UPCOMING EVENTS JULIO TEHERAN BOBBLEHEAD NIGHT ZOMBIE NIGHT

THURS, SEPT 10

BARK IN THE PARK

FRI, SEPT 18

SUN, SEPT 20

SAM HUNT POSTGAME CONCERT

THURS, OCT 1

Presented by

Presented by

&

UPCOMING MATCHUPS VS 271056-1

YANKEES AUG 28-30

BLUE JAYS SEPT 15-17

NATIONALS SEPT 29-OCT 1 gwinnettprepsports.com

CARDINALS OCT 2-4 SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 • 5

Archer Tigers

Head coach: Andy Dyer (36-25 at Archer, 36-25 overall)

Offense Archer has a lot to replace on the offensive side of the ball. The Tigers lose four starters on the line, quarterback Gabe Tiller (who threw for 3,043 yards last season), tight end Connor Redmond and leading rusher Randy Nails.

Along the line, senior Taylor Stein returns at center, while Central Gwinnett transfer E.J. Price will be a tremendous help at tackle.

At the skill positions the Tigers do have plethora of playmakers returning.

Leading the way is senior receiver Kyle Davis, who had 67 catches last season.

The running back duties will be split amongst blue-chip prospects Dyan Singleton, Jamyest Williams (pictured) and Isaiah Pryor among others.

All three also start on defense in the secondary as well.

“We roll those guys out at a lot of different spots,” head coach Andy Dyer said. “You never know with this game and injuries. We’re trying to just give them the best chance to get on the field, and we’re trying to give ourselves the best chance

Region: 8-AAAAAA

2015 schedule

Aug. 21 North Paulding* Aug. 29 Peachtree Ridge Sept. 11 at Grayson Sept. 25 Parkview Oct. 2 at Berkmar Oct. 9 South Gwinnett Oct. 16 at Shiloh Oct. 23 Central Gwinnett Oct. 30 at Dacula Nov. 6 Brookwood *at McEachern

2014 results (11-4)

to win. We take pride in making sure our guys work in different spots.

How the ball is going to be distributed, I haven’t got a clue.”

At quarterback it will be senior Will Bearden, who finally gets his chance to start. Dyer said the 6-foot2, 196-pound signal caller is one of the team’s best workers and is ready for his chance to play.

“Will’s done a tremendous job,” Dyer said.

“He’s worked his fingers

to the bone for four years.

I’m just ecstatic that he gets a chance to take all that work that he’s put in and now go out under the lights. We’re looking for Will to have a great year leading the football team.”

Defense Archer returns 10 defenders with starting experience, including Singleton who was the Daily Post’s defensive player of the year after he recorded 142 tackles at safety.

A • • • • • 268801-1

Last playoff appearance: 2014

Kentucky commit Kobe Smith is back at nose tackle and junior linebacker Quinn Miller also returns. The front-seven gets a boost in the form of linebacker Donta Evans, an Ole Miss commit and transfer from South Carolina.

Singleton and Pryor are back at safety, while Williams, Jeremiah Nails and Aramis Bryant will work at corner.

“Our box, our front with our defensive line and

Sandy Creek L 21-13 Peachtree Ridge L 14-10 Grayson L 14-10 Parkview W 42-7 Berkmar W 42-3 South Gwinnett W 24-7 Shiloh W 52-7 Central Gwinnett W 35-14 Dacula W 24-10 Brookwood W 49-31 Norcross W 38-22 Lee County W 56-13 Hillgrove W 56-13 Etoway W 52-7 Colquitt County L 28-24

our linebackers, (is) very experienced,” Dyer said.

“They’ve worked extremely hard in the weight room in the offseason again. They flow well, run to the football extremely well. We’ve got a couple questions. We’re going to have to continue as we grow to build depth in the secondary to help some of those two-way guys, to be able to spell them and be able to get in there and

Etc. Archer finished the season 11-4 and lost 28-24 to Colquitt County in the AAAAAA state championship game.

The goal for the Tigers is to return to the Georgia Dome this season, and perhaps take that one final step as a program.

“Right now our team goals stay the same every year,” Dyer said. “That’s state playoffs, region championship and a state championship. The first one is very hard to reach in itself. They want to throw rankings and all that kind of stuff around — the top four teams in our region go to the playoffs and we’ve got to prove that we’re one of those four.

Nothing else matters.”

Archer’s schedule starts off tough and doesn’t let up. The Tigers open with North Paulding in Week 1, then face Peachtree Ridge before getting a bye ahead of its region opener at Grayson.

“Very tough schedule, but that’s fine,” Dyer said.

“That’s the way we want it.”

— Paul Thomas

GREAT PLACE TO SHOP!

Macys Sears MegaMart Abercrombie & Fitch Aeropostale

• • • • •

Ba th & Body Works Champs Express Foot Locker Journeys

770.813.6840 | 2100 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth | www.ShopGwinnettMall.com

6 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

do our jobs. It’ll be a fun process.”

gwinnettprepsports.com

• LensCrafters • Payless Shoe Source • Victoria’s Secret

& More!

Archer roster 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Jamyest Williams Jeremiah Nails Dylan Singleton Donta Evans Nick Blakely Juwan Powell Dalen Ray Daquan Smith Will Bearden Kyle Davis Taiyon Palmer Isaiah Pryor Micah Meyers Dillon Waye Miguel Howell Frank Finch Michael Johnson Jon Bluse Christian Lattore Michael Kouassi Malik McLaurin Augusta Cheek Justin Alderson Andy Gaddis Aramis Bryant Kyri Phillips Tyrone Buwee Desmond Robinson Vaughn Robinson Austin Thomas Keegan Strickland Tyler Ranel Darren Vaughn Tristan Larosilere Wyatt Hutchins

Pos. 11 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 10 11 12 10 10 12 10 11 10 12 10 11 10 11 12 11 12 12 12 10 10 11 11 11 11

Year

DB/RB DB/WR RB/DB LB/TE LB/RB LB/RB Spur/LB LB/RB QB WR/DB DB/WR DB/RB WR QB DB/RB LB/RB K QB/WR WR LB/TE WR DB/WR WR WR/DB DB/RB DB/RB WR/DB WR/DB LB TE/DL RB/SP WR/DB RB DB LB

PROBABLE STARTERS (returners in bold)

OFFENSE QB Will Bearden (6-1, 190, Sr.) WR Kyle Davis (6-3, 220, Sr.) WR Aramis Bryant (5-10, 175, Sr.) RB Jamyest Williams (5-9, 165, Jr.) RB Dylan Singelton (5-11, 180, Sr.) TE Michael Kouassi (6-4, 210, Sr.) OT J.D. Boone (6-3, 290, Sr.) OG E.J. Price (6-6, 320, Sr.) C Taylor Stein (5-11, 245, Sr.) OG Cole Craven (5-10, 215, Sr.) OT Adam Brown (6-3, 225, Jr.) K Matthew Fritts (5-9, 160, Sr.) 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47

Jalyn Valrie Whitney Robinson Sam Brown Alex Tiet Patrick Gassant Quinn Miller Daniel Robinson Jordan Roman Chase Degrenier Andre Parmer Michael Crewey Brandon Dugger Ryan Morrell Andrew Leftwich Collin Stein Khyan Moore

10 10 11 12 10 11 10 10 10 11 11 12 12 10 10 10

DB DB/WR DB/WR LB DB/WR LB/RB DB/RB LB LB WR/DB WR/DB LB/DL LB LB/RB LB LB/RB

DEFENSE DE Sam Wright (6-0, 215, Jr.) DT Kobe Smith (6-4, 305, Sr.) DE Will Choloh (5-11, 240, Soph.)

LB Frank Finch (5-10, 190, Sr.) LB Quinn Miller (6-1, 220, Jr.) LB Donta Evans (6-1, 210, Sr.) CB Aramis Bryant 5-10, 175, Sr.) CB Jamyest Williams (5-9, 165, Jr.) DB Isaiah Pryor (6-2, 190, Jr.) S Dylan Singleton (5-11, 180, Sr.) DB Daquan Smith (6-0, 180, Sr.) P Matthew Fritts (5-9, 160, Sr.)

48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64

267359-1

No. Name

Karmoni Williams Mason Pyles Dylan Alexander Sam Wright Connor Sims Clifford Amazan Will Choloh Taylor Stein Jacob Valego Chandler Evans Rahim Winston Adam Brown Mason Hardin Amori Allen Dylan Rowe Matt Allen

12 11 10 11 12 12 10 12 11 11 12 11 11 11 11 10

LB LB/SP LB DL OL/DL DL/OL DL/OL OL OL/DL OL/DL DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL

65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99

Malir Blackwood Eduardo Garcia Cole Craven Hugo Cuevas Christian Franklin Josh Ezevdu Paul Godfrey Andrew Dodd J.D. Boone Andrew Reynolds Darryl Fussell E.J. Price Casey Jividen Dakota Shaw Curtis Hill De’Michael Walker Eric Walker Marlin Jones Zion Doyle Christian Vinson Chris Gordon Mason Tolbert Brandon Shellnut Robby Wallace Matthew Fritts Jacob Hurtado Logan Aderhold Marquis Carter Corey Sirmans Kobe Smith Christian Whitley Taylor Dolph Chad Miller Jay Beck

10 10 12 11 10 10 11 10 12 11 10 12 10 10 10 12 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 12 11 11 11 12 12 10 10 10 11

OL/DL OL/DL OL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL DL TE/LB WR WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB DB/WR DB/WR LB/TE TE/DL TE/DL K WR K DB/WR K DL WR/DB WR K K/P

R E T F A FOR !

E M A G THE Hamilton Mill • 3517 Braselton Highway • Dacula • (770) 932-9464

Snellville • The Shoppes at Webb Gin • Scenic Hwy • 678.822.WING (9464)

www.wildwingcafe.com gwinnettprepsports.com

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 • 7

Berkmar Patriots Head coach: Kenan Dever (0-0 at Berkmar, 0-0 overall)

Offense For the third straight season, the Patriots will break in a new starting quarterback, though this one comes with plenty of potential.

Sophomore Jeremiah Scott appears to have the skills to help first-year coach Kenan Dever’s main objective — for the offense to pick up the pace — though he knows that having a sophomore first-year starter under center may require some patience.

“We plan on being a no-huddle type team and to play as fast as we can,” Dever said. “But we’ll try to keep it as simple as possible.”

The fact that two starters return among Berkmar’s four-receiver set in seniors Chaquan Bacote and Rey Orocio (pictured) should help Scott’s learning curve somewhat.

By contrast, only one starter from last year returns on the line in senior tackle Walbert Duran (6-4, 260), though what the Patriots lack in experience up front they make up for in size, with three other starters weighing 250 pounds or more.

Region: 8-AAAAAA

Last playoff appearance: 2005 2015 schedule

Aug. 21 Newton Aug. 28 at Buford Sept. 11 at Dacula Sept. 18 Brookwood Sept. 25 at Grayson Oct. 2 Archer Oct. 9 at Parkview Oct. 23 South Gwinnett Oct. 30 at Shiloh Nov. 6 Central Gwinnett

2014 results (0-10) at Newton at Buford Dacula at Brookwood Grayson at Archer Parkview at South Shiloh at Central

Defense The defense shares a few features with the offense, most notably, the fact there will be a lot of new faces in the starting lineup this season.

Many of those new faces will be quite young looking, with no fewer than six starters being underclassmen, including several sophomores, and

8 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

even a freshman.

And like the offense, picking up the pace of play is going to be a big key for the Patriots this fall.

“It fits our scheme,” Dever said of the uptempo approach he hopes to bring to the Berkmar defense. “We don’t have a lot of big bodies. We have to be fast-paced defen-

sively. We have to be able to run to the ball all night long.

“We’ve got a couple of kids who moved in (to the Berkmar area) who can helps us on defense, but we’ll be young. We’ve got a lot of sophomores, and we’ll be inexperienced.”

One of the few areas of the defense that will be fairly well-seasoned is in

gwinnettprepsports.com

L 42-14 L 56-0 L 21-0 L 35-7 L 36-12 L 42-3 L 42-3 L 32-0 L 34-28 L 32-17

the secondary, where Bacote returns at free safety and fellow senior Negash Desta is back to man one of the corners.

Senior George Wortham, who will pull double duty by starting at center on offense, is one of the few returning starters along the front seven, where the Patriots will rely on several key new starters like senior defensive end Brendon Jenrette and sophomore linebacker Khalil Moon.

To compensate, Dever plans to give the Patriots a different look with how

they line up.

“We’ve gone from a three-man front to a fourman front so that we can be more aggressive,” Dever said. “It’s taking time.”

Etc. Trends are sometimes tricky things to figure out in high school football, but there is one trend the Patriots would love to put an end to this fall after enduring just the third winless season in program history last year.

Combined with seven straight losses following a 3-0 start to the 2013 season, Berkmar is currently trying to snap a 17-game losing streak, the longest in program history.

If one believes in trends, however, there is a glimmer of hope based on the the program’s next longest losing streak of 16 straight games, which stretches from 2002 to the 2003 seasons.

After enduring an 0-10 campaign in Wendell Early’s inaugural season as head coach, the Patriots bounced back to win its first three games in 2004 en route to a 6-5 season that included a berth in the state playoffs.

— David Friedlander

Berkmar roster No. Name

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 16 17 18 21 23

Pos.

Negash Desta RB/DB Ty Todd WR/DB Josh Miller WR/DB Jeremiah Scott QB Noah Hassen RB Dahrien Beasley RB/LB Chaquan Bacote WR/DB Khalil Moon LB Brandon Castaneda LB Rey Orocio WR/LB Jalen Brown QB Steven Thai WR David Mundo QB Kennedy Carroll CB Miles Bryant WR/DB

Year

12 10 11 10 11 11 12 10 12 12 9 12 11 12 9

PROBABLE STARTERS (returners in bold) DEFENSE DE George Wortham (5-9, 210, Sr.) DT Spencer Brown (6-3, 250, Jr.) NG Walbert Duran (6-4, 260, Sr.) DE Brendon Jenrette (6-4, 220, Sr.) SLB Dahrien Beasley (6-1, 160, Jr.) LB Khalil Moon (6-2, 200, Soph.)

WLB Noah Hassen (6-0, 185, Jr.) CB Negash Desta (5-9, 180, Sr.) CB Miles Bryant (5-9, 160, Fr.) FS Chaquan Bacote (6-1, 180, Sr.) SS Ty Todd (5-11, 160, Soph.)

P TBA

OFFENSE QB Jeremiah Scott (6-2, 170, Soph.)

RB Dahrien Beasley (6-1, 160, Jr.) WR Chaquan Bacote (6-1, 180, Sr.) WR Rey Orocio (6-0, 170, Sr.) WR Josh Miller (6-0, 170, Jr.) WR Brandon Castaneda (6-0, 185, Sr.) RG Ron Lewis (6-1, 280, Sr.) RT Walbert Duran (6-4, 260, Sr.) C George Wortham (5-9, 210, Sr.) LT Spencer Brown (6-3, 250, Jr.) LG Khalil Raymond (6-1, 270, Sr.) K TBA

24 Isiah Sink 26 Zaned Blount 30 Alvin Duncan

RB DB LB

11 9 9

31 Eddie Kittrell 34 Lester Ortiz 50 Rodney Warner

RB WR OL/DL

9 9 9

51 53 54 55 56 58 60 62 65 77 81 82 83 85 91

Spencer Brown OL/DL Michael Benjamine OL/DL Brendon Jenrette OL/DL George Wortham OL/DL Khalil Raymond OL/DL Anthony Ferrell OL Eri Radilla OL Walbert Duran OL/DL Ron Lewis OL/DL Jakarae Williams DL Maceo Burt WR/DB Miguel Lopez WR/DB Kellen McGee WR Jamarie Shird DB Sharif Hachem DB

11 12 12 12 12 9 9 12 12 10 9 11 10 9 9

FOOTBALL IS BACK E N T E R And

BIGGER THAn EVER!

HIGH SCHOOL PICK THE WINNERS

P ick

the winners of the high school football games and you could win a g o P ro SponSored

by:

678-889-4090 • www.flatoutauto.com

TO WIN! COLLEGE PICK THE WINNERS

PRO PICK THE WINNERS

choose the winner for your chance to win great Prizes each week from:

One Winner each Week!

ENTER TODAY AT GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM/CONTESTS

205715-1

LIVE SCORING friday football gwinnettprepsports.com

269438-1

Sign up at twitter.com and follow gdpfootball. You’ll get Gwinnett football scoring updates and key game stats every Friday night as well as breaking news during the week.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 • 9

Brookwood Broncos Head coach: Philip Jones (0-0 at Brookwood, 10-11 overall)

Offense The long-standing Brookwood offense, methodical and heavily run-based, is a thing of the past.

That switch was one of the most noteworthy changes made by new head coach Philip Jones, a standout lineman on the Broncos’ 1996 state championship team who played college football at South Carolina. He brought in another Brookwood grad, Chad Pickett, as offensive coordinator. Pickett had been running the pistol spread in his previous job with last year’s state runner-up, Archer, and brings the same up-tempo attack to Brookwood.

“We’re excited about what we’re doing offensively,” Jones said.

“Scheme-wise, we’re able to accentuate our most talented kids’ abilities and do what they do best.

We’re real excited about our receiving corps. We’ve got some good athletes.”

That said, don’t expect the Broncos to throw it 50 times. Not with Jesse Brown (pictured) back at running back. The Northwestern recruit has rushed for nearly 2,300 yards the past two seasons, but he

Region: 8-AAAAAA

Last playoff appearance: 2013

2015 schedule

Aug. 22 Mill Creek* Aug. 28 Norcross Sept. 11 Parkview Sept. 18 at Berkmar Sept. 25 South Gwinnett Oct. 2 at Shiloh Oct. 9 Central Gwinnett Oct. 16 at Dacula Oct. 30 Grayson Nov. 6 at Archer *at Georgia Dome

2014 results (2-8)

will get some help from a more balanced offense.

Returning playmakers Dorian Miles and Myles Scott are back at wide receiver, a position bolstered even more when baseball player Spencer Lewis returned to football and former Bronco Matthew Hill moved back from Prince Avenue, where he starred last season. The team also got a recent move-in from Miami, 6-foot-4 wideout Keith Coffee. “(The players) are jacked,” Jones said. “They love (the new offense).

It was an easy sell when you’ve got Archer who averages 53 points a game in the playoffs and plays for the state championship and we bring Chad over and say, ‘Here’s what

10 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

we’re doing guys.’ Some guys were itching for a change anyway and we wanted to spread things out and get the ball to guys in space.”

One of the areas of concern offensively is a completely new line, which will protect a new starting quarterback, either junior Tanner Winskie or sophomore Angelo DiSpigna.

Defense Brookwood’s offensive changes were the most noteworthy to some fans, but the defense will be different, too. New coordinator John Poitevint, coming off a successful tenure running Central Gwinnett’s defense, will run a 3-4 instead of the Bron-

Valdosta at Norcross at Parkview Berkmar at South Shiloh at Central Dacula at Grayson Archer

L 31-0 L 21-10 L 37-24 W 35-7 L 44-14 W 31-21 L 32-0 L 35-29 L 38-3 L 49-31

cos’ longtime 4-3.

The unit also will be more aggressive, and less read and react.

“We look pretty salty on defense right now,” Jones said. “We’re undersized on the defensive line. We’re kind of having to go with speed and quickness over size at this point. Our D-linemen are a little on the smaller side. Coach Poitevint really does an excellent job on defense, the job he’s done at Central, especially last year. I think we’re really excited about how much progress

gwinnettprepsports.com

they’ve made since the spring, the installation we’ve made and execution of assignments. They’re athletic in the secondary.

“We think (the defense) fits our kids well. Right now we just don’t have the kind of size we’ve always had and the 3-4 gets more of your athletes on the field and I think it allows you to disguise what you’re doing a little more than the other scheme.

It’s much more dynamic, much more attacking.”

Noseguard Shane DeFreitas anchors the undersized front, while the linebackers should be a strength with returning starters Frank Robinson, Leonard Warner (who has offers from every major Southern school) and Guillermo Luna. Both safeties, Tyler Montgomery and Semaj Hayden, also have starting experience, though Hayden started at fullback as a junior.

Misc.

Another noteworthy change is to the Broncos’ uniforms, with newly designed Nike digs replacing the longtime preference of Russell. The players also will wear gold pants,

a staple during the Hunter era that faded out over the last decade. “We wanted them to feel good about what they were playing in and we wanted to sort of refresh the image, refresh the brand of the football program,” Jones said. “That’s one way to do it.” … Brookwood also will have players wearing single-digit numbers for the first time since the late 1980s, when Hunter eliminated Nos. 1-9 from use. Hunter also didn’t use numbers in the 90s, but those were added when Crews took over. Now all numbers are fair game. “I believe there were fights on our team for single digits,” Jones said. “I had to limit it to seniors only, guys who have been to the most workouts. But it was almost by necessity. Something we’ve also never done is brought up sophomores and included them as part of the varsity. Right now we’re at 120 kids. If I excluded single digits, we’d have a lot of double numbers.” … The Brookwood football program also works out of a new fieldhouse — the players and coaches moved in completely in early June.

— Will Hammock

Brookwood roster No. Name 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 11 12 13 14 15 15 16 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 21 21 22 23 24 24 25 25 26 26 27 28 29 29 30 31

Dorian Miles Keith Coffee Brandon Demeritte C.J. Dye Myles Scott Bryan Oliver Matthew Corn Nate Blackmon Angelo DiSpigna Jonathan Jordan Frank Robinson Jake Medders Cantorian Weems Matthew Hill Jaidon Turner Tyler Montgomery Conner Chavis Spencer Lewis Kendall Williamson Tanner Winskie Nathan Pickett Will Banfield Zion Tercero Mick Hutchins Jabril Muhammad Terry Newell Kris Jones Semaj Hayden Jaiah Momoh Kevin O’Reilly Caleb Riley Lucas Bennett Zayne Freshley Jacory Griffin Jeremiah Williams Rosny Wilson Guillermo Luna Deundre Head Donovan Garner Jonathan Andrews Shane DeFreitas

Pos. WR WR WR/CB S WR WR/CB WR CB QB LB LB WR WR/CB WR/CB WR S QB WR WR/CB QB WR S/P QB LB LB RB DB RB/S S RB CB S WR CB WR LB RB/LB RB CB S DL

Year 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 10 10 12 10 11 10 10 12 9 11 10 11 10 10 10 12 10 11 10 12 12 11 10 11 10 12 10 11 11 11 10 11 12

PROBABLE STARTERS (returners in bold)

OFFENSE QB Tanner Winskie (6-5, 195, Jr.) or Angelo DiSpigna 6-4, 175, Soph.)

TB Jesse Brown (5-11, 190, Sr.) WR Dorian Miles (6-2, 190, Sr.) WR Myles Scott (5-9, 160, Sr.) WR Keith Coffee (6-4, 180, Sr.) WR Brandon Demeritte (5-7, 180, Sr.) or Spencer Lewis (5-8, 170, Jr.) LT Casey Holman (6-5, 265, Soph.)

LG Kaid Cantrell (6-3, 290, Jr.) C Nick Eubanks (6-0, 240, Jr.) RG Charlie Call (5-11, 200, Sr.) RT Elias Saliba (6-2, 265, Sr.) 32 32 33 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 44 45

Kernard Lee Marshawn Lewis Timmy Martin Aeron Mulic Brandon Foster Leonard Warner Jesse Brown Chris Peele Franciscus Turner Blake Chavis D.J. Horne Isaiah Jordan Amir Berry Luis Dunn Max Booth Eli Garcia Joseph Schurek

LB WR RB K LB LB RB DL CB DL LB S LB CB/P LB RB LB/LS

PK TBA

DEFENSE DE Blake Chavis (6-1, 210, Jr.) NG Shane DeFreitas (6-0, 240, Sr.) DE Jarrett Wright (5-11, 230, Sr.) LB Frank Robinson (6-1, 190, Sr.) LB Leonard Warner (6-4, 220, Jr.) LB Guillermo Luna (5-10, 180, Jr.) LB Connor Artime (6-1, 190, Jr.) CB Cantorian Weems (6-0, 160, Jr.) CB Matthew Hill (6-2, 175, Soph.)

SS Semaj Hayden (5-7, 170, Sr.) FS Tyler Montgomery (6-0, 175, Sr.) P Will Banfield (6-0, 170, Soph.)

11 10 10 10 11 11 12 11 11 11 10 11 10 11 11 10 12

45 46 47 48 48 49 49 50 51 52 53 55 56 57 58 59 60

Ty King Richards Shane Adams Connor Artime Chris Fay Jimmy Zelano Maliq Sabir Max Schurek Carlos Luna Nick Eubanks Charlie Call Adrian Sims Miles Simmons Proctor Owens Ben Coletta Matt Barfield Anthony Johnson William Spottsville

gwinnettprepsports.com

RB K LB CB LB WR LB DL OL OL DL DL DL OL OL DL OL/DL

10 10 11 12 10 12 10 12 11 12 11 10 12 10 12 11 10

61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 81 82 82 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99

Mekhi Forde D’Lani Brathwaite Matthew Brasfield Deion Johnson Donovan Landers Davion Quinn Blake Bridges Jonathan Ijebuonwu Cole Byrd Brendan Colon Matthew Mitchell A.J. Blankenship Harley Pratt Mike Akuffo Jacob Smith Jonathan Bell Kaid Cantrell Casey Holman Jeff Whigham Eli Saliba Tung Nguyen Kojo Amoo Jeremiah Montgomery Jordan Pullins Evan Fleming Brandon Turner R.J. Watkins Cameron Barrington Max Damaschke Dawson Hilliard Avery Baker Jarret Wright Tony Monti Hasan Mondesir Chris Downs Miles Archie Matthew Aaron Danial Alam Antonio Irizarry Isaiah Efojie Brent Carter

OL OL/DL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL DL OL OL OL DL OL OL OL OL OL WR WR WR WR LB WR WR WR DL WR/LS WR DL DL WR CB WR CB WR DL DL DL

10 10 10 11 10 10 10 10 10 11 12 10 11 10 11 12 11 10 10 12 12 12 10 12 10 11 11 10 11 11 12 12 11 11 12 11 11 11 10 12 12

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 • 11

Buford Wolves

Head coach: Jess Simpson (138-8 at Buford, 138-18 overall)

Offense To simply look at the roster and see only four returning starters, one would get a deceptive view of just how much experience the Buford offense will have this fall.

That experience starts with rising junior quarterback Mic Roof, who was primarily the understudy to Luke Humphrey, but saw action in several games, including the Wolves’ impressive win over AAAAAA semifinalist McEachern.

“He’s probably the most improved player in our program,” Buford coach Jess Simpson said. “He’s made tremendous strides over a year. When Luke went out (with an injury) against McEachern, he executed the offense well, and he’s just grown and gotten better.”

As improved as Roof has been, Buford’s bread and butter over the years has been its ground game, and the Wolves should have plenty of weapons to utilize once again.

Georgia Tech-committed Xavier Gantt did start last season, but like Roof, Martin Mangram did not.

Still, also did his share of damage, combining with Gantt for 1,061 yards and

16 touchdowns on 122 carries.

While having just two returning starters on the offensive line might be a concern for a lot of teams, once again, the Wolves should still be in good shape.

Both seniors Innis Claud and Cooper Simpson bring plenty of experience, and Jess Simpson is pleased with the battle going on to join them in the trenches.

Losing a talent like big-time college prospect Isaac Nauta, who moved with his family to Florida after last season and will play at IMG Academy in Bradenton, might normally be a devastating blow.

But once again, Buford

Region: 8-AAAA

appears to be prepared, with seniors Caleb Auer and Brett Shepherd both figuring to see time this season.

Defense Like the offense, the Wolves’ defense doesn’t have a whole lot of returning starters, but does have game experience coming back.

And like the offense, that experience seems to be spread throughout each of the unit’s components.

“There might be one guy at each spot in secondary or at linebacker or one guy up front,” Simpson said. “We were hit pretty heavy by graduation, but you go in cycles, certainly with the senior class a year ago, when you

Last playoff appearance: 2014

have that many guys play at high level. “(But) we like our younger players. They don’t have the experience or notches on their belts yet. They’ve got to get in there and figure it out.”

Among those that the Wolves will rely on to help the younger players figure it out are linebackers Matthew Parker, a senior, and T.D. Roof, a junior.

Likewise, the Wolves have a stalwart up front in the massive form of senior Shug Frazier (pictured), one of the nation’s most sought after college prospects on the defensive line.

As is the case on offense, Shepherd and Auer should help shore things up at defensive end with the departure of Nauta.

The Wolves should also have good cornerstones to build around in the secondary, as well, with Gantt and Mangram back to man the corner spots.

Overall, the defense is still trying to find its identity, though Simpson is confident that it shouldn’t take too long to do so, provided the experienced players display the right amount of leadership.

“We’re still trying to figure out who we are,” Simpson said. “It’s impor-

SPORTS

2015 schedule

Aug. 21 E. Christian (Md.) Aug. 28 Berkmar Sept. 4 at McEachern Sept. 18 at White County Oct. 2 Chestatee Oct. 9 at North Hall Oct. 16 Monroe Area Oct. 23 North Oconee Oct. 30 at Madison County Nov. 6 Stephens County

2014 results (15-0)

Trinity Christian W 17-0 Berkmar W 56-0 McEachern W 27-20 White County W 42-10 at Chestatee W 54-7 North Hall W 56-0 at Monroe Area W 51-12 at North Oconee W 58-3 Madison Co. W 44-0 at Stephens Co. W 56-0 SE Whitfield W 63-0 Mary Persons W 35-14 Marist W 30-6 at Cartersville W 27-3 St. Pius W 55-10

tant those guys who have been in those battles and played that many snaps, that you can count on them to lead the way for the younger kids.”

Etc. It’s kind of snuck up on Simpson and his staff and players, but Buford has a chance at history this season.

With Buford having won 40 straight games — the streak would have been at 43 if not for three

forfeit losses during the 2012 season — they have a real shot at matching, and perhaps even breaking, the Georgia state record of 47 consecutive wins that the Wolves set from 2001-04.

It won’t be easy, with a non-region schedule that includes Maryland powerhouse Eastern Christian Academy and a rematch with McEachern in Weeks 1 and 3.

And Simpson said his team’s focus will be on those particular opponents, rather than any chance at history further down the road.

“To be honest with you, I haven’t heard a player or coach say anything about that,” Simpson said. “I didn’t even know about it until (being told). For us, we don’t get too worried about that. You know what?

It’s just not why I coach.

“Maybe one day when all is said and done, I’ll look back and say that was neat. … For fans and people to watch, it’s fun.

But for people involved in football, it’s about watching in October and November and seeing who’s improved and how much you can go. It’lll be a huge challenge.”

— David Friedlander

Gwinnett Daily Post

The best local coverage from a staff that calls Gwinnett home

www.gwinnettdailypost.com

272335-1

12 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

WILL HAMMOCK

gwinnettprepsports.com

CHRISTINE TROYKE

DAVID FRIEDLANDER

Buford roster No. Name 1 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

T.D. Roof R.J. Walker Brandon Marsh Christian Turner Bryson Richardson Caleb Auer Joshua Blackwell Da’Mario Lott Mic Roof Alan Bussoletti Will Westmoreland Tyler Klein Jake Simpson A.J. Wansley Jacob Martin Xavier Gantt Reid Parks Martin Mangram Tanner Alexander Dillon Vann Anthony Grant K.J. Anderson Matthew Parker Chee Anyanwu Lunden Bailey Kellen Neal A.J. Hendricks Demontre Bennett Mack Legrant

Pos.

Year

LB/FB WR/DB WR/DB TB/LB WR/DB TE/DE TB/DB LB/FB QB WR/DB QB QB FB/LB TB/DB WR/DB TB/DB FB/LB TB/DB WR/DB TE/LB TB/LB WR/DB WR/LB WR/DB FB/LB WR/DB FB/LB WR/DB FB/LB

11 12 12 10 10 12 11 12 11 12 10 11 11 11 11 12 12 12 11 12 10 11 12 11 10 10 10 10 12

PROBABLE STARTERS (returners in bold) DEFENSE DE Caleb Auer (6-3, 240, Sr.) DT Shug Frazier (6-3, 310, Sr.) DE Alan Bussoletti (6-4, 190, Sr.) LB Matthew Parker (6-2, 205, Sr.) LB Reid Parks (6-0, 210, Sr.) LB T.D. Roof (5-11, 202, Jr.) LB Jake Simpson (6-1, 205, Jr.) CB Martin Mangram (5-11, 180, Sr.) CB Xavier Gantt (5-10, 170, Sr.) FS R.J. Walker (6-1, 170, Sr.) SS Jacob Martin (6-1, 183, Sr.) P Nick Chmielowicz (5-9, 145, Jr.)

OFFENSE QB Mic Roof (6-2, 165, Jr.) TB Xavier Gantt (5-10. 170, Sr.) FB Martin Mangram (5-11, 180, Sr.) WR Alan Bussoletti (6-4, 190, Sr.) WR Jacob Martin (6-1, 183, Sr.) TE Caleb Auer (6-3, 240, Sr.) RT Tyler Thurmond (6-6, 265, Jr.) RG Dean Powell (6-0, 275, Jr.) C Cooper Simpson (6-1, 260, Sr.) LG Will Graddick (6-2, 260, Sr.) LT Innis Claud (6-2, 280 Sr.) K Nick Chmielowicz (5-9, 145, Jr.) 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 44 45 46

Mikey McMorris Zack Waters Garrison Price Preston Hagan Griffin Price Corey Burnett Mick Reese Jack Ness Isaiah Shepard Hunter Akins Jaylan Strickland

WR/DB FB/LB TB/DB TB/LB WR/DB FB/LB TE/DL WR/DB FB/LB OL/DL TE/DE

10 11 10 10 10 11 10 11 10 10 10

47 48 49 52 54 55 56 59 60 61 62

Cole Wroble Dale Craig Tyreque Legrant Clay Castleman Logan Orr Garrett Scoggins Cooper Simpson Connor Mills Asa Jones Preston Brown Dean Powell

FB/LB FB/LB FB/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL

10 12 10 10 10 11 12 11 10 11 11

63 64 65 67 70 71 72 73 75 76 77 78 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 99

Adam Pugh Alan Frazier Cole Tarleton Mark Castillo Tyler Thurmond Austin Blake Bailey Crews Jesse Duncan David Andrade Hank White Will Graddick Innis Claud Jalen Anderson Nolan Weber Brent Parker Matthew Walton Juan Morales Logan Strain Griffin Russo Jacob Cardiello Daniel Garcia Edgar Bravo Shug Frazier Aquaveun Johnson D.J. Pinkard Jarrett Burgos Bryson Enoch Carson Guy Nick Chmielowicz

OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OLDL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE/DE TE/DE WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB TE/DE K OL/DL TE/DL LB/TE OL/DL K/P TE/DL K/P K/P

10 12 11 10 11 10 10 10 12 11 12 12 10 10 10 10 12 10 10 12 11 11 12 10 11 12 10 10 11

Wishing all of the football teams a great season from the Crowell Brothers staff and family

FREE CONCERT

BUFORD COMMUNITY CENTER www.BufordCommunityCenter.com

Buford

271834-1

270526-1

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12TH AT 6:00 PM

Now serving you with two locations: 201 Morningside Drive Buford GA 30019 770.945.9999

gwinnettdailypost.com.com

Peachtree Corners

5051 Peachtree Industrial Blvd Norcross, GA 30092 770.448.5757

crowellbrothers.com SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 • 13

Central Gwinnett Black Knights Head coach: Todd Wofford (23-29 at Central Gwinnett, 23-29 overall)

Offense From at least one standpoint, there won’t be much change in the Central offense from a year ago.

Several important personnel members are back, including junior Nick Partlow, who took over at quarterback when Eric Forrest went down with a seasonending injury late in the regular season, and county receiving leader Major Bellamy (pictured).

However, head coach Todd Wofford says that the Black Knights will sport quite a different look this fall.

For one thing, despite his experience, Partlow isn’t guaranteed to be the starter under center, with both senior Micah Maxey and sophomore D.J. Irons also vying for the job.

“It’s not cut and dry (that Partlow) is going to be starter,” Wofford said.

“Micah is a senior. He’s been in the system four years and he’s got a lot of leadership qualities that go along with the position that has stood out since spring practice. He would’ve been more in the mix (to start) last year, but we moved him to linebacker when Eric Forrest took over.

D.J.’s a combination of

Region: 8-AAAAAA

Last playoff appearance: 2014 2015 schedule Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

Collins Hill at Mundy’s Mill South Gwinnett at Shiloh Dacula at Brookwood Grayson at Archer Parkview at Berkmar

2014 results (7-5) at Collins Hill Mundy’s Mill at South Shiloh at Dacula Brookwood at Grayson Archer at Parkview Berkmar at North at Newton

both (Partlow and Maxey).

He’s athletic. He’s not as fast as Nick, but he’s just as athletic. And he’s got an arm like Maxey.”

But the biggest difference may be that instead of the quick-hitting passing attack that has been the trademark throughout Wofford’s tenure, the Black Knights will take a more pedestrian approach.

The presence of powerful runners like Nigel Adams, Jeff Days and South Gwinnett transfer Trey

14 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

Vallery means Central will run the ball much more this season.

And despite the transfer of E.J. Price to Archer, those backs should have a strong line to run behind, anchored by major college prospect Tony Gray.

“We actually have three backs who do a lot of things for us and give us more of a running game that we’ve had,” Wofford said. “Everybody thinks we’ll throw it 40 times a game, but when you’ve

got backs like that, you can do a lot of things.

You have to respect their size. … We haven’t had that kind of running game since we had George Morris.”

Defense Despite having to replace playmakers like Adonis Thomas and Deshawn Oliver, who combined for 225 stops off a unit that was fifth in the county in points allowed a year ago, Wofford

gwinnettprepsports.com

L 20-9 W 21-8 W 30-25 W 44-0 L 20-10 W 32-0 L 28-0 L 35-14 W 24-21 W 32-17 W 12-9 L 15-14

says there’s a lot to like about the Black Knights’ defense this fall.

That’s especially true for a linebacking corps that returns Tim Gary (97 tackles, 9 sacks) and Adams and adds Apalachee transfer Jamal Stewart (95 tackles).

“This group of linebackers, I think, could be a much better than the group we had last year, and that’s even including Adonis,” Wofford said. “We have about six guys who are all about 215 pounds-plus that can run, and they swarm

(to the ball).”

While Wofford also expects improvement from the defensive line, he says the key to this year’s defense might be in the secondary.

And based on the progress of players like Vern Bellamy and Elliott Cummings this summer, he’s liked what he’s seen so far.

“The position to replace most in is secondary,” Wofford said. “That was my big question. We had guys who got a lot of experience in back-up roles last year. They’ve looked good this summer.

They’ve really stepped up to the challenge.”

Etc. Coming off the program’s first postseason appearance since 2006, Wofford says there’s a different atmosphere around the Black Knights during preseason camp this year.

“I don’t want to say it’s cockiness, but you can tell during practices this summer that the kids know what it takes to get back (to the postseason),” Wofford said. “You can feel it with them that they’re excited. The expectations have risen with that.”

— David Friedlander

Central Gwinnett roster No. Name 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Nigel Adams Major Bellamy Vern Bellamy Jarius Jones Tim Gary Azaviar Kufour Micah Maxey Jamal Stewart Erron Price A.J. McCain Nick Partlow Trey Vallery D.J. Irons Jeff Days Derrick Lawrence Sidney Willis Elliot Cummings Jordan Smith Kendal Gray Antonio Oliver Tamontra Carter Dominique Atkins Kaseem Bagley

Pos.

Year

RB/LB WR DB RB/WR LB WR QB LB WR DB QB RB QB RB RB DE DB WR DB DB DB RB DB

12 12 11 11 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 12 10 11 10 12 11 11 11 12 10 11 12

PROBABLE STARTERS (returners in bold) DEFENSE DL Tyrell Earl (6-3, 250, Soph.)

DL Paul Brewer (5-9, 225, Jr.) DL Sidney Willis (6-0, 238, Sr.) LB Nigel Adams (6-0, 234, Sr.) LB Tim Gary (5-10, 215, Sr.) LB Jamal Stewart (6-1, 230, Sr.) LB Elijah Robertson (5-10, 190, Sr.) DB Vern Bellamy (5-10, 155, Jr.) DB Kaseem Bagley (5-7, 145, Jr.) DB A.J. McClain (6-0, 175, Sr.) DB/LB Elliot Cummings (6-0, 185, Jr.)

OFFENSE QB Micah Maxey (6-3, 190, Sr.) or Nick Partlow (6-1, 180, Jr.) or D.J. Irons (6-1, 150, Soph.)

RB Jeff Days (5-8, 195, Jr.) or Nigel Adams (6-0, 234, Sr.) SL Derrick Lawrence (5-8, 145, Soph.) or Jarius Jones (6-2, 185, Jr.) WR Major Bellamy (5-8, 155, Sr.) WR Erron Price (6-1, 175, Sr.) WR Azaviar Kufour (5-11, 200, Sr.) OT Tony Gray (6-5, 285, Jr.) OG Brandon Jones (5-11, 295, Sr.) C Elijah Hutson (6-2, 240, Sr.) OG Devin Billhimer (5-8, 270, Jr.) OT Tim Wilkins (6-2, 245, Jr.) 28 29 30 31 33 37 39

Aaron Allen Darvon Smith Jaiwann Brown Adonis Elliott-Thigpen Paul Brewer Chakai Simmons Ruben Jimenez

RB DB RB DB DL LB DB

11 12 9 9 10 10 12

46 47 48 49 50 52 53

Ivan Sledge Shelton Coombs Elijah Robertson Daniel Edibiokpo Bella Sinanta Tyrell Earl Farook Ogunfuyi

DE LB LB DL DL DL/OL LB

11 11 12 10 12 10 12

54 55 56 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 69 71 74 75 77 78 81 84 85 88 93

Tim Wilkins Devin Billhimer Brandon Jones Joel Lineras Jordan Allen Ian Sainville Dominique Zarazua Jakob Lindblad Chimico Dumas Carlos Corona Bryant Jones Esdras Thelemaque Abraham Salazar Tony Gray Elijah Hutson Jalen King Traquan Anderson Andrew Taylor Adnan Antonio Quenton Meheau Jallah Zeze Jakir Jackson

OL DL DL DE DL OL OL OL DL OL OL DL OL OL OL OL DL WR WR WR WR DL

11 11 12 10 11 11 10 11 10 12 10 11 10 11 12 10 11 9 12 11 10 10

e h t e v Sa Date TWO full days of One-Stop Holiday Shopping!

Plus Fun for the Entire Family!

272328-1

Coming December 5 & 6

Gwinnett Center - Duluth, GA

D E T N A ORS W rcial - Local &

e T I il, Comm ts / Services B ta I e R , H s p e EX Crafters, Ind. R National Produc

gwinnettprepsports.com

Contact Us Today HOLIDAY@SCOMPAPERS.COM 770-963-9205 x1203

HomefortheHolidayExpo.com SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 • 15

Collins Hill Eagles Head coach: Kevin Reach (37-22 at Collins Hill, 37-22 overall)

Offense Collins Hill’s spread offense has had some explosive seasons in the past, and with eight returners for 2015, this year’s offense could rival that of some of those previous teams.

Anchoring that offense is the front line, led by left tackle Michael Faulkner, who started all 10 games last year. Senior Jonathan Husbands and Nate Wellington comprise the guards, while Aaron Sonkesak holds down the middle at center.

Right tackle is the only position open up front, but Reach has three quality players in Jason Adicks, Caleb Hudson and Justin Rivers each battling for playing time.

Collins Hill also has a good 1-2 punch at running back in Jeremy Lewis and Jonathan Postell with Lewis being more of the speed runner and Postell going in between the tackles. Tracy Fusilier also lines up in the backfield at fullback.

While needing production in the running game, the spread offense needs receivers, and 2015 has an excellent group, led

by Des Howard. Canyon Slade and Codi Russell bring experience to

the slot positions, while 6-foot-5 wideout Justin Macauley lines up on the outside at receiver.

Another returner is quarterback Monty Horn, who started all 10 games in 2014 as a sophomore.

However, head coach Kevin Reach picked up a transfer from Greater Atlanta Christian in junior Drew Dinsmore, who is battling for the starting position.

“Both have been doing very well,” said Reach, who will wait until after the scrimmage to name his opening game starter.

“Dinsmore has great arm strength and Horn knows the system very well.

We’ll just have to wait and see how things work out.”

Defense Like the offense, Reach’s defense will be

Region: 7-AAAAAA

much more experienced than it was a year ago.

Running a 3-4 scheme that allowed 23 points per game last year, this year’s group looks to be more formidable.

The defensive line is led by end Tomon Fox, who will be starting for his third year. Fox, who has 23 career sacks, mulled over 50 collegiate offers before verbally committing to North Carolina late in the summer.

Helping Fox will be Steven Harwell, who can play at nose and end, while Mitch Davis, Malik Blakely and K.J. Dorsey bring depth in the rotation.

The linebackers look to be the strength of the defense, led by Robert Snyder on the inside. Snyder, who will be starting for his third year, currently holds offers from Virginia

and Virginia Tech among others. Also playing on the inside will be Khalil Blakely.

Two more collegebound players hold down the outside in Emmanuel Belmar (Virginia Tech) and Jordan Bertand (Miami-Ohio, pictured), each of who will be threeyear starters.

In the secondary, junior Mark Flores returns at safety, while Reggie White will start for his second year at cornerback. Reach also expects Jonathan Pierre, Kymere Faucette and Peyton Woulard to rotate in at safety, while Askri Smith and Darius Penton are getting looks at corner.

The Eagles return the county’s leading punter in Snyder, while Horn brings experienced in the often overlooked position of holder.

Sam Glenn is the favorite to be the kicker.

More experience This time last season, Reach had no idea what to expect.

With just three starters returning on the defensive side and none on offense, he knew the 2014 Eagles would have to grow up fast if they were to

272023-1

16 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

Last playoff appearance: 2013

gwinnettprepsports.com

2015 schedule

Aug. 21 Dacula Aug. 28 at Central Gwinnett Sept. 4 South Gwinnett Sept. 18 North Gwinnett Sept. 25 at Meadowcreek Oct. 2 Mountain View Oct. 9 at Duluth Oct. 23 Mill Creek Oct. 30 at Peachtree Ridge Nov. 6 at Norcross

2014 results (5-5)

at Dacula L 34-14 Central W 20-9 at South W 27-20 at North L 42-24 Meadocreek W 49-7 at Mountain View W 16-12 Duluth W 34-0 at Mill Creek L 51-7 P’tree Ridge L 38-3 Norcross L 20-17* *overtime

compete for a playoff spot in the ultra competitive Region 7-AAAAAA. The Eagles did show signs of maturity, finishing the season at 5-5, but an overtime loss to Norcross in the regular season finale left Collins Hill home the following week when the playoffs started.

Unlike last year, Reach has a much better feel for what this season will bring as 11 starters return.

“This year we have a lot more leadership and kids that have game experience,” Reach said. “We were in most games last

year and lost a couple of close ones and that experience should help us this year.”

Etc. One thing Reach is happy with is the continuity of his coaching staff, which didn’t lose any members from last year. In fact, he was down a coach last season, and filled that opening in the off season with Jason Conner. Conner, who was the head coach at Duluth for the past two seasons, stepped down from that position and was quickly snatched up by Reach. “I still have everybody from last year but was able to hire Conner as our quarterbacks coach,” Reach said. “As a former head coach, I’ve been able to assign him some duties and he’s known exactly what to do with them.” Conner’s contributions have already helped, especially in the ongoing battle for starting quarterback. … The Eagles added a new piece to their field to go along with their Eagle Walk entrance to games. At the bottom of what they call “The Hill,” the Eagle players will walk under a newly constructed arch.

— Scott Smith

Collins Hill roster No. Name

Pos.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

LB RB WR WR WR DL LB DL LB LB QB RB WR QB QB DB WR QB LB DB RB DB DB WR DB DB DB WR

Jordan Bertrand Jeremy Lewis Justin Macauley Codi Russell Canyon Slade Mitch Davis Bobby Sheehan Tomon Fox Emmanuel Belmar Robert Snyder Drew Dinsmore A.J. Carter Des Howard Brendan Koerner Monty Horn Reggie White Marc Riley Jon-Michael Findlay Khalil Blakely Askri Smith Chris Evans Angelo Crockett Jalen Werts Devin Bradley Jared Clear Peyton Woulard Elijah Jappah David Beasley

Year 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 12 11 10 11 11 11 10 12 11 12 11 12 11 11 10 12 11

PROBABLE STARTERS (returners in bold)

DEFENSE DE Tomon Fox (6-4, 240, Sr.) NG Malik Blakely (5-11, 210, Sr.) DE Stephen Harwell (6-2, 225, Sr.) OLB Emmanual Belmar (6-2, 230, Sr.) OLB Jordan Bertrand (6-1, 195, Sr.) or Bobby Sheehan (6-1, 185, Sr.) ILB Robert Snyder (6-3, 225, Sr.) ILB Khalil Blakely (5-11, 205, Sr.) CB Askri Smith (5-9, 160, Jr.) or Kymere Faucette (6-1, 180, Jr.) CB Reggie White (6-1, 180, Jr.) FS Peyton Woulard (6-0, 170, Soph.)

SS Jonathan Pierre (5-9, 170, Jr.) P Robert Snyder (6-3, 225, Sr.)

OFFENSE QB Monty Horn (6-1, 180, Jr.) or Drew Dinsmore (6-4 190, Jr.) RB Jeremy Lewis (5-11, 175, Sr.) FB Tracy Fusilier (5-10, 210, Jr.) WR Justin Macauley (6-5, 190, Sr.) WR Des Howard (6-0, 170, Jr.) WR Canyon Slade (5-9, 160, Sr.) WR Codi Russell (5-8, 160, Sr.) LT Michael Faulkner (6-4, 260, Sr.) LG Nathaniel Wellington (6-2, 290, Jr.) C Aaron Sonkesak (6-0, 250, Jr.) RG Jonathan Husbands (6-1, 240, Sr.) RT Jason Adicks (6-2, 270, Jr.) K Sam Glenn (5-11, 160, Sr.) 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39

Malik Blakely Darius Penton Mark Flores Evan Anderson Jonathan Postell Devon Ringi Naji Germana Arham Younus Chandler Black Tracy Fusilier

LB DB DB RB RB DB RB RB DB RB

12 10 11 10 11 11 10 12 10 11

40 41 42 43 44 46 48 49 51 53

Jonathan Pierre Kymere Faucette Nathan Jones Mamady Diarra Jomier Augustine Brandon Johnson T.C. Harrison Kenneth Lowry Tra Dagbe Jack Robertson

DB DB LB DB LB LB LB LB LB DL

11 11 11 11 10 11 10 10 11 11

54 55 56 57 58 63 64 65 66 67 68 70 72 73 74 75 77 79 84 87 88 90 91 92 94 96 99

Andrew Brand Steven Harwell Austin Bullock Jonathan Husbands Timothy Vo Cameron Jackson Daniel Nieto Chris Martin A.J. Accetta Jon Padilla Caleb Hutson Jason Adicks Aaron Sonkesak Bradley Burge Justin Rivers Michael Faulkner Kevin Lasso Nathaniel Wellington Braxton Curry Abraham Nunez Lamont Griffin K.J. Dorsey Tristen Alvarado Chandler Frye C.J. Riggsbee Sam Glenn George Bonsu

DL DL OL OL LB DL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL WR K WR DL DL DL DL K K

10 12 12 12 11 11 12 11 10 11 10 11 11 10 11 12 11 11 11 12 11 10 11 11 11 12 11

270474-1

gwinnettprepsports.com

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 • 17

Dacula Falcons

Head coach: Tommy Jones (18-7 at Dacula, 45-50 overall)

Offense The Falcons rushed for over 3,400 yards and averaged 26 points last year in coach Tommy Jones’ multiple-I offense.

Despite heavy losses from graduation, the 2015 offense looks to be on solid ground, thanks in large to four returning linemen.

Leading that group are a pair of seniors in center Matt Agnew and guard Ethan Stokes. Junior Tyler Brown also has experience at guard, while Johnathan Grant gives Jones some versatility at tight end.

The biggest needs for Jones is to fill are the tackle positions. If that unit can come together, the Falcons should once again be able to put some points on the board.

Running behind that line is a young but talented group of backs, led by senior Jakob Brashear (pictured). Brashear, entering his third year as a starting linebacker, will see his offensive role expand greatly.

He won’t be alone, though, as Ty Harris and Ty’Quan Garrett are expected to play major roles, along with fullback Malik Carrasco.

Distributing the ball

will be quarterback Wesley Whitehead, who was thrust into action last year for five starts in place of injured quarterback Giovanni Lugo. Jones also has been pleased with what he’s seen in sophomore Shayne Buckingham, who could see action at receiver while providing Whitehead with a solid backup.

The receivers will be led by senior Keion Scott and junior Shemar Esson, while junior Chase Isler and senior Austin Berlin will be in the rotation.

“We realize that we will need to be able to throw the ball more effectively this year to take some pressure off of our running game,” Jones said.

Region: 8-AAAAAA

Defense Dacula surrendered an average of just over 16 points per game last year with two shutouts. Achieving those figures again in 2015 will be a challenge as the Falcons will field a young and largely inexperienced group this fall.

While the offense has some experience to work with, it’s hard to find on the defensive side of the ball as only two starters return.

Both of those are linebackers, led by Brashear and Cory Ames. Brashear, a Georgia Tech commitment, is an outside linebacker in Jones’ base-50 scheme, while Ames sets up in the middle.

The secondary will feature four new starters, as

Last playoff appearance: 2014

will the defensive line.

“I feel we have a talented, young group,” Jones said. “It depends on how quickly they learn the system and gain confidence. It’s a great group of kids with a great attitude and they work very hard.”

Jones expects Harris to step in and help at outside linebacker, while Allen Daniels will provide some strength up front on the line. The coaching staff also has been pleased with the development of Jaylon Jones, who looks to contribute in the defensive backfield.

Finding the right combination on special teams will also be key for the Falcons. The place kicker favorite is junior Phillip Hoke, while T.K. Chimedza is the punter. Senior Chase Francis is set to be the long snapper.

300 in sight Dacula’s tradition goes back as far as any in Gwinnett County with some great names attached to it in the likes of Terry Harvey and the Irons brothers (Kenny and David) to name a few.

All that talent and tradition have placed the Falcons in position to achieve

270565-1

18 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

gwinnettprepsports.com

2015 schedule

but winning 300 games as a program is special. There aren’t a lot of programs in the country or state that can claim that. There are so many coaches and players that have been a part of the Dacula legacy. It’s an unbelievably special place.”

2014 results (10-2)

Graduation toll The results of Jones’ first two seasons at Dacula have been excellent, each year bringing a postseason berth with trips to the Class AAAAAA quarterfinals and second round in respective years.

A return to the playoffs in 2015 is again a strong possibility, but it won’t be easy as Region 8-AAAAAA has what coach Jones calls the most parity he’s seen in one region.

In addition, this year’s group will have to overcome the loss of 16 starters from last year, leaving him with an eager but young group for 2015.

“Unfortunately, we lost 16 starters from last year, and that was a group that felt confident in close games we had last year,” Jones said. “I hope that these younger guys learned from their example.”

— Scott Smith

Aug. 21 at Collins Hill Sept. 4 Mill Creek Sept. 11 Berkmar Sept. 18 at South Gwinnett Sept. 25 Shiloh Oct. 2 at Central Gwinnett Oct. 16 Brookwood Oct. 23 at Grayson Oct. 30 Archer Nov. 6 at Parkview Collins Hill at Mill Creek at Berkmar South at Shiloh Central at Brookwood Grayson at Archer Parkview P’tree Ridge at Colquitt Co.

W 34-14 W 28-21 W 21-0 W 27-13 W 28-6 W 20-10 W 35-29 W 27-17 L 24-10 W 35-0 W 17-14 L 51-30

a milestone with the 300th win in school history.

According the Georgia High School Football Historians Association, the Falcons will be sitting at 297-254-6 when the season kicks off.

While Jones makes no guarantees that it will happen this year, the achievement of reaching 300 wins is not lost on him.

“Dacula is a very proud community that has rallied around its football for years,” Jones said. “I’m not sure when it will happen,

Dacula roster 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

Ty’Quan Garrett Kenny Rainey Keion Scott Logan Layson Shamar Esson Malik Carrasco Kenneth Holder Wesley Whitehead T.K. Chimedza Austin Berlin Shayne Buckingham Demarco McInnis Cooper Morgan Jalen Perry Nash Henderson DeAndre Price Jakob Brashear Jaylon Jones Chanz Wallace Isaiah Davis Verkarry Pickens Ty Harris Zach Bullock Michael Burrell Chase Isler Teddy Olson Antonio Yin Jamie Arroyo Malik Addison Babila Fomuteh

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

Year 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 12 10 12 10 12 12 9 11 11 12 11 12 11 12 11 12 10 11 12 12 12 11 11

PROBABLE STARTERS (returners in bold) DEFENSE DE Allen Daniels (6-3, 280, Jr.) DE T.K. Chimedza (6-3, 250, Soph.)

NG Malik Carrasco (5-10, 245, Jr.) LB Jakob Brashear (6-1, 215, Sr.) LB Ty Harris (6-1, 215, Jr.) LB Corey Ames (5-11, 225, Sr.) LB Jamie Arroyo (5-8, 200, Sr.) FS Austin Berlin (5-9, 160, Sr.) SS Jaylon Jones (5-10, 170, Jr.) CB Chase Isler (5-9, 165, Jr.) CB DeMarco McInnis (5-9, 170, Sr.) P T.K. Chimedza (6-3, 250, Soph.)

OFFENSE QB Wesley Whitehead (6-2, 170, Sr.) RB Jakob Brashear (6-1, 215, Sr.) FB Malik Carrasco (5-10, 245, Jr.) WR Chase Isler (5-9, 165, Jr.) WR Keion Scott (5-10, 190, Sr.) WR Shamar Esson (5-8, 155, Jr.) TE Johnathan Grant (6-3, 210, Sr.) OT Dez Ikpa (6-2, 285, Jr.) OG Tyler Brown (6-0, 275, Jr.) C Matthew Agnew (6-0, 260, Sr.) OG Ethan Stokes (6-3, 250, Sr.) OT Daniel John (6-1, 250, Sr.) K Phillip Hoke (5-9, 160, Jr.)

34 35 36 37 38 39 41 42 43 44

Trey Pratt Drew Allen Nathanel Louis Maliek Mona Caleb Keith Cameron Carroll Will Stovall Landen Berlin Tre McMillian Shaah Cooper

WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/LB RB/LB RB/OLB

11 11 11 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

Johnathan Grant Austin Manning Elie Francois Garrett Hughes Allen Daniels Adam Gilmore Brandon Jones Samuel Vilceus Tyler Jones Corey Ames

TE/LB TE/DL RB/LB TE/LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB

12 11 10 12 11 10 11 10 10 12

55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 66 67 68 70 72 73 74 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88

Brenon Mims Tyler Dubreeze Ethan Stokes Chase Fancis Victor Micah Ben Morgan Eteka Okon Daniel John Tyler Cummings Godwin Deroseney Dez Ikpa Cameron Powell Samuel Mzezewa Sebastian Cardenas Nicolas Dewitt Jake DuBose Tyler Brown James Helton Kevin Nowell Matthew Agnew Daniel Agbonze Justin Donellan Sabrina Seibel Phillip Hoke Kenny Severe Alec Jimenez Tyrell Martin Daniel Mollica John Kotto Scotty Thompson

OL/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/SN OL/OLB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB K K WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB

11 11 12 12 10 10 10 12 11 11 11 10 10 12 10 10 11 11 10 12 12 11 12 11 10 10 10 10 10 10

Wishing all of the football teams a great season from the Crowell Brothers staff and family

Now serving you with two locations: Buford

271831-1

No. Name

201 Morningside Drive Buford GA 30019 770.945.9999

Peachtree Corners

5051 Peachtree Industrial Blvd Norcross, GA 30092 770.448.5757

crowellbrothers.com gwinnettprepsports.com

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 • 19

Duluth Wildcats Head coach: Bob Swank (0-0 at Duluth, 8-22 overall)

Offense While Bob Swank has been on Duluth’s coaching staff the past two seasons, there will be a fairly noticeable change in the offense as he takes over the head coaching reins this fall.

“We won’t be like anything we’ve been in (recent) past,” Swank said.

“We’ll be a much more balanced team — more of a 50-50 (run-pass). That’s our hope.”

Much of the reasoning for the shift from the Wildcats’ pass-happy attack to a more proportional approach has to do with personnel.

Both quarterbacks who saw action last year — Thad Bell and Marcellos Sparks — are gone, leaving newcomers Jalil El-Amin and Isaiah Grim to battle it out for the starting job.

While Swank is confident about the arm strength and ability of both to get the ball to receivers like Bryant Loftin, William Huzee or Khiree Seabrook, he also adds that the ground game will still play a much stronger role this fall.

Junior tailback Cordell Creighton will be a main

Region: 7-AAAAAA

2015 schedule

Aug. 21 at Wheeler Aug. 28 Northview Sept. 4 at Lakeside-DeKalb Sept. 18 at Mill Creek Sept. 25 Norcross Oct. 2 at Peachtree Ridge Oct. 9 Collins Hill Oct. 23 at North Gwinnett Oct. 30 Mountain View Nov. 6 Meadowcreek

2014 results (2-8)

Wheeler L 24-6 at Northview L 42-7 Lakeside W 41-20 Mill Creek L 42-0 at Norcross L 38-0 P’tree Ridge L 49-6 at Collins Hill L 34-0 North L 71-24 at Mnt. View L 28-20 at Meadowcreek W 41-26

focus in that ground game, though the real catalyst will be a large, veteran offensive line, with sophomore Sterling Singletary bolstering returning seniors William Hunter, Frank Viloria, Darius McCray, Troy Price and Donald Boone.

“That’s what we’re building around, the offensive line,” Swank said.

“That’s the only experience we’ve got. Hopefully, we can make the transition easier for the new quarterbacks. Really all our skill positions are new players,

and all young guys.

“Those guys (on the line) are experienced guys and good-sized kids,” Swank said. “We think we can move (the chains). If we have to go three yards and a cloud of dust for a while, that’s what we’re going to do.”

Defense Having worked with the defense as its coordinator the past two seasons, Swank has an even better grasp on where the unit stands.

And like the offense,

A • • • • • 268800-1 268801-1

Last playoff appearance: 1994

there are some serious gaps in terms of experience, though not necessarily talent, based on what he’s seen.

“It’s just a matter of experience,” Swank said. “We feel like we’ve got some good athletes.

They’re just not tested yet.”

Two of the few starters returning are linemen Darian McCray and Aaron Black, while junior Cameren Carter (pictured) will move back either to one of the linebacker spots or perhaps even to safety.

In fact, there will be quite

a bit of shifting around in the back of the defense, in part due to the influx of athletes from other sports coming out for football to lend the Wildcats a hand, including lacrosse player Benjamin Bryant and tall, athletic basketball player Javis Diaz.

It’s all part of Swank’s plan to be a more aggressive unit that can get to the football quickly no matter where it is.

“Benjamin Bryant played lacrosse and hasn’t played football in three years,” Swank said. “We’re expecting big things from

Back in the saddle It’s been eight years since Swank was last a head coach, when he finished a three-season stint at Cobb County’s Pope High School.

Despite the experience of posting an 8-22 record with the Greyhounds from 2005-07 and a college coaching career that included being offensive graduate assistant at the University of Toledo and head coach at Buffalo State College, he said this job has a much different feel for him.

“I’ve definitely changed over the years,” Swank said. “I’ve got a lot more experience. Pope was 10 years ago. I think I’ve got a better handle on things.

And my principal (Anthony Smith) has given me the opportunity to bring in good coaching staff.”

— David Friedlander

GREAT PLACE TO SHOP!

Macys Sears MegaMart Abercrombie & Fitch Aeropostale

• • • • •

Ba th & Body Works Champs Express Foot Locker Journeys

770.813.6840 | 2100 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth | www.ShopGwinnettMall.com

20 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

him. He’s a sophomore, and will be a starter at outside linebacker. Then, we’ve got a senior off the basketball team starting at safety in Javis Diaz. “(The plan is) really just playing relentless pursuit football. We’ve got to be tough and run to the football.”

gwinnettprepsports.com

• LensCrafters • Payless Shoe Source • Victoria’s Secret

& More!

Duluth roster No. Name

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 21 22 23 24 25 26

Pos.

Khiree Seabrook WR Hunter Seabrook WR Cameren Carter DB Cordell Creighton RB Marcus Webster DB Isaiah Grim QB William Huzzie WR Javis Diaz DB Benajmin Bryant LB Jalil El-Amin QB Elijah McDade DB Brandon Loftin WR Tyler Velasquez DB Christopher Pennamon QB Dominic Thomas DB Raymont Avant RB Jelani Stoddart RB Christian Porterfield RB Robin Merrill DB Travion Hampton DB

Year

10 10 11 11 10 11 10 12 12 10 11 10 12 10 12 11 10 10 12 10

PROBABLE STARTERS (returners in bold) OFFENSE QB Isaiah Grim (6-2, 200, Jr.) or Jalil El-Amin (6-2, 185, Soph.)

TB Cordell Creighton (5-9, 185, Jr.) FB Raymont Avant, (5-10, 190, Jr.) WR Khiree Seabrook (5-10, 180, Soph.)

WR William Huzzie (6-2, 180, Soph.)

WR Brandon Loftin (6-1, 190, Jr.) LT Donald Boone (6-4, 265, Sr.) LG William Hunter (6-0, 280, Sr.) C Troy Price (6-2, 245, Sr.) RG Frankie Viloria (5-10, 220, Sr.) RT Sterling Singletary (6-4, 285, Soph.)

K TBA

27 28 30 32 36 37 42 45

Coleman McDonald DB Bailey Romanchuk DB Sean Nguyen RB Ethan Johnsaint WR/DB Bilal Muhammad-Davis RB Karlos Hickman DB Eric Crockett TE/LB Michael Ridley WR/DB

12 11 10 10 10 11 12 10

DEFENSE DE Eric Crockett (5-10, 200, Sr.) DT Andre Cross (6-3, 290, Fr.) NG Brendan Haley (5-11, 200, Sr.) DE Aaron Black (5-10, 200, Sr.) OLB Cameren Carter (6-2, 205, Jr.) MLB Benjamin Bryant (6-2, 215, Sr.) OLB Marcus Webster (5-10, 180, Soph.)

CB Travion Hampton (5-10, 175, Soph.)

CB Dominic Thomas (5-10, 180, Sr.) FS Javis Diaz (6-2, 190, Sr.) SS Brandon Loftin (6-1, 190, Jr.) P TBA

47 48 50 51 52 53 54 55

Brandon Lawrence Kevon Rouse Jason Morris Aaron Black Troy Price Frankie Viloria William Hunter Brennan Haley

gwinnettprepsports.com

TE/LB RB/LB TE/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL

10 10 10 12 12 12 12 12

56 57 60 68 70 71 72 73 75 76 78 79 80 81 84 85 86 94 98

Darius McCray OL/DL Bernard Coleman OL/DL Christopher Munroe OL/DL Yan Delices OL/DL Gehovanni Perez OL Shelby Beverly OL/DL Jael Bahamundi OL/DL Kendrick Anderson OL/DL Luis Quiroz OL/DL Sterling Singletary OL/DL Donald Boone OL/DL Matthew Peck OL/DL Roland Black WR John Bielicki WR Jaylen Johnson TE/DL Bandon Dickerson WR/DB Dominique West WR Afnin Hailemariam TE/DL Dominique Zahou TE/DL

12 10 10 11 12 10 10 10 10 10 12 10 10 10 10 10 10 11 10

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 • 21

Greater Atlanta Christian Spartans Head coach: Tim Hardy (34-7 at GAC, 43-22 overall)

Offense GAC’s offense took a major production hit from graduation.

Running back Micah Abernathy, now at Tennessee, rushed for a countybest 1,533 yards and 20 touchdowns for last year’s Class AA runnerup team. Wide receiver Darius Slayton, an Auburn signee, and Case Western Reserve (Ohio) signee Justin Phan combined for 101 catches for 1,694 yards and 21 TDs. To replace those numbers, GAC will turn to a number of running backs and wide receivers with a by-committee approach.

Marcus Young and Alex Rowe are the leading contenders to replace Abernathy, while Malcolm Cunningham, Liam Sullivan and Harrison Sloan are part of the receiver rotation.

“We think we’re actually pretty deep at the offensive skill positions,” GAC head coach Tim Hardy said. “We have a number of guys who can carry it and a number of guys who can catch it.”

They definitely have a guy who can throw it.

Davis Mills is back after throwing for 2,267 yards and 26 TDs with a 67 percent completion rate last

265193-1

Region: 6-AA

Last playoff appearance: 2014 2015 schedule

Aug. 21 at Benedictine Aug. 28 at North Oconee Sept. 4 ELCA Sept. 18 at Hapeville Sept. 25 BEST Academy Oct. 2 at KIPP Atlanta Oct. 9 Pace Academy Oct. 24 at Holy Innocents’ Oct. 30 Lovett Nov. 6 Wesleyan

2014 results (14-1)

season. He ranks among the nation’s top quarterback recruits in the 2016 class, with offers from the likes of Stanford, UCLA, Missouri, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Miami (Fla.), North Carolina and North Carolina State.

“I look at us as a team on offense and we have good offensive linemen coming back with Ford Higgins (Navy commit), Devin Cochran (Vanderbilt) and Ben Masters, three good senior offensive linemen,” Hardy said. “And we have a good quarterback. We lost a high-profile running back and a high-profile receiver, but our triggerman is good and we’re solid up front.”

Defense Abernathy and Slay-

22 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

ton also were exceptional defensive players in GAC’s secondary, but they weren’t the only graduation losses. Star linebackers Paul Carothers and Tyler Cooksey signed with Navy and Georgia Tech, respectively.

GAC does have five starters returning to the defense, and they will build around those players, including proven defensive linemen Brandon Washington and Ben Masters (pictured), and linebacker Josh Pickens.

Berkley Boglin and Rowe are returning starters in the secondary.

“As a unit we play well, we run well at all positions and we have a lot of depth in the secondary,” Hardy said. “We’ll run nine or 10 deep with guys

Benedictine North Oconee at ELCA Hapeville at BEST Acad.

KIPP Atlanta at Pace Holy Innocents at Lovett at Wesleyan Chatt. County Lamar County Vidalia at Fitzgerald Benedictine

W 24-21 W 28-10 W 23-16 W 41-0 W 58-28 W 52-0 W 37-7 W 38-0 W 14-7 W 41-0 W 41-13 W 48-20 W 34-22 W 44-41 L 45-21

that can play (at defensive back). We have a number of guys who are really good at rushing the passer, whether they’re D-line or linebackers, and we’re excited to be active on defense. We want to get hats to the ball and we’ve got guys that can run and play.”

Just short Greater Atlanta Christian fell tantalizingly short of a state championship last season, falling to

gwinnettprepsports.com

Benedictine in the state finals at the Georgia Dome.

Hardy and his players were disappointed, but they also want to use the experience in the future.

“The thing about a year like last year, you see what it takes to get there and also you see what it takes to get it done,” Hardy said. “You look back at last year, build off that experience. We have a lot of guys back who played significant minutes on offense, defense, special teams, so they’ve been there. Our goal is to be the best team in the state of Georgia. It’s not this dream, this abstract idea that no one can relate to. We can taste it.”

The 14-1 season was Hardy’s third, double-digit victory season in three years at GAC. His first team went 10-4 and made the state semifinals, while his 2013 team went 10-2.

While GAC doesn’t have as many big names or experience of the last two seasons, the potential is still there for another big season.

“This is a team that can get a lot better as the season goes along,” Hardy said. “We’ll start off well, but I think we can really get better as the season

goes along.”

Misc.

The week of GAC’s first home game — Sept. 4 vs.

Eagle’s Landing Christian — the Spartans should be ready to move in fully to their posh, new fieldhouse.

The 20,000-square foot, two-story facility includes the typical offices, locker rooms, training room and equipment room, as well as college-style meeting rooms with plenty of breakout rooms for meetings. A large video scoreboard adorns the top. “It’s phenomenal,” Hardy said.

“We visited probably two or three good high school fieldhouses and probably a half dozen college facilities and piece mealed something together, kind of took the best from what we saw. It was very well thought out.

Our folks here did a great job.” … After back-to-back big signing classes, GAC expects another big class of college football recruits in this senior class. “We probably have six to nine who will have the opportunity (to play in college),” Hardy said. … The Spartans are on the road three times in their first four games, with trips to Benedictine, North Oconee and Hapeville.

— Will Hammock

Greater Atlanta Christian roster No. Name

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 26

Pos.

Year

Alex Rowe RB/DB Davis Markham WR/DB Marcus Young RB/DB Berkley Boglin WR/DB Devin Thomas WR/LB Trent Fowler WR/DB Liam Sullivan WR/DB Josh Pickens RB/LB Joshua Irvin WR/DB Brooks Buce K/P Jonathan Waters QB/DB Connor Markham WR/LB Davis Mills QB/DB Harrison Sloan WR/DB Jonathan Rose WR/DB Malcolm Cunningham WR/DB Huey Rowe-Anderson RB/DB Alex Boglin RB/DB Trey Morrison WR/DB Derek Coffman WR/DB

12 11 12 12 11 11 11 12 11 11 12 12 11 11 11 12 10 10 10 12

PROBABLE STARTERS (returners in bold) OFFENSE QB Davis Mills (6-3, 190, Jr.) RB Marcus Young (5-9, 175, Sr.) or Alex Rowe (6-0, 185, Sr.) FB Brandon Washington (5-10, 235, Sr.) WR Malcolm Cunningham (6-1, 175, Sr.) WR Harrison Sloan (5-11, 170, Jr.) WR Liam Sullivan (6-2, 185, Jr.) OL Devin Cochran (6-7, 305, Sr.) OL Ford Higgins (6-1, 245, Sr.) OL Ben Masters (6-3, 230, Sr.) OL John Jefferson (6-1, 275, Sr.) OL Nate Richey (6-2, 240, Soph.)

PK Brooks Buce (5-11 175, Jr.) or Sean Henderson (5-11 170, Soph.)

28 30 32 33 35 37

Cameron Brasher Jonathan Moore Brandon Washington Mallom Liggon Robbie Fowler Jay Kim

WR/DB WR/DB FB/DL TE/LB RB/LB K/P

10 10 12 11 10 10

DEFENSE DL Brandon Washington (5-10 235, Sr.) DL Ben Masters (6-3, 230, Sr.) DL Ford Higgins (6-1, 245, Sr.) LB Aiden Jarrett (6-1, 220, Sr.) LB Devin Thomas (6-1, 205, Jr.) LB Josh Pickens (6-1, 210, Sr.) LB Connor Markham (5-11, 190, Sr.) DB Berkley Boglin (5-11, 170, Sr.) DB Trent Fowler (5-11, 180, Jr.) DB Alex Rowe (6-0, 185, Sr.) DB Liam Sullivan (6-2, 185, Jr.) P Brooks Buce (5-11, 175, Jr.) or Jonathan Waters (6-0 170, Sr.)

41 42 44 45 50 51

Brice Gamble Alan Galloway Lunden Wright Jonathan Stuckey Aidan Jarrett Alex Kim

RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB OL/LB OL/DL

11 10 11 10 12 12

55 57 58 59 62 64 67 70 71 72 74 75 77 80 81 83 84 85 87 88

Ford Higgins Devin Cochran Justin Ellard Charlie Edwards Kial Darst Chris Hood Nate Richey Robbie Chandler Ford Roberts Cam Osley John Jefferson Carson Costas Ben Masters Carson Hoover Max Burke Scott Thomas Correggio Peagler Tony Wyche Ryan Milovich Sean Henderson

OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB TE/LB WR/DB TE/LB WR/DB K/P

12 12 11 11 10 10 10 11 10 11 12 11 12 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

Hennessy Lexus of Gwinnett wishes a safe and successful 2015 season to the Gwinnett High School teams.

Hennessy Lexus of Gwinnett Your premier dealer selling the finest new & pre-owned vehicles.

3383 Satellite Blvd. w Duluth, GA 30096 w 770.680.1000 Your Lexus dealer. Pursuing perfection.

266366-1

gwinnettprepsports.com

www.lexusgwinnett.com

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 • 23

Grayson Rams

Head coach: Mickey Conn (124-47 at Grayson, 124-47 overall)

Offense For the second straight season Grayson enters the season with no question about who its quarterback is. Junior Chase Brice (pictured) returns after throwing for 20 touchdowns last season.

Head coach Mickey Conn said that Brice has been a better leader and is more confident entering his third season as the varsity starter.

“I think confidence more than anything else,” Conn said of where Brice has improved. “He’s always had the ability.

Just the confidence that he has displayed up to this point, through the spring and the summer, and the camp right now, he’s just really matured and grown and feels confident. I think he’s shown more leadership with the team. I think he feels more comfortable with these guys since he’s not real young. He’s played with most of these guys his whole life, as opposed to being the young guy and all that.”

Brice also returns a handful of his top targets from a season ago. At receiver, the speedy Austin Nash and Evan Strugill are back, as is UNC-Charlotte

Region: 8-AAAAAA

2015 schedule

Aug. 28 at Gainesville Sept. 4 Hughes Sept. 11 Archer Sept. 18 at Parkview Sept. 25 Berkmar Oct. 2 at South Gwinnett Oct. 9 Shiloh Oct. 16 at Central Gwinnett Oct. 23 Dacula Oct. 30 at Brookwood

2014 results (10-2)

commit Ryan Carriere at tight end. Grayson adds Demetrius Mason as an outside receiver, after the senior transferred from George Walton.

At running back, senior Cameryn Brent returns.

The 5-foot-9 Valdosta State commit finished second in the county last year with 1,194 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns.

“I don’t think he gets the credit that he deserves,” Conn said. “I mean he is something. He’s over a 1,000-yard rusher the last two years, in this county, as a sophomore and a junior.

So, I’m expecting really big things out of him.”

Along the offensive line, several players with experience return including junior

tackles Jalen Jackson and Will Taylor, who started as a sophomores. Taylor may actually line up at center this season as Grayson mixes and matches to find the best five guys. Senior Chris Martin, who will play defensive tackle for Georgia Tech next year, returns at guard.

Defense The Rams lost four players on defense, who are now at Power 5 schools.

Defensive end Justin Young is now at Georgia, linebacker Daniel Fennell is at South Carolina, linebacker Mohamed Barry is at Nebraska and safety Jordan Hayes is at Duke.

But, as per usual, the Rams reload on the defen-

Gainesville W 39-0 Langston Hughes W 26-16 Archer W 14-10 Parkview W 13-7 Berkmar W 36-12 South Gwinnett W 42-0 Shiloh W 42-6 Central Gwinnett W 42-6 Dacula L 27-17 Brookwood W 38-3 Mill Creek W 24-6 Tucker L 26-23

sive side of the ball. Conn said that seniors Martin, and linebacker Denzel Wright were leaders on defense last year and have fully taken control of the locker room.

“Denzel Wright and Chris Martin are just such great leaders and great players,” he said. “They were last year, the most productive players that we had. Justin Young was on the sacks, he was incredible there but overall run-stopping and that sort of thing — Denzel and

blitz

the 272334-1

Last playoff appearance: 2014

Made possible in part by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

For sale at many Gwinnett county newspaper sales locations starting August 23rd 22nd

24 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

Chris have been unbelievable … those two guys were leaders last year and they’re staying with that same role.”

Grayson also returns starting cornerback Adesola Abisoye and Ernest Tiller, who will also play offense. Replacing Hayes and Germell Jenkins at safety is still a work in progress for the team.

Along the defensive line, Martin will line up at nose guard, while junior Ellison Hubbard has worked his way into the starting lineup to start the year. On the other side, the talented pair of seniors Bryce Morais and MyKelle McDaniel will rotate.

Morais is committed to Boston College, while McDaniel holds offers from most major programs including Georgia, Florida and Alabama among others.

“Both of them have multiple offers, and both of them bring a lot of potential to the table,” Conn said. “Depending on how hard they want to work and how bad they want it, they can be as good as they want to be.”

Coaching changes Grayson defensive coordinator Lenny Gregory

Gwinnett’s Friday night football coverage every Saturday in a publication all its own

gwinnettprepsports.com

was named the head coach at Centennial in Februrary, setting off a slew of changes to the Rams staff.

Conn has brought in former Berkmar head coach Jonathan Sanks to coach linebackers, former Lowndes County assistant Christian Hunnicutt to work with the offensive line and former Habersham Central head coach Mike Pollock as an offensive coach.

Dante Williams is coaching quarterbacks, former UAB staffer Taylor Burges is now on staff and former Boston College receiver Kenyatta Watson is serving as a community coach.

“It’s always tough to lose coaches, but the ones I’ve hired it’s been unbelievable,” Conn said. “Just off the top of my head, three of those guys are former head coaches.”

Former Grayson linebacker Rob Patton was promoted to defensive coordinator after working with defensive backs the last few years.

“Nobody knows it better than he does,” Conn said. “He’s played in it, coached in it, so he’s doing really well. I’m really proud of him.”

— Paul Thomas

Grayson roster No. Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

Cameryn Brent Chase Brice Evan Sturgill Adesola Abisoye Ernest Tiller Austin Nash Garland Peters Zik Okoye Demetrius Mason Bryce Smith Schnyder Boucard Ismail Abdul Nick Prince Josh Gillespie Jake Killian Omari DeBose J’Kori Jones TreVon Barbout Drew Hopkins Elijah Barnes Emmanuel Coulter Matthew Greenway Quinton Thames Jordan Cornelius Chandler Harris Abisha Devonish Will VanPamelen Bayron Velasque Tryice Lane Justin Lester Andrew Bridges Isiah Walo Cameron Thompson

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

Year 12 11 11 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 10 10 11 11 9 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 12 10 11 12 12 11 11 10

PROBABLE STARTERS (returners in bold)

DEFENSE DE Ellison Hubbard (6-2, 265, Jr.) NG Chris Martin (6-2, 265, Sr.) DE Bryce Morais (6-5, 260, Sr.) OR DE Mykelle McDaniel (6-4, 265, Sr.) LB Denzel Wright (6-1, 240, Sr.) LB Bryce Smith (6-0, 190, So.) LB Snyder Boucard (6-1, 190, Sr.) LB Garland Peters (5-10, 180, Sr.) S Matthew Greenway (5-11, 185, Jr.) S Quinton Thames (5-11, 180, Jr.) CB Adesola Abisoye (5-11, 180, Sr.) CB Earnest Tiller (5-9, 170, Sr.)

OFFENSE QB Chase Brice (6-3, 200, Jr.) RB Cameryn Brent (5-9, 200, Sr.) WR Austin Nash (5-10, 176, Sr.) WR Demetrius Mason (6-1, 185, Sr.) WR Evan Sturgill (5-11, 175) TE Ryan Carrier (6-4, 235, Sr.) LT Jaylen Jackson (6-4, 285, Sr.) LG Chris Martin (6-2, 265, Sr.) C Will Taylor (6-4, 280, Jr.) RG Payton Shaddix (5-11, 200, Sr.) RT Clark Hubbard (6-3, 245, Jr.) P/K Will VanPamelin (5-11, 185, So.) 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 46 47 48 49

J.T. Ferebee Dylan Whitt Kumi Sarpong Davion Broach Aaron Brawley Michael Ellison Hunter Cole Owen Pappoe Darius Martin Chris Cotter Denzel Wright Mason McMichael Micah Maxie Jerryd Burton Hunter Lloyd

WR DB DB DB LB DB DB/QB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB

10 10 10 12 11 10 10 9 10 10 12 10 10 10 10

50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 65

Isa Washington Luke Seal Herbert Winborne Manny Perez Payton Shaddix Chris Martin Steven Banks Ethan Painter Ellison Hubbard Soloman Egbe C.J. Royal Marcel Alfred Miguel Solis Fred Raynes Clark Hubbard

gwinnettprepsports.com

OL/DL OL LB DL OL DL/OL DL OL DL LB DL DL OL OL OL/DL

10 11 10 12 12 12 11 10 11 10 11 11 11 10 11

66 67 68 69 70 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 93 94 95 96 97 98 99

Sam Mitchell Adrian Thomas Michael Sharp Tiger McIntosh Keenan Hogan Jalen Jackson Joshua Fryer John Taylor Brayden House Darius Stevens Will Taylor Evan Drake Ryan Taylor Nick Rowe Myron Woods Sam Salman Jaylen Rivers Mahari Stribling Kaleb Pierce Jeffery Tubbs Ryan Carriere Alex Russell Blake May Bryce Morais Mykelle McDaniel Justin Scola John Mafah Alon McCall Jordan Thorpe Jacob Joris Eli Schieffelin Danny Conlin

OL/DL DB OL OL OL OL OL/DL OL OL DL/OL OL OL DL DB/WR WR WR WR WR WR WR TE/LB TE DB DE/OL DE LB DL LB DB K TE K

12 10 12 10 10 11 11 11 10 12 11 10 10 10 11 12 10 10 10 10 12 12 10 12 12 10 10 10 10 12 10 12

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 • 25

Hebron Christian Lions Head coach: Kevin Shaffer (7-13 at Hebron, 7-13 overall)

Offense The Lions figure to take on a dramatically different look from a year ago, mainly due to an offseason shoulder injury to last year’s starting quarterback Connor Holliday that will leave him unavailable for his senior season.

Head coach Kevin Shaffer has plenty of confidence in his heir apparent, Chris McGee, though the senior brings a demonstratively different set of skills to the offense.

“He actually led the team in rushing last year at quarterback, so he’s kind of a triple threat,” Shaffer said of McGee. “Chris is our starter. He did well 7-on-7 camps with passing routes this summer.

“We’ll still be lining up out of the spread, but we’ll be doing a lot of option type runs, quarterback runs. We plan to be very run heavy, but we can still throw it outside the box.”

The latter will be aided by the return of senior Chandler Schultheis (pictured), as well as the athleticism of McGee, who will rotate with sophomore receiver Troy Allen in certain sets.

But make no mistake, the Lions’ success will

Region: 8-A

Last playoff appearance: N/A 2015 schedule

Aug. 21 East Jackson Aug. 29 at Mt. Vernon Sept. 4 Commerce Sept. 18 Towns County Sept. 25 at Prince Avenue Oct. 2 Lakeview Oct. 9 at Providence Oct. 23 at George Walton Oct. 30 at Athens Academy Nov. 6 Athens Christian

2014 results (5-5)

at East Jackson W 35-15 Mt. Vernon Pres. W 49-14 at Commerce L 36-14 at Towns Co. W 49-7 Prince Avenue L 23-20 at Lakview L 29-27 Providence W 61-27 George Walton L 21-17 Athens Acad. W 35-28* at Athens Chr. L 46-7 *overtime

depend a lot on how well the ground game, led by the Thunder and Lightning approach of bruising Parkview transfer Steve DuBose and speedy Bryce Riley, runs behind a line anchored by bookend tackles John Dussling and Evan Barnes and center Mike Sullivan.

Defense It wasn’t that long ago that Shaffer had plenty of concerns in terms of a defense for the 2015 season.

But after a summer of

26 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

steady improvement, he is becoming more at ease with the unit as a whole.

“We started the summer not knowing what we had,” Shaffer said.

“But every time we would compete at 7-on-7 (tournaments and camps), I started feellng a little better each time out. I really do feel good about the season, even though we’ll be very young.”

The Lions’ defense will be most experienced up front, where the return of Dussling will be bolstered

by the addition of Duluth transfer Kedarius Davis.

And with McGee and DuBose pulling double duty at linebackers, joined by promising freshman Michael Moyers, Shaffer figures the Lions to be a handful in the trenches.

“Kedarius Davis is a big defensive end, … and I think he’s going to be one of pair of bookends at defensive end with Dussling,” Shaffer said.

“We’re still running a 3-5, … and I think we have a good front three.

gwinnettprepsports.com

Really, I feel good about the front eight, but some of our linebackers will be young.”

Young Lions Sometimes coaches can exaggerate when they talk about how young their teams will be.

But Shaffer does not speak in hyperbole when he talks about Hebron’s youth for 2015.

“We’re very heavily weighted on the young side,” Shaffer said. “We’re talking about half the team being freshmen. We have

16 of them, and we only have between 32 to 35 guys (on varsity).

“We lost 13 seniors last year; and our sophomore class is also pretty big. We only have six seniors, and about three or four juniors.

Everyone else is sophomores, freshmen.” …

Those youngsters, however, should get plenty of good instruction, not only from Shaffer, but from an important addition to the Lions’ coaching staff.

Jeff Saturday, who played 14 seasons in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers, has joined the staff as a community coach, where he will help out assistant coach Brian Pettigrew in coaching the offensive linemen.

“He played 13 or 14 years in the NFL as Peyton Manning’s center with Indianapolis,” Shaffer said of Saturday. “He’s a community coach for us. He got certified by the GHSA, and he’s very motivational. He’s able to push the kids and talk to the kids in a positive manner. He’s a great blessing for us. His knowledge is great, and he works well with Brian Pettigrew.”

— David Friedlander

Hebron Christian roster No. Name

1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 16 21

Pos.

Year

Steve Dubose RB/LB 12 Zach Reed WR/DB 12 Bryce Riley RB/DB 10 Troy Allen QB/WR/DB 10 Chris McGee QB/DB 12 Chandler Lewis WR/DB 9 Cody Burroughs QB/LB 9 Will Warbington WR/DB 9 Ryan Holliday WR/DB 9 Gordon Keadle WR/DB 9 Connor Dunahoo WR/S 9 Jacob Edwards WR/DB 10 Chandler Schultheis WR/DB 12 Jeff Saturday WR/DB 9

PROBABLE STARTERS (returners in bold) OFFENSE QB Chris McGee (5-10 180, Sr.) TB Steve Dubose (5-10, 210, Sr.) SB Bryce Riley (5-5, 140, Soph.)

WR Chandler Schultheis (6-0, 150, Sr.) WR Troy Allen (5-11, 160, Soph.)

TE Ryver Morrow (5-10, 165, Soph.)

LT John Dussling (6-3, 240, Sr.) LG Carson Foraker (5-10, 170, Soph.)

C Michael Sullivan (5-10, 220, Jr.) RG Promise Williams (5-9, 210, Fr.) RT Evan Barnes (6-3, 230, Sr.) K TBA

24 Genesis McWillis RB/LB 25 Ryver Morrow OL/DL

9 10

DEFENSE DE John Dussling (6-3, 240, Sr.) NT Evan Barnes (6-3, 230, Sr.) DE Michael Sullivan (5-10, 220, Jr.) KLB Jacob Rorke (5-10, 160, Soph.)

WLB Michael Moyers (5-11, 180, Fr.) MLB Micah Hardin (5-10, 180, Fr.) SLB Steve Dubose (5-10, 210, Sr.) CB Bryce Riley (5-5, 140, Soph.)

CB Chandler Schultheis (6-0, 150, Sr.) FS Troy Allen (5-11, 160, Soph.)

SS Chris McGee (5-10, 180, Sr.) P TBA

26 Tommy Wandrum WR/DB 9 28 Jacob Rorke WR/DB 10

LIVE SCORING friday football gwinnettprepsports.com

35 41 44 50 52 54 56 58 60 64 68 72 75 78

Micah Hardin RB/LB Michael Moyers TE/DL Thomas Beveridge TE/DL Kendarius Davis OL/DL Promise Williams OL/DL Aaron May OL/DL Seth Holland OL/DL Michael Sullivan OL/LB Carson Foraker OL/DL Jackson Rhodes OL/DL Luke Sutton OL/DL Evan Barnes OL/DL John Dussling OL/DL Spencer Trenary OL/DL

9 9 9 11 9 10 10 11 10 9 9 12 12 9

Sign up at twitter.com and follow gdpfootball. You’ll get Gwinnett football scoring updates and key game stats every Friday night as well as breaking news during the week.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 • 27

COACHES’ CONFIDENTIAL The Daily Post staff polled Gwinnett County head football coaches in the preseason on a variety of topics, most relating to high school football.

THE COACHES The best head coach in Gwinnett County

BOB SPHIRE 44% N. GWINNETT

KEITH MALOOF 19% NORCROSS

TOMMY JONES 12.5% JESS SIMPSON 12.5% BUFORD DACULA

“

GREAT FOR THE PROGRAM. TAKES AWAY FROM THE GATE AND CONCESSIONS BUT GOOD TO GET THE NOTORIETY.”

Other: Andy Dyer, Archer; Tim Hardy, GAC

The most underrated head coach in Gwinnett County is: TOMMY JONES 33% KEVIN REACH 20% DACULA COLLINS HILL JOHN SMALL 14% S. GWINNETT

TODD WOFFORD 14% CENTRAL

THE ISSUES

BOB SPHIRE 73% N. GWINNETT

SHANNON JARVIS 14% MILL CREEK Other: Chad Pickett, Brookwood; Rex Robinson, Meadowcreek

The best defensive coach in Gwinnett County is: CLINT JENKINS 23% MICKEY CONN 15% GRAYSON DACULA PAT STANDARD 15% JESS SIMPSON 15% NORCROSS BUFORD

Other: Joel Bridges, Archer; Andy Dyer, Archer; Larry Massey, Collins Hill; John Poitevint, Brookwood; Jess Simpson, Buford

28 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

THE JOB

Should the head football coach job be a full-time job without teaching duties?

Are transfers a problem in high school football?

YES 88.2%

NO 11.8%

Are TV and web broadcasts good or bad for high school football?

BAD 12.5%

Is there too much media attention on high school football recruiting?

YES 88.2 %

NO 11.8%

Which way do you tend to vote?

REPUBLICAN 71.4% DEMOCRAT 7.2%

What college football coach has done the best job recruiting your school?

TED ROOF, GEORGIA TECH 20% KIRBY SMART, ALABAMA 13 % Other: Scott Sloan, Appalachian State; Tony Elliott, Clemson; Tommy Spangler, Presbyterian; G.A. Mangus, South Carolina; Willie Martinez, Tennessee; Maurice Linguist, Iowa State; Urban Meyer, Ohio State; Brian Bohannon, Kennesaw State; Bobby Wilder, Old Dominion

YES 41.2%

How many hours per week during the season do you spend on head coaching duties (figures include hours at teaching job)?

MORE THAN 100 HOURS 43.7% 80 TO 90 HOURS 12.5 %

90 TO 100 HOURS 18.8% 70 OR BELOW 25%

gwinnettprepsports.com

MAJOR BELLAMY 13%

CENTRAL

JOSH IMATORBHEBHE 33.3% DACULA

TOMON FOX 14% COLLINS HILL

Other: Jakob Brashear, Dacula; Derrick Brown, Lanier; Deangelo Gibbs, Peachtree Ridge; Malik Robinson, South Gwinnett

What do you teach?

NO 58.8 %

ARCHER

JAMYEST WILLIAMS 14% ARCHER

TURF 41.2%

Do you Tweet personally?

KYLE DAVIS 38%

DYLAN SINGLETON 29 % ARCHER

REAL GRASS 58.8 %

Other: Math, accounting, political systems, special education, economics, world geography/social studies

Gwinnett County is:

The best defensive player in Gwinnett County is:

Do you prefer real grass or artificial turf on your game field?

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION 17.6%

The best offensive player in

Parkview; Jamyest Williams, Archer

NO 6.7%

WEIGHT TRAINING/PE 64.7%

THE PLAYERS

Other: Chase Brice, Grayson; Jack Chambers,

YES 93.3%

GOOD 87.5 %

Other: Jess Simpson, Buford; Nick Bach, Mountain View; Shannon Jarvis, Mill Creek

The best offensive coach in Gwinnett County is:

“

AT LEAST IN GWINNETT COUNTY WITH THE FUNDRAISING ASPECT THAT GOES ALONG WITH IT ”

“

Good when it is your team involved.

The All-Star teams are very bad. It promotes being an individual and a I’m-better-than-myteammates mentality.”

The best overall football player in Gwinnett County is: DYLAN SINGLETON 40 % ARCHER KYLE DAVIS 13% ARCHER

DERRICK BROWN 13% LANIER

JAMYEST WILLIAMS 13% ARCHER

Other: Major Bellamy, Central Gwinnett; Deangelo Gibbs, Peachtree Ridge; E.J. Price, Archer

Are summer 7-on-7 games good or bad for high school football?

GOOD 87.5 %

Other: Neither, both good and bad

What age would you let your kids start playing full contact football?

9 OR YOUNGER 43.8 % 10-11 37.3 %

12 OR OLDER 18.8 %

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 • 28

COACHES’ CONFIDENTIAL The Daily Post staff polled Gwinnett County head football coaches in the preseason on a variety of topics, most relating to high school football.

THE COACHES The best head coach in Gwinnett County

BOB SPHIRE 44% N. GWINNETT

KEITH MALOOF 19% NORCROSS

TOMMY JONES 12.5% JESS SIMPSON 12.5% BUFORD DACULA

“

GREAT FOR THE PROGRAM. TAKES AWAY FROM THE GATE AND CONCESSIONS BUT GOOD TO GET THE NOTORIETY.”

Other: Andy Dyer, Archer; Tim Hardy, GAC

The most underrated head coach in Gwinnett County is: TOMMY JONES 33% KEVIN REACH 20% DACULA COLLINS HILL JOHN SMALL 14% S. GWINNETT

TODD WOFFORD 14% CENTRAL

THE ISSUES

BOB SPHIRE 73% N. GWINNETT

SHANNON JARVIS 14% MILL CREEK Other: Chad Pickett, Brookwood; Rex Robinson, Meadowcreek

The best defensive coach in Gwinnett County is: CLINT JENKINS 23% MICKEY CONN 15% GRAYSON DACULA PAT STANDARD 15% JESS SIMPSON 15% NORCROSS BUFORD

Other: Joel Bridges, Archer; Andy Dyer, Archer; Larry Massey, Collins Hill; John Poitevint, Brookwood; Jess Simpson, Buford

28 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

THE JOB

Should the head football coach job be a full-time job without teaching duties?

Are transfers a problem in high school football?

YES 88.2%

NO 11.8%

Are TV and web broadcasts good or bad for high school football?

BAD 12.5%

Is there too much media attention on high school football recruiting?

YES 88.2 %

NO 11.8%

Which way do you tend to vote?

REPUBLICAN 71.4% DEMOCRAT 7.2%

What college football coach has done the best job recruiting your school?

TED ROOF, GEORGIA TECH 20% KIRBY SMART, ALABAMA 13 % Other: Scott Sloan, Appalachian State; Tony Elliott, Clemson; Tommy Spangler, Presbyterian; G.A. Mangus, South Carolina; Willie Martinez, Tennessee; Maurice Linguist, Iowa State; Urban Meyer, Ohio State; Brian Bohannon, Kennesaw State; Bobby Wilder, Old Dominion

YES 41.2%

How many hours per week during the season do you spend on head coaching duties (figures include hours at teaching job)?

MORE THAN 100 HOURS 43.7% 80 TO 90 HOURS 12.5 %

90 TO 100 HOURS 18.8% 70 OR BELOW 25%

gwinnettprepsports.com

MAJOR BELLAMY 13%

CENTRAL

JOSH IMATORBHEBHE 33.3% DACULA

TOMON FOX 14% COLLINS HILL

Other: Jakob Brashear, Dacula; Derrick Brown, Lanier; Deangelo Gibbs, Peachtree Ridge; Malik Robinson, South Gwinnett

What do you teach?

NO 58.8 %

ARCHER

JAMYEST WILLIAMS 14% ARCHER

TURF 41.2%

Do you Tweet personally?

KYLE DAVIS 38%

DYLAN SINGLETON 29 % ARCHER

REAL GRASS 58.8 %

Other: Math, accounting, political systems, special education, economics, world geography/social studies

Gwinnett County is:

The best defensive player in Gwinnett County is:

Do you prefer real grass or artificial turf on your game field?

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION 17.6%

The best offensive player in

Parkview; Jamyest Williams, Archer

NO 6.7%

WEIGHT TRAINING/PE 64.7%

THE PLAYERS

Other: Chase Brice, Grayson; Jack Chambers,

YES 93.3%

GOOD 87.5 %

Other: Jess Simpson, Buford; Nick Bach, Mountain View; Shannon Jarvis, Mill Creek

The best offensive coach in Gwinnett County is:

“

AT LEAST IN GWINNETT COUNTY WITH THE FUNDRAISING ASPECT THAT GOES ALONG WITH IT ”

“

Good when it is your team involved.

The All-Star teams are very bad. It promotes being an individual and a I’m-better-than-myteammates mentality.”

The best overall football player in Gwinnett County is: DYLAN SINGLETON 40 % ARCHER KYLE DAVIS 13% ARCHER

DERRICK BROWN 13% LANIER

JAMYEST WILLIAMS 13% ARCHER

Other: Major Bellamy, Central Gwinnett; Deangelo Gibbs, Peachtree Ridge; E.J. Price, Archer

Are summer 7-on-7 games good or bad for high school football?

GOOD 87.5 %

Other: Neither, both good and bad

What age would you let your kids start playing full contact football?

9 OR YOUNGER 43.8 % 10-11 37.3 %

12 OR OLDER 18.8 %

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 • 28

Lanier Longhorns Head coach: Korey Mobbs (10-1 at Lanier, 10-1 overall)

Offense Even though a few talented playmakers graduated off last year’s team, the Longhorns will be fine at the skill positions again.

Running back Ashton Barnes is the top tailback after sharing duties last season, primarily with Purdue signee Tario Fuller. Barnes, who rushed for 640 yards on just 77 carries, has offers from all three service academies, all the Ivy League schools and several others.

He also caught 16 passes and will rotate between the running back and slot receiver positions with a pair of playmakers, brothers Marcella and Marcko Baity.

Quarterback Tahj Tolbert (pictured), who also has Division I offers, returns after throwing for 1,570 yards and 19 touchdowns in his first year as a starter.

“Any time you’re in your first year as starting quarterback, there are some growing pains,” said Lanier head coach Korey Mobbs, who is handing over his offensive coordinator duties to Shawn Cahill. “But (Tolbert) had a great year last year. There also is no substitute for experience,

Region: 8-AAAAA

Last playoff appearance: 2014

2015 schedule

Aug. 21 Lambert Sept. 4 Clarke Central Sept. 11 at Flowery Branch Sept. 18 at Cedar Shoals Sept. 25 Loganville Oct. 9 at Gainesville Oct. 16 Heritage Oct. 23 at Salem Oct. 30 at Winder-Barrow Nov. 6 Apalachee

2014 results (10-1)

at Lambert W 27-14 at Clarke Cent. W 35-20 Flowery Branch W 27-12 Cedar Shoals W 21-7 at Loganville W 28-14 Gainesville W 26-23 at Heritage W 49-20 Salem W 42-35 Winder-Barrow W 21-10 at Apalachee W 55-17 Sequoyah L 24-21

especially at that position, with how fast things go.

We’ve put in a lot more with him this year and he’s very football smart.”

The skill players will operate behind an unproven offensive line — senior Juan Marin is the lone returning starter. He will line up alongside four

underclassmen.

Defense Lanier has a lot of spots to fill on defense, but the three returning starters are good ones. One of them is among the nation’s best.

Big defensive lineman Derrick Brown, whose favorites include Georgia

and Auburn, had 17.5 sacks last season. Behind the 6-foot-4, 310-pounder are three Division I prospects at linebacker, senior Devin Miller and juniors Juwuan Jones and Tyler Taylor, as well as another solid linebacker, Shaun Hunter. The line must replace defensive end Derriyon Shaw (11 sacks last season), who moved to Nevada, and top prospect Michael Allen (6-5, 225) is the favorite to step in there.

The secondary of defensive coordinator David Willingham will be

270565-2

30 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

gwinnettprepsports.com

completely revamped.

“We’ll start four new guys there,” Mobbs said.

“Three of them are juniors, one is a senior who played a lot last year and one of the juniors played a lot too when Kymani Brown went down (with an injury).

Those guys are inexperienced but we feel good about where they’re at.

You hope as a program you get to a point where you just plug the next guy in instead of rebuilding, so hopefully we’re reloading.”

Breakout season Lanier made the playoffs in 2013 and advanced to the second round, but the 2014 season brought the success to another level.

Despite an upset loss in the playoffs, the Longhorns went 10-0 in the regular season for the first time and claimed the program’s first region championship. They defeated perennial powers Gainesville and Flowery Branch along the way.

“I think there was some newness with us in the region,” Mobbs said. “Most of the guys in the region had played each other before and had not played us. I don’t think people knew what to expect,

especially early. I think our region does a heck of a job and I think it’s wide open this year. We’re young. Even though we did have success last year, we’re unproven in a lot of spots. And there are a lot of squads returning a significant part of their teams.”

Misc.

Class AAAAA continues to be a good fit for the still young Lanier program. “We’ve got 130 kids in the program.

That’s probably small compared to the big dogs in AAAAAA, but we feel really good about where we are compared to the teams that are in our region. We’ve got 55 ninthgraders and we’re excited about that group of kids.” … Lanier added three new coaches to the staff, including Buford grad (and former Furman player) David Hendrix at wide receiver. Hendrix coached previously at Alpharetta.

Former Mill Creek coach Chris Williams is the new outside linebackers coach while former NFL player Tanard Davis, who won a Super Bowl ring with the Indianapolis Colts, will work with the secondary.

— Will Hammock

Lanier roster No. Name 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Marcella Baity Noah Fritz Erick Turner Isaiah Dozier Shaun Hunter C.J. Burress Tyler Taylor Devin Miller Tahj Tolbert Michael Allen Marcus Whitaker Rogellio Jaramillo Alex Wyant Amari Rouzan Emmanuel Moses Cole Paschall Hunter Barfield Josh Stroud Ashton Barnes Darius Ruffin Jordan Moore Morgen Kent Justin Bobb Juwuan Jones

Pos.

Year

RB/WR QB/WR LB DB LB DB LB LB QB DE WR DB WR DB DB WR QB WR RB LB WR DB DB LB

12 11 10 12 12 11 11 12 12 11 10 11 11 11 12 12 10 11 12 12 10 11 12 11

PROBABLE STARTERS (returners in bold)

DEFENSE DE Derrick Brown (6-4, 310, Sr.) NG Peyton Bergman (5-11, 260, Soph.)

DE Michael Allen (6-5, 225, Jr.) OLB Devin Miller (6-0, 205, Jr.) ILB Juwuan Jones (6-3, 230, Jr.) ILB Tyler Taylor (6-3, 220, Jr.) OLB Shaun Hunter (5-10, 180, Sr.) CB Isaiah Dozier (5-10, 170, Sr.) CB Amari Rouzan (5-10, 165, Jr.) FS Ethan Wilson (5-11, 175, Jr.) SS C.J. Burress (5-11, 180, Jr.) P Noah Thomas (5-8, 165, Sr.)

OFFENSE QB Tahj Tolbert (6-5, 215, Sr.) RB Ashton Barnes (5-10, 185, Sr.) WR Marcella Baity (5-8, 185, Sr.) WR Marcko Baity (5-11, 185, Jr.) WR Cole Paschall (6-0, 170, Sr.) WR Noah Fritz (6-0, 180, Jr.) OR Alex Wyant (6-0, 175, Jr.) LT Juan Marin (6-1, 265, Sr.) LG Drew Allen (6-1, 255, Jr.) C Nate Stiltner (6-2, 275, Soph.)

RG Hunter Beasley (6-0, 270, Jr.) RT Colin Foster (6-3, 255, Soph.)

PK Noah Thomas (5-8, 165, Sr.)

26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

Tywon Reaves Marcko Baity Ethan Wilson Aaron Vaz Trenton Palmore Chris Settambrino Will Bryan Oliver Wise Kameron Brown

RB RB DB DB WR LB LB DB LB

10 11 11 12 12 11 12 10 9

35 37 38 39 40 44 48 50 51

Troy Lopes Coby Orr A.J. Paschall Noah Thomas Josh Sands Colt Ready Ryan Persinger Colin Foster Malik Johnson

DB DL DB K/P DB LB LB OL DL

10 11 10 12 11 12 11 10 10

52 53 54 55 56 57 58 62 65 67 68 70 72 73 75 76 77 78 80 82 90 91 99

Christian Barfield Chase McLeod Devon Martin Logan Pitts Sebastian Andersen Mikey Magda John Borella Zack Ecker Harrison Beumer Nick Swackard Giovanni Diaz Peyton Bergman Nate Stiltner Juan Marin Terran Grant Drew Allen Aaron Loo Hunter Beasley Tanner Dumphy Jake Ojeda Derrick Brown Ian Macaulay David Armstrong

DL LB DL OL LB OL OL OL OL OL OL DL OL OL DL OL OL OL WR WR DL K/P K/P

12 11 10 12 10 10 11 11 10 12 11 10 10 12 10 11 10 11 11 12 12 11 10

FOOTBALL IS BACK E N T E R And

BIGGER THAn EVER!

HIGH SCHOOL PICK THE WINNERS

P ick

the winners of the high school football games and you could win a g o P ro SponSored

by:

678-889-4090 • www.flatoutauto.com

TO WIN! COLLEGE PICK THE WINNERS

PRO PICK THE WINNERS

choose the winner for your chance to win great Prizes each week from:

One Winner each Week!

ENTER TODAY AT GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM/CONTESTS

205715-1

gwinnettprepsports.com

269438-2

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 • 31

Meadowcreek Mustangs Head coach: Jason Carrera (0-0 at Meadowcreek, 15-8 overall)

Offense When head coach Jason Carrera accepted the job at Meadowcreek in the spring, he had a good feeling about what the Mustangs had coming back at the quarterback position.

Senior Darion Hammons flashed on film to both Carrera and offensive coordinator Rex Robertson. After a full spring, and a summer with some success on the 7-on-7 circuit, Meadowcreek feels even better about its signal caller.

“He’s progressed tremendously throughout the summer,” Carrera said. “He’s become more in control of the offense, getting people in the right spot, doing the things he’s supposed to do from that standpoint.

Better command of what we’re trying to do. He had a real successful summer with 7-on-7.

All-in-all he did a pretty good job. He’s definitely progressed since spring practice.”

The Mustangs will run what Carrera calls a modified spread with some quarterback runs, short passes and toss sweeps from under center as well.

Seniors Terrence Newborn and Shadiah Toppin have emerged as top targets for Hammons. The ground game will be handled by the trio of Kyree Rogers, Qu’Vella Calhoun (pictured) and Jai’Sean Payton.

“We know in this league it’s going to take three or four of

Region: 8-AAAAAA

Last playoff appearance: 1988 2015 schedule Aug. 29 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

at Newton Rockdale at Clarkston at P’tree Ridge Collins Hill at Mill Creek Norcross at Mountain View North Gwinnett at Duluth

2014 results (1-9)

Newton L 63-0 Rockdale County L 58-0 Clarkston W 14-7 Peachtree Ridge L 70-0 Collins Hill L 49-7 Mill Creek L 63-7 Norcross L 49-0 Mountain View L 42-0 North Gwinnett L 50-6 Duluth L 41-26

by example. He’s a hard worker.

Just kind of leads by example.

Did a great job picking up what we’re trying to do.”

Defensive lineman Lamarcus Bailey also will be a big part of coordinator Mike Rozier’s scheme. them,” Carerra said.

Along the line the hope is that Meadowcreek will be able to avoid playing most guys both ways, with the exception of senior Keanan Cason. Xaviean Henry will handle the duties at center.

Defense Meadowcreek will line up in a 4-3 base with senior Airon

32 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

Buick playing middle linebacker. Buick will also play some offense at either slot receiver or tight tend, but on defense he’ll be the team’s leader.

“He’s got a good nose for the football,” Carrera said. “He understands, he’s probably one of my better football IQ guys.

He’s a quiet guy. He’s not a rahrah guy, but he just kind of leads

gwinnettprepsports.com

‘Winners every day’ Carrera and his staff know they face an uphill battle at Meadowcreek, but they’re encouraged with the progress the program has made in the short time they’ve been on campus.

The players have bought in to the new coaching staff’s confidence.

“They’ve done a great job,”

Carrera said. “It just shows in their attendance and it shows in their work ethic. Obviously it’s a work in progress. It’s every day… They’ve done a good job.

They’re getting a lot of teaching.

I’ve got a great coaching staff.”

Carrera said that if the program turnaround was being measured in percentages, that he and his staff are just a little over the halfway mark with a long way to go.

Regardless of how his team performs on the field during his first year, the biggest thing Carrea wants to instill in his players is the belief that they can be successful. A summer with some success in 7-on-7 and attending team camps has given the locker room a bit of confidence boost.

“Simple things like coming back from the defensive camp and having a couple of guys say, ‘Hey coach I don’t think we’re going to be too bad this year,’” Carrera said. “To see that confidence in them and then to understand that they’re going to have some success, and that they can have some success. We tell them every day they’re winners.

They face a lot.

“We’ve got kids that walk a long way to get (to the school) every day, find a way to get a ride, find a way to get food.

They’re winners every day, just with some of the things they have to overcome.”

— Paul Thomas

Meadowcreek roster No. Name

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 19 20 21 22

Pos.

Darion Hammons QB/DB Shadiah Toppin WR/DB Jaylion Adams WR/DB Qu’Vella Calhoun RB/LB Dontez Hammons WR/DB Terrence Newborn Jr. WR/DB David Wing WR/DB Triston Harris RB/DB Ky’Jarius Nelson QB/DB Qadir Allah WR/DB Travon Redditt WR/DB Bradshaw Shamir WR/DB Kaleb Cook QB/DB Corey Wilkins WR/DB Amari Jones WR/DB Tracy Meadows RB/DB Noah Singleton WR/DB JaiSean Payton RB/LB Jamarious Craft WR/DB Kyree Rogers RB/DB

Year

12 12 10 10 11 12 11 10 9 10 12 10 10 12 9 9 10 12 12 12

PROBABLE STARTERS (returners in bold) OFFENSE QB Darion Hammons (6-0, 205, Sr.) RB Kyree Rogers (6-0, 205, Sr.) WR Airon Buick (6-2, 235, Jr.) WR Jasean Payton (6-0, 205, Sr.) WR Terrence Newborn Jr. (5-11, 170, Sr.) WR David Wing (6-1, 175, Jr.) OT Mark Haynes (6-5, 340, Soph.)

OG Ettitone Stucky (5-11, 250, Sr.) C Zavion Henry (6-0, 230, Jr.) OG Keanan Cason (5-11, 250, Sr.) OT Diri Ibeawuchi (6-2, 265, Sr.) K Qu’Vella Calhoun (5-9, 185, Soph.)

23 24 25 26 27 28 30

Taseandre Jones Brailen Jackson David Flores William Thompson Raymond Gartman Kentrelle Harris Furious Cockfield

WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/LB

12 10 10 11 12 11 12

DEFENSE NG Keenan Cason (5-11, 250, Sr.) DT Ettitone Stucky (5-11, 250, Sr.) DE Marcus Bailey (6-3, 275, Sr.) DE Zaire Madison (6-2, 200, Jr.) LB Jaquan Jenerette (5-10, 190, Sr.) LB Qu’Vella Calhoun (5-9, 185, Soph.)

LB Will Giron (5-8, 190, Sr.) LB Airon Buick (6-2, 235, Jr.) CB Terrence Newborn Jr. (5-11, 170, Sr.) CB Jamarious Craft (5-11, 165, Sr.) FS Shadiah Toppin (6-4, 195, Sr.) SS Raymond Gartman (5-10, 180, Sr.) P Terrence Newborn Jr. (5-11, 170, Sr.)

30 31 33 34 35 36 37

Jordan Jones Demetrius Barnfield Airon Buick Giron Will Duane Straughter Thomas Rymer Jeremiah Caldwell

RB/DB RB/DB WR/LB RB/LB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB

9 11 11 12 10 10 10

48 49 50 52 53 54 63 66 75 77 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 88 99

Zaire Madison Ja’Quan Jenerette Keanan Cason Zavion Henry Eittione Stuckey Diri Ibeawuchi Marcus Bailey Ahmonte Barr Kaleb Wheeler Mark Haynes James King Gerard Skillings Jerimiah Lee Demoni Pennymon Tajon Johnson Daenon Sanders Rayvon Walker Malik Bashale Micah Anderson

OL/DL RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL

11 12 12 11 12 12 12 10 9 10 9 10 9 9 10 10 10 10 11

Gwinnett Daily Post presents

October 22, 2015

4pm Vendor Show & 7pm Cooking Show Gwinnett Center - Duluth, GA

Save The Date!

Food Sampling, Shopping, Door Prizes and Cooking Demos!

Free Swag Bag For Everyone

Contact Us Today!

272440-1

TasteofHome@scompapers.com 770-963-9205 ext 1218 scnievents.com/tasteofhome

Exhibitors Wanted!

Restaurants, Crafters, Jewelry Stores, Retail, National Products / Services

gwinnettprepsports.com

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 • 33

Mill Creek Hawks

Head coach: Shannon Jarvis (60-58 at Mill Creek, 60-58 overall)

Offense Graduation gutted an offense that averaged 41.6 points last season.

The Hawks lost a threeyear starting quarterback in Appalachian State signee Daniel David, Buffalo recruit Johnathan Hawkins (the Gwinnett Touchdown Club running back of the year) and nearly the entire offensive line, which included Auburn signee Kaleb Kim and Middle Tennessee signee Josh Fannin.

“We’re expecting our offense to perform at the level it has in the past, we’ve just got to get some talented players some experience,” Mill Creek head coach Shannon Jarvis said. “The biggest thing we’re losing offensively is production, the yardage, passing, rushing, touchdowns. We just don’t have the experience. But we do feel good about the skill kids across the board.

They are kids who have been successful in ninth grade and 10th grade and in 7-on-7, but they still have to gain that Friday night experience. They’ll get better as the season goes along.”

The offensive line will be restocked well thanks

to two returning players with experience, Louisville recruit Robbie Bell and Jack Franklin. Fannin’s brother Tyler steps in for his brother at center.

Miles Riley is the most experienced player at wide receiver, but a group of players has looked good at that position in spring and summer workouts. Daniel Leconte leads the way at running back, while Cameron Turley steps in at quarterback.

“Cameron’s a little different from Daniel,” Jarvis said. “Daniel was a dual threat, Cameron is a more prototypical passing quarterback. He made great

Region: 7-AAAAAA

decisions in 7-on-7. He’s a very intelligent young man.”

Defense The Mill Creek defense enters the season as the team strength, and the coaches need the unit to play well early while a young offense grows up.

The last five opponents in region play last season scored a touchdown or less against the Hawks, including a shutout of Norcross and wins over Collins Hill and Peachtree Ridge that clinched a playoff berth. They allowed just a touchdown in the Collins Hill and Peachtree

Last playoff appearance: 2014

Ridge games, one of the scores coming when the offense fumbled at its own 3-yard line.

“Those guys played very well late last season,” Jarvis said.

A pair of pass-rushing threats return at defensive end with Tyler Vernon (14 sacks in 2014) and Peyton Moore. Sidney Otiwu (pictured, center) and Aaron Anderson are back at outside linebacker with 85 and 90 tackles, respectively. Micah Bull, a fullback last season, steps in at middle linebacker for the graduated Tyler Voyles, a Furman signee.

Jamar Hall and Chase Turner lead the secondary, which gets a boost with the return of Kishawn Miller from injury.

“Peyton and Tyler are tremendous pass rushers at defensive end and we’re hoping to be able to get pressure in the passing game without having to blitz and get coverage behind it,” Jarvis said.

Dome debut Mill Creek got its first invitation to the prestigious Corky Kell Classic last season, but an Atlanta Falcons and NFL scheduling conflict bumped the

2015 schedule

Aug. 22 Brookwood Aug. 28 West Forsyth Sept. 4 at Dacula Sept. 18 Duluth Sept. 25 at North Gwinnett Oct. 2 Meadowcreek Oct. 9 at Mountain View Oct. 23 at Collins Hill Oct. 30 Norcross Nov. 6 Peachtree Ridge

2014 results (7-4)

Colquitt County L 31-14 at West Forsyth W 65-27 Dacula L 28-21 at Duluth W 40-0 North Gwinnett L 51-41 at Meadowcreek W 63-7 Mountain View W 55-7 Collins Hill W 51-7 at Norcross W 30-0 at P’tree Ridge W 34-7 Grayson L 24-6

games from the Georgia Dome to McEachern.

A year later, the Hawks finally will get to play in the Dome for the first time.

It won’t be in the state championship game, played yearly in the Dome, but it’s a start.

“I’m not going to downplay that at all,” Jarvis said. “We’re excited about it. Last year when we got word we weren’t going to play in the Dome I think our kids were disappointed. I think everybody was excited about playing

in that game, getting to the Dome for the first time for our program. Getting to do it this year, it is a big deal to us. We’re not going to shy away from that. It’s an honor, but also a responsibility.”

Misc.

Mill Creek earned a No. 2 seed and a home playoff game last season, but the finish was disappointing, a first-round loss to Grayson. “We talk about (last season) a good bit, the finish. You want to advance in the playoffs. And there were a couple of games in the season where we didn’t play well that were points of emphasis as well. That’s something this entire offseason we’ve talked about.

We’ll always have lofty goals like everybody in the region and when you don’t attain them, you get back to work on self-evaluation, the changes you may need to make to take the next step.” … Last year’s state playoff appearance was Mill Creek’s fourth in program history, but the Hawks have never made the postseason in back-toback seasons, something they can accomplish this season.

— Will Hammock

Check out our High School sports page at gwinnettprepsports.com!

You’ll find...

• All local prep content, divided by school and by sport • The latest sports photos and Spotted galleries • Personalized school pages • Scores, stats, schedules & more

272332-1

34 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

gwinnettprepsports.com

Mill Creek roster No. Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

Tre Alston Preston Norwood Edmond Graham Kishawn Miller Aaron Anderson Jamar Hall Chase Turner Riley Snyder Matthew Winston Reed Adair Julian Mitchell Miles Riley Bailey Skelley Jack Plummer Joe Thomas Cameron Turley Braxton Richburg Omari Sanders Bryce Hall Phillip Green Nick Rice Stanley Otiwu Demetrias Rias Anthony Presto Harrison Wright Victor Heyward Brandon Warwick Daniel Leconte

Pos.

Year

WR WR/QB WR DB LB DB/RB DB/WR TE DB DB WR WR QB WR/DB RB QB WR DB DB DL/FB WR DB LB RB DB LB DB RB

12 11 11 12 12 11 12 12 11 11 12 12 11 11 11 11 12 12 12 11 11 12 11 11 11 11 12 12

PROBABLE STARTERS (returners in bold)

DEFENSE DE Peyton Moore (6-3, 230, Sr.) DT Ayoola Ogun-Seymore (6-5, 220, Jr.) DT John Hunt (6-1, 275, Sr.) DE Tyler Vernon (6-4, 230, Sr.) OLB Sidney Otiwu (6-0, 210, Sr.) MLB Micah Bull (5-11, 215, Sr.) OLB Aaron Anderson (6-0, 200, Sr.) SS Jamar Hall (6-2, 190, Jr.) FS Chase Turner (5-8, 185, Sr.) CB Kishawn Miller (5-10, 160, Sr.) CB Edmond Graham (5-9, 157, Jr.) P Micah Bull (5-11, 215, Sr.)

OFFENSE QB Cameron Turley (6-3, 185, Jr.) HB Edmond Graham (5-9, 157, Jr.) FB Daniel Leconte (5-10, 190, Sr.) WR Braxton Richburg (5-11, 175, Sr.) WR Miles Riley (6-0, 175, Sr.) TE Riley Snyder (6-2, 200, Sr.) QT Jack Franklin (6-4, 310, Jr.) QG Collin Janowski (6-1, 260, Jr.) C Tyler Fannin (6-3, 290, Jr.) SG Nick Campbell (6-2, 270, Jr.) ST Robbie Bell (6-5, 270, Sr.) K Brenton King (5-11, 160, Jr.) 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

Peyton Moore Jordan Clark Anthony Imbordino Matt Enser Nygee Mitchell Sam Mason Sidney Otiwu Jonathan Gipson Brenton King E’mir Alleyne Daniel Lohman Liam Sexstone

DE/TE RB LB TE DB LB LB DB/RB K DB K RB

12 11 12 12 12 12 12 10 11 11 12 11

41 42 43 44 45 47 48 49 50 52 53 54

Jack Luker LB David Milon DL/FB Micah Bull LB/FB Ryan Cox DE Jordan King DB Tyson Morgan RB Blake Pullen FB Drew Rhodes K Moe Oladele-Samagbeyi OL Adrian Jackson SN Collin Janowski OL Jordan Bull DE

12 11 12 11 12 11 12 11 12 10 11 11

55 57 58 63 65 67 68 70 73 74 75 78 80 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 92 93 94 95 97

Trey Traylor DL John Harris OL Joash Dudley DL Dylan Artman OL Robbie Bell OL Nick Campbell OL Cole Ragon OL/SN Trevor Middleton OL Tyler Fannin OL Jack Franklin OL Bradley Kopydlowski OL Draven Green DL Christian Cangelosi WR Cambridge Jones WR Deshown Critten DB Peter Rezk WR Moses Allen DE Ace Williams WR Tyler Vernon DE Ayoola Ogun-Seymore DL Taylor Burnette DL Matt Campbell P John Hunt DL Sam Wekesa WR Kameron Banks DL Mike Johnson DL William Itoka DL

11 10 11 11 12 11 12 12 11 11 10 11 12 11 12 11 11 11 12 11 11 10 12 11 12 12 12

G E O R G I A S W A R M P R O F E S S I ON A L L A C R O S S E

272019-1

gwinnettprepsports.com

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 • 35

Mountain View Bears Head coach: Nick Bach (0-0 at Mountain View, 0-0 overall)

Offense New offensive coordinator Rob Kellogg, previously at Gilmer, has installed a multiple offense that first-year head coach Nick Bach feels is a good fit for the talent at Mountain View.

“We’re very excited about it,” Bach said. “I think the kids have got a really good hold of it now.

I think it will be somewhat different from years past, so we have something teams will have to prepare for a little differently and I think it works to our strengths. There’s some variability in it so we can do different things from week to week, so we can attack different defenses differently week to week.”

The offense shouldn’t lack for playmakers.

Nick Harris, one Gwinnett’s top running backs, rushed for 852 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. Track star Jalen Virgil and two-way player Kaiden Smith are both game-breaking wide receivers. They will join an experienced quarterback in Alex Scott (pictured).

“We like the players we have,” Bach said. “We have a lot of confidence in

Region: 7-AAAAAA

Last playoff appearance: N/A

2015 schedule

Aug. 21 at South Forsyth Aug. 28 Parkview Sept. 4 at Kennesaw Mnt. Sept. 18 at Norcross Sept. 25 Peachtree Ridge Oct. 2 at Collins Hill Oct. 9 Mill Creek Oct. 23 Meadowcreek Oct. 30 at Duluth Nov. 6 North Gwinnett

2014 results (4-7)

the offense right now.”

Four offensive line starters from last season also return — K’Maron Patterson, Cameron Rice, Drake Durden and Jared Gee. Defense Bach, a former defensive player in college at Buffalo State, takes a lot of pride in the defensive unit he coordinated the past two seasons, and he thinks this could be one of the program’s best groups.

Patterson anchors the defensive line, while Austin Brown is among the leaders at linebacker.

Smith, an Appalachian State commitment, heads up a talented secondary.

“If you look at us on defense, I feel like we’re very solid, probably the best group we’ve ever had to be honest with you,” Bach said. “We have really good starters and a couple good backups.

We don’t have 100 guys that can do it for you but those guys we have can do enough. They’re highly trained . We’ve been training these guys specifically for their position since May and they’re very technically sound. We probably have the bestlooking linebacker corps, the best-looking secondary we’ve had since I’ve been here.”

The most important

South Forsyth W 38-31 at Parkview L 45-21 Kennesaw Mnt. L 29-26 Norcross L 19-7 at P’tree Ridge L 49-6 Collins Hill L 16-12 at Mill Creek L 55-7 at Meadowcreek W 42-0 Duluth W 28-20 at North Gwinnett L 35-14

progression on the defense is just getting older. The young players who took their lumps the past few seasons are growing up.

“A lot of guys with us did play as sophomores and juniors and they’re now seniors and they really look the part now,” Bach said.

Ready to break through Mountain View has made steady improvement in recent seasons, but hasn’t cracked into the top of tough Region 7-AAAAAA, where

mainstays Norcross, North Gwinnett, Collins Hill, Mill Creek and Peachtree Ridge typically vie for the four playoff spots.

The Bears hope to crack into that upper echelon this year.

“Not only do I feel like that, I think our whole team does,” Bach said of chasing a playoff spot. “I don’t know that we’ve had the urgency to make the playoffs but I think this team now feels like that is the expectation. It’s not a goal, it’s the expectation. … We feel like we’re good enough to beat some teams this year. Maybe we have (felt like that) in the past, but for whatever reason it didn’t happen. We should beat some people this year. We should. If we don’t, we’ll die trying.

We’ll give everything we’ve got.”

Some close losses have kept Mountain View from better records in the past — it’s won two or three games every season since 2010 — so success early in non-region play will be important.

“I think it’s definitely necessary (to get some wins early),” Bach said.

“We’ve got to start fast this

WIN A NEW GOPRO! R E T EN TO WIN!

Week!

One Winner Each SponSored

Pick The Winners Of The High School Football Games And You Could Win A

by:

678-889-4090 www.flatoutauto.com

269440-1

36 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

ENTER TODAY AT GWINNETTDAILYPOST.COM/CONTESTS gwinnettprepsports.com

season. That first game is critical to us just like it was last year. South Forsyth is a good, tough team. They’re not going to lay down, that’s for sure. They play hard-nosed football and it’s going to be a challenge physically. If our guys can step up and beat them again, we know we’ll have a good team because they have a good team.”

Misc.

Bach, a Bears assistant the past two seasons under Doug Giacone, took the Dunwoody head coaching job earlier this year but stayed for just two weeks. An offer came from Mountain View to replace Giacone and he couldn’t turn it down. “It’s wonderful here,” Bach said. “This is where I always wanted to be. I took a roundabout path to make it happen but it all really worked out in the end. I’m happy and I believe the players, the families and everybody in the school is happy. I think it worked out for the best for everybody really.” …

Giacone, who was looking to relocate to the south side of Atlanta, took an assistant coaching job at Newnan.

— Will Hammock

Mountain View roster No. Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

Ryan Barber Marquel Broughton Jonathan Thompson Alex Scott Richie Ramos Blake Carroll DiJon Joseph Austin Brown Devin Robinson Malik Baseemah Jalen Virgil Jackson Harkness Kaiden Smith Cameron Dudley Malachi Carter Michael Sobczyk Dylan Hill Ty Booker Matthew Edwards Zac Montrief Andrew Pettit Gerald Moore Tony Abbatiello

Pos.

Year

WR DB DB QB LB LB/RB DB LB/RB WR WR WR DB DB WR WR WR WR K QB P DB/WR DB LB

12 10 12 12 12 10 12 12 12 12 12 11 12 12 10 11 11 12 10 11 12 12 12

PROBABLE STARTERS (returners in bold) DEFENSE DL K’maron Patterson (6-1, 285, Sr.) DL Keashaun Hill (6-0, 225, Sr.) DL Alex Davis (6-0, 195, Soph.)

DL Austin Brown (6-0, 205, Sr.) LB Ethan Nagel (6-1, 210, Jr.) LB Erick Montalvo (5-10, 195, Sr.) LB Richie Ramos (5-9, 190, Sr.) LB Blake Carroll (6-2, 190, Soph.)

DB Kaiden Smith (6-2, 185, Sr.) DB Andrew Pettit (6-3, 205, Sr.) DB DiJon Joseph (5-9, 175, Sr.) P Zac Montrief (6-1, 195, Jr.)

OFFENSE QB Alex Scott (5-10, 205, Sr.) RB Nick Harris (5-10, 190, Sr.) RB Devin Robinson (5-8, 165, Sr.) HB Tony Abbatiello (5-10, 210, Sr.) WR Jalen Virgil (6-2, 205, Sr.) WR Malachi Carter (6-2, 185, Soph.)

OR Dylan Hill (5-10, 165, Jr.) OL Drake Durden (6-2, 255, Sr.) OL Jonathan Stewart (6-7, 290, Jr.) OL Jared Gee (6-1, 245, Sr.) OL Cameron Rice (6-2, 235, Sr.) OL Jaelin Humphries (6-4, 275, Fr.) PK Ty Booker (5-11, 170, Sr.) 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

Amari Hathcock WR Garbentz Josue LB/WR Jeremial Noble LB Emanuel Cantrell RB Bounsavath Phanmanee WR Denver Venn RB Daniel Catapano LB Jamel Nicholas DB Nick Harris RB

10 11 11 12 10 10 11 10 12

33 34 36 37 40 41 43 44 45

Erick Montalvo Ethan Nagel Garrett McGuire Jacob Frazier Kenneth Herron Tre Verrett Jake Adams Alex Childers Trace Conway

gwinnettprepsports.com

LB LB K DB LB LB LB LB LB

12 11 10 10 10 11 12 11 10

48 50 51 52 53 54 55 57 58 59 63 66 67 72 73 74 75 78 81 85 90 91 95

Hunter Davis Drake Durden Berechiah Austin Nickolas Hamby K’maron Patterson Cameron Rice Alex Davis Channin Williams Bryan Alvarenga Justin Jackson Aidan Higgins Jaelin Humphries Jared Gee Ivan Vivaldo Alex Gubanich Matthew Lucia Gabriel Boyd Jonathan Stewart Terrance Gragg Jordan Arbuckle Keashaun Hill Derrion Mitchner Cole Birkbeck

LB DL/OL LB DL DL/OL DL/OL DL/OL DL DL/OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL WR WR DL DL DL

10 12 10 10 12 12 10 10 11 12 9 9 12 10 12 10 10 11 10 11 12 10 10

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 • 37

Norcross Blue Devils Head coach: Keith Maloof (128-54 at Norcross, 150-65 overall)

Offense The view of the Norcross offense might depend on whether one has a glass half full or glass half empty point of view.

The pessimist might point towards the fact that graduation losses, plus the loss of senior receiver Jared Simpkins to a season-ending injury over the summer, leaves the Blue Devils with only one returning starter among the skill positions — senior tailback Jamir Billings (pictured).

However, the athletic talent among the newcomers is such that head coach Keith Maloof has a far less gloomy perspective.

For one thing, the ongoing battle at quarterback between juniors Baron Radcliff and Max Tracey leaves open the possibility that like last year with co-starters Jacob Gassert and Griffin Barker, Norcross could have interchangeable parts under center.

“They’re both very talented,” Maloof said.

“They’ve both got strong arms and can run really well and do all the stuff we need them to do.

“We’ll see who will take the lead. These guys

are a little closer than what we had (last year) with Griffin and Gassert.

Gassert was more of a runner and Griffin was a better thrower. These guys can do both.”

Likewise, expect to see many moving parts among the other skill positions.

Billings, last year’s leading rusher with 731 yards and eight touchdowns, should share time with junior Necholas Sermons and sophomore Omar Sinclair in the backfield, while Maloof says the receiver situation

38 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

Region: 7-AAAAAA

will be “by committee,” though a few individuals like junior Ricky Reed have stepped up during practice.

But the most important good news for the Blue Devils is that there should be plenty of protection for the skill players while they sort themselves out thanks to the return of last year’s entire starting line, including seniors Phillip Davis, Kyle Jones, Josh Madden and Devin Bennett. Jones will move to tight end this fall.

“Oh, yeah, when you’ve

Last playoff appearance: 2014

got (experienced) guys up front to block, it’s a good thing,” Maloof said. “You can have an experienced line and young skill guys or experienced skill guys and a young line. Either way is fine, but you can’t be inexperienced in both areas.”

2015 schedule

Defense Maloof is equally excited about the talent level on the defensive side, despite losing several key starters from last year’s squad.

“Defensively, we’re probably a little bit ahead than we are on offense because early in camp, the defense usually starts out ahead,” Maloof said.

“We’ve been physical and really flying around to the ball.”

One of the few components of the defense that returns almost fully intact is in the secondary, where recent Georgia Tech commit Jarrett Cole and Kendrec Grady are both back at safety, while Kendrew Wynn and Da’Meon Williams return to man the corners.

The Blue Devils will also get a boost at linebacker with both Chris Allen and Monty Montgomery each having gotten

2014 results (7-4)

gwinnettprepsports.com

Aug. 22 Valdosta* Aug. 28 at Brookwood Sept. 4 Milton Sept. 18 Mountain View Sept. 25 at Duluth Oct. 2 North Gwinnett Oct. 9 at Meadowcreek Oct. 23 Peachtree Ridge Oct. 30 at Mill Creek Nov. 6 Collins Hill *at Georgia Dome Tucker W 32-29* Brookwood W 21-10 at Milton L 26-0 at Mountain View W 19-7 Duluth W 38-0 at North W 17-10 Meadowcreek W 49-0 at P’tree Ridge L 35-2 Mill Creek L 30-0 at Collins Hill W 20-17* at Archer L 38-22 *overtime

valuable reps a year ago.

But Maloof may be most excited about the potential along the defensive line, which, like the receiver position, may take a committee approach.

And as far as Maloof is concerned, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

“The defensive line will be young. We’ve just got to see what we can do,” Maloof said. “At defensive end, we’ve got junior Robert Beal, who’s kind of Lorenzo Carter type.

The defensive tackles will be by committee. We’ll play about six defensive tackles, and we’ve got to because of the (region) we play in. We have guys like (junior) Jalen Pinkney.

The jury’s out on him, but he could be good. The same with (senior) Luke D’Agostino.”

Etc While many teams just played their preseason scrimmages this past Friday, the Blue Devils got their dress rehearsal, a scrimmage at Lowndes, out of the way early by playing back on Aug. 7.

That was by design.

“We play (the season opener against Valdosta in the Corky Kell Classic at the Georgia Dome) on (August) 22nd,” Maloof said. “(The early scrimmage) gives us a good two weeks to get ready for the first game.

“I think there’s a few teams playing scrimmages (early).”

Norcross will unveil its new scoreboard/video board, the largest in the nation, with a pep rally and unveiling at Norcross Community Stadium on Wednesday night.

— David Friedlander

Norcross roster No. Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35

Jared Simpkins Baron Radcliff Necholas Sermons Daryel Monson Max Tracey Kendrec Grady Chris Allen Da’Meon Williams Maliak Cole Ricky Reed Jacobe Burell Jaquez McWilliams Jordan Palmer Devin Wallace Michael Cole Ricky Holloman Jr. Kendrew Wynn Clay Harris Omar Sinclair Monty Montgomery Keon Carter Jamir Billings Tyrese Montgomery Jarrett Cole Bryce Bowen Jalen Peddrew Dominic Bradford Eddie Appiah Deante McCoy Mykhi Thomas Terrion Dangerfield Malik McClain Greg Wyatt Bryce Callender Rasheed Higgs

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

Year 11 11 11 12 11 12 12 11 12 11 11 10 12 12 11 10 12 10 10 11 11 12 11 12 11 11 12 12 12 12 10 12 11 11 12

PROBABLE STARTERS (returners in bold) DEFENSE DE Robert Beal (6-4, 221, Jr.) DT Nazir Sy (6-1, 270, Soph.)

DT C.J. Murdock (5-10, 281, Jr.) DE Jalen Pinkney (6-2, 201, Jr.) WLB Darral Porter (5-7, 178, Jr.) MLB Chris Allen (6-0, 210, Sr.) SLB Monty Montgomery (5-10, 186, Jr.) CB Da’Meon Williams (5-10, 159, Jr.) CB Kendrew Wynn (6-0, 176, Sr.) SS Jarett Cole (5-10, 183, Sr.) FS Kendrec Gray (6-2, 201, Sr.) P Kendrew Wynn (6-0, 176, Sr.)

OFFENSE QB Baron Radcliff (6-4, 215, Jr.) or Max Tracey (5-11, 163, Jr.) RB Omar Sinclair (5-5, 162, Soph.)

FB Jalen Peddrew (5-9, 190, Jr.) WR Ricky Reed (6-0, 160, Jr.) WR Jordan Palmer (5-11, 162, Sr.) TE Kyle Jones (5-10, 182, Sr.) QT Nick Bray (5-11, 275, Sr.) QG Philip Davis (5-10, 210, Sr.) C Sam Dingle (5-11, 261, Jr.) SG Josh Madden (5-8, 248, Sr.) ST Devin Bennett (6-1, 340, Sr.) K Cole Hanna (5-6, 146, Soph.)

36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49

Justin Gardner Rambo Rambus Manuel Moreia Malik Mayes Garrett Kleinhen Ben Dickerson Darral Porter Jaelin Madison Jalen Pinkney Eric Farrell Sean Burson Kyle Jones Joe Anthony Obboye Luke D’Agostino

DB RB RB DB FB WR LB DB DE FB WR TE TE DE

11 10 12 10 11 12 11 10 11 12 12 12 11 12

50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 64

Jonathan Osagie Carlos Velazquez Tommy Hixon Alec Strout Bradley Nguyen Dareus Barnhill Alston Gibbs Nick Bray Robert Franklin Nikolas Brown Isaiah Brown Cy Crawford Josh Fajardo MIchael Mullininx

gwinnettprepsports.com

OL DE DT LB LB DE LB OL LB DE OL DE DE DT

12 12 12 10 12 10 10 12 11 11 12 10 12 12

65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99

Joshua Mouzon Justin Siech Luis Sanchez Eric Ruiz Peter Hasson Josh Madden Philip Davis A.J. Johnson Andrew Stoudemire Devin Bennett Andre’ Harding Sam Dingle Philip Hatcher Austin Bishop Robert Sims Tony Hickey Jack Epila Isaiah McKoy Pierce Brennan Tamir Jones Andres Rosero Romello Branton Melvin Russell Grant Johnson Robert Beal Devin Stevenson Matthew Fajardo Trevell Grissom Chad Ranzy C.J. Murdock Lamech Wilder Nazir Sy Jake Camarda Cole Hanna

OL OL DT DT OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL DT WR TE WR WR TE WR TE WR WR WR DE DT DE DT DT DT DE DT K K

10 11 12 12 12 12 12 10 11 11 11 11 10 11 11 12 12 10 11 11 12 12 12 10 11 11 12 12 11 11 10 10 10 10

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 • 39

North Gwinnett Bulldogs Head coach: Bob Sphire (99-18 at North Gwinnett, 245-73 overall)

Offense Last season North Gwinnett averaged 38.9 points per game with John Urzua under center. Many of those same offensive weapons return for the Bulldogs this year, but Urzua will be a freshman at Middle Tennessee State.

Taking the reigns will be sophomore Cade Fortin.

“I’m really pleased with where he is at this stage in his career and his development,” head coach Bob Sphire said. “At the same time he’s going to learn a lot. The speed of the game against Colquitt, going to North Cobb the next week with the athletes they always have, Hillgrove coming in here and then we get into our region. His learning curve is going to be steep, really steep.

But, I’m real pleased with where he is and I think the upside on him, and the future for him, is really, really bright.”

The biggest advantage Fortin will have is that he has a plethora of weapons to help him adjust to the speed of the varsity game.

Southern California commit Josh Imatorbhebhe (pictured) will lead the way, with Miami (Ohio)

Region: 7-AAAAAA

Last playoff appearance: 2014 2015 schedule

Aug. 22 Colquitt County* Aug. 28 at North Cobb Sept. 4 Hillgrove Sept. 18 at Collins Hill Sept. 25 Mill Creek Oct. 2 at Norcross Oct. 9 Peachtree Ridge Oct. 23 Duluth Oct. 30 at Meadowcreek Nov. 6 at Mountain View *at Georgia Dome

2014 results (8-3)

commit K.J. Hancock as another solid option at receiver.

Senior running back Jordan Frye will see time in the slot as well, after recording the fewest drops all summer for the Bulldogs. Another Miami (Ohio) commit Kameron Pickett will handle the bulk of the carries out of the backfield.

Sphire said Pickett, a senior, has really impressed him this offseason.

“Kam has really evolved, really worked to try to make himself a complete running back,” Sphire said. “He’s vastly

improved in the passing game from when he first started getting on the field for us. He had a great offseason, he’s gotten strong, physical. He’s got some of those characteristics that C.J. Leggett had for us a couple years ago.”

North’s biggest question will be along the offensive line. Senior Alex Mollette, a Marshall commit, moves to center to anchor the unit.

Juniors Chris Sibillia and Sean Maginn will take over as the starting tackles. Sophomore Warren Ericson also figures to play a significant role.

Defense The Bulldogs have even less returning experience on the defensive side of the ball. They’ll be extremely young in the secondary.

At linebacker only Matthew Andryusky returns.

“He’s probably our bell cow on defense,” Sphire said. “Kind of as we go, he goes. He’s tremendous.

He’s got tremendous tenacity and game-speed and really football-smart.

Just plays with a passion.

He’s kind of what epitomizes North Gwinnett.

The guy that looks like he’s maybe undersized,

270565-3

40 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

gwinnettprepsports.com

McEachern W 52-49 North Cobb L 36-29 Hillgrove W 28-21 Collins Hill W 42-24 Mill Creek W 51-41 Norcross L 17-10 Peachtree Ridge W 51-24 Duluth W 71-24 Meadowcreek W 50-6 Mountain View W 35-14 Central Gwinnett L 12-9

this, that or whatever and just finds a way to make plays. Reminds me a lot of Carter Cross, when Carter was our will linebacker, was our leading tackler and you wouldn’t pick him out of a lineup. Matt kind of fits that same mold, that North Gwinnett guy that just somehow, someway just plays way beyond what he looks like.

He’s really good.”

North will have some experience along the defensive line. Senior nose tackle Michael Germano

and junior defensive end Dixon Yellott both return.

Junior Drew Jordan will start at defensive end opposite of Yellott. Last season Jordan moved around a bit, before the coaches settled on defensive end as his spot.

“He had been a receiver, and then a strong safety and we put his hand down and he’s really explosive,” Sphire said. “But, he’s not had very many reps at that position.”

Tough start With such an inexperienced roster there will be some growing pains early in the year for North.

The Bulldogs open with defending AAAAAA state champ Colquitt in the Georgia Dome for the Corky Kell Classic, and then travel to face North Cobb the next weekend.

“We need that,” Sphire said. “We need to play the best. We need to learn some hard lessons if we’re not ready, and grow up fast.

And if we are ready, then let’s just build off of it. I don’t think our kids are ever intimidated about going out and competing, but they also know what they’re going to be up against in that opening game.”

— Paul Thomas

North Gwinnett roster No. Name 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 20 21 22 22 23 24 25 25 26 27

Daniel Tamburo Alozie Igbokew Jordan Frye Carter Thomason Horace Buckley Jae Sulton D’Armani Ridley Kameron Pickett Cade Fortin Zach Ward Josh Imatorbhebhe Ricci Nuckles Brandon Ogene Andrew Bond Chase Young K.J. Hancock Matthew Andryusky William Goldring Bryce Bogart Josh Horn Connor Kwasigroh Trevor Deyton Torron Murray Jimmy Urzua Colby Jenkins Cameron Butler Grayson Fowler John Favero TraiChean Moore Ryan Lovelace L.J. Fisher Noel Spencer Brennan Small Dante Black Brian Eberhardt Chris Northrup Cade Cash Justin Lewis

Pos. WR DB RB DB WR WR DB RB QB DB WR WR/DB DB WR DB WR Rover QB S WR DB QB DB QB DB RB P/K DB DB RB WR DB WR DB/RB LB WR DB Rover

Year 10 10 12 10 12 12 10 12 10 10 12 12 12 10 12 12 12 9 10 11 10 11 12 10 12 10 12 10 12 11 10 12 12 10 11 10 12 11

PROBABLE STARTERS (returners in bold) DEFENSE DL Dixon Yellot (6-2, 230, Jr.) DL Michael Germano (6-0, 245, Sr.) DL Drew Jordan (6-3, 235, Jr.) LB Connor Owens (5-11, 215, Sr.) LB Brian Eberhardt (6-1, 200, Jr.) LB Cole Williams (5-10, 200, Jr.) DB/LB Matthew Andryusky (5-10, 195, Sr.) DB/LB Carlos Wade (5-9, 183, Sr.) DB Delon Smith (6-0, 180, Sr.) DB Dante Black (5-10, 183, Soph.)

DB Terron Murray (6-2, 190, Sr.) P Grayson Fowler (6-2, 170, Sr.)

OFFENSE QB Cade Fortin (6-2, 200, Soph.)

RB Kam Pickett (5-10, 211, Sr.) WR K.J. Hancock (6-2,195, Sr.) WR Josh Imatorbhebhe (6-2, 205, Sr.) WR Horace Buckley (5-10, 185, Sr.) WR Ricci Nuckles (5-9, 160, Sr.) OT Sean Maginn (6-3, 250, Jr.) OG Chandler Hood (5-11, 242, Jr.) C Alex Mollette (6-3, 290, Sr.) OG Warren Ericson (6-3, 285, Soph.)

OT Chris Sibilia (6-6, 285, Jr.) PK Manuel Herrera (6-0, 160, Jr.) 28 29 31 32 33 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 42 42 43

Delon Smith Keison Forte Ryan Favre Carlos Wade Jordan Redmond Javonni Cunningham Turner Cho Nick Lyman Bryce Castro Walker House Cole Williams Ejay Madden James Saint-Amour Alejandro Taveras Garrison Manor Major Carlberg

DB S WR DB S WR LB LB DB LB LB LB DL LB WR LB

12 11 10 12 11 9 10 10 12 11 11 11 11 11 9 9

44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58

Conner Owens Myles Webster Lane Blackburn Dixon Yellott Mitchell Gladstein Ahsan Brown Troy Fortin Matthew Young Robert Hirschmann Johan Tobar Caleb McCoy Dutch Fink Alex Mollette Sam Strickland Harrison Place Chandler Hood

gwinnettprepsports.com

LB LB S DL LB DB OL LB OL OL LB LB OL OL LB OL

12 10 10 11 12 12 11 10 12 12 10 11 12 11 10 11

59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 82 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 91 92 93 94 97 98 99

Michael Germano Warren Ericson Josh Greenwood Brandon Botts Alex Morris Rylan Dodson Trey Sheppard Kyle Wilcox Patrick Keats Alex Contreras Andrew Suh Chris Sibilia Knox Denning Sean Maginn Dominic Broglio Jake Adams Parker Cannon Josh Aldamuy Taemin Song Jorge Bacaro Deion Gilmore Dylan Pulgarin Cooper Colson Amir Rogers Ross McDaniel Sam Gasta Ryan Smith Cameron Cobb Drew Jordan Jude Uwagerikpe Omezu Onyiri Will Reichert Seth Bradford Nick Moring Nick Williams Payne Walker Manuel Herrera Chris Varela

DL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL DL DL OL DL OL OL OL OL OL DL OL DL WR WR WR WR WR WR WR DE DL DL K LB K DL DL K LS

12 10 10 11 11 11 12 12 10 9 11 11 10 11 10 12 10 10 11 10 10 10 12 10 10 12 11 10 11 12 10 10 10 11 10 10 11 12

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 • 41

Parkview Panthers Head coach: Eric Godfree (4-6 at Parkview, 57-56 overall)

Offense Starting quarterback Jack Chambers returns after accounting for 25 total touchdowns last season.

The senior is dual-threat from under center but head coach Eric Godfree said he’s really done a good job improving as a passer in the offseason.

“He can run the ball,” Godfree said. “He’s great when he runs the ball. He’s very deceptive and pulls away from people it’s fun to watch him run. Where he’s gotten better in throwing the ball is consistency. At times last year he would have good feet, would throw a great ball.

Would have bad feet, would not throw a great ball. Whereas this year, all summer in our passing tournaments we’ve been to he’s been phenomenal. His footwork is so much better. His balls are so much more accurate, his arm has gotten stronger. He’s worked hard to get better at that skill set and he really has improved a good bit there.”

The Panthers return plenty of weapons at the skill positions, including leading receiver and Miami (Ohio) commit Tyler Fleetwood. Johnathan Boyd, who holds several Division I offers and averaged 19.9 yards per catch last season, is back as well.

Garrett Fowler and Blake Bilz also figure to contribute heavily to the passing attack.

On the line, Parkview has

Region: 8-AAAAAA

Last playoff appearance: 2012 2015 schedule

Aug. 22 vs. McCallie (Tenn.) at Peachtree Ridge Aug. 28 at Mountain View Sept. 11 at Brookwood Sept. 18 Grayson Sept. 25 at Archer Oct. 9 Berkmar Oct. 16 at South Gwinnett Oct. 23 Shiloh Oct. 30 at Central Gwinnett Nov. 6 Dacula

2014 results (4-6) Mountain View Peachtree Ridge Brookwood Grayson Archer Berkmar South Gwinnett Shiloh Central Gwinnett Dacula

to replace three senior starters.

Godfree said the lineup is a work in progress but he likes what the unit has shown him through the first few practices.

“We feel good about the kids we have, but we do need to be a little more physical and a little

42 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

more mean up front,” he said.

“Just being honest, it’s a position you’ve got to be nasty at. It just takes time and experience, and full pads.”

Defense Parkview does return expe-

gwinnettprepsports.com

W L W L L W L W L L

45-21 41-24 37-24 13-7 42-7 49-27 23-20 49-27 24-21 35-0

rienced defenders at multiple positions. The unit will be led by a pair of senior linebackers.

“Our leaders on defense are Austin Wagner and Stephen Moye,” Godfree said. “Both of them return. Both of them are good football players. Both of them have started as sophomores and now are seniors. We’re relying a lot on those guys.”

Godfree said he expects the Panthers to be much better in the secondary than they were last year, with cornerback Cameron Khalil leading the way.

“Our secondary has improved tremendously,” he said. “Cameron Khalil has had a great

summer for us at corner. He has really improved a lot. Our safety play has gotten better. Picking up Derrion Warner, Malik Washington — who’s going to be a freshman, but he’s a player.

Patrick Linton, Justin Harrison, Kyle Atwood (pictured) has gotten better. Johnathan Boyd is going to help on defense as well.

Like I said it’s a big improvement. I feel like we’ve made the most improvement in the secondary versus anything.”

New year In his first season at Parkview, Godfree’s team finished 4-6 on the year.

Entering Year 2, Godfree said that of course the players have a better understanding of the playbook, but that it’s still a new year and he and the coaching staff are always tweaking things.

“We coaches never make anything easy because we’re always going to look for the next best thing and how we can train even harder and how we can train here, and how we can be more specific here,” he said. “(How we can) reinvent something in order to make it better for the kids, because that’s ultimately what it is … So maybe not easier, but as far as knowing kids and knowing attitudes, and knowing the kids the that are passionate about the game and great teammates, absolutely better, yes.”

— Paul Thomas

Parkview roster No. Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

Justin Long Garrett Fowler Cameron Khalil Jaylen Askew Derrion Warner Deion Slade Tyler Fleetwood Jack Chambers Johnathan Boyd Malik Washington Caleb Mitchell Blake Bilz Kyle Atwood Justin Harrison Amir Harris Jameson Coats Patrick Linton Devin Orr Maurice McIntyre Stephen Moye Ben Markiewicz Miles Marshall Tommy Rogers Armon Williams Daniel Chattman Anthony Shuford Patrick Jones Demetrius West Eli Sherrill M.J. Hart Zack Palmer

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

Year 10 12 12 11 12 11 12 12 12 9 11 12 12 12 11 11 12 12 11 12 10 10 10 10 11 11 12 10 12 12 11

PROBABLE STARTERS (returners in bold) DEFENSE DE Stephen Moye (6-2, 230, Sr.) DT Jacquez Hogan (5-9, 243, Sr.) DT Bralean Marshall (6-0, 240, Soph.)

DE Anthony McClellan (6-1, 200, Jr.) LB Austin Wagner (5-7, 189, Sr.) LB Gabe Walker (5-8, 190, Sr.) DB Patrick Linton (5-10, 171, Sr.) CB Cameron Khalil (6-0, 160, Sr.) CB Kyle Atwood (6-0, 170, Sr.) SS Derrion Warner (5-8, 179, Sr.) FS Malik Washington (5-9, 180, Fr.) P Devin Orr (6-7, 198, Sr.)

OFFENSE QB Jack Chambers (6-0, 160, Sr.) RB Deion Slade (5-9, 179, Jr.) WR Blake Bilz (5-10, 146, Sr.) WR Garrett Fowler (6-1, 160, Sr.) WR Tyler Fleetwood (6-3, 190, Sr.) WR Johnathan Boyd (6-1, 197, Sr.) LT Collin Taliaferro (6-0, 230, Soph.)

LG Fred Sanchez (5-8, 240, Sr.) C Brooks Britt (6-2, 295, Sr.) RG Reed Parker (6-0, 245, Sr.) RT Jimmy Erwin (6-4, 285, Sr.) K Will Chandler (5-10, 172, Sr.) 33 34 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45

Noah McCalop Will Chandler Nick Frank Cameron Barnes Chancey Whitley Demarius Smith Gabe Walker Will Boyles Kenneth Henry Miles Jones Austin Wagner Jarrett Penn

LB K WR/DB WR DB WR LB DB/RB DB WR/DB LB WR/DB

11 12 11 11 11 11 12 11 11 10 12 11

46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57

Jalen Gross Anthony McClellan Deontre Thomas Irfan Khan Jackie Phan Reed Parker David Wempe Joseph Mathew Noah Baughmann Hanock Berhane Noah Mills Garrett Foster

gwinnettprepsports.com

WR DE DB QB DL OL/DL OL/DL LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL

11 11 11 11 12 12 12 11 12 11 12 10

58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 68 70 71 72 75 76 77 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 94 97 98 99

Jacobi Cline-Gates P.J. Weltch Hagan Green Ashton Coleman Luke Martin Colin Scott Brandon Jones Sinan Virani Gene Foster Braelen Marshall Robert Scott Fred Sanchez Johnny Moss Colin Taliaferro Brooks Britt Jimmy Erwin William Marshall Navid Syed David Fwamba Miles Finley Gerson Montano Colby Taggert Aaron Cooper Jalen Henry Isaiah Salee E’shante Mclery Jacquez Hogan Mulengo Lemon Kentavius Rhodes Jonathan Adams

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 WR WR WR DB WR/K RB/LB LB DB DB DB OL/DL DL DL OL/DL

10 10 12 10 10 11 11 10 10 10 10 12 11 10 12 12 10 11 11 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 12 12 12 10

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 • 43

Peachtree Ridge Lions Head coach: Mark Fleetwood (27-17 at Peachtree Ridge, 35-29 overall)

Offense Much of how well the Lions are able to move the ball and put points on the board will depend on how long it takes for Connor Heyward (pictured) to adjust to moving back to his natural position.

With the luxury of having a two-year starter at quarterback in Chance Thrasher, Heyward was able to get on the field last year at receiver, where he grabbed 32 catches for 521 yards and eight TDs. Now with Thrasher graduated, the junior will be on the other end trying to make plays, a position he’s not entirely unfamiliar with after seeing a few snaps as a freshman two years ago. Head coach Mark Fleetwood says he will bring a much different dynamic to the offense from his predecessor.

“I don’t think he’s the same quarterback we had last year, but I think with his ability, he’s just a different style,” Fleetwood said. “He’s a kid who can operate and move. Anytime there’s a new quarterback, there’s going to be a learning curve.

“I’m anxious to see him get going and see what he’s strong at in a game, and work as he goes.”

He’ll have plenty of talent to work with, especially with leading receiver Christian Sutton (45-684, 4 TDs) returning, plus the presence of several other

265193-2

Region: 7-AAAAAA

Last playoff appearance: 2014

2015 schedule Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

Christ Presbyterian at Archer McEachern Meadowcreek at Mountain View Duluth at North Gwinnett at Norcross Collins Hill at Mill Creek

2014 results (7-4) Archer at Parkview at McEachern at Meadowcreek Mountain View at Duluth North Gwinnett Norcross at Collins Hill Mill Creek at Dacula

potential playmakers at wideout like highly touted junior DeAngelo Gibbs and Georgia-bound two-way talent Chad Clay.

Like Heyward, much of the Lions’ offensive line will undergo a bit of a learning curve, with senior Maxwell Bell and junior Marc Lovely as the only two returning starters.

“We lost two offensive linemen on the tackle positions, so … what we want to do with those (new) guys has a lot to do with how things move,” Fleetwood said. “We’ve got some skill kids if we can get them into some space.”

44 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

Defense There’s no question the Lions will have plenty of speed, skill and athleticism on defense this year, particularly in the secondary.

Returning corners Clay (Georgia) and Baylen Buchanan (Louisville) are both committed to power conference colleges, and fellow senior Nigel Warrior, who transferred in from Westlake, will join them at some point.

And Fleetwood is equally excited about his linebackers, including returning starters Breon Dixon and Kam Jones,

gwinnettprepsports.com

W 14-10 W 41-24 L 35-21 W 70-0 W 49-6 W 49-6 L 51-24 W 35-2 W 38-3 L 34-7 L 17-14

who combined for 111 tackles a year ago.

That kind of talent should allow the Lions’ line, led by returning starter Matt Bell at defensive end, more flexibility to take the fight to opposing offenses.

“Any time you can put those corners and outside linebackers on an island and play man(-toman), you can add a lot of pressure up there in the box,” Fleetwood said. “So that’s the neat thing. We’ve got some people who can cover and are athletic back there. That allows you go be a pressure-oriented (defense).”

Quick set As talented as the Lions are, perhaps the only concern will be how long it takes all that talent to jell together as team.

There will be 14 new starters this season. Included in that are a number of players in new positions (like Heyward and linebacker Zane Ashley), players getting essentially their introduction to varsity football (such as Gibbs, who was limited to just two games due to injury as a sophomore last year) and newcomers to the Peachtree Ridge program getting to know their teammates (like transfer Warrior).

But a strong non-region schedule that includes defending state runner-up Archer, McEachern and Tennessee powerhouse Christ Presbyterian doesn’t give the Lions much time to know each other.

“Just making sure we get everybody on one page and keep focused on what we’ve got to get done,” Fleetwood said about what the team’s early-season priorities are. “We’ve got playmakers, but we’ll find out early in preseason what we can and can’t do.

“We’ve got a new quarterback and some new other things, so that will be the big thing — just making sure we get these guys in the right places. … That’s preseason for us.”

— David Friedlander

Peachtree Ridge roster No. Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

Connor Heyward Christian Sutton Malik Murray Breon Dixon Baylen Buchanan Nigel Warrior Zane Ashley DeAngelo Gibbs Fred Payton Harris Lackey Chris Canady Cam Brown Malik Robinson Kristian Collins Dondre Sanderson Bubba Hickson Avantae Ross David Parker Chris Dominguez Malik Staples Marquez Jackson Chad Clay Kevin Lewis Daniel Lonergan Ryan Kyle Mario Simmons Zaniel Phillips Stephon Bailey Jayden McDonald Alex Ferry Savin Wilson Cole Sammons

Pos. QB WR WR LB DB FS/WR LB/QB WR/DB QB WR QB WR WR WR WR QB FS DB LB RB RB DB/WR WR LB RB LB K/P RB RB FS DB LB

Year 11 12 12 11 12 12 11 11 10 10 10 12 12 11 11 12 11 11 10 12 12 12 12 10 11 10 11 11 10 10 11 12

PROBABLE STARTERS (returners in bold) DEFENSE DE Darnell Jefferies (6-4, 265, Soph.)

NG Michael Terry (5-11, 285, Sr.) DE Matt Bell (5-11, 255, Sr.) Dog Zane Ashley (5-11, 185, Jr.) WLB Breon Dixon (6-0, 215, Jr.) MLB Kam Jones (6-0, 220, Jr.) SLB Deandre Byrd (6-0, 215, Jr.) Rov Avantae Ross (5-10, 160, Jr.) CB Baylen Buchanan (6-0, 192, Sr.) CB Chad Clay (5-11, 185, Sr.) FS Nigel Warrior (6-1, 190, Sr.) P Zaniel Phillips (6-11, 165, Jr.)

OFFENSE QB Connor Heyward (6-1, 208, Jr.) RB Marquez Jackson (5-8, 160, Sr.) WR Christian Sutton (5-9, 157, Sr.) or Chad Clay (5-11, 185, Sr.) WR Malik Murray (5-11, 157, Sr.) WR DeAngelo Gibbs (6-2, 205, Jr.) WR Cam Brown (6-2, 204, Sr.) OT Duke Holland (6-5, 270, Jr.) OG Maxwell Bell (5-10, 260, Sr.) C Marc Lovely (6-0, 230, Jr.) OG Wilson Catoe (6-0, 210, Soph.)

OT Bryce Jones (6-2, 265, Soph.)

K Zaniel Phillips (5-11, 165, Jr.) 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 41 42 43 44 44

Ellison Lamont Dylan Ertter R.J. Lewis Ndinawe Murdock Elijah Fleury Bradley Carmen Jaylen Johnson Payton Bowens Nicholas Lee Deandre Byrd Austin Williams Avery Tuck Tyrese Pete

WR WR DB WR DB OLB WR LB WR LB WR LB OLB

11 10 10 12 10 10 10 10 10 11 10 10 10

45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57

Brandon Hendricks Reeve Holley Dylan Munson Tyree Taylor Alex Toth Daniel Webster Dustin Nguyen Kam Jones J.J. Stewart James Okivie Marc Lovely Tanner Adkins James Bozelle

gwinnettprepsports.com

LB WR LB DB LB OL K LB OL OL OL OLB OL

12 10 10 11 11 10 11 11 10 10 11 11 10

58 59 60 62 65 69 70 71 71 72 75 76 77 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 92 93 94 95 96 98 99

Joshua Johnson Tyrone Johnson Wilson Catoe Maxwell Bell Jordan Davis T.J. Laniyonu Tre Shaw Julian Uche Jordan Chung Braxton Brown Mikel Crump Bryce Jones Duke Holland Jake Bickford Raquan Holmon Demarco Dennison Titus Eshun Christian Carlson Bryce Brooks Jaylon Allen Myles Chukwura Brandon Appiah Isiah Butler Darnell Jefferies Eden Smith Kingsley Enagbare Brandon Jackson Michael Terry Brandon Demby Jimmy Park Matt Bell

OL LB OL OL OL OL OL OL DL OL DL OL OL WR WR WR WR WR WR WR WR WR WR DL DE DE DL DL DL DL DL

11 10 10 12 10 11 10 11 10 10 10 10 11 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 12 10 10 12 10 11 12

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 • 45

Providence Christian Storm Head coach: Ken Robinson (0-13 at Providence Christian, 5-29 overall)

Offense The payoff for slugging out most of its games with 14 players last season is that Providence comes into 2015 with nearly all returning starters.

“Our kids played a lot of snaps,” head coach Ken Robinson said with a wry chuckle. “They’re battletested. Just from that standpoint alone, I expect us to be better. When we did our close out meeting after 2014, I said, ‘Look, guys, nothing will shock you anymore.’

“Last year we only had two seniors on our 20-man roster. So really we’re looking at 10 returning starters. For me, I’m looking forward to seeing how much progress we’ve made.”

Two of the seniors on this year’s team — fullback Max Carter (pictured) and guard Ben Ellison — were with the program on its first day in 2011. There are four other seniors on the roster and three of those started with the Storm when they were freshmen.

“I think from a leadership standpoint, those kids will do a good job,” Robinson said.

Senior running back Jeremy Hardnett has been

with the program nearly as long and was all-region last year.

“He has the ability to make things happen,” Robinson said. “I look for Mitchell Miller, a sophomore, to be another one of those kids that from a playmaking ability, he can make people miss.”

Providence also added some new talent, including lineman Carter Trump, who is expected to play a key role on the offensive and defensive fronts.

“I think what we’ll do offensively this year will help the linemen,” Robinson said. “The teams we play, take a Prince Avenue or Commerce, from a physical standpoint, maybe there are some kids that they have one their front that our guys maybe aren’t

46 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

able to block one-on-one.

What we’ll do offensively will help our kids against those type of players.”

Defense Last year, Providence’s first full varsity campaign, the Storm only held one team under 35 points. They get a chance to really see how far they’ve come with another shot at all those same teams this season.

Carter and Ellison, both inside linebackers, lead the defense, but the biggest thing for Providence is added depth across the board.

“I’m excited to see what (Trump) will do on Friday nights,” Robinson said. “I like what I’ve seen going back to spring. He’s aggressive and a guy who wants to go get the football.”

Region: 8-A

Last playoff appearance: N/A

To even be able to have discussions with his coaching staff about moving a player from one position to another doesn’t go unappreciated by Robinson.

Another change on the defensive side is that Robinson, who played at South Carolina and in the NFL, moved from coaching the linebackers (his former position) to defensive backs.

“I just felt like that is an area we needed to improve in and it’s the last line of defense,” he said. “If we don’t, it’s on me.”

He’s got two talented players at corner in Hardnett and Miller.

“I like them against anybody that we’ll play,” Robinson said of the duo.

“Then Kendall Adams is another kid — he was in seventh grade on that first team — will be a junior this year at a safety spot.

“We’ve also got some younger kids, three freshmen, that are going to have to play and contribute. We’re not going to lower the expectations just because they’re freshmen.”

Growing up The cumulative effects of Sam Hadaway’s work as director of sports per-

gwinnettprepsports.com

2015 schedule

Aug. 28 St. Francis Sept. 4 Whitefield Sept. 18 at George Walton Sept. 25 Lakeview Oct. 2 at Athens Christian Oct. 9 Hebron Oct. 16 at Commerce Oct. 23 Athens Academy Oct. 30 at Towns County Nov. 6 Prince Avenue

2014 results (0-10)

at St. Francis L 47-10 at Whitefield Aca. L 49-0 George Walton L 36-0 at Lakeview Aca. L 38-3 Athens Christian L 54-7 at Hebron L 61-21 Commerce L 49-10 Athens Aca. L 60-0 Towns County L 20-3 at Prince Ave. L 54-10

formance over the last five years are showing.

“Our kids look different,” Robinson said. “They look different just from last year. I think that will be the first thing people will notice.

“One of the things we started after our 2012 season was a champions challenge. We did that a few weeks ago. It’s the culmination of our summer sports performance program. Coach Hadaway deserves a lot of credit for that. It’s kind of like strongman, but it’s a lot of endurance, a lot of lifting, pushing yourself to

the max.”

Practice what you preach Robinson had to face his own fears and complete a high-ropes course during the team’s recent retreat.

“I was terrified,” Robinson said. “But my they give it back to me. ‘Coach, the best sermons are lived, they aren’t preached.

Coach, courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway.’

“Those are the things they hear from us over and over.”

Standing at the start of the course with Hadaway after the whole team had gone through, Robinson walked the walk.

“I march up and I get to the top,” Robinson said. “Half the kids are already through. They say, ‘Coach, you scared?’ Yes, I am terrified.

“The day before we left, we were working on punt block. I said, ‘Guys it takes courage to block that punt.’ So they’re giving it back to me. And I finished it.

“If we get 30, 35, 40 kids in our football program thinking that way, I like our chances.”

— Christine Troyke

Providence roster No. Name

Pos.

Year

1 Jeremy Hardnett

QB/DB 12

2 Nick Chung

WR/DB 12

3 Roosevelt Trammel WR/DB 10 4 Henry Kim

RB/DB 10

7 Joshua Jones

QB/DB

8 Sam Clarke

WR/DB 10

9 Jacob Hamric

QB/DB

10 Mitchell Miller

QB/DB 10

11 Kendall Adams

WR/DB 11

17 Jackson Lewis

WR/DB

9 9

PROBABLE STARTERS (returners in bold) DEFENSE DB Mitchell Miller (5-8, 163, Soph.)

DB Joshua Jones (6-1, 155, Fr.) DB Kendall Adams (5-11, 156, Jr.) DB Jeremy Hardnett (5-9, 166, Sr.) LB Griffin Hendricks (5-11, 162, Jr.) LB Daniel Martin (5-9, 155, Jr.) LB Ben Ellison (5-10, 185, Sr.) LB Max Carter (5-10, 165, Sr.) DL Will Ringold (5-9, 190, Sr.) DL Carter Trump (5-8, 190, Jr.) DL Jack Smith (5-11, 219, Jr.)

OFFENSE QB Mitchell Miller (5-8, 163, Soph.)

WR Kendall Adams (5-11, 156, Jr.) WR Griffin Hendricks (5-11, 162, Jr.) TE John Lyons (5-10, 175, Jr.) RB Jeremy Hardnett (5-9, 166, Sr.) RB Max Carter (5-10, 165, Sr.) OL Ben Ellison (5-10, 185, Sr.) OL Eric Schmidt (6-3, 225, Sr.) OL Nathan Rogers (6-1, 181, Jr.) OL Carter Trump (5-8, 190, Jr.) OL Jack Smith (5-11, 219, Jr.)

9

55 Ben Ellison

OL/LB

12

58 Dominick Knowles OL/DL

10

60 Jack Smith

OL/DL

11

62 Carter Trump

OL/DL

11

64 Ben Estill

OL/DL

9

65 Eric Schmidt

OL/DL

12

67 J.T. Vaughn

OL/DL

11

68 James Berry

OL/DL

10

70 Patrick Pu

OL/DL

10

46 Griffin Hendricks

WR/LB 11

72 Alex Jaeger

OL/DL

10

74 Joshua Wright

OL/DL

10

75 Will Ringold

OL/DL

12

9

30 Connor Mymudes TE/DL

9

44 Daniel Martin

RB/LB

11

47 Hunter Graham

WR/LB

9

12

45 David Sloan

TE/LB

10

52 Koop Koerper

TE/LB

11

RB/LB

11

11

WR/DB

32 Max Carter

OL/LB

TE/LB

40 John Lyons

22 Keegan Tranum

53 Nathan Rogers

LIVE SCORING friday football gwinnettprepsports.com

Sign up at twitter.com and follow gdpfootball. You’ll get Gwinnett football scoring updates and key game stats every Friday night as well as breaking news during the week.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 • 47

Shiloh Generals Head coach: Ryan Andrews (0-0 at Shiloh, 6-4 overall)

Region: 8-AAAAAA

Last playoff appearance: 2003

Offense There’s not much experience returning on either side of the ball for Shiloh this season, but particularly on the offensive side of the ball.

Senior offensive lineman Dominic Taylor is the lone player with significance varsity experience. He’ll have his work cut out for him as he protects sophomore quarterback Jarren Williams (pictured).

Andrews said Williams has been “solid” in his maturation as a signal caller this summer.

New head coach Ryan Andrews said the attack will have a little bit of everything on offense.

“It sounds cliché, but it really will be multiple,” he said.

“We’ll have the ability to go four-wide, we’ll have the ability to go two-back. We’ll have the ability to go two tight ends and pound the ball. It just depends on what the defense gives us and how we attack them.”

Andrews praised junior running backs Jalen Myers and Davonte Womack for the work they’ve put in this offseason.

Donavan Grier will be an impact player at receiver.

Overall Andrews is happy with the strides that the skill position players have made in such a short time, learning a new offense.

“All those guys are starting to understand (the system),”

2015 schedule Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

at Hillgrove Westlake Central Gwinnett at Dacula Brookwood at Grayson Archer at Parkview Berkmar at South Gwinnett

GWINNETT COUNTY’S FUN FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE

FOLKTALES

2014 results (3-7) Hillgrove Westlake Central Gwinnett Dacula Brookwood Grayson Archer Parkview Berkmar South Gwinnett

L 14-6 W 14-7 L 44-0 L 28-6 L 31-21 L 42-6 L 52-7 L 49-27 W 34-28 W 14-3

GWINNETT COUNTY’S FUN FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE

FOLKTALES

272327-1

1 • KIDSVILLE NEWS • July 2015 • www.kidsvillenews.com/gwinnett

Defense Shiloh’s secondary with be a strength of the defense. Junior Julian McDuffie, brother of Duke freshman Jeremy, brings speed to spare to the unit.

Senior Tuwile Wilson has also stood out to Andrews.

“Tuwile Wilson is a guy that’s had a solid summer so far,” he said. “And Justin Brenton also, he’s a linebacker.

Again, our roster is going to fool some people because

August 2015

Etc. Its been 12 years since Shiloh had a winning season. Troy Hobbs had the Generals back on the right track, finishing 5-5 in 2013 before sliding back to 3-7 last season.

Turning the program around will be a long process for Andrews and his staff. He’s hoping to build on some the momentum gained by Hobbs, including sending three players to major college football programs this fall.

So far, so good for Andrews.

“I’m definitely happy,” he said. “It’s a culture thing, yearto-year. You’re not only working against three years of — and not saying anything against Coach (Troy) Hobbs, he had his way of doing things — but working against 15 years of stuff.

We haven’t been to the playoffs since 2003. It’s a deeply rooted culture change that’s taking place. But so far I’ve been pleased with the response.”

— Paul Thomas

E E FR

Join these sponsors in supporting

www.kidsvillenews.com/gwinnett

he said. “We’re not where I would like to be, but they’re starting to get the mindset that we need.”

we have a lot seniors, but we don’t have a lot of experience.

There’s going to be some on the job training.”

In addition to Brenton, Shiloh does have Cameron Samle and Alex Fumbah returning at linebacker. Fumbah is coming off an injury and is still working himself back into game shape.

check out the calendar pagE FOR THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH!

www.kidsvillenews.com/gwinnett For more information, contact Lauren Stephens at 770.963.9205 ext. 1209 or email at lauren.stephens@gwinnettdailypost.com

48 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

gwinnettprepsports.com

Shiloh roster No. Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

DeCarlos Frazier Jarren Williams Julian McDuffie Cameron Sample Davonte Womack Donavon Grier Justyn Brinston Kevin Hill Jordan Williams Alex Fumbah Purvis Terrell Eric Clay Marcus Mays Jamarcus Hixson Dexter McNair Olando Merrick Aaron O’Kelley Reese Preston Alfago Shumake Tyler Reese Kaleem Minor Jasir Shaw Michael Wright Tuwile Wilson Quincy Brooks Amari Cox Austin Butler Jared Taylor Tahquan Flythe Nashim Johnson Noah McInnis Dontavious Womack Milton Jackson Kingston Watkins

Pos. WR QB FS DE RB WR LB WR CB LB WR LB WR WR QB WR/TE WR QB LB SS LB/SS CB DE CB FS RB LB SS/LB FS CB FS CB/WR DE/LB CB

maN wasser e l a D y B novel oM t h e r f d e t adap Kesey

By KeN d By directe . BooTh sus a N V

Year 12 10 11 11 11 11 12 11 11 12 11 11 11 12 11 11 11 9 11 11 12 12 12 12 11 12 12 12 11 10 11 9 10 10

PROBABLE STARTERS (returners in bold)

DEFENSE DE Michael Wright (6-1, 185, Sr.) DT Neimaan Jackson (6-3, 305, Soph.)

DT Brandon Hooker (6-0, 220, Sr.) DT Dominic Taylor (6-4, 285, Sr.) or DT Leroy Watson (6-5, 240, Sr.) DE Cameron Sample (6-2, 235, Jr.) LB Justyn Brinston (5-9, 210, Sr.) SS/LB Jared Taylor (5-8, 180, Sr.) CB Jasir Shaw (5-10, 165, Sr.) CB Tuwile Wilson (5-10, 175, Sr.) SS Tyler Reese (5-8, 170, Jr.) FS Julian McDuffie (5-10, 170, Jr.) P Avery Harris (5-9, 160, Sr.)

OFFENSE QB Jarren Williams (6-2, 190, Soph.)

RB Davonte Womack (5-8, 170, Jr.) or Jalen Myers (5-8, 165 Jr.) WR DeCarlos Frazier (5-10, 160, Sr.) WR Donavon Grier (6-0, 160, Jr.) WR Kevin Hill (5-8, 160, Jr.) WR Purvis Terrell (5-9, 160, Jr.) or WR Aaron Okelly (5-10, 175, Jr.) OL Dominic Taylor (6-4, 285, Sr.) OL Edgar Derricho (5-10, 205, Sr.) OL Collins Aboagye (6-1, 230, Sr.) OL Fiyinfoluwa Adeyeye (6-0, 240, Sr.) OL Leonardo Contreras (6-0, 230, Sr.) or OL Leroy Watson (6-5, 240, Sr.) K Avery Harris (5-9, 160, Sr.) 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45

Demauri Bush Jalen Myers Anas Spain Jacmel Alphonse Justin Howell Nyzjohn Harden Anthony Perry Jared Wilson Jalil Claxton Alec Archie Kenya Lee

FS RB FS LB FS LB LB LB LB FB/RB CB

11 11 10 10 9 11 10 11 10 11 11

46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56

Anthony McClary JaQuil Stevenson Mason King Miles Repress Fiyinfoluwa Adeyeye Warren Peeples Antonio Cruz Cecilio Quero Collins Aboagye Brandon Hooker KyVante Echols

RB LB LB CB OL/DL WR OL DL OL DL OL

9 12 10 9 12 9 11 10 12 12 10

57 58 59 60 61 62 64 67 68 70 72 74 75 77 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 94 95 97 98

N oN Gha w T N a l Nea Thomas g hy in r r cM u r p Sta M e l d aS r an KiNcaiD s i l a m s a n d Te s ed e r atch a S n u rS

Leonardo Contreras James Knight Glen Brown Isaiah Carter Malik Head Jaylen Miliner Dominic Taylor Dallas Walker Edgar Derricho Devonte Bell Gregory Jones Davon Gilbert Tyler Williams Leroy Watson Sadiq Cort Jailan Lawton Timothy Blount Kyle Hayes Telma Adeniyi Beau Alphonse Matthew Williams Keandre Hixson Ramonte Allen Christian Smith Neimaan Jackson Tracy Tobias Zaillu Brady Tyler Miles Chris Rogers Stefan Nettles Hudson Anderson Daniels Johnson Jr. Terrance Page

OL/DL OL OL DL OL/DL xx OL/DL xx OL DL DL DL OL OL/DL WR WR WR/DB WR/DB DL LB WR DB WR WR DL DL DL/OL DL LB DB LB DB DB

12 11 11 10 9 9 12 11 12 10 11 11 10 12 10 12 10 9 10 10 10 9 11 10 10 10 9 10 9 9 9 10 9

T

A nd ing A n t Fe A ur

r all-sTa aTlaNTa casT!

erican m A l u f r A powe loring the exp drama anger d d n a beauty spirit e e r f a g of bein d system. se in a clo

September 2–20 Tickets as low as $15 @ 404.733.5000

268782-1

alliancetheatre.org/cuckoo | groups 404.733.4690 | Season tickets 404.733.4600

gwinnettprepsports.com

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 • 49

South Gwinnett Comets Head coach: John Small 58-50 at South Gwinnett, 58-50 overall)

Offense South Gwinnett quarterback Josh Shim returns as a three-year starter. Shim threw for 1,216 yards in eight games last season before breaking his leg.

Once his leg healed, he spent his spring with the track team to get back into shape. Head coach John Small said the senior has put on close to 10 pounds and has worked tirelessly to be ready for his senior season.

Shim is dual-threat under center for the Comets.

“He can spin the football,” Small said. “He can throw it. I think one thing he brings to the table is he can run the football. He’s a physical kid, he kind of adds an element to the running game to where he can do a lot of stuff with the football. He can extend the play, if things break down he can extend it, but he’s also a threat to run it.”

Shim isn’t South’s only running threat. Sophomore Christian Malloy (pictured) was impressive last year as a freshman on varsity before an ankle injury slowed him as well.

At receiver junior Elijah Shah leads a talented group that includes fellow

juniors B.J. Johnson and Jalen Flemming. Speedy sophomores Jalon Morrow and Terrell Smith with see time both at receiver and in the secondary.

Perhaps South’s biggest strength on offense will be its offensive line.

“We’ve got some guys that we feel really good about up front,” Small said.

Senior tackles Bruce Trigg and Jamal Reed

50 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

Region: 8-AAAAAA

bookend the group. Sophomore Robert Cooper will play both ways, including guard on offense. Senior Ruchell White will be at left guard, and senior Cameron Laurent will be at center.

Defense After playing a ton of young guys the last two seasons, South returns plenty of defenders with varsity experience.

Last playoff appearance: 2014

“We return a lot of kids,” Small said. “I think we’ve got a lot depth because of the number of kids that have played. We went into it last year by the design of we’re going to play kids. It may be ugly at times but we’re going to play kids. They’re going to get the playing experience, they’re going to be good players as they get bigger and stronger.”

The defense will be led by a talented defensive line.

Three-year starter and senior Mackay Phillips will anchor the unit at defensive end. Opposite of him is highly-touted sophomore prospect Justin Mascoll. In the middle will be Cooper.

“It starts up front on both sides of the ball,” Small said. “I think we’ve got some big bodies.

We’ve got some kids that can run. We’ve got some athletic kids, strong kids.

We’re able to get in a three-man front, four-man front. Can be multiple, but not to confuse ourselves.

It all starts up front and we’re excited about that group up front. They play hard and have a little swagger about them.”

Linebacker Malik Rob-

gwinnettprepsports.com

2015 schedule Aug. 21 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Nov. 6

Walton at Collins Hill at Central G. Dacula at Brookwood Grayson at Archer Parkview at Berkmar Shiloh

2014 results (4-6) at Walton Collins Hill Central at Dacula Brookwood at Grayson Archer at Parkview Berkmar at Shiloh

*W 16-13 L 27-20 L 30-25 L 27-13 W 44-14 L 42-0 L 24-7 W 23-20 W 32-0 L 14-3 *by forfeit

inson brings even more talent to the front seven.

Robinson and Mascoll will both also see time on offense.

The secondary will be led by senior safety Chris Skyers. Junior Emmanuel Hopkins be at corner along with Morrow and Smith.

Etc. South finished the year 4-6 last season, but had four losses by nine points or less.

Those losses were critical lessons for a team that

featured three freshman starters and 15 sophomores. Now a year later, Small is hoping that the Comets are ready to take the next step.

“We’re young gradewise, but they’ve played,” he said. “We played in some close ball games last year. Fell short at the end, it could have been a whole different deal. But it’s a tough league and we were right there in the mix with Archer and some really good teams. The first four games, we lost by three, by (seven) and by (five) in the final minute of the game. Our kids — they’re talented, they’re good players, they’re good kids, but they’ve got to get over that hump. We’ve got to win that hump game, and get that confidence going.

“You don’t want to go into it and go, ‘Oh, here we go again.’ They’ve got to experience some success. So that’s what we’re working towards.

Trying to finish that minute and a half. That’s been our motto, ‘No excuses.

Finish.’ We’re learning to finish and they know how close they were, but close doesn’t count unless you’re playing horseshoes.”

— Paul Thomas

South Gwinnett roster No. Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

Michael Adu Josh Shim Elijah Shah Jaylen Fleming Malik Robinson Seth Johnston Chris Skyers Tariq Jackson Emmanuel Hopkins Demetrius Murray Alpha Fofana Terrell Smith Justin Mascoll D.J. Walker Marc Davis B.J. Johnson Jalon Morrow Bryce White Tyler Mckine Michael Stephens Kyree Falker Darius Mckinney Christian Malloy Brandon Woods Chabarri Thomas Bruce Heyward Myles Barnum Josh Snodgrass Trevor Ward Carey Byrd Amin Hall Osman Jalloh Kenneth Fumbah

Year

Pos.

12 WR 12 QB 11 WR 11 WR/DB 11 LB 11 QB 12 FS 12 WR 11 DB 11 WR/DB 10 WR/DB 10 WR/DB 10 DE 11 QB/DB 10 QB 11 WR 10 WR/DB 11 WR 10 WR/DB 12 RB/OLB 11 FS 10 WR/LB 10 WR 11 DB 10 LB 12 WR 10 RB/LB 10 QB 11 LB 10 WR 10 WR/DB 10 LB 11 DB

PROBABLE STARTERS (returners in bold)

OFFENSE QB Josh Shim (6-0, 200, Sr.) RB Christian Malloy (5-10, 180, Soph.) or Jaylon Fleming (5-8, 175, Jr.) WR Elijah Shaw (5-8, 155, Jr.) WR Jalon Morrow (5-10, 180, Soph.)

WR B.J. Johnson (6-3, 185 Jr.) WR Tariq Jackson (5-10, 140, Sr.) OT Bruce Trigg (6-4, 290, Sr.) OG Ruchell White (6-9, 268, Sr.) C Cameron Laurent (5-10, 296, Sr.) OG Robert Cooper (6-3, 330, Soph.)

OT Jamal Reed (6-0, 260, Sr.) K Dawson Newman (5-10, 175, Soph.)

35 36 37 38 39 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49

Tevin Beauford DeAndre Mckinley Trevor Brotherton Isaac Turner Ben Johnson Kareem Bessent Miykel Blackburn C.J. Lyons Gabriell Nieves Jason Casignol Ky Bethea Kyle Hutton Caleb Johnson Kyle Magee

12 12 12 10 11 10 11 10 11 10 10 10 10 10

LB LB LB WR/LB WR/TE LB RB/LB LB LB RB/LB WR/DB LB WR/LB QB

DEFENSE DE Mackay Phillips (6-2, 265, Sr.) NT Robert Cooper (6-3, 330, Soph.)

DE Justin Mascoll (6-5, 235, So.) LB Brandon Woods (5-11, 175, Jr.) LB Malik Robinson (6-1, 225, Jr.) LB Keith Hernandez (5-8, 225, Jr.) LB Tevin Beauford (5-7, 175, Sr.) LB Kyree Falker (5-9, 135, Jr.) CB Emmanuel Hopkins (5-8, 150, Jr.) CB Jalon Morrow (5-10, 180, Soph.)

S Chris Skyers (5-11, 160, Sr.) P Seth Johnson (6-1, 170, Jr.)

50 51 52 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64

Justin Hyman Chika Opora Daniel Miller Paul Igali Keith Hernandez Ramon Granillo Hunter Friend Devin Shell Leshawn Dunn Dawson Newman Emmanuel Amariw Thilenius Guthrie Josh Barry Kurt Voglezon

August Special!

ALL

10 10 12 10 11 12 10 10 10 10 10 10 11 11

LB OL/DL OL OL/DL OL/LB OL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL K OL/DL DL OL/DL OL

65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 79 80 81 82 83 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99

Jamal Reed Ethan Spingola Devyn Rucker Tashawn Wesley Anthony Payne Cameron Laurent Ruchell White Deandre Smith Robert Cooper Troy Tappin Ahmad James Leonard Jolly Bruce Trigg Mackay Phillips Bradford Evans Marvin Owens Keon Jones Jaspen Screws Jeffrey Warren Brandon Gregory Kane Young Devantae Daniels Torey Zanders Siraye Tchatcha Eddie Tate Marcus Ricks Scott Williams Abi Okonji Allesandro Skyers Elijah Pedro Jared Miller Dequavious Campbell Sean Nance

12 10 11 12 10 11 12 10 10 11 11 10 12 12 12 10 10 11 10 10 10 11 10 10 10 11 11 10 10 10 11 12 10

OL OL/DL DL DL OL/DL OL OL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL OL OL DL WR WR/DB WR/DB WR WR/LB WR/FS WR/DB WR DL WR/LB WR/FS DL LB DL WE/LB WR/FS SN DL WR/DB

e M t p o d A For Just

$9!

WOW!

4 mo - 1 yr Kittens! www.furkids.org

gwinnettprepsports.com

271837-1

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 • 51

Wesleyan Wolves

Head coach: Franklin Pridgen (67-39 at Wesleyan, 67-39 overall)

Offense With eight returning starters, including six seniors, back from last year’s state playoff team, it’s easy to see why optimism is high.

Yet, it is actually the youngest of those returning starters, sophomore quarterback Banks Ramsey, who will be the catalyst.

“You can’t put a price tag on the experience he got,” Wesleyan coach Franklin Pridgen said of Ramsey, who threw for 1,360 yards and 12 TDs as a freshman last year. “He’s already shown evidence he’s learned from that.

He’s in command of the offense and his decision making. That’s very exciting. And he’s 6-(foot-)4, 205 pounds now. He’s put on some good weight, and he’s throwing the ball really well.

“There’s still work to be done in his development, but the progress he made from 2014 to today is remarkable. And he’s probably got more weapons around him than we’ve had in four to five years.”

True, Ramsey will have last year’s leading receiver

Region: 6-AA

Last playoff appearance: 2014 2015 schedule

Aug. 21 Walker Aug. 28 at East Hall Sept. 4 Stratford Sept. 18 KIPP Atlanta Sept. 25 Pace Academy Oct. 2 at Hapeville Oct. 9 BEST Academy Oct. 23 at Lovett Oct. 30 Holy Innocents’ Nov. 6 at GAC

2014 results (6-5)

at Walker W 45-7 East Hall L 20-13 at Stratford Acad. W 27-14 KIPP Atlanta W 24-0 at Pace W 23-17 Hapeville L 12-9 at BEST Acad. W 17-0 Lovett L 30-24 at Holy Innoc. W 7-0 GAC L 41-0 at Heard Co. L 28-21

Harrison Cook (52-520, 4 TDs), as well as speedy senior Cedric Lynch and Jordan Mack, to throw to.

Balanced by a ground game led by the tandem of Jordan Argilagos and Josh Garrard (pictured), and an all-senior offensive line and the Wolves have plenty of potential to roll up yardage and points.

Defense Like the offense, Wesleyan’s defense will have plenty of experience,

52 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

speed and athleticism, particularly in the secondary.

And there’s no bigger focal point than senior safety and Virginia commit Mack, who combines with bookend corner Lynch and steady safety Cole Mannion to give the Wolves more freedom up front to apply pressure to opposing defenses.

“We run a 3-5 scheme,” Pridgen said. “So if you can lock down corners, you can be far more aggressive with your blitz packages. We’ll be very

aggressive. We’ve got some fast kids, none of them are super big, but you see kids that are smart, execute well and are always in the right place and are strong and quick off the ball. We think we’ve got potential to be a headache for most teams.”

The Wesleyan linebacking corps, which includes last year’s leading tackler Drew Aspinwall (99 tackles), could also give opposing offenses plenty of headaches.

gwinnettprepsports.com

Etc. Wesleyan’s special teams will also be very experienced this season with the return of kicker and punter Jordan Weaver. …

Overall, Pridgen is excited about perhaps the most experienced team he’s ever coached at Wesleyan, with 23 seniors.

“This is the largest senior class we’ve ever had,” Pridgen said. “Those guys will be a huge part of what we do in all phases of the game. Many of them played for us as ninth-

graders and as sophomores, and they took a lot of lumps that year. We knew we had to do that.

We chose strategically to do that so they’d grow into players they are today.”

And while this year’s club isn’t exactly a carbon copy, he does see a lot that reminds him of another one of the great teams of his tenure, one that could help the Wolves challenge perennial powers like GAC and Lovett for Region 6-AA supremacy.

“There are some significant differences from 2008,” Pridgen said in comparing the current Wolves with the Class A state championship team of seven years ago. “We were probably a lot bigger at the line of scrimmage than we are today. We had (Kyle) Karempelis in backfield then. I’m not going to put pressure on our tailbacks right now. That’s not fair.

But I see a hunger, an eagerness to get started, a zeal for hard work and maturity.

“Most of similarities are intangible. We’ll see as season progresses if we’re as good on the offensive line or along the front seven on defense.”

— David Friedlander

Wesleyan roster No. Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Pos.

Cedric Lynch Garrett Hangartner Wylie West Jordan Mack Kevin Stipe Kyle Rappe Alex Thompson Banks Ramsey Adam Moon Clint Prettyman Drew Aspinwall Zach Peterson Rawley Smith J.D. Kavel Andrew Lore Isaac Boa-Kouassi Landon Parks Harrison Cook Jordan Argilagos Spencer Sutlive Cole Mannion Grant Summers Tucker Cannon Josh Garrard

QB/WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB TE/LB TE/DE QB WR/LB WR/DB WR/LB WR/DB RB/DB QB/DB QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB

Year 12 10 12 12 12 12 12 10 11 12 12 10 10 9 9 10 9 11 12 12 12 9 12 12

PROBABLE STARTERS (returners in bold) DEFENSE DE Tyler Harper (5-11, 230, Sr.) NG Conner Day (5-10, 240, Sr.) DE Ryan Hughes (6-1, 215, Sr.) OLB Kevin Stipe (5-10, 190, Sr.) ILB Kyle Rappe (6-0, 180, Sr.) ILB John Morris (6-1, 210, Jr.) ILB Drew Aspinwall (5-10, 175, Sr.) OLB Josh Garrard (5-10, 185, Sr.) DB Jordan Mack (6-3, 210, Sr.) DB Cedric Lynch (6-2, 185, Sr.) DB Cole Mannion (6-2, 180, Sr.) P Jordan Weaver (6-2, 185, Sr.)

OFFENSE QB Banks Ramsey (6-4, 205, Soph.)

RB Jordan Argilagos (5-10, 185, Sr.) WR Harrison Cook (5-10, 165, Jr.) WR Tucker Cannon (5-10, 185, Sr.) WR Jordan Mack (6-3, 210, Sr.) WR Cedric Lynch (6-2, 185, Sr.) OL Will Barnard (6-3, 240, Sr.) OL Conner Day (5-10, 240, Sr.) OL Shelton Gottlich (5-11, 230, Sr.) OL Tyler Harper (5-11, 230, Sr.) OL Ryan Hughes (6-1, 215, Sr.) K Jordan Weaver (6-2, 185, Sr.) 25 26 27 28 29 31 32 33 34 35

James Williams Corey Berry Willem Conley Jason McCleskey Bily Stepp Mitchell Robinson Josiah Emmelhainz Donald Conley Connor Thompson Ryan Weed

RB/DL WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB RB/DB RB/LB RB/DB RB/LB

12 10 10 11 10 11 10 9 9 11

36 40 42 44 45 46 47 50 52 54

George Bielan Cameron Binney Dawson Carr Glenn Hogan Raymond Swanson Drake Bursa Josh Payne Callen Davidson Tripp Copenhaver Davis Moreland

RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB TE/DE TE/LB TE/DE OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL

10 9 9 12 10 10 10 11 11 10

55 56 57 58 60 61 63 64 65 66 68 70 71 73 74 75 78 80 81 82 83 85 90 91

Shelton Gottlich Wyatt Stall Daniel O’Sullivan Ben Connor Wood Reeves Conner Day Brian Sinclair John Morris Tanner Moore Tyler Harper John Smith Will Barnard Michael Payne Sam Gottlich Andrew Pridgen Ryan Hughes Stevie Crawford Brae Davidson Grant Frerking Stewart Stamper Michael Nicklaus Jordan Weaver Sean McDonough Mateo Rengifo

OL/DL OL/DL OL/DE OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DE OL/DE OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB K/P/WR WR/DB/K WR/LB/K

12 11 10 10 9 12 9 11 12 12 9 12 11 11 9 12 9 10 11 10 9 12 11 10

Gwinnett’s Friday night football coverage every Saturday in a publication all its own

Made possible in party by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

For sale at many Gwinnett county newspaper sales locations starting August 22nd

272333-1

gwinnettprepsports.com

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 • 53

Preseason All-County OFFENSE

QB Davis Mills, GAC, Jr. Completed 67 percent of his passes for 2,267 yards, 26 TDs for state runner-up

RB Cameryn Brent, Grayson, Sr. Second in Gwinnett with 1,194 rushing yards, his second straight 1,000yard season

RB Jesse Brown, Brookwood, Sr. Northwestern recruit has rushed for nearly 2,300 yards the past two seasons

WR Kyle Davis, Archer, Sr. Five-star wideout had 67 catches for 1,184 yards, 9 TDs last season

WR Deangelo Gibbs, Peachtree Ridge, Jr. A favorite to be the nation’s No. 1 junior is healthy after injuryplagued season

WR Josh Imatorbhebhe, North Gwinnett, Sr. USC commit had 59 catches for 1,072 yards and 15 TDs as a junior

OL Robbie Bell, Mill Creek, Sr. Key to Hawks’ line has committed to Louisville

OL Devin Cochran, GAC, Sr. Big tackle has committed to Vanderbilt

OL Tony Gray, Central Gwinnett, Jr. Top junior’s offer list already includes Georgia, Alabama, Auburn

OL Alex Mollette, North Gwinnett, Sr. Marshall commit is leader of Bulldogs line

OL E.J. Price, Archer, Sr. One of nation’s top tackles lists Auburn, Tennessee, UGA among leaders

PK Jordan Weaver, Wesleyan, Sr. Second in county with seven made field goals as a junior

All-purpose Major Bellamy, Central Gwinnett, Sr. County-best 77 catches for 1,220 yards, 8 TDs

Returner Xavier Gantt, Buford, Sr. Ga. Tech commit had 2 KR TDs, 10 rushing TDs on 11.8 yards per carry

DEFENSE

DL Derrick Brown, Lanier, Sr. Had 17.5 sacks last season and is one of nation’s top linemen

DL Tomon Fox, Collins Hill, Sr. UNC recruit has 20 sacks the past two seasons

DL Shug Frazier, Buford, Sr. Huge lineman’s long offer list includes Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia

DL Chris Martin, Grayson, Sr. Versatile lineman is headed to Georgia Tech

LB Jakob Brashear, Dacula, Sr. Georgia Tech recruit also is a standout at running back

LB Breon Dixon, Peachtree Ridge, Jr. Florida, Tennessee, Alabama among early offers for playmaker

LB Leonard Warner, Brookwood, Jr. Georgia, Alabama and most others have offered athletic linebacker

DB Isaiah Pryor, Archer, Jr. Coveted prospect recently committed to Ohio State

DB Dylan Singleton, Archer, Sr. Reigning Daily Post defensive player of the year is a top college prospect

DB Nigel Warrior, Peachtree Ridge, Sr. Westlake transfer considered one of nation’s best safety prospects

DB Jamyest Williams, Archer, Jr. Top recruit also rushed for 8 TDs on offense

P Robert Snyder, Collins Hill, Sr. Averaged 40.5 yards; also top recruit on defense

54 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

gwinnettprepsports.com

247SPORTS RECRUITING RANKINGS A look at 247sports.com’s top-ranked high school football seniors in the state of Georgia and where they have committed (Gwinnett County athletes in bold): 1. Derrick Brown, DT, Lanier 2. Julian Rochester, DT, McEachern (Georgia) 3. Mecole Hardman Jr., ATH, Elbert County 4. Demetris Robertson, ATH, Savannah Christian Prep 5. Kyle Davis, WR, Archer 6. Antwuan Jackson, DT, Cedar Grove 7. E.J. Price, OT, Archer 8. Ben Cleveland, OT, Stephens County 9. Nigel Warrior, S, Peachtree Ridge 10. Chauncey Manac, DE, Clinch County 11. Marquez Callaway, ATH, Warner Robbins 12. Antonneous Clayton, DE, Dooly County 13. Charlie Woerner, WR, Rabun County (Georgia) 14. Josh Imatorbhebhe, WR, North Gwinnett (Southern Cal) 15. Michail Carter, DT, Jackson 16. Tre Lamar, LB, Roswell (Clemson) 17. Elijah Holyfield, RB, Woodward Academy 18. Jawon Pass, QB, Carver (Louisville) 19. Tyler Clark, DT, Americus Sumter County South (Georgia) 20. Jaleel Laguins, LB Oconee County 21. Charles Wiley, DE, Stockbridge 22. Marlon Character, S, Grady (South Carolina)

23. Dylan Singleton, CB, Archer 24. Chidi Okonya, DE, Riverdale (Tennessee) 25. Jordan Smith, DE, Lithonia (South Carolina) 26. Darion Anderson, WR, Houston County (Georgia) 27. Brodarious Hamm, OT, Spalding (Auburn) 28. Zerrick Cooper, QB, Jonesboro (Clemson) 29. Shug Frazier, DT, Buford 30. Logan Byrd, QB, Veterans (North Carolina) 31. Chandler Tuitt, OG, Sandy Creek (Ole Miss) 32. Chad Clay, CB, Peachtree Ridge (Georgia) 33. Robert Kraeling, OT, Prince Avenue Christian School (Duke) 34. Elysee Mbem-Bosse, LB, Cedar Grove 35. Landon Rice, TE, Calhoun (Auburn) 36. Miller Forristall, TE, Cartersville (Alabama) 37. JaQua Daniels, RB, Clarke Central 38. Aaron Dowdell, OG Creekside (Georgia) 39. Randrecous Davis, WR, Mays (Georgia) 40. David Marshall, DE, Upson-Lee 41. Tremayne Anchrum, OG, McEachern 42. Tray Eafford, WR, Lee County 43. Mykelle McDaniel, DE, Grayson 44. Brittain Brown, RB, (Duke) 45. Jordan Griffin, CB, Jonesboro (Kentucky) 46. Tomon Fox, DE, Collins Hill (North Carolina) 47. Tyler Simmons, WR, McEachern 48. Emanuel Bridges, LB, Newnan 49. Jamie Skalski, LB, Northgate (Clemson) 50. Javon Jackson, CB, Sandy Creek 51. Donta Evans, LB, Archer (Ole Miss)

52. Xavier Gantt, ATH, Buford (Georgia Tech) 53. Kobe Smith, DT, Archer (Kentucky) 54. Steve Dolphus, WR, Westside 55. Jeremiah Littles, LB, Wayne County 56. Dreshun Miller, CB, Sprayberry 57. D.J. Owens, RB, North Paulding 58. Monquavion Brinson, CB, Mays (Syracuse) 59. Jarett Cole, S, Norcross (Georgia Tech) 60. Chris Barnes, OT, Lee County (Georgia) 61. Tyquan Statham, ATH, West Hall 62. Luke Elder, OT Lagrange (North Carolina) 63. Baylen Buchanan, CB Peachtree Ridge (Louisville) 64. Andrew Lee, RB, Charlton County 65. Andre James, WR, Laney 66. Christian Roberson, TE, McEachern (Mississippi State) 67, Tyriq Hardimon, CB, Lassiter 68. Tobias Little, LB, Mays 69. Tyrique McGhee, CB, Peach County (Georgia) 70. Ja’Quain Blakely, LB, Colquitt County (Tennessee) 71. Jordan Mack, S, Wesleyan (Virginia ) 72. Dedrick Mills, RB, Ware County (Georgia Tech) 73. Devin Cochran, OT, Greater Atlanta Christian School (Vanderbilt) 74. Antone Williams, CB, Woodward Academy (Duke) 75. Jack DeFoor, OT, Calhoun (Ole Miss) 76. Korey Banks, CB, Sandy Creek (North

Carolina) 77. Malik Walker, DE, Macon County 78. Jacob Robertson, WR, Woodward Academy 79. Tyrone Hopper, DE, Roswell (North Carolina) 80. Essang Bassey, CB, Columbus (Wake Forest) 81. Emmanuel Belmar, LB, Collins Hill (Virginia Tech) 82. Jailyn Ingram, WR, Morgan County 83. David Moore, QB, Milton (SMU) 84. Kiel Pollard, WR, Colquitt County 85. Jair Anderson, WR, Northview 86. Robert Tucker, LB, Best Academy 87. Malick Mbodj, WR, Arabia Mountain (UCF) 88. Chris Martin, DT, Grayson (Georgia Tech) 89. Russell Halimon, CB, Allatoona (Arizona) 90. Robbie Bell, OG, Mill Creek (Louisville) 91. Jermany Hawkins, RB, Screven County (Georgia Southern) 92. Ronnie Blackmon, ATH, Westlake (Colorado) 93. Josh White, QB, Walton 94. Chandler Reeves, OT, Eagle’s Landing Christian (Clemson) 95. Sean Bailey, OT, Lambert (Cincinnati) 96. Tristan Crowder, OT, Carrollton 97. Allen Cater, DE, Mount Paran Christian School (Indiana)

98. Davis Kelly, QB 99. Maysoe Wiley, WR, Valwood School 100. D.J. Render, WR, North Cobb

268712-1

gwinnettprepsports.com

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015 • 55

56 • SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015

gwinnettprepsports.com