South Georgia August 2017 Edition

find your Preview inside

Year of the

QUARTERBACK

or is it linebacker?

Top 5 National Prospects

17 football

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

$4.00 / Issue

South Georgia

championship Contenders

AUG/SEPT 2017

Play Our ITG Pick’em Challenge

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THE

HUGHSTON DIFFERENCE YESTERDAY.

•

Providing you, for over 60 years, with research, education, and treatment

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Organizing preparticipation physicals since 1976

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Covering over 1,500 local sporting events each year

•

Saturday morning injury clinic

•

Researching and implementing concussion management software for local athletes

LOCATIONS Albany Auburn Columbus Dothan LaGrange

Moultrie Phenix City Thomaston Thomasville Valdosta

Hughston Clinic 706-324-6661 2

6262 Veterans Parkway, GA 31909 1-800-331-2910 / www.hughston.com PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

TODAY. TOMORROW.

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IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

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PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

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Albany / 2609 Ledo Rd. Albany, GA 31707 / 229.430.8080 716 Philema Rd. / 229.439.4030 Tifton / 2nd St W. Tifton, GA 31794 / 229.386.2265 Moultrie / 621 N. Veterans Pkwy, Moultrie, GA 31788 / 229.985.1380 Sylvester / 601 N. Main St. Sylvester, GA 31791 / 229.776.7641 Quitman / 602 E Screven St. Quitman, GA 31643 / 229.263.7538 Valdosta / 2910 N. Ashley St. N. Valdosta, GA 31602 / 229.242.2037 3774 Old U.S. 41 N / 229.241.9900 PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

ARE YOU In?

South Georgia

In the Game Winning isn’t everything. A championship isn’t everything. The character, mindset, and effort to become a winner and a champion, however, is.

Welcome back, Friday night football.

Cole Parker

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

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CELEBRATING THE CHAMPIONS

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4 North Carter Street Lakeland, Georgia 31635 (229) 482-3585

978 Valdosta Highway Homerville, Georgia 31634 (912) 487-1200

202 W. Washington Ave. Nashville, Georgia 31639 (229) 686-9451

1201 S. Patterson Street Valdosta, Georgia 31603 (229) 244-3585

3303 Inner Perimeter Road Valdosta, Georgia 31605 (229) 244-3585

www.fmb.net Member FDIC

OF SOUTH GEORGIA

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Table of Contents South Georgia Previews GHSA AAAAAAA

35. Colquitt County Packers 37.

39.

40.

41.

43.

45.

47.

49.

50.

51.

55.

57.

61.

63.

65.

67.

68.

69.

72.

73.

74.

Packers Seek to Improve Through Another Daunting Schedule Lowndes Vikings Talent and Timing May Be Right for the ’17 Vikings Tift County Blue Devils Blue Devils’ Chemistry at Core of Program Direction AAAAAA Coffee County Trojans Trojans’ Hopes Anchored by Veteran Defense Houston County Bears Reloading Bears Will Battle for a Playoff Birth Lee County Trojans Seniors, Experience to Push the Trojans Through Tough Schedule Northside Eagles Eagles Not Content With Recent Success Valdosta Wildcats Wildcats Embrace the Defense of their Title AAAAA Bainbridge Bearcats Pierce, Bearcats Strive to Regain Title for the Purple and Gold T.C.C. Yellow Jackets TCC to Overcome Inexperience with Fundamentals and Pride Warner Robins Demons Fromm Twins and Defensive Depth Ignite Interest in Warner Robins AAAA Cairo Syrupmakers Young Syrupmakers Prioritize Leadership and Identity AAA Cook Hornets Hornets to Lean on Returners for Strength Crisp County Cougars Maintaining Success, Pursuing Greatness for the Cougars Worth County Rams Simmons Takes Over the Rams’ Program AA Berrien County Rebels Discipline Key in Competing Within Dense Region Brooks County Trojans Trojans Understand the Task at Hand Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane Pruitt’s Homecoming Brings Hope for Ending the Season with a Win Thomasville Bulldogs Grage Urges the Bulldogs to Tap into Winning Tradition A Clinch County Panthers High Profile Players Lead Clinch Toward Single-A Redemption Irwin County Indians Perseverance and Adaptation Crucial for Indians’ Season Lanier County Bulldogs Bulldogs Hope to Establish Winning Ways with Strong Senior Class

75. Pelham Hornets

State Championship Expectations in Pinkins’ Third Year 77. Turner County Rebels Program Reboot for the Coaches and Players at Turner GISA AAA 81. Brookwood Warriors Warriors Hope to Excel in 4th Quarters in 2017 Season 82. Deerfield Windsor Knights Lowe Holding Knights Accountable to Winning History 83. Tiftarea Panthers Panthers Hope for Health and Developed Depth 85. Valwood Valiants Returners Provide Consistency and Confidence for Championship Contending Valiants GICAA 87. Georgia Christian Generals Tuck Takes Over Generals’ Still Young Program

Columbus Valley Previews

PLUS

GHSA AAAAA 98. Harris County Tigers Tigers Have High Expectations For Offensive Line FAST BREAKS AAAA 99. G.W. Carver Tigers 14. South Georgia’s Top 10 Players to Watch Carver Starting Over…Again Who to Watch in 2017 100. Columbus Blue Devils Old School Approach Hasn’t Gone Out Of Style 44. National Championship Contenders 101. Hardaway Hawks Top 5 National Programs Hawks Seek to Improve on First Winning Season Since 2010 70. Top 5 National Prospects 102. Northside Patriots NCAA Football Recruiting Patriots Looking For 4th Playoff Trip 103. Shaw Raiders 78. Part Time Sideline, Full Time Competitors: Young Team Has More Experience For ‘17 Season Students, Athletes, Cheerleaders AAA 104. Kendrick Cherokees 88. Our ITG Pick’Em Challenge Cherokees Working On Little Things For A 2017 Games of the Week Successful Season AA 94. Family Matters: 105. Jordan Red Jackets A Valwood Junior Lineman’s Drive to Succeed Red Jackets Leaving 2016 Behind and Focusing on 2017 97. The Year of the Quarterback: Year Two 106. Spencer Greenwave Jon Nelson – GPB Sports Greenwave Expects Experience To Pay Off This Fall A NCAA Previews 107. Brookstone Cougars 91. SEC Former Brookstone Coach Returns To Lead Georgia Bulldogs Cougars Again Florida Gators 108. Chattahoochee County Panthers Panthers Looking to Build on Last Season’s Improvement 92. ACC 109. Marion County Eagles Florida State Seminoles Experience Following Season Of Injuries Should Editorials Pay Off This Fall 110. St. Anne-Pacelli Vikings 54. An FCA Update LeGree Promoted to Head Coach at Pacelli Southwest Georgia Fellowship of Christian GICAA Athletes 111. Calvary Christian Knights Knights Returning To Basics 62. McDonald’s presents 2017 Scholarship AHSA AAAAAAA Recipients 112. Central Red Devils Ronald McDonald House Charities Region Champs Hoping Third Time Is The Charm and McDonald’s Restaurants AISA AAA 113. Glenwood Gators Gators Hoping To Play Up To Expectations Set By 2016 Team IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 9

Expect the best.

So use only the best.

#Trending Top Facebook Pictures 1716 Gornto Rd, Valdosta, GA 31601 | (229) 242-8750

Magazine

NEWSLETTER

SOCIAL MEDIA

Top Tweets

@inthegamenation Tell us what you thought about the June/July issue of In the Game! info@itgsportsnetwork.com

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PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Top Instagram Pictures

From the Publisher Finally… football.

Teams across the NFL and NCAA are gearing up for their upcoming campaigns, but in South Georgia, high school football reigns as king.

The players, the coaches, the bands, the cheerleaders, the entire atmosphere, all embraced by the warm glow of those Friday night lights.

These South Georgia spectacles are truly a unique experience in the greater portrait of the national scene, and we eagerly anticipate the welcome reunion with these Friday nights.

We are looking forward to the rivalry games, the region battles, and champions defending their titles, so we have compiled concise previews for all of our South Georgia and Columbus Valley teams. Yet while the majority of this magazine is meant to preview each individual school and their outlook on the season, we also have many other features that add more color to the 2017 football landscape.

This year, we decided to include some previews of local favorites at the collegiate and professional levels.

Speaking of the next level, we selected our Top 10 players to watch, but do you agree with our choices? Then our ITG Analysts took a statistical approach toward the 2016 season, portraying the past and projecting the future. We also

provide you with the full list of head coaching changes across the state. And of course, we made it easy for you to mark your calendar with the Games of the Week through our ITG Pick’Em Challenge!

But it isn’t just about the athletic abilities and achievements of these teams and players; while their talents may bring them to the center of conversation, it is their character, work ethic, support systems, and drive that will make them successful in life. On the field, in the classroom, around the community, being In the Game isn’t being in our magazine; it’s about living In the Game.

We are looking for people who understand what it means to passionately persevere, inspire, and strive for greatness in all areas of life. In short, we are looking for people who understand what it means to BE In the Game.

So the question is: Are You In? Our mission is simple: to inspire your inner athlete toward the passionate pursuit of excellence, on and off the field. So, if you know of a player, coach, or fan deserving of recognition, head to our website and officially nominate that story!

We thank you for your continued support of your local athletic programs and In the Game Sports Network.

Follow us on social media @InTheGameNation and visit us at www.InTheGameSportsNetwork.com in order to #StayInTheGame!

In the Game Apparel @InTheGameNation

Two-Toned Women’s Tanks $27.99

Live In the Game T-Shirt $21.99

ITG Friday Night Football T-Shirt $18.99

Go to www.inthegamesportsnetwork.com/apparel to Get In the Game today!

South Georgia Team Publisher Mark Dykes Editor Cole Parker Magazine Director Brittany K. Wyche Graphics Mandy Douthit Brittany K. Wyche LaDarius Dennison Cover Photography Aaron Musgrove Feature Photography Micki Krzynski Micki K Photography Marque Milla Reese Milla Creationsz Photography Aaron Musgrove Aaron David Designs Vince Jupiter Martians Media George McDuffie Jerry Christenson Wenda G Bailey Photography Mike Chapman Danna Jones Mary Ann Clark Miller Lori Copeland Alley Hubby Brooks Malcome Meyers Emmanuel Magbanua Feature Writers Cole Parker Beth Welch Lambert Bales Jon Nelson Dekari Granger Courtney Wagner Carson Waggoner Gabi Parker Zachary Pine Brittany Wyche Copy Editors Alex Dunn Anna Limoges Cole Parker Advertising/Marketing Mark Dykes mark@itgsportsnetwork.com Brittany K. Wyche brittany@itgsportsnetwork.com Digital Brand Manager Cole Parker

Use Promo Code ITGmag0817 to receive 15% off of your next purchase!

In the Game is published bi-monthly. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher. Dykes Media Group LLC makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2017 Dykes Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

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Contributors

Mark Dykes

Cole Parker

Brittany k. Wyche

Mandy Douthit

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Operations Officer

Accounts Executive

Graphic Designer

Founder Mark Dykes is the entrepreneur and mastermind behind the In the Game vision. Back in 2007, Mark set out to create a company that captured the passion, intensity, and unrivalled commitment toward high school athletics in the South Georgia area. Today, that vision has become a reality, and he continues to be the leading influence in what lies ahead for In the Game Sports Network, despite his annual prediction that UGA will win the national championship.

Combining his degree in marketing and entrepreneurship from Cornell University with his extensive sports background, Cole has embraced the mission of further establishing and expanding ITG. With a diverse skill set that ranges from marketing and management to journalism and hosting events, Cole sits at the center of the expansive reach of ITG operations. However, his judgment is in question due to his belief that Tim Tebow is the greatest thing to ever happen to sports.

Whether it’s creating relationships with clients or designing the cover of a magazine, Brittany’s multiple talents bring value, and personality, to the In the Game team. Upon recognizing her natural ability to sell, combined with her insatiable drive to succeed, her original role as a graphic designer evolved into primarily client relations. Yet unfortunately, she and her husband, who looks like Shaun Livingston, are big Golden State Warrior (bandwagon) fans.

As a Pine Mountain, Georgia, native, Mandy’s move to Valdosta has brought enhanced artistry and intricacy to the ITG design team. The University of West Georgia alum graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Art with a concentration in Graphic Design. Her artistic nature has allowed her to use graphic design to win national and international design competitions, all of which are meant to serve as diversions and coping mechanisms for Alabama’s loss in the championship game.

Beth WElch

Lambert Bales

Columbus Area Editor

Zack Pine

Jon Nelson

Contributing writer

Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

Beth has been a part of the ITG Team since 2009 when she began writing for the Columbus Valley edition of In the Game. Now, she heads up all of the Chattahoochee Valley content as Area Editor. Having children who participated in sports in local high schools and later were collegiate athletes, Beth has been involved in athletics in the area for many years, making her the perfect fit for her current role.

The Atlanta native and Valdosta State University alumnus has played a role within ITG since the fall of 2015. Beginning as a marketing intern, Lambert’s main tasks were to keep all digital platforms active and up to date. As he proved his education could translate to action, he has continued to show his versatility by producing fresh, stimulating content for the South Georgia magazine and digital mediums. The fact that he is a Miami Hurricanes fan is enough of a joke on its own.

In May of 2016, Zack received his B.A. in history and joined our staff at ITG. He then decided to stay in Valdosta to pursue his M.A. in teaching and to continue writing for our team. He hopes to use his time at ITG to focus not just on local sports happenings but also the bigger picture issues in athletics. While Zack doesn’t allow his Waycross roots to bias his perspective about the Ware County Gators, he does allow nostalgia to somehow sustain his fanhood of the Florida Gators.

Jon has been in TV for 27 years based in Atlanta. He graduated from Florida State with a B.S. in political science. Twenty-four of those years have been at GPB as a host and senior correspondentt. He’s also written five books with more on the way! He is blessed with a far-more pretty wife, Patty, and his two furry children- a Pekingese named Trooper and a cat that acts more like a dog, Trouble. His avid following of every sports team in existence is a ploy to mask the shame of being a FSU graduate.

Micki Krzynski

Marque Milla Reese

Aaron Musgrove

George McDuffie

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Photographer

When it comes to loyalty to In the Game, it is hard to top Micki. Since the very beginning of In the Game, Micki has provided strong, creative, and highly professional photos. Consequently, Micki and her son/assistant, Jake, have become our go-to photo duo. With enough talent, equipment, and experience to make her dangerous, she continues to push ITG’s photography forward.

Milla was born a humble, ambitious child on the south side of Tifton, Georgia. He has always had a vision to see things differently than others as he drew out his imagination, and he went through numerous potential career choices before finding “the one”: the dream of becoming a photographer.

With the helpful hand of his wife, Rebekka, Milla is living out that dream as a key member of ITG. With that said, the cries of “War Eagle” from them both have fallen strangely silent since 2010.

Originally from Live Oak, Florida, Aaron found his home as a multitalented photographer and graphic designer after moving to Valdosta in 2007. As the lead graphic designer at Colquitt Regional Medical Center since 2010, Aaron has found his passion in corporate graphic design and commercial photography, but he also loves capturing the unique dynamics of sports with ITG. Fortunately, his notable lack of any sports career that lasted more than a single day does not impact his sports photography.

George may have retired from the Muscogee County School system in 2013, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t staying busy. With a background in business management, a love for the Auburn Tigers, and knack for photography, George has been able to capture amazing sports shots for our Columbus Valley schools. We are always excited to have George’s photos featured in our magazines!

What to look forward to:

Vince Jupiter

videographer

Videographer

As the demands of our video department have escalated, Alexis has risen to the occasion. As a graduate of Lowndes High and the College of Southern Nevada, this award-winning filmmaker has raised the bar for ITG video productions through her creative eye and blossoming skill set. When she isn’t creating videos, Alexis handles the constant disappointment of being an Atlanta Braves fan by traveling, singing, and songwriting with her ukulele and hanging out with her dog, Abi.

The Lee County and Valdosta State mass media alumnus joined our intern team back in the summer of 2016, but Vince separated himself from the crowd and proved to be a talented and trustworthy videographer. He easily transitioned into a more active role within the ITG operation and culture thanks to his passion, drive, and creativity, but it took significant individual and group therapy for our staff to finally forgive him for being an LSU and New Orleans Saints fan.

aNNA Limoges

Alex Dunn

Copy editor

Copy Editing Intern

After four years as an interdisciplinary studies major at Valdosta State University and nearly two years as an ITG intern, Anna has remained a member of the team as a copy editor. Since her start in early 2016, she has devoted her editorial eye toward serving as one of the first and last lines of defense against errors within these pages. More importantly, while her Facebook page says that she likes the Saints, there is fortunately no other sign of such irrational fandom.

Alex is a senior English-Journalism major at Valdosta State University. She started working for ITG in the summer of 2017 to lend her editorial eye to the many articles that filter through her before heading on to print. Although her main job is devoted to copy editing, she contributes her own journalistic talents for our print and digital platforms as well. Her youthful enthusiasm can only be dampened by yet another crushing disappointment from her Atlanta Falcons.

October - November 2017 Basketball Preseson Edition Do you love our football preseason magazine? Do you also love basketball? Well in October-November of 2017, we will be unveiling our first ever Basketball Preseason Edition!

2017 High School Football Awards Banquet Each December, we gather the top players, coaches, and fans from South Georgia’s prestigious football culture in order to celebrate the season.

Stay tuned to see how you can get involved!

Looking At Warriors on the Court, The End Goal Leaders in it All Meg Torbert Pacelli School

Thomas Harrison and Rachel Cooper Brookwood School

Cairo Pitcher Keeps His Eye on The Dream, Commits to play College Baseball At The University of Georgia

#7

Hall Returns Home for Another Title and FirstRound Future

#11

D.L. Hall / Valdosta High

#22

Dynamite Comes in Small Packages Octavious Fudge/ Lowndes High

Contributing Photographer

Graphic Design Intern

In an area as expansive as the Chattahoochee Valley, covering it with great stories and photography is no easy task. Thanks to Jerry, however, In the Game continues to be able to do each story justice. Teaming up with Beth Welch, the Area Editor, he is part of the tag team that makes it all happen.

Jerry’s experience in photography and familiarity with the local sports scene make him a vital piece of the ITG puzzle.

LaDarius grew up as a Lowndes Viking but graduated as a Valdosta Wildcat.

Since teaching himself the fundamentals of graphic design, he has developed his raw talents into real-world application and adapted to the workload while here at ITG. The Valdosta State mass media major will graduate this spring with aspirations of going to graduate school for design, as long as he doesn’t embrace the mediocrity that his favorite team, the Georgia Bulldogs, has modeled for him.

Fast Breaks

GHSA Rule Change Brings New Intrigue to Spring Football

Silly Season Continues: For More Than One Reason

IN THE

GAME SOUTH GEORGIA

$4.00 / Issue

LaDarius Dennison

APRIL/MAY 2017

Jerry Christenson

February – March 2018 Baseball Preseason Edition Prepare for long days at the diamond this spring with our first ever baseball preseason edition! Team previews and special baseball features will pack the pages of this inaugural issue!

BE IN THE GAME

Alexis Myers

JJ Peterson

Colquitt County

Presented by:

Outside LineBacker Height

Weight

6’2” 210 14

GA Rank

8

#1 Player of the Year

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

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Lee County High School Multipurpose Facility

WE BUILD. YOU WIN. Construction Management Design-Build General Contracting www.jcicontractors.com 229.985.4444

UNDER CONSTRUCTION at Colquitt County High School Indoor Practice Facility

16 PRESEASON EDITION 2017 & IN THE Building Addition, TrackFOOTBALL & Practice Field, 100GAME Yard

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FOR PROJECT UPDATES

Otis Reese Lee County

Safety/Outside LineBacker Height

Weight

GA Rank

6’4” 206 16

#2 Player of the Year

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

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Quay Walker

Crisp County

Presented by:

Outside LineBacker Height

Weight

GA Rank

6’4” 220 18 18

#3 Player of the Year

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Flint River Orthopedics caring for you on and off the field.

902 7th St N, Cordele, GA 31015 (229) 276-3100 www.crispregional.org

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

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PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Valdosta

Dameon Pierce

Bainbridge

Presented by:

Running Back Height

Weight

GA Rank

5’11” 205 19

#4 Player of the Year

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

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Zakoby McClain

Valdosta

Presented by:

Outside LineBacker Height

Weight

GA Rank

6’0” 205 23 22

#5 Player of the Year

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

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Where Fords and Lincolns Cost Less PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Andrew Johnson Tift County

Presented by:

Outside LineBacker Height

Weight

GA Rank

6’2” 222 45

#6 Player of the Year

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

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Charlie Thomas Thomasville

T

Safety Height

Weight

GA Rank

6’2” 180 52 26

#7 Player of the Year

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

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PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Michael Barrett

Lowndes

QuarterBack Height

Weight

GA Rank

5’11” 207 55

#8 Player of the Year

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

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James Graham Fitzgerald

Quarterback Height

Weight

GA Rank

6’1” 180 57 30

#9 Player of the Year

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Lowndes High Vikings

Valdosta Wildcats

Atkinson County Rebels

Fitzgerald Hurricanes

Coffee High Trojans

Valwood Valiants

Wilcox Patriots

Irwin County Indians

Georgia Christian Generals

Highland Christian Eagles

Berrien Rebels

Brooks County Trojans

Echols County Wildcats

Follow usat: at: Follow us Community Christian Academy

Home Schoolers

Georgia Cyber Academy

Lanier County Bulldogs

Wiregrass Regional College and Career Academy

Cook Hornets

Citizens Christian Patriots

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

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PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY

Charles McClelland

C Clinch County

Athlete Height

Weight

GA Rank

5’11” 180 59

#10 Player of the Year

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

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Hometown Pride: Football, Family & Fans!

Winning football games takes discipline, focus and dedication… not to mention the support of family and fans! South Georgia Banking Company salutes the players, coaches, cheerleaders, and band members for their commitment to excellence!

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PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

sgbconline.com

colquitt county packers

PACKERS SEEK TO IMPROVE THROUGH ANOTHER DAUNTING SCHEDULE Written by: Cole Parker Photos courtesy of Wenda G Bailey Photography

Highlights

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Mack Tharpe Stadium Capacity: 10,000

8-5

here isn’t a team in the state of Georgia with a tougher schedule than we do. Nobody.”

Rush Propst, head coach of Colquitt County, knows the challenge that is set before the 2017 Packers, largely because of the similarity to their 2016 schedule.

“Last year was overwhelming because there were so many good teams on our schedule, and this year isn’t much different,” Propst said.

From the first game to the last, Colquitt County is going to be challenged, but their preparation has been focused internally, not externally.

“We are taking it one day at a time,” Propst said. “That is the philosophy that we’ve taken: to win the day, win every day, and if we do that, this is a team that has a chance to do some things.”

With tremendous team speed and athleticism, star power in every unit that takes the field, and the knowledge of what it takes to win big games and championships, the Packers are posing for another title run.

“Our expectation level here [at Colquitt County] is high,” Propst said. “That’s the reason we’ve set the record in this state for consecutive semifinals and finals appearances. For us, not to be sitting in the semis or better is a disappointing year. Our goals are like every year: it’s to win a state championship.”

2016 STATS

Daijuan Edwards

leading rusher Yards: 877 leading passer

Jay Saunders

Yards: 2,915 leading receiver

Tory Ponder Daijuan Edwards

3-0

Tirise Barge

Yards: 3,738 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 14 leading tackler

Shawn Shamburger

Total Tackles: 99 interception leader

Total Interceptions: 4

487

“T

Team Leaders

Points Scored

317

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Rush Propst

Record at School: 94-30 Years at School: 9

Who to Watch position J.J. Peterson OLB Steven Krajewski QB Kaleb Dawson FS Daijun Edwards RB Jarvis Christopher CB Returning Offenisve Starters: 7

Returning Defensive Starters: 4

2017 SCHEDULE 8/19 Norcross Vista Murrieta, CA 8/26 Tucker 9/1 9/8 Roswell 9/15 @ Brookwood 9/22 Valdosta Holy Trinity, Melbourne, FL 9/29 10/13 @ Camden County 10/20 Tift County 10/27 @ Lowndes

7 Home | 3 Away Region 1 - 7A

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

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2725 Madison Hwy Valdosta, GA 31601 (229) 671-4264 36 PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

8369 State Road 6 West Jasper, FL 32052 (386)638-0020

TALENT AND TIMING MAY BE RIGHT FOR THE ’17 VIKINGS

Lowndes Vikings

Written by: Cole Parker Photography by: Marque Milla Reese

Highlights

Returning Defensive Starters: 5

2016 STATS

2017 SCHEDULE

leading passer

Yards: 1,283 leading receiver

Tyson Harris

Yards: 849 leading TD scorer

Michael Barrett

Total Touchdowns: 21 leading tackler

Jeff Davis

Total Tackles: 74 interception leader

Fred Stewart

8/18 Valdosta ISB-Int. School of Broward 8/25 Parkview 9/1 9/8 Shiloh 9/15 Newton 9/22 Mt. Zion, Jonesboro 9/29 @ Ware County 10/13 @ Tift County 10/20 @ Camden County 10/27 Colquitt County

7 Home | 3 Away

Total Interceptions: 5

Head Coach: Randy McPherson

Record at School: 146-40

Years at School: 16

Points Scored: 594

Team Averages 222.3 240.5

Points Allowed: 336

84

Someone you can count on.

position QB OT WR RB SS

Rush Yds P/G

Who to Watch Michael Barrett Jalen Goss Tayvonn Kyle Travis Tisdale Fred Stewart

2016 STATS

vs national averages

49

19 14

Ints

Yards: 2,753 leading rusher

Michael Barrett

Rec Yds P/G

A

n air of excitement and confidence is surrounding Martin Stadium as the 2017 season approaches.

Since the glory years of the previous decade, Lowndes faithful are more assured than ever that this team’s talent can materialize into titles, especially after last year’s deep playoff run. But intangibles are equally as important according to head coach Randy McPherson.

“The kids that are coming back this year are really high character kids,” McPherson said. “They work hard, and they want to win. The leadership has got to be there though, and that’s the bottom line.”

The offensive skill players will provide the key strength of this team with Michael Barrett, Travis Tisdale, and Tayvonn Kyleshowcasing a variety of ways to score points. However, entering his 16th year as head coach of the Vikings, McPherson knows that it takes more than just flash to win titles.

“Everybody’s got great players, coaching, facilities, everything, so I think being able to play great defense is going to be the number one thing,” McPherson said. “Of course you’ve got to score points, but I think it always starts with defense.”

The Vikings’ staff, especially new defensive coordinator Byron Slack from Camden, expects a physical style of play out of their returning core of starting defenders.

With that, the roadmap is clear: leadership, defense, and physicality, then beat Valdosta, dethrone Colquitt, and go win state.

“The senior class this year has done nothing but win since they’ve been here, and now it’s their time,” McPherson said.

2-1

Sacks

Michael Barrett

Returning Offenisve Starters: 7

Tackles P/G

Team Leaders

Region 1 - 7A

Total TDs

10-3

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Martin Stadium Capacity: 12,365

1213 Baytree Rd Valdosta, GA 31602 (229) 244-9856 3310 Bemiss Rd Valdosta, GA 31605 (229) 247-6677

Barry Broome IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

37

HERE TO HELP LIFE GO RIGHT

Chance Veazey 1601 Us Highway 41 N Tifton, GA 31794 229-472-1495

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PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Darby Veazey 615 Virginia Ave N Suite C Tifton, GA 31794 229-388-9990

Chad Sumner 2402 Tift Ave N Suite 104 Tifton, GA 31794 229-382-1195

BLUE DEVILS’ CHEMISTRY AT CORE OF PROGRAM DIRECTION

Tift County Blue Devils

Written by: Cole Parker Photography by: Marque Milla Reese

Highlights

6-5

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Brodie Field Capacity: 9,250

1-2

Who to Watch Andrew Johnson Rashod Bateman Ches Jackson Deontae Overstreet Griffin Collier

position OLB WR OL DB QB

Head Coach: Ashley Anders Record at School: 11-10 Years Coaching at School: 3

334

Points Scored

281

Points Allowed

Team Leaders Griffin Collier Brenton Jones Rashod Bateman Brenton Jones Cody Thompson

2016 STATS leading passer Yards: 2,617 leading rusher Yards: 853 leading receiver Yards: 825 leading TD scorer

Total Touchdowns: 10 leading tackler Total Tackles: 106

T

hirty-two seniors and program pride now sit at center stage for the Tift County Blue Devils.

Inconsistency has plagued the Blue Devils in recent years, following sparks of greatness with disappointing busts. With that said, the 2017 season grants the opportunity to break through this barrier, but their loaded schedule, in and out of region play, will not make it easy.

“We are playing a tough schedule that, in my opinion, is going to test us early and help us find out where we are in character and competitiveness,” Ashley Anders, third-year Tift head coach, said.

With such a large group of seniors and battle-tested returners, the core seems to be set in place. The unity of that core, however, is paramount.

“To me, every year is a new team,” Anders said. “Even though we have seven starters coming back on our offense and four on defense, in my opinion, it’s all about team chemistry. I think our kids are a lot more close knit now. X’s and O’s are X’s and O’s, but there’s much more that goes into it than just that.”

The experience of Griffin Collier and Rashod Bateman on offense and Andrew Johnson and Deontae Overstreet on defense will be tasked with dictating and policing the atmosphere of the locker room and huddles, and the message from the top is clear.

“I like them to set the bar high and compete, but I also want them to get out there, have fun, and rely on one another,” Anders said.

6 Home | 4 Away

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/13 10/20 11/3

@ @ @ @

South Effingham Cook Glynn Academy Valdosta Parkview Coffee Fitzgerald Lowndes Colquitt County Camden County

Returning Offenisve Starters: 7

Returning Defensive Starters: 4

Region 1-7A

Where Fords and Lincolns Cost Less IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

39

Coffee County Trojans

TROJANS’ HOPES ANCHORED

BY VETERAN DEFENSE

Written by: Cole Parker Photography by: Marque Milla Reese

Head Coach:

Robby Pruitt

Record at School: 37-20 Years Coaching at School: 6

7-6

2016 District Record

Stadium Name: Jardine Stadium Capacity: 6,500

2016 Overall Record

Highlights

1-3

Points Scored: 426 Points Allowed: 330

L

osing an all-state quarterback, all-state running back, and your entire offensive line is not typically a formula for success, but the Trojans are preparing for another long season of weekly battles.

“We play a 10-game schedule without even one week that isn’t against a quality opponent,” Robby Pruitt, head coach, said. “Mentally it just racks you. Our guys have to learn to get themselves up every single week because that’s what our schedule demands.”

After narrowly losing key region games and capturing the forth seed entering the 2016 playoffs, Coffee County made an impressive run through the bracket before stalling against Dalton. So this year, prolonged focus and endurance is key.

“The biggest challenge for us this year is going to be keeping our guys healthy,” Pruitt said. “We don’t have a lot of depth, and we are going to really have to hope like crazy that we don’t lose anybody, because it’s such a physical league.”

The Trojans will look to improve upon their region record and playoff performance, largely leaning on their defensive core.

“We’re so new and there are so many new faces on the offensive side that we’re going to have to rely on our defense,” Pruitt said. “We have most of our defense back to play strong and give the offense a little time to try to improve and establish our identity.”

Team Leaders Max Hughes

2017 SCHEDULE

Who to Watch Derick Newton Jameon Gaskin Marquavius Jefferson Jarquavius Jefferson Milton Jackson

position DT OLB CB CB RB

Region 1-6A

8/18 8/25 9/1 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/13 10/20 10/27 11/3

@ @ @ @

Effingham County Brunswick Ware County University Christian FL Tift County Warner Robins Houston County Northside, Warner Robins Valdosta Lee County

6 Home | 4 Away 40

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Demetrius Davis Milton Jackson Demetrius Davis Jameon Gaskin

2016 STATS leading passer Yards: 3,568 leading rusher Yards: 1,486 leading receiver Yards: 1,039 leading TD scorer

Total Touchdowns: 19 leading tackler Total Tackles: 166

Returning Offenisve Starters: 3

Returning Defensive Starters: 6

RELOADING BEARS WILL BATTLE FOR A PLAYOFF BIRTH

Houston County Bears

Written by: Cole Parker Photography by: Marque Milla Reese

Highlights

Points Allowed

Team Leaders Jake Fromm Jaeven West Amari Colbert Amari Colbert Mack McCullough

311 2016 STATS leading passer Yards: 3,910 leading rusher Yards: 637 leading receiver Yards: 1,099 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 18 leading tackler Total Tackles: 73

8 Home | 2 Away

2017 SCHEDULE 8/17 Jones County 8/25 Peach County 8/31 Eagle’s Landing Veterans 9/8 9/15 Warner Robins 9/22 Spalding 9/29 Lee County 10/13 Coffee 10/27 @ Northside, Warner Robins 11/3 @ Valdosta

Region 1-6A

Team Averages

vs national averages

2016 STATS

391.9

57

65.5

126

12

11

Ints

407

Points Scored

Sacks

Record at School: 0-0 Years Coaching at School: 1

Tackles P/G

Head Coach: Ryan Crawford

T

o state the obvious, Jake Fromm is not easily replaced.

The 2016 Bears heavily relied upon the remarkable talents that now reside in Athens, Georgia. Fromm was on pace to break Deshaun Watson’s single season passing record in Georgia high school football, but there was a key component missing.

Four of the five teams of region 1-AAAAAA make the playoffs, and Houston County was the odd man out.

The Bears, who once held the position of the No. 1 team in all of AAAAAA, missed the playoffs due to the rigors of competing in Georgia’s fiercest region, despite the statistical fireworks from Jake Fromm.

But the 2017 edition of Houston County is not looking back.

New head coach Ryan Crawford isn’t looking to replicate the style of play from the ’16 Bears, but instead hopes his team will find their own identity.

“Every year’s a transition,” Crawford told Macon.com’s Michael A. Lough. “Every team’s different. Transition, the chemistry of your team is always changing. We’re just going to figure out the best chemistry for us.”

Trey Hill, one of the nation’s premier offensive linemen, will look to provide stability to this evolving team despite the many uncertainties.

“Yeah, there’s gonna be a lot of questions everybody’s going to want to see and talk about,” Crawford said. “But to me, that’s not any different than any normal year.”

Total TDs

position T FS SS DE RB

Rush Yds P/G

Who to Watch Deontrey Hill Trey Franklin Zykee Bogan Zay Hicks Kaleil Johnson

1-3

Rec Yds P/G

7-3

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Freedom Field Capacity: 6,000

Magazine Visit our website to Stay In the Game! www.inthegamesportsnetwork.com

NEWSLETTER IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

41

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SENIORS, EXPERIENCE TO PUSH THE TROJANS THROUGH TOUGH SCHEDULE

Lee County Trojans

Written by: Cole Parker Photography by: Marque Milla Reese

Highlights

8-3

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Trojan Field Capacity: 7,000

2-2

7 Home | 3 Away

L

ee County’s brand new football facility is now filled with over 40 seniors, a fearsome defense, and an experienced offense.

While the dominant defensive interior of the 2016 Trojans is lost, the 2017 rendition of the Trojan defense is deeper and more experienced than ever.

“We lost some high-end guys from last year, but this is the most experienced team we’ve ever had,” Dean Fabrizio, head coach, said. “We have more seniors in the program than we’ve ever had, and this will be the most seniors we’ve ever had starting and playing.”

This experienced roster is the strongest assurance a coach and fan could hope for against the daunting region 1-AAAAAA. “The consistency of play [from our opponents] week in and week out is just at an extremely high level,” Fabrizio said. “There’s just no room for drop off in how we prepare and how we play. There’s no time to catch your breath; you’re just right back at it.”

While the defensive secondary, headlined by Otis Reese, will garner most of the attention, to compete in this region, it takes both sides of the ball. The offense returns an impressive eight starters and will seek to improve on its last place ranking in the region of points scored in 2016.

“We know how tough our region is, and we know what’s at stake,” Fabrizio said. “We expect to have a good year for our community, our school, our players, our coaches; we’ve got a lot of experience back and a lot of seniors, and they want to go out and have a good year.”

Head Coach: Dean Fabrizio Record at School: 52-34 Years Coaching at School: 9

2017 SCHEDULE

Returning Offenisve Starters: 8

8/17 Mary Persons 8/25 Bainbridge Hardaway 9/1 9/8 Americus-Sumter 9/15 Luella 9/22 @ Thomas Co. Central 9/29 @ Houston County Northside, Warner Robins 10/13 10/20 @ Valdosta 11/3 Coffee

Returning Defensive Starters: 5

Who to Watch Otis Reese Griffin McDowell Jayce Orndorff Tyrone Harris Ty Terrell

position OLB T QB FS WR

Region 1 - 6A Points Scored: 334 Points Allowed: 179

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IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

43

F AS T BREAK

National Championship Contenders: Top 5 National Spotlight BISHOP GORMAN Las Vegas, Nevada 2016 Record: 15-0 Not many teams can lose a blue-chip quarterback and replace him with another; but Bishop Gorman isn’t your normal program. With Tate Martell graduated and heading to Ohio State, the next in line is Dorian Thompson-Robinson (UCLA). Top ranked tight end Brevin Jordan (Miami) leads a talented group of receivers and five-star linebacker Palaie Gaoteote (USC) anchors the defense.

44

IMG ACADEMY Bradenton, Florida 2016 Record: 11-0 Well-known for gathering top talent from all over the nation to start adapting to life after high school, it’s no secret the program has success. According to 247Sports, six of the top 20 prospects in the state of Florida play at IMG. Led by the No. 2 prospect Xavier Thomas (Clemson), the Ascenders will strive for perfection against a schedule including three separate state champions.

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

AMERICAN HERITAGE Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 2016 Record: 14-0 American Heritage is no stranger to playing top competition. They began their 2016 season with a victorious trip to Moultrie en route to an undefeated season. On paper, they have one of the top defenses in the country littered with talent. Leading the way are senior corners Pat Surtain Jr. (uncommitted) and Tyson Campbell (uncommitted) with Andrew Chatfield (Ohio State) and Nesta Silvera (Miami) solidifying the defensive line.

CARTERSVILLE Cartersville, Georgia 2016 Record: 15-0 Trevor Lawrence (Clemson), consensus No.1 prospect for the class of 2018, is the reason Cartersville appear on this list. Not having lost a game since the state championship in 2014 to Buford, Lawrence has been the catalyst for their 30 straight wins and two straight titles. Looking to leave as one of the best high school quarterbacks in state history, Lawrence knows there is more to accomplish in his final year.

LONG BEACH POLY Long Beach, California 2016 Record: 7-4 Why is a team that finished 7-4 on this list? One reason: Matt Corral (uncommitted). The five-star signal caller transferred into the former big time program following an altercation at his previous school. Throwing to fellow five-star receiver Jalen Hall (uncommitted) could provide for a special season for this West Coast team to return to national prominence.

Written by Lambert Bales| Photo courtesy of IMG Academy TV

EAGLES NOT CONTENT WITH RECENT SUCCESS

Northside Eagles

Written by: Cole Parker Photography by: Mike Chapman

Record at School: 80-11

Head Coach Kevin Kinsler Years Coaching at School: 8

11-3

2016 District Record

Stadium Name: McConnell-Talbert Stadium Capacity: 8,000

2016 Overall Record

Highlights

2-2

Points Scored: 486 Points Allowed: 169

W

hile MaxPreps recently placed the Eagles at No. 2 on their list of Georgia’s most dominant programs since 2006 (behind only Buford), Northside is much more concerned with their No. 2 finish in region 1-AAAAAA last year.

The Eagles are seeking region redemption, and more, in 2017. After falling to Valdosta in the game that would eventually determine the region championship, and then falling one game short of a championship game rematch in the Georgia Dome against the Wildcats, the chip on Northside’s shoulder couldn’t be bigger.

Despite losing dual-threat quarterback Tobias Oliver to Georgia Tech, Northside returns plenty of talent on both sides of the ball. More importantly, with a schedule that gradually escalates in difficulty, the Eagles will have time to test younger players, adjust, and develop.

For the eighth year, Kevin Kinsler will lead Northside as the head coach. His 80-11 record at the helm of the Eagles’ program is testament to his efficacy at producing championship contenders despite graduating key components, and the Eagles have been working tirelessly in the offseason to right their wrongs as the fall approaches.

Refusing to relish in past successes, Northside coaches, players, and fans know that they are only a couple of wins away from adding to their championship count.

5 Home | 5 Away Who to Watch Marcus Jolly Kameron Tate Armand Childs Daniel Neal Braxton Golden

position SB OLB SS RB MLB

Region 1-6A

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/28 10/6 10/13 10/20 10/27

@ Warner Robins Henry County Westside, Macon @ Lanier @ Ware County Macon County Valdosta @ Lee County @ Coffee Houston County

Team Leaders

2016 STATS

Tobias Oliver

leading passer Yards: 1,535 leading rusher

Tobias Oliver Jaylan Sandifer Tobias Oliver Isaiah Nelson

Yards: 1,361 leading receiver Yards: 570 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 15 leading tackler Total Tackles: 100

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We Do It “Right” The First Time

WILDCATS EMBRACE THE DEFENSE OF THEIR TITLE

Valdosta Wildcats

Written by: Cole Parker Photography by: Mike Chapman

Highlights

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Capacity: 11,249

14-2

4-0

Who to Watch Zakoby McClain Jayce Rogers Tyler Berrian Jaiden Greene Hunter Holt

position OLB CB CB OL QB

526

Points Scored

261

Points Allowed

Team Leaders Josh Belton Hunter Holt JR Ingram

2016 STATS leading passer Yards: 1,352 leading rusher Yards: 676 leading receiver Yards: 1,053 leading TD scorer

JR Ingram James Bushware

Total Touchdowns: 16 leading tackler Total Tackles: 129

Returning Offenisve Starters: 4

Returning Defensive Starters: 4

Region 1-6A

T

Their defense won them the state title in 2016; now it is time to defend it.

The Valdosta Wildcats surged back to prominence last season with the historic program’s 900th win (over rival Lowndes) and 24th state championship, all under a first-year head coach.

Now entering into his second year, head coach Alan Rodemaker has yet another seemingly insurmountable challenge before him: sustaining that standard of success.

With only four returning starters on each side of the ball, the Wildcats will need to develop, and quickly. With a schedule that challenges the best of region 1 in both AAAAAAA and AAAAAA, the Wildcats will once again set out to prove that they can compete with the best that Georgia has to offer.

“One of the things I believe is that you need to challenge your football team,” Rodemaker said. “Our schedule was the toughest in the state last year, and it is certainly going to challenge us again.”

Some of the few sources of solidarity surrounding this young team come from their senior captains. The spotlight will shine brightest on Zakoby McClain at linebacker and Hunter Holt at quarterback, both of whom will carry a larger load as the younger players develop, especially on the lines.

But the best news is that raw talent never was and still isn’t the primary trait that Rodemaker attributed their success to and will now seek to replicate.

“I really think the state championship was a by-product of just great character on our football team,” Rodemaker said. “We were a very disciplined football team.”

The scary part for the rest of Georgia and beyond? According to Rodemaker, despite coming off of a state championship, “We are still in a building process with this program.”

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 @ Lowndes 8/25 Woodland, Stockbridge 9/1 Wayne County 9/8 Tift County 9/15 Thomas Co. Central Head Coach: Alan Rodemaker

5 Home | 5 Away 9/22 @ Colquitt County 10/6 @ Northside, Warner Robins 10/20 Lee County 10/27 @ Coffee 11/3 Houston County

Record at School: 14-2 Years Coaching At School: 2

Christi Marsh, Agent 229-506-5429 www.christimarsh.com 2241 Bemiss Rd Valdosta, GA 31602

Auto Home Life Health Bank IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

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229-246-3500 | 1500 E Shotwell St., Bainbridge, Ga 39819 | mh-m.org

10 Questions with Keller Galpin Written by: Brittany K. Wyche Photo provided by Keller Galpin

In the Game: Where did you attend high school?

Keller Galpin: In my hometown Bainbridge, Georgia at Bainbridge High.

ITG: Did you play sports in high school?

KG: In high school, I mainly played baseball. I was the second baseman. I grew up playing just about every sport, but baseball was the only one I tried to really be good at and stick with.

ITG: What were some of the highlights of your high school baseball career?

KG: The only thing that really comes to mind is that there was one time where there was a hit-and-run play, I was at first, and I waited until after the batter was supposed to make contact with the ball.

The ball got to second base a good bit before I did, and the second baseman was right in the baseline. I just reactively jumped over him and completely cleared him and his outreached glove. I landed right on the bag. It was kind of a cool moment that someone actually got a photo of and was on the front page of the newspaper.

ITG: When did you decide to become a physical therapist?

KG: It was always something in the back of my mind. I did an internship in high school at the hospital to try and figure out what I wanted to do. I rotated to physical therapy and liked it, so I decided to get a part-time job. I decided then that that was what I wanted to do and pursued it in college.

ITG: What drew you back to your hometown to pursue a career?

KG: It was a decision me and my wife made. The hospital really gave us a great opportunity. I knew it would be a place I could go and learn how to be more independent in my career. I also knew I would be keeping my PT skills sharp because I have to do in-patient, skill nursing, out-patient, pediatrics, it’s a little bit of everything that I knew would help me stay sharp and help me in the long run.

ITG: Where did you attend College?

KG: I went to the University of Georgia where I got an undergraduate degree.

ITG: How long have you been with Memorial Hospital and Manor?

KG: About a year now.

ITG: What was it about the hospital that drew you to become a part of their medical team?

KG: I’m from Bainbridge and coming back was something that was alway in the back of my mind. I knew that they had an out-patient physical therapy clinic and actually one of my friends was a PT there, and we kept up with each other. He was in my ear about possibly coming back and working with him. It just seemed to be a good opportunity, and a job was available, so I decided that’s where I wanted to go.

“Now that we have moved back, we love it here. The small town is just more than we could have ever imagined. The community and everybody here is just really friendly, and you have time to really enjoy getting to know people. In a bigger city you really have to hustle, and by the time you get home at eight at night you’re just really worn out.

That’s not how it works here. You get done at four-thirty and you’re home within five minutes.

You have time to go to the gym or enjoy time with your family and friends.

It’s such a relaxing and friendly environment.”

- Keller Galpin

ITG: What’s your favorite part of being a physical therapist?

KG: There’s a lot, but I really enjoy being able to help people get back to where they want to be. I’ve been in a position where you’re hurting or you’re having issues where you don’t know why. I’m now able to explain and show them, “Here’s what you can do.” The therapy actually works, and works long term, and then they don’t have to come back, I really enjoy that part of my job. I actually perform a lot of physical therapy on myself. I am a walking example of physical therapy working.

ITG: As a former athlete, what are some of the things you have learned that helped prepare you for your life as an physical therapist and educator?

KG: In sports, you learn about how to work with others and that it’s not all about you. Sometimes you have to sacrifice for the good of the team, and you see that in your everyday job.

Sports teach you a work ethic, and if you want to be successful at a sport, you have to work harder than anybody else and that carries over into anything.

ITG: What advice or health tip would you give to a athlete?

KG: I would tell them things that I wish I knew: how import it is to work on your mobility, to work on making sure you have muscular flexibility, do workouts that aren’t your traditional bench, squat, clean workouts, make sure you’re doing explosive, powerful movements, especial during your developing years in high school. You don’t need to be lifting heavy weights; you need to be working on power training.

ITG: What is the best thing about your current job/position with Memorial Hospital and Manor: KG: I would say the amount of trust that I have to make decisions with my patients. Also having co-workers coming to ask you questions, it’s quite humbling to have people trust you with what you’re doing, even though you’re the new guy. I enjoy working in a well-rounded job where I get to do everything under the sun with physical therapy, including working with athletes, and you just don’t see that too often.

PERSONAL BIO Name: Keller Galpin Job Title: Physical Therapist Education: Keller is a 2008 high school graduate of Bainbridge High School and became a University of Georgia undergraduate in 2013 with a degree in Kinesiology as well as athletic training. Keller then went on to physical therapy school at what is now Augusta University and graduated there in May of 2016 with a doctorate in physical therapy. Keller also has a certification as a Certified Strength and Condition Coach.

Family: Married to wife, Kaila Galpin, for a year and a half with hopes to start a family in the near future.

Professional Accomplishments: Keller obtained three physical therapy clinical rotations with the University of Georgia and worked twice with their athletic and sports medicine team, allowing him to work with the notable Nick Chubb. He also did a short clinical rotation with their strength and condition program. Also, Keller is trying to get a program started up with the local high school. The program will be where he can go to the high school and work with athletes during their conditioning and getting them back to where they need and want to be to play their sport.

PIERCE, BEARCATS STRIVE TO REGAIN TITLE FOR THE PURPLE AND GOLD

Bainbridge Bearcats

Written by: Cole Parker Photography by: Hubby Brooks

Highlights

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Centennial Field Capacity: 10,000

5-6

Team Leaders Brett McLaughlin

A

leading passer Yards: 715 leading rusher

Dameon Pierce Dameon Pierce Dameon Pierce

Yards: 1,667 leading receiver Yards: 156 leading TD scorer

Total Touchdowns: 20 leading tackler Kerenski Williams

3-1

Lerone Broadnax

240 fter falling just short of the mountaintop in 2015, the 2016 Bearcats took a step back from achieving their ultimate goal of a state championship.

“Last year we had a very tough schedule early on which helped us later in the year as we finished second in the region and went on to make the second round of the playoffs,” Jeff Littleton, fifth-year head coach, said.

Determined to make their 2015 run the standard for Bearcat football, not last season’s result, Littleton’s Bearcats know that the region championship is well within reach this year.

Dameon Pierce has become a household name in Bainbridge and beyond, recognizable for the palpable combination of speed, agility, strength, and field vision that has every college program in the country vying for his commitment. Any time Pierce is standing in the backfield, defenses are forced to take notice, but maintaining his health will be primary concern for the Bearcats this season.

And while seven offensive and seven defensive returners bring optimism to this program, the biggest deficit comes on the offensive and defensive lines. Line play will need significant improvement on both sides of the ball, and consequently the Bearcats will emphasize versatility and adaptability.

“We have to play to our strengths, minimize mistakes, and capitalize on the chances that we are given,” Littleton said.

“That starts with playing hard and being competitive.”

2016 STATS

Total Tackles: 68 interception leader

Total Interceptions: 2

Points Scored

203

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Jeff Littleton Record at School: 29-18 Years at School: 5

Who Watch Dameon Pierce Zyon McGee Devin Morris Roman Harrison Caleb Boutwell

position RB FS DE TE WR

Region 1 - 5A Returning Offenisve Starters: 7

Returning Defensive Starters: 7

2017 SCHEDULE 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/6 10/20 10/27 11/3

@ Lee County Lincoln High, Fl. @ Cairo Early County Sarasota High, Fl. Rickards High, Fl. @ Veterans Thomas Co. Central Harris County @ Warner Robins

6 Home | 4 Away

(229) 246-0860 | 1709 E. Shotwell Street Bainbridge, GA 39819 IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

49

TCC TO OVERCOME INEXPERIENCE WITH FUNDAMENTALS AND PRIDE

Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets

Written by: Cole Parker Photography by: Danna Jones

Highlights

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Jackets Nest Capacity: 8,000

8-4

3-1

Who to Watch Quintavius Cooksey Deondre Sullivan Martavous McCray Jaylen Dunbar Darian Daniels

position WR QB DL LB OLB

Head Coach: Bill Shaver Record at School: 71-32 Years Coaching at school: 10

347

Points Scored

293

Points Allowed

Team Leaders Kelias Williams

Yards: 1,124 leading rusher

Quintavius Cooksey

Jaylen Dunbar

2016 STATS leading passer

Kelias Williams

Kelias Williams

T

he defending region 1-AAAAA champion Yellow Jackets will be young, but they will still be hungry.

Having tasted victory over all three rivals in Thomasville, Cairo, and Bainbridge; captured a region championship, and earned a playoff win in 2016, head coach Bill Shaver will continue building upon a tradition of winning and pride in the program, despite the many new faces.

“We lost a lot to graduation and will be very inexperienced,” Shaver said. “We will need to grow as the season progresses and hope to be playing our best ball when the region schedule begins in week seven.”

At the top of the list of graduated talent is all-state quarterback Kelias Williams, former maestro of TCC’s split back veer. Deondre Sullivan will now be stepping into those shoes and under center with the help of teammate Quintavius Cooksey’s presence at wide receiver.

Ball control, clock management, and assignment oriented defense that swarms to the ball will remain the focus according to Shaver, and the measuring stick will remain the same as well.

“The goals for this season are the same as the last: win our rivalry games, win region, and then make a deep run in the playoffs,” he said.

Yards: 934 leading receiver Yards: 566 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 18 leading tackler Total Tackles: 70

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/7 9/15 9/22 10/6 10/13 10/20 11/3

@ Worth County Thomasville Cairo @ Monroe @ Valdosta Lee County Warner Robins Veterans @ Bainbridge @ Harris County

5 Home | 5 Away Returning Offenisve Starters: 5

Returning Defensive Starters: 4

Region 1 - 5A

Bryan Gainous, Agent 229-226-6965 www.thomasvillesf.com 1204 E Jackson St Thomasville, GA 31792 50

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

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Warner Robins Demons

FROMM TWINS AND DEFENSIVE DEPTH IGNITE INTEREST IN WARNER ROBINS Written by: Cole Parker Photos courtesy of RobinsFootball.net

Highlights Stadium Name: McConnell-Talbert Stadium

2016 Overall Record

3-8

2016 District Record

Capacity: 8,000

2-2

W

5 Home | 5 Away

244

Points Scored

373

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Mike Chastain Record at School: 3-8 Years at School: 2

Team Averages

118.6 197.5

43 13

Ints

Sacks

7 Tackles P/G

Total TDs

28 Rush Yds P/G

2017 SCHEDULE

2016 STATS

vs national averages

Rec Yds P/G

hile there weren’t many bright spots in the non-region performances of the 2016 Demons, the latter half of the season proved that the Demons are closer than ever to region relevance and a playoff birth.

Last season the Demons seized region victories over Harris County and Veterans and pulled within striking distance of wins against region champion and runner up in TCC and Bainbridge, respectively. However, that 2-8 (2-2) campaign under first-year coach Mike Chastain hopes to serve as a springboard for 2017 success, especially with an unexpected two-for-one transfer from Houston County.

Upon older brother Jake Fromm’s graduation and a change in coaching regime for the Bears, 6’0” quarterback Dylan Fromm and 6’4” starting receiver Tyler Fromm will provide an offensive spark for Warner Robins. Although Dylan is untested, like his brother, he will have the luxury of standing behind a future Division I offensive tackle that will anchor the otherwise developing offensive line.

Christian Armstrong, the 6’5”, 335-pound offensive tackle and Florida State commit, will provide the protection for not only the Fromm brothers, but also returning impact players in Jarius Burnett, D. Cobbs, and Jacolbey Owens.

“This year we want to make defenses play the whole field,” Chastain told Donnell Suggs of the Houston Home Journal.

However, it is defensive depth that Chastain believes will be the Demons’ true strength.

“We always try to be balanced with what we are trying to do here at Warner Robins,” Chastain said. “That includes returning seniors to key positions on both offense and in particular on defense.”

Who to Watch position Christian Armstrong OT Jarius Barnett RB Jabari Miller CB Dalton Heddon DT Tyler Fromm WR

8/18 8/25 9/1 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/6 10/13 10/27 11/3

@ @ @ @ @

Northside, Warner Robins Locust Grove Peach County Houston County West Laurens Coffee Thomas Co. Central Harris County Veterans Bainbridge

Region 1 - 5A

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NEWSLETTER IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

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PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

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An FCA Update Submitted by FCA Photography by: Emmanuel Magbanua

What a blessing it is to see God at work at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. We have had a wonderful year and God has truly blessed our ministry and all who so diligently volunteer and minister to the area students, athletes, and coaches.

Camps are underway and we have 22 different teams of various camps including: cheer, baseball, softball, football, basketball, soccer and leadership camp, just to name a few. Team camps will be serving 1,400-1,500 students this summer. Camps are an excellent source of information so that stu54

dents and athletes can learn more about God, how FCA works, huddle groups, and new friendships.

Bobby Willis and Brian Gay have been visiting ball practices, which include softball, football, and basketball. This gives FCA the opportunity to pray with the players, give a small devotional, and share Christ in a loving way. This also gives us the opportunity to share with the coaches, pray with them, and meet any of their needs as they arise. We are truly blessed to live in a community that is so accepting of the Gospel and allows FCA to go into the schools spreading

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

the love of Jesus Christ.

We have a few upcoming events. First, Christ Makes Winners Rally will be held on Aug. 16 at First Baptist Church, Valdosta (200 W. Central Ave.) with everyone welcome to come at 6 p.m. for free food. The doors will otherwise open at 6:20 p.m., and the rally will be from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Our guest speaker this year will be Chris Musgrove with Future Now and the praise band will be from Future Now as well. This always proves to be a great way to kick off the new school year.

Second, we will have our annual leadership training at Wild Adven-

tures on Sept. 16, 2017.

The schedule is in the process of being planned and all can be assured it will be better than ever.

We are looking forward to a great year at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and look forward to the prayers and support of Valdosta and surrounding communities.

Director, Bobby Willis

YOUNG SYRUPMAKERS PRIORITIZE LEADERSHIP AND IDENTITY

Cairo Syrupmakers

Written by: Cole Parker Photography by: Mike Chapman

Head Coach

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: West Thomas Stadium Cairo, GA

Record at School: 15-8

Steve DeVoursney Years Coaching at School: 3

11-2

2016 District Record

Highlights

7-0

Points Scored: 391 Points Allowed: 162

T

he players that carried the 2016 Syrupmakers to a remarkable 11-2 (7-0) record last season are all but completely gone.

With only four returning starters returning on the entire roster, head coach Steve DeVoursney understands the challenge set before him as he enters his third season.

“We are trying to put them into a lot of different situations this summer as far as the weight room, running, lifting, padded camps, passing tournaments, just trying to get them acclimated to competition as much as we can this summer,” DeVoursney said.

It wasn’t talent that was lacking last season, according to DeVoursney, but intangibles that caused them to stumble in the playoffs.

“I think last year our biggest concern was just leadership,” he said. “We are doing some leadership council meetings, talking to our kids a lot about leadership, defining what leadership is, and outlining what role models are. We are trying to change the culture of our whole team, our whole program.”

Rivals Thomasville, Thomas County Central, and Bainbridge occupy the first three games of the season for the Syrupmakers, so they will be tested early, but that only serves as a teaser to the late season challenges that Cairo will face.

“Our goal is always to make the playoffs and try to win a region championship,” DeVoursney said. “Just because we lost a bunch of good players, that’s not going to change. Hopefully when playoff time comes, we have a chance to be in there.”

Team Leaders

5 Home | 5 Away Who to Watch Tahj Vicks Jamel Chin Riley Maynard Micah Donaldson Cameron Goosby

position OLB CB OL OL WR

Region 1-4A

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/13 10/20 10/27 11/3

@ Thomasville @ Thomas Co. Central Bainbridge Hardaway Shaw @ Americus-Sumter @ Carver, Columbus Westover @ Northside, Columbus Columbus

2016 STATS

John Owens

leading passer

Walter Grant

leading rusher

Jaylon Jones

leading receiver

Walter Grant

leading TD scorer

Yards: 2,111 Yards: 512 Yards: 545

Total Touchdowns: 7

Returning Offenisve Starters: 2

Returning Defensive Starters: 2

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

55

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HORNETS TO LEAN ON RETURNERS FOR STRENGTH

Cook Hornets

Written by: Cole Parker Photography by: Danna Jones

Highlights

5-6

Head Coach:

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Cook Memorial Stadium Capacity: 3,200

Returning Offenisve Starters: 8

2-2

Bobby Jones

Record at School: 12-10 Years Coaching at school: 3

M

aking it into the playoffs for the 18th consecutive year is a respectable goal, yet that bar is far too low for the veteran Hornets that have much higher aspirations.

With a schedule that will drag them through the best of 1-AA, 1-AAAAAAA’s Tift County, and then of course 1-AAA, head coach Bobby Jones already knows what his senior leadership has to bring to the table.

“We have to be able to finish games,” Jones said.

“Out of our losses last season, we led every game right up until the end, but we’d end up losing. I think that’s the mark of a younger team when that happens.”

Youth will not be a problem for the ’17 Hornets thanks to 14 returning starters. New offensive coordinator Bill Wiles also brings a new style of offense to Adel, but a focus on the run game will still be instrumental to the Hornet attack.

“I feel like our greatest strength will be our offense’s ability to run the ball,” Jones said. “I feel like our offensive line and running backs will be able to control the line of scrimmage.”

With this template, making the playoffs is attainable, winning region is plausible, and making a deep playoff run is feasible, but the Hornets’ priorities are well established.

“Everyone wants to win a state championship and go play college football, but we feel like if we develop young men who will be the leaders in our town, we’ve accomplished our goals,” he said.

Region 1-3A

Returning Defensive Starters: 6

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/6 10/13 10/20 11/3

Brooks County @ Tift County @ Brunswick @ Berrien Thomasville Early County @ Worth County @ Dougherty Crisp County Monroe

5 Home | 5 Away Who to Watch Darious Cleveland Vincent Gray Jalen Wilcox Brock Jones Derrick Allen

position CB FS T C CB

Points Scored: 251 Points Allowed: 309

510 N Parrish Ave Adel, GA 31620 (229) 896-2797 Therapy Associates of Georgia Physical Therapy & Phitness Center IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

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To learn how Phoebe’s comprehensive orthopaedic and sports medicine team can help you, visit phoebeortho.com or call 229-312-5000.

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PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

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Crisp County Cougars

MAINTAINING SUCCESS, PURSUING GREATNESS FOR THE COUGARS Written by: Cole Parker Photography by: Marque Milla Reese and Danna Jones

Highlights

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Cougar Den Cordele, GA

13-1

Team Leaders

leading passer

Jammie Robertson

O

TJ Ming Jammie Robertson Ahdarrious Gee Brandon Dowdell

Head Coach:

Returning Offenisve Starters: 10

Returning Defensive Starters: 9

2016 STATS

Patrick Felton

pportunities don’t get much better for a first-year head coach than the chance to take over the current state of Crisp County’s football program.

Brad Harber, who was promoted from his position as offensive line coach, has taken the reins of the team that was seemingly unstoppable last season. After winning 13 consecutive games by sizeable margins, the Cougars’ season came to an abrupt end in the state semifinals.

“We were two games away,” Harber said. “We are continuing to try to figure out exactly what went wrong, but what we’ve preached this summer is consistency and attention to detail. Maybe it was something small that we overlooked.”

Taking on this mission of focus and consistency are 10 returning offensive starters and nine returning defensive starters, including some of the top talent in the state and in the nation. Consequently, the expectations are higher than ever for this team and the man at the helm.

“What I would like to see from this year is, no matter who we’re playing, we play the exact same way,” Harber said. “We’re going to be in some battles, and I need to know that these guys aren’t going to back down.”

“I want people around the state to say, ‘If you play Crisp County, they’re gonna hit you in the same way in quarter No. 1 as they are when the whistle sounds at the end of the game’,” he said.

4-0

Region 1-3A

Yards: 1,406 leading rusher Yards: 1,384 leading receiver Yards: 524 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 16 leading tackler Total Tackles: 208 interception leader Total Interceptions: 7

Brad Harber

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/13 10/20 10/27 11/3

@ Dooly County @ Americus-Sumter Turner County Rutland Spencer @ Brooks County @ Monroe @ Cook Dougherty Worth County

5 Home | 5 Away Points Scored: 470 Points Allowed: 239

Who to Watch Quay Walker Jammie Robinson Patrick Felton DeAngelo Griffin Ahdarrious Gee

position OLB ATH QB NG MLB

Mike Browning, Agent 229-273-4453 www.mikebrowning.com 719 E 16th Avenue Cordele, GA 31015

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(888) 401-2805 Highway 82 West, Sylvester, GA 31791 www.sunbeltsylvester.com

Sylvester, Ga

Ronald McDonald House Charities© and McDonald’s© Restaurants Present the 2017 Scholarship Recipients Submitted by: McDonald’s

Pictured left to right Keysha Smith, RMHC; Wendell Morgan, Tifton McDonald's; Dr. Michael Harris, Albany McDonald's; Emily Beale-Albany High School (Emory University); Karen Ramirez RubioColquitt County High School (Valdosta State University); Bailey Cook-Tift County High School (Georgia Southern University); William Vega-Sherwood Christian Academy (University of Georgia) George Suarez, Moultrie McDonald's (Not pictured-Rawal Cheema-Fitzgerald High School/ Georgia State University 62

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Tifton, Georgia May 15, 2017 – Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Georgia, in conjunction with McDonald's restaurants, has awarded $1,000 college scholarships to five South Georgia seniors who have demonstrated academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Scholarship winners are Emily Beale, Rawal Cheema, Bailey Cook, Karen Rameriz Rubio, and William Vega.

Bonnie Hopkins, President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Georgia, said: ‘Students across the country work hard to earn top marks, dreaming of the college they will attend and the education they will receive. Unfortunately, many of these students will not be able to afford it. We are pleased to offer the RMHC Scholarship Pro-

gram in South Georgia in order to help these student leaders reach their full potential.”

Wendell Morgan of McDonald’s of Tifton said, ”McDonald’s is proud to be a part of the communities we serve. Through involvement in youth sports, local charities, and events that inspire the world, giving back is an essential part of the way we operate every day.”

The Scholarship recipients were recently recognized at an awards luncheon in Tifton. Mickey Weldon, Director of Curriculum for Tift County Schools, was the keynote speaker at the event.

Ronald McDonald House Charities© of Central Georgia provides a home away from home for families of seriously ill, critically injured, or medically fragile children receiving treatment at area medical facilities.

The house offers a nurturing and supportive environment including a place to eat, sleep, launder clothes, and relax.

Learn more at www.rmhccga.org.

Every day all around the globe, McDonald's© is putting people, processes, and practices into place to make better food, more sustainable sourcing, happier people, a stronger community, and a healthier planet. Learn more at http:// www.mcdonalds.com.

RMHC Contact: Bonnie Hopkins bh@rmhccga.org 478.621.7272 (Office) Tifton McDonald’s Contact: Joyce Danford Danford.joyce@yahoo.com 904-612-1952

Worth County Rams

SIMMONS TAKES OVER THE RAMS’ PROGRAM Written by: Cole Parker Photography by: Danna Jones

Highlights

7-5

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Worth County Stadium Capacity: 5,000

3-1

Who to Watch Malik Dassie Chavis Marshall Lance Eldridge Tay McCullough Jarius Colson

position RB DB QB MLB FS

Head Coach: Ben Simmons Record at School:

0-0 Years Coaching at school: 1

343

Points Scored

295

Points Allowed

Team Leaders Lance Eldrige Chris McDaniel David Little Horace Everson Dontarius Richardson

W

orth County has entrusted former Turner County head coach Ben Simmons to lead the Rams’ program to the next level, on and off of the field.

“It’s been a joyous transition for me,” Simmons said. “There’s been ups, downs, and kinks involved, but I was looking forward to it once I got the acceptance to be their head football coach, and I’ve been enjoying it ever since.”

Simmons walks into a Worth County program that is coming off of a season of growing momentum. Their 8-point loss to Crisp County was the only thing that stood between the ’16 Rams and another region championship, and the ’17 Rams are looking to make that final push and live up to the Worth County tradition.

“There is a lasting football tradition here,” Simmons said. “When we walk into the stadium every day, I can see the sign of Milt Miller, state championship winning coach, here. I see the tradition, the region championships, and the honor that that brings to come to this community.”

“Worth County fans have a lot to look forward to this year,” Simmons said. “We are going to put a quality product out on the field. We are playing for championships, and we will fight tooth and nail. There is still a lot of work left to do. By no means will it be easy, but we are going to play hard every Friday night and represent Sylvester, Georgia, quite well.”

2016 STATS leading passer Yards: 549 leading rusher Yards: 1,361 leading receiver Yards: 162 leading TD scorer

Total Touchdowns: 14 leading tackler Total Tackles: 80

5 Home | 5 Away

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/29 10/6 10/20 10/27 11/3

@ @ @ @ @

Thomas Co. Central Turner County Veterans Early County Thomasville Harris County Cook Dougherty Monroe Crisp County

Returning Offenisve Starters: 5

Returning Defensive Starters: 4

Region 1-3A

Stuart Pate 229-776-6906 www.stuartpate.com

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Summer 300 INDUSTRIAL PARK BLVD. NASHVILLE, GA. 31639 www.chaparralboats.com

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PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Berrien County Rebels

DISCIPLINE KEY IN COMPETING WITHIN DENSE REGION Written by: Cole Parker Photography by: Wenda G Bailey Photography

2016 Overall Record

4-6

2016 District Record

Highlights

2-3 174

Points Scored

292

“W

e don’t take anything for granted here. We have to utilize every single asset and every single phase of the game.”

Second-year head coach Bill Cribb, former Lowndes assistant coach and now successor to the great Ed Pilcher’s final stop before retirement, is realistic about his team’s development. The scrappy Berrien Rebels recognize their standing in region 1-AA, but they are in no way content with losing, and a second consecutive playoff birth is vital to this mission.

“We’ve got kids that we think can play, but until you play on Friday nights, you’re never going to know what you’re going to get,” Cribb said.

Senior quarterback Monteo Brooks will lead the Rebels into battle each Friday night hoping to provide some spark and much needed points. While waiting on other dynamic playmakers to emerge, the Rebels will hone in on fundamental football.

“I want to run the football and play defense,” Cribb said.

“Any time we can shorten the game, that’s what we need to do. These kids are working their butts off, so we will see how we shape up offensively, and I really think we can do better than last year on defense.”

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Bill Cribb

Who to Watch Hunter Gutierrez Jordan Davis Austin Lasseter Monteo Brooks Isaiah Preston

Record at School: 4-6

position DT OT C QB DB

Region 1 - 2A Returning Offenisve Starters: 5

Returning Defensive Starters: 6

coyote mfg co

Years at School: 2

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22 10/6 10/13 10/27 11/3

@ Irwin County Lanier County @ Dougherty @ Bacon County Cook @ Early County Thomasville Fitzgerald @ Albany Brooks County

5 Home | 5 Away

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Aluminum trailers Steel trailers Leaning posts Boat lifts T-tops Ski tows

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IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

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PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Brooks County Trojans

TROJANS UNDERSTAND THE TASK AT HAND Written by: Cole Parker Photography by: Wenda G Bailey Photography

Record at School: 126-40 Maurice Freeman Years Coaching at School: 14

Head Coach

8-4

2016 District Record

Stadium Name: Veterans Stadium Quitman, GA

2016 Overall Record

Highlights

3-2

Points Scored: 284 Points Allowed: 235

T

Who to Watch Michael Edmonds Jonathon White Rahjon Holden Kendrick Wade Charles Perry

position LB RB MLB OLB QB

Returning Offenisve Starters: 6

Returning Defensive Starters: 9

Region 1-2A

5 Home | 5 Away 2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 9/1 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/6 10/13 10/20 10/27 11/3

@ Cook Clinch County @ Pierce County Monroe Crisp County @ Early County @ Albany Fitzgerald Thomasville @ Berrien

he Trojans are more anxious than ever to “bring that hammer.”

Head coach Maurice Freeman is a Brooks County Trojan to the core, popularizing and living by this mantra that defines the football culture in his program. After spending 30 years as an educator, 15 of which have been spent as the Trojans’ football coach, Freeman knows the importance of perseverance.

“Last year, we had to fight through adversity,” Freeman said.

“We lost our quarterback and best defensive back early in the season. Being able to fight through that, get into the playoffs, get on the road, and upset a higher seed, it was strong but left us with an empty stomach because we felt like we were a better team.”

This year, Freeman doesn’t have to search far for senior leadership. Charles Perry (QB) and Jonathon White (RB) will lead on offense while the fierce line backing unit of Kendrick Wade, Rahjon Holden, and Michael Edmonds anchor the defense against a deep region.

“Region play means everything to me,” Freeman said. “It’s Fitzgerald, Thomasville, Early, Berrien; it’s just regional play, man, it’s tough. So, if you get out of this region as one of the four, man, you’ve done something big and going to do fine in the playoffs. And here at Brooks County, we only define success by the distance we make in the playoffs.”

Team Leaders

2016 STATS

Jacolby Brown

leading passer Yards: 877 leading rusher

Jonathan White Khalid Humphreys Naiquavius Sutton Rahjon Holden

Yards: 741 leading receiver Yards: 563 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 9 leading tackler Total Tackles: 115

302 E Screven St Quitman, Georgia (229) 263-4061

PROUD TO BE YOUR HOMETOWN PHARMACY. IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

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Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane

PRUITT’S HOMECOMING BRINGS HOPE FOR ENDING THE SEASON WITH A WIN

Written by: Cole Parker Photography by: Wenda G Bailey Photography

Highlights

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Jaycee Stadium Fitzgerald, GA

13-2

5-0

Team Leaders James Graham JD King

T

ucker Pruitt, first year head coach for Fitzgerald, is a hurricane at heart, and with good reason.

“The thing that I’ve always admired about Fitzgerald football is that even when I played, when I came back and watched my dad’s teams, and even watching these guys now, they always play so hard and with such passion,” Pruitt said. “Football is important here in Fitzgerald.”

After being outmatched for the second consecutive year in the Georgia Dome, Pruitt, star quarterback James Graham, and the entire supporting cast are preparing for another season that stretches into mid-December.

“With our schedule, there is going to be some adversity,” Pruitt said. “There’s going to be some times, early and often, that we are going to get tested, physically and mentally, and we just have to stay together and be a team.”

Despite only returning three starters on offense and five on defense, Pruitt hopes to bring a disciplined approach to this young team that is peppered with veteran talent.

“We will have focus, we will have hustle, and we are going to execute,” Pruitt said. “The difference between who loses games and who wins games doesn’t come down to who wants it more; it comes down to the execution.”

With that in mind, one key metric will define the success of the 2017 season.

“The reason I took this job is because there is still something for this program to accomplish, and that’s to win a state championship,” he said.

Yards: 1,725 leading rusher

Yards: 562 leading TD scorer

JD King Donterius Milsap

632

leading passer

Yards: 1,803 leading receiver

JD King

Willie Ross III

2016 STATS

Total Touchdowns: 30 leading tackler Total Tackles: 121 interception leader Total Interceptions: 5

Points Scored

271

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Tucker Pruitt Record at School: 0-0 Years at School: 1

Who to Watch James Graham Ethan Gordon Kody Krause Montreil Harris Quay Harper

position QB RB FS RB CB

Region 1 - 2A Returning Offenisve Starters: 3

Returning Defensive Starters: 5

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 8/25 9/8 9/15 9/29 10/6 10/13 10/20 10/27 11/3

@ Hapeville @ Irwin County Macon County Rockdale County Tift County Albany @ Berrien @ Brooks County Early County @ Thomasville

5 Home | 5 Away

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PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

GRAGE URGES THE BULLDOGS TO TAP INTO WINNING TRADITION

Thomasville Bulldogs

Written by: Cole Parker Photography by: Danna Jones

Head Coach: Zach Grage

Record at School: 5-5 Years at School: 2

5-5

2016 District Record

Stadium Name: Veterans Memorial Stadium Capacity: 6,500

2016 Overall Record

Highlights

4-1

Points Scored: 248 Points Allowed: 188

T

5 Home | 5 Away 2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/15 9/22 10/6 10/13 10/20 10/27 11/3

@ @ @ @ @

Cairo Thomas Co. Central Monroe Worth County Cook Berrien Early County Albany Brooks County Fitzgerald

his time last year, new head coach Zach Grage preached on “bringing pride back to the Diamond T.” Now in his second year, the message is the same and stronger than ever.

“We are still working on changing the culture and teaching these kids how to win,” Grage said.

Even though last season felt like significant progress under Grage’s new leadership, he still attributes the rise and then decline of their 2016 season to the collective mindset that they have continued to address this offseason.

“Our motto has been, ‘Start fast, go play like you can play, and don’t wait on someone else to set the tone,’” he said. “We set the tone. We are Thomasville.”

The Bulldogs return an impressive 14 starters, but competition for these positions is at unprecedented levels.

“While a lot of people are going to tell you [that they will depend on] leadership and character, ability is actually going to be our strength,” Grage said. “For AA football, we have a lot of big talent, and our depth is going to be great.”

This talented squad will face the defending region champions from AAAA and AAAAA before running the gauntlet of 1-AA, but for the Bulldogs, the opponent shouldn’t matter.

“If we could only have one word for the year, it’d be ‘represent,’” Grage said. “You’ve got to represent for something bigger than you. You represent for your family, this community, the Diamond T, and you expect to win… no doubts.”

Region 1-2A Who to Watch Charlie Thomas JT Rice Kevon Shy Quinton Jones Carl Blackmore

position SS QB WR OLB K

Returning Offenisve Starters: 7

Team Leaders JT Rice

leading passer Yards: 1,665 leading rusher

Tan Gelin D.J. Matthews Kevon Shy

Returning Defensive Starters: 7

2016 STATS

Cameron Harris

Yards: 430 leading receiver Yards: 425 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 12 leading tackler Total Tackles: 69

Stephen Gainous, Agent 229-226-7656 stephen@rosecitysf.com 117 W Jefferson St Thomasville, GA 31792

Auto Home Life Health Bank IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

69

F AS T BREAK

Top 5

National Prospects #1

Trevor Lawrence School: Location: Class: Position: Height: Weight:

Cartersville High School Cartersville, Georgia 2018 Quarterback (Pro) 6’6” 196 lbs

College Commitment:

#2

Xavier Thomas School: Location: Class: Position: Height: Weight:

IMG Academy Bradenton, Florida 2018 Defensive End 6’3” 263 lbs

College Commitment:

#3

Justin fields School: Location: Class: Position: Height: Weight:

Harrison High School Kennesaw, Georgia 2018 Quarterback (Dual) 6’3” 221 lbs

College Commitment:

#4

Patrick Surtain Jr. School: Location: Class: Position: Height: Weight:

American Heritage Fort Lauderdale, Florida 2018 Cornerback 6’2” 181 lbs

College Commitment:

#5

Micah Parsons School: Location: Class: Position: Height: Weight:

Harrisburg High School Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 2018 Defensive End 6’3” 235 lbs

College Commitment:

70

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Data via 247sports.com Photo courtesy of Rivals.com

HIGH PROFILE PLAYERS LEAD THE PANTHERS TOWARD SINGLE-A REDEMPTION

Clinch County Panthers

Written by: Cole Parker Photography by: Wenda G Bailey Photography

Highlights

11-2

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Donald Tison Field Homerville, GA

7-0

Who to Watch Trezman Marshall Charles McClelland John Mincey Langston Hendrix Dwayne Moore

position LB QB DE OL NG

Head Coach: Jim Dickerson Record at School: 127-41-1 Years Coaching at School: 14 Points Scored

537

Points Allowed 167

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/13 10/20 10/27 11/3

@ Bleckley County McIntosh County Academy @ Brooks County @ Irwin County Wilcox County @ Atkinson County Turner County @ Lanier County Charlton County @ Telfair County

W

hat felt like an inevitable return to the Georgia Dome resulted in a shocking semifinals loss for the defending state champions.

Clinch County fell flat, losing by 16 points to McIntosh County Academy, the team that they had previously beaten by 25 points.

“It is hard to beat a good team twice in the same year,” Jim Dickerson, head coach, said.“We learned not to take anybody lightly, no matter when it is. Whether you already beat a team earlier in the year or it is a team you feel like you should beat, always prepare. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.”

The Panthers will welcome the rematch with McIntosh in the second game of the season, but their aspirations rest far beyond that game, and even football itself.

“What we are really preaching is good character,” Dickerson said. “Whether we win or whether we lose, we want to make kids to be appreciative, to not feel entitled, be class acts, and along the way play some good football.”

The brand of football played by the Panthers will undoubtedly continue to be physical, disciplined, and highly competitive. Despite losing their entire secondary, inside of the defensive box will be as strong as ever, led by John Mincey (DE) and Trezman Marshall (LB). Charles McClelland (QB) will spearhead the offensive attack behind the likes of Langston Hendrix (OL).

Dickerson, however, continues to preach character over all else.

“If we build good habits, prepare on and off the field, and be good ambassadors for Clinch County, the wins will come,” he said.

4 Home | 6 Away Returning Offenisve Starters: 7

Returning Defensive Starters: 7

Team Leaders Trezman Marshall

leading passer Yards: 485 leading rusher

Charles McLelland Jerrod Jones Charles McLelland

Region 2-A

2016 STATS

Duane Moore

Yards: 1,159 leading receiver Yards: 323 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 15 leading tackler Total Tackles: 55

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71

Irwin County Indians

PERSEVERANCE AND ADAPTATION CRUCIAL FOR INDIANS’ SEASON

Written by: Cole Parker Photography by: Wenda G Bailey Photography

Record at School: 29-10-2 Buddy Nobles Years Coaching at School: 5

Head Coach

8-5

2016 District Record

Stadium Name: Irwin County Stadium Capacity: 3,500

2016 Overall Record

Highlights

5-2

Points Scored: 490 Points Allowed: 304

A

fter consecutive region championships in 2014 and 2015, the Irwin County Indians are diligently working toward a return to that status.

2015’s D.J. Pollard and 2016’s Tristan Billingsley have graduated to the college ranks, but new leaders are emerging and coming into the spotlight for the Indians. A senior-led offensive backfield will provide experience, talent, and direction in their 2017 campaign. Quarterback Will Stephens returns with the help of running back Steven Thomas, but D.J. Lundy and Jamal Paulk will offer sophomore support for the run game.

Defensively, Thomas also returns as the leader of the secondary, and senior linebacker D.J. Martin is flanked by young but experienced outside linebackers in Jay Stanley and Eric Anderson. Play within the trenches will need the most improvement on both sides of the ball, but a formidable schedule won’t allow for much of a learning curve.

Buddy Nobles enters into his fourth season with the Indians of Ocilla, amassing an overall record of 29-10-2 to date. In his still young tenure, Nobles holds winning records over every opponent on their regular season schedule except for rivals Fitzgerald (0-3) and Clinch County (2-2), so 2017 will be yet another opportunity to move positively toward Irwin County’s pursuit of the school’s second state title.

6 Home | 4 Away Who to Watch Steven Thomas DJ Lundy Will Stephens Jamal Paulk Jay Stanley

position RB FB QB RB OLB

Region 2-A

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/13 10/20 10/27 11/3

@ @ @ @

Berrien Fitzgerald Macon County Clinch County Telfair County Charlton County Lanier County Wilcox County Atkinson County Turner County

Team Leaders

2016 STATS

Will Stephens

leading passer

Jeremiah Ashley

leading rusher

Hunter Spires Jeremiah Ashley Davion Pollard

leading receiver leading TD scorer leading tackler

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PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Lanier County Bulldogs

BULLDOGS HOPE TO ESTABLISH WINNING WAYS WITH STRONG SENIOR CLASS Written by: Cole Parker Photography by: Wenda G Bailey Photography

Highlights

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Roquemore Field Capacity: 2,500

1-9

1-6

Who to Watch Noah Tuten Matthew Hardy Ashton McNeil James Green Kaylen Wright

position QB OLB DE WR LT

Head Coach: Carl Parker Record at School: 2-18 Years at School: 3 Points Scored

112 360

Points Allowed

Team Leaders Matthew White Matthew White James Green Matthew White Noah Tuten

2016 STATS leading passer Yards: 1,207 leading rusher Yards: 412 leading receiver Yards: 752 leading TD scorer

Total Touchdowns: 7 leading tackler Total Tackles: 94

Returning Offenisve Starters: 9

Returning Defensive Starters: 8

C

hanging a culture is no easy feat.

Over the last 20 years of the program’s history, the Bulldogs’ overall record of 59-143 might not inspire much optimism at the onset of the 2017 season, but head coach Carl Parker and his senior-laden squad do.

“Last year we weren’t as competitive as I would have liked to see after we got pretty banged up, but still at the end of the day, we were competitive early on and put ourselves in positions to win,” Parker said. “We’ve got to get over that hump this year and make plays when the game is on the line. We’ve got some pretty talented playmakers on the offensive side.”

Parker is expecting a substantial impact from his large senior class, but he has especially high hopes for senior quarterback Noah Tuten and junior running back Ashton McNeil as they hope to establish a more reliable run game. But equally as important as offense, if not more so, Lanier County’s defense will strive for significant improvement in comparison to their 360 and 496 points allowed in the last two seasons, respectively.

“When you’re 1-9,obviously we have to be a better defensive team,” Parker said. “That’s something I love about the coaches we hired. At the end of the day, I think they know how to use personnel. If you’re weak at this, you can run this and use these people this way, and that’s exactly what we intend to do.”

2017 SCHEDULE 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/13 10/20 10/27 11/3

@ Berrien Savannah Country Day Groves @ Wilcox County Atkinson County @ Turner County Irwin County Clinch County @ Telfair County @ Charlton County

5 Home | 5 Away

Region 2-A

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

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PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP EXPECTATIONS IN PINKINS’ THIRD YEAR

Pelham Hornets

Written by: Cole Parker

Highlights

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Hornet Stadium Pelham, GA

9-2

Team Leaders Kendrick Patterson

D

dykes

leading passer Yards: 2,134 leading rusher

Kobe Russell Cassius Allen Kobe Russell

8-1

Malik Mango Treun Pace

391 ondrial Pinkins has returned respect to Pelham’s football program.

In just his second year as head coach, Pinkins led a young but talented Hornets team to their first region championship since 2001, finishing the season at 9-2 (8-1).

Their unexpected loss in the second round of the playoffs in a shootout with Greene County has left the Hornets hungry.

“Those guys understand now what it means to win a championship, but our goals are bigger than competing with teams in our region,” Pinkins said. “Ultimately, we have to compete with the teams in the state. We have to be all in.”

Leading by example, Pinkins and his staff are continuing to raise the energy and effort levels as they prepare.

“We have a lot of young coaches that can still go out to a practice and be hands on,” Pinkins said. “We hop in drills, we lift in the weight room, we do different things to motivate these kids.”

Treun Pace (junior WR/DB), Kendrick Patterson (sophomore QB), and Malik Mango (junior RB/LB), will lead the Hornets toward their goals this season, drawing upon their valuable and extensive experience as underclassmen. They have the experience, the ability, and now the mindset, to bring home not just one, but two championships in 2017.

“Our motto is ‘confident, not cocky,’” Pinkins said. “Any person we line up against on the field, any coach that we go up against, we feel like we have trained hard, we prepared hard, and we have a shot to win a ball game.”

2016 STATS

Yards: 675 leading receiver Yards: 769 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 12 leading tackler Total Tackles: 91 interception leader Total Interceptions: 4

Points Scored

216

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Dondrial Pinkins Record at School: 15-7 Years at School: 3

Who to Watch position Treun Pace WR Malik Mango MLB Jake Delegawl WR Kendrick Patterson QB Javoris Williams RB

Region 1-A Returning Offenisve Starters: 6

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/13 10/20 10/27 11/3

@ @ @

@

Albany Baconton Terrell County Calhoun County Miller County Chattahoochee County Randolph-Clay Stewart County Seminole County Mitchell County

Returning Defensive Starters: 8

6 Home | 4 Away

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115 North Patterson St, Valdosta, Ga 31601 IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

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www.southernregional.edu 76

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

A Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia/Equal Opportunity Institution

Turner County Rebels

PROGRAM REBOOT FOR THE COACHES AND PLAYERS AT TURNER Written by: Cole Parker Photography by: Marque Milla Reese

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Highlights Team Leaders

8-4

Tyler Moore

T

Professional Dry Cleaning • Same Day Service • Alterations • Executive Shirt Service • Drapery Cleaning • Bed Spread & Comforter Cleaning

leading passer Yards: 2,278 leading rusher

Jaden Green Tamorrion Terry

6-1

Tamorrion Terry Tyrese Vail

416 he 2017 Turner County Rebels will be nearly unrecognizable in comparison to the 2016 Rebels.

After graduating the talents of household names such as Tamorrion Terry and Ontaria Wilson and facilitating a complete overhaul of the coaching staff, the Rebels are seeking improvement in the face of change.

“Those kids [last season] were very athletic and fast, but raw,” Leroy Hood, first-year head coach, said after watching the film of last season. “Now, we just need some fine tuning and discipline on top of the talent we do have; we need more sound, fundamental football and higher football IQs.” Hood, who accepted the head coaching position from his post as assistant coach at Tift County High School, immediately recognized a strength of the program.

“These guys are tough, and they’re not complainers,” Hood said. “I’ve been around several programs, and this is one of the better places I’ve been as far as kids working hard.”

Hard work, physicality, and toughness will need to be the identity of Turner County this season as they replace all but five starters, and the search for new leaders and playmakers will be in the face of an arduous schedule.

“Basically, my outlook on the season is that we take it one game at a time,” Hood said. “We are going to measure our success on how we get better game to game, week to week.”

2016 STATS

Yards: 597 leading receiver Yards: 1,187 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 19 leading tackler Total Tackles: 111

Points Scored

330

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Leroy Hood Record at School: 0-0 Years at School: 1

Who to Watch Tyler Moore Trent Henderson Aerian Stephens Jaterrious Morris Zion Blackshear

Region 2-A Returning Offenisve Starters: 2

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/13 10/20 10/27 11/3

Dougherty @ Worth County @ Crisp County @ Telfair County Charlton County Lanier County @ Clinch County Atkinson County Wilcox County @ Irwin County

Returning Defensive Starters: 3

5 Home | 5 Away

405 East Force Street Valdosta, Georgia 31601 229-242-8551 IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

77

Part Time Sideline, Full Time Competitors:

Students, Athletes, Cheerleaders Written by: Gabi Parker Photography by: Malcome Meyers

Cheerleading isn’t as simple as pretty bows on pretty girls.

While football takes center stage for the fall, cheerleaders across the state and the nation are diligently working, despite often being underappreciated and misrepresented. It isn’t all just striking smiles and peppy personality; in fact, cheer-

leading is highly skilled, difficult, and, yes, competitive.

Sideline cheerleading gives young women the ability to represent their schools, support their football teams, and develop key attributes such as leadership, confidence, and team dynamics.

Competition cheerleading then introduces

Scholar-Athlete presented by

78

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

high-stakes endurance and skill, unleashing the competitor inside of them. These girls dedicate countless hours toward perfecting their craft, striving for the payoff of victory over opposing squads alongside the joy of participating in the sport.

At their core, cheerleaders are competitors.

It is this internal drive to improve and excel, not only on the sideline or the mat, but in the classroom, at home, and in the community, that fuels their success.

For Adylein Hunt, Andria Rich, Lauren Barringer, Sara Beth Rountree, and many others, they split their time and energy between their

passions, just like any multi-sport student-athlete: sideline cheerleading, competition cheerleading, academics, family, friends, church, clubs, organizations, and a few hours of sleep somewhere in the mix.

The motivation to persevere: a squad that becomes family and a gym that becomes home.

Adylein Hunt Tiftarea Academy Class of 2020 3.9 GPA

Cheerleading takes the whole self: mind, body, and personality. Adylein Hunt discovered this in sixth grade while looking for a challenging team sport. She quickly recognized the challenge of cheerleading and fell in love with the sport through positive friendships and an encouraging coach.

“My coach pushes me to my limits and helps me get better in every way possible,” Hunt said.

Hunt cheers for Felice Harris at Tiftarea Academy and competitively for Ariel Harmon with the South Georgia Allstars (SGA.) She has earned great success in the competitive cheer world as her squad, SGA, placed in intense competitions such as UCA, Cheersport, Battle, NCA, and Summit.

“It’s crazy,” Hunt said. “All the other teams begin to know who you are and honestly get scared. The pressure is intense.”

Yet, she still puts school before cheer, and evidence of her hard work shows through a 3.9 GPA. It is a stressful balance, but the joy for the sport and the positive camaraderie of cheerleading keeps Hunt going.

“It has taught me how to bond with new people I’ve never met before,” Hunt said.

This lesson will serve her well in life as she plans to attend the University of Georgia and major in forensics.

Andria Rich

Thomas County Central Class of 2018 3.5 GPA A cheerleading squad is a family. You depend on girls that are as close as sisters to endure and excel through tough competitions.

This realization became true for Andria Rich in third grade when her best friend handed her the paperwork to sign up for an all-star cheerleading squad.

“I love being that close with people and winning with them,” Rich said. “It is a great experience.”

Rich knows the importance of teamwork.

Cheerleaders must work together constantly to accomplish anything in the competitive world. She worked tirelessly with her squads to achieve the honor of attending the state cheerleading competition every year with Thomas County Central and to win Summit in 2017 with South Georgia Allstars.

When she isn’t flipping and winning titles with her squad, Rich is busy preparing for her future.

“I want to succeed in life, starting with going to a really good college,” Rich said.

Rich depends on her relationship with God to help her through the stressful balance of cheer, family, and academics.

“I catch myself praying a lot because God is the only one who can get you through it,” she said.

Rich says that is not the end of her cheerleading career; she plans to cheer in college while majoring in dental hygiene or nursing.

South Georgia Allstars

7400 Georgia Highway 122 W Hahira, GA 31632 229-794-1313 www.southgaallstars.com

Lauren Barringer

Sara Beth Rountree

Through the sport of cheerleading, the gym became Lauren Barringer’s second home, and the girls inside became her second family.

“I love the bond we create as a team and getting to know people that’s become your family,” Barringer said.

Barringer cheers on the varsity sideline squad for Jill Hatton at Lowndes High School and competitively for Ariel Harmon at South Georgia Allstars. She has encountered great success by winning several competitions and attending Summit on SGA’s opening year.

As with any high school student-athlete, Barringer is careful to foster growth in her academic, social, and athletic pursuits. In order to not let the stress overwhelm her, she said, “You just have to think about one thing at a time and don’t overthink it.”

Cheerleading has brought out the natural leader in Barringer.

“I always try to keep everybody positive and happy, no matter how hard it gets,” Barringer said.

She uses her leadership abilities in her various service organizations such as Anchor Club, Sigma, Science Club, Beta Club, Class Cabinet, as well as volunteering at Solomon’s Porch and First United Methodist Church. Positive leadership on and off the mat will serve her well in college at Georgia Southern or Valdosta State University.

The lure of tradition attracted Sara Beth Rountree to cheer under the Friday Night Lights for the nation’s winningest high school football program.

“You feel like a celebrity and part of the team,” she said.

However, cheering for the state champion Wildcats is not Rountree’s only cheerleading experience. She also cheers for Ariel Harmon at South Georgia Allstars.

“She is the main reason I keep cheering [competitively] because she is such a great role model in my life,” Rountree said of the coach who taught her to love competitive cheerleading.

Rountree is an accomplished athlete as evidenced by winning regional and national competitions such as Cheersport, UCA, Battle Under the Big Top, and Encove, but she is also an accomplished scholar. She was awarded the titles of Scholar Athlete of the Year, Top History Student, and is in the top five percent of her graduating class, maintaining her pace to become Valedictorian. She effectively juggles the after school work of the IB program at VHS, maintains her social life, and keeps up with her intense competitive cheerleading training.

Although it is hard and she sometimes contemplates quitting, her resolve is firm.

“In the end, I realize that I could never live my life without cheering,” Rountree said.

She will continue to pursue cheerleading after high school at the University of Florida.

Lowndes High School Class of 2019 3.8 GPA

Valdosta High School Class of 2018 4.0 GPA

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WARRIORS HOPE TO EXCEL IN 4TH QUARTERS IN 2017 SEASON

Brookwood Warriors

Written by: Cole Parker Photos courtesy of Brookwood School

Highlights

8-2

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Warrior Field Capacity: 1,500

4-1

Head Coach: Shane Boggs Record at School: 75-44 Years at School: 11

T

wo key games, and ultimately the final minutes of those two games, dismantled the 2016 Warriors.

With an otherwise unblemished record for a very talented Brookwood team, the Warriors were unable to close out the two biggest games of the year. In the game that in the end decided the region championship against rival Valwood, a big play in the final minute earned the Valiants a 27-24 victory. Then, after regaining confidence and once again going undefeated through the remainder of region play, Gatewood thwarted the Warriors’ playoff run in the first round.

Their second half lead resulted in a 22-19 loss and an early exit from the playoffs.

The 2017 Warriors, however, will look to learn from these mistakes and build upon their strengths.

“I am excited about this team,” Shane Boggs, head coach, said as he enters his 11th year in that position.

“We’ve got a great nucleus returning and have competition at many of the other positions. I look forward to watching this team develop.”

Names like Alfonso Spencer and Bradley Jones will give way to burgeoning stars in Joe Parker (QB), Daniel Atkinson (OG), Carson Allen (OLB), and Hill Turner (LB).

These players will be lead not only on the field, but in everything that they do.

“Our mission is to give great effort in class, promote a positive image of the school, and to prepare to win,” Boggs said. “A successful season will be when we maximize our potential in these areas.”

GISA Region 3-3A Returning Offenisve Starters: 4

Returning Defensive Starters: 6

2017 SCHEDULE 8/11 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/13 10/20

@ SECIS Game @ Terrell Maclay Pinewood @ John Paul Westwood Valwood @ Tiftarea @ Southland Deerfield-Windsor

5 Home | 5 Away Points Scored: 289 Points Allowed: 136

Who to Watch Hill Turner Carson Allen Max Beverly Daniel Atkinson Joe Parker

position LB OLB T DE QB

Community, Health, and Lifestyle Magazine IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

81

DeerfieldWindsor Knights

LOWE HOLDING KNIGHTS ACCOUNTABLE TO WINNING HISTORY Written by: Cole Parker Photography by: Mary Ann Clark Miller

Head Coach Allen Lowe

Record at School: 197-96-3 Years Coaching at School: 25

7-5

2016 District Record

Stadium Name: Webb Memorial Stadium Albany, GA

2016 Overall Record

Highlights

2-2

Points Scored: 293 Points Allowed: 220

H

undred and ninety-seven wins. Twenty-four seasons.

Allen Lowe, head coach of Deerfield-Windsor, is now entering his 25th season, and win No. 200 during his tenure with the Knights is well within reach. Lowe already became a member of the 200-win club in the state of Georgia, but accomplishing this feat at a single school is an even more incredible achievement. While this remarkable milestone is surely one to be celebrated, Deerfield-Windsor’s squad has its eyes set far beyond just three wins.

After a 2015 season that fell just a field goal short of a state championship, the 2016 season took a step backward. Amassing a record of 7-5 (2-2), the Knights showed much room for improvement, largely due to the graduation of a lot of senior talent on both sides of the ball. With another year of experience under their belts, the Knights will march through a nearly identical schedule as last year, providing plenty of opportunity for redemption.

With a veteran coaching staff, strong core of returning starters, and history on their side, the Knights are posed to once again make an impact in GISA AAA.

Who to Watch Shannon Moseley Kalin Holmes Garrett Smith Cooper Roberts Jack Kimbrel

position MLB CB MLB FB QB

2017 SCHEDULE 8/11 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/6 10/13 10/20

dykes 82

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

@ Trinity Christian Miller County North Florida Christian @ Terrell @ Pinewood Christian @ Bessemer Southland @ Tiftarea Valwood @ Brookwood

4 Home | 6 Away

GISA Region 3-3A

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115 North Patterson St, Valdosta, Ga 31601

PANTHERS HOPE FOR HEALTH AND DEVELOPED DEPTH

Tiftarea Panthers

Written by: Cole Parker Photography by: Mary Ann Clark Miller

Highlights

5-8

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Panther Pit Capacity: 2,000

1-4

Who to Watch Spence Massey Michael Garvey Reese Speight Dalton Jonestt Wran Wishum

T

Head Coach: Tully Payne Record at School: 7-13 Years at School: 3

281

Points Scored Points Allowed

146

2017 SCHEDULE 8/11 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/6 10/13 10/20

@ RTCA Creekside Southwest Georgia @ Gatewood @ Terrell @ Southland Brookwood Deerfield-Windsor @ Westfield @ Valwood

iftarea is in need of depth, but that isn’t dampening their spirits.

It is no secret that smaller schools struggle with the number of players on the roster, leaving them susceptible to injuries that could wreak havoc on the lineup.

And while the Panthers have suffered some damaging offseason injuries, head coach Tully Payne and his staff are already piecing together the answers.

“Last season I learned that I needed to change my offensive style a little bit to better suit my team,” Payne said. “Defensively, we installed a brand-new system last year, and I think we’re going to be a lot better because the kids are going to understand more, and the speed of the game will change for them because of that knowledge.”

But more important than X’s and O’s, Payne is still reforming the culture surrounding Tiftarea’s football program.

“We are basically building this program from the ground up,” Payne said. “When I got there, the weight room was not a priority, practice was not a priority. You know, these were things that they just kind of did if they wanted to. We came together, and we decided that if we expected anything out of it, we had to put something in it.”

Tiftarea will go to work in preparation to face the GISA’s most dominant region in recent history, 3-AAA.

4 Home | 6 Away Returning Offenisve Starters: 9

Returning Defensive Starters: 8

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Hahira | Morven | North Valdosta | Baytree

RETURNERS PROVIDE CONSISTENCY AND CONFIDENCE FOR CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDING VALIANTS

Valwood Valiants

Written by: Cole Parker Photography by: Mary Ann Clark Miller

Highlights

8-4

Team Leaders William Clifton Colby Thomas

T

he defending GISA 3-AAA region champions are in familiar territory as they make a bid for the state championship in 2017.

Head coach Ashley Henderson, who is entering his sixth year at Valwood, knows what it takes to win championships, and his current team is showing early signs.

“The number of multi-year starters coming back for us this year is big,” Henderson said. “It’s reminiscent of our 2015 state championship team.”

This similarity is comforting as the Valiants showcased significant development throughout last season, and the core of that team remains intact.

“We are returning our top three offensive linemen and about 90 percent of our offensive production from a year ago,” Henderson said. “Also, our defensive front, despite losing Earnest Carter, will be even better this year. Plus, we return a three-year starter in kicker and punter John Miller.”

A brutal non-region schedule will prepare the Valiants for the toughest region in GISA, testing their depth and ability to learn from last year’s mistakes, ball security. Influencing their character, however, is atop the priority list.

“I think if all a guy learns from me and our coaching staff is how to play football, then we have failed him miserably,” Henderson said. “We preach taking care of winning the game off the field, in the weight room, in the class room, in the community; if we do that, winning takes care of itself on the field.“

Cam Walker Cam Walker Cole McLendon JD Scurry

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Goddard Field Capacity: 3,000

4-0

GISA REGION 3-3A Returning Offenisve Starters: 8

Returning Defensive Starters: 8

2017 SCHEDULE

2016 STATS leading passer Yards: 2,152 leading rusher Yards:457 leading receiver Yards: 861 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 14 leading tackler Total Tackles: 104 interception leader Total Interceptions: 7

8/11 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22 10/6 10/13 10/20

@ SECIS Game @ Memorial Day Westfield @ North Florida Christian @ Frederica Clearwater International @ Brookwood Southland @ Deerfield-Windsor Tiftarea

4 Home | 6 Away

Head Coach: Ashley Henderson Record at School: 56-9 Years at School: 6 Points Scored: 293 Points Allowed: 185

Who to Watch Cam Walker JD Scurry Isaiah Bristol Cole McLendon William Clifton

position WR CB NG LB QB

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Georgia Christian Generals

TUCK TAKES OVER GENERALS’ STILL YOUNG PROGRAM Written by: Cole Parker Photography by: Lori Alley Photography

2016 Overall Record

2-9

2016 District Record

Highlights

1-2 142

289

A

nother season brings another coaching change for the Generals.

With the hiring of Crosby Tuck, former offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Pea Ridge High School in Arkansas, comes another chance at a cultural reformation, strategic realignment, and ultimately an impact on the wins column.

“The kids have really bought in to our summer workouts so far,” Tuck said. “We’ve made a lot of improvements the last couple of months, a lot of them in the weight room. Now we’re starting to put in a new offense and new defense.”

A decimated line backing core will be the biggest change between the two seasons. What was the greatest strength of the Generals last year will now be the largest void that needs filling and improvement. Their new strength, however, is the offensive line that can provide offensive versatility.

“There’s a lot of work to do in the passing game,” Tuck said. “They had some success running the ball last year, even though the box was loaded every play. So, I want to maintain the success in the running game, but we’re going to have to develop a legitimate passing game to go along with it.”

At the heart of the cultural reformation is the desire to play and continue playing, a fact that is well understood by Tuck.

“I want these kids to feel like they’ve grown as a person, that they’ve grown spiritually, that their character has grown, and that they are better men from playing football this season,” he said.

Points Scored Points Allowed

Head Coach: Crosby Tuck Record at School: 0-0 Years at School: 1

Who to Watch Logan Hornsby Will Copeland Liam Peterman Blaine Cooper Dylan Harrell

position CB QB OL RB C

GICAA DII South Returning Offenisve Starters: 6

Returning Defensive Starters: 5

Downtown 411 N Patterson St Valdosta, GA 31603

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2017 SCHEDULE 8/11 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/29 10/6 10/13 10/20

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IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

87

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

Northside

Week 2 Thomasville

8/25/17 Bainbridge

Vista Murrieta

Parkview

Ware

Clinch

Roswell

Tift

Bainbridge

TCC

Clinch

Cook

Valdosta

Week 3

9/1/17

Week 4

9/8/17

Week 5

9/15/17

Week 6

vs

8/18/17 Norcross

vs

vs

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Week 1 Valdosta

Away Brittany

TCC

TCC

Colquitt

Berrien

Irwin

Valdosta

Cairo

Valdosta

Colquitt

Shawn

Rob Lambert Carson

Irwin

Lee

TCC Thomasville

Bainbridge Bainbridge

Thomasville

Fitzgerald Fitzgerald Fitzgerald

Lee

TCC

Irwin

Lee

Thomasville

Lee

TCC

Fitzgerald Fitzgerald

Lee

TCC

Irwin

Lee

TCC

Warner Robins

Ware

Clinch

Ware

Clinch

Ware

Brooks

Coffee

Clinch

Coffee

Clinch

Ware

Clinch

Ware

Brooks

Coffee

Clinch

Coffee

Clinch

Valdosta Valdosta

Tift

Worth

Cook

Clinch

Thomasville

Cook

Clinch

Thomasville

Cook

Clinch

Thomasville

Cook

Irwin

Cairo

Tift

Valdosta Valdosta

Worth

Cook

Clinch

Worth

Cook

Irwin

Thomasville

Cook

Clinch

Thomasville

Berrien

Irwin

Thomasville

Berrien

Clinch

Bainbridge Bainbridge Bainbridge Bainbridge Bainbridge

Valdosta Valdosta Valdosta

Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt

Thomasville

Cook

Clinch

Bainbridge Bainbridge Bainbridge Bainbridge

z

Roswell Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Roswell Roswell Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Roswell

Ware

Clinch

Parkview Parkview Lowndes Lowndes Lowndes Lowndes Parkview Lowndes Lowndes Parkview

Fitzgerald Fitzgerald

Brooks

Zack

Northside Northside Northside Northside Northside Northside Northside Northside Northside

Colquitt

Coffee

Vince

Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Mill Creek Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt

Bainbridge Bainbridge

Lowndes

Mandy Alexis

Split

PLAY

1. Write in your picks 2. Take a photo 3. Post with #ITGpickem!

Lowndes Valdosta Lowndes Valdosta Lowndes Valdosta Valdosta Valdosta Valdosta Lowndes

Cole

Lee

TCC

Warner Robins

Colquitt

Lowndes

Home

Our staff made their picks, but what are yours?

Pick’em Challenge

Week

88

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

Valwood

Tift

Lowndes

Lee

Valdosta

Week 7

9/29/17

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

vs

Cook

Northside

Coffee

Valwood

Lee

Fitzgerald

Deerfield

Colquitt

Charlton

Valdosta

Fitzgerald

Pelham

Coffee

Week 9

10/13/17

Week 10

10/20/17

Week 11

10/27/17

Week 12

11/3/17

10/6/17 Thomasville

Week 8

vs

vs

Coffee

9/22/17

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

89

Terrell

Berrien

Lee

Mitchell

Thomasville

Coffee

Clinch

Lowndes

Brookwood

Brooks

Valdosta

Deerfield

Houston

Coffee

Coffee

Worth

Terrell

Warner Robins

Brooks

Tift

Worth

GA Christian

Warner Robins

Brooks

Tift

Cook

Terrell

Warner Robins

Brooks

Tift

Ware

Dothan

Coffee

Dothan

Tift

Bainbridge

Tift

Dothan

Coffee

Warner Robins

Brooks

Tift

TCC

Brooks

Fitzgerald

Worth

Cook

Cook

GA Christian GA Christian GA Christian

Warner Robins

Brooks

Fitzgerald

Worth

Terrell

Warner Robins

Crisp

Tift

Worth

Terrell

Warner Robins

Brooks

Tift

Worth

Terrell

TCC

Crisp

Tift

Lowndes Lowndes Lowndes Lowndes Lowndes Lowndes

Dothan

Tift

Carver

Cairo

Cairo

Cairo

Carver

Cairo

Cairo

Cairo

Brooks

Fitzgerald Fitzgerald

Brooks

Brooks

Camden Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Camden

Carver

Clinch

Valdosta

Clinch

Lee

Lee

Charlton Charlton

Lee

Clinch

Valdosta

Charlton

Lee

Clinch

Valdosta

Clinch

Lee

Clinch

Lee

Brooks

Brooks

Brooks

Coffee

Brooks

Coffee

Brooks

Lee

Brooks

Coffee

Brooks

Bainbridge Bainbridge Bainbridge Bainbridge

Brooks

Coffee

Brooks

Warner Robins

Thomasville

Coffee

Brooks

Bainbridge

Brooks

Lee

Brooks

Warner Robins

Thomasville

Lee

Brooks

Bainbridge

Thomasville

Lee

Brooks

Warner Robins

Thomasville

Coffee

Berrien

Warner Robins

Brooks

Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt

Clinch

Lee

Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt

Fitzgerald Fitzgerald Fitzgerald Fitzgerald Fitzgerald

Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Colquitt Camden

Cairo

Valwood Deerfield Valwood Valwood Valwood Deerfield Valwood Valwood Deerfield Deerfield

Worth

Warner Robins

Tift

Northside

Lee

Tift

Lowndes Lowndes Lowndes

Brooks

Worth

Coffee

Bainbridge Bainbridge Bainbridge Bainbridge Bainbridge

Tift

Houston

Ware

Fitzgerald

Brookwood

Tift

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PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Nick Chubb- RB SR - 5’10” 228

2016 RECORD

8-5

sec

TEAM STATISTICS

Written by: Carson Waggoner

319

Points Scored

312

Points Allowed

SEPT

2

SEPT

SEPT

9

OCT

30

7

NOV

NOV

4

11

SEPT

16

OCT

14

NOV

18

SEPT

23

OCT

28

NOV

25

2,430

1,130 16

204

663

224 44

8

QB

Jacob Eason

RB

Nick Chubb

7 REC TDs

4-4

REC YDs

54%

RECs

SEC RECORD

PASS COMP

PASS COMP.

RUSH TDs

Rush YDs P/G

RUSH YDs

191.2

CARs

Pass YDs P/G

PASS TDs

193.4

Could the Georgia Bulldogs be in the driver’s seat to win the SEC East this year?

With Kirby Smart approaching his second season as head coach at Georgia, anything could happen.

Ending last year’s season on a good note with a win over TCU at the Liberty Bowl gave the Bulldogs an okay record of 8-5. Unfortunately, that doesn’t cut it in the SEC and for UGA fans these days. After seeing countless seasons ending with less then 10 wins when Mark Richt was head coach, Bulldog fans expect nothing less than an SEC East title.

It all starts with Jacob Eason and if he can use his sophomore year to break out into one of SEC’s top quarterbacks. With help from running backs Nick Chubb and Sony Michel, who are both returning for their senior season, the Georgia backfield is loaded. If Nick Chubb returns to his pre-knee injury self, it could be scary for upcoming opponents.

Georgia has tons of weapons at the receiver position, so it shouldn’t be hard for one guy to step up this year and be a leader. It could be Terry Godwin, Riley Ridley, Javon Wims, or even stud tight end Isaac Nauta.

We are finally growing up and turning into a deadly SEC defensive this year with DC Mel Tucker in charge. Returning seniors Lorenzo Carter and Davin Bellamy add an intense pass rush off the edge as the Bulldogs could use more sacks this season.

Middle linebacker Roquan Smith and defensive tackle Trent Thompson could end the season as SEC All-Americans. Kirby also brought in one of the best recruiting classes Georgia has ever seen ranked third in the nation and second in the SEC with 25 commits.

The O-line was a big factor in the 2016 season, but that shouldn’t be a worry for fans anymore since UGA signed five guys over 6’4” and 300 pounds. Stand out five-star offensive tackle Isaiah Wilson from Brooklyn coming in at 6’8” and 350 pounds being one of them. That adds a couple more seconds for Eason to stand in the pocket and make some bigger holes for Chubb and Michel.

Opening the season against Appalachian State on Sept. 2 shouldn’t be that hard, and having a reasonable schedule this year is also a plus for the Bulldogs. Away games at Notre Dame, Tennessee, and Auburn will be interesting, but they have the best schedule to make it to the SEC championship this year. Considering that UGA beats Florida and that Tennessee loses a lot of games, 2017 could be the year Georgia takes control of the East.

PASS YDs

2016 Averages

WR Isaiah McKenzie

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

91

Deondre Franciois - QB JR - 6’2” 205

2016 RECORD

10-3

acc

TEAM STATISTICS

Written by: Courtney Wagner As a Florida State University alumnus, there is nothing I love more than my school and our football team. Having attended the university during the 2014 national championship is enough to make you bleed garnet and have a heart of gold, not to mention that beating Miami and Florida the past four seasons in a row has just been the cherry on top.

Now what I am most looking forward to is the upcoming 2017-18 season with the home opener against the Alabama Crimson Tide and breaking in the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Georgia.

“I think they can play with anybody right now, to be honest with you,” Bobby Bowden, legendary FSU coach, said via AL.com regarding the matchup with Alabama. “I think he’ll have a real good football team. Jimbo coached with Nick Saban for a long time. He knows him like a book. Saban knows him like a book.

They’re both from West Virginia. I’ll be shocked if it’s not a great game.”

It is the first time since 2014 the Noles will have a clear answer on who the starting quarterback will be – Deondre Francois. Last season after passing 3,350 yards and adding 20 touchdowns, Francois will have even bigger aspirations to fill this season. Serving as a dual-threat quarterback and getting seasoned as a redshirt freshman has allowed him to come back confident and composed. The key to his success will revolve around a dependable offensive line.

While replacing Dalvin Cook is impossible, the Noles did the next best thing and will give Jacques Patrick a crack as the starting running

back with an average of 5.7 yards per carry last season. But, five-star RB recruit Cam Akers is a high-profile force to be reckoned with as well and is looking to make his impact with this Noles offense.

Florida State’s defense is what helped win them a national title and will serve as the backbone to their success this season. With eight out of nine experienced, leading tacklers returning this season, the team will be more confident than ever and lead by linebacker Matthew Thomas and defensive back Tarvarus McFadden. After overcoming a knee injury, the Noles defense will again be rejoined by their All-American safety, Derwin James, not to mention the 6-ft-1, 312 pound beauty of a nose guard, Derrick Nnadi, adding to the depth.

The strength of the Noles defense, combined with the skill and composure of Francois, while being coached under Jumbo Fisher is not a team to be taken lightly. Yes, you can bet I am predicting them to be the 2018 national champions.

264.1 Pass YDs P/G

202.3 RUSH YDs P/G

PASS COMP.

ACC RECORD

58%

5-3

SEPT

SEPT

9

16

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

NOV

NOV

NOV

2

27

21

College Football Preseason Rankings

'17

92

2016 Averages

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

1 ALABAMA

4

OHIO STATE

2

23

11

30

18

3 FLORIDA STATE

14

25

USC

4

Jordan Scarlett - RB SO - 5’10” 213

2016 RECORD

9-4

sec

TEAM STATISTICS 2016 Averages

215.7 Pass YDs P/G

128.2 Rush YDs P/G

PASS COMP.

58%

SEC RECORD

6-2

311

Points Scored

218

Points Allowed

5 OKLAHOMA STATE

CLEMSON

6

7 LSU

This season is a big one for the Florida Gators and head coach Jim McElwain. McElwain, a former Nick Sabin Alabama offensive coordinator, has had trouble the past couple of years when running into his old boss in the SEC championship game.

Winning the East and going to the SEC championship is an accomplishment alone. The issue with that is many believe it was with the Gators’ great defense that Will Mushchamp, former Gator head coach, recruited.

With most of those players graduated now, it is time for McElwain to show the gators his offensive expertise. Every season the Gators have had a new quarterback from Treon Harris to Luke Del Rio to now the transfer from Notre Dame Malik Zaire.

McElwain has not shown the Gator fans his recruits yet, and it has his fan base questioning him as the head guy. With Zaire most likely winning the starting job over redshirt freshman Filipe Franks, this marks the third first-year quarterback in a row for the gators. Their savior on offense, Antonio Callaway, is potentially the best wide receiver this year. If he and the quarterback can get on the same page early in the season, the Gators will be back in Atlanta.

The defense seems a bit young with players such as Duke Dawson and Chauncy Gardner, who have to fill the shoes of Teez Tabor and Quincy Wilson, who left for the NFL. The defense hopes to still be a force to be reckoned with in the SEC because the last three years were their team’s identity.

Starting the season against Michigan will be an early test for the Gators. Other key games that the Gators have to deal with are Georgia and here in Jacksonville with young quarterback Jacob Eason and running back Nick Chubb returning to the Bulldog roster. You also can never count out the big rival at the end of the season, Florida State, who has had the Gators' number the last couple of years. The Seminoles have star quarterback Deondre Francois leading them into the swamp this season on Nov. 25. Every game is a big one for the 2016-17 Gators, and it all starts on Sept. 2.

OKLAHOMA

8

9 WASHINGTON

SEPT

2

SEPT

SEPT

9

SEPT

16

23

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

NOV

NOV

NOV

30

14

4

18

7

28

11

25

AUBURN

10

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

93

FAMILY MATTERS: A Valwood Junior Lineman’s Drive to Succeed Written by: Lambert Bales Photography by: Micki K. Photography

It did not take long for Ashton Moorman to become exposed to football. The Valwood junior center has been a regular at Georgia Bulldog home games since he was 6 months old. By the time he was 5 he was playing organized ball at the local YMCA. As Moorman begins to enter his junior campaign with the Valiants, he wants to build upon a semifinal finish in the 2016 GISA state playoffs and All-Region honorable mention.

“My goal before I leave Valwood is to win at least one more state championship and a couple more region titles,” Moorman said.

Not just striving for greatness on the field, the junior lineman is also a standout in the classroom and in the community. Boasting a 3.97 GPA while taking

all honors and advanced placement classes at the school, Moorman takes his academics very seriously.

His activity within Valdosta and the surrounding area is prevalent as well. A member of both the Valwood Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Young Life, Moorman not only participates, but he leads.

“Something very important to me is my religion,” he said. “I always talk about the word and have good bible studies. FCA is student led, so I make sure I’m always having a lesson within a couple weeks from teaching it. I just enjoy going out and listening to the word every week.”

In addition to his service in Valdosta, Moorman also volunteers with the Salvation Army in Fitzgerald whenever he has the chance.

“My goal before I leave Valwood is to win at least one more state championship and a couple more region titles.”

— Ashton Moorman 94

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

“I want to be a good role model,” he said. “I really like to make people happy, and whenever I inspire somebody or try to lead them to the good road it always makes me feel better inside. It’s really fun to be good to people.

If you help them out, they’ll help you out.

And I want to make everybody happy.”

When asked about the motivating factor behind all his success on the gridiron, in the classroom, and within the neighborhood, the answer was inspiring.

“What drives me are my parents and my future family,” he said. “My parents, as well as my grandfather, have been amazing role models.

From my dad working hard every day without

complaining to my mom making sure we are taken care of at home. They also instilled great morals in me and my brothers.”

Moorman: continued by adding, “I want to make sure that my kids and wife live the best possible life they can have. I want them to have every opportunity that I have and even better. For them to have all that, I have to work hard to provide it.”

Truly a high schooler who is mature beyond his years, he understands that sacrifice is instrumental in attaining those goals.

“The hardest thing I’ve had to sacrifice has been my social life,” he said. “Many times, I’ve picked football practice and studying over hanging out and going to parties. I realized that I’m going to love my kids a

lot more than a couple of parties or Wild Adventures trips I miss. And I’m willing to sacrifice myself for my future family.”

As Moorman finishes his last two years at Valwood, he is already looking to keep the family tradition of attending the University of Georgia going with aspirations of one day working in the medical field. He wants to leave a legacy at Valwood.

“I want people to remember a man, that whenever he faces a challenge not only did he overcome it but he stuck with a good character,” he said. “He had good morals, he helped people, and he did the job. He always did what he was supposed to do and more.”

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IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

95

A FOOTBALL LIFE

Moorman’s high school football career began with quick success as Valwood ended the 2015 campaign as state champions. He credited that experience to the 2016 senior class.

“It was insane,” he said. “The group of seniors I had were nice and helpful. All throughout the season they were great friends. If we needed help with plays, they would explain it to us. I just appreciate everything they did for us as a team.”

He continued by saying: “They showed us what football is and what it’s about. I was so happy for them to win the championship after all the pain, sweat, and tears shed for weeks and months. It all became worth it.”

That season did see the lineman thrown right into the deep end during a region game. When the Valiants’ senior center went down with an injury, it was Moorman who had to answer the call.

“I had to snap for about 15 minutes before because I was so scared and nervous,” he said. “But after the first couple of plays, I felt back to normal. There’s so much adrenaline and electricity running through me I had never felt before; it was crazy. I just went out there and did my best.

If I messed up, I was going to fix my mistake. But I did not have one bad snap that game.”

This 2016 season was a year of change and was met with a lot of

doubt from outsiders. Now starting with a completely new line of sophomores dubbed the “Dream Team” by the seniors before, Moorman knew that he and his fellow classmates had to step up in a big way.

“It was live or die, and we decided to live,” he said.

“We made it to the semifinals and won our region.

That bond became strong, and we were together through thick and thin. Through bad times and even more bad times, but we stuck with it.”

Moorman not only credits coach Ashley Henderson for putting the team in position to succeed thanks to strong mental toughness, but also the strength and conditioning coach Austin Grant for getting them physically ready.

BECOMING A LEADER A leader in the community and a leader on the field, Moorman attributes many people for that quality. In addition to playing football, he also is a member of the wrestling team and admittedly doesn’t do it for the enjoyment of the sport.

“While I don’t like it, it makes me better,” he said. “It puts me through so much, and that individual aspect makes me think more and become a leader by making your own actions. I want to thank Gahnon Byington, Justin Fusco, and Cam Naville for helping me into the wrestler I am today.”

It comes as no surprise that his favorite athlete is Brock Lesnar, a professional wrestler who has battled doubt and adversity to reach the pinnacle.

“I like his mentality,” Moorman said. “He says he wants to conquer everything, and anything in his way he wants to take down. That’s how I approach things. Whoever is in my way, I’m going to give you my best shot.”

Probably one of his biggest influencers was former teammate Jack Helms. “He was one of the seniors on the championship team, and I don’t think he ever spit out a negative comment in his football career,” Moorman said. ”We could be losing 40-0, and he’d still go up and down the sidelines and motivate. I try to be as positive I can be while still making a statement.”

FAS T BREAK

The Year of the Quarterback: Year Two

Written by: Jon Nelson

Okay, so I admit it… last year was touted as one of the top years in the state of Georgia for quarterback play and there were a lot of…

Sorry… proper emphasis needed…

“A LOT…” of quality passers hanging around the highlight reels of many sportscasts over the weekends in the 2016 season…

But could 2017 be as good, if not better for the lot of us to follow as they figure out where they’re going to play at the next level…?

Think so…? That’s what I thought you’d say…

Obviously, everything starts with Cartersville QB Trevor Lawrence and his numbers are staggering. But there are instances where, in his junior season, he tried at times to put a ball into a window that was too tight and bad things happened… just like Woody Hayes said it would when you put the ball in the air.

But the Purple Hurricanes are chasing another state title under head coach Joey King and Lawrence.

Cartersville starts their year with Bartram

Trail out of Florida and they’re off and running…

Another West Georgia quarterback gets his first taste of television in the first game of a doubleheader, on that very same field as Heard County’s Emory Jones gets Saraland out of Alabama earlier that afternoon at Weinman Stadium. Head Coach Tim Barron has a national top-25 QB in Jones who is already declared to Ohio State as the Braves look to improve their 7-4 record from 2016.

Two QB’s out of Cobb County will be getting some deep looks all season long as well as Harrison’s Justin Fields and Marietta High sophomore Harrison Bailey…

Yes, I said “sophomore…”

Bailey, already as a Class of 2020 QB, has offers from Miami, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee. He is carrying a 3.7 GPA and as a 9th grader…

Wait…

Proper emphasis needed one more time…

AS A 9TH GRADER… threw over 2,800 yards and had a touchdownto-INT ration of 3:1 (21:7)

You can see why expectations are high at a new Northcutt Stadium…

I digress. Back to the seniors…

Fields is in some of those ranking systems (should you believe those things) as a higher prospect than Lawrence- because of his “dual athlete” designation.

Only 41 schools are interested in Fields right now…

You’ll also get looks at senior athletes like: Jarren Williams at Central Gwinnett- also listed as a “dual threat” currently declared to Kentucky.

Cade Fortin of North Gwinnettcurrently declared to Texas A&M. Fitzgerald’s James Graham- also a dual threat that has twenty schools or so peeking in on him from time to time…

Northwest Whitfield’s Luke Shiflett- currently declared to Middle Tennessee State.

Roswell’s Cordell Littlejohn- who has ten schools looking at his duality…

Taylor County’s Gunnar Watson- declared to Troy.

Colquitt County’s

Steven Krajewski- an understudy last year, who is getting his chance this season to run Rush Propst’s ship in Moultrie as a pro-style quarterback.

And that’s a short list of student-athletes who are in the top-100 at their position coming into the season… Of the top-100 quarterbacks in the country, 10-percent of them are playing their 2017 season in the state of Georgia.

That says something…

Frankly, I have always thought it said something…

When you look at the state of Georgia, if you don’t regard it as a top-five state for talent across the board, I think your evaluation board is heavily flawed. When you go to your games this season, keep an eye on all the different flavored golf shirts you’ll see on the sidelines. It’s a whole lot different than just five years ago, really…

Student-athletes are signing letters of intent for schools and conferences from one end of the country to the other.

Name a conference, and I can guarantee you that

a Georgia player was a highly-profiled signing there. And, by the time we’re done, if those athletes stay healthy and play their trade they have the chance to show some very interesting home towns on graphics for Saturday television broadcasts…

And that’s what makes this state as special as any other when it comes to its talent on high school football weekends…

The chance to see a student-athlete, regardless of town size or position, get a chance at the next level to reinforce what turns heads on a weekly basis…

Look at the 2018 list again and what do you see…?

Cartersville, Franklin, Kennesaw, Lawrenceville, Suwanee, Fitzgerald, Tunnel Hill, Roswell, Butler, and Moultrie…

That should make us all proud of our towns, teams, schools, teachers, and parents as another season starts and optimism begins again for over 400 schools…

Play it safe everyone, I’ll be watching…

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

97

Harris County Tigers

TIGERS HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR OFFENSIVE LINE

Written by: Beth Welch Photography by: George McDuffie

Highlights

T

3-7

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Tiger Stadium Hamilton, GA

0-4

Who To Watch Connor Wills Riqueito Leonard IV Cal’von Harris Trevon Hudson Anthony Wortham

position OL WR RB DB OLB

Head Coach: Zac Howard

204

Points Scored

298

Points Allowed

Team Leaders Jordan Griffin Cal’von Harris Tank Adams

2016 STATS leading passer Yards: 1,230 leading rusher Yards: 697 leading receiver

Total Touchdowns:5

Region 1 - 5A 5 Home | 5 Away 2017 SCHEDULE 8/17 8/25 8/31 9/8 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/13 10/27 11/3

he 2016 football season started out well for Harris County High School, but the Tigers hit a major bump in the road after the third game. Their 3-7 record (0-4 region) was disappointing for first year head coach Zac Howard and his team.

“Played well at the beginning of the season 3-1,” Howard said. “Hit an injury bug and never could recover. Didn’t have many D-linemen, forced to run a 3-man front. Should be able to return to a 4-man this season.”

Football is a big high school sport just about everywhere these days. Friday night lights in Harris County, however, have a special meaning for residents and fans. The Tigers have a huge fan base and draw big crowds. The school is the only high school in the large Georgia county and everyone comes out to support their home team.

Loyalty runs both ways. There is an unspoken sense of responsibility for the local team to give the Tiger Nation a good game to watch each week. The 2017 season is looking more likely to produce such games.

The Tigers will be returning six offensive starters. Only one offensive position was lost from last season. According to Howard, there are high expectations for that group of players. Among those athletes is Cal’von Harris, the 2016 team leader in rushing. Harris, 6’0” and 200 pounds, had 103 carries for a total of 697 yards. The running back is a top college prospect for the Tigers as well.

He is joined by Connor Wills (OL), Landon Kirk (OL), James Moore (OL), Chris Hardaway (OL), and Queito Leonard (WR) as the returning starters on offense.

Five defensive players will be returning starters, too. Trevon Hudson (DB), 5’11” and 170 pounds, is one of the, quickest players on the team. A top college prospect for the Tigers, Hudson can run the 40-yard dash in 4.3 seconds and is returning along with A.K. Wortham (LB), Cayde Anderson (DL), Cohen Perry (LB), and Eric Conley (DL).

Even among these bright stars, there is a little shadow cast on this year’s team. Howard saidthe team’s greatest weakness is being “very undersized.” He sees a need for some leaders to take charge this season. A staffing change may be the catalyst to get the team going that way, but he is cautious about the process.

“New D.C. and WR coach,” he said. “We’ll have to start slow on defense to make sure the system and terminology is well understood.”

After one year as head of the Tigers football program, Howard is better able to develop a coaching philosophy for his team and set goals for the coming year. For the offense, as simple as it sounds, outscore the other team. He has been coaching for over 15 years but says, “Football has become an offensive game with up-tempo styles and the advancement of RPOs (run/pass options).” His defensive strategy is “bend but don’t break.”

For 2017, Howard wants to simplify the system, keep the pace of practice fast, and be more disciplined on the field. The biggest challenge facing his team involves adjusting to the new defensive coordinator and changing defensive systems again.

Last year may be in the record books, but it doesn’t mean Howard and his team can’t still learn from the 2016 season. Hard lessons often bring about the greatest change.

“We need to understand that a ‘coach led’ team can only carry you so far,” Howard said. “A ‘player led’ team has the possibility to carry you the distance.”

Discipline is key to Howard’s program at Harris County. His players work all year on strength training, conditioning, and footwork drills. He holds them accountable for attending practices, being punctual, and making good grades. There are study halls every Wednesday during the season, and he gets grade reports on his athletes every four weeks. He knows a team can play a good game; but one day the whistle blows, and it’s all over.

“My main goal is for them to grow up to become great husbands and fathers,” he said.

Carver, Columbus @ Hardaway Shaw @ Perry @ Callaway Worth County @ Warner Robins Veterans @ Bainbridge Thomas Co. Central Returning Offenisve Starters: 6

98

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Returning Defensive Starters: 5

CARVER STARTING OVER…AGAIN

carver tigers

Written by: Beth Welch

Highlights

7-5

Head Coach:

S

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Columbus, GA

Region 1 - 4A

5-2

Who to Watch Jacolbi Cunningham Andrew Ogletree Justin Swain Xaihyr Jacobs Tomas Cook

Returning Offenisve Starters: 5

Returning Defensive Starters: 7

Calvin Arnold

position WR DT RB QB DE

2017 SCHEDULE

ometimes gaining a reputation for winning and being known as a local powerhouse in a sport can have unintended consequences. Mainly, expectations run high, and when those expectations aren’t met, change in management happens.

For years Carver High School was known for its outstanding football program. Great athletes left the Tigers’ playing field to continue their prowess on college campuses across the country. Some of those have made a name for themselves as professional football players.

Back in Columbus, Carver’s football program gained a new head coach in 2013. The next three seasons produced winning records, but the Tigers were unable to bring home a state championship trophy. In 2015, Joseph Kegler resigned as head coach, and after a bit of drama and coach shuffling, Dre’Mail King was promoted from an assistant coach position to head coach. King’s 2016 record was good, 7-5 (5-2 region), but apparently not good enough. In December 2016, Carver officials announced King was out and Calvin Arnold was in as head football coach.

Arnold is a Columbus native and coached the defensive line at Carver in 2006. For three seasons, 201214, Arnold was the head football coach at Spencer High School. He produced a 9-21 record there, and his teams didn’t make the playoffs.

Now back at Carver, Arnold will have a chance to develop the 85-player football program into an elite unit again. His 2017 team will be missing some notable names like Romello Kimbrough, U.S. Beasley, Cameron Jessie, and Jacolbie Hatchett. However, there are seasoned veterans on the squad who have weathered the ups and downs and are back to play.

One of the leading college prospects on this year’s Carver team is quarterback Xaihyr Jacobs. The senior split time last season with Romello Kimbrough, who transferred from Jordan High School to play at Carver.

This year Jacobs has the job all to himself, and he should be a leader for the Tigers. Jacobs is intelligent (3.8 GPA), fast (runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds), and at 6’2” and 200 pounds is a natural athlete.

Helping on offense will be returning starter Justin Swain (RB). The senior is 5’11” and 230 pounds, and already has people talking. Jacolbi Cunningham (WR), 5’8” and 165 pounds, is probably the fastest player on the team, clocking a time of 4.4 in the 40.

Carver has been known for having a formidable defense, and this season should be no exception. College prospects Andrew Ogletree (DT), 6’4” and 260 pound, Joseph Jones (DE), 6’4” and 230 pounds, Thomas Cook (DE), 6’6” and 230 pounds, and Emanuel Reed (L), 6’2” and 225 pounds, will be Arnold’s anchors on defense.

The new coach said his coaching philosophy for the 2017 team will be to control the clock and score when in the red zone for offense. He will rely a lot on his defense this season, Carver’s greatest strength according to him, and wants his players to create turnovers and put the offense in great field position.

There is a new offensive coordinator on staff and a few other coaching additions, but Arnold is definitely in charge and geared up for the season. He has set simple goals for this fall, and those goals sound like what the Tigers’ teams of the past made happen. First, win the region. Second, go deep in the playoffs. And third, have a better win total than last year.

Carver enjoys a very loyal fan base. The Tiger Nation is known to turn out in force for games and several generations of former athletes and fans can often be found tailgating before games or sitting in the stands.

The school enjoys the reputation of having more athletes play in Super Bowl games than any other school in the area.

Those glory days may be on the way again for the Tigers, but everything starts all over again on Aug. 18 when Arnold’s team travels up the road to face Harris County High School. The new coach has some expectations of his own for this season.

“I expect this team to compete every game as if it were their last game,” he said.

8/18 8/25 9/1 9/15 9/22 9/28 10/13 10/20 10/28 11/3

@ @ @ @

Harris County Spencer Douglas County Northside, Columbus Westover @ Shaw Cairo Columbus Hardaway @ Americus-Sumter

4 Home | 6 Away Points Scored: 312 Points Allowed: 225

Team Leaders

2016 STATS

Romello Kimbrough

leading passer

Cameron Jessie

Yards: 750 leading rusher Yards: 1756 leading receiver

U.S. Beasley

Yards: 450 leading tackler

RJ Cummings Jacolbie Hatchett

Total Tackles: 145 leading interceptions Total Interceptions:5

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

99

columbus Blue Devils

OLD SCHOOL APPROACH HASN’T GONE OUT OF STYLE

Written by: Beth Welch Photography by: George McDuffie

Phil Marino

Head Coach

3-7

2016 District Record

Stadium Name: Kinnett/Memorial Stadium Columbus, GA

2016 Overall Record

Highlights

2-5

Points Scored: 232 Points Allowed: 265

T

Who to Watch Caleb Bailey Phillips Adams Mikail Albritton Tavian Edwards

position QB DE NG RB

2017 SCHEDULE 8/26 9/1 9/8 9/14 9/22 9/29 10/13 10/20 10/28 11/3

100

@ @ @ @

Jordan Upson-Lee Callaway Shaw Hardaway @ Northside, Columbus Westover Carver, Columbus Americus-Sumter @ Cairo

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

alk to Columbus High School head football coach Phil Marino for any length of time about the sport, and it becomes apparent he has an “old school” approach to coaching. With 35 years of coaching experience, eight at CHS, Marino has a simple style that has served him and his teams well. One of the telling factors about Marino’s old school philosophy is he takes responsibility for his team’s failures and gives them the credit for success.

Last season the Blue Devils posted a disappointing 3-7 record, 2-5 in the region. Many of the losses were close, and some were the result of too many mistakes. Marino is honest about the season and lays the blame squarely on his shoulders.

“We were competitive in every game but one,” he said. “Our 3-7 record could have been 7-3. Too many interceptions in key moments in three games. Too many penalties per game. I need to do a better job of preparing my team and finish close games.”

There is good news/bad news about the Blue Devils’ 2017 football season. The bad news is the offensive line lost three four-year starters and there are just three returning offensive starters. There is also concern over depth at the running back position. Another problem to contend with is the loss of the line backer coach, which is significant, according to Marino.

The good news is the Blue Devils will have skill position players with experience and six returning defensive starters who Marino described as “quick and athletic.” Also, one of the team’s returning starters is Caleb Bailey, who was the Blue Devils’ leading passer last season.

The 5’5”, 140 pound quarterback/running back completed 42 passes out of 108 attempts for 730 yards last fall. He should be a leader in Marino’s program in 2017.

Philip Adams (DE/DT) is a college prospect for Columbus and will be a returning starter.

Adams, 6’6” and 235 pounds, shares the top academic spot on the team with Josh Scarborough (WR/DB) and Bayard Taylor (OL/DL). All three young men currently hold 4.0 GPAs. Nolan Jefferson (LB) and Rhett Griner (LB) come in a close second with GPAs of 3.95. Chris Brown (WR/S) and Darius Hill (slot/DB) round out the list with 3.65 GPA’s. Marino noted that at least 15 other athletes on his team have at least a 3.6 GPA. Other returning starters for the Blue Devils are Mikail Albritton (NG/LB), Brent Epps (OL/ DL), Jordan Geter (WR/DB), Brandon Vaughn (OL/DL), Mike Ramsey (WR/DB), and Tavian Edwards (RB/LB).

A need to improve from last season is foremost on Marino’s mind. His plan is to continue to implement his coaching philosophy on offense (multiple offenses) and defense (quick, aggressive play) but also to work on not making the same mistakes that proved ruinous in several close games. To do that, Marino said turnovers and penalties need to decrease and the Blue Devils need to score on a more consistent basis.

Coming back from a losing season might seem to call for lower expectations in 2017.

Marino is old school enough that he doesn’t lower the bar for his program regardless of wins and losses. His goals for this season are win the state, win the region, and be competitive.

Fan and community support is important at any school, but Marino feels the Blue Devils have the “best student body in the state.” That can provide some motivation for a successful season, but if players are looking to Marino to help in that area, they are going to be disappointed.

“If I need to motivate them, they’re playing the wrong sport,” he said. “That goes for any sport. A little old school thinking.”

If Columbus can hold the penalties and turnovers to a minimum this season while taking opportunities to score more often, they should have a good run. A man of few words when it comes to the obvious, Marino’s expectations for 2017 are simple: “Win.”

region 1-4a 5 Home | 5 Away

Returning Offenisve Starters: 3

Returning Defensive Starters: 6

HAWKS SEEK TO IMPROVE ON FIRST WINNING SEASON SINCE 2010 Written by: Beth Welch

Highlights

5-4

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Kinnett/Memorial Stadium Columbus, GA

3-4

Who To Watch Dominique Ford Marco Lee Clyde Albright Ja’Ron Early Monthedio Salas

position QB RB LB RB DB

Head Coach: Michael Woolridge Points Scored

181 227

Points Allowed

Team Leaders Marco Lee

2016 STATS leading rusher

Dominique Ford Jakobee Ellerbee Jakobee Ellerbee Clyde Albright

Yards: 836 leading passer Yards: 277 leading receiver Yards: 106 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns:7 leading tackler Total Tackles: 77

2017 SCHEDULE 8/17 8/26 9/1 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/12 10/19 10/28 11/3

@ Troup Harris County @ Lee County @ Cairo Columbus @ Westover @ Northside, Columbus Americus-Sumter @ Carver, Columbus Shaw

hardaway hawks

N

ew coaches often get a little “grace” when it comes to their first year with a team.

Enthusiasm and excitement accompanies new management, but most fans just hope for improvement.

Maybe someone should have clued Hardaway High School’s head football coach Michael Woolridge in on that little fact. Instead of taking stock and allowing for a getting-acquainted season, the new coach and his staff hit the ground running.

The 2016 football season turned out to be the first winning season, 5-4, for the Hawks since 2010.

Woolridge had been an assistant football coach for two years prior to his promotion to the head of Hardaway’s football program, his first job as a head coach. Last year brought a lot of new faces to the sidelines of teams in the Chattahoochee Valley, but most of those new coaches had head coaching experience on their resumes.

Woolridge was not intimidated, however, for several reasons. One, he is a Hardaway alumni and therefore at home there. Two, over the years he had either played for or coached with good coaches who taught him the game and leadership skills. And three, Woolridge put together a staff who helped his team buy into the idea that a tradition of winning was possible at Hardaway again.

It was a learning season for sure, but highlights included leading rusher, running back Marco Lee carrying the ball 131 times for a total of 836 yards. The Hawks’ leading receiver was JaKobe Ellerbee with nine receptions for 106 yards and six touchdowns. Hardaway’s quarterback, Dominque Ford, was the team’s leading passer with 29 completions out of 66 attempts for 277 yards. Leading the defense in tackles was linebacker Clyde Albright with 77. Antonio Campbell snagged six interceptions on the season for the Hawks.

The good news for Hardaway: Lee, Ford, and Albright are returning this season. All three are considered college prospects along with DB Courtland Dixon, LB Adrian Dunham Jr., OL Cedric Lockhart, DB Monthedio Salas, WR/DB Jahkari Thomas, LB/TE Dylan Kolath, and K/P Freddy Zamudio. Four of those athletes, Zamudio, Albright, Dixon, and Kolath, also made the top academic players list for Hardaway. Kelvin Usher leads that list with a 3.8 GPA. Of the 70 players suiting up for the Hawks this season, six will be returning offensive starters, and five are defensive starters. Woolridge says he is preaching to his team to not become content with last year’s record or complacent about the road ahead.

“We are not hanging our hat on mediocrity,” Woolridge said. “Sure, we like having a winning record, but we expect and will put in the work to gain much more.”

When asked about a team’s weakness, most coaches cite deficiencies in positions or lack of experienced players, etc. Woolridge sees his team’s weakness as needing to focus more on classroom performance. He feels if emphasis is placed on improving in the classroom, those efforts will transition to the football field.

To that end, rising seniors must sign up for the SAT/ACT and NCAA eligibility center by the end of the junior season. Woolridge said he wants his athletes to have a plan for post-secondary options.

His 2017 goals include a team GPA of 2.8; to make the playoffs, and for his senior players to have entered into military service, post-secondary education, or job placement three months after graduation.

After one year at the helm of his program, Woolridge’s philosophy for his offense and defense hasn’t changed much. He wants his players to run the football effectively and efficiently.

The defense needs to stop the run and get off the field on third down.

Improvement plans include spreading out a little more offensively and giving playmakers a chance to have the ball more while hopefully continuing with the kind of running game they had the last half of the season. On the defensive side, the Hawks had problems with getting off the field on third downs. Woolridge wants fewer struggles in that area.

Not many coaching changes, but one worth mentioning is the Hawks have acquired Del Ray Stevens to coach outside linebackers. Stevens was a member of the coaching staff for the 2007 Carver High School state championship team.

Perhaps Woolridge’s greatest accomplishment so far with his program is also what he sees as the team’s greatest strength.

“We are a family,” he said. “We look after each other like brothers. There is a genuine cohesive bond between the players. This unity will aid us in taking a step to the next level this season.”

region 1-4a

4 Home | 6 Away

Returning Offenisve Starters: 6

Returning Defensive Starters: 5

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

101

PATRIOTS LOOKING FOR 4TH PLAYOFF TRIP

northside patriots

Written by:Beth Welch

Team Leaders Carson Parker

leading rusher

Bryce Valero

leading passer

Quincy Brown Caleb Johnson

102

2016 STATS Yards: 541

Region 1 - 4A Returning Offenisve Starters: 4

Yards: 1432

leading receiver

Yards: 658

Returning Defensive Starters: 5

leading tackler

Total Tackles: 113

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

2016 Overall Record

Highlights

6-5

2016 District Record

L

ast year was a pretty good year for the Northside High School football team. Their 6-5 season record (4-3 region) included a third consecutive trip to the playoffs and drew attention to several key Patriots players who were 2016 college prospects.

Northside is the newest and largest of the eight Columbus high schools in the Muscogee County School District. Their first football team was fielded in 2004, and Morgan Ingram took over the reins of the football program in time for the 2012 season.

Although athletic talent is spread out among the many high schools in the Columbus Valley area, Northside had some very notable players last season. Carson Parker was the team’s 2016 leading rusher while David Apiag and Cordale Scott both scored six touchdowns for the Patriots during the season. Their contributions aided the Patriots’ success as did the kicking prowess of Nathan Robertson. These players were among the 22 seniors, including 17 starters, who graduated at the end of the 2016-17 school year and whose positions will need to be replaced this fall.

Some shining stars will be returning this season and are figured to be key players for Ingram’s 2017 team. One such athlete sure to make an impact is wide receiver Quincy Brown. A top college prospect for Northside, Brown is 5’11” and 175 pound. of action. He runs the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds and had 26 receptions last fall for a total of 658 yards.

There is a lot of talk about returning starter Caleb Johnson (DL/LB), who at 6’4” and 245 pounds. was Northside’s leading tackler with 113 on the season and two interceptions. Johnson, listed on several recruiting websites, has been scouted by many teams in the ACC and SEC, but had not made a commitment prior to football season. The impressive two-sport athlete had a breakout season last year and is looking to be a game changer for the Patriots in 2017.

Other top prospects include Talon Gamble (DL), 5’11” and 175 pounds, Ka’Shawn Robinson (LB), 5’10” and 245 pounds, and Delray Stephens (DB), 5’10” and 170 lbs. Stephens also made the list of Northside’s top academic players with a 4.0 GPA. Frederick Davis (RB) is listed as having a 4.25 GPA, but the honor of having the highest GPA on the team goes to Martell Robinson (WR) with a 4.3 GPA. Rounding out the list of returning starters is Jason Webb (OL), 6’1” and 270 pounds, and Jimmy Randazza (TE), 6’3” and 245 pounds.

Losing so many seniors who provided leadership and ability is difficult. Experience may be the greatest weakness for the 2017 season, but the Patriots try to combat that issue proactively.

“We felt like last year was very successful,” Ingram said. “We were able to play a lot of younger kids to give us experience going into this year.”

One of those younger athletes, Chandler Blanton, will be stepping up to take over the role of starting quarterback. It was a late substitution for the Patriots, but the coaching staff has a lot of confidence in the sophomore player who quarterbacked the junior varsity team last year.

After a few seasons, Ingram hasn’t changed his philosophy of coaching. He likes a high tempo offense and a high pressure defense. Ingram’s goals for the season pretty much stay the same, too. He wants his players to play as a true team, contend for a region championship, and make a playoff run.

Teamwork isn’t a cliché for Ingram. The Northside coach feels working as a team is key for success.

“We have designed our offseason workout to improve leadership and to learn to work with the team concept,” he said. “That has been our message since early January.”

There will be one less coach on Ingram’s staff this fall. Longtime coach John Drew retired from coaching ,and Ingram has not named anyone to succeed him. Northside’s coach has worked on a staffing formula as intently as any game plan. Now in his fifth season as head of the Patriots, Ingram thinks he has got the right mix to help lead Northside to success.

“The biggest and best difference since I took over is the football coaching staff,” he said. “We have a very strong staff, and I have been able to delegate a lot of duties because I trust they will be done the way I want. This has allowed me the time to focus on other areas of our overall program.”

The Patriots open their season against Kendrick High School.

4-3

255 272

Points Scored Points Allowed

Head Coach: Morgan Ingram

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 8/31 9/8 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/12 10/19 10/27 11/3

@ Kendrick @ Spencer Jordan Carver, Columbus @ Americus-Sumter @ Columbus Hardaway Shaw Cairo @ Westover

5 Home | 5 Away Who To Watch Quincy Brown Talon Gamble Caleb Johnson Fredrick Davis Delray Stephens

position WR DL DL/LB RB DB

YOUNG TEAM HAS MORE EXPERIENCE FOR 2017 SEASON

Written by: Beth Welch Photography by: George McDuffie

shaw raiders

Highlights

1-9

Columbus, GA

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium: Kinnett Stadium

0-7

Who To Watch Andre Lacy Bryant Knight Marcus Newsome Elisha Ammi

position WR/DB OL/DL RB/OLB WR/DB

Head Coach: Al Pellegrino

144

Points Scored Points Allowed

2017 SCHEDULE 8/26 9/1 9/8 9/14 9/22 9/28 10/13 10/19 10/26 11/3

@ @ @ @ @

Upson-Lee Kendrick Harris County Columbus Cairo Carver, Columbus Americus-Sumter Northside, Columbus Westover Hardaway

5 Home | 5 Away Region 1 - 4A Returning Offenisve Starters: 5

331

T

urnovers don’t just happen in football. They seem to be happening to coaching staffs with a lot more frequency these days, and often those turnovers are just as hard to overcome as the ones on a playing field.

Shaw High School has experienced a few turnovers in football coaches the past few years.

During the last school year, former Raiders coach Chuck Stamey resigned from the position of head football coach after two seasons. Shaw’s athletic director, Al Pellegrino, was named as his replacement, and Pellegrino immediately went to work revising the football program.

Pellegrino comes to the position with 27 years of coaching experience. He has 76 athletes in the Shaw program with five returning offensive starters and five returning defensive starters.

Last year’s 1-9 record, including no region wins, sets up a 2017 season of possibilities for the Raiders. Pellegrino was an assistant coach prior to being named the head coach. He saw firsthand the toll a losing season takes on a team, but he also has reason to be optimistic.

“Last year was not a successful year, but we were able to get some players time on the field,” he said.

The Raiders went into the 2016 season a very young team. There were some standout athletes on the team like senior Nick Beason, who was the leading rusher, and Andrew Tillery, who led the team in passing. Elisha Ammi, 6’2 and 178 pounds, led the team in receptions.

The WR/DB will return this fall and should be a player to watch.

Other players with college playing potential are Bryant Knight (OL/DL), 5’10” and 280 pounds, Daejon Lovett (RB/OLB), 5’11” and 180 pounds, Andre Lacy (WR/DB) 5’7” and 150 pounds, TJ Mitchell (WR/DB) 6’4” and 190 lbs., TJ Harvey (Long snapper) 5’10” and 185 lbs., and Marcus Newsome (RB/OLB) 5’8” and 190 lbs. Knight also holds the title of top academic player on the team with a 3.9 GPA. Pellegrino knows that being the third head coach in four years at Shaw certainly brings its own set of challenges. A new system for players to learn should be helped along by the new coaching staff Pellegrino has put together for the 2017 season.

Joining Pellegrino will be Parise Bailey, Derrick Bowen, Daniel Burnette, Tommy Casciaro, William Maben, Scott Meadows, Juan Pickett, Obie Watkins, and Terry White.

Pellegrino expects his team to be competitive and disciplined even though the Raiders will have major changes in store from a coaching standpoint. He likes a basic and simple offense that he said will be complex enough to keep opponents off balance. Pellegrino favors a defense that has multiple fronts.

While other coaches will define their seasons as winning by posting a higher number of wins than losses, Pellegrino is practical in his approach for his first year as being captain of the ship. His definition of a winning season is simple.

“Improvement,” he said.

That same practicality carries over into his three major goals for the upcoming season.

Pellegrino wants to increase roster size, compete to the last whistle, and play in Game 11.

The Raiders will get their first test of the new program under Pellegrino when their regular season play begins on Aug. 26, against the Knights of Upson-Lee at Kinnett Stadium in Columbus.

Returning Defensive Starters: 5

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

103

kendrick cherokees

CHEROKEES WORKING ON LITTLE THINGS FOR A SUCCESSFUL SEASON

Written by: Beth Welch Photography by: George McDuffie

Highlights

0-10

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Memorial Stadium Columbus, GA

4 Home | 6 Away

0-6 2017 SCHEDULE

I

t’s the little things.

That’s the opinion of Kendrick High School’s head football coach about what contributed to a losing season in 2016. Cedric Ware and his Cherokees suffered through the winless fall, and this year Ware is concentrating on the little things.

“Last year we played hard but did not do the little things well,” Ware said. “We will focus more on doing the little things uncommonly well.”

There were some close games last season, and Ware thinks the experience gained by his returning players will be beneficial for the 2017 season. The Cherokees lost several standout players, but are putting their hopes on the next guys in the lineup.

Like many smaller football programs, Kendrick’s players often hold down dual positions. Over half of the team’s returning 2017 starters play both sides of the ball. Of the eight returning starters, five have offensive and defensive positions.

Returning starters on offense are Navy Harris (QB), 6’2” and 205 pound, Jalen Pugh (OT), 6’4” and 325 pounds, Adayus Robertson (RB), 5’10” and 210 pounds, Kayleem Bonds (RB) 5’10” and 205 pounds, Michael Anthony (OG), 6’4” and 270 pounds, Keevaughn Peterson (OG), 6’3” and 260 pounds, and Wyndell Mcghee (WR), 5’8” and 175 pounds.

On defense the returning Cherokee starters are Harris (DB), Bonds (LB), Anthony (DT), Mcghee (DB), Peterson (DE), and Swann Tarver (SS), 5’9” and 190 lbs.

Ware is expected to lean on the talents of Adayus Robertson and Navy Harris this fall for his offense.

Robertson was the team’s leading rusher and scorer, while quarterback Harris was the team leader in passing. Their abilities have earned them spots on Kendrick’s list of college prospects. Also on that list are Jalen Pugh, Michael Anthony, Kayleem Bonds, and Keevaughn Peterson. Pugh, Peterson, and Allandis Boyd (LB) are the top academic players on the team.

Probably of the most concern for the Cherokee coaching staff is the lack of depth, but Ware says his team is very much like a family. His athletes believe in each other, and like any good family they will band together whenever necessary and fill in any gaps when needed.

Of the little things, Ware wants his players to do a better job on offense of protecting the ball in order to prevent unnecessary penalties. He is stressing to take what the defense gives and score points. For the 2017 season, Ware wants his defense to be fundamentally sound, swarm to the football, strike first, and create turnovers.

A former high school football athlete, Ware knows the mindset of young players. He is in his third season at Kendrick and is trying to create a “culture that allows my athletes to take pride in their football program.”

That pride, Ware believes, creates a healthy competition among players.

Winning on the field is important to Ware, but he also recognizes that despite no wins last season, his program saw winning results. The athletes do community service projects, promote reading throughout neighboring schools and have a toy giveaway to teach the Kendrick athletes to help in their community.

He also has established a parent night to discuss applying to college and the importance of education.

His staff preaches discipline, integrity, commitment, effort, and enthusiasm.

Going for a winning record this fall is the plan, and the Cherokees should put some games in the win column this season. Ware’s outlook is positive, though, no matter what the record reflects at the end of the season.

“A winning season is when your players’ lives change for the good because they are part of your program,” he said.

104

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

8/18 8/26 9/1 9/8 9/22 9/29 10/12 10/20 10/27 11/2

@ @ @ @ @ @

Northside, Columbus Troup Shaw Spencer Central, Macon Rutland Pike County Peach County Jackson Westside, Macon

Region 4 - 3A Points Scored: 102 Points Allowed: 295

Who To Watch Kayleem Bonds Navy Harris Adayus Robertson

Head Coach:

position RB QB RB

Cedric Ware

Returning Offenisve Starters: 6

Returning Defensive Starters: 6

RED JACKETS LEAVING 2016 BEHIND AND FOCUSING ON 2017

jordan red jackets

Written by: Beth Welch Photography by: George McDuffie

Head Coach

Justin Newman

0-10

2016 District Record

Stadium Name: Kinnett Stadium Columbus, GA

2016 Overall Record

Highlights

0-5

Points Scored: 163 Points Allowed: 441

T

region 5 - 2a Returning Offenisve Starters: 3

Returning Defensive Starters: 3

Who To Watch Emmanuel Mann Aaron Maxwell Kaleb Smith

position QB HB DB

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 8/26 9/8 9/15 9/22 10/6 10/13 10/20 10/28 11/2

@ Brookstone @ Columbus @ Northside, Columbus Manchester @ Upson-Lee @ Spencer @ Lamar County @ Heard County Temple @ Callaway

he 2016 football season wasn’t a season to tweet about for Jordan Vocational High School. The Red Jackets posted a disappointing 0-10 record, but head football coach Justin Newman has his first season jitters settled and a positive outlook for this year.

Newman was late coming on board at Jordan. He joined the staff at the school in May of last year and attributes some of the struggle his team experienced to rushed adjustments.

“Last year was a learning year for everyone, especially myself,” Newman said.

“It was very hard starting out, but I believe we have found things needed to be successful at Jordan.”

Jordan is one of the oldest high schools in Columbus and has produced notable teams and athletes back in the day. The athletic department is on a mission to gain respect as contenders in every sport. Newman has bought into that notion and is pushing it to his athletes as well.

There is no doubt the Red Jackets have ability. In fact, Newman sees the team’s greatest strength as athleticism. It may seem like an uphill battle to come back from a gloomy 0-10 season, but there are some rays of hope.

The team’s leading rusher for the 2016 season was Aaron Maxwell (HB). He is one of three seniors returning for the offense. The other two are Antonio Williams (OL) and Jaquan Crawford (HB/LB). Junior Emmanuel Mann rounds out the list of veteran players.

Quentin Duke (DB) was the Red Jackets’ leader in tackles on the season. He is a senior this season and will be joined on the defense by returning starters Demetrius McCrary (DB) and Golden Strawther III (LB/DE). Both are seniors, and all three should provide stability and leadership for the Jordan defense.

Despite their losing 2016 record, several Red Jackets generated some interest from colleges looking to fill slots in their programs. Among those garnering attention among the starters are Mann, Maxwell, Duke, and Strawther. Also on the list of college prospects are seniors Austin Bedsole (OL), 6’6” and 320 pounds, and Kaleb Smith (DB). Juniors making that list are Hunter Dupont (OL), 6’3” and 275 pounds, and D’Quandre Sullivan (LB).

Newman was one of several new area coaches to stand on the sidelines last season. He has 11 years of experience in coaching and is a Columbus native.

He is looking to improve his team’s performance this season with discipline and focusing on the little things that caused problems last season.

There are no coaching changes for the Red Jackets, but Newman has changed his goals for his team a bit from last season. For 2017, Newman has set three goals of a winning season, securing a playoff appearance, and 100 percent graduation rate.

According to Newman, their biggest challenge for the upcoming season isn’t lack of talent, inexperienced players, or a tough schedule. Instead, he feels the greatest challenge facing his team for 2017 has more to do with the mental than the physical.

“Defeating the past,” he said.

Going forward, Newman is appreciative of the support he and his athletes receive from their fan base. Losing doesn’t do wonders for the morale of a team or for supporters, but the Red Jackets Nation haven’t given up.

“The support is there,” Newman said. “We have just got to show them that we are trending in the right direction as a program.”

And just how does Newman plan on doing that?

“Creating a culture,” he said. “By implementing things that were hard to implement last year by getting to school in May.” IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

105

GREENWAVE EXPECTS EXPERIENCE TO PAY OFF THIS FALL

Spencer greenwave

Written by: Beth Welch Photography by: George McDuffie

Highlights

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Memorial Stadium Columbus, GA

6-5

3-2

Who To Watch Jaharee Mons Davonte Webster Fletcher Jordan Cory Calhoun Ameir Adams

position RB LB DB WR FS

Head Coach: Pierre Coffey

273

Points Scored

249

Points Allowed

2017 SCHEDULE 8/25 8/31 9/8 9/14 9/22 10/6 10/13 10/20 10/28 11/3

@ @ @ @

Carver, Columbus Northside, Columbus Kendrick Dougherty Crisp County Jordan Temple Lamar County Callaway Heard County

6 Home | 4 Away Returning Offenisve Starters: 7

Returning Defensive Starters: 7

region 5 - 2a 106

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

D

efense. Defense. Defense.

That just might be the mantra heard over and over again this fall about Spencer High School’s 2017 football team.

Last year’s 6-5 record (3-2 region) led the Greenwave to the first round of the playoffs. The season also gave some valuable experience to players who will be returning on both offense and defense, but it is the defense that has fans talking.

Seven returning starters from the defense will shore up Spencer head coach Pierre Coffey’s team this fall. Among those veteran players is linebacker Davonte Webster, who was the team leader in tackles, making 70 tackles during the season. Webster, 6’2” and 205 lbs., is a college prospect for the Greenwave and also is one of the team’s top academic players.

Also returning is interception leader Ameir Abrams. Abrams (FS) is 6’1” and 180 pounds and had three interceptions last season. Joining him as returning starters on defense are Bryce Webster (SS), 6’2” and 200 pounds, Robert Murray (DE/DT), 6’3” and 265 pounds, Fletcher Jordan (DB), 5’11” and 165 pounds, Sam Soli (DL), 5’10” and 230 pounds, and Eric Gibbs (DL), 5’9” and 300 pounds.

There are also seven returning offensive starters. Wide receiver Cory Calhoun, 5’11” and 170 lbs., was Spencer’s leading receiver with 28 receptions for a total of 586 yards. He was also the leading for scorer for the Greenwave, scoring 11 touchdowns. Other players returning on offense as wide receivers are Seth Jordan (5’10” and 155 pounds) and Raekwon Jackson (6’0” and 170 pounds). Jaharee Mons, 5’9” and 175 pounds, and Johknotter Hill, 5’9” and 200 pounds, are returning as running backs for Spencer. Onaje Wheatt (OL), 5’11” and 250 pounds, is a returning starter and also has the highest GPA on the team.

Coach Pierre Coffey has led the Greenwave to the playoffs the past two seasons and had athletes sign to play the sport after their days at Spencer are over. Others who might be joining that elite group beside Devonte Webster are Bryce Webster, Fletcher Jordan, Cory Calhoun, Ameir Adams, and quarterback Dy’javius Nathan.

In fact, that is one of Coffey’s three main goals as head coach: to have athletes sign college scholarships. He strives to give his players exposure to the college experience by providing opportunities to attend camps and make college visits.

Coffey’s other two goals for the 2017 season include making a third straight trip to the playoffs and to win region. The expectations from the Greenwave Nation are high for the team, but their head coach also sees the potential for more than just a season with more wins than losses.

“This team is expected to make a surge past the first round of the playoffs, with the added returning experience,” Coffey said.

Staying with what works, Coffey’s team will continue with a spread offense and 4-2-5 defense.

However, there are a few changes in the program, mainly in the form of two coaching staff additions. Christopher Perkins is now the offensive line coach and Marcus Carter has come on board as the junior varsity head coach.

Coffey also is taking a few notes from the past two seasons. His coaching staff is providing more of a discipline approach in the program, and he has been working on “building a team that works together and believes in each other to succeed.”

The bottom line for the Greenwave (which also has another mascot, the Owl), is that 2017 should be a very good year. There is definitely talent and a desire to win. It also helps to have some good, old-fashioned rivalry to get things stirred up. The upcoming games against Carver, Crisp County, and Callaway should be interesting and support for Spencer is running high in the community.

FORMER BROOKSTONE COACH RETURNS TO LEAD COUGARS AGAIN

brookstone cougars

Written by: Beth Welch Photos courtesy of bldgraphics.smugmug.com

Highlights

B

4-7

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Rex Knight Stadium Columbus, GA

3-4

rookstone School will have a familiar face coaching on the sidelines this fall. Blair Harrison has returned to the Columbus school as head football coach. This season marks 10 years Harrison has coached the Cougars football team, but it is the first season in five years.

Harrison was Brookstone’s head football coach from 2003 to 2012. His career record while at Brookstone was an impressive 73-29. The Cougars won Region Titles under Harrison’s tenure in 2006, 2007, and 2008. He left the school to take a coaching and athletic director position at Kingston High School in Tennessee. When he was announced as the new head coach at Brookstone, Harrison had most recently been the offensive coordinator and an assistant baseball coach at Hardaway High School in Columbus.

The newly returned coach is inheriting a program that was 4-7 last season and 3-4 in the region. The Cougars have had some bright moments during the past few seasons, but Brookstone’s football team has had two head coaches since Harrison’s departure.

Despite the losing record of 2016, the Cougars have reason to be hopeful this fall. In addition to the re-hiring of their most successful coach in recent history, Brookstone will be returning some very capable athletes for the offense and defense.

Returning offensive starter Josh Alford (OL), 6’0” and 226 pounds, will be a leader for Harrison’s 2017 team. Alford is joined by veteran players Banks Massey (OL), 6’1” and 210 pounds, and Jeremiah Burgess (RB), 6’ and 165 pounds. All three of these athletes are considered college prospects. Ethan Martin (OL), 6’1” and 205 lbs., and Russell Blanchard (QB), 6’0” and 180 pounds, are the other two returning starters on offense who should be major contributors for the Cougars.

On defense, Harrison will have four returning starters. Josh Fernicola (ILB), 6’1” and 185 lbs., is a top college prospect in the Cougars program and will be a player to watch this season. Fernicola was the interception leader for the team last year, snagging two for the Cougars and is also the top academic player on the 2017 team with a 4.65 GPA. He probably will see some time on the offensive side as a wide receiver, too, as he was the leading receiver last year with 14 receptions for 171 yards. Another college prospect, Richard Hill (DL/FB), 5’11” and 195 lbs., is returning and may be seeing time on both sides of the ball. Chris Edmonds (DB), 6’0” and 160 lbs. will also play a big role this fall on defense. Helping out defensively will be Jeremiah Burgess in the position of defensive back.

Since Harrison was only announced as head coach at the end of May, he didn’t have much experience with his Brookstone team nor have a coaching staff lined up until this summer. Harrison does know, however, that his 2017 Cougars are hard workers and coachable.

“Not sure how we will play this season, but I know we will find 11 players that will play hard and be very disciplined,” Harrison said.

Now in his 21st year of coaching football, Harrison has developed a certain approach to both the offense and defense. He will have his Brookstone team using the Wing T with modern day passing principles on offense. For the defense, he favors multiple fronts.

It can be hard to set goals for a team you only just started coaching, but Harrison wants the Cougars to get stronger and learn the offense to win more games than last year.

How will Brookstone fare this season? Losing some valuable seniors and three head coaches in five years does have some effect. The excitement over Harrison’s return, the team’s strong work ethic, and the efforts of some very talented players may just put the Cougars on the prowl again for winning seasons and region titles.

Region 4 - a Returning Offenisve Starters: 5

Returning Defensive Starters: 4

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/22 9/29 10/6 10/13 10/27 11/3

@ @ @ @ @

Jordan Central, Talbotton First Presbyterian Landmark Christian Greenville St. Anne-Pacelli Marion County Manchester Region Crossover Region 4-A Play-In

5 Home | 5 Away Points Scored: 231 Points Allowed: 297

Who To Watch Richard Hill Jeremiah Burgess Josh Fernicola Russell Blanchard Head Coach:

position DL WR/DB WR QB

Blair Harrison

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

107

chattahoochee county panthers

PANTHERS LOOKING TO BUILD ON LAST SEASON’S IMPROVEMENT

Written by: Beth Welch Photos courtesy of army.mil

Highlights

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Panther Stadium Cusseta, GA

W

3-7 3-6

hat a difference a year makes.

Last year at this time Chattahoochee County High School’s football program was just getting started under the direction of new head coach Drew Fowler. A revolving door of coaches had brought team morale and participation down.

The 2016 season might not have been a winning season with a record of 3-7 (3-6 region), but there is good reason for Panther fans to be hopeful. Coach Fowler and his program have come a long way since last year ,and there is a buzz about the future of Panther football.

“We progressively improved throughout the season and will be returning many starters who have had a year to understand and buy into what we are wanting to accomplish,” Fowler said.

By comparison to some other schools in the area, ChattCo is well ahead of the game when it comes to returning starters. Seven offensive starters and eight defensive starters are returning.

On offense, the Panthers will be seeing a lot of running back Malic Bonner. A team leader in rushing (234 carries for 1,438 yards) and scoring (12 touchdowns in 2016), Bonner also plays in the DB position for his team. A college prospect, Bonner is 5’11” and 175 pounds, and very quick on his feet, running the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds.

Also returning on offense are Jonathon Haley (OL), 6’3” and 210 pounds, Chris Robinson (OL), 6’1” and 250 pounds, Kedrick Harvey (OL), 6’2” and 285 pounds, Richard Sims (OL), 6’0” and 210 pounds, Deandre Masten (QB), 5’10” and 200 pounds, and Antonio Brown (RB), 5’9” and 205 pounds.

For the Panther defense, returning starters include the 2016 team leader in tackles Jamon Hoyte (DL), who had a total of 58 tackles on the season and the interception leader, Zac Farrow (DB), who snagged three interceptions. Hoyte, 6’0” and 200 pounds, and Farrow, 5’8” and 170 pounds, are both pretty quick on their feet. Farrow runs the 40 in 4.5 seconds and Hoyte in 4.9 seconds. They are joined by Billy Wischnewsky (DL), 6’2” and 200 pounds, Martez Shelton (DE), 6’0” and 185 pounds, Jontavus Walker (DE) 6’2” and 175 pounds, Michael Brown (LB), 6’2” and 205 pounds, Cecil West (DB), 5’10” and 165 pounds, and Terrence Doyle (DB) 5’10” and 170 pounds.

Hoyte and Sims tie as top academic athletes on the team with 4.2 GPAs. In addition to Bonner, other college prospects are Farrow, Harvey and Doyle. Also considered to be college prospects are Ty Lucas (RB/LB), 5’9” and 195 lbs., and Nakia Delaine (DB), 5’9” and 170 lbs.

It is a promising team who are excited about the upcoming season. Last year was an adjustment for just about everyone involved in the Panther football program, including the head coach.

“I learned a lot last season and look to continue with what was successful and not make the same mistakes that were made last year,” Fowler said.

The greatest strength for the Panthers will be experience of players who are in their third and fourth years of play at the school. Fowler points out that the majority of the athletes in his program have not been part of a winning team at the school. He wants to grow the confidence of his players so there is an expectation of success, which will lead to becoming more competitive.

That competitive spirit can be seen each weekend during football season when fans turn out in force in the small community of Cusseta. This year, the Panther Nation should be on their feet celebrating more wins if all goes well with Fowler and his team. It starts off with their first game that has bragging rights on the line.

“Marion County, even though it is not a region game, it is our first game, and they are our rival,” Fowler said.

Team Leaders Malic Bonner

leading rusher Yards: 1438

Deandre Masten

leading passer Yards: 126

Tyler Walton Malic Bonner Jamon Hoyte Zactavius Farrow

2016 STATS

leading receiver Yards: 70 leading touchdowns Total Touchdowns: 11 leading tackler Total Tackles: 58 interception leader Total Interceptions: 3

Head Coach: Drew Fowler

2017 SCHEDULE 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/29 10/6 10/13 10/20 10/27 11/3

@ Marion County Baconton @ Seminole County Mitchell County @ Pelham Miller County Calhoun County @ Terrell County @ Randolph-Clay Stewart County

5 Home | 5 Away Who To Watch Malic Bonner Deandre Masten Jamon Hoyte Zac Farrow Kedrick Harvey

position RB QB DL DB OL

Region 1 - A Returning Offenisve Starters: 7

Returning Defensive Starters: 8 108

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

EXPERIENCE FOLLOWING SEASON OF INJURIES SHOULD PAY OFF THIS FALL Written by: Beth Welch Photos courtesy of www.ledger-enquirer.com

Marion county eagles

Highlights

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Eagle Stadium Buena Vista, GA

7-4

5-2

Who To Watch Austin Connor Travon Matthews Lorenzo Ramsey Jalen Tullis Quentez Battle

position OT RB NG WR FS

Head Coach: Chris Kirksey

317

Points Scored

232

Points Allowed

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 8/25 9/8 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/6 10/13 10/27 11/3

@ @ @ @ @

Schley County Chattahoochee County St. Anne-Pacelli Lamar County Manchester Greenville Brookstone Central, Talbotton Region Crossover Region 4-A Play-In

5 Home | 5 Away Returning Offenisve Starters: 8

Returning Defensive Starters: 6

L

ast football season was like the beginning of Charles Dickens’ “Tale of Two Cities” for the Marion County High School Eagles. It was best of times and the worst of times.

The regular season record of 7-3 doesn’t reflect the turmoil the team experienced. According to head coach Chris Kirksey, the Eagles lost two quarterbacks and the starting running back by week four of the season. The next week their starting OT was lost for the season due to an ACL injury.

Out of that string of devastating injuries, however, came some performances by players who might not have been able to shine otherwise. Trice McCannon, a freshman quarterback, was pressed into service. He had 52 passing attempts for 417 total yards, but more importantly, McCannon gained valuable experience in the position.

Travon Matthews was a sophomore last season when he was called upon to step up in the starting running back position. Matthews more than answered the call; he exceeded expectations. In the last seven games he started, Matthews had 156 carries for 1,051 yards and scored 16 touchdowns to become the team’s leading rusher and TD scorer, respectively.

Austin Connor anchored the offensive line at left tackle. The 6’2” and 260 pounds. athlete was selected as a 1st Team All-Region Offensive Lineman for his efforts. Connor has the highest GPA on the team and will be returning this fall as a three year starter.

Also playing a role in the 2016 winning season and returning for 2017 are Jalen Tullis (WR), 5’7” and 160 pounds, who was the Eagles’ leading receiver, Quentez Battle (FS/WR), 5’11” and 165 pounds, the team’s leader in interceptions and Lorenzo Ramsey (NG), 5’10” and 200 pounds, who was the team leader in tackles with 93.

Things definitely look good for Kirksey and the Eagles for this fall. Marion County will be returning eight offensive starters and six defensive starters. Joining McCannon, Matthews, Connor, Tullis, Battle and Ramsey, will be Thomas Nguyen (C), 5’11” and 240 pounds, Bradley Sontay (OG), 5’10” and 250 pounds, Jamon Tymes (P), 5’11” and 165 pounds, Kevin Umanzor (K), 5’10” and 190 pounds, Terrance Williams (DE), 5’11” and 190 pounds, Willie Davis (MLB), 5’10” and 220 pounds, Josh Rogers (CB/WR), 6’0” and 180 pounds, Jakobe Mathis (DE), 6’2” and 205 pounds, and Bryce Houston-Dye (OT), 6’2” and 270 pounds.

College prospects for the Eagles are Austin Connor, Travon Matthews and Josh Rogers.

Getting younger players some playing experience might have been on the to-do checklist last year, but no one expected the events to take place, which pushed that schedule up. Even with the benefit of playing time, Kirksey thinks there are still concerns ahead for the 2017 team.

“Biggest challenge will be developing depth on the offensive line,” he said.

Last year was Kirksey’s first season as head coach for Marion County. The Eagles football program has a reputation for producing good teams and quality athletes. Kirksey inherited a legacy of success and he knows that influences his team.

“Tradition motivates. Tradition never graduates. Each class demands from the next one stepping forward,” says Kirksey.

The Eagles have no coaching changes, but will continue to have a spread offense and the defense will run a 4-3. Even Kirksey must feel pretty good about the fall season because he said “Overall we will be stronger than we were last year.”

Eagle pride rides high in Marion County. If injuries don’t take a toll this season and players follow Kirksey’s playbook, fans have the potential to cheer their team to a region championship and playoff run.

Region 4 - A IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

109

st. anne pacelli vikings

LEGREE PROMOTED TO HEAD COACH AT PACELLI

Written by: Beth Welch Photos courtesy of www.ledger-enquirer.com

Highlights

T

2016 Overall Record

1-9

2016 District Record

Stadium Name: Deimel Field Columbus, GA

1-4

here seems to have been a pattern in the Columbus area over the past two years of head football coaches moving around like pieces on a game board. Pacelli High School is another one of those schools who has seen a few coaches rotate in and out of the job position, but with the announcement last fall of a new head coach, maybe this one is a keeper Mark LeGree, a former assistant coach at Pacelli, was promoted to the job of head football coach following the 2016 football season. If the name sounds familiar, it may be for dual reasons. One, LeGree is a 2007 graduate of Pacelli High School, and, two, he is a former collegiate and professional football player.

LeGree attended Appalachian State University for four years and was later drafted in the fifth round of the NFL by the Seattle Seahawks. He joined the coaching staff at Pacelli last year as an assistant coach. He took over the program, which had been under the direction of Pacelli Athletic Director, Buster Connally, for one season. Connally had been an interim head coach following the departure of former Vikings football coach Alan Griffin.

With just one win last season, the 1-9 record (1-5 region) was disappointing to say the least. LeGree and his staff have their work cut out for them, but the new head coach has adopted a positive yet realistic approach.

“Last year was very tough going 1-9,” he said. “It’s a new year with a new coach. Going back to basic fundamentals to get the program back into the right direction.”

As a graduate and former athlete at Pacelli, LeGree has an emotional investment in his new job. Looking to develop a successful program, LeGree says he motivates his newly-formed team by keeping them excited about the game and by mixing up the daily grind. He also says he shares “personal stories about my football past and apply it to them.”

With 29 players in the Viking program, some athletes will be seeing time on both the offense and defense.

Josef Douglas (DB/RB) is a returning starter for both sides of the ball. Douglas, 5’9” and 160 pounds, had the only interception last season for Pacelli. On offense, he will be joined by returning starters Jack Funderburk (OG), 6’1” and 185 pounds, and Connor Barrows (DE/OL), 5’11” and 205 pounds. Vikings quarterback Jacob Anderson will be returning as well. Anderson, 5’10” and 170 pounds, is the team leader in passing for last season with 18 completions out of 49 attempts for a total of 167 yards.

Other returning defensive starters include Justin Jackson (LB/FB), 5’9” and 180 pounds, Matthew Dawahare (LB/FB), 5’10” and 180 pounds, and Justin Bates (C/DL), 5’9” and 185 pounds. Both Bates and Dawahare made the Vikings Top Academic List with GPAs of 4.4 and 4.3, respectively. Another athlete to watch on the Pacelli team this fall is Ash Vestal (OL/DL). Vestal, 6’1” and 280 pounds, is considered to be a college prospect.

LeGree expects his team, although a young team by his own admission, to be more disciplined and motivated. He also anticipates the 2017 team to be a contender and win more games. Perhaps his philosophy of coaching in regards to offense, keep pounding four yards at a time, will be successful. LeGree has adopted the acronym E.A.T. for his defense; E=Everyone to the ball, A=Aggressive, T=Takeaways.

Because football has been such an important part of his life, LeGree has had the opportunity to be exposed to some great coaching. He feels his job as a coach and that of his coaching staff is to be better coaches, which he feels will make it as easy as possible for his players to do their jobs.

It’s a clean slate at Pacelli this football season. While no one knows what the season holds for the Vikings, it’s pretty clear the new coach is excited. When asked which game might hold special meaning for his team, LeGree proved he still has that Viking spirit.

“Brookstone,” he said. “School rivalry. Time to bring the jug home.”

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PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Head Coach: Mark LeGree

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 8/25 9/8 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/6 10/13 10/27 11/3

@ @ @

@

Mount de Sales Academy Crawford County Marion County Tattnall Square Academy Central, Talbotton Brookstone Manchester Greenville Region Crossover Region 4-A Play-In

6 Home | 4 Away Who To Watch Jacob Anderson Josef Douglas Justin Bates Justin Jackson Jack Funderburk

position QB RB DL LB OG

Region 4 - A Returning Offenisve Starters: 4

Returning Defensive Starters: 4

calvary christian knights

KNIGHTS RETURNING TO BASICS

Written by: Beth Welch Photos courtesy of calvaryknights.com johntookmypicture.com

Highlights

I

5-6

2016 District Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Len McWilliams Field Columbus, GA

3-0

t seemed last year no team in the area had more going for it than the Calvary Christian Knights. Loaded with talent and experience, the Knights seemed destined to capture a state title for the first time in school history. In the end, the Knights came out as the region champs but finished the season with a 5-6 record.

It was a big lesson for all concerned.

“Talent does not always bring home state championships,” Brian Osborne, Knights head coach, said.“We had by far our most talented team in Calvary football history last year, but we tried to rely on talent alone to win.”

This fall, the Knights will field a team missing 14 seniors from last year. All 14 of those seniors were starting players as well. It will be a rebuilding year, as some like to call it, but there are definitely some good things about the 2017 team.

Osborne will have only four returning offensive starters and two returning defensive starters.

However, those athletes should anchor the program and provide some highlights for after-game discussions.

Quarterback Kasen Andrews will be back this fall. The 6’4” and 205 pounds. athlete was the team leader in passing last season. He had 233 attempts for 1,852 total yards and was also the leading scorer with 28 touchdowns. The team’s leading receiver, Bryce Andrews (WR/SS), 6’4” and 205 pounds, is also returning. He had 36 receptions for 741 total yards. Incidentally, Kasen and Bryce Andrews are twin brothers.

In addition to them, Calvary will be returning Chad McNeal (OL/DL), 5’10” and 220 lbs., Jacob Evangelista (OL), 5’11” and 175 pounds, and Aaron Christopher (WR), 6’3” and 170 pounds.

Calvary began their football program less than a decade ago. Osborne has been the head football coach for the Knights from the beginning. Going into his seventh season, Osborne knows it will be a different team.

“Last year we were a senior heavy team with 14 seniors, and all 14 started,” he said. “This year, we will be going back to the basics as we will be relying on several younger players in starting roles. I still expect us to repeat as region champions. We have talent, just not as much overall game experience.”

Under Osborne’s leadership, the Knights plan to run the football to set up pass plays. On defense, the strategy includes limiting the big plays, with the intention of making the offense drive down the field.

Despite the loss of so many veteran players, Osborne hasn’t lowered the bar on his expectations for the 2017 team. His first and foremost goal for his team is to “glorify God on the field”; second, to repeat as region champions; and third, to make another run at the state championship.

This season, the Knights will have a new face on the coaching staff. Levi Dunn, son of college defensive coordinator Joe Lee Dunn, has been added to coach wide receivers and assist with defensive backs.

The 2017 season will be interesting for Calvary. Going back to the basics is not a bad starting point for a team, and Osborne is realistic about his team’s chances.

“We will have to focus on the fundamentals, and our techniques have to be perfect,” he said.

“We will not be as big or fast as last year, so we will have to have sound technique.”

Returning Offenisve Starters: 4

Returning Defensive Starters: 2

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22 10/6 10/13 10/20 10/27

Johnson Ferry @ Glenwood @ Lee-Scott Covenant Whitefield Life Christian @ Community Christian @ Creekside @ Griffin Georgia Force

5 Home | 5 Away Points Scored: 369 Points Allowed: 294

Who To Watch Kasen Andrews Bryce Andrews Aaron Christopher Jacob Evangelista Chad McNeal Head Coach:

position QB WR WR OL DL

Brian Osborne

GICAA Division I West Region

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

111

Written by: Beth Welch

Highlights Stadium Name: Garrett-Harrison Stadium Phenix City, AL

2016 Overall Record

C

entral High School in Phenix City, Alabama, has come pretty close to winning a coveted state football championship title the past two seasons.

This year head coach Jamey DuBose and his Red Devils are working toward making a third trip to the state semifinals in as many years and coming back this time with the winner’s trophy.

Sometimes a loss at the last stage of the season overshadows the accomplishments of a winning team. Central had an outstanding 2016 season. Their 10-2 overall record includes a 6-0 region record making the Red Devils the 2/7A region champs.

Since DuBose came on board as head of the Central football program four years ago, the Red Devils have steadily moved forward with a successful game plan. The team’s 2016 region championship was the third in a row. Many of DuBose’s players from the past three seasons have moved to the next level of play upon graduation, and the reputation of the Red Devils as a serious contender has escalated.

Senior leadership on the 2016 team proved to be strong.

Running Back Jaxton Carson garnered a lot of attention, ending the season with 167 carries for a total of 1,428 yards and 20 TDs. Quarterback Zion Webb passed for 1,698 yards out of 228 attempts. Leading tackler for the Red Devils was Jarious Upshaw with 83.

REGION CHAMPS HOPING THIRD TIME IS THE CHARM

2016 District Record

central red devils

10-2

6-0

Team Leaders Jaxton Carson

leading rusher

Zion Webb

leading passer

Justyn Ross

leading receiver

Jarious Upshaw Damon Jones

Yards: 1428 Yards: 1698

Jaxton Carson

492

Although Central will sorely miss the talents of those athletes and others like Markail Benton (LB) and Karon Delince (WR), the Red Devils will get another season of outstanding play from some returning athletes. Cornerback Damon Jones led the team in interceptions with five, and notable college prospect wide receiver Justyn Ross had 38 receptions for 725 yards last year.

Ross is joined on the college prospect list by Jahlil Ryles (OL), DeAnthony Miles (DL), Tyler Moore (DE), and Jamaar Spivey (RB). Twelve returning starters will be a big plus for the Red Devils, five on offense and seven defensive players, including two more wide receivers, Anthony Miles and KJ Brooks. Kinnis Dixon (DL), Jalin Johnson (DL), MJ Woods (S) and DJ Rias (ATH) round out the roster of returning players.

Top academic athletes are Josh Ford (C) with a 3.6 GPA and Tommy Vickers (Slot Receiver) with a 4.0 GPA. Success breeds interest, and Central’s successful football program has steadily grown in numbers.

DuBose feels the team’s greatest strength is the defensive line, a lot of depth, and team speed. Lack of offensive starters in the backfield and linebackers are among the staff worries for the 2017 season.

DuBose should be able to pull from the 150 athletes who will make up the program this season to fill in the blanks left due to the 2016 graduating class.

There will be no coaching changes from the previous season and basically no changes in DuBose’s coaching philosophy. He is sticking with what works, a spread offense and 3-4 defense. With a 100-37-0 coaching record, DuBose has confidence in a team that plays smart, fast, and physical.

With such a winning program, the Red Devils probably need little motivation, especially with the prospect of another run at region and state championships, but wise coaches know there is always room for improvement. According to DuBose, practice and studying their opponents is important, but hard work on a daily basis is what builds his program.

The biggest lesson from the 2016 season? Well, DuBose feels his team needs to work on “eliminating distractions and continuing to focus deep into the playoffs.”

Perhaps one of Central’s best tools for preparing for another winning season is the new expansion facility opened this winter at the school. Costing over $3 million, the facility houses many features for training and physical education, but maybe the most impressive is the indoor artificial turf practice field. It allows the team to practice during inclement weather or whenever safe heat guidelines force athletes indoors.

Such a new facility only adds to the excitement of the upcoming season. By DuBose’s measure, every season could be a winning season because the veteran coach knows winning isn’t just about the score.

“A winning season for me would be that every player would have a rewarding experience and develop relationships for life,” he said. “Players would understand team and working together.”

The Red Devils first game will come against Bob Jones, whom DuBose described as a 7A contender.

His goals are simple for the season beginning with that season opener.

“Win region. Win south championship. Win state championship.”

2016 STATS

Yards: 725 leading touchdowns Total Touchdowns: 20 leading tackler Total Tackles: 83 interception leader Total Interceptions: 5

Points Scored

205

Points Allowed

Head Coach: Jamey DuBose

2017 SCHEDULE 8/25 Bob Jones 9/1 Fairfield 9/8 @ Auburn 9/15 Kathleen 9/22 Smiths Station 9/29 Opelika 10/6 @ Enterprise 10/13 Jefferson Davis 10/20 @ Lee 10/27 Prattville

7 Home | 3 Away ahsaa 2- 7A Who To Watch Justyn Ross Jamaar Spivey Jahlil Ryles Tyler Moore DeAnthony Miles

position WR RB OL DE DL

Returning Offenisve Starters: 5 Returning Defensive Starters: 7

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PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

glenwood gators

GATORS HOPING TO PLAY UP TO EXPECTATIONS SET BY 2016 TEAM Written by: Beth Welch Photos courtesy of hudl.com

Jason Gibson

8-4

2016 District Record

Head Coach:

2016 Overall Record

Highlights

4-1

Points Scored: 355 Points Allowed: 301

C

Who To Watch Cameron O’neil David Copeland John Burnett Christain Clausell Carson Risdon

position WR DB RB WR DL

aisa region 1-3a 2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/6 10/13 10/20 10/27

@ @ @ @

Monroe Calvary Northside Lee-Scott Tuscaloosa Morgan Pike Edgewood Bessemer Springwood Abbeville

7 Home | 4 Away

hange sometimes brings about the necessary catalyst for success. The Glenwood Gators experienced just such a season last year.

Glenwood School in Smiths, Alabama, hired Jason Gibson in May 2016. Gibson wasn’t just a new hire at the last minute. The veteran coach already had a job as the coach for the Columbus Lions, the local arena football organization.

It was anybody’s guess how the team would pull together after the sudden departure of the former Gators’ coach and the installation of a coach whose regular job centered on seasoned, older athletes. Not to worry, as Gibson and his Gators found the right formula to produce a winning season, 8-4.

In addition, the Gators were 4-1 in region play and secured a trip to the state semi-finals. Not bad for a situation that started out as a real head-scratcher.

The 2016 season, in fact, turned out to be one highlight after another. Arch-rival Lee-Scott suffered defeat at the hands of the Gators on the last play of the game, and Glenwood won the home playoff game against Ft. Dale.

Leading the way for the Gators in rushing was Kashe Boatner with 95 carries for 795 yards. He also scored 10 touchdowns and racked up 90 tackles. Wide receiver Cam O’Neil had 45 receptions for 683 yards. Brandon Mosely really produced for the Gators with 284 passing attempts which led to 2005 yards on the season. Carson Allison had two interceptions on the season.

But that was last year. It’s in the books, and Gibson is back for his second season at Glenwood. This time around Gibson is familiar with the setting and has a few things going for his program.

Cam O’Neil is returning and the 6’3”, 190 pound player is one to watch. He is one of six returning offensive starters and a top college prospect for the Gators. There are four returning starters on defense, and the program boasts 50 athletes this season.

Other top college prospects are David Copeland (DB), 5’10” and 160 pounds, who is pretty swift on his feet. His best time in the 40 Yard Dash is 4.4 seconds. He is joined on the list by Chad Dykes (DL), 6’2” and 220 pounds, Aiden Rhodes (TE), 6’3” and 215 pounds, Carson Risdon (DL), 6’3” and 240 pounds, John Burnett (RB), 5’9” and 215 pounds, and Christian Clausell (WR), 6’3” and 170 pounds.

Also making a return this season is kicker Thomas Camacho, 5’10” and 160 lbs., who is definitely an asset for Gibson’s program. Camacho has been a longtime soccer player and now looks to be a college prospect from Glenwood in football. He is the top academic player, 4.2 GPA, on the team which adds points to his recruiting profile.

Gibson feels his team’s greatest strength will be athletes “at the skill positions.” Last year the new head coach felt like speed on the defense was lacking, and it could crop up again this season, but Gibson said the issue has been addressed.

There wasn’t much chance to ease into game prep for the 2016 season, but Gibson said his program found what worked for them.

“We learned that our system of practicing and preparation was successful, and we plan to duplicate it at a higher speed this season,” he said.

Although the 2016 team exceeded almost everyone’s expectations, the downside of that success sets the 2017 up to go one better. Gibson recognizes that will be a challenge, but the coach holds to the same end result winning season or not: having a positive effect on the future of young men.

If the Gators stay healthy and manage to be disciplined on the little things, Glenwood should do well in both regular and postseason play. It all starts with the first game against Monroe.

Gibson sounds like a true member of the Gator Nation when asked why it is much anticipated.

“They knocked us out of the playoffs,” he said.

Returning Offenisve Starters: 6

Returning Defensive Starters: 4

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

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2017 Football Awards Banquet December 12, 2017

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PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

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PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME