South Georgia August (Preseason) 2016 Edition

Your High School Gridiron Guide

10

South Georgia’s Top Players to Watch

10

Columbus Valley’s Top players to Watch

Play Our ITG Pick’Em Challenge!

GHSA Appears Strong on a National Scale By the Numbers: North Georgia vs South Georgia

Find Your Team’s Preview Inside!

August 2016

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South Georgia Previews

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AUGUST 2016

67. Turner County Rebels Rebels Look to Turn Regular Season Success AAAAAAA into Postseason Triumph in 2016 Colquitt County Packers GISA AAA Rebuilding Not an Option in Pursuit 69. Brookwood Warriors of 45-0 Warriors Team Speed Could Result in Solid Lowndes Vikings Season Jenkins, Strong Secondary Play Have 71. Deerfield Windsor Knights Vikings’ Hopes High Knights Covet Opportunity for Return Trip to Tift County Blue Devils Finals Blue Devils Hope Continuity and 73. Tiftarea Panthers Growth Breed Region Contention Returning Starters Provide Panthers With ConAAAAAA sistency Entering ‘16 Coffee County Trojans Trojans Hope to Build Winning Cul- 75. Valwood Valiants For the Defending Champions, Hard Work is ture in New Region the Priority Lee County Trojans GISA AA Improved Performance In Region 79. Georgia Christian Generals Play Key For Trojans Generals Experience Could Prove Beneficial in Valdosta Wildcats 2016 Wildcats Boast Strong Defense, GICCAA D-1A Leadership in 2016 81. Sherwood Eagles AAAAA Youthful Eagles Eager for Experience in UpBainbridge Bearcats coming Season Region 1-AAAAA Champions South Remain Hopeful After Stellar 2015 Georgia’s Top Season 10 Players to Thomasville County Central Yellow Watch in 2016 AISA AAAAAAA Jackets pg. 14 85. Central Red Devils Williams Leads Potent Central RushCentral Red Devils Plan to Finish Strong in 2016 ing Attack GHSA AAAAA AAAA 86. Harris County Tigers Cairo Syrupmakers Tigers Team Will be Young but Capable DeVoursney’s Veteran ‘Makers Eye AAAA Deep Playoff Run 87. G.W. Carver Tigers Columbus Westover Patriots Carver Coach Aiming to Rebuild Football Legacy Valley’s Top Sky is the Limit After Subpar Season 88. Columbus Blue Devils 10 Players to in Albany Blue Devils’ Last Year Playoff Appearance First in Watch in 2016 AAA pg 82 25 Years Cook Hornets 89. Hardaway Hawks Doe Leads Hornets Potent Rushing Hawks Looking To Soar Higher With New Coach Attack and Staff Crisp County Cougars 90. Northside Patriots Coach Felton Prepares for his SophIt’s a Rebuilding Year for the Patriots omore Season in Cordele 91. Shaw Raiders Worth County Rams Young Shaw Team Showing Promise for Now and Constant Improvement is Key to Future Building on Recent Success AAA AA 94. Kendrick Cherokees Berrien County Rebels Cherokees Work on Fundamentals for 2016 SucRebels Expect to Raise Competitivecess 30. By the Numbers: North GA vs South GA ness in 2016 AA Intrastate Statistical Analysis Brooks County Trojans 95. Jordan Red Jackets Trojans Seek to Continue Winning Red Jackets Adopt “Own It” Motto for Season With 22. GHSA Football Appears Strong Entering New Ways New Football Coach Season Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane 97. Spencer Greenwave Grayson, Roswell Could Alter High School FootA State Championship Equals ImGreenwave Hoping to Build Upon Last Year’s provement for the Hurricane ball’s Balance of Power in 2016, Colquitt Won’t Success Thomasville Bulldogs Go Easily A Grage Leads ‘Dogs Into New Era 98. Brookstone Cougars A 56. Our ITG Pick’Em Challenge Cougars Hope to Find Their Stride Under Pethtel Clinch County Panthers Make Your Picks on our 2016 Games of the Year!

99. Chattahoochee County Panthers Young, Marshall Attempt to Bring Friday Night Lights are Important to ChattCo Panthers Back-to-Back State Titles 92. For the Smell of the Grass Community Irwin County Indians Dr. Scott Burkhart, FSU Neuropsychologist, on 102. Marion County Eagles Class A State Runner-Up Looks to Concussions New Coach Takes Over Marion County Program Build on Last Year’s Run 103. St. Anne-Pacelli Vikings Lanier County Bulldogs Vikings Hope to Improve on Progress Made in Foot- 96. Champion of Champions For the Bulldogs, Improvement is ball Program Crowning the King of South Georgia in our Inevitable GICAA #ITGFanPlayoff Miller County Pirates 104. Calvary Christian Knights Breakthrough Campaign Expected Calvary Knights Have the Right Stuff 100. Football Under Fire for Pirates AISA AAA How the Propst Ruling Reflects Cultural Change Pelham Hornets 105. Glenwood Gators Pinkins Reintroduces Winning Ways Glenwood Gators Prepare for New Era of Football 108. GHSA Region Realignments in his First Season

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

Columbus Valley Previews

PLUS

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

9

FROM THE PUBLISHER VHS SENIOR

SPENDS SEMESTER

TIMOTHY HUFF

| VALDOSTA

TRAINING, PLAYING

HIGH SCHOOL

PLAYER SPOTLIGH

CONNOR THOMAST

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Year In Review

DS AND SEASON First GOAL ANDRE Win Fuels S ESPINO Desir ZA e For More Rivals Unite Geisler Valdosta d and Lown Dam des High Dameon eon’s

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Pierce

SOCCER IN SPAIN

10 QUESTIONS WITH

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N SOCCE

VALWOOD

’S NEW TRAINING FACILITY TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL

D1 SIGNEES

Inspirat

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Bainbri

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Remembering Colton Shaw

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Signing Da Love Gamey

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Michael Weatherby

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Alexis Burns

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2016

3

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS:

VALWOOD, COLQUITT,

CLINCH

| Carver High

Athlete

School

Senior tyree Crump Commits to The Bulldogs | Bainbridge High School A Mountain

February

BARNES, MANAC TO IN THE GAME LIFE OF A COACH’S STAY WITH GEORGIA REBRANDING WIFE: MELISSA HOLLAND IN THE GAME’S SOUTH GEORGIA FOOTBALL AWARDS BANQUET

Jake Parker

To Climb

| Valwood School

Viking Duo

Tiberius Drocea and Gary Osby Pine Grove Middle School

PLAYING IN MEMORY: DEANDRE PIERCE

The Wildcat

Tradition:

NEWEST MEM BER OF THE LOS ANGELES ANGELS

Kaleb Cowa

JUNE 2016

It’s All About The Black and Gold

January 2016

TELL US YOUR THOUGHTS!

March 2016

rt

KCAB2BACK

December 12th seems like an eternity ago. You could feel it in the air: the excitement surrounding that state championship weekend was also accompanied by the dreaded feeling of knowing that high school football season was coming to a close. Despite having crowned three state champions from South Georgia by the end of that day, reality quickly set in that high school football in 2015 was over.

Since then, it has been a long and painful wait for the return of high school football, but that wait is very nearly over. The helmets are being buckled up, the bands are assembling, and the crowds are gathering; the 2016 football season is finally before us.

I can confidently say that there is no place on the planet quite like South Georgia during football season. While all of our sports in this region are competitive and fervently supported, there is something special about Friday nights in the South.

The passionate support of local communities for these local student-athletes is second-to-none.

The huge crowds are evidence of the talent on display on any given night in any of the stadiums across the region, but it extends

to off the field as well. Coaches and fans alike invest into these young men and treat them like family, not only because of their talents, but because This offseason had plenty of compelling storylines: Rush Propst faces suspension for the now infamous head-butt, numerous schools at each classification level have sparked change at the head coach level, and Grayson has brought together a “superteam” comparable to the likes of the Miami Heat of 2010 of the Golden State Warriors of the present.

But as we head into the 2016 season, the GHSA reclassification is likely the thing that will have the most impact. Rivalries such as the Winnersville Classic might lose some of its punch due to the lack of region implication (although it will be an incredible way to welcome in the season).

Then the ultimate rivalry between North Georgia and South Georgia will be tested as southern teams could be pitted against Atlanta teams earlier along in the playoffs, especially in AAAAAAA. Despite the changes, most coaches and players will tell you that none of that matters. No matter the classification, no matter the opponent, no matter the location, the key to success is controlling their own process and taking it one game at a time. This has certainly been the mantra for defending state champions Colquitt County, Clinch County, and Valwood, and it is likely the same for those seeking to dethrone these teams.

Colquitt will try to make an unprecedented 45-0 run despite graduating a massive 2015 class.

Clinch returns with a young, powerful offense and strong defense.

Valwood will once again have to take on region rivals head on, both in the regular season and

in the playoffs. Teams like Bainbridge, Fitzgerald, and Lee County will try to use their star power to propel them back to championship contention.

Our Columbus Valley teams are not to be forgotten, although a common theme seems to be that 2016 will be a rebuilding year for many Columbus area programs.

However, that does not mean that western part of South Georgia is not home to serious championship contenders. Covering Georgia and Alabama alike, the Columbus Valley area very likely has a future champion in their midst.

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 high school football landscape.

We selected our Top 10 players to watch from both South Georgia and Columbus Valley, but do you agree with our choices?

Our ITG Analysts took a statistical approach towards the age old debate of who wins in the South Georgia vs North Georgia debate.

Then, taking it a step further, how are our Georgia schools projected to fall on the national scale? Can Georgia once again be home to a national champion?

You can read those stories and much more throughout this 2016 Preseason Edition of In the Game Magazine. If you are half as excited as we are about football season, then we are sure that you will thoroughly enjoy perusing the many pages of this Gridiron Guide.

Welcome to the 2016-2017 school year, welcome to the fall, and welcome to In the Game Sports Network.

Email us at info@itgsportsnetwork.com to let us know what you thought of the June edition of itg!

CONTRIBUTORS

Publisher Mark Dykes Editors Cole Parker Graphics Brittany Wyche Cover Photography Marque Milla Reese Milla Creationz Photography Featured Writers Jacob Dennis James Washington Shane Thomas Beth Welch Zachary Pine Arnold Gamber Cole Parker Featured Photographers Marque Milla Reese Hubby Brooks Mike Chapman Danna Cooper Wenda G. Bailey George McDuffie Copy Editor Cole Parker Advertising/Marketing Mark Dykes mark@itgsportsnetwork.com Julie Michaud julie@itgsportsnetwork.com Website Manager Cole Parker FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION CALL: 888-715-4263

Dykes Media Group LLC P.O. Box 812 Valdosta, GA 31603 In the Game Magazine is published monthly (excluding July). 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 2016 Dykes Media Group LLC All rights reserved.

ISSN 1945-1458.

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

11

Contributors

Mark Dykes

Cole Parker

Julie Michaud

Brittany k. Wyche

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Operations Officer

Account Manager

Lead Graphic Designer

Founder and CEO 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 towards 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.

As a recent Cornell University graduate, Cole dove head first into the working world by taking on a leadership position with In the Game. As the Chief Operations Officer, he has come on board to manage all business operations, digital development, and company expansion.

Combining his experience in entrepreneurship and marketing with his extensive sports background, Cole is looking forward to further establishing and growing In the Game Sports Network.

Coming all the way from Boston, Massachusetts, where she ran her own business as a professional horseback rider, Julie has quickly proven to be an invaluable asset. Julie graduated from Nichols College where she obtained a Bachelors degree in Business Management and Marketing. With a passion for sports and media that accompanies her great personality, she feels right at home as she travels around South Georgia promoting In the Game Sports Network.

It takes a lot of talent and drive to handle the graphic design workload here at ITG, but we found the perfect fit in Brittany. Starting her collegiate career as a soccer player at ABAC, she decided to transfer to Wiregrass in order to study Design and Media Production.

Since then, she purchased her own design computer for freelance, but ITG has provided her the perfect opportunity to combine her love for sports and art.

James WAshington

Jacob dennis

Shane Thomas

Beth WElch

Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

Columbus Area Editor

Joining the staff in July 2014, James brings his passion for sports writing and research to the In the Game Sports Network. After earning a B.A. in English (Journalism Emphasis) from Valdosta State University in 2013, he also just earned his M.A. in Communication Arts.

James brings his experience of writing for various collegiate and professional publications, as well as having played for numerous basketball teams throughout his educational career, to the ITG team.

Jacob Dennis is a senior Business Management major and Journalism minor at Valdosta State. As the winner of a national sports writing contest and a Thomasville native, he brings a diverse skillset and knowledge of the area that will only help In the Game Sports Network continue to grow. From social media to marketing to actually writing articles, Jacob does a little bit of everything.

Shane Thomas is a journalist with a jump shot looking to make his name.

So not only is Shane one of our basketball experts, he is also an award-winning author that has hit the ground running with his contributions to In the Game. While his journey started as a player, it has now taken a turn towards giving his unique perspective on the sports world with vivid story telling and strong reporting.

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.

Micki Krzynski

Marque Milla Reese

Lindsi Jones

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 Magazine, Micki has provided strong, creative, and highly professional photos. Consequently, Micki and her son/ assistant, Jake, have become our goto photo duo. With enough talent, equipment, and experience to make her dangerous, she continues to push ITG’s photography forward.

Marque “Milla” Reese 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 Reese, Milla is living out that dream as a key member of ITG.

Lindsi is an artist, a photographer, and a welcomed addition to our ever-growing team. Her fascination with art, imagery, and creation lead her to study Fine Art at Valdosta State University, and it was during that time that Lindsi discovered her talent and fell in love with the art of photography. She is as reliable as they come, and regardless of the task set before her, she always delivers beautiful, inspiring photos.

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!

Graphic Designer Mandy recently made the move from Pine Mountain, Georgia to Valdosta in order to join the ITG corporate team. The University of West Georgia alum graduated with 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, and now she will be bringing those skills to In the Game.

Kim Hoy North Florida Area Director Kim has stepped up big time in the last year, transitioning from our Jacksonville Video Manager to our Northeast Florida Area Director. It was an easy transition for the recent graduate of Florida State University, and her Bachelor’s degrees in Communications and Sport Management has led her to excel in this new role.

Despite spending most of her time in Jacksonville, she is still a key player on our corporate team in South Georgia

Jerry Christenson Contributing Photographer 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, they are 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.

BE IN THE GAME

Mandy Douthit

South Georgia’s

Players to Watch Written by: Jacob Dennis Photos by: Marque Milla Reese

1. Dameon Pierce – RB Bainbridge (Alabama) A 4-star Alabama commit, Bainbridge’s Dameon Pierce is simply one of the state’s top talents. As a sophomore, Pierce eclipsed the 2,000-yard mark and scored a whopping 33 touchdowns, numbers that will place him squarely in the national spotlight for the remainder of his Bearcat career. He has amassed 18 scholarship offers and more are inevitably on the way, but Pierce has already committed to continue his career under Nick Saban at Alabama.

2. JJ Peterson – OLB Colquitt County (uncommitted) It’s easy to get overshadowed when two older upperclassmen play your position, but 2016 is JJ Peterson’s time to shine.

The junior linebacker isn’t yet a household name, but his emergence as one of the top talents in the entire state isn’t very far away. Peterson’s closing speed is second to none, as he will anchor a Packer defense looking for its third consecutive state title. He’s rated as a 5-star, 98 overall, and the top 2018 outside linebacker in the country by 247sports.com.

3. Aubrey Solomon – DT Lee County (Michigan) The highest-ranked senior on the list, Lee County’s Aubrey Solomon is currently committed to Michigan despite an offer from Georgia and perennial powers Alabama and Florida State. At 6-foot-3, 305 lb., Solomon has the size and skill set that the top programs in the country covet on the defensive line. He’s rated as a 4-star on 247sports.com and will undoubtedly have a huge senior season for the Trojans.

4. Markaviest Bryant – DE Crisp County (uncommitted) Crisp County’s Markaviest Bryant could have the most impressive offer list of any player in Georgia, as his 27 scholarship offers have come from names like Alabama, Auburn, Clemson and Florida State. Rated as a 4-star and the #14 weak-side defensive end in the country for 2017, he has been pegged as the best defensive end in Georgia by many. His 6-foot-4, 226 lb. frame makes him seem like a hybrid linebacker, and his athleticism gives him the opportunity to play a few different positions at the next level.

5. Otis Reese – S Lee County (Michigan) The second Lee County Trojan who is committed to Michigan to make the list, Otis Reese has emerged as one of the top safeties in the state.

His offer list is impressive, as it includes names like LSU, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia and Tennessee, but his play on the field has been even better. The 6-foot-2, 195 lb. rising junior runs a 4.60 40-yard dash but also possesses the physicality to ensure that receivers don’t run across the middle freely, two traits that have Reese in the 2018 national spotlight. Look for his stock to continue to rise as he battles with some of the state’s top receivers this year at Lee County.

6. JD King – RB Fitzgerald (Oklahoma State) JD King has been a staple in the Fitzgerald back field for some time now, and his success in a Purple Hurricane uniform has made him one of the best running backs in Georgia’s 2017 class.

King isn’t huge, but at 5-foot-11 he possesses both the strength and quickness to either run defenders over or beat them to the edge. He has racked up 14 offers but is currently committed to Oklahoma State. A 3-star on 247sports. com, King is poised for a huge senior season.

7. Trezman Marshall – ATH Clinch County (uncommitted) Despite being the youngest player on the list, 2019 Clinch County athlete Trezman Marshall is already one of the most talented players in the state. It’s only a matter of time before his recruitment blows up, but until that time you can catch him playing a wide variety of positions on the field. He has the speed and athleticism to play quarterback or running back, but the physicality of a linebacker. Last season, during a game when he was supposedly out with an injury, he participated in one play on the kickoff team, which ended with Marshall laying out the opposing kick returner. The rising sophomore is a special talent.

8. Xavier Jenkins – WR Lowndes (uncommitted) Lowndes’ Xavier Jenkins will be heading to Athens when his time as a Viking is done, but the rising senior can solidify his status as a solid get for UGA with a great senior season. Rated as a 3-star on 247sports.com, Jenkins has the ability to go over the top to catch many passes thanks to his 6-foot-3 frame. There haven’t been many scoring opportunities to come by via the air in the Lowndes offense lately, but Jenkins has still show the ability to make plays down the field to loosen up opposing defenses.

9. Shannon Young – RB Clinch County (uncommitted) The workhorse behind Clinch County’s latest state championship run, Shannon Young has a knack for grinding out tough yards between the tackles each and every night. While his junior year was spectacular, the rising senior back will look for an even better campaign in 2016 as he attempts to put himself on the radar of larger colleges. He will most likely be underrated his whole career, but the reality is that he is one of the top talents in Georgia, regardless of classification. He currently holds an offer from Colorado State.

10. James Graham – QB Fitzgerald (uncommitted) Along with fellow backfield partner JD King, Graham has given the Fitzgerald offense a name as one of the most dangerous in the state. His ability to command the Purple Hurricanes both on the ground and through the air has earned 6-foot-1 field general nine offers, including big name schools like Virginia Tech, Miami and Oklahoma State. Expect Fitzgerald to make another deep run in the state playoffs as Graham continues to make a name for himself.

Facebook Fan Nominees Demetrius Davis – Coffee RB/WR Jay Saunders – Colquitt County QB Kelias Williams – Thomas County Central QB/RB Tori Sapp Jr. – Thomasville RB/DB Michael Barrett – Lowndes QB Tyson Harris – Lowndes WR/RB Xavier Jenkins – Lowndes WR Tayvonne Kyle – Lowndes WR Antwan Kincade – Valdosta DB Dameon Pierce – Bainbridge RB Christopher McDaniel Jr. – Worth County RB Trezman Marshall – Clinch County QB/LB Shannon Young – Clinch County RB Zach Lloyd – Valdosta C Braylen Taylor – Tift County LB Ziaire Andrews – Irwin County RB/WR Tory Carter – Lee County DE/FB Aubrey Solomon – Lee County NT/TE Jayce Rogers – Valdosta CB Antwon S. Kincade – Valdosta DB Zakoby McClain – Valdosta LB Devon Holmes – Lowndes DE Ashton Moorman – Valwood OL/DL Camron Walker – Valwood DB/RB Bruce Walker – Valwood RB/LB Wesley Veal – Valdosta WR James Graham – Fitzgerald QB J.D. King – Fitzgerald RB J.J. Peterson – Colquitt County LB Tory Ponder – Colquitt County WR/QB Nigel Hillie – Colquitt County RB Quan Walker – Colquitt County CB Markaviest Bryant – Crisp County LB Matthew White – Lanier County QB James Green – Lanier County WR/DB Jay Foster – Lanier County LB/RB Tamorrion Terry – Turner County WR/LB Anthony Ransey – Fitzgerald DT Jontae Baker – Valdosta TE/WR Jalen Harrell – Valdosta CB Tyrice Cloud – Thomas County Central RB Jaelyn Temple – Valdosta CB Cole Green – Miller County WR Brent Carter – Lowndes CB J.D. Lee – Lowndes RB Mikko Washington – Lowndes WR Travis Tisdale – Lowndes RB Jeff Davis – Lowndes RB

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

15

Hometown Pride: Football, Family & Fans!

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Colquitt County packers

REBUILDING NOT AN OPTION IN PURSUIT OF 45-0 Written by: Cole Parker | Photos by: Marque Milla Reese

Sometimes, improvement and repetition can go hand in hand. In the case of the Class AAAAAA powerhouse Colquitt County Packers, the 2015 season proved to be a perfect example of just that.

After an undefeated season and earning a state title in 2014, the buzz in Georgia began to circulate around whether it could be done again. Last season, the Packers proved the affirmative, and did so in dominant fashion. Another perfect season and another GHSA State Championship were the end reward for head coach Rush Propst and his unstoppable student-athletes.

Now, there are numerous obstacles that have fallen in the way of the Pack. Gone are the legendary likes of quarterback Chase Parrish, receiver Kiel Pollard, defensive monsters Ja’Quain Blakely and Dee Walker, the powerful leg of Luis “Baby Lou” Martinez, and that’s just to name a few. The Packers have undoubtedly lost an incredible amount and degree of talent coming off of its two consecutive championships, a fact of which Coach Propst is well aware.

“One thing we have to live with is that we lost forty-two kids to scholarship over 2014 and 2015,” Propst said. “There have been a lot of good football players to graduate, and now we have a lot of football players that are raw, inexperienced, and have a ways to go in developing.”

But as is the case for many coaches, the battle for Propst and his staff is to keep the past as the past.

“The main point this preseason has been focusing on this 2016 team and not dwelling on our past success,” Propst said. “What was done in these past two seasons, this particular group of kids didn’t drive that.

Very few of these guys have actually started or even played in a varsity football game.”

But even with such an inexperienced roster, Colquitt County is still very much so in the championship discussion. The hunt for the 3-peat is not an unfamiliar one for Propst (as he 4-peated at Hoover), and that brings some experience in how he handles the team’s expectations surrounding that inevitable conversation.

“People throw around ‘defending state champions’ and ‘3-peat’ all of the time, but I always deflect that,” he mentioned. “This team has to create its own identity by finding its own way to motivate and win football games.”

Forging an identity nearly from scratch is no easy feat, but the Pack appears that it will once again have the core group of talent and leadership that will be needed to make another title run.

On the offensive side of the ball, Jay Saunders is the heir apparent as the Pack’s signal caller. Despite the inbound transfer of another talented quarterback, Steven Krajewski, Saunders has emerged as the starter with high praise from his head coach.

“Offensively, you will go as your quarterback goes.

Jay is an athlete and a leader. I wouldn’t trade him for

anyone I’ve seen this summer. He’s gone head to head with Grayson’s (Chase) Brice that’s going to Clemson, (Bailey) Hockman from McEachern, and many more, and he outplayed them all,” Propst confidently declared.

Saunders will look to distribute the ball to the likes of Tory Ponder and Ty Powell, returning receivers that will carry an increased load this year, and possibly all four of their running backs could see time. Nigel Hillie will get the start, but a stable of backs could bring variety to the offensive attack. They will be running behind a line that is mixed in terms of its experience but anchored by senior D1 talents, Quan Stokes and Ian Brinson.

On both sides of the ball, depth is not the issue, particular with receivers and defensive lineman.

“The defensive line is two players deep with no drop-off, and I have a plethora of quality receivers,” said Propst. “The strength of our football team is that although we may not have many elite linemen and receivers, we have more bodies at those positions than I’ve had since I’ve been here.”

Behind that defensive line will lurk J.J. Peterson, a scary talent that has emerged as one of the top recruits in the country. He was partnered with Blakely and Walker at linebacker last year, but now the defense will become his and CB Quan Walker’s as Propst looks for leadership from the unit that be responsible for attempting to hault some of the state’s (and nation’s) top offenses.

Speaking of which, the roster itself likely won’t be nearly as big of a concern as their schedule. Propst himself heavily emphasized the tenacity of the schedule that looms before them, asserting that the strength of their schedule is likely unmatched.

“I’ve been in some tough openers and played some tough schedules, but this year might be the toughest.

We started the thirty game win streak with Mill Creek in 2014’s Corky Kell, then we played them to extend it to twenty-nine to go to the 2015 championship, and now we play them in game one this year. Then you turn right around and play a team out of Miami on ESPN, take on Tucker, go back up to Roswell, then Brookwood and Valdosta; it’s just an incredibly difficult start to the year.”

Three of the first four games will be aired on television, adding even more pressure to matchups and these young players.

“This group has some growing up to do in the next 30 days, there’s no question about that, and this schedule is going to force that,” Propst said.

Since the Packers have now overcome the potential year-long suspension of their head coach, all attention is rightfully back on the impending season, starting with the six game gauntlet that begins on August 18th at the Corky Kell Classic.

Region 1-7A

Highlights 2015 Overall Record:15-0 2015 Region Record: 5-0

College Prospects position Tory Ponder WR Quan Walker DB Ty Powell WR Quan Stokes OL J.J. Peterson LB Ian Brinson OL Coach’s Corner Rush Propst

Record (with Colquitt): 86-25

27 years coaching overall

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

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JENKINS, STRONG SECONDARY PLAY HAVE VIKINGS’ HOPES HIGH Written by: Jacob Dennis | Photos by: Marque Milla Reese, Mike Chapman

Returning Defensive Starters

Returning Offensive Starters

6

7

Coach’s Corner

Randy McPherson

15 years with Lowndes 32 years overall

College Prospects position Tucker Barnes OL Danny Corbett OL Jeffery Davis LB Tyson Harris WR Devon Holmes DL Xavier Jenkins WR

2015 Team Leaders

2015 Overall Record: 6-5 | 2015 Region Record: 2-3 | Stadium Name: Concrete Palace

Highlights

Austin Dixon Austin Dixon Dylan Presley James Camon Logan Neeley Tyson Harris

leading rusher Carries/Yards: 124/490 leading passer Attempts/Yards: 152/233 leading receiver Receptions/Yards: 27/441 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 8 leading tackler Total Tackles: 52 interception leader Total Interceptions: 2

An above .500 record in 2015 and several returning starters will make expectations high for head coach Randy McPherson and Lowndes this season.

The Vikings coasted through non-region play with a 4-1 record last season. Although, region 1-AAAAAA, the toughest region in the state, was difficult for McPherson and company, as the team posted a 2-3 record in its last five games before ultimately bowing out of the state playoffs in the first round at the hands of McEachern.

This season Lowndes will bring back a total of 11 starters, four on offense and seven on defense, with hopes of pushing itself back into the top tier of its region.

“We were young last season,” McPherson said of his 2015 campaign. “It took most of the season to perfect the new offensive and defensive schemes. Most of the team is back, though, and we should be able to execute well. I expect our team to be highly competitive.”

Wide receiver Xavier Jenkins will headline Lowndes’ list of players to watch offensively, but the Vikings defense could ultimately end up being the team’s greatest strength. Four of McPherson’s seven returning starters are defensive backs Fred Stewart, Tymere Moore, J.T. Smith, and Jourdan Wright. Also, the team will bring back starting linebackers Jeffery Davis and Will Tolbert.

Despite the returning experience, Lowndes will need to be in mid-season form come August, as the team’s early-season schedule is no joke. After facing Bainbridge in a preseason scrimmage, a team who won 13 consecutive games and made it to the AAAA state semifinals in 2015, the Vikings will open the regular season with archrival Valdosta. After a bye week on October 7th, Lowndes will face Tift and Camden at home in consecutive weeks before taking a trip to Moultrie to close out the regular season against Colquitt County.

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Tift County Blue Devils

BLUE DEVILS HOPE CONTINUITY AND GROWTH BREED REGION Region CONTENTION Written by: Shane Thomas | Photos by: Marque Milla Reese

It's wise to test the water before you dive right in; the Tift County Blue Devils learned that in 2015. The Blue Devils, led by first-year head coach Ashley Anders, finished 5-5 last season and were winless in region play. Heading into season two under Anders, the Blue Devils believe greater familiarity will be beneficial when the 2016 season kicks off.

“With last year being my first year as head coach and bringing in three of four new coaches—that takes some getting used to,” Anders said of last season. “All of the coaches are returning with a year in the system and terminology. It's about settling in and knowing what to expect from the coaches and the players' expectations.

I look at that and think that will help us tremendously.”

With the coaching staff settling in, the roster will be anchored by experienced returners offensively and defensively. Anders sees the luxury of veteran players but also hopes to plug holes in key spots.

“One of our greatest strengths is we have quite a few kids coming back that have game experience,” Anders said.

“They've played on Friday nights in either a starting role or back-up role on both sides of the ball. I think we're returning seven starters on offense and eight on defense. When you have experience like

that, the game doesn't go quite as fast in their eyes.

“I would say our depth and our experience on our defensive line are where we took our biggest hit. Three of our four starters last year were seniors and went on to sign scholarships. It's tough to replace three scholarship players at one time. That's going to be the point where we have to grow the fastest.”

Exponential growth will be key for the Blue Devils, who lost three of their five region games by 10 or more points. According to Anders, his team must buy into a physical brand of football to pull out close games.

“The first thing, no matter whether it is offense, defense, or special teams, is you've got to have a tough, physical football team,” Anders said of his philosophy.

“You have to be tough physically. You have to be tough mentally. You have to be physical at the point of attack on the offensive and defensive lines. Not everything is going to go the way that you want it. You've got to be strong enough mentally to come back from some adversity and be able to push through and do your job.”

The job for the Blue Devils will be a tall task with Lowndes County, Camden County and Colquitt County atop Region 1-AAAAAAA. As the old adage goes, 'To

1-7A

be the man, you've got to beat the man.'

However, as Anders and his staff are preaching, winning the region demands a consistent focus every game, regardless of opposition.

“We're looking to win a region championship,” Anders said flatly. “With the success that these teams have had in our region, it's very, very tough. Colquitt obviously is the top team on the totem pole right now with back-to-back state championships. They've got the X on their back every week but there's no one (game) that's more important than the other. What we try to teach our guys is that we've got a goal and in order to reach that goal, you've got to take care of things one game at a time.”

Highlights Stadium Name: Brodie Field 2015 Overall Record: 5-5 2015 Region Record: 0-5

Coach’s Corner Ashley Anders

2 years at TCHS Career record: 5-5

“All of the coaches are returning with a year in the system and terminology. It’s about settling in and knowing what to expect from the coaches and the players’ expectations. I look at that and think that will help us tremendously.”

- Head Coach Ashley Anders

Where Fords and Lincolns Cost Less IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

21

GHSA Football Appears Strong Entering New Season Grayson, Roswell Could Alter High School Football’s Balance of Power in 2016, Colquitt Won’t Go Easily Written by: Jacob Dennis | Photos by Grayson High School and Marque Milla Reese

Preseason high school football polls are starting to come out and there is one noticeable omission from many sites’ list: Colquitt County. The Packers, despite winning 30 consecutive games and two straight state championships in Georgia’s highest classification, graduated a large amount of talent from last season and will again have doubters entering the new season despite the school’s recent historic run.

Two schools from Georgia have been constantly mentioned as national title contenders in 2016: Grayson and Roswell. Grayson has already made the national headlines several times due to the large number of high-caliber transfers the school has attracted this offseason. The Rams’ transition to the new Class 7A, coupled with showdowns versus IMG Academy and Hoover, has been more than enough for several of the state’s top players to switch over to Grayson.

In addition to an already-large amount of returning talent, the Rams added five-star DB Jamyest Williams and four-stars Deangelo Gibbs (WR/DB), Breon Dixon (LB) and Tony Gray (OT). A difficult schedule could make it tough for Grayson to post the unbeaten record needed to compete for a national crown, but the Rams will undoubtedly have a say in the GHSA AAAAAAA playoffs come December.

As for Roswell, experience at the highest level will help the team reach towards lofty expectations in 2016. The Hornets, who fell 30-13 to Colquitt last year in the state championship game in the Georgia Dome, will return a significant amount of talent on the defensive side of the ball and are expected to again compete for not only a state championship, but potentially a title on the national level. Roswell will open up the 2016 season in the Corky Kell Classic against perennial powerhouse Buford, who lost in the 4A state title game last December. The team’s biggest game, however, will come on September 9 at home in a rematch of last year’s state title game.

Grayson and Roswell are expected to be the state’s two best teams, but Colquitt will still have a huge say in what happens on the Road to the Dome at season’s end.

Outside of Georgia, the usual suspects are atop many preseason polls. St. Thomas Aquinas (FL), Bishop Gorman (NV) and IMG Academy (FL) all reside in or near the Top 5 of several different analysts and all three have enough Division I talent to run the table in their respective divisions.

Aquinas is led by 5-star senior receiver Trevon Grimes, who has amassed a whopping 29 offers but hasn’t committed to a school yet. The Raiders will participate in what could be the national game of the year on September 30, when the team will travel west to face Top 5 foe Bishop Gorman.

Gorman is led by a pair of 4-star, Ohio State Buckeye recruits in Tate Martell and Haskell Garrett. Martell is a dual-threat quarterback ranked as a 98 on 247sports. com, while Garrett, a defensive tackle, is ranked as a 97. The Gaels will, as mentioned above, face St. Thomas Aquinas in late September in a game that will have national ramifications.

IMG Academy, on paper, has the most high school talent of any team in the country. Three of the top 10 athletes from Florida in 2017 go to the school, led by 5-star outside linebacker Dylan Moses. Moses is joined by defensive ends Joshua Kaindoh and Robert Beal, who are committed to Maryland and Georgia, respectively, as players most likely to aid the team in a national title-push. IMG Academy’s biggest game of the season will be on ESPN on August 27 versus Grayson.

There are several contenders for the national title in high school football this season, but predicting the sport is nearly impossible and nobody knows how things will ultimately play out. It’s exciting, however, to think that the state of Georgia could again impact high school football on the national scale.

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Coffee County Trojans

TROJANS HOPE TO BUILD WINNING CULTURE IN NEW REGION Written by: Shane Thomas | Photos by: Coffee County High School and Robert Preston

Highlights School:Coffee County Trojans GHSA 2015 Overall Record: 10-2 2015 Region Record: 7-1

Coach’s Corner Robby Pruitt Career Record: 323-69-1 Record at CCHS: 30-14

Players Max Hughes Jarquavius Jefferson to watch Marquavius Jefferson

College Prospects position Demetrius Davis

RB

Milton Jackson

RB

Max Hughes

QB

Jay Turk

OL

Tye Bailey

DT

Great coaches often say winning is a habit. For head coach Robby Pruitt and the Coffee County Trojans, making winning a habit is their prime goal heading into the 2016 season.

Pruitt, who took over the Trojans in 2012 with 293 career wins, has posted back-to-back 10-win campaigns due in part to a very productive offense and a stout defense.

The Trojans averaged 29.8 points per game, while yielding just 10 points per game defensively. Though the Trojans were knocked out of the playoffs, they are looking to go further behind experienced returners such as quarterback Max Hughes.

“A strength for us offensively is we have our quarterback (Hughes) coming back,” Pruitt said. “He had a good junior year, so he's got some experience under his belt. We have an experienced running back and we've got two or three offensive linemen coming back.”

Considering how well the Trojans fared last season, it seems difficult on the surface to find any weaknesses. Pruitt still believes there are holes to be filled in the summer on both sides of the football.

“We've still got to find some receivers and another half of the offensive

Douglas Tifton Valdosta

Region 1-6A

“We've got to continue to work hard, try to get our program where it needs to be. We're still not there yet. We're still trying to build a consistent, winning culture here and we're working hard to get our kids in that mindset.”

line.” Pruitt said. “Defensively, if all our kids make it through the summer, our defensive line should be one of our strengths as well.”

The defensive backfield tandem of the Jeffersons, Marquavius and Jarquavius, offers a nice compliment to what hopes to be another strong defensive unit. Jarquavius recorded 58 tackles last season (41 solo) while also snagging four interceptions and swiping six pass deflections. These tallies earned Jarquavius an All-State honorable mention. Both sophomores in 2015, the Jefferson twins saw significant action last season, which Pruitt sees as a major asset.

“There's strength at corner back also,” Pruitt said of his set of twins in the backfield. “Both were starting as sophomores and that was both their first year playing football. They should be a little bit better, one of them (nearly) made All-State with (four) interceptions on the year.”

In the first two seasons under Pruitt, the Trojans managed a .500 record (10-10). With back-to-back 10-win seasons and playoff berths combined with a move to Region 1-6A, Pruitt vows to continue pushing his group to make winning the standard at Coffee County.

“Every year is a new year,” Pruitt said. “You just try to build off what you did. We've won 10 games the last two years in a row. We'd feel a whole lot better if we were in the same region as opposed to the one we're going into. We're going into an awfully tough region. We've got to continue to work hard; try to get our program where it needs to be.

We're still not there yet. We're still trying to build a consistent, winning culture here, and we're working hard to get our kids in that mindset.”

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Lee County Trojans

IMPROVED PERFORMANCE IN REGION PLAY KEY FOR TROJANS Written by: Jacob Dennis | Photos by: Mike Chapman and Danna Cooper

Region 1-6A Highlights 2015 Overall Record: 6-4 Stadium Name: Trojans Stadium Returning Offensive Returning Defensive Starters Starters

3

8

College Prospects position Aubrey Solomon Tory Carter After getting off to an unblemished 6-0 start to open the 2015 season, Lee County suffered four straight losses in Georgia high school football’s toughest region, ultimately missing the state playoffs. While the Trojans will only bring back three offensive starters from last season, the defensive side of the ball should be a completely different story.

Head coach Dean Fabrizio’s team will return a whopping eight defensive starters from a side that was impressive in 2015. Excluding the team’s 54-17 home loss at the hands of back-to-back state champion Colquitt County, the Trojans allowed just 14.9 points per game and will be expected to post similar numbers this year.

Sylvestor Jackson, Adrian Jones, and TJ Harris will lead the solid core of returning defenders, but Lee County also re-

turns a pair of offensive players, running back Giavonte Daniels and wide receiver Kono Smith, who received significant playing time in 2015. Kicker Dylan Brendel will also return to anchor the Trojans’ special teams unit.

Despite the disappointing end to the 2015 season, there could be some momentum to be gained from Lee County’s

31-25 loss to Valdosta on November 6. The Trojans played that contest without quarterback Garret Morell and several other key offensive weapons, which afforded some returning players the opportunity to see live game action in a meaningful game. Perhaps that loss will end up resulting in multiple wins for Fabrizio’s group as they move forward.

DL DE/FB

Shaun Rountree

LB

Otis Reese

DB

Team Leaders 2015 STARTERS Giavonte Daniels

RB

Kono Smith

WR

Sylvestor Jackson

DE

Adrian Jones

DB

TJ Harris

DB

Dylan Brendel

K

Coach’s Corner

Dean Fabrizio

Career Record: 66-32 26 years coaching overall

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Valdosta Wildcats

WILDCATS BOAST STRONG DEFENSE, LEADERSHIP IN 2016 Written by: Jacob Dennis | Photos by: Mike Chapman

Returning Defensive Starters

Returning Offensive Starters

Highlights

5

9

Coach’s Corner Alan 1st year at Valdosta High Rodemaker Career Record: 15-9

position College Prospects Antwon Kincade DB Zakoby McCann LB Jontae Baker TE Devonnsha Maxwell DE Wesley Veal WR Jaelyn Temple DB Jared Allen OL

Following an 8-4 record a season ago, the Valdosta Wildcats will be starting new on many fronts this season. Alan Rodemaker will succeed head coach Rance Gillespie, who accepted a co-offensive coordinator position at Georgia Southern (Division I) in January.

Rodemaker, the longtime Wildcats' defensive coordinator under Gillespie, believes his experience on the defensive side of the ball can provide a strong foundation moving forward.

“Our biggest strength is our defensive line,” Rodemaker said. “On defense, our philosophy is about stopping the run and turning our defense into scores.”

The Wildcats return only 14 starters from last season, five on offense and nine on defense. Of those returning, the Wildcats will depend on tight end Jontae Baker to duplicate or exceed his production from last season. Baker led the Wildcats with seven touchdowns in 2015. The Wildcats also return standout linebacker Zakoby McClain. The 6-foot2, 200-pound McClain notched a team-leading 107 tackles last season.

With such a substantial roster turnover, Rodemaker faces unique challenges heading into his first season at the helm.

“Our biggest challenge will be a lack of depth,” Rodemaker said. “We only have 14 returners so many of these kids will need to learn on the fly.

We have to prepare our younger guys more.”

An 18-year coaching veteran, Rodemaker preaches a confident, no-nonsense approach he hopes to instill in this year's group. The process is simple—build up his team with players passionate about winning.

“Motivation shouldn't be a problem,” Rodemaker said. “We are the winningest high school football team in the nation. The way I motivate is we get rid of the those that aren't motivated.”

The Wildcats were 4-2 in region play last season. Rodemaker believes his team perhaps wore down at the latter parts of the season.

“I thought we ran out of gas in the playoffs,” Rodemaker said. “Our

pie town usa

Region 1-6A

2015 Overall Record: 8-4 | 2015 Region Record: 4-2 | Stadium Name: Bazemore-Hyder

Team Leaders

leading rusher Carries/Yards: 105-481 leading passer Seth Shuman Attempts/Yards: 227-339-3194 leading receiver Jamarous Tyson Receptions/Yards: 35/757 leading TD scorer Jontae Baker Total Touchdowns: 7 leading tackler Zakoby McMlain Total Tackles: 107 interception leader Jaylon Temple Total Interceptions: 3

Tim Griffen

goal this year is to be playing better in November and December. The only way to do that is to try to rest our team more during the grind of the season.”

Rodemaker insists his team will be better on both sides of the ball, which bodes well with a vastly new group of players.

“We should improve in all defensive stats,” Rodemaker predicts. “Offensively, we will run the ball better. Our three major goals this season are to create turnovers on defense, avoid turnovers on offense and win the special teams’ game.”

Collectively, Rodemaker and his staff define a winning season not simply by wins and losses, but by each player reaching their potential. The concept is known as “Arête” or the act of living up to one's full potential.

Rodemaker takes on his first head coaching role since 1999-2000, when he was head coach at Peach County. During his tenure, the Trojans posted a 15-9 record.

With an experienced leader patrolling the sidelines, the Wildcats' goal will be the same now as it has always been: winning a state championship.

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29

Atlanta &

the Rest of Us?

By the Numbers: South Georgia vs. North Georgia Written by: Zachary Pine | Photos by: Marque Milla Reese and www.ajc.com

Here is what the numbers show: ESPN 150/300 Recruits: Atlanta Schools: There is a term that is often used when describing the state of Georgia; and that term is “there’s Atlanta and there’s the rest of us.”

This saying implies that Atlanta is far and away the most superior city in the state and sets the standard for all other cities in Georgia.

This is true in many ways, for the most part Atlanta is the most superior city in Georgia.

This is also a common thought among high school football. You often hear the media, coaches and even players talk about how dominant the Atlanta area is in terms of championships, recruiting and tradition.

So with that being said, I wanted to take a look at the numbers and see if Atlanta is as dominant as everyone says they are. My study is a three pronged analysis, it consists of ESPN 150/300 recruits, state championships and playoff appearances since the year 2000.

161 – 64%

Non-Atlanta Schools

93 – 36%

Playoff Appearances: Atlanta Schools:

1021 – 38%

Non-Atlanta Schools:

1661 – 62%

State Championships: Atlanta Schools:

36 – 40%

Non-Atlanta Schools:

52 – 60% 30

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The first thing you notice is that Atlanta has a decided advantage in “elite” talent.

Atlanta dominates this area because of the population advantage they have and the proximity of schools. As we all know the Atlanta area is the highest populated area in the state which gives Atlanta area schools a higher probability of landing an elite talent. The proximity of the schools also allows college coaches and scouts to be able to travel to multiple schools with ease. This increases the exposure time of Atlanta athletes, thus giving them a better opportunity to be recruited.

The second thing you will notice is the amount of playoff appearances. Non-Atlanta schools dominate this statistic by almost a 2-1 margin. The larger classifications (AAAAAAA-AAAA) are in favor of the Atlanta schools but the lower classifications (AAA-A) are absolutely dominated by non-Atlanta schools.

The final and most important stat that you will notice is the number of state championships. This is another area that

the non-Atlanta schools dominate.

The larger classifications (AAAAAAAAAAA) are almost split with the non-Atlanta schools edging out the advantage 17-15. The lower classifications (AAA-A) however are dominated by non-Atlanta schools 35-21.

What we see with this study is that in the world of high school football Atlanta is playing catch up with the rest of the state.

Life in small town Georgia truly revolves around high school football and it shows on Friday nights. The players here live and breathe football and so do their friends, family and fans. Shops close down, the entire police force escorts the players to the stadium, mayors show up and sit amongst the fans and the game truly becomes a community wide effort.

That’s something that you just don’t get in a big city like Atlanta. It can truly be said that there is nothing like a fall Friday night in small town Georgia.

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Bainbridge Bearcats

REGION 1-AAAAA CHAMPIONS REMAIN HOPEFUL AFTER STELLAR 2015 SEASON

Region 1-5A

Written by: James Washington | Photos by: Hubby Brooks

The Bainbridge Bearcats tore their competition apart over the course of the 2015 season. As a result of a highly impressive 13-game win streak, the Bearcats were able to easily take home an undefeated regular season, a Region 1-AAAAA Championship, and march into the GHSA Class AAAAA Playoffs literally unscathed.

Unfortunately, the run fell just short of the ultimate goal; after dispatching of Griffin, Sandy Creek, and St. Pius X Catholic in the first three rounds of the postseason, Bainbridge lost a heartbreaker in the semifinals to the eventual Class AAAAA State Champion, Cartersville Hurricanes.

“Preparation and focus nearly got us to the mountaintop in 2015,” head coach Jeff Littleton said. “Our goal for the future is to build on our success, capitalize on big playoff wins, and get ready, mentally and physically, to make another run.”

Leading the way for the defending region champions will be ground general Dameon Pierce. The upcoming junior running back absolutely torched defenders in 2015 as he rushed for 2,060 yards and 33 touchdowns.

Coach Littleton expects more of the same from the young dynamo.

“It is only right to play to your strengths,” he said. “And

he is definitely one of them. We also want to ensure that we minimize our weaknesses if we want to match and improve what we were able to accomplish just a season ago.”

The 2015 Region 1-AAAAA Champions will open their year this fall at home against the Trojans of Lee County before splitting their first six game between Centennial Field and road trips.

Highlights 2015 Overall Record: 13-1 2015 Region Record: 9-0 Stadium Name: Centennial Field Capacity: 10,000

Players to watch

Coach’s Corner Jeff Littleton

Head Coach: 4th year at BHS Career Record: 24-12 Record at CCHS: 24-12

Dameon Pierce Running Back Kerenski Williams Safety

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Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets

WILLIAMS LEADS POTENT CENTRAL RUSHING ATTACK Written by: Jacob Dennis | Photos by: Hubby Brooks

Region 1-5A

Highlights

2015 Overall Record: 6-5 2015 Region Record: 5-3 Stadium Name: Jackets Nest Returning Offensive Starters

7

Returning Defensive Starters

7

College Prospects position QB/ATH Kelias Williams OLB/S Derrick Brock DL Tyrelle Palmer DL Reid Ansley LB Dominic Arrington RB Tyrice Cloud WR/DB Jamie Palmer Team Leaders 2015 STATS

Tyrice Cloud Kelias Williams

leading rusher

Tyrice Cloud Kelias Williams

leading TD scorer

Carries/Yards: 171/1077 173/1076. leading passer Kelias Williams Attempts/Yards: 33/70 Quintavius Cooksey leading receiver Receptions/Yards: 14/261 Total Touchdowns: 15 Dominic Arrington leading tackler Total Tackles: 88 interception leader Derrick Brock Total Interceptions: 2

Coach’s Corner Bill Shaver

Career Record: 63-28 33 year overall coaching

Don’t let Thomas County Central’s 6-5 record in 2015 fool you: the Yellow Jackets return an impressive wealth of talent this season and could be ready to take a significant step forward.

Central came within seconds of a wire-to-wire upset on the road of ranked Jonesboro in the playoffs last season, a game that is further evidence of the Yellow Jackets’ capabilities.

Head coach Bill Shaver’s team will return seven starters on both sides of the ball, led by 2015 All-Region quarterback Kelias Williams, who rushed for 1,076 yards on just 173 carries during his breakout season. Williams will be aided in the backfield by running back Tyrice Cloud, who had a stellar 2015 in his own right. Cloud carried the ball 171 times for 1,077 yards, statistics that are nearly identical to Williams’. The fact that the Jackets have two rushing weapons as opposed to just one should keep opponents off-balance enough to keep TCCHS dangerous.

“We have a real veteran team,” Shaver reiterated of his team’s strength entering the new campaign. “Williams is a great runner and a great thrower, so that is going to be a definite strength.”

“In our system it’s always very valuable to have a veteran signal caller returning because our offense goes off the quarterback,” the Jackets’ head man continued. “Then we are returning another 1000 yard rusher in Tyrice Cloud, three offensive lineman, and both key wide outs from last year.”

Shaver’s squad posted an average of 313 rushing yards per game in 2015, but the team’s defense simply couldn’t keep opponents out of the end zone often enough for Central to post a better record. Seven returning defensive starters could bode well for improvement in that category, however, as the Yellow Jackets will seek to turn in the type of season that TCC fans have become accustomed to over the years.

“Defensively we have a lot of guys back, but everything is new, so we switched a lot of guys around to fit the new style of defense that our coaches are bringing, but I think that our guys have adjusted well,” Shaver emphasized. “Every time we got on the grass it’s been a good thing for our defense.”

As always, a successful season for Bill Shaver and company will be defined by how the team performs versus Thomasville, Cairo, and defending region champion Bainbridge. But the Yellow Jackets have the potential to be competitive in every game on the team’s 2016 schedule. Expect Central, led by Williams and Cloud, to light up the scoreboard once the new season begins.

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Cairo Syrupmakers

DEVOURSNEY’S VETERAN ‘MAKERS EYE DEEP PLAYOFF RUN

Region 1-4A

Written by: Jacob Dennis | Photos by: Hubby Brooks

Highlights

A young team led by a firstyear head coach concluded in a 4-6 record for Cairo in 2015, but a year of experience should enable the team make drastic improvements during Steven DeVoursney’s second year at the helm of the Syrupmakers.

The team will begin the season with a new offensive coordinator and a new defensive coordinator, but the adjustment should be relatively smooth given Cairo’s wealth of returning talent.

The Syrupmakers will return a whopping 14 starters, including eight on defense, in what has to potential to be a season during which DeVoursney’s team makes a deep run in the state playoffs.

8/19 9/02 9/09 9/16 9/22

Cohesion and improvement during the offseason will be especially important for Cairo, who will face Thomasville, Thomas County Central and Bainbridge in consecutive games to begin 2016; these consecutive matchups will be a stretch that has the potential to be the team’s toughest three-game run of the year.

Quarterback, John Michael Owens, headlines the Syrupmakers’ list of returning starters. Although, three returning defensive backs, two returning linebackers, and two returning defensive ends will ensure that Cairo has one of the toughest defenses in its region.

DeVoursney’s team should see the college scholarship

Thomasville Thomas Co. Central @ Bainbridge Hardaway @ Shaw

offers start to pile up in the near future, as the Syrupmakers undoubtedly possess the ability to post upwards of 10 wins in 2016.

The biggest improvement that a team sees under a new head coach often occurs between years one and two, and that is exactly what Cairo is expecting this season. The team will need to find depth and continuity on the offensive line in order to be successful, but the ‘Makers have experience at nearly every other position.

Cairo should be a solid competitor in every game it plays in 2016.

9/30 Americus-Sumter 10/14 Carver 10/21 @ Westover 10/28 Columbus 11/04 Northside Columbus

Won sub-region Played for Region Championship Made the play-offs 2015 Overall Record: 4-6 2015 Region Record: 4-3 Returning Offensive Starters

Returning Defensive Starters

6

8

College Prospects position Jeremiah Gordon Walter Grant Jamal Thomas Jahseari Patterson Todd Brown

DT LB DB LB DE

Team Leaders 2015 STATS leading rusher

Malike Taylor leading passer

John M. Owens leading receiver

Jamal Thomas leading TD scorer

Malik Taylor leading tackler

Walter Grant

interception leader

Jamal Thomas

Coach’s Corner

Steve DeVoursney

Career Record: 132-34 2nd season as head coach 3 years coaching Cairo High 22 years overall

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Westover Patriots

SKY IS THE LIMIT AFTER SUBPAR SEASON IN ALBANY Written by: James A. Washington

Region 1-4A Highlights 2015 Overall Record: 2-7 2015 Region Record: 2-2

College Prospects position William Green Greg Marshall

QB

Montravious Richardson

OL

Armani Powell

LB

Tyreck Thompson

2015

DL

DL

Team Leaders 2015 STATS Emory Mckenzie leading rusher

was a less than desirable year for Westover; the team only managed two wins and failed to see the postseason after doing so for the previous three years. Head coach Octavia Jones stood tall as the Patriots trudged through what would be their worst season with Jones at the helm. On a brighter note, one of the Patriots’ two wins came at the hands of in-town rival Dougherty.

From here, the only direction for Westover is up. Although the team finished 2-7 overall, both wins came in region competition.

Their 2-2 region record was enough to place them third at the end of the year, behind Bainbridge and Worth County.

The Patriots will begin the road to redemption in 2016 as they open the year with an in-town road game against Monroe before returning to Hugh Mills Stadium for their home opener against Albany. Last season, Westover was winless on the road, so improving on that end will be crucial to a better season this fall.

Emory Mckenzie leading passer

Travionte Brown leading receiver

Emory Mckenzie leading TD scorer

Armani Powell leading tackler

Travionte Brown interception leader

Coach’s Corner

Octavia Jones

Record at Westover: 32-32 6 seasons

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

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Cook Hornets

DOE LEADS HORNETS POTENT RUSHING ATTACK Written by: Jacob Dennis | Photos by: Cook High School

Region 1-3A Highlights

2015 Overall Record: 7-4 2015 Region Record: 6-2 Stadium Name: Memorial Stadium Returning Offensive Starters

7

The Cook High Hornets earned a 16th consecutive playoff appearance thanks to their seven wins in 2015; the team will be eager to extend its impressive streak during this upcoming season. Despite graduating starters at a few key positions, the Hornets will return lightning-fast running back Brandon Doe and again should be a handful to defend thanks to a potent rushing attack. Doe topped the 1,000-yard mark in 2015 with 1,069 yards and should be a near-guarantee to do so again.

Cook will need to replace the talent of quarterback Connor Hilliard, who passed for 800 yards and was capable of keeping defenses from solely keying in on Doe out of the backfield. The Hornets will return seven starters on the offensive side of the ball, including athlete Ce’Darius Arnold, linemen Brock Jones and

Jalen Wilcox, and receiver Gunner George, which should bode well for the team’s offensive continuity in 2016.

Defensive production will be Cook’s main obstacle entering the new season, as just four out of eleven starters will return from 2015’s 7-4 team. The Hornets will still be quick and should force some turnovers due to team speed, a trait that should keep the team in nearly every game it plays thanks to its rushing prowess.

Despite the fact that Cook graduated several starters, the Hornets did place a major emphasis on playing younger players in 2015, as several sophomores received minutes in key situations down the season’s home stretch.

The Hornets open 2016 with consecutive road contests against Brooks County and Tift County, so expect Bobby Jones’ team to be battle-tested once region play rolls around.

Cook might be slightly undersized, but impressive team speed and an exceptional rushing attack will give the team a chance to build upon last season’s 6-2 region record.

Returning Defensive Starters

4

Team Leaders 2015 STATS

Brandon Doe leading rusher Carries/Yards: 1069 Connor Hillard leading passer Attempts/Yards: 800 leading receiver Ce’Darius Arnold Receptions/Yards: 500 Brandon Doe leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 18 Bryce Hall leading tackler Total Tackles: 76 Trey Jackson interception leader Total Interceptions: 8

College Prospects position MLB Keyjon Deberry RM Brandon Doe Ce’Darius Arnold Athlete FS Trey Jackson C/DL Brock Jones OL/DL Jalen Wilcox Coach’s Corner Bobby Jones Career Record: 7-4 20 years overall

Crisp County Cougars

COACH FELTON PREPARES FOR HIS SOPHOMORE SEASON IN CORDELE

Region 1-3A

Written by: James A. Washington | Photos by: Danna Cooper, AVTF & Journalism Instructor, Worth County High School

The Crisp County Cougars failed to string together back-to-back wins at any point of the year, ultimately finishing at 3-7 in head coach Shelton Felton’s inaugural season at the helm.

“Last season laid the foundation for what is to come for Crisp County football,” Coach Felton said. “We are young and inexperienced, but expectations are obviously higher each year you are with a program.”

As with any up and coming program, Coach Felton is looking to instill a true mantra of hard work and dedication to improvement. He prides himself on a roster of talented young players that show up to the Cougar Den with the same never-saydie attitude that he possesses.

“I expect to compete for four quarters,” he said. “This group of kids have high expectations for themselves and love to compete. There will also be new faces coming in to the program to help improve the team in the areas we lacked last sea-

we are getting continues to grow and we are very grateful for the people in this community and our fans.”

Fun Fact: The last time Crisp County High School hosted a playoff game (1997), current head coach Shelton Felton was a member of the team as a player.

2015 Overall Record: 3-7 | 2015 Region Record: 3-2 | Stadium Name: Cougar Den

9

Coach’s Corner Shelton Career Record: 3-7 12 years overall coaching Felton

College Prospects position Markaviest Bryant OLB/DE ATH Brandon Dowdell OLB/WR Quay Walker FS Jhishaun Taylor DT Jahlil Taylor

Returning Starters

7

Returning Defensive Starters

Returning Offensive Starters

Highlights

son.”

While the team only managed three wins on the year a season ago, all three were region victories, coming at the hands of a trio of Albany opponents (Albany, Monroe, and Dougherty). Those three wins will help to drive the motivation of the Cougars heading into the future.

“We have to finish games,” Coach Felton said. “This team will have experience with close games and will be hungry to see how it feels to be on the winning side.”

The Cougars will be looking to improve on their 2015 campaign this fall as they open at home against Dooly County. After two home games to open the year, they will face a three-game stretch on the road against Turner County, Rutland, and Spencer. Home games will be a tremendous factor in 2016; two of their three wins came within the confines of the Cougar Den. “Community support is huge for Crisp County football,” Felton said. “The support

Markaviest Bryant OLB/DE DJ Smith ATH Brandon Dowdell ATH Quay Walker OLB/WR Jahlil Taylor DL Jammie Robinson ATH Patrick Felton Rakim Hardrick ILB

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Antonio Addie OL Snupe Troup RB Deangelo GriffinDL Jerome Tolbert OL Ahdarrious Gee ILB Damias Ward WR

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Worth County Rams

CONSTANT IMPROVEMENT IS KEY TO BUILDING ON RECENT SUCCESS

Region 1-3A

Written by: James Washington | Photos by: Danna Cooper, AVTF & Journalism Instructor, Worth County High School The 2015 Worth County Rams opened the season with two losses to Fitzgerald and Lee County. However; it is not about falling, it is about how you recover. And the Rams recovered quite well. Including the postseason, they would go 8-2 for the remainder of the year, finishing at 8-4 and advancing to the second round of the GHSA Class AAAA State Playoffs.

Given the motivation within the student-athletes and coaching staff in the locker room, expect that dedication to carry Worth County into another successful year.

“I expect the Rams to continue on the momentum from last season,” said Jason Tone, head coach of the Worth County Rams. “This year’s seniors are really pushing everyone around them to become the best. With great senior leadership, you can accomplish big things.”

Big things seem to be the norm in Sylvester; the Rams left their names at the top of numerous statistical charts.

The team’s 21 interceptions on defense set the standard for the state, and fueled by the power of three players earning 1,000 yards or more on the ground, the team also led the state in rushing. Last year’s ending total of eight wins was also the most that the Rams had secured since 1999.

“Last season was a big year for us,” Tone said. “We had a senior group that bought into the hard work and was able to play together as one unit.”

A major strength that bolsters the Rams’ 2016 campaign is their tremendous offensive line. Anchored by seniors Ryan Alligood (6’2”, 270) and Bryan Manuel (6’6”, 310), the team looks to build on a successful 2015 season in which their only region loss came at the hands of the re-

Returning Defensive Starters

Returning Offensive Starters

Jason Tone

2

Coach’s Corner Career Record: 17-15 13 years overall coaching

College Prospects position Bryan Manuel OL David L. Little TE/OLB Chris McDaniel RB Horace Everson RB Ryan Alligood OL Chavis Marshall DB

Team Leaders

2015 Overall Record: 8-4 | 2015 Region Record: 7-1 | Stadium Name: Worth County Stadium

Highlights

7

gion-champion Bainbridge Bearcats.

“We’ve learned that if we play consistently as a team, we are hard to beat,” Tone said. “Hopefully this year’s team remembers that lesson and grows from it. Our goal every year is to be the most physical and most disciplined team in the region.”

Coach Tone is confident that this year’s team can definitely return to the form that took them so far a year ago.

Consistency is key; he believes that, while the coaches provide training and skill development, truly great athletes also have to motivate themselves. He emphasizes this through team competitions during the offseason, stressing the winning and losing aspect of each because, at the end of the day, those are what appear in the final standings.

“If we get better every week, I think that we will have a successful season,” he said. “Our job is ultimately decided by wins and losses, but as a coach you have to do more than just coach wins and losses. You have to teach these athletes to be successful young men.”

Chris McDaniel Gerome Williams Ja’Kwaveon Thomas Justin Hope Cameron Farley Eric Burrows

leading rusher Carries/Yards: 161/1,330 leading passer Attempts/Yards: 60/485 leading receiver Receptions/Yards: 9/91 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 16 leading tackler Total Tackles: 110 interception leader Total Interceptions: 6

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Berrien County Rebels

REBELS EXPECT TO RAISE COMPETITIVENESS IN 2016 Written by: Jacob Dennis | Photos by: Wenda G Bailey Photography

Berrien football struggled to a 2-8 record last season, but the Rebels were much more competitive than it appeared on the surface. Head coach, Bill Cribb’s team fell by a single point, 28-27, to Brooks County, lost to Fitzgerald by just one touchdown, and then concluded the season with a 40-39 loss on the road aginst Pelham.

The Rebels’ offense performed well at times, but the team’s defense was often its downfall. This offseason, Cribb and company have implemented a new

defensive system in hopes of soon clawing towards the .500 mark.

“We have to have leadership,” Cribb said about his team heading into the new season. “Someone needs to take over, and I don’t care if it’s a senior, junior, sophomore or freshman. But I’ve already seen two or three guys step up, which is good.”

One player Cribb mentioned was lineman TJ Bryant, who isn’t necessarily a vocal leader for the Rebels, but a player who leads by example. For a team that

2015 Overall Record: 2-8 2015 Region Record: 1-5 Stadium name: Raymond Jones Memorial Stadium

College Prospects position Devyne Lindsey RB

Highlights

Major Get to .500 Goals Finish in close games for the Make playoffs season Coach’s Corner

Bill Cribb

1st year as head coach of Berrien County

Keyshawn Prince

DL

Davon Lewis

DB

Cameron Simmons

DL

Region 1-2A

needs to improve defensively, it could prove to be beneficial for the Rebels that Bryant, who plays in the trenches for the duration of most Friday nights, emerges as a player to look up to.

“I expect to win,” said Cribb, who played and coached at Lowndes High School during the team’s dominant run of state championships.

“That’s what I’m trying to get across to these kids.

We don’t just show up to look good on Friday nights. I’m trying to instill in these kids that we want to win.”

Cribb conveyed that Berrien’s biggest goal during the upcoming season is to knock off 2015 state runner-up, Irwin County, in the team’s opening game; reiterating that his team needs to make the playoffs and experience that atmosphere in order to get the momentum going in Nashville.

If the team can finish at or above the .500 mark in 2016, it is easy to see Cribb and company getting things rolling within the Berrien football program.

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Brooks County Trojans

TROJANS SEEK TO CONTINUE WINNING WAYS

Region 1-2A

2016 SCHEDULE

Written by: Jacob Dennis | Photos by: Hubby Brooks

Coming off of an impressive 10-3 season during which Brooks County went a perfect 6-0 in region play, the Trojans will look to continue to establish themselves as one of the best teams in AA. After falling in the team’s two opening games in 2015, the Trojans caught fire, winning 10 consecutive games before bowing out of the postseason in the Round of Eight at the hands of Greater Atlanta Christian.

This season, coach Maurice Freeman will hope that leaders such as DB Jarrious Rose, RB Jonathan White, and LB Kendrick Wade will help fill in the void left by the graduation of quarterback Demontay Jones, who was the heart and soul of the Brooks offense, if not the team, in 2015. However, outside of a few star players, Brooks County will boast a roster without much experience entering the new season.

“We’re trying to work 100 miles an hour to get ourselves prepared because we’re so young,” Freeman said of his team’s offseason preparation. “These guys are eager to play. They’ve been working their butts off and I think they’re tough, strong, and fast, we’re just young mentally. We only have six seniors, so we’re just really starting over fundamentally and getting these young kids ready to do battle with some older high school teams.”

Despite the fact that Brooks lost a significant amount of offensive production from 2015, including Nate Vick, who had been the team’s top receiving option for the last several seasons, an odd early-season schedule could afford Maurice Freeman some extra time to figure out what works best offensively and defensively for his team.

After opening the season a week late on August 19 against Cook, the Trojans will have a bye week before facing Clinch County, one of only three teams to defeat Brooks County in 2015, on the road on September 2. Freeman’s team will then have yet another bye week before playing its third game of the season on September 16 versus Pierce County.

When asked if there were any games on his schedule that he was especially looking forward to, laughing, Freeman said, “We’re always looking forward to the Fitzgerald game. They are absolutely loaded, so that’s going to be a huge one for us.”

The Trojans have proven on numerous occasions over the past several seasons that size and number of players has nothing to do with talent, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Quitman’s team turn in another season of exceeded expectations. With expanded roles out of the backfield for Sutton and White, expect the Trojans to be solid yet again.

Highlights Won sub-region Played for Region Championship Made the play-offs 2015 Overall Record: 10-3 2015 Region Record: 6-0

College Prospects position Naiquavis Sutton

RB

Jonathan White

RB

Mac Perry

QB

Ryan Wade

OL

Jarrious Rose

DB

Team Leaders 2015 STATS leading rusher

Demontay Jones leading passer

Demontay Jones

Coach’s Corner

Maurice Freeman

Career Record: 172 - 90 12 years coaching BCHS 22 years overall

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Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane

A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP EQUALS IMPROVEMENT FOR THE HURRICANE Region Written by: James Washington | Photos by: Marque Milla Reese

1-2A

The Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane stormed through the regular season, opening with six consecutive wins and finishing with one of the best records in school history. Entering his fifth season, head coach Jason Strickland has led his team to at least 10 wins in all but one of his campaigns so far with the school.

After a single season loss to eventual region champion Brooks County (Quitman, Ga.), the team finished the regular season with a 9-1 record and entered the postseason as the second seed from Region 1-AA. The playoffs began with more of the same, as Fitzgerald reeled off four straight wins to earn a spot in the GHSA Class AA State Championship.

A 42-21 defeat at the hands of Pace Academy (Atlanta, Ga.) ended their hopes of a title run but rest assure, the Purple Hurricane are prime to make another attempt at glory.

Backfield sensation J.D. King looks to make his return for Fitzgerald; in 2015 he seamlessly cracked the 1,500-yard mark while standing tall as a fearless leader for the Hurricane.

With more of the same from him, another chance at a state championship should be all but guaranteed.

The Hurricane will open the 2016 campaign at home against Irwin County before a two-game road trip against Macon County and Rockdale County. If 2015 is any inclination, however, the venue should stand to be little trouble. In route to the title game, Fitzgerald was a perfect 7-0 in road contests.

Highlights 2015 Overall Record: 13-2 2015 Region Record: 5-1

Coach’s Corner Jason Strickland

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Thomasville Bulldogs

GRAGE LEADS ‘DOGS INTO NEW ERA Written by: Jacob Dennis | Photos by: Hubby Brooks

2016 will be a vital year in the development of Thomasville High School football, as first-year head coach Zach Grage will take the reins of this football program after a dismal 1-9 record last season.

“We try not to talk about last season much, but it does help to motivate this year’s team to not go 1-9 again,” Grage said on his team’s approach to a new season. “We have tried to focus our preparation on handling the small things, doing things the right way, and letting the W’s and L’s take care of themselves.”

The Bulldogs should see some improvement simply from the fact that the team will return 12 total starters, including WR/RB Tori Sapp, who posted 834 rushing yards in 2015 to go along with his team-leading six touchdowns.

Grage has been trusted to turn around a program with history and tradition, and it seems like the ‘Dogs first-year head coach is on his way to doing just that.

“Last year, we gave up more points than any other team in

school history, and also took a couple games to score a point on offense,” Grage said.

“While learning new schemes on all 3 sides of the ball (special teams included), we are just trying to focus on doing things the right way within the program. We also are trying to keep that even keel… do not let success go to our heads, and do not let the tough times get us too far down.”

It is that steady approach that should allow Thomasville to get headed in the right direction. The turnaround certainly will not occur overnight, but Grage and the ‘Dogs are convinced that it will happen soon.

Much like Thomas County Central, Thomasville is amped to meet its long-time rival on the gridiron again this season.

“Of course, every game counts the same as

Region 1-2A

far as your final record, but Highlights I’d be chastised, if I did not 2015 Overall Record: 1-9 mention the importance of 2015 Region Record: 1-5 our home opener on August 26th versus Thomas County Stadium Name: Veterans Memorial Capacity: 5000 Central. There is nothing like a south GA rivalry, and we are Returning Offensive Returning Defensive very excited to get this one Starters Starters back on the schedule,” Grage concluded. “I expect us to play hard and bring the pride back to the Diamond T.”

6

6

Team Leaders 2015 STATS Tori Sapp leading rusher Carries/Yards: 183/834 leading passer Attempts/Yards: 86/170 Ford Faulk leading receiver Receptions/Yards: 28/491 Tori Sapp leading TD scorer

JT Rice

Total Touchdowns: 6

College Prospects position Tori Sapp

WR/RB

Khalil Frazier Johnny Young

2016 SCHEDULE

Thomas Rayburn JT Rice

DE DE C QB

Michael Gardner

LB

Coach’s Corner

Zach Grage

Career record: 4-6 11 years overall coaching

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Clinch County Panthers

YOUNG, MARSHALL ATTEMPT TO BRING PANTHERS BACK-TOBACK STATE TITLES Region Written by: Shane Thomas | Photos by: Sheena Hill, The Clinch County News

2-A

Highlights 2015 Overall Record: 13-1 2015 Region Record: 6-1 Stadium Name: Panther Stadium

The GHSA class A state championship trophy is back in Homerville, and if head coach Jim Dickerson and company have anything to say about it, the hardware could stay down south for longer than just one year.

The Panthers absolutely tore through their schedule a season ago, capping a 13-1 season by avenging the team’s only loss to Irwin County in the Georgia Dome to claim a state championship. The 2015 Panthers lived up to the standard that Clinch County faithful have come to expect, but now that burden is passed to the 2016 squad.

“We have high expectations for these kids and they know that the community has high expectations for them,” Dickerson said. “We have really pushed them hard this summer to prepare them, and they’ve pushed themselves. While it’s tough to get on top, it’s even tougher to stay on top.”

This season, unfortunately for opposing defenses, Clinch County’s talented group of ball carriers will return in hopes of lighting up the scoreboard on the way back to the Dome.

Shannon Young, Charles McClelland, and Trezman Marshall will all return for the Panthers, giving the team a realistic shot at having three rushers eclipse the 1,000-yard mark. However, Dickerson has cause for concern surrounding his offensive attack.

“The main difference from last season, unfortunately, is that last year we had a big offensive line,” Dickerson lamented. “We are having to replace four offensive linemen, and instead of averaging about 280 pounds across the front five, we are probably going to average about 190 or 200 pounds. And as anyone that really knows football can tell you, that’s where the game is won and lost.”

Of the 32 players on Clinch’s roster last season, only nine were seniors, but the linemen took the biggest hit.

“You hear about all of our skill guys and people think, ‘Y’all are going to be even better than last year,’ but we need to put eleven on the field and get to where we don’t have to hide the eleven around those

four. But the good thing about youth and inexperience is that they are very excited and eager to prove themselves.”

With that said, Clinch County has more than enough talent, both from the coaching staff and the players, to be just as dangerous in 2016 as they were in 2015. The enthusiasm, support, and winning tradition is enough to make them constant title contenders, yet the roster is still fully equipped to fortify that position.

The loss of Chauncey Manac will undoubtedly hurt the Clinch defense, but the Panthers’ still have plenty of firepower in Octavius Morris and John Mincey coming off of the edges to threaten opposing offenses.

The state championship rematch against Irwin County will occur on September 16th in Homerville, just one week after the Panthers take on the always-tough Brooks County Trojans. That two-week stretch could prove to be the most difficult of the season for Clinch.

Then, of course, the Panthers will participate in the Swamp War with archrival Charlton in Folkston on October 28th.

“Once we get in our region, you’ve got us, Irwin, Charlton, and even Turner County came up last year with as much talent as anybody we play,” Dickerson stated. “It’s going to be a tough game every Friday night, so we have to be prepared.”

Capacity: 4,000

College Prospects position Shannon Young Zebulon Johnson Jervonta Johnson Octavius Morris Machari Bighams John Mincey

RB WR DB DE DB DE

Team Leaders 2015 STATS Shannon Young leading rusher

Charles McLelland leading passer

Jerrod Jones leading receiver

Shannon Young leading TD scorer

Machari Bighams interception leader

Coach’s Corner Jim Dickerson Career Record: 116-39-1 12 years as head coach

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

59

Irwin County Indians

CLASS A STATE RUNNER-UP LOOKS TO BUILD ON LAST YEAR’S RUN Written by: James Washington | Photos by: Sandy McClurd

Highlights 2015 Overall Record: 10-3-1 2015 Region Record: 6-1 Stadium Name: Indian Stadium Capacity: 4,000 Returning Offensive Returning Defensive Starters Starters

6

6

College Prospects position Ziare Andrews Nathan Tucker Tristan Billingsley Tyler Soliday Zach Tolar Zyon Ross

RB ILB DT OC ATH DE

Team Leaders 2015 STATS leading rusher

DJ Pollard

leading passer

Zach Tolar

leading receiver

Cyrus Johnson leading TD scorer

DJ Pollard

leading tackler

DJ Pollard

Region 2-A

December 11, 2015. Downtown Atlanta, Georgia in the Georgia Dome.

The Region 2-A Champion Irwin County Indians had fought hard to earn the right to stand across the field with a state title in their collective eyes. A playoff run that saw them knock off the likes of Wilkinson County, Trion (in a 21-0 shutout), and the Emanuel County Institute left one obstacle between the Indians and the trophy: the Region 2-A runner-up, Clinch County Panthers.

Unfortunately, the results differed from the 28-12 victory over the Panthers on September 18 that pushed the Indians to 2-1-1 early. At the final buzzer, Irwin sat on the opposite end of a 24-7 GHSA Class A State Championship Game win for Clinch County.

However; regardless of the final game, Irwin County Head Coach Buddy Nobles is confident that 2016 can be the same, if not better.

“We were blessed to have another great year,” Coach Nobles said. “It set the standard for the offseason and what we will face in 2016. Our job going forward is to compete on a daily basis, no matter what comes our way. I just want the team to be the best they can be.”

The Indians’ sole region loss came at the hands of Charlton County on October 2, and perhaps the defeat served as adequate fuel; Irwin reeled off seven consecutive wins (including three in the postseason) after the loss on their way to the grand stage in Atlanta.

Accompanying the team to the capital city was an army of the loyal Irwin County fans that have stood behind their student-athletes from the season’s opening kickoff.

“Our fan and community support are huge in such a small town,” Coach Nobles said.

“Especially in South Georgia, we are known as a team; the pressure is there to produce because of our fans and community and what

they expect of us.”

The defending region champions will obviously have to replace the talent and productivity formerly provided by last year’s seniors, led by Region Player of the Year DJ Pollard.

However, according to Nobles, there is still a plethora of skill waiting in the trenches as the team looks to make another run at the gauntlet.

“Our depth will play a large role in our performance,” Coach Nobles said. “We’ve still got a lot of great kids in this program. Also, attitude and leadership within our roster will be valuable, especially from our seniors.”

Nobles plans to take the same approach that has led to success in his first two seasons at the helm of the Indians; the most important task is to concentrate on the game at hand.

No opponent is more important than the next one. Home or away makes no difference; game planning and practice schedules alter for no one.

Also, in typical Irwin County fashion, he makes it his mission to create winners on more than just the gridiron.

“The daily challenges of the weight room and practice field help to create competition for the team. Off the field, our goal is to build young men that will make Ocilla proud. We talk constantly of having high character and doing what is right. When you walk down the hallway or in class, you need to set the standard for Irwin County High School.”

Coach’s Corner

Buddy Nobles

Career Record: 52-32-2 2 years at ICHS 24 years overall coaching 7 years as head coach

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

61

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Lanier County Bulldogs

FOR THE BULDOGS, IMPROVEMENT IS INEVITABLE Written by: James Washington | Photos by: Lanier County High School

Returning Defensive Starters

Returning Offensive Starters

Carl Parker

8

Coach’s Corner 2nd year with Lanier Years overall coaching: 16

College Prospects position Matt White QB Top Academic Players position Matt White QB Matthew Hardy Athlete Kaylen Wright OT/DE

High hopes turned to future plans in Lakeland for the Lanier County Bulldogs in 2015. The Region 2-A Bulldogs opened the year on a five-game downslide before winning their first and only game of the season in Week Six over Wheeler County (Alamo, Ga.). Many of the losses were by double figures; however, the young team has been able to learn from the year and use it to their advantage for building in the near future.

Since restarting its football program in 1997, the Bulldogs have only managed to put together three winning seasons (2006, 2008, and 2011). However; regardless of last season, head coach Carl Parker remains steadfast that the team can not only improve, but compete. 2015 was just his first year at the helm in Lanier County, and given Coach Parker’s extensive playing and coaching background, the sky is the limit for the Bulldogs.

“Last year was year one. Trying to incorporate a new experience was the priority. With that accomplished, the intensity will

Team Leaders

2015 Overall Record: 1-9 | 2015 Region Record: 0-7 | Stadium Name: Roquemore Stadium

Highlights

6

Region 2-A

Marcillo Brockington Matt White Robert Zinkle Tyler Alexander Eathan Hampton Keyonta Williams

leading rusher Carries/Yards: 60/254 leading passer 1329 yds/ 15 TDs leading receiver Receptions/Yards: 22/374 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 5 leading tackler Total Tackles: 74 interception leader Total Interceptions2 -

need to be elevated to be more competitive,” Parker said. “Our greatest strength going into 2016 will be our numbers. With fifty-three players, we will have growth opportunities in practice that will allow for that competition.”

The Bulldogs will open the 2016 campaign with assured motivation at home against Berrien. Familiar faces litter Lanier County’s schedule, including region powerhouses Turner County, Irwin County, and 2015 state champion Clinch County.

“Having a full offseason, unlike last year, was very helpful. Now we just have to trust the process and play one game at a time,” Parker concluded.

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

63

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Miller County Pirates

BREAKTHROUGH CAMPAIGN EXPECTED FOR PIRATES Written by: Jacob Dennis | Photos by: Miller County High School

Miller County has all the necessary parts in place to have a breakout campaign in 2016.

Veteran head coach Brent Miller took over the team in 2015, leading the Pirates to a 5-5 record (3-2 region 1-A) just one season after going 2-8. If the improvement of posting a .500 record wasn’t enough, the Pirates went out and beat archrival Seminole County 1413 to claim a year’s worth of bragging rights over the nearby school.

This year Miller County will return a whopping 18 starters, nine on both sides of the ball, in what could turn out to be a memorable season. Leading rusher JJ George, who carried the ball 262 times for 1,078 yards in 2015, leads the list of returning talent for head coach Brent Miller and company, while starting quarterback Dylan Johnson will also be back. Johnson’s favorite target last season just so happened to be George, who was also the team’s leading receiver with 11 receptions for 208 yards.

The turnaround of Miller County from 2014 to 2015 was nothing short of remarkable.

“We are one of the smallest single A

schools in the state playing football,” Miller said of his team. “Thus, we are very dependent on our fans and community, who have been instrumental in doubling the size of our team, raising money for equipment for new players coming out, and supporting our team in every way needed. We went from the bottom of the region to playing for the region championship in one year and we could not have accomplished this without our outstanding fan and community support.”

Miller went on to say that he defines a winning season as “winning the games that we should and upsetting a couple of teams that are physically better than us.”

“The most important thing is that our kids have learned how to become winners in life and will be able to take these skills with them and use them throughout life,” Miller continued.

The Pirates are a year older and a year more experienced. With a veteran head coach and seemingly a world of momentum, expect Miller County to make some noise in 2016.

Region 1-A Highlights 2015 Overall Record: 5-5 2015 Region Record: 3-2 Returning Offensive Starters

Returning Defensive Starters

9

9

College Prospects position

Rashaan Berry Jarrel Kimble JJ George Jacobe Cooper Cole Green Tate Green Owen Cobb Deandre Nash

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

Team Leaders 2015 STATS JJ George

leading rusher

Carries/Yards: 262/1078

Dylan Johnson JJ George

leading passer

Attempts/Yards: leading receiver

Receptions/Yards: 11/208

JJ George

leading TD scorer

GJ Douglas Jacobe Cooper

leading tackler

Total Touchdowns: 15 Total Tackles: -

2016 SCHEDULE

Jacobe Cooper interception leader Total Interceptions: 2

Coach’s Corner Brent Miller Career Record: 135-119-1 1 year coaching Miller Co. 33 seasons overall coaching IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

65

Pelham Hornets

PINKINS REINTRODUCES WINNING WAYS IN HIS FIRST SEASON Written by: James A. Washington

Region 1-A Highlights 2015 Overall Record: 6-5 2015 Region Record: 3-3

College Prospects position Niles Bryant

DL

Jon Drake

LB

Elisha Hudson

QB

Ryan Countess

DB

Team Leaders 2015 STATS Pelham Hornets’ head coach Dondrial Pinkins should walk into the 2016 season with his head held high; he should ensure that his players do the same. Considering this feat was an accomplishment earned in just his first season in charge of the team, it opens the door to a world of potential for the young student-athletes.

While the team finished 6-5 on the year and fell in the first round of the GHSA Class A State Playoffs against Macon County (Montezuma, Ga.) on the road, the loss marked the team’s first postseason action since 2009.

The team opened the season with three straight wins over Baconton Charter, Mitchell County, and Miller County before going 2-5 over the remainder of the regular season. The season losses left little to the imagination; none of the Hornets’ defeats came by fewer than 21 points.

Blowouts aside, the team has plenty to look forward to as they aim to build on their first postseason berth in seven years.

The Hornets will open the 2016 campaign on the road against Albany and Baconton Charter before returning to open their home stand against Terrell County. Going 3-3 away from home in 2015, it will be crucial to improve on road performances in order to ensure growth from Pinkins’ first run.

James Fackler leading rusher

James Fackler leading passer

Cassius Allen leading receiver

James Fackler leading TD scorer

Damien Allen leading tackler

Clifford Russell interception leader

Major Goals for the season Improve on Defense Return to Playoffs

Coach’s Corner

Dondrial Pinkins

Overall coaching record: 25-18

Coaching record at Pelham: 6-5 66

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

Turner County Rebels

REBELS LOOK TO TURN REGULAR SEASON SUCCESS INTO POSTSEASON TRIUMPH IN 2016 Written by: James Washington | Photos by: Turner County High School

Region 2-A

CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVE

Highlights 2015 Overall Record: 8-3 2015 Region Record: 5-2

College Prospects position Tamorrion Terry

WR

CJ Burgess

DB

Malik High

OL

Deontae Crockett

LB

Ontario Wilson

DB

Team Leaders The Turner County Rebels put the state on notice in 2015 as they opened the year in unprecedented fashion. Finishing third in Region 2-A, the Rebels were able to string together six consecutive victories to open the season before eventually falling to eventual state-champion Clinch County in Week Seven.

The Rebels would then go on to win two of their final three regular season games; in fact, the only two losses that the team would suffer in the regular season would be to Clinch County and Irwin County, the two teams that would eventually meet in the GHSA Class A (Public) State Championship Game in Atlanta last December. The Rebels headed into the playoffs ready to compete for a title; however, their first round opponent, the Trion Bulldogs

2015 STATS

had other plans and Turner County would fall in a 40-6 rout.

The Rebels look to repeat their unforgettable 2015 run this fall as they open the 2016 season. After their season opener on the road against Dougherty, they will return to the Turner County faithful for a three-game home stand against Worth County, Crisp County, and Telfair County.

Lawton Merriweather leading rusher

Tyler Moore leading passer

Tamorrion Terry leading receiver

Lorenzo Bolden leading TD scorer

Coach’s Corner

Ben Simmons

Record at Turner County: 8-3

8-3

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Brookwood Warriors

WARRIORS TEAM SPEED COULD RESULT IN SOLID SEASON

GISA Region 3-3A

Written by: Jacob Dennis | Photos by: Hubby Brooks

Coming off a back-to-back 10 win season for the first time in school history, expectations are sky high for Brookwood School this season. The Warriors proved capable of competing with the top teams in the GISA, as Shane Boggs’ team had both Deerfield and Valwood on the ropes in the final moments of each game, the two teams who would eventually play in the state title game.

Brookwood was forced to settle for a respectable 10-3 record, however, will now regroup and have another go at breaking into the GISA’s top tier. There isn’t a huge amount of turnover for the Warriors either, as six starters will return on both offense and defense, numbers that should bode

Shane Boggs

sive and defensive lines. Brookwood has the type of speed that could propel it to new heights, but a plethora of lost linemen over the past two seasons will force Boggs and company to find depth on the line as soon as possible.

Brookwood will be fast – very fast – and they should have the wins to show for it when the 2016 is all said and done.

2015 Overall Record: 10-3 | 2015 Region Record:4-2 | Stadium Name: Warrior Field

6

Coach’s Corner Career Record: 98-57 Years overall coaching: 14

College Prospects Bradley Jones Alfonzo Spencer Carson Allen Max Beverly Hill Turner

position

S WR LB OL LS

Team Leaders

6

Returning Defensive Starters

Returning Offensive Starters

Highlights

well for the team’s continuity as the 2016 season approaches.

Led by speedsters Bradley Jones and Alfonzo Spencer, Brookwood’s starting running back and slot receiver, respectively, the Warriors’ team speed should be the team’s biggest offensive weapon, a fact that Boggs knows well entering 2016.

“Good offenses don’t beat themselves with penalties and turnovers,” Brookwood’s head man, who has compiled a 98-57 career record, said of his coaching philosophy. “Instead, they get the ball to speed in space and force the defense to defend the whole field.”

One area of concern for the Warriors, however, will be depth on both the offen-

Cale Deese Jud Jones Cale Deese Aaron Howell Bradley Jones

leading rusher Carries/Yards: 156/798 leading receiver Receptions/Yards: 14 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 21 leading tackler Total Tackles: 56 interception leader Total Interceptions: 4

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

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Deerfield-Windsor Knights

KNIGHTS COVET OPPORTUNITY FOR RETURN TRIP TO FINALS

GISA Region 3-3A

Written by: Jacob Dennis | Photos by: Marque Milla Reese

Deerfield came as close as it possibly could’ve to winning the state championship last season. On top of this, the Knights will only return just eight starters; head coach Allen Lowe and his team prefer the term “reloading” instead of “rebuilding.”

Deerfield will be forced to replace its entire offensive line and quarterback, so it isn’t unreasonable to suggest that the private-school powerhouse based in Albany might start slowly out of the 2016 gates. Even still, Lowe describes his offensive philosophy as one that likes to “spread the wealth,” meaning that the offseason will be crucial to Deerfield in terms of uncovering new playmakers.

Toughness and physicality have become staples of Deerfield football teams over the years. Even though team won’t be return-

ing many players from its 2015 state runner-up squad, the players that are returning epitomize these traits. Among the players that the Knights will bring back are fullback/nose guard Cameron McCook, running back/defensive back Howell Logan, and outside linebackers Oliver Davis and Joseph Davis.

Deerfield will open the season against Trinity Christian on August 12, before heading south to Tallahassee for a showdown with North Florida Christian. The Knights will also undoubtedly have October 14 circled on the calendar, as the team will travel to Valdosta for a state championship rematch against Valwood.

In terms of team goals, Allen Lowe had just one for the 2016 season. “We want to get back to the final game,” he said.

Highlights 2015 Overall Record: 11-3 2015 Region Record: 6-0

Coach’s Corner

Allen Lowe

Career Record: 236-113-3 30 year overall coaching

Team Leaders Cameron McCook

leading rusher Carries/Yards: 109/706 leading passer Tyler Lowe Attempts/Yards: 93/158 leading receiver J.S. Shenker Receptions/Yards: 37/723 Cameron McCook leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 25 leading tackler Connor Lawson Total Tackles: 89 interception leader Nick Wendland Total Interceptions: 4

Returning Offensive Starters

3

Returning Defensive Starters

5

College Prospects

position

Cameron McCook FB Oliver Davis OLB Joseph Davis OLB IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

71

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Tiftarea Panthers

RETURNING STARTERS PROVIDE PANTHERS WITH CONSISTENCY ENTERING ‘16 GISA Region Written by: Jacob Dennis | Photos by: Tiftarea Academy

3-3A

Tiftarea started and finished 2015 on a high note, but there weren’t many positives to be discovered during the course of the season for head coach Tully Payne’s Panthers.

After opening the season with a convincing 47-13 victory over Georgia Christian, Tiftarea lost eight consecutive contests before edging Terrell Academy in the team’s season finale to finish with a record of 2-8.

Payne and company will certainly be focused more on the future, however, eight returning starters on both sides of the ball could lead to immediate success in 2016. Led by quarterback Logan Carswell, the Panthers’ solid nucleus of returning talent, could spell an early season winning-streak for head coach Tully Payne.

Tiftarea starts the season with contests against the likes of Georgia Christian, Southwest Georgia Academy, and Gatewood, a three-game stretch that will prepare the team for a brutal end to the season. Beginning on September 30, the Panthers will face Brookwood, Deerfield, Westfield and defending state-champion Valwood in consecutive weeks before the state playoffs begin.

In addition to Carswell, running back/linebacker Logan Conger, offensive linemen Caleb Parmer and Will Godwin, and running back Ahmad Mosley will be expected to ensure a repeat of 2015 doesn’t occur. A difficult GISA AAA schedule awaits the Panthers, but Payne expects his team to translate improvements in the weight room during the offseason into wins on the field.

Highlights

2015 Overall Record: 2-8 2015 Region Record: 1-5

Coach’s Corner Tully Payne

Career Record 2-8 year overall coaching

3 major goals

1. Win close games 2. Get to .500 3. Make GISA Playoffs

Start Here… Go Anywhere!

Offering Move-On When Ready to Qualified High School Students Online Classes Low Cost Accelerated Terms Complete Your Two-Year Degree In Less Than Two-Years

Admissions Office 229-375-5650 www.gmc.edu

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

73

Valwood Valiants

FOR THE DEFENDING CHAMPIONS, HARD WORK IS THE PRIORITY Written by: James Washington | Photos by: Valwood School and Marque Milla Reese

On October 30, 2015, Valwood’s football team traveled to Albany, Georgia for a matchup with the Deerfield-Windsor Knights. A familiar foe, the Knights were the only thing standing in the way of a region title for head coach Ashley Henderson’s Valiants.

The team fought hard, but big gains offensively eventually led to Deerfield-Windsor taking home a region title in a 34-7 victory. But one thing that the Valiants pride themselves on is perseverance; a loss becomes history after the final buzzer.

The Valiants worked their way through the postseason, taking care of the likes of Trinity Christian, Pinewood Christian, and Westfield School (the latter two of which were road wins) in order to return to Mercer University for another shot at the Knights. This contest carried much more weight; it would be for the

GISA Class AAA State Championship.

The final score from Macon was much closer (28-26), but the Valiants truly lived up to their name as they enacted revenge; not only did they defeat the team that snatched the region from them, but they did so while bringing home their second state title since 2012.

Last season was memorable, but in the spirit of Valiant Nation, it’s most important to look ahead on what’s to come.

According to Coach Henderson, the most important game is always the next one.

“Strength of schedule, I think, is harder this year than any year before,” Henderson said. “We always want a challenging non-region schedule; you couple that with playing in the toughest region in the GISA, and it makes for a challenging year.”

As in years’ past, the Goddard Field troops highly val-

GISA REGION 3-3A

ue their defense; it has been a pillar of the success that the team has seen since the arrival of Henderson in 2012.

“We put our most dependable guys on defense,” he said. “We play defense first.

If they don’t score, they can’t win. We are flexible in what we do so we can give our offense a lot to work on each week.”

Coach Henderson, more than anything, looks to use football as a tool; a beacon of guidance and mentorship for his young men. In the end, the sport is but a path to a bright future for each and every one of the student-athletes that choose to don the navy and orange on the gridiron.

“We hope to instill a work ethic that reaches beyond the field,” Henderson said. “I think football teaches life lessons that can help our youngsters though anything in life.

It teaches you to bow your neck and be tough when life hits you.”

Highlights

2015 Overall Record: 12-2 2015 Region Record: 5-1 Stadium Name: Goddard Field Capacity: 2,000 Returning Offensive Returning Defensive Starters Starters

6

6

College Prospects position CB DL OL

Mark Henderson Earnest Carter Anthony Oliveira

Team Leaders 2015 STATS Jack Helms

leading rusher

Jake Parker

leading passer

Carries/Yards: 84/658

Attempts/Yards: 254/2,874

Maysoe Wiley Chris Retterbush

leading receiver

Receptions/Yards: 56/523 - 35/552

Jake Parker

leading TD scorer

Total Touchdowns: 17

Gahnon Byington leading tackler

2016 SCHEDULE

Total Tackles: 124

Tyler Richards interception leader Total Interceptions: 6

Coach’s Corner

Ashley Henderson Career record: 48-5 14 years overall coaching

IT’S THE L VE OF THE GAME. Saluting All Area Football Teams!

Have a winning season South Georgia!

Hahira (229) 794-2111 N. Valdosta (229) 242-2225

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www.MillaCreationszPhotography.com Contact us at: 229-339-9439 or 229-392-9664 MillaCreationszPhotos@yahoo.com

Early specialization: not so special Writen by: Luke Ferguson | Photo by: Marque Milla Reese

Fading are the days of seasonal sports, and “off-season” seems to be a word that will soon be collecting dust. Playing multiple sports at different times throughout the year is becoming a thing of the past, traded for year-round, single-sport athletes. This path of early specialization comes at the will of parents and is advocated by many in the sports world. Some authorities even go as far as to recommend a minimum amount of practice hours (10,000) in one particular sport in order to have the best chance to achieve elite status.

We’ve all been told that practice makes perfect, but is this true?

Studies and research on younger athletes show that specializing in a sport early is generally worse than participating in multiple sports until adolescence, and here are a few reasons why: • Early specialization requires a choice to be made at a young age.

Say a child is taller than the rest of their peers, they may make a great center for the basketball team. But if that individual only plays basketball, you might end up with a basketball center that has the build of a baseball catcher without the skill and experience to transfer.

• Overuse leads to injury.

Research shows that individuals who specialized in a particular sport early in life are at a much greater risk for overuse injuries. 10,000 hours of the same stressors on one body can have serious negative effects, especially on an individual who hasn’t fully developed.

• The mental stresses can be unbearable.

Pressure to compete at such a level may be harmful to social development. This can lead to low self-esteem and an unhealthy concept of the importance of winning, even causing the athlete to resent their sport and often times “burn out”.

• It won’t make them any better.

In fact, professional athletes generally reported that less than half of their total practice time was devoted to the sport that they made their career in. Playing multiple sports actually benefits the athlete by providing them with transferable skills unattainable within their primary sport. Cal Ripken, for example, was an outstanding soccer player in high school.

The footwork he picked up playing soccer was easily implemented on the baseball diamond and helped make him one of the greatest infielders of all time.

Specialization is important, timing is more important. Specializing too early can be detrimental mentally and physically, while placing all efforts into one sport later in life has proved to be the path of most success. Strength and Conditioning training helps to offset damage done by year round competition, reach out to us at edgevaldosta@gmail.com or @edgevaldosta on social media, to see how we can help educate and train you and/or your young athlete.

Fellowship

of Christian

Athletes

Summer camp season has begun for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and we anticipate testimonies of decisions made for Christ. Many of the schools in our seven counties will be attending team, sport, or leadership camps throughout Georgia and surrounding states. We have students attending one of 18 camps and anticipate around 250 students total attending all of these camps. Summer camps provide a wonderful opportunity to share the love of Jesus with athletes and coaches while giving practical hands-on training as well.

Spring football practice is underway and our SEGA FCA representatives Bobby Willis and Brian Gay have been to see several schools practice, including Lowndes High, Valdosta High, and Valwood. All three teams are looking good and we are already looking forward to football season this fall.

The ministry of FCA is not limited to schools and football practices, but also strives to be a part of the students, athletes, and coaches personal lives as well.

On Friday, June 17, 2016 Bobby Willis escorted a young man and his mother from Brooks County to Tallahassee, FL. It has been this young man’s dream to visit the Florida State Seminoles. He lost his leg due to cancer and he had the opportunity to attend Florida State’s summer camp and meet Coach Jimbo Fisher as well as some of the FSU football players.

Our annual Christ Makes Winners Rally will be Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at First Baptist Church downtown (200 W. Central Ave., 31601) from 6:30 PM until 8:00 PM with the doors opening at 6:20 PM. Free food will be served beginning at 6:00 PM. Music will be provided by Justin Crenshaw and local praise team members and the guest speaker will be Adrian Despres, former chaplain for the University of South Carolina’s football team. Make plans now to attend this wonderful night of praise, worship, and learning more about Christ!

On September 17 we will be hosting leadership training at Wild Adventures Theme Park from 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and we look forward to many huddle coaches bringing their students and learning how best to operate and minister in the FCA. Please let your students know now so they can be preparing to attend this fall.

God is blessing the ministry of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. We are so thankful for the many prayers from donors and local businesses and for the efforts of all of our board members and Adult Chapter members. It is so exciting to see the Lord move and bless at FCA and we invite anyone to join in and be a part of this phenomenal ministry!

Georgia Christian Generals

GENERALS EXPERIENCE COULD PROVE BENEFICIAL IN 2016 Written by: Jacob Dennis | Photos by: Lori Alley Photography

GISA REGION 3-2A

Highlights The Generals were riddled with injuries during the 2015 season, yet still managed to make it to the second round of the playoffs before falling to eventuak state champions, Memorial Day. 2015 Overall Record: 3-9 2015 Region Record: 0-1 Returning Offensive Starters

7

Returning Defensive Starters

7

Team Leaders leading rusher

Thomas Cornelius leading passer

Cole Copeland leading receiver

Colson Guthrie leading Tackler

Ricky Trejo / Thomas Cornelius leading tackler

Logan Hornsby

Coach’s Corner

Experience should make a world of difference for the Georgia Christian Generals as the 2016 season approaches. For the first time in the new program’s history, the Generals and head coach, J.T. Brown, will have an experienced group of seniors to lead the team. GCS finished just 3-9 last season, but the team should have a legitimate opportunity to near a .500 record given a healthy team in 2016.

Georgia Christian will return seven starters on both sides of the ball, led by leading rusher Thomas Cornelius. Nearly every player for the Generals plays on both sides of the ball, however, conditioning and avoiding the injury bug will be of the utmost importance for the team in 2016. Last year, Georgia Christian seemingly couldn’t avoid a game without a costly injury, but there are two sides to that coin. While staying healthy is a legitimate concern, the Generals have a wider range of players with experience due to last season’s woes.

“We’re trying to prepare all of our kids to be starters,” Brown said of his team’s approach to 2016.

The Generals have added some experience to the sidelines as well, as coaches Doug Stanford and Zach West will join Brown’s staff for the new season. “We expect them to bring a lot of energy and excitement,” the Generals’ head coach said of his new additions.

Georgia Christian returns three starting linebackers and three defensive linemen from 2015’s strong defensive unit, meaning that the team should be

Stacy Touchton

J.T. Brown

3 years with Georgia Christian 8 years overall coaching

tightfisted and more formidable than ever on that side of the ball.

The Generals have all of the ingredients to post an improved season this year, and it will be exciting to see just how many wins GCS can add to last year’s total. Should the team’s small roster manage to stay healthy, the school will undoubtedly improve upon its 2015 season.

Office 229-244-1992 | Cell 229-251-9730 | Fax 229-245-6390 stacytouchton@gmail.com | www.stacysaleshomes.com

“Serving Valdosta and MAFB Since 1953”

1100 N. Patterson St. Valdosta, GA 31601 IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

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Steps in Choosing the Right Bank for

YOU! Are you looking for the best bank for you? Choosing the right bank can be difficult, but there are steps to help guide you in this process.

Find a bank that has the products and services that you want; this is the first and most important step in this process. Today, most banks offer a wide variety of deposit, credit, and other related services. You should determine specifically what products and services you are looking for in your banking relationship; you should determine which bank can best fulfill these needs.

Once this step is completed, you should find a bank that is located near you or has a location that is the most convenient. Different people have different banking habits; you may visit your depository institution weekly or conduct a great deal of all your banking business without physically visiting your bank. Depending on your preferences, consider whether you need a financial institution that has few or multiple locations. As part of this process, also consider whether you work a considerable distance from home. If so, is it more important for your depository institution to be located close to your home or close to work? Or do you want to be able to access locations both at home and at work?

Proceeding this step, you need to decide whether a hometown/local bank is something you want. Many people enjoy banking in an environment in which all the employees know their name. If this aspect is important, you may be more interested in a smaller community bank.

If you use ATMs, find a bank that has ATMs; if you use an ATM card frequently and like to access your account(s) from multiple locations, you will probably want to consider a bank with a large ATM network.

Lastly, find a financial institution that offers online banking if you prefer to do banking business from your home computer. Once you have gone through this whole process, you will be at the point to where you are able to choose the right bank for you!

Sherwood Eagles

YOUTHFUL EAGLES EAGER FOR EXPERIENCE IN UPCOMING SEASON

GICAA REGION D-1A

Written by: Jacob Dennis | Photos by: Sherwood Christian Academy

Once the 2016 season opens, Sherwood Christian Academy will boast a youthful team focused on steady improvement.

The Eagles already have a roster made up of more than double the amount of players than the team had last season. However, head coach Chad Evans will have just two seniors, meaning that the upcoming season is vital for SCA in terms of building a solid foundation for the future.

The Eagles will begin the season with a solid amount of stability, as five starters on both offense and defense will return in hopes of sending Sherwood’s football program on the rise.

“We will continue to build for the future and improve with each practice and game,” Evans said of his expectations for the team during the 2016 season.

“Our focus is solidifying individual fundamentals and creating a competitive team atmosphere.

The overall success of our pro-

gram will be determined by the young men that come out of it and will be measured by their leadership in their homes, churches, and communities.”

One main reason to expect significant improvement from Sherwood this season is the fact that Evans had the opportunity to lead his team through the offseason for the first time. The Eagles’ head man took over the program on July 1 of last season, but will now have an entire offseason to build continuity after getting the 2015 season under his belt.

Wins and losses for Sherwood in 2016 will most likely be determined by the amount of progress made. Evans echoed this sentiment by affirming that a winning season for his Eagles will mean that “each rep is better than the last, each practice is more efficient than the last, and each game is finished stronger than before.”

Chad Evans

5

2015 Overall Record: 0-9 2015 Region Record: 0-4 Stadium Name: Legacy Field

College Prospect position

Coach’s Corner 1 year with Sherwood 8 years overall coaching

Chaznic Griffin

WR/DB

Team Leaders

5

Returning Defensive Starters

Returning Offensive Starters

Highlights Chaznic Griffin Dylan Evans Jordan Flowers Chaznic Griffin Chaznic Griffin

leading rusher Carries/Yards: 657 leading passer Attempts/Yards: 807 leading receiver Receptions/Yards: 347 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns leading tackler Total Tackles

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

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IN THE GAME

TOP TOP TOP TOP

10101010

Some years, area high school football teams field a bumper crop of outstanding athletes. During those years the question isn’t so much as who will sign letters of commitment to play at the next level but which colleges will be the winners in the recruitment process.

For the Columbus Valley 2016 football season, the spectrum runs from a lot of noise about a few players to the sound of crickets.

Part of the reason for the silence can be attributed to unusually large number of new coaches taking over local high school football programs. With the exception of just a few veteran coaches (and even those have not had long-term experience with their teams), the Columbus area will be seeing a lot of new faces on the sidelines making the calls this season. Some of those brand new coaches inherited teams and have no idea how athletes will shape up until put to the test. Other coaching changes allowed an assistant coach to step up to the head coach’s position but even then, they are a little reluctant to make any predictions about players.

Several football programs in the area lost numerous talented athletes to graduation.

Big holes are being filled this season with players who have had little or no varsity playing time or with players who are making a change in position from last season.

Nevertheless, the area is still packed with talent. The fall should be a great time for spectators to see some of the best high school players to play the game. There is also the chance for athletes who played in the shadows of the Class of 2015 to finally have a chance to shine.

The following is a brief list of players who have great potential and could be well on

Written by: Beth Welch Photo by: Marque Milla Reese

their way to stellar seasons. A variety of websites such as scout.com, 247 Sports, maxpreps.com, and others rate athletes and give insight to their abilities. These websites indicate which schools have expressed interest in particular athletes, too. Local coaches also provide information about athletes because they see these young men on the field of play.

Every team in the region has talented athletes. Here is a look at a few of them: Justyn Ross, Central High School, Phenix City, Alabama Considered by some to be the top WR prospect in Alabama, Ross is part of a talent-loaded Red Devils team which is highly-touted to win the state championship. Get ready to hear a lot about Central this season and a number of its’ athletes will be in the spotlight including Ross. He was the team’s leading receiver last season with 34 receptions for a total of 672 yards. The 6’4”, 190lbs. athlete rates four stars by most recruitment sites and has as many as nine or more colleges courting him. Some of those include Alabama, Auburn, Georgia and Florida State.

Markail Benton, Central High School, Phenix City, Alabama

Other notable

players to watch this fall: Zion Webb Central High School, QB Demetrius Pettway Central High School, S David Apiag Northside High School, ATH Romello Kimbrough Carver High School, RB Cincere Sellers Kendrick High School, FS/WR Kedrick Harvey Chattahoochee County, OT Another Central standout, Benton has already announced his intention to play for the University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide next year. The four-star linebacker made his decision on June 10, so as to be able to focus on playing high school football without the distractions serious recruitment involves. At 6’3” and 240 lbs., Benton is a powerhouse player for the Red Devils and will bring physical skills as well as mental strength to the team.

Karon Delince, Central High School, Phenix City, Alabama Rating three stars by recruiting websites, Delince stands 5’10”, weighs 150 pounds and is lightning fast on the playing field. He runs the 40 yard dash in 4.58 and won a state track title in 2015. Last fall, Delince led his team in interceptions with seven on the season. The DB position player has at least five schools taking a serious look at him including Alabama, Auburn, Duke and Kentucky.

Jaxton Carson, Central High School, Phenix City, Alabama Another name to remember on the Central team is Jaxton Carson. Rated as a two-star prospect, Carson was the leading rusher in 2015 for Central with 223 carries for 1023 yards. He also led the

Red Devils team in scoring touchdowns with 16 to his credit. The 5’10” and 215 lb. RB is being scouted by numerous schools including North Carolina and is one of the top academic athletes on his team with a 3.32 GPA. Giovannia Moore, Carver High School, Columbus, Georgia Carver graduated a lot of talent who generated a good bit of buzz last season.

The Tigers have a new coach who is optimistic about the 2016 team because of players like Moore. Rated three stars by recruiting websites, Moore is a 230 lb.

6’2” OLB with at least five schools taking serious interest in him.

Ye’Majesty Sanders, Spencer High School, Columbus, Georgia Sanders is not ranked by the most popular recruiting websites but it really doesn’t make much difference. The Spencer OG is seeing attention from at least seven schools who would love to add the 6’5” 305 lbs. senior to their roster next year. Sanders has reportedly been leaning toward Mississippi State where he attended a camp back in June. Spencer had a big turnaround season last year and the Green Wave is looking to Moore to provide leadership and skill on their

hunt for a winning 2016 season.

Dalton Williams, Calvary Christian School, Columbus, Georgia Calvary has only fielded a football team for five years. Last season the Knights were early favorites for a state title in football. Although Calvary finished the season 9-2 and no state championship, it was an outstanding year for the program.

One of the key players in that success was Williams. The OT was a leader on the line that rushed for over 3400 yards and passed for 1100 yards. A senior at Calvary this season, the 6’4” 245 lbs. athlete is not ranked on recruiting websites. Not a big deal because even though he would have no trouble playing at the next level, Williams has decided to join the National Guard following graduation.

Nathan Robertson, Northside High School, Columbus, Georgia Region runner-ups, the Patriots relied often on the kicking expertise of Robertson. The 5’10” 170 lbs. K/P has a background in the sport of soccer which might have helped him to achieve such feats as being 100 percent in extra points kicks, nailing 8 of 13 field goals with four being over 40 yard attempts, totaling 35 punts for a 33 yard average and seeing 28 of his 42 kickoffs result in touchbacks.

Robertson has gained some attention from colleges but has no offers on the table. That will likely change early this season due to his talent and 3.8 GPA. Nick Beason, Shaw High School, Columbus, Georgia The Raiders are hoping to improve on their 2015 record of 5-6 and will be counting on the talent and leadership of Beason. The WR/KR stands 5’8”, weighs 175 lbs. and is very quick on his feet.

Beason runs the 40 Yard Dash in 4.5 seconds. Look for him to be a key player for Shaw.

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Central Red Devils

CENTRAL RED DEVILS PLAN TO FINISH STRONG IN 2016 Written by: Beth Welch | Photos by: Jerry Christenson

the team’s leader in interceptions and made the list for players to watch as college prospects. Other returning starters on that list are Demetrius Pettway (DB), Markail Benton (LB), Red Devils 2015 leading TD scorer, Jaxton Carson, who had a total of 16 touchdowns, and Trent Kelley (OL). Kelley, who stands 6’5” and weighs in at 305 pounds, leads the team in academic scoring. He currently carries a 4.11 GPA. Rounding out the returning starters for the 2016 season are Jahlil Ryles (OL), Phillip Parrish (OL), and Christian Allen (WR).

DuBose says the team is strongest offensively, returning a lot of skill and depth in the backfield. There is strong senior leadership on the team, too. The contrast is that the defensive line is young and inexperienced.

This is DuBose third season as Central’s head coach. His expectations have not changed since the first season but the team appears to be in good shape this fall to make the all the pieces fall into place. An undefeated season, region champs the third year in a row and the winner of the state championship game are 2016 goals.

The football program at Central has produced many notable athletes over the years.

Red Devils football at Garrett-Harrison Stadium is important to the community. The investment to provide the program with the resources to be competitive is evidence of that value.

“We have a turf field and are in the process of building a multi-purpose practice facility turfed also for all sports to use in case of inclement weather. These two things allow us to always be able to practice no matter the conditions,” says DuBose.

Central faces some tough competition ahead. Game 1 will be against Hoover on August 19 in Montgomery, known as the Champions Challenge.

“This will be a state championship type game early in the season and an opportunity for us to find out where we are and play a game of this caliber in a big atmosphere,” DuBose says.

2016 SCHEDULE

The 2016 football season is looking good for the Red Devils of Central High School (Phenix City, AL). Loaded with talent, Central seems to be on the brink of being able to close the deal this fall on a state championship.

Last year was a great year for the Red Devils with a 9-4 overall record. Central was the AHSAA 2/7A Region Champ for the second year in a row going 5-1 and made it to the semi-finals for only the third time in school history.

Central High’s head football coach Jamey DuBose wants his team to come out the winners this time around. Those in his program of 145 football athletes worked in the off-season learning to finish and focused on the strength for a playoff run. The road to the title is long and takes a toll on athletes. DuBose’ players spent more time in the weight room to ward off injuries in hopes of staying healthy throughout the regular and post-season play.

DuBose has a loaded roster to make that run. Of course, the Red Devils will miss the contributions of the 13 football athletes from Central who signed football scholarships but the team is returning some standout talent.

Quarterback Zion Webb is returning after missing most of the season last year due to injury. The 6’1” 205 lb. athlete is considered a top college prospect. Another college prospect, wide receiver Justyn Ross also suffered an injury last season but it came during post-season play. He was Central’s leading receiver with 34 receptions for 672 yards and should be dynamic on the field in 2016.

Returning speedster Karon Delince (DB) is expected to make big plays, too. Delince was

AISA Region 2-7A Highlights

2015 Overall Record: 9-4 2015 Region Record: 5-1 Stadium Name: Garrett Harrison Stadium Capacity: 10,000 Returning Offensive Returning Defensive Starters Starters

College Prospects position Markail Benton Jaxton Carson Karon Delince Justyn Ross Trent Kelley Zion Webb Demetrius Pettway

LB RB DB WR OL QB DB

Team Leaders 2015 STATS Jaxton Carson leading rusher Carries/Yards: 223/1023

Quan Weaver

leading passer

Attempts/Yards: 76-132/1316

Justyn Ross

leading receiver

Receptions/Yards: 34/672

Jaxton Carson

leading TD scorer

Jacorey Jones

leading tackler

Karon Delince

interception leader

Total Touchdowns: 16

Total Tackles: 86

Total Interceptions: 7

Coach’s Corner Jamey DuBose Career Record: 90-35-0 23 years coaching 10 years head coach IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

85

Harris County Tigers

TIGERS TEAM WILL BE YOUNG BUT CAPABLE Written by: Beth Welch | Photos by: George McDuffie

Harris County High School has a reputation for producing some stellar athletes. Their football program is noted for turning out collegiate players who do well at the next level. The 2016 season may give fans a look at some up and coming talent but it looks to be a rebuilding time for the Tigers.

One of the best things about Harris County’s athletic programs is found in the continuity of players being able to move up together from middle school to high school. It is the only high school in the county so it stands to reason the football program has 87 players.

This year, most of those players are young and haven’t experienced much time on a varsity team.

It seems to be a recurring 2016 theme around the Columbus Valley for high school football teams. Young players and new coaches. For the Tigers, the good news is there are five offensive starters returning and two defensive returning starters.

The other good news is a new coach has taken over the program but he isn’t really new to Harris County football.

Zac Howard accepted the position of head coach in March. Promoted from within the school’s football program, he has 11 years of coaching experience at Harris County, the last nine as defensive coordinator. It was the third coaching turnover in recent years but Howard brings both a new approach and stability for the 2016 season.

With Howard taking control of the football program, he needed a new defensive coordinator. Randy Grace, whom many local football fans will remember from his coaching days at

86

Pacelli High School, was hired to fill the position. Tigers’ offensive coordinator, Jamie Fox, remained with the team.

The 2015 season was more than just disappointing for the Tigers. Their record of 2-8 (1-5 region) was a far cry from the previous years’ successes as the 2012 and 2014 1-AAAAA Region Winners and co-winner in 2013. Last year’s team had talented athletes but those guys are gone and Howard is counting on some younger players to step up for the 2016 season.

Howard has the benefit of having seen the rising talent. He is making some changes as the new head coach but mainly has a desire to take what is available in the talent pool and utilize it better. Perhaps bringing some excitement to the program is the plan to take advantage of additional players who made the team this season.

“We have more wide receivers so we need to spread the field on offense,” he says and notes they will also play fast.

Setting the example for the underclassmen will be returning starters like Trevon Hudson (FS), Hays Slaughter (LB), and Trey DeGarcia (TE). Also returning are Chris Hardaway (OL), James Moore (OL), Landon Kirk (OL), and Connor Wills (OL). Howard considers the returning OL to be the team’s greatest strength.

As for his defensive strategy, Howard keeps it simple; don’t give up the big play and make them drive the field.

Fans should look for these four athletes, Tyrese McPhatter, T.J. Chiles, Jordan Griffin, and Xavier Gonzalez to make big contributions to the team. They are considered the team’s early college prospects.

It’s hard for a new coach to make predictions. Experience is the best teacher and Harris County is fielding a young team. Howard is playing his cards close to the vest but has set major goals of continuing to compete, win the close games and make the playoffs.

The Tigers will face Smith Station High School for their first game of the season on August 19 in Smiths, Alabama.

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

Region 1-5A Highlights 2015 Overall Record: 2-8 2015 Region Record: 1-5 Stadium Name: Tiger Stadium Returning Offensive Starters

Returning Defensive Starters

5

2

College Prospects position

Tyrese McPhatter T.J. Chiles Jordan Griffin Xavier Gonzolez

WR LB WR WR

Team Leaders 2015 STATS Bubba Blackman

leading rusher

Carries/Yards: 223/1023

Chandler Lott

leading passer

Attempts/Yards: 76-132/1316

Josh Stein

leading receiver

Receptions/Yards: 34/672

Bubba Blackman

leading scorer

Total Touchdowns: 9

Jacob Rovig

leading tackler

Total Tackles: 113

JJ Hutchinson

interception leader

Total Interceptions: 2

Major Goals for the season Continue to compete Win the close games Make the playoffs

Coach’s Corner Zac Howard 11 years coaching with Harris 14 years coaching overall

Carver Tigers

CARVER COACH AIMING TO REBUILD FOOTBALL LEGACY Written by: Beth Welch | Photos by: George McDuffie

The 2015-16 school year was something of a roller coaster ride for the Carver High School football program.

Over time, the Carver Tigers have developed a well-deserved reputation for a successful football program. Coach Dell McGee took over the program in 2005 as head football coach. He turned the team from a 3-7 record his first year to a 12-2 season his second year.

McGee led the Tigers to a state championship in 2007 and brought in a new era of athletic excellence including six consecutive region titles. He turned over the reins of the program to assistant coach Joseph Kegler in 2012 with Kegler’s first season as head coach in 2013.

The Tigers went 11-2, 8-3 and 9-2 in 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively. While most athletic programs would consider those records to be worth celebrating, it was disappointing to the Tiger Nation for the teams to not make it further in the state playoffs.

After the end of the 2015 football season, Kegler announced his resignation as Carver’s head football coach.

Not long after, former college coach Reggie

Barlow was named Kegler’s successor but Barlow never officially took over the program.

In March the school announced Dre’Mail King would be the head football coach. King had been with the athletic program at Carver for one season.

Details about the upcoming season for the Tigers were vague early in the summer. While King was excited to be taking over the football program, he basically is starting from scratch.

The big names from last year like Jawon Pass and Javontay Smith have moved on to play at the next level. There are a few returning players, however, who will be the foundation for the rebuilding of the Tigers’ program under King?

Returning offensive starters are Cameron Jessie, US Beasley, Juvantae Martin and Brian Calhoun. King thinks the Tigers greatest strength for the 2016 season may be the experience of the defense. Defensive returning starters are RJ Cummings, Lyndon Johnson, Anthony LaGrand, Cameron Ashe, Kwanson Tymes and Drew Ogletree. The college prospect list for Carver looks promising. Cummings, Ogletree, Martin, McFolley, Calhoun and Johnson are among those football players in the Columbus Valley that colleges will be keeping an eye on during the 2016 season.

There is a complete change in the coaching staff for the 2016 football season. King has put together a group of coaches he feels are onboard with his coaching style and have like

Region 1-4A

minds when it comes to teaching high school athletes about the sport.

“We expect the game of football to be taught. We will coach football, not plays,” he says.

Although King knows the past success of Carver’s football program brings high expectations, he isn’t intimidated. In fact, the new head coach hit the ground running with some expectations of his own.

“We expect to see an immediate change in discipline and structure within our program.

We feel that this should take us well beyond expectations and lead us to where exactly we belong,” says King.

To that end, fans should be prepared for King’s playbook to be all about core philosophy of the game. He is stressing commitment, discipline and effort on both sides of the ball.

His level of expectation for his players in 2016 is high but King feels all three goals he has set are realistic. He wants the Tigers to win the region, get out of the 1st round and graduate each senior. If he accomplishes all three, King should see a return of the glory days for Carver’s program.

In order to do that, the Tigers will have to get past some tough competitors in both region and non-region games. Their first game is August 19, against a formidable foe from across the state line, 6A Opelika High School.

It’s a new era at Carver High School for the football program. The person who has undertaken the responsibility for producing winning teams and developing athletes into young men has already found the right theme for the effort.

According to King, “New beginnings; Old tradition,” says it all.

Highlights School: G.W. Carver High School City/State: Columbus, GA 2015 Overall Record: 9-2 Returning Offensive Starters

4

Returning Defensive Starters

6

College Prospects RJ Cummings Drew Ogletree Juvantae Martin Kameron McFolley Brian Calhoun Lyndone Johnson

Major Win the Region Coach’s Corner Dre’Mail King Goals Get out of the 1st round 1 year with Carver High for the Graduate each senior 1 year overall coaching season

8/19 8/26 9/03 9/16 9/22 9/30 10/14 10/21 10/27 11/03

@ Opelika (Alabama) Spencer Douglas County Northside, Columbus @ Westover Shaw @ Cairo @ Columbus Americus-Sumter @ Hardaway

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

87

Columbus Blue Devils

BLUE DEVILS’ LAST YEAR PLAYOFF APPEARANCE FIRST IN 25 YEARS Written by: Beth Welch | Photos by: George McDuffie A quarter of a century. That’s how long it had been since a Columbus High School football team had made it to the playoffs when the 2015 football team arrived there last year. Columbus had its first winning record, 7-4 (3-3 1-AAAA region), in 25 years, too.

In addition, the Blue Devils stellar cornerback, Essang Bassey, their 2015 leading rusher and receiver, signed with Wake Forest and was named the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer’s Player of the Year. Leading passer and TD scorer Derrick James, who was the starting quarterback for the team all four years at CHS, signed with Austin Peay State while Columbus’ leading tackler Brandon Palmer committed to Berry.

It was definitely one for the record books but Columbus High School Head Football Coach Phil Marino is not content for his program to rest on past laurels. If anything, he is looking for more glory days ahead.

“Columbus High football is not an automatic win anymore for opponents,” Marino says.

The team should be in good shape for the upcoming season if they can overcome the loss of several key players and their former standout quarterback.

The team returns 14 starters, seven on offense and seven on defense. The O-Line will be strong because of the experience it retained and upperclassmen will also contribute.

Those coming back with a mission to improve on last year’s record include William Nana-Fabu (OL), Tyrese Uzzell (OL), Blake Tew (OL), Bayar Taylor (OL) Terrance Dixon (RB/DB), Donnie Dawson (RB), Josh Lee (WR), Mikail Albritton (LB), Miles Strozier (DB/RB), David Galloway (DE), Ty Lucas (RB/OLB), and Xavier Billingsley (OLB).

The top academic players on the team are also those considered to be college prospects. Six of the returning starter athletes, Nana-Fabu, Uzzell, Tew, Dixon, Dawson and Strozier made both lists.

So many coaching changes have taken place

Region 1-4A Highlights 2015 Overall Record: 7-4 2015 Region Record: 3-3

across the Columbus Valley, a scorecard is needed to keep up. Marino practically has seniority locally for maintaining his position at CHS for seven years. With 34 years of experience, he has pretty much seen it all which might explain why he doesn’t mince words when it comes to things like motivating athletes in his program.

“I shouldn’t have to. If they need me to motivate them to play football, they need to try another sport,” says Marino.

Marino’s comments seem a little “old school.” Maybe, but he’s not opposed to trying something new if it has the potential to make a difference. Last season the team initiated a new offense and Blue Devils are sticking with it. Marino describes the previous technique as “we were very vanilla and hope to get deeper into this offensive system.” He would also like to get the points per game up.

His three major goals for the season are lofty and fitting for a coach whose program has apparently broken thru some pretty old barriers. Marino wants to win a state championship, win the region and go undefeated. He finds no reason to do anything any less.

“We cannot and will not go backwards,” says Marino.

Every game will be important as the Blue Devils break in a new quarterback and try to keep last year’s momentum going. Loyal fans including proud CHS Alumni will help cheer on the team’s efforts.

“Without a doubt, best student body fan base in the South! Parent support is tremendous,” Marino says.

Those fans are looking forward to a winning season (which Marino describes as winning more games than you lose). One of the most-anticipated games of the 2016 season will be the Blue Devils game against the Northside Patriots. It recent years, the two schools have established a rivalry of sorts and this year’s match-up should be one to watch.

At the end of the day, Marino and his team are going into the new season with optimism about the possibilities. The 25-year playoff curse is no more.

Marino, however, keeps his perspective by continuing a time-honored locker room tradition.

“I wash my players practice clothes every day and hang it for them.”

Returning Offensive Starters

Returning Defensive Starters

8

6

College Prospects position William Nana-Fabu OL Tyrese Uzzell OL Blake Tew OL Terrance Dixon RB/DB Donnie Dixon RB Miles Strozier DB David Galloway DE/OLB Team Leaders 2015 STATS Essang Bassey leading rusher Derrick James leading passer Essang Bassey leading receiver Derrick James leading TD scorer Brandon Palmer leading tackler Miles Strozier interception leader Coach’s Corner Phil Marino

7 years coaching with Columbus

34 years coaching overall

Jay Lewis, LUTCF 706-320-2015 www.insurewithjay.com 88

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

Providing Insurance and Financial Services

Hardaway Hawks

HAWKS LOOKING TO SOAR HIGHER WITH NEW COACH AND STAFF Written by: Beth Welch | Photos by: George McDuffie It’s a new day for the Hardaway High School football program.

Winning seasons seemed to elude the Hawks as of late and after posting a disappointing 1-9 season in 2015, the former HHS head football resigned to allow the program to go in a new direction. Shortly after, the new direction came in the form of a familiar face. Michael Woolridge, who graduated from Hardaway in 2000, was named to the position.

Woolridge had returned once before as an assistant coach at Hardaway from 2008-10. When he was tapped to take the Hardaway job, Woolridge was an assistant coach at Jordan Vocational High School.

Although the record from last season doesn’t portray it, there are positives about the program.

Woolridge came right out of the box proclaiming those positives.

First, there are seven returning offensive starters and six returning defensive starters. Second, a lot of underclassmen played last season which allowed them to gain the necessary experience to step up as leaders on the field this season. Third, 11 of his players for 2016 are considered college prospects.

And fourth, several members of last year’s coaching staff remained providing stability.

This is the coach’s first year as head football coach but he has learned lessons from his playing days and being under the tutelage of other coaches. For the offense, his coaching philosophy is to control the clock, make first downs and no (with an emphasis on no) three and outs. For the defense, it’s pretty simple. Know your assignment, be great at tackling and fly to the football. Woolridge says “this is what I learned from the old school coaches and it has never failed me. Run the football and play good defense.”

When a new head coach takes over a program, there are issues of building trust and motivating athletes. Woolridge addressed both by giving his athletes a purpose, to make them feel like they are a part of something special.

“Athletes will work harder for someone they know genuinely believes in them, cares about them and is committed to helping them achieve their potential.

At the heart of player motivation is the quality of the coach-athlete relationship,” he says.

Academics are important in every high school football program. At Hardaway, Woolridge’s standard of 3.0 GPA for his team is a goal for 2016

season. He wants to place more emphasis on the classroom. Excellence in the classroom transcends to the field and home. One point he makes is that if athletes want to be recruited, it starts with the classroom.

Woolridge’s second goal is to make the playoffs.

He has constructed a coaching staff he hopes will help lead his team to that end. New additions to his coaching line-up include former Brookstone football coach Blair Harrison. Harrison’s offensive staff has three coaches who are placing an emphasis on attention to detail. Woolridge moved Hawks defensive coordinator Zach Schrage from the offense where he and three other coaches are igniting the defense.

The third goal set by Woolridge has little to do with football. The Hardaway coach wants his seniors on the team to be either in military service, attending post-secondary education schools or have job placement within three months of graduation, citing, “We need to create productive members of society.”

One other new concept Woolridge brought along involves community service. Some academic programs and school organizations require participating students to perform community service. Not many athletic programs do. Woolridge implemented a requirement for players to perform 10 hours of community service this summer. The former high school and college athlete hope to instill in his athletes the notion that giving back reaps great rewards.

This fall, Woolridge has a schedule facing formidable competition. He’s particularly looking forward to playing rival teams like Columbus and Harris County. High school football sometimes is a small world. Woolridge has a personal connection to the coaching staffs of those schools. Columbus High’s Phil Marino coached Woolridge at Hardaway and he was a teammate with Marino’s son.

He worked under Coach Zac Howard at Harris County when Howard was the defensive coordinator at the school. Now that Howard is the head coach there, Woolridge says it will be fun to play HCHS. As a side note, the newbie coach says he often talks to Howard about football and looks to him as a mentor.

It’s a new day for football at Hardaway and the Hawks are poised to rise again.

Region 1-4A Highlights

2015 Overall Record: 1-9 2015 Region Record: 0-6 Stadium Name: Kinnett & Memorial Capacity: 5,000 & 10,000 Returning Offensive Starters

7

Returning Defensive Starters

6

College Prospects position Marco Lee RB Michael Gentry LB Antonio Campbell DB Jeremiah Greene LB Tyler Raleigh RB/DB/QB Jason White DL/OL Tylek Cooper LB/DB Jatavius Vazquez DB/LB JaKobe Ellerbee RB/WR Chris Dalton OL/LB Jakhari Thomas WR Team Leaders 2015 STATS leading rusher Marco Lee

Carries/Yards: 139/809

Dominque Ford

leading passer

Jakhari Thomas

leading receiver

Attempts/Yards: 49/86-598 Receptions/Yards: 15/178

Marco Lee

leading TD scorer

Total Touchdowns: 5

Christain McBride leading tackler Total Tackles: 84

Jaquan Daniels

interception leader

Total Interceptions: 3

Coach’s Corner Michael Woolridge

1st year coaching at Hardaway

9 years overall IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

89

Northside Patriots

IT’S A REBUILDING YEAR FOR THE PATRIOTS

Region 1-4A

Written by: Beth Welch | Photos by: George McDuffie

Seems like most of the football teams in the Columbus Valley area have one thing in common—it’s a rebuilding year. Many programs lost valuable seniors who provided both talent and leadership in 2015.

Few teams in the region lost as many seniors to graduation as Northside High School. The Patriots will begin their 2016 season mindful of the 20 graduates who no longer can be counted on to contribute. Sixteen of those seniors were starters. That’s a lot of challenges to overcome and sometimes a coach can get overwhelmed in a rebuilding year.

If you know him, you can almost picture Northside’s athletic director and head football coach shrugging his shoulder about the situation. Morgan Ingram is in his fourth season as head coach for the Patriots (22-29) and he just seems to take every situation and year in stride.

“Players change year in, year out, therefore, coaches must also,” says Ingram.

Northside is the newest high school in the Muscogee County School District. It was founded in 2002 and fielded its first football team in 2004. Last year was a very productive year for Ingram’s football program. Highlights include a 7-4 record (6-1 region) and a trip to the Class 5A playoffs. The Patriots also were the region’s runner-up, losing to Carver High School, the region winner, by three points. Six football athletes signed letters of intent to play collegiate football.

The team will miss the efforts of their lead-

2015 Overall Record: 7-4 | 2015 Region Record: 6-1 | Stadium Name: Kinnett Stadium

4

Coach’s Corner Morgan 5 years assistant - 3 head Ingram 18 years total 90

College Prospects position David Apiag Nathan Robertson Cordale Scott Shamar Brown Ryan Harstad

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

ATH K/P WR WR OL

Team Leaders

4

Returning Defensive Starters

Returning Offensive Starters

Highlights

ing rusher from 2015, Kalan Watts, who had 211 carries for a total of 1059 yards. Watts was also the leading scorer for touchdowns last season with 14. They will, however, still have the talents of WR Cordale Scott, who was their leading receiver last fall with 23 receptions for a total of 305 years and two touchdowns.

Scott is considered a college prospect as are returning starters David Apaig (ATH), Nathan Robertson (K/P), Shamar Brown (WR) and Ryan Harstad (OL), who missed last season due to injury.

Other returning starters are Bailee Turpin (WR), Denarius Butler (OL), Dayshun Johnson (DE), Talon Gamble (DT) and Caleb Johnson (DE).

Ingram says replacing the 20 athletes, especially the 16 starters, who helped Northside finish as the region runner-up will be a big factor in this season’s success. The program has 95 athletes to help with that search.

At the end of the school year, the Patriots were also involved with a search to replace one of the team’s coaches, Paul Cates, who retired. Cates wasn’t just any coach, though.

He had been head football coach prior to Ingram taking over the role. Cates stayed on with the program and Ingram says he will be sorely missed.

Going into the season ahead Ingram is optimistic and isn’t revamping his coaching strategies to any extreme to accommodate the team’s inexperience. In fact, Ingram adopts the practical approach of continuing to utilize the

athletes he has been given in order to maximize the outcome.

He feels the players on his roster are most motivated by winning. The less experienced in his program are learning quickly the amount of work necessary to win games.

For Ingram, a winning season isn’t just about a winning record. His version of winning is to accomplish three goals: play with sportsmanship, character, also play as a true team and represent Northside well.

He feels a deep responsibility to helping his athletes be prepared in other areas of their lives.

“I constantly monitor our players’ grades and behavior. I ensure we do our part as coaches to help these kids be the best STUDENT-athletes they can be,” says Ingram.

Northside’s first game will be against Kendrick on August 18, at Kinnett Stadium.

leading rusher Carries/Yards: 211/1059 leading passer Levi Dunn Attempts/Yards: 56/669 leading receiver Cordale Scott Receptions/Yards: 23/305 leading TD scorer Kalan Watts Total Touchdowns: 14 leading tackler Christain Johnson Total Tackles: 110 interception leader Marcus Eberhart Total Interceptions: 3

Kalan Watts

Shaw Raiders

YOUNG SHAW TEAM SHOWING PROMISE FOR NOW AND FUTURE Written by: Beth Welch | Photos by: George McDuffie

Losing offensive players from 2015 who were rainmakers for the Shaw Raiders is going to be a big hurdle for the 2016 football team. Those key players were responsible for 4,692 yards of offense and 47 touchdowns. Some coaches might be willing just to call it a rebuilding year and accept the cards they have been dealt. But Shaw High School’s head football coach Charles Stamey isn’t like a lot of coaches.

Stamey didn’t start off as an educator or coach.

He worked in corporate America for 14 years before choosing to go into the field of education by way of earning his teaching certification in Social Studies.

Stamey is in only his second year of overseeing the Raiders’ football program but he has a lot of personal experience with the sport.

A graduate of Hardaway High School, Stamey played football there under Coach John Drew. He attended Valdosta State University on an athletic scholarship and was a four year starter on the offensive line. During that time Stamey’s football career was directed by VSU Coach Hal Mumme and a few other coaches who have since coached successful Division I football teams.

In 2010 Stamey was a Community Coach at Shaw High School under then-coach Jamie Fox while he pursued his teaching certification. He worked his way up to Defensive Coordinator and Assistant Coach with Shaw coach Kyle Adkins. The head coaching job came open again in 2014 with Adkins’ departure.

All of this is to say that Stamey has had an up close and personal look at good football programs as well as spent years working in a business environment that required solutions to challenges. Combined, these skills enable him to see what works, what is needed and how to get the job done.

The Raiders’ record last year was 5-6 (3-3 region).

For the 2016 season, Stamey knows an older, more experienced team would be best but he only has seven senior starters returning. The Raiders main strength will be on defense. Ten of this season’s de-

fensive starters either started last year or received significant playing time.

His program includes 78 players which mean enthusiasm is building for Shaw football. The young players will face a hard schedule but Stamey isn’t willing to let the lack of experience be seen just as a negative or a reason to put forth little effort.

“We have talent, but it is young talent. Now that doesn’t matter when the season kicks off, we still have to go out and compete for the Region. We will make young player mistakes, but we will also do some great things. This is where coaches earn their pay. It is easy to just put new paint or new windows on an already built house. It is hard work to build that house with only the foundation in place,” says Stamey.

The Raiders’ foundation for 2016 includes nine returning starters. Seven players, Nick Beason, Tyrone Davis, Devan Porter-Wilson, Zack Taylor, Miquail Harvey, Datavious Burton and Jamieson Lawrence, are considered college prospects.

Stamey’s coaching philosophy for offense is to get the ball into the hands of the players that can make things happen. For defense, it’s just as simple, be aggressive and physical. According to the coach, “it is amazing how good a defense is when they are in the middle of an offense’s backfield.”

Last year was a learning curve for the new coach.

He found much about the game is the same as when he played and yet some aspects have changed.

Like any good coach, Stamey works at motivating his players but has discovered the process is a little more complicated these days.

“I wish I had the magic formula to do that all the time. Players are different today than when I played.

My coaches made me want to play better out of pure hate; I wanted to prove them wrong. I wanted to prove that all the things that they said to me in practice were wrong. Today, you have to find a balance, you have to find what motivates each individual player. The number one thing I try to do is to build a relationship with our players,” he says.

In working with his young athletes, Stamey hopes to see improvement in the team’s character. His three main goals consist of being a person of high character, competing for a region title, and making the playoffs and advancing past the first round.

The bottom line for Stamey is that this season he wants to improve one stat.

The second year coach wants to win more games.

Highlights

2015 Overall Record: 5-6 2015 Region Record: 3-3 Returning Offensive Starters

Returning Defensive Starters

5

4

College Prospects position

Nick Beason WR/KR Tyrone Davis DB Devan Porter-Wilson DE Zack Taylor WR Miquail Harvey OL Datavious Burtin LB Jamieson Lawrence DL Team Leaders 2015 STATS Sydarrian Cobb leading rusher Carries/Yards: 164/1023

BJ Knight

leading passer

Attempts/Yards: 224/2114

Cam Paulding

leading receiver

Receptions/Yards: 32/543

BJ Knight

leading TD scorer

Total Touchdowns: 12

Devon Gaillard

leading tackler

Total Tackles: 57

Devon Gaillard/ Eugene Mosely

interception leaders

Total Interceptions: 2

Coach’s Corner Chuck Stamey

Career Record: 5-6 1 year as head coach 6 years overall IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

91

For the Smell

of the Grass

Written and photographed by Arnold Gamber

If you live in the southeastern region of the United States and follow college sports at all, you’ve heard of the Florida State University Seminoles. You probably know some of the players, if not all. You might even know who the coaches are.

There’s one man, however, you may not have heard of yet. I recently had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Scott Burkhart, the neuropsychologist for the Seminoles. He diagnoses, monitors, and treats concussions and other head injuries for the team.

So what does a neuropsychologist actually do? Basically, they deal with how the brain and our behaviors are connected.

When I asked Dr. Burkhart why he opted for the psychology route, he said, “I wanted a field with more unknowns than medicine.” Considering how new the field of concussion study is, he made an excellent choice. Recently, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) has become one of the most well known phrases pertaining to concussions, especially concussions related to sports. CTE is a degenerative disease of the brain that occurs when a person is repeatedly subjected to impact-related brain injuries and lets them go untreated. We’ve known about CTE occurring in boxers, like Muhammad Ali, since the 1920s, but in those days we called it dementia pugilistica. Symptoms of CTE can be very similar to those of Alzheimer’s and dementia, but manifest in people much younger than the typical

Alzheimer’s patient.

Dr. Burkhart sees between 3,000 & 5,000 concussions per year, with about 750-1,000 of those happening during the fall. He sees concussions in cheerleaders and people who play soccer, volleyball, ice hockey, football, and lacrosse. In his line of work, he rarely sees “repeat concussions,” or concussions that occur backto-back with no time for the brain to heal in between. These are the concussions that can lead to CTE. For many, CTE has a scary and heavily negative connotation.

Dr. Burkhart has a slightly different stance on the subject. When I asked his opinion about the public’s understanding of CTE and the causes of the disease, he said, “It’s not as scary as it has been presented.”

One of the reasons concussions are so much more prominent now is because the symptoms are often visually manifested, meaning our eyesight is affected. Kids & Millenials spend a large portion of the day looking at some kind of screen, so when our eyes don’t work we know about it.

The next question is, can we prevent these concussions? According to Dr. Burkhart, other than “wrapping our heads in 10 inches of bubble wrap,” there’s no real 100% effective prevention for concussions. Helmets are great, but they don’t keep the brain from moving inside the skull, which is what causes concussions.

Education is the first line of defense. When concussions happen, go to the doctor.

More importantly, go to the right doctor.

Concussions are brain injuries and should be checked out by a specialist. As Dr. Burkhart said, “I wouldn’t take my 4 year old to urgent care for a cavity.”

Dr. Burkhart hails from Oregon, but now lives in Tallahassee with his wife and two sons. From a young age, he has had a love for sports. He spent his childhood on the soccer and baseball fields, and like many other young American athletes, he fell in love with the lifestyle. He said one of his favorite things about working in his field and with the Seminoles is that he still gets to be in the athletic world. “I can still remember the way the grass smelled,” he said, with the air of someone talking about their first love. Eventually, Dr. Burkhart’s love for sports meshed with an interest in psychology. “I wanted to know how psychology and sports meshed.” The joining of the two passions lead him to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and his Doctorate degree Clinical Psychology from George Fox University. After graduating with is PsyD, he moved to Pennsylvania to do his fellowship in the sports concussion program at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Now he spends his professional time researching, preventing, and treating concussions while working for the Seminoles and directing the Regional Concussion Center at Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic, and of course, enjoying the smell of the grass.

Q&A WITH DR. Burk hart ITG sat down with Dr. Burkhart to ask him about the safety of sports for young athletes and some of the possible implications and possibilities of head trauma.

With all the attention on this issue today we wanted to get his expert opinion on this matter.

ITG: How safe are modern day sports for kids?

Dr. Burkhart: Modern day sports walk a delicate line when the conversation of safety is raised. On one end of the continuum, education and technology have never been better. However, sport specialization and kids playing one sport year round can be potentially problematic.

Overall, I would say modern sports are very safe, but the threats to safety have changed.

ITG: Is enough being done to prevent and treat concussions?

Dr. Burkhart: More can always be done; education continues to be a significant limiting factor. This is even more problematic in outlying and rural areas where access to a concussion specialist is limited. Science is evolving and the manner in which the injury is managed is constantly improving. But, access to resources and better education would be areas where more can always be done.

ITG: Do you have concerns if we lose sports like football, would we lose the ability for kids to develop team building characteristics, character development opportunities?

Dr. Burkhart: I have concerns with declining participation rates in sports like football, but not from the character development end. I believe kids can develop character in an array of activities. My concern’s with the decline in participation in football is more associated with two factors. First, childhood obesity and lack of exercise are a major concern. Kids today

have such easy access to technology that they often miss out on opportunities to be active. Second, a large amount of fear around football participation in particular is not well formulated or educated. Parents and kids should educate themselves before making decisions on which sports to participate. There is an inherent level of risk in many sports or activities, however sports teach many valuable life lessons.

ITG: What do you see as the future of the sport of football?

Dr. Burkhart: There is a lot of talk about taking off face masks, expanding roster size, or making football more like rugby.

The view of the future of football likely varies depending who you ask. My personal belief is that the game needs two things. First of all, a lot more education about this issue. I am probably sounding like a broken record, but athletes, coaches, parents, and everyone involved need to be better educated regarding concussion injuries. The second point is I believe football needs to focus on respect. If I am playing football and I respect my competitors, I can still go out and try to win without inherently attempting to hurt my fellow competitor. If I play the game to win, but not injure another human being, then my focus is in the right place. Football should be played with technique, intelligence, and respect. I don't need to hit a guy in the head with a dirty hit out of anger to win a game.

ITG: Would you let your child play football?

Dr. Burkhart: Absolutely, I have two boys and if they want to play football I would definitely let them play. Football isn't scary and neither are concussions if you treat and manage the injury appropriately.

Kendrick Cherokees

CHEROKEES WORK ON FUNDAMENTALS FOR 2016 SUCCESS Written by: Beth Welch | Photos by: George McDuffie

Sometimes it’s best to get back to the fundamentals.

That’s the lesson first-year Kendrick High School football coach Cedric Ware learned after the 2015 season. When the Cherokees posted a 3-7 record (2-6 region) last fall, Ware decided it would be best to go back to the beginning.

“Last year, we were very young and experienced. We were not very good physically, fundamentally and lacked discipline.

So this off-season was totally committed to getting strong physically, mentally and fundamentally,” says Ware.

Wiping the slate clean for the upcoming season, Ware brought in new offensive coordinator, Donald Johnson, in time for spring training. Every program in the area lost significant contributors due to graduation but Ware’s program is better off than most since the Cherokees have eight returning offensive starters and seven returning starters on defense. Three of those returning were leaders on last year’s team.

Running back Adayus Robertson was the team’s leading scorer and rusher. Cincere Sellers, wide receiver/free safety, led the team in receptions and interceptions.

Leading in tackles was Isiah Sellers (LB).

Other returning starters for Kendrick are Stephon Cooper (DT/OL), Dandre

Highlights School: Kendrick High School 2015 Overall Record: 3-7 2015 Region Record: 2-6 Returning Offensive Starters

8

Returning Defensive Starters

7

Coach’s Corner Cedric Ware Career Record: 3-7 8 year overall coaching

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Singelton (OL/DT), Michael Jordan (OL), Stephon Williams (RB), Kayleem Bonds (RB/DB), Rickey Owens (DT/FB), Jemarous Holloway (WR/DB), Navy Harris (DB/WR), JQuan Langley (DE/LB), Keevon Peterson (DE/TE), Javier Turner (LB/TE), and Wydell Mcghee (DB/WR).

Cooper, Singleton,C. Sellers, Bonds, Robertson, Holloway, Harris, Turner and I. Sellers are on the Cherokees college prospects list. Many on the Cherokees roster are talented athletes and will make big contributions this season. Jemarous Holloway might be one of those. The wide receiver’s time for the 40 is 4.40.

Getting back to basics means making sure the coaching is fundamentally sound, too. Ware takes a simple approach to offensive strategies. Protect the ball, take what the defense is giving you and be aggressive. For his defense, he wants players to be fundamentally sound, swarm to the football, strike first and create turnovers.

Look for a newer, improved version of Kendrick football this fall. Ware has worked with the team to be more disciplined and committed. This season he expects his players to value the little things that make good teams great and apply those principals to their lives. He also has expectations for his veteran players to lead the way.

College Prospects Stephon Cooper Javier Turner Cincere Sellers Isiah Sellers Kayleem Bonds Navy Harris Dendre Singelton Michael Anthony Jemarous Holloway Adayus Robertson

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

The goals for his second year as head coach are to win the region, make the playoffs and win championship. Ware is essentially building a football program at Kendrick which will raise the standard so that his goals are team goals, too. On a daily basis, the head coach is giving the team a chance to “buy in” to the possibilities of being successful.

“We must take pride in our football program and in our school. We have updated our locker room with fresh coats of paint all done by our players.

They have taken ownership in it and have a place that they are proud of.

We have updated our weight room and more,” says Ware.

Ware has a taste of the different levels of the game of football. He played at Hardaway High School, was a collegiate athlete and even spent time with the Columbus Lions. Every coach hopes to have athletes who move beyond high school play. Ware knows for many that won’t be the case so he works to prepare his players fundamentally off the field.

“A winning season is when your player’s lives change for the better because there are part of your program,” he says.

Jordan Red Jackets

RED JACKETS ADOPT “OWN IT” MOTTO FOR SEASON WITH NEW FOOTBALL COACH Region Written by: Beth Welch | Photos by: George McDuffie Columbus native Justin Newman didn’t waste any time in his efforts to get his new football program at Jordan Vocational High School energized. Appealing to modern-day high school athletes and students, Newman started the process by establishing #Ctowntakeover and Buzz City to generate interest and enthusiasm. But Newman also added in a dose of old school by stressing community and fan support is a key ingredient. He acknowledges the value of those in the Jordan Nation who remain committed to seeing the school’s glory days revived.

“This is one of the most vital aspects of a football program in being successful. Jordan has the biggest and arguably best alumni associations in the city of Columbus. The success of a football program starts with full support from all aspects of a school,” says Newman.

The 2002 Shaw High School graduate accepted the position of head football coach back in February. The job at Jordan is Newman’s first as a head football coach. He was formerly the head baseball coach at Pacelli School in Columbus and was the baseball coach at Wheeler County High School when he took the position at Jordan.

At Wheeler County, Newman was the assistant football coach and offensive coordinator under former Pacelli head football coach Randy Grace. The 2014 season for Wheeler County was successful with Grace and Newman at the helm. Newman has also been an assistant coach in other high school programs and views those times as learning opportunities for his new role at Jordan.

One of Newman’s new directions at JVHS was to start the season off with the motto of “Own It.” The new coach explains “in order for things to go well on the field, we have to take care of things outside of it.” He is promoting taking responsibility for actions and every team member carrying their share of the load.

Since Newman is literally the “new man” for the Red Jackets, he isn’t looking back at the program’s lack of success. Instead, a plan to improve in all aspects of the game is his expectation for the upcoming season. For the offense, he is implementing a HUNH (Hurry Up No Huddle) Spread.

Defense will be a Multiple 4-2-5. The motivation for his athletes will come from the constant competition.

Every coach has goals and Newman is no exception. He has three

5-2A

specific ones for the 2016 season. First, to make playoffs and advance.

Second, to have a 100 percent graduation rate among his seniors, and third (perhaps more of a long-range goal), to win a championship.

Last year’s 3-7 record with a region record of 2-6 was disappointing for the athletes, coaching staff and school. Newman’s plans are to utilize the athleticism he spotted right away but pushing his players to be fastpaced, physical, disciplined and competitive. He wants his players to be focused and take one game at the time.

“We look at each game as they come. The saying for us is the game that is important is the next one,” Newman says.

Eight seniors will be making a big contribution to the Red Jackets this season. DeAndre Snead, Darren Lewis, DeKoreon West, Elijay Mann, Brendon Fitgerald, Raymond Jones, Jakyle Strickland and Renard Swiney are the players who will provide upperclassman leadership and skills. Rounding out the team in terms of talent are nine juniors and sophomores Newman will be counting on to contribute this fall.

Newman has a coaching philosophy that isn’t just about winning games. He understands the value of education and how athletics enhances the educational process as well as prepares athletes for life. A collegiate athlete, Newman was also a baseball player who briefly played in the Cincinnati Reds organization before an injury ended his playing career. He wants his program at Jordan to be a part of a well-rounded education process for all his football players and he is taking the steps to make that happen, he stresses the importance of grades, studying habits and good behavior.

“We want the players to be better people because they went through the Jordan Football Program,” says Newman.

In the end, Newman feels likes his biggest challenge is to get everyone to buy into the program. Once that takes place, #Ctowntakeover and Buzz City will add to the excitement of new traditions taking place at Jordan Vocational High School.

Highlights 2015 Overall Record: 3-7 2015 Region Record: 2-6

Coach’s Corner Justin Newman

3 major goals Make playoffs

1st year as Jordan High coach 100% graduation win a championship 10 year overall coaching

(706) 324-0132 2990 Northlake Pkwy | Columbus, GA 31909

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

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Champion of Champions Crowing the King of South Georgia in our #ITGFanPlayoff

7A-4A

3A-1A

There are many debates that take place in our In the Game offices, but possibly none more hotly contested than this one: Who is the greatest football team in South Georgia’s history?

Not the greatest program, not the greatest players or coaches, but the greatest single team of all time. South Georgia has been home to a plethora of champions over the past century, so narrowing down the field in order to crown a champion of champions is no easy feat.

While this conversation raged on through the office, the result was inconclusive. So in an effort to settle it once and for all, we needed to consult the experts.

That’s where you, the fans, come in. We want to you hear your opinion as to who is the best team in South Georgia’s history.

We want to settle the debate once and for all; we have pitted decade against decade, era against era, and even teams of the same program will meet head to head.

How it works: Our Facebook fans will ultimately crown our all-time champion, so follow us on Facebook, do your research, and made your voice heard.

There are 2 separate brackets, one for AAAAAAA-AAAA and one for AAA-A. Here are the parameters for how teams were seeded: - Each school could have a MAXIMUM of 2 teams in the field.

- The teams must have NO MORE than 2 losses.

- The teams must be state champions.

- Seeding was based on POINTS PER GAME DIFFERENTIAL (how much the team outscored its opponent on average).

Each day leading up to the kickoff of the 2016 season, we will post 1 match-up from each bracket. Here are the rules for voting: - We will comment the names of the two teams on the post.

- You must "like" the COMMENT of the team you wish to vote for. This is the ONLY way your vote will be counted.

- Comments and shares are welcomed and encouraged but will NOT be counted as a vote.

- Voting will be ONLY counted on the day the match-up is posted.

- The posts will be up from 5 p.m. to 5 p.m. of the following day.

So is it the '71 Valdosta Wildcats? Is it the '04, '05, or '07 Lowndes Vikings? What about the 2014 or 2015 Colquitt County Packers?

That choice is up to you. Follow closely, share with your fellow fans, and make sure to vote!

Spencer Greenwave

GREENWAVE HOPING TO BUILD UPON LAST YEAR’S SUCCESS Written by: Beth Welch | Photos courtesy of Spencer High School

2015 was a very good year for Spencer High School’s football program.

Under the direction of first year head coach Pierre Coffey, the Greenwave of Spencer High rolled to the “winningest” season for the school in 38 years. The football team also gained a second round playoff berth while posting an 8-4 record. Six of those wins were against 5-AA region rivals.

Unlike many area football programs, Spencer will be returning several key players. The Greenwave’s quarterback Kahlil Thomas will be back for the 2016 season. The 6’1” 170 pound athlete was the leading passer for the team last year with 1878 yards on the season.

He will be joined on the offense by returning wide receiver Ervin Davis. Defensively, the Greenwave will see the return of Ye’majesty Sanders, a powerhouse of a player at 6’5” and 310 pounds, and Dayquan Thornton, 6 feet and 230 pounds.

Those four athletes will help anchor the team for 2016 season and will be accompanied by other returning starters such as safety Travell Jones, defensive end Marquise Hamilton and DB/RB Jaleel Grimes.

Coach Coffey feels the team’s strength will come from having experienced starters. He notes their running game should also be fueled by Grimes and Jaharee Mons. The loss of 20 seniors from last year’s team will have an impact though. That’s why Coffey is hoping to mix of returning leaders and talented newcomers will be a recipe for success.

“Last season was a historic season for Spencer High School. We will be looking for buildoff of last year’s success and it will be vital that our new starters gain playing experience and develop confidence in their play,” says Coffey.

There’s nothing like a winning season to charge up fans. The Greenwave Owls have enjoyed a loyal fan base like most high schools but with the kind of season they experienced last year, there is a new enthusiasm that had been missing for several years.

This energizing effect is important for team morale, too, and Coffey would like to see it continue.

“It is vital that we build off the communi-

ty support our fans showed us last year.

We should strive to fill stadiums each Friday night with a sea of green and gold,” he says.

Many have asked the secret to Spencer’s seemingly overnight success last season. For Coffey, it isn’t complicated. He adheres to simple concepts.

On offense, his players are taught to play fast, physical and be explosive. Defensive positions are expected to play fundamentally sound, fast and with good technique.

Sometimes, things just fall into place and line up for success. Good coaching, talented athletes and a team with a solid work ethic combined for football success. It was surprising to many in the community when Spencer produced a winning season. This year, the program will get more interest from fans and also college recruiters. Among those expected to be collegiate prospects are WR Davis, RB/DB Grimes (who runs the 40 in 4.49), DB Jones and WR Jaylen Taylor.

Both OT Ye’majesty Sanders and QB Kahlil Thomas are considered top prospects from their team due to their athletic ability and academic standards. Sanders maintain a 3.2 GPA and Thomas a 3.0 GPA. Coffey displays a pretty humble attitude about the first year’s success with him at the helm. He directs attention to his players and sees his role as more than a football coach.

He wants his program to teach athletes how to deal with adversity and how the game of football translates to various situations that one may encounter in life.

Going forward, the Greenwave will be looking to a few games with special intent.

When they face Carver, this is known as the Heritage Bowl and it has a significant history.

Also, Coffey views the game against Callaway as important because of playoff implications.

Looks like the fight is back in the Greenwave Owls of Spencer High School.

“STRIVE TO FILL STADIUMS EACH FRIDAY NIGHT WITH A SEA OF GREEN AND GOLD.”-coffey

Region 5-2A Highlights

2015 Overall Record: 8-4 2015 Region Record: 6-2 Stadium Name: Memorial/Kinnett Stadium Returning Offensive Starters

Returning Defensive Starters

5

3

College Prospects position OT Ye’Majesty Sanders QB/ATH Khalil Thomas WR Ervin Davis RB/DB Jaleel Grimes DB Travell Jones WR Jaylen Taylor Team Leaders 2015 STATS Tyrell Smith leading rusher Carries/Yards: 1615

Kahlil Thomas

leading passer

Attempts/Yards: 1878

Jermain Hernandez leading receiver Receptions/Yards: 43/840

Tyrell Smith

leading TD scorer

Chris Baker

leading tackler

Total Touchdowns: 18

Total Tackles: 98

Dashae Hubbard interception leader Total Interceptions: 7

Coach’s Corner Pierre Coffey 1 year coaching at Spencer 10 years overall

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

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Brookstone Cougars

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS ARE SPECIAL TIMES FOR COUGAR FANS Written by: Beth Welch

Columbus is a city of numerous high schools.

Support for high school sports can sometimes suffer when the fan base of a community is divided. Brookstone School is an exception to the rule.

Each Friday night during football season fans of the Brookstone Cougars gather to cheer on their team. Alumni from years past pack the stands along with parents, family and friends of the current team to enjoy the competition and camaraderie of high school football. It’s a tradition at the small private school that never seems to go out of style.

Brookstone has experienced several coaching changes in the past few seasons. Sometimes a drop-off in fan support occurs with the changing of the guard. Not the case with the Brookstone Nation. If anything, fans rallied to the cause. That loyalty is not lost on Cougars head football coach, Scott Pethtel.

“Our student-fans and our parents and community fans make this a great experience for our players because of the tremendous love and support we get from them,” states Pethtel.

This is Pethtel’s second season as head coach at the school and fourth as part of the coaching staff. When he came to Brookstone, Pethtel had no intentions of being the head coach. He had 39 years of coaching experience at that point but was happy to take a secondary role.

Shortly after his predecessor resigned, Pethtel asked to be considered for the position and was granted the opportunity. He has weathered the ups and downs of the turnover and finds the program to be strong even if it is a little on the young side.

Last season the Cougars were 6-5 (4-2 region) under Pethtel’s direction. The school plays in the very competitive AAAA Region against some consistently good football programs. In 2015, the team had success with players like Sam Ndem, Russell Blanchard and Prather Hudson.

Of those, only Blanchard is a returning starter. He will be joined by Dan Amos, Levi Wolff, Banks Massey, Drake Beck, Frank Waldrep, Walker Cottrell, Josh Long, Richard Hill and

@ Jordan First Presbyterian @ Landmark Christian Greenville St. Anne-Pacelli

10/07 10/14 10/21 10/28 11/04

@ Marion County Manchester @ Central, Talbotton @ Region 4 Crossover Region 4-A Play-In

2016 SCHEDULE

8/19 9/02 9/09 9/23 9/30

Wesley Tillman.

Pethtel believes his second season will be more productive by keeping the same offense and defensive schemes since the players are now familiar with Pethtel’s program.

His coaching philosophy for the offense is to run first, control the clock and the game; Flexbone Triple Option Attack. On defense, the seasoned coach says “simplicity makes us better in our 4-4 defensive scheme; play great ‘benddon’t-break’ and get off the field as quickly as possible.

When asked about the biggest challenge his team will face this season, Pethtel’s answer was not surprising for a football coach going into his second year at the helm of a program. The loss of a talented group of seniors from the 2015 team leaves a hole that will need to be filled.

Pethtel’s concern, though, isn’t just the athletic ability that needs to be replaced but the leadership those seniors brought to his football program.

“This year’s group will have to work hard and fast to prepare themselves to meet the challenges that will come with playing a tougher schedule and the new team in our region,” he says.

Coaching changes for 2016 have been minimal. Pethtel has mixed up the staff a bit by moving some assistants to and from the middle school and varsity programs to help with other coaching responsibilities. He also added another coach to the staff. With his personnel column filled in and his roster shaping up, Pethtel has set three major goals. Win non-region games, win the region, advance beyond the first round of the playoffs.

The 2016 Brookstone playbook calls for winning games but Pethtel has the advantage of decades of coaching experience which allows some perspective.

“If we play the best we can play and improve each week throughout the season and make our last game our best game, we can at least hold our heads up knowing we gave our best in every contest.”

Region 4-A Highlights

2015 Overall Record: 6-5 2015 Region Record: 4-2 Stadium Name: Rex Knight Capacity: 3,000 Returning Offensive Starters

6

Returning Defensive Starters

Team Leaders 2015 STATS Sam Ndem leading rusher Russell Blanchard leading passer Prather Hudson leading receiver Sam Ndem leading TD scorer Prather Hudson leading tackler Prather Hudson interception leader Returning Starters position OL/DL Dan Amos OL/DL Levi Wolff OL/DL Banks Massey WR/OLB Drake Bech WR/OLB Frank Waldrep FB/LB Walker Cottrell FB/LB Josh Long Russell Blanchard QB/DB FB/DL Richard Hill RB/DB Wesley Tillman Coach’s Corner

Scott Pethtel 1 year coaching at Hardaway 9 years overall

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IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

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Chattahoochee County Panthers

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS ARE IMPORTANT TO CHATTCO COMMUNITY Written by: Beth Welch

In small communities, those places where there is only one high school in the county, high school football is just different. It is the center of activity on Friday nights in the fall and no place is that more apparent than in Chattahoochee County.

In the past few years, the Panthers of Chattahoochee County have had some hard seasons. In 2014, the team went 6-5. Last year’s record of 3-7 (1-4 region), was another disappointment.

ChattCo named a new coach, Drew Fowler, just prior to the end of the school year. He is a part of an entirely new coaching staff at the school which has plans to bring good times back to Panther Stadium.

One unique feature about ChattCo is that many students are military dependents. Sports programs at CHS benefit greatly from the talent that flows in from all parts of the country. It causes a flux in athletics because these same athletes sometimes transfer out, too.

Coaches adapt and focus on the year at hand. For Fowler, his program this year consists of 50 athletes, 7 are returning starters and four of those play both sides of the ball. Setting the foundation for Fowler’s team are Seth Jordan (QB/CB), Zac Nixon (OT), Kedrick Harvey (OT), Zac Farrow (RB/SS), Fletcher Jordan (WR/ CB), Billy Wischnewsky (DL) and Trey Mafnas (WR/FS). Several of these key players are potential college prospects.

This is Fowler’s first experience as a head coach. He spent 16 years as an assistant coach allowing him to watch and learn. Because he has seen what works and what doesn’t, Fowler’s observation about his team’s greatest weakness is unexpected. Others might cite a young team, loss of key players, turnover in coaching staffs, etc. He says they need to continue to work on doing the little things right to reduce the number of mistakes that have been made in the past.

As far as the strengths of this team, Fowler again has a surprising answer.

“This is a close knit group of young men who work hard and enjoy playing the game. There are some really good returning players with some young guys to mix in to make a potentially good football team,” he says.

If Fowler had a theme for his team, it might quite possibly be “Do the right thing.” He cites that often in discussing his objectives and expectations of the Panthers. Breaking down his offense for the preview, Fowler says it’s multiplicity with simplicity and establishing a downhill running game to open the play action passing game.

Also to be more physical than opponents in their gap scheme pro-style offense. For defense, again it will be multiple yet simple and stop the run first to make our opponent one dimensional.

Slant and blitz to create confusion for the opposing offense and put them in long yardage situations to capitalize on big plays.

His three goals for his first season are to beat their rival, win the region, and get out of the first round and beyond. Sounding

New Thinking New Possiblities

Region 1-A

like a player’s coach, Fowler is looking forward to the first game of the season against Marion County, the Panthers’ rival. It isn’t a region game but it’s the first time the two teams have met in a few years. The matchup will take place on the Panthers’ home turf.

If the Panthers defeat the Eagles, Fowler will have accomplished his first goal. That should be a big start to charge up ChattCo fans looking for something to cheer about again.

“It will be an electric atmosphere to start our season,” says Fowler.

Highlights Returning Offensive Starters

Coach’s Corner Drew Fowler 1st year coaching ChattCo 16 years as assistant

6

Returning Defensive Starters

5

2015 Overall Record: 3-7 2015 Region Record:1-4 | Stadium Name: Panther Stadium

College Prospects

position

Returning Starters

position

Trey Mafnas QB/CB FS Seth Jordan Zac Nixon OT OT Zac Nixon Fletcher Jordan CB Kendrick Harvey OT Seth Jordan RB/SS ATH Zac Farrow Zac Farrow RB Fletcher Jordan WR/CB Kedrick Harvey OT Billy Wischnewsky DL Trey Mafnas WR/FS

Hyundai Columbus

(855) 508-6654

3000 N Lake Pkwy Suite 200 Columbus, GA 31909

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

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In the Game EXCLUSIVE

itg

Football Under Fire: How the Propst Ruling Reflects Cultural Change

One of the biggest storylines of the offseason began several months ago and concluded a few short weeks ago, but it has implications that extend far beyond just this isolated incident.

Written by: Jacob Dennis | Photo courtesy of Marque Milla Reese

he Professional Standards Commission has now officially repealed their verdict and yearlong suspension of Colquitt County head coach Rush Propst, but regardless of that result, one thing is

clear: The game of football is under fire, and it has been for quite some time now.

Parents are pulling their kids from the game due to its violent nature, medical studies are saying that one’s well-being can be affected long-term by repeated blows to the head, even with today’s advanced helmets, and our culture’s opinion of its beloved game seems to be turning as well-respected people, such as LeBron James, have hinted that they wouldn’t let their children play the game that millions of Americans love. I believe that the opinion of football is changing as our cultural mindset changes. It’s becoming soft.

But as of June 16th, 2016, the attack on football hit a little closer to home. The Georgia Professional Standards Commission, whose motto is “Protecting Georgia’s Higher Standard of Learning,” informed well-known and highly-scrutinized Colquitt County head coach Rush Propst that he had been suspended for one year as a result of a head-butting incident that occurred on the sidelines of the Packers’ 5217 victory over Mill Creek in the GHSA AAAAAA semifinals.

In the incident, Propst can be seen head-butting Luis “Baby Lou” Martinez, one of the best kickers in the history of Georgia High School football, before turning and brushing against linebacker and Arkansas-commit Dee Walker. Martinez was wearing his helmet at the time of the incident.

It’s up for debate whether Propst cut his head during the intentional head-butt of Martinez or the unintentional run-in with Walker, but that’s beside the point.

Propst shrugged off the incident upon hearing that Georgia Public Broadcasting’s cameras had caught the scene live, as he simply quipped, “Haven’t you ever seen Erk Russell coach football?” Propst was referring, of course, to the late Georgia Southern head coach and UGA defensive coordinator who used to head-butt his players on the sideline to fire them up.

I believe that the original decision to suspend Rush Propst was wrong for several reasons, both in timing and in principle.

First, suspending the Colquitt County head coach on June 16, when the incident happened on December 4, over six months ago, is beyond absurd. Would the boss at a corporation suspend a worker for unprofessional conduct in the workplace a year after it occurred, when the punishment is handed down so late it doesn’t even come close to fitting the crime? Similarly, would we be discussing Propst’s suspension if Colquitt County had gone 16-14 over the last two years instead of 30-0? Would we even be talking about this at all if Propst didn’t already have a negative image in the media due to past events which have nothing to do with this incident? These points can be debated, but to me, the answers are “no,” “no” and “no.” No professional organization would waste time and delay handing down such a harsh punishment, and we most definitely would not be discussing this incident today if the Packers head coach wasn’t a controversial figure with back-to-back state titles under his belt.

Propst’s suspension is also wrong because football is a metaphor for life as a whole, which is why so many people have already and will continue to fall in love with the game. When you get knocked down, you must stand back up. When you think you can’t take another step forward, you close your eyes and do it anyway to discover just how strong you really are. You make sacrifices for your brothers. You put yourself second. You learn to work towards a goal bigger than yourself. You fight, you bleed and you hurt, but you learn to get stronger and rise above seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

But would any of these lessons be learned without a coach there for guidance? They most certainly wouldn’t be.

Different people, largely depending on personality type and other characteristics, prefer different coaching styles.

Some people want a coach who is even-keel, never showing emotion, to help guide a team through the inevitable ups and downs of a season. Others, however, want a coach who is passionate and who isn’t afraid to stand up to anyone, whether it is a referee or a player, if it ultimately leads to the greater good of the team. The latter description happens to be the kind of coach that Colquitt County possesses.

Propst is simply a passionate coach who chooses to teach these aforementioned lessons in an intense way. The coaching style offends some and it isn’t for everybody, but can we really argue the results? Propst head-butted Luis Martinez out of passion for the game he has spent his life coaching and out of immense love for his players, which brings me to my third point.

Propst loves his players and his players love him back, which is something I learned within hours of his suspension.

Chase Parrish, who quarterbacked the Pack in each and every game during the team’s unblemished two-year run in 2014-2015 and now attends Navy, had this to say about Propst: “There are many different coaching styles and Coach Propst’s style of coaching is very intense. I can understand how this incident can be seen as negative or controversial, but from an insider’s perspective, this incident is an example of our head coach showing passion for the game and trying to motivate his players. Coach Propst loves his players and we as a team know he wants nothing but the best for us. His passion stems from seeing his players succeed. He supports his players 100% and in turn we support him 100%.”

Luis Martinez, who now kicks for Georgia Southern, has been overlooked in the entire controversy but was the subject of Propst’s ire during the second quarter of Colquitt’s game with Mill Creek. Few people have any idea of why the Packers’ head man was so irate when his team was scoring at will versus the GHSA’s best defense, but Martinez is one of them. Yet, he agrees with Parrish and has chosen to back Propst.

“I am supporting Coach Propst,” Martinez affirmed. “He is a great coach and I believe the whole Packer fan base would agree with me. His players love him, and so do I.” The bottom line is that a one-year punishment for this incident is way too much. If the penalty had been levied the week after the game, it would have still been much too harsh. But the fact that we were sitting there, in the middle of the summer, discussing something that had seemingly died down months before, is ridiculous. If Rush Propst had hurt a player, he would have undoubtedly deserved a suspension. That didn’t happen, however, and it is clear that the player involved, Luis Martinez, took no exception to the incident. I believe he, Chase Parrish, and any other Colquitt County Packer who graduated at the conclusion of last season would go into battle with Rush Propst as their head coach again today if they could. Additionally, the Moultrie community has constantly echoed support for their controversial head coach. The words they speak about Propst the coach, in my opinion, speak far louder than the suspension handed down.

I believe that many people understand that allowing a coach to make physical contact with a player is a dangerous proposition, and it is something that should not be taken lightly. However, it is clear to me after speaking with a few key players from Colquitt’s championship runs that Propst meant no ill-will toward anyone. Colquitt was 30 minutes away from its 29th consecutive win and a second consecutive berth in the state championship, the game was close, and the incident happened. I have no clue whether or not Propst would admit he made a mistake. I, myself, don’t think he made a mistake. He simply did something that has been done by other coaches before. One (Erk Russell) was even memorialized for it.

Football is a violent game by nature, but with the proper coaching and guidance it can teach some of life’s toughest lessons. Some coaches just have different ways of leading their players, and some people clearly just don't understand.

Marion County Eagles

NEW COACH TAKES OVER MARION COUNTY PROGRAM Written by: Beth Welch | Photos courtesy of Marion County

Highlights 2015 Overall Record: 10-2 2015 Region Record: 8-0 Stadium Name: Eagle Field Returning Offensive Starters

Returning Defensive Starters

4

5

College Prospects position Mykelle Kelly RB Austin Connor OL Team Leaders 2015 STATS Mykelle Kelly leading rusher

Carries/Yards: 157/1243

Quentez Battle

leading passer

Attempts/Yards: 99/660

Lorenzo Smothers leading receiver Receptions/Yards: 26/371 Lorenzo Smothers leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 26

Austin Brannen

leading tackler

Total Tackles: 107

Lorenzo Smothers interception leader Total Interceptions: 5

Coach’s Corner Chris Kirksey

Career Record: 50-62-1 21 year overall coaching

102

If he didn’t have a successful career behind him before he came to Marion County, there would be even more pressure on new Eagles head football coach Chris Kirksey. As it is, taking over a football program that was 65-10 in six years is bound to be daunting.

Last spring former Marion County High School head football coach Mike Swaney announced his retirement. He built a strong football program at the 4-A school which gained a reputation for winning, a state championship in 2013 and a near repeat in 2014, and for producing such standout athletes as Lorenzo Smothers.

The search committee did not have to look far for Swaney’s replacement. Kirksey had come on board at Marion County in 2015 as a coaching assistant. Prior to that, he had been the head coach at Taylor County where his teams made the playoffs in 2004, 2006, and 2013.

Last year the Eagles posted a 10-2 record, 8-0 in the region. It was another great year for football for the small Buena Vista, Georgia, high school. In the past few seasons, Marion County football was synonymous with Lorenzo Smothers. The standout athlete was the leading receiver, leading touchdown scorer and led the team in most interceptions last year. He will be sorely missed in 2016.

In addition to finding replacements for Smothers, Kirksey’s coaching staff also had to get past the huge hurdle of losing every starter on the offensive line to graduation with the exception of left tackle, Austin Connor. The 6’2” 230 pound football player is a college prospect and will make big plays for the Eagles this season. His experience will be invaluable as will be his leadership in helping develop underclassmen for their new roles.

Mykelle Kelley will be another name mentioned a lot in connection with Eagles football. Kelley, another college prospect, was the team’s leading rusher in 2015. He had 157 carries for 1243 yards as a junior. The 5’11” 180 pound running back runs the 40 in 4.55 and will be a big asset for Marion County again this year.

Another plus for the Eagles is a returning

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

Region 4-A

starter at quarterback. Quentez Battle led the team last year in passing with 99 attempts for 660 yards. Battle, Kelley, and Connor will be joined by other returning starters Kabron Ellison (SS), Terrance Williams (LB), Hykeem Walton (WR) Jordan Tillman (NG), Kadarrius Hartage (DE) and D.J. Kelley (CB).

Spring practice was very competitive among the Eagles’ players. There were new openings to fill and Kirksey was able to see how hard the athletes were willing to work to gain a spot. That work ethic and attitude were not lost on the new coach who feels that is this team’s greatest strength.

Because Marion County has a reputation as a powerhouse football program, Kirksey says he really doesn’t have to do much to motivate his team. A tradition has been established and each player wants to continue the legacy.

“Each class doesn’t want to be the group that doesn’t get the job done,” says Kirksey.

Adopting an “if isn’t broke, don’t fix it” approach about the football program, Kirksey only made one coaching change. He moved DB coach Billy Law to the defensive coordinator position. He is planning on his team being physical on both offense and defense.

Executing and “moving the sticks” on offense is key for the team as is being a defense that really runs to the ball.

Kirksey isn’t focused on what he doesn’t have going into the 2016 season. His goals are to get better every week, win the 7th straight region championship and “make noise in the playoffs.” Of course, his ultimate goal is a state championship. To accomplish all that, Kirksey says his team has to do one thing.

“Step it up.”

St. Anne-Pacelli Vikings

VIKINGS HOPE TO IMPROVE ON PROGRESS MADE IN FOOTBALL PROGRAM

Region 4-A

Written by: Beth Welch | Photos courtesy of Pacelli School

6

Returning Defensive Starters

Returning Offensive Starters

Highlights

2015 Overall Record: 7-4 2015 Region Record: 5-3 Stadium Name: Deimel Field

5

College Prospects position Daniel Mansfield Aaric Austin Michael Herrera

Coach’s Corner

Buster Connally

8 years with St. Anne-Pacelli 9 years overall

The revolving door of high school athletics in the Columbus Valley got a surprising turn in the spring when St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School’s Athletic director and Head Football Coach Alan Griffin announced he was leaving. After nine years with the 4-A school, the last one as head football coach, Griffin accepted a job as athletic director/assistant principal at White County High School in Cleveland, Georgia.

Griffin coached the Vikings to a 7-4 winning season last year and was 5-3 in region play.

He stepped into the head coaching position following the departure one year earlier of Randy Grace. Griffin helped continue the progress made in the school’s football program made under Grace’s direction and it is hoped the Vikings new coach will also have success.

Buster Connally became the athletic director and head football coach before the end of school year but Connally has been a part of Pacelli athletics for nine years, eight with the football team.

OL RB LB

The continuity of promoting from within worked before and should with Connally. He quickly put his own brand on the team by making some coaching changes.

Carson Hinton was moved from Defensive Coordinator to Offensive Coordinator.

DeAndre Bowman was brought in as Defensive Coordinator. His son, Dre Bowman, signed last year with Georgia State University and was the team’s leading receiver last season. Pacelli hired Mark LeGree whose primary responsibility will be to coach defensive backs. These moves utilize coaches who are knowledgeable about Pacelli’s football program and also bring a fresh approach.

“I am extremely excited about the cohesion of this staff,” says Connally.

There are a few negatives in the program.

Several seniors who had started on the football team for three years are gone. The absence of a large senior class leaves a void of leadership and talent. Connally says the young guys on the team will have to learn and contribute early.

Among the positives is the football program’s reputation. Last year two Vikings signed Division I scholarships to play at the next level. In addition to Bowman, Ben Davis, the team’s leading tackler, signed with Davidson College.

Connally feels the 2016 team has at least three college prospects. Running back Aaric Austin, LB Michael Herrera and OL Daniel Mansfield.

Look for all three to be big contributors this season.

Other returning starters for the Vikings are Tanner Hall (LB), Justin Bates (C), Ash Vestal (OL) and John Jacobs (K).

Connally sees his offense being very physical in 2016, especially at the line of scrimmage. He plans on his team making opponents defend the entire football field. The new coach feels his

Team Leaders

Ben Davis

Tre Sudberry Dre Bowman Tre Sudberry Ben Davis Mikal Marble

leading rusher Carries/Yards: 157/941 leading passer Attempts/Yards: 70/121 leading receiver Receptions/Yards: 16/424 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 14 leading tackler Total Tackles: 99 interception leader Total Interceptions: 4

offense is very sound fundamentally.

The Viking defense has been working on a defensive system which is sound against the run and pass, and able to adjust to sets, shifts and motion. Coaches have been stressing running to the ball, tackling, proper “alignment to assignment” and collision football at every position.

One big plus for the new coach will be the loyalty of the fans who gather at the school’s Deimel Field and for away games. Pacelli has generated enthusiasm in the football program in the past few seasons and it will follow into the 2016 season.

“Our Viking family is extremely important to our staff and players. Our players feed off of their excitement. Our Booster Club has been instrumental in helping to bring our community into the mix,” says Connally.

It may be a rebuilding year for the Vikings but the team is in very capable hands. Connally’s three major goals for the season are inspiring but well within reach. First, be a playoff contender. Second, to put themselves in a position to win games in the fourth quarter, and third is for the team to be a positive representative for the school and church.

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IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

103

Calvary Christian Knights

CALVARY KNIGHTS HAVE THE RIGHT STUFF Written by: Beth Welch | Photos by: Beth Welch

Finally. A local football team that has everything going for them and are highly favored to win the state championship, their first in school history. Calvary Christian School is poised to bring home the trophy for the GICAA Division 1-AA State Football Championships in 2016 because they appear to have all the right stuff.

It wouldn’t be the first time the Calvary Knights have been in this position. Last year the team made a valiant run up all the way to the semi-finals only to have their season end there. A 9-2 record (5-1 region) is really good but it was still a big disappointment for head football coach Brian Osborne’s team and the Calvary nation.

“Last year, we were considered one of the early favorites to win the state championship but we were not mentally prepared for those expectations. This year we are placing a high importance on becoming mentally tough,” says Osborne.

Calvary began their varsity football program just six years ago. Since that time Osborne has coached his team to the final four twice and the state championship once. While other coaches with other local teams are lamenting big holes in their programs due to the loss of veteran upperclassmen, the Knights will have 14 seniors on the 2016 team who have a lot of game experience.

Just about every position on the team has a returning starter with only a few exceptions.

Calvary’s quarterback, Kasen Andrews, had 95 passing attempts in 2015 for 1,103 yards. The 6’4” and 195 pound athlete is considered a college prospect and will be returning. Other college prospects who are returning starters are Jacquez Green (ATH), Steven Fowler (DL), Dalton Williams (OT), Thomas Chappel (K), and Bryce Andrews (WR) who led the Knights last season in receiving with 18 receptions for 491 yards.

Six other returning starters are players to

watch on this team. They are Daniel Strickland (WR), Jacob Evangelista (OG), Cam Green (CB), Cody Russell (CB), Tredwick Wilburn (CB), and Crawford Ledbetter (LB), the tackle leader for Calvary in 2015 with a total of 104 tackles to his credit.

The addition of Kevin Fuller to the Knights coaching staff is expected to boost their passing game. Fuller is a receiver with the Columbus Lions.

Osborne’s coaching philosophies for offense and defense have proven successful. He prefers to run the football to set up the pass plays and aims for his team to blitz from many different places to confuse the offense. Yet, he knows there is always room for improvement, especially with chasing the title. So, this season he hopes to control the ball more on offense and limit big plays on first and second down on defense to create long 3rd downs.

The coach says his biggest lesson from last year’s season is probably one that every coach feels the need to stress. Never take any opponent lightly. The Knights defeated the team in the regular season that came back to beat them in the semi-finals.

It’s pretty obvious Calvary has set the goal of winning the state championship as part of their plan for a successful season. Osborne wants to start off by winning the school’s first region championship. More importantly to the head football coach and athletic director of the small private Christian school is an everyday goal.

“Glorify God every time we step on the football field,” says Osborne.

Leading up to the state championship event, Calvary will face some solid opponents. One special game will be against Glenwood School.

The two schools have developed a rivalry in other sports but 2016 will be the first time they have met on the football field. It will also be a unique experience since the new head football coach for Glenwood is Jason Gibson, also the coach for the Columbus Lions and the coach for Calvary’s new assistant coach Kevin Fuller.

Calvary will be a team to keep an eye on this season. If they stay healthy, focused and play with the same passion as last year, the GICAA Division 1-AA 2016 state title trophy might find a home on the campus of Calvary Christian School.

GICAA Region D-1AA Highlights 2015 Overall Record: 9-2 2015 Region Record: 5-1 Stadium Name: Len McWilliams Field Returning Offensive Starters

Returning Defensive Starters

6

8

College Prospects position Jacquesz Green Kasen Andrews Bryce Andrews Steven Fowler Dalton Williams Thomas Chappell

Team Leaders 2015 STATS Anthony Santiago leading rusher

Carries/Yards: 175/1,526

Kasen Andrews

leading passer

Bryce Andrews

leading receiver

Attempts/Yards: 95/1,103

Receptions/Yards: 18/491

Anthony Santiago leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 19

Crawford Ledbetter leading tackler Total Tackles: 104

Cody Russell

interception leader

Total Interceptions: 6

Coach’s Corner Brain Osborne Career Record: 33-21 5 years overall 104

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2016

RB/SS QB WR DL OT K

Glenwood Gators

GLENWOOD GATORS PREPARE FOR NEW ERA OF FOOTBALL Written by: Beth Welch | Photos courtesy of Glenwood School

FOR THE FUTURE It has been said that change is inevitable. Major change can sometimes be the potential for growth. The Gators football program of Glenwood School is about to find out.

Last May, just weeks prior to the end of school, Glenwood’s football coach for the past three seasons resigned for personal reasons. Tripp Henderson’s team had a disappointing 2015 season, going 4-6 with a 2-3 region record. After the sudden departure of Henderson, Glenwood had a two-week search for a new coach. On Friday, May 13, Jason Gibson was announced as the Gator’s head football coach for the 2016 season.

The Gator Nation was still reeling from the unexpected resignation of the former coach when Gibson was selected as successor.

It was kind of a puzzling move on the part of both Gibson and Glenwood School because Gibson is the coach for the Columbus Lions, the local arena football organization.

According to Gibson, who resides not far from the Alabama private AISA 3A school, he shouldn’t have a problem managing the two coaching jobs as the high school football season is wrapped up in November long before the Lions take to the field in the spring.

Despite coming to the dance so late, Gibson is very optimistic and enthusiastic about taking over the helm of the Gators football program. His resume includes coaching the Lions for the past 10 years but also includes some high school coaching experience in North Carolina.

The roster for Glenwood’s 2016 football team was not available early this summer. The 2015 season record might appear dismal but there was a lot of talent on that team that will be carried over to Gibson’s first season. At least five players have the makings of college prospects. Will Cadoura (OL), Maro Richmond (FB/ DE), Latavius Calhoun (RB/DB), Jack Rhodes (DE), and Carrington Huddleston (QB/DB) are on the list and should be big contributors this fall.

Quarterback Carrington Huddleston made a name for himself last year as the Gator’s leading rusher (109 carries for 720 yards), leading passer (98 attempts for 456 yards) and the team’s leading scorer with a total of seven touchdowns. Gibson will undoubtedly find Huddleston valuable in the new program.

Another player to watch is Thomas Camacho. The 6’ 165 lb. athlete is returning as the team’s kicker and has a reputation as a pretty good soccer player. Both Camacho and Huddleston hold the top academic records on the team, carrying a 4.0 GPA into the school year.

Although new to Glenwood, Gibson established early on his approach for the upcoming season was to increase student participation. Usually, a school gains athletes in programs when those programs start winning. To be successful, Gibson is expecting his team this season to be fundamentally balanced. He says they will focus on playing solid defense and a multiple look offense.

His three major goals for his first season as head football coach at Glenwood are to increase the numbers of participants, win the state championship and develop student athletes. Gibson says his biggest challenge is to bring about that increase in numbers and to also increase time spent in the weight room.

No details were available about the staff who will work with Gibson as he is being selective in putting together the new group. It may take a bit of time for Gibson to get used to dealing with younger athletes and working with a new staff but it didn’t take long for him to size up the value placed on athletics at the small, close-knit school.

“Glenwood School prides itself on fans, community and parent involvement. In order to run a successful program, their support is a must,” he says.

Gibson isn’t afraid of a challenge and is excited about the Gator’s fall football schedule which will pit Glenwood against some tough competitors. The seasoned coach knows better than to look too far down the road when asked if there was a particular game he anticipated to be meaningful.

“The first game because it will mark a new era. Our focus is ‘US.’ That’s the only thing we can control,” says Gibson.

Highlights

Stadium: The Swamp Last playoff apperance: 2014 Last region chamionship: 2001

Coach’s Corner Jason Gibson

1st year as Glenwood High coach

18 year overall coaching

3 major goals

Increase numbers Win state championship Develop student/Athletes

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