Southeast Georgia August 2017 Edition

find your Preview inside Reading Books And Offenses Hunter Hall, Glynn Academy

Building a New Tradition Josh Davis, Brantley County

2017 Preseason FOOTBALL RANKINGS TOP 10 PLAYERS

Going Garnett

to watch

Aug 2017

IN THE

GAME SOUTHEAST GEORGIA

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

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Ernest Jones, Ware County

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PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

IN THIS ISSUE

8

Going Garnett

Ernest Jones, Ware County

18 Reading Books And Offenses

Hunter Hall, Glynn Academy

24

The Kentucky Thoroughbred

Bob Sphire, Camden County

30

8th Annuanl KICKOFF DINNER A SUCCESS

34 2017 Preseason Football Rankings

44 Top 10 Players to Watch

11 AAAAAAA

32

Wildcats Get New Coach, New Offense

Panthers Still on the Prowl

CAMDEN COUNTY WILDCATS

LIBERTY COUNTY PANTHERS

13 AAAAAA

33

Familiar Face Takes Over as Tigers' Coach

Blue Tide Welcomes Old Adversary

BRADWELL INSTITUTE TIGERS

14

36

BRUNSWICK PIRATES

Pirates Pick Pender

LONG COUNTY BLUE TIDE

AA

VIDALIA INDIANS

Indians Will Be Rebuilding

15

38

Terrors Look For Another Deep Run

Raiders Look to Improve

GLYNN ACADEMY TERRORS

BACON COUNTY RED RAIDERS

17

39

Wildcats Want Return to Playoffs

Jackets Look To Helton For New Start

RICHMOND HILL WILDCATS

21

JEFF DAVIS YELLOW JACKETS

42

AAAAA

TOOMBS COUNTY BULLDOGS

WARE COUNTY GATORS

Bulldogs Want Playoff Return

Gators Look Strong Again

52

22

43

Striving To Be The Best

Cribb Looks to Settle Things Down

Bucs Looking to Take the Next Step

Thomas Castellanos Waycross Middle School

54

In The Game's Games Of The Week

56

Building a New Tradition

Josh Davis, Brantley County

WAYNE COUNTY YELLOW JACKETS

23

Pirates Have New Coach, New Outlook

27

BRANTLEY COUNTY HERONS

Herons Seek Return to the Playoffs

29

PIERCE COUNTY BEARS

MCINTOSH COUNTY BUCCANEERS

60

AAA

APPLING COUNTY PIRATES

A

CHARLTON COUNTY INDIANS

Indians Working Their Way Back to the Playoffs

62 GISA AAA

FREDERICA ACADEMY KNIGHTS

Knights Looking for Deep Playoff Run

NCAA Previews

Strickland is the New Papa Bear

Pro Team Previews

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

5

FROM THE PUBLISHER

To borrow a line form Hank Williams Jr, “Are you ready for some FOOTBALL!” By the time you read this the shining Friday night lights of Southeast Georgia will have already emblazoned the night skies. Teams will have traveled and tightened up their chin straps and had the opportunity to knock heads with players wearing different color jerseys after beating up on their teammates all summer long. Several programs will be taking advantage of two scrimmages after forgoing spring games. Come the 18th of August it gets real as zero week kicks off games that count in the win/loss columns. It promises to be a great season and we’ll keep you up to speed with the best coverage in high school athletics right here in the pages of In The Game Magazine.

Coach Franklin Stephens has had a hand in helping around 100 kids get the opportunity to play college football and he calls this month’s Players Spotlight, “the kind of kid we want in our program.”

Ware County Gator Ernest Jones has verbally committed to South Carolina to further his education and play football for coach Will Muschamp and the Gamecocks.

Ernest’s work ethic and positive attitude have afforded him this opportunity to play college football but it all started with the 2015 Rising Juniors Game in Atlanta. After his performance, he started blowing up on the recruiting trail landing offers from most SEC and ACC schools. Ernest ultimately chose South Carolina and I wouldn’t be surprised if coach Muschamp has the same sentiment as Coach Stephens, “this is the kind of kid we want in our program, too” Hunter Hall has been a starter for Glynn Academy since stepping onto the field as a freshman. The Red Terror linebacker had the opportunity to play for a state title as a sophomore, as a junior Hunter was a big part of the defense that lead Glynn Academy to their first outright Region Championship since 1972. Now as a senior, Hunter is a part of a team who has the

6

same goals and aspirations of a state title but he’ll be doing it on both sides of the ball as he takes on the added role of running back. Hunter does all this on the football field while maintaining an outstanding 3.6 GPA in the classroom. Not sure what he’ll do for an encore but I’m sure going to tune in to find out.

You heard it 1000 times, “He’s way ahead of his time.” Meet the coach who truly personifies this statement, Camden County’s new head coach Bob Sphire. Coach Sphire was implementing the spread offense in Kentucky before some coaches in SEGA even heard of this style of offense. After several 10-win seasons and a 3A State Title in 2005 Sphire’s name started surfacing in Georgia relating to open head coaching positions. Sphire landed in North Gwinnett and took off with his air-raid attack with several more 10-win seasons and a State 6A runner up twice, once in 2007 and the second in 2013. Now he has the task of converting one of the true bastions of the Wing-T offense to the spread. Look out Region 1 AAAAAAA there’s an airraid coming.

I’ve seen a lot of football over the years and every once in a while, you see that special young player that you know has a shot to be a big time national talent.

I saw it in Dedrick Mills as an 8th grader and Richard LeCounte as an 9th grader. You knew if those kids worked hard, studied in the class room and made good choices off the field they’d play big time college ball. Thomas Castellanos at Waycross Middle School has that same path before him. If he were at high school this year his talents would probably afford him the opportunity to play. He lead his talented team last year to a conference championship as a 7th grader and looks to repeat in 2017. He’ll be a fun one to watch over the next five years.

I think one of the most sought-after attributes in football is toughness. Some kids are mentally tough some kids are physically tough. When you find one who has both you have found yourself

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

52

a “PLAYER.” Meet Brantley County’s own Josh Davis. Josh was just a sophomore last season but he helped his Heron team play in just their second playoff game in school history, a fact not lost on Josh. He leads by example on the field and in the classroom carrying a perfect 4.0. His strong academic schedule did not allow him to take weight training during school but that didn’t stop Josh who just showed up early and stayed late to get in his weight training. With his classroom dedication and his football preparedness work ethic I would think college coaches would be salivating to get Josh in their program in 2 years.

We hope you enjoy reading In the Game as much as we enjoy producing and publishing it. We would like to thank our friends at the Georgia High School Football Historians Association (ghsfha.org) for their assistance. We are always open to suggestions as well as story ideas or ways you think we can improve our magazine. Please visit our website at www.inthegamemagazine.com and Facebook at www.facebook.com/inthegamenation. Follow us on Twitter @SEGAInTheGame and on Instagram at inthegamesega. You can now keep up with all the Friday Night scores across SEGA and the state with our new partner App Scorestream.

Download the scorestream app at Google Play or the Appstore today.

Join us every Thursday evening live from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. as we broadcast live from Firehouse Subs in Waycross. Listen to “In the Game on Radio” on WWUF 97.7 FM or stream the show live on www. waycrossradio.com. While you’re online, don’t forget to nominate a deserving student-athlete or coach for one of our feature articles. You’ll be glad you did.

TELL US YOUR THOUGHTS!

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

Contributors

Publisher Shawn Smoak Editor Mark Dykes Graphics Mandy Douthit LaDarius Dennison Cover Photography Jennifer Carter Johnson Feature Photography Jennifer Carter Johnson Michael Brinson Aaron Musgrove Feature Writers Rob Asbell John DuPont John Wood Evan Smoak Carson Waggoner Ryan Hennessy Courtney Wagner Copy Editor Cole Parker Alex Dunn Advertising/Marketing Shawn Smoak shawn@itgsportsnetwork.com Mark Dykes mark@itgsportsnetwork.com Website Manager Cole Parker SEGA Prep Sports P.O. Box 2960 Waycross, Ga. | 31502 Corporate Office: Dykes Media Group LLC P.O. Box 812 Valdosta, Ga. | 31603 In the Game is published monthly (excluding July).

The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without consent from the publisher. Dykes Media Group, LLC 2017 makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2015 Dykes Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

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7

Going Garnett Written by: John DuPont Photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson

Blue-chip linebackers don’t grow on trees, but sometimes they blossom overnight.

That’s what happened to Ware County High standout Ernest Jones, who didn’t become a starter until his junior year, but suddenly became one of the most sought-after linebackers in the state. Jones first gained notice as a sophomore at WCHS, totaling 24 tackles (16 solo) including one tackle for loss (TFL) and two sacks. The team, meanwhile, posted an 11-4 mark, bowing one game shy of the 2015 state finals.

“Ernest didn't get an opportunity to play much as a sophomore, but he gathered a lot of mental information from sitting in meet-

ings and watching the older guys in front of him,” said WCHS head coach Franklin Stephens. “Ernest was 175 pounds and not yet ready to play. However, he took advantage of the off-season and gained 30 pounds and two inches of height, facilitating a great junior year.”

Breaking out in 2016, Jones racked up 56 total tackles (41 solos), with five TFL, two sacks, and two quarterback hurries. The Gators consequently went 6-3 in the regular season, making it to the quarterfinals. Now a 6’2”/220-pound headhunter, Jones is poised for his senior campaign in The Swamp. This past spring, he committed to play at the University of

South Carolina, choosing the Gamecocks out of 28 scholarship offers.

“Florida was my dream school coming up and if they had offered me earlier, I might have gone there,” Jones said. “I visited Auburn, Georgia Tech, Duke, and Florida, but things happened at those other schools that turned me away from them.

Then when I stepped onto the campus at USC, I just loved it. It

“We did pretty good for a team of juniors getting their feet wet.”

— Ernest Jones 8

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

felt like home. It felt like Waycross. The only way I would pull away from USC would be if Jesus himself had a school.”

Jones, the son of Ernest Jones, Jr. and Portia Wells, earned a coveted roster spot in the Rising Seniors Bowl last December. He suited up for Team Commitment alongside fellow Ware County standout Jalynn Strickland and opposite another Gator teammate, Trey Cobb, who started for Team Dedication. Jones tallied 12 stops that afternoon as Team Dedication notched the victory.

Gamecocks head coach Will Muschamp soon made it a priority to get

Jones to Columbia.

“Pat Washington was my recruiter, but it changed hands because once I visited, they saw I had a great personality and great film,” said Jones. “Then linebackers coach Coleman Hutzler took over and Coach Muschamp texted me every day.

Coach Muschamp has got a great personality. He’s a lot like Coach Stephens - they love their kids and if you don’t live up to your potential, they will get on you.”

According to Jones, the Gators weren’t playing up to their potential in last season’s opener against rival Coffee,

falling behind 21-0 in the first quarter. That’s the game he cites as his favorite highlight of the season, though.

The Gators finally found their groove against the Trojans, going on a 30-6 run down the stretch to pull out a three-point victory. “We battled back,” he said. “With the heat, it being a Saturday, we were tired we just pushed through and got the job done.”

Playing one of the more brutal schedules in school history, the Gators were just 2-3 at midseason and had a game canceled due to inclement weather.

WCHS then won four in a row to finish the regular season slate.

Ultimately, the Gators made it to the third round of the state play-

offs before bowing to eventual state champion Rome.

“We did pretty good for a team of juniors getting their feet wet,” Jones said.” It was my first year starting after backing up guys like Dedrick Mills and Ervin Nard. Now Dedrick is at Georgia Tech and Ervin plays for Carson-Newman. Those guys taught me what offenses are going to come at us with and how I need to react to make plays.

There were a lot of days when I just sat in the film room and now I pride myself with being knowledgeable about what a team is going to run before I see them.”

Preparation in the weight room has also been a Jones standard, where his current

max totals include 300 pounds on the bench, 295 in power cleans, and 390 on the squat rack. He also boasts a 40-yard dash time of 4.75 seconds, which has allowed him to contribute on offense as a slot receiver. There he had four touchdown grabs last season and scored several two-point conversions. In fact, Jones’ speed and athleticism have also been commodities for the Gators track team. Last season, he placed 4th in the region and 9th at sectionals in the 110 hurdles.

Apparently Jones ran his last high school hurdles event, though.

Come next January, he plans to enroll early at South Carolina. This fall, Jones will middle linebacker or weakside

"Then when I stepped onto the campus at USC, I just loved it. It felt like home.

It felt like Waycross.

The only way I would pull away from USC would be if Jesus himself had a school.”

— Ernest Jones

WE’VE GOT IT ALL ... SO WHY SHOP ANYWHERE ELSE?

912.283.4250 800.673.9360 www.walkerjones.com US #1 South • Waycross, GA

backer for the Gators, but USC coaches say he’ll likely either roam the middle or work the weak side when he suits up in the Southeastern Conference.

“I’ll definitely play special teams, but that linebacker spot is wide open,” Jones said.

“They say if I come in, work hard, and do what I can do, that I will earn playing time. But it’s like that anywhere you go. Right now, the class of ’18 is building something really special. With the people we are recruiting, our linebacking corps is going to be the strongest in the SEC, there is no doubt in my mind.”

Among his five siblings, Jones lands in the middle of the pack age wise. He points to youngest brother Kasai, 11, as the athlete in the family who will make

10

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

the biggest impact. A rising sixth grader at Ware Middle School, Kasai has eyes on a pro baseball career. The two manage to find for various athletic drills. On Sundays, Jones attends Greater St. Paul Church, where he serves as an usher.

Spare time for Jones includes hanging with friends Cobb, Strickland, Jordon Turner, and Raja’ Bradley at the beach or chowing on pizza. His favorite high school courses have been social studies, though Jones plans to study pre-med. That pursuit, he says, has been inspired by the one he most adores.

“My mom is the love of my life,” Jones said.

“She does physical therapy as a traveling nurse.

My mom is going to guide me in the right direction my whole entire

life. I can be 70 years old and she is always going to be on my butt.”

Motivation, according to Jones, was a problem area last year for the Gators.

“What held us back from doing as much we could have was leadership,” he said. “Right now, it’s coming, but we have a lot of work to do. I’m a vocal kind of guy and once the lights come on Friday, its go time for me.”

Stephens said, “Ernest has tremendous football savvy, which allows him to dissect and react to plays fast. He has a great attitude and work ethic that exemplifies the type of kid we want in our program.

We look forward to Ernest having an elite senior year.”

camden county wildcats

WILDCATS GET NEW COACH, NEW OFFENSE Highlights

Summary of last season:

2016 Overall Record

2-7

2016 Region Record

Stadium Name: Chris Gillman Stadium Mascot: Wildcats

0-3

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

— — — @ — @ — — — @

Oakleaf, FL Venice, FL Fitzgerald Glynn Academy Brunswick McEachern Forest Park Colquitt County Lowndes Tift County

7 Home | 3 Away Head Coach: Bob Sphire Years at this school: 1st Coach's record: 110-28-0 (Georgia)

It was the second downward season in three years for the Wildcats. They managed only two wins in 2016 and lost their region games by a combined 143-27. After falling to two Florida teams, game three was cancelled due to Tropical Storm Hermine. The Wildcats got wins over Brunswick and Forest Park, but the rest of the season did not go so well. Losses to Glynn Academy and McEachern preceded their three region losses. The result was the search for a new football coach as Welton Coffey was moved upstairs to be the school's Athletic Director.

Coach Bob Sphire was brought in from North Gwinnett High School to take over the reins at Camden.

The New Coach: Coach Bob Sphire is known for his wide open offenses and passing attack, which is expected to be a change of direction for the Wildcats, who have lived and died by the wing-T offense for years. Originally from Kentucky, Sphire took over at North Gwinnett in 2006. The Bulldogs made the quarterfinals in six seasons and were state runner-up in 2007 and 2013. In addition, the Bulldogs made the state quarterfinals in 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2011 and were Region champions five times. During his time at the helm, North Gwinnett was ranked as high as number 11 nationally in the USA Today Super 25. Coach Sphire has a high school record of 250-79 in 26 years as a high school head coach.

Outlook for this season?

Who To Watch position Jeremiah Compton FS JaQuay Brooks RB Jamie Hill DE

"This is a new season under a new offensive and defensive system,” Coach Sphire said. “I'm looking forward to the kids learning and growing throughout the year.” It will be a season of adjustment for Camden County this season as they change coaches and schemes. Expect to see more passing from the Wildcats in 2017.

Returning Offenisve Starters: 3

Big games this year:

Returning Defensive Starters: 4

Region 1 - 7A Photography by: Michael Brinson

"All Region 1 contests," said Coach Sphire. "McEachern on the road and Glynn Academy on the road."

Camden County starts the year with games against two Florida teams in Kingsland - Oakleaf, and Venice followed by state AA power, the Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane in a replacement game due to scheduling conflicts. The Cats then travel to Glynn Academy and then welcome a revitalized Brunswick team. Games against McEachern and Forest Park follow before region play starts against Colquitt, Lowndes and Tift.

In sports, performance is everything. We return you to play.

A strategic affiliate of Southeast Georgia Health System

sghs.org/summit

Brunswick Medical Plaza 3025 Shrine Rd. Suite 390 Brunswick 912-466-7340

Wellness Way Medical Office Complex 7000 Wellness Way Suite 7110 St. Simons Island 912-466-5570

Camden Medical Plaza 2060 Dan Proctor Dr. Suite 1400 St. Marys 912-576-6355

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

7/2017 © 2017 SGHS

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PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

bradwell institute tigers

FAMILIAR FACE TAKES OVER AS TIGERS' COACH

Head Coach: Ross Couch Returning Offenisve Starters: 4

Returning Defensive Starters: 4

2017 SCHEDULE 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/6 10/13 10/27 11/3

@ — — @ — @ @ — @ -

Liberty Southeast Bulloch Warren Tattnall County Long County Lakeside, Evans Brunswick Richmond Effingham County Glynn Academy

5 Home | 5 Away Who To Watch Vencent Gilbert Kevin Harris Cameron Ivy Keon Williams John Spaulding

position QB RB OL OL WR

3-6-1

2016 Region Record

Stadium Name: Olvey Field Mascot: Tigers

2016 Overall Record

Highlights

1-3

region 2 - 6a

Summary of last season: After back to back 0-10 seasons, Coach Greg Hill got a few wins under his belt and made it to the playoffs by virtue of a three point victory over Brunswick in 2016. They fell to the fourth ranked Tucker Tigers in the first round of the playoffs. Bradwell had a total of three wins in the storm-shortened season and a tie against Long County. But it wasn't enough and Coach Hill resigned at the end of the last year.

The New Coach: Hill was replaced with former Bradwell Assistant Head Coach Ross Couch, who had also served as defensive coordinator for Windsor Forest High School in Savannah. He brings new looks offensively and defensively. Prior to Windsor Forest, Couch was Assistant Head Coach and secondary coach at Bradwell Institute. He's also made coaching stops at Swainsboro High School, Hancock Academy and Georgia Military Prep. This is his first stint as a head coach.

Outlook for this season?

“The Tigers hope to build off of a 2016 playoff berth,” said Couch. “New schemes are being implemented on both sides of the football, so early struggles must be overcome quickly to find extended success.”

With a strong nucleus of players returning this year, there are high hopes in Hinesville for the Tigers. Eight starters and a host of part-time players return for Bradwell this season.

Big games this year: “All games will be big for us this year, as the Tigers must learn to embrace a winning attitude,” Couch said.

The Tigers open the season with the Commissioners’ Cup against cross-town rival Liberty County. Then it’s Southeast Bulloch and Warren County before a road trip to Tattnall County.

The Tigers play in a trough Region 2-AAAAAA and will have region contests against Richmond Hill, Effingham, Glynn Academy and Brunswick.

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

13

brunswick pirates

PIRATES PICK PENDER

Summary of last season:

Highlights

Outlook for this season?

“We have high expectations for this team,” Pender said. “We have 35 seniors in this class with something to prove. This group of seniors have seen more than their fair share of adversity.” The last two years Brunswick has missed the playoffs with 3-7 and 5-5 records and now they want to prove they are different.

“We have a new era starting in Brunswick and this team wants to be the team that jumps start this era of Brunswick football to greatness,” he said. “Prognosticators say it will come down to Glynn and Brunswick in mid-October to determine the champion.”

2016 Region Record

1-3

2017 SCHEDULE 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22 10/6 10/13 10/20 10/27 11/3

Returning Offenisve Starters: 8

Returning Defensive Starters: 6

Who To Watch Jemarius Stevens Sharrod Frazier Kam Futch Jaylen Jackson DJ Whitfield Warren McClendon Ty Hinson Alonzo Brown Kalvin Godette

position QB ATH LB DB WR OL OL WR RB

@ — @ @ — — @ — @ —

Coffee Cook Wayne County Camden County South Effingham Bradwell Institute Glynn Academy Effingham County Richmond Hill Osborne

5 Home | 5 Away Team Averages

vs national averages

35 127.8 173.6

53.6

Tackles P/G

Total TDs

Rush Yds P/G

Years at this school: 1st Coach's record: 93-71-1

Rec Yds P/G

“The first game against Coffee County,” Pender said.

“All region opponents, and of course the cross town rivalry with Glynn Academy.” The Pirates go into region play in October hoping to regain the playoff berth they missed last year. The big game is the City Championship against Glynn Academy on October 13. Brunswick closes the regular season with a visit from the Osborne Cardinals of Marietta.

12

13

Head Coach: Sean Pender

Big games this year:

2016 STATS

Ints

Sean Pender comes to Brunswick from Pierce County, where he had been very successful with the Bears for the past six seasons, posting a record of 54-18 including three straight 10-win seasons. He made the playoffs every year in Blackshear and had two appearances in the state quarterfinals, one of which was last year. Prior to his stint at Pierce, Coach Pender had a playoff season at Crisp County and eight years at Brantley County where he led the Herons to their first ever playoff appearance in 2006.

5-5

Region 2 - 6A

Sacks

The New Coach:

Stadium Name: Glynn County Stadium Mascot: Pirates

2016 Overall Record

It was the season that could have been for the Pirates.

There were high hopes with the number of Division I prospects on the Brunswick team. But then the Pirates lost four games by a total of seven points, knocking them out of playoff contention. There were flashes of what could have been, but the Pirates were never able to live up to their potential. The final straw was a three-point loss to Bradwell Institute, who had been winless the previous two years. The result was the ouster of second year coach Larry Harold and the hiring of former Pierce County Coach Sean Pender.

Information via www.maxpreps.com

In sports, performance is everything. We return you to play.

A strategic affiliate of Southeast Georgia Health System

sghs.org/summit 14

Brunswick Medical Plaza 3025 Shrine Rd. Suite 390 Brunswick 912-466-7340

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Wellness Way Medical Office Complex 7000 Wellness Way Suite 7110 St. Simons Island 912-466-5570

Camden Medical Plaza 2060 Dan Proctor Dr. Suite 1400 St. Marys 912-576-6355

7/2017 © 2017 SGHS

Glynn Academy Red Terrors

TERRORS LOOK FOR ANOTHER DEEP RUN Highlights Stadium Name: Glynn County Stadium Mascot: Red Terrors

2016 Overall Record

Coach Rocky Hidalgo led the Terrors on another deep run in the playoffs in 2016. Glynn's season was bookended by loses but it was the 11-game winning streak in between that led to a Region championship and a number one seed. Winning their first region championship since 1972, the Terrors played Pomona High School out of Colorado in a game played in Orlando, Florida and also defeated Camden and East Jackson then winning the first two rounds of the playoffs before falling to Northside Warner Robins.

11-2

2016 Region Record

Summary of last season:

4-0

The Coach: Rocky Hidalgo came to Glynn Academy in 2014 and has led the Terrors to deep runs in the playoffs each season, including a trip to the state championship game in 2015 when Coach Hidalgo was named In The Game SEGA's Coach of the Year. Each year the Red Terrors have gone to at least the quarterfinals under his guidance.

Returning Offenisve Starters: 3

Returning Defensive Starters: 4

Who to Watch Hunter Hall Tyler Grant Caine Crews Andrew Delaney Randon Jernigan

position LB RB DB TE QB

Head Coach: Rocky Hidalgo

Outlook for this season?

Deejay Dallas has graduated and enrolled early at the University of Miami so the Red Terrors will be looking for a way to replace the all-purpose quarterback. One answer may be receiver returned to quarterback Randon Jernigan who had 1,000 yards rushing and passing and was named the Region's Offensive Player of the Year as a freshman quarterback. Defensively, linebacker Hunter Hall will lead the red and white this year when he is not running the ball on offense. "I believe that we have a great opportunity to be as good as we have been recently," Coach Hidalgo said. "We are young and inexperienced in some spots, but they are talented players. At the end of the day, our overall success will depend on the development of our young offensive linemen and if we are able to stay healthy throughout the season."

Big games this year: "Take your pick: Brunswick, Benedictine, Ware, Tift, Camden, Richmond Hill, Wayne, Effingham," said Coach Hidalgo. The Red Terrors start at home against AA state champion Benedictine in a rematch of one of Glynn's only losses last season. An always tough Ware County then visits Glynn County Stadium followed by a trip to Tift County. All Terrors' fans have October 13 circled on their calendars for the annual city championship against Brunswick.

Years at this school: 4th Coach's record: 72-27-0 (32-9 at GA)

Region 2 - 6A 2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/16 9/29 10/6 10/13 10/20 11/3

— — @ — — @ @ — — @

Benedictine Ware County Tift County Camden County East Jackson Wayne County Effingham County Brunswick Richmond Hill Bradwell Institute

6 Home | 4 Away

In sports, performance is everything. We return you to play.

A strategic affiliate of Southeast Georgia Health System

sghs.org/summit

Brunswick Medical Plaza 3025 Shrine Rd. Suite 390 Brunswick 912-466-7340

Wellness Way Medical Office Complex 7000 Wellness Way Suite 7110 St. Simons Island 912-466-5570

Camden Medical Plaza 2060 Dan Proctor Dr. Suite 1400 St. Marys 912-576-6355

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

7/2017 © 2017 SGHS

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richmond hill wildcats Highlights

Summary of last season:

2016 Overall Record

The Coach: Coach Matt LeZotte starts his third season at Richmond Hill and he has gone 9-11 with the Wildcats and 37-27 over his career, which included four years rebuilding the program at Aquinas. Once a quarterback during his collegiate playing days at James Madison University, after graduation he became an assistant at Aquinas High School in Augusta. He went on to become Offensive Coordinator and then Head Football Coach and Athletic Director. He was head coach for four seasons from 2009-2012. He left to spend two years as an assistant at Wayne County, which made the state semifinals and quarterfinals while he was there. He was hired by Richmond Hill in 2015 and the team has improved during his two years.

Head Coach: Matt LeZotte Years at this school: 3rd Coach's record: 37-27

“We have one of the best opportunities since I have been at Richmond Hill to have success,” said Coach LeZotte. “This is the first time we will have a large senior class with most starters being in that class. These guys have been playing since they were sophomores so it’s time for all the struggle to bring success.”

The Wildcats have several D1 prospects among their 19 returning starters including wide receiver Sam James, DB Justin Jeffery and kicker Joseph Petrino.

Who To Watch Sam James Justin Jeffrey Joseph Petrino Nico DeCosta DJ Lewis Aaron Bedgood Ronald Fuselier Lachlan Holt

Big games this year: “At Glynn Academy and versus Effingham County,” Coach LeZotte said.

The Wildcats open in Brooklet against Southeast Bulloch then face Brantley and Pierce at home. They have a showdown against Grovetown on September 15 and start region play on September 29 in Guyton to begin three weeks on the road, then close with region games at home against Brunswick and Effingham.

30

position WR ATH K LB S ATH CB OL

2016 STATS

66.9

Returning Offenisve Starters: 10

11

9

Returning Defensive Starters: 9

Ints

Sacks

109.1

Tackles P/G

5 Home | 5 Away

171

Total TDs

Southeast Bulloch Brantley County Pierce County Grovetown Lakeside, Evans South Effingham Bradwell Institute Glynn Academy (GL) Brunswick Effingham County

Rush Yds P/G

@ — — @ — @ @ @ — —

vs national averages

Rec Yds P/G

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

Team Averages

1-3

Region 2 - 6A

Outlook for this season?

2017 SCHEDULE

6-4

2016 Region Record

Stadium Name: Wildcat Stadium Mascot: Wildcats

Richmond Hill had a tale of two seasons in 2016. The Wildcats jumped out with a six game winning streak that included victories over Southeast Bulloch, Pierce, South Effingham and a one point victory over Grovetown. But then came the string of three straight region losses in which the Cats could never get going offensively. They finished the regular season 6-3 and as a result of a three-way tiebreaker, won the number three seed from Region 2-AAAAAA. The Wildcats traveled to Lovejoy, where they were defeated in the first round of the state playoffs.

Information via www.maxpreps.com IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

17

Reading Books And Offenses Written by: Rob Asbell Photography by: Michael Brinson

Hunter’s one of the toughest players that I have ever coached.

He is just a throwback player – gritty, hard-nosed with great instincts. He plays with incredible passion and is a truly great role model for the rest of our players.

18

— Coach Rocky Hidalgo

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

He has been hiding in plain sight. For the last three years, Glynn Academy linebacker Hunter Hall has moved through opposing offenses like a guided missile to bring down ball-carriers.

“It’s hard to pick just one part of the game that I like the most but if I had to pick just one I would say it’s the roar of the crowd on a Friday night after I make the big play,” he said.

And Hunter Hall has made a lot of big plays.

In the state playoffs as a freshman, Hall broke through the line and made a perfectly-timed leap to block the opposing team’s extra-point attempt in overtime. The Red Terrors would go on to defeat Drew High School 35-34.

Then there was the 2015 season in which the Terrors made it to the state championship in the Georgia Dome.

“I had 11 tackles,

two forced fumbles and two sacks and was playing on national TV,” he said.

Then a sophomore, Hall was awarded player of the week for his efforts.

“Hunter’s one of the toughest players that I have ever coached,” said Glynn Academy Coach Rocky Hidalgo.

“He is just a throwback player – gritty, hardnosed with great instincts. He plays with incredible passion and is a truly great role model for the rest of our players.”

While his exploits on the field are outstanding, so are Hall’s efforts in the classroom, where he carries a 3.6 grade point average and is a member of the Glynn Academy BETA club, National Society of High School Scholars, National Honor Society and the Honor Youth leaders in 2016.

“By me having good grades in the classroom

I do not have to take any of my practice time to work on my studies so in turn I can focus on the game and my jobs on the field,” he said.

Hall hasn’t made up his mind as to where he will go next fall. He knows he wants to study in the medical field so that he may one day become a sports physical therapist. He also plans on playing football collegiately. While he has long been a favorite of the Red Terror faithful, it has taken until his senior year to attract the attention of college scouts. This spring, Hall’s name started

popping up in online recruiting discussions and several schools started looking at him.

“I just recently received an offer from the University of West Georgia,” he said. “I also have a lot of interest coming in from Army, Georgia Southern and Kennesaw State.”

The 5’11” 200-pound senior plays both football and baseball for the Red Terrors. He benches 275 pounds, squats 500 and power cleans 265.

This summer he was clocked at 4.6 in the 40 yard dash. He will play a dual role this season as he will play running

back in Coach Rocky Hidalgo’s offense along with his usual position of inside linebacker.

“When I am on the field and the other team breaks the huddle the first thing that goes on in my head is to read the formation so I can make my strength call and audible if needed,” he said.

The son of Kevin and Crystal Hall of Brunswick, Hunter started playing football when he was eight-years-old at the Glynn County Recreation Department.

Then came football at Risley Middle School with current teammate,

Shuttle 4.53

Bench 275

Squat 500 lbs

Clean 265 lbs

information courtsey of www.hudl.com

NFL MOST CAREER SACKS Bruce Smith: 200 Reggie White: 198 Kevin Greene: 160 Chris Doleman: 150 1/2 Julius Peppers: 143 1/2 IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

19

I feel that I have always worked hard and studied the game to get where I am now.

— Hunter Hall

Glynn Academy quarterback Randon Jernigan.

He started making a name for himself as soon as he stepped on a high school football field. He became a varsity starter during the fourth game of his freshman year when Glynn Academy Coach Hidalgo sent him in against the Coffee County Trojans. He was all of 155-pounds at the time but had 15 tackles in the game.

He was an Honorable Mention on the All-Region team his freshman year, a feat he repeated his sophomore season along with an Honorable Mention on the Georgia All-State team. Last year as a junior, Hall was first team All-Region 2-AAAAAA as a linebacker.

“I would say the high point of last season was when we were named the region champions for the first time since 1972 and end the year with 291 career varsity tackles,” he said.

20

Over the summer he concentrated on speed and agility drills with lots of footwork. He also worked on conditioning to prepare himself for playing both offense and defense this year. He credits Coach Hidalgo and GA Defensive Coordinator Josh Veal for helping him develop as a player. He also credits his dad for helping him become a well-rounded person and team leader.

Since moving to the varsity level, Hall has steadily improved in his skills at linebacker. Reading plays, filling gaps and covering the pass.

“I feel that I have always worked hard and studied the game to get where I am now,” he said.

Soon Hall will move on to the next level, representing Glynn Academy and Southeast Georgia in college where the roar of the crowd get even bigger.

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Ware County Gators

GATORS LOOK STRONG AGAIN

The Coach: Franklin Stephens is going into his 4th year as head coach of the Gators and has a record of 40-8 at Ware County. Overall, he has one of the best records in the state at 120-16-1 in 10 years as a head coach. He started his career at Tucker, where he won two state championships. Stephens took Lamar County to the state title game and then accepted the job in Waycross. Since then he has been to the playoffs all three years with a trip to the semifinals in 2015 and a trip to the quarterfinals last year.

Outlook for this season?

“If the Gators can mature and avoid major injuries they should be ready playoff time,” Coach Stephens said.

Ware lost a lot of seniors from last year's team. The leading rusher and passer on offense are gone along with guys who spent a lot of time in the secondary. The entire kicking game will need to be revamped with the loss of the kicker, punter, snapper and holder. However, Ware County has some serious Division I college prospects this year, starting with South Carolina-commit Ernest Jones at linebacker. The offensive line looks strong and is led by 6'6" 310-pound Jalynn Strickland.

Big games this year: “Glynn Academy, Lowndes, Northside, Coffee, Wayne County and Statesboro,” Coach Stephens said.

Again, the Gators have lots of tough opponents this year. They start at Glynn Academy and Coffee then host Grady, Northside Warner Robins, Lowndes and East Lake from Florida. Ware County closes with four region contests.

Stadium Name: Memorial Stadium Mascot: Gators

2016 Overall Record

Although the Gators started 2-3 last season, they were ranked in the state's top 10 all year. Ware County started with a loss to Glynn Academy, then fell at Northside Warner Robins and Lowndes in the first half of the season.

Hurricane Matthew caused the cancellation of a game against a Florida team, but then the Gators went on a tear, winning their last four games, all of which were region contests. Ware finished 4-0 in Region 2-AAAAA and took the top seed into the playoffs. They won their first two playoff games against Ola and Loganville, but then fell in the quarterfinals to Rome.

Highlights

8-4

2016 Region Record

Summary of last season:

4-0

Region 2 - 5A

2017 SCHEDULE 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/29 10/6 10/13 10/20 10/27 11/3

@ @ — — — — @ — @ —

Glynn Academy Coffee Grady Northside, Warner Robins Lowndes East Lake HS, Florida Statesboro South Effingham Wayne County New Hampstead

6 Home | 4 Away

Head Coach: Franklin Stephens Years at this school: 4th

Who To Watch Ernest Jones Jalynn Strickland Trey Cobb James Lucas Jordon Turner Raja Bradley Drew Johnson Randall Davis Demarco Gibson Jeremiah O'Hara Returning Offenisve Starters: 5

Coach's record: 120-16-1

position LB OL LB OL ATH RB OL OL DB ATH Returning Defensive Starters: 5

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

21

Wayne Co. Yellow Jackets

CRIBB LOOKS TO SETTLE THINGS DOWN

Highlights

2016 Region Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Jaycee Stadium Mascot: Yellow Jackets

3-8

3-1

Who To Watch Sam Fountain Billy Parker Spence Pearce David Vann Weston Franklin Garrett Overholt MJ Fuller Trenquelle Holloway Cooper Martin Ashby Cribb Pat Rogers Kieran Strong

position C OL OL OL OL FB RB RB WR WR DE DE/LB

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

— @ — @ @ — @ @ — —

West Laurens Valdosta Brunswick Appling County Pierce County Glynn Academy South Effingham New Hampstead (P) Ware County Statesboro

5 Home | 5 Away

Summary of last season: The story of Wayne County in 2016 was about coaching changes. In February of 2017, first year head coach Derrick Chastain stepped down as Yellow Jackets Head Football Coach. Chastain had taken over from Jody Grooms, who had been criminally indicted the previous year. Chastain was chosen after a search and brought in from Camden County, where he was Assistant Head Coach for the Wildcats. Chastain led the Jackets to a 3-8 record and a playoff berth last season. The Jackets lost their season opener in overtime to West Laurens and a one-point heartbreaker to Appling County.

Victories over New Hampstead, South Effingham and Statesboro gave them the number two seed in Region 2-AAAAA behind Ware County.

The New Coach: After Coach Chastain's departure in the off season, Ken Cribb was hired from Bluffton, South Carolina. Coach Cribb has been a head coach in South Carolina at Georgetown, South Florence, Stall and, most recently, at Bluffton High School. Since 2010, the Bluffton Bobcats have gone 63-26 while winning three region championships. They were state runner-up in 2011 and went 12-1 last season. His teams have made the South Carolina state playoffs in each of the past 10 seasons. Cribb guided Bluffton to a 12-1 record in 2016.

Outlook for this season?

“I'm real encouraged by how hard the kids are working and we have a ton of talent coming back,” Coach Cribb said. We have four out of five linemen coming back on offense and our quarterback and two really good running backs returning.”

The Yellow Jacket faithful have pulled behind their new coach in the preseason and Ken Cribb is excited about his new position. “It’s Southeast Georgia football,” he said.

Big games this year: “The next one,” Coach Cribb said. Wayne County will face some tough competition this season with games at defending AAAAAA state champion Valdosta, then Appling and Pierce. They will host Brunswick, Glynn Academy and Ware County with region games against South Effingham, New Hampstead and Statesboro as well. The Yellow Jackets will face four teams with new head coaches this year.

Head Coach: Ken Cribb Years at this school: 1st Coach's record: 169-112 Returning Offenisve Starters: 8

Returning Defensive Starters: 6

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PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

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PIRATES HAVE NEW COACH, NEW OUTLOOK

The New Coach: "I'm excited about taking over the football program at Appling County," said new Pirates' head man Coach Jon Lindsey.

He comes from East Paulding High School, where he spent the last two seasons going 12-9 with the Raiders. Prior to East Paulding, Lindsey spent a year at Cook County and three years at Irwin County. In his six years as a head coach, Lindsey has made the playoffs four of those seasons. He took Irwin to the semifinals of Single A in 2013 and took Cook to the second round of the state playoffs in 2014.

Stadium Name: Jimmy Swain Stadium Mascot: Pirates

4-5

2016 Region Record

It was an up and down year for the Pirates in 2016 that saw one game cancelled due to Tropical Storm Hermine. After a close opening loss to the Vidalia Indians, Appling County went on a tear winning four games in a row against Dodge, Wayne, Statesboro and Long. It looked as if the Pirates were going to be playoff bound, but then, disaster struck and the Pirates lost four straight Region 2-AAA games and fell out of playoff contention.

That is when the decision was made to make a change to the head coaching position. Twelve year coach J.T. Pollock departed and Jon Lindsey was hired from East Paulding High School.

Highlights

2016 Overall Record

Summary of last season:

1-4

Head Coach: Jon Lindsey Coach's Record: 41-25-1 Years at School: 1

Region 2 - 3A 2017 SCHEDULE 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22 10/6 10/13 10/20 10/27 11/3

— @ @ — @ — @ — @ —

Vidalia Charlton County Dodge County Wayne County Statesboro Long County Liberty County Brantley County Pierce County Tattnall County

5 Home | 5 Away

Outlook for this season?

The Pirates are hoping to make a big turnaround from last season. It starts with a new logo, new black helmets and a new attitude. Quarterback Keelan Crosby has graduated and the Pirates will be looking to fill his cleats and try new formations.

"Installing new systems and playing a very tough non-region schedule will be a challenge,” said Lindsey.

“Players are excited about the changes and hopefully we will gain momentum each week.”

Nine starters return from last year's squad. "I'll know more about our team soon. Our strength and conditioning program has made huge strides since March 1,” he said.

appling county pirates

Who To Watch position Ricky Carter Kendrick Newkirk Al Lewis Henry Dasher Zack Mayer

WR RB RB DE LB

Returning Offenisve Starters: 4

Photography by: Rob Asbell

Big games this year: "Honestly, all of them," Lindsey said. The Pirates will face six teams with new head coaches this year.

They start by hosting the Vidalia Indians and then take road trips to Charlton and Dodge. Wayne County comes to Baxley next, then it's Statesboro before Region 2-AAA play starts against Long, Liberty, Brantley, Pierce and Tattnall.

Returning Defensive Starters: 5

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

23

The Kentucky Thoroughbred Written by: W. John Wood | Photography by: Michael Brinson

Call it the curse of state of K - Kentucky and Kansas. In the wheat fields of Kansas, the Jay-hawks’ fall basketball practice draws a bigger crowd than football games. It's a hard life for a football coach when you realize the court at Kansas is named after Dr. James Naismith. Yes, that same Naismith that nailed up the first peach basket in Springfield in the 1890’s.

Bill Monroe’s bluegrass standard “Blue Moon of Kentucky” pines on about a lost love. But to Kentucky football coaches, the sphere that lights up a landscape of bluegrass, bourbon, and some of the finest horses in the world is also is a reminder that basketball is the sport of choice.

“Kentucky is a basketball state. Period.

There is no changing that and because you can't change that you have to figure out a way to adapt,” Camden County Head Football Coach Bob Sphire said.

Sphire grew up in Kentucky and started his coaching career at Fairdale High School in 24

Louis-ville after graduating Eastern Kentucky in 1979. Sphire knows how to build a program from the bottom up.

He started the football program at Lexington Catholic High in the thoroughbred country of Lexington, Kentucky.

Lexington Catholic won one game in its first season in 1991, but with the workload increased and the buy into Sphire’s vision, the Knights were 9-1 in 1992. From 1998-2005, Sphire’s teams averaged double digits, six district championships and a 3A State Championship in 2005. The same year the Knights went to the state championship they were also nationally ranked.

Lexington Catholic’s numbers in 2005 were absolutely startling and solidified the air raid offense and fast attacking defense. In 13 games, Lexington Catholic scored 676 points and averaged 165.0 rushing yards per game and 261.6 passing yards per game.

Sphire's time in Lexington also showed his prowess with quarterbacks, one of which,

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Justin Burke, was helps the offense stay at games every year and named the Gatorade its tempo.” made playoff absent State Player of the Year Sphire had been North Gwinnett into a and finished as a finalist working his air raid serious state contendfor the na-tional award. camps and the select er. In his first season, When jobs started to quarterback camps, so Sphire had quarterback come open in Georgia, he knew what football Michael Tamburo, who Sphire’s name started rich prospects could be went to Boise State. Latto surface all over the found in metro-Atlanta. er the Bulldogs would southeast. Many of the A popular and dynam- be quarterbacked by message boards had ic clinic speaker, many his son Hayden, who him pegged for Valdo- coaches really started played collegiately at sta, which was Murray State. open at the time Fifteen years, and considered five region titles, to be the bigand a 2007 state gest job in Geortitle loss to Lowngia. But Sphire des and 2013 and the air raid to Norcross, landed at North North Gwinnett Gwinnett, a prowas a run first gram that had offense before been searching Bob Sphire got for its own identhere. The extity. citement of the The majorispread wasn't ty of schools in just confined to the football Georgia in 2006 field, the student still relied on a ground game. body at North In fact, the maGwinnett created “The offense sets the jority of schools their own “Bob” tempo and we go fast and we ran some type squad.

In November, of variation of keep it moving trying take the Wing-T. Proone of the most advantage of the defense. As grams were coveted jobs in the offense moves quickly going through the southeast it creates the same sense of United States changes in the tempo and urgency on the mid-2000’s as suddenly came defensive side of the ball Chip Kelly was open. Camden and it allows us to attack starting to create County High downhill. We can create more the Oregon sysSchool head turnovers with the defense football coach tem, which was Welton Coffey a true spread and it helps the offense stay system and was would assume at its tempo.”

— Bob Sphire executed to the the ath-letic disecond allowing rector’s posian offense to dictate the paying attention to tion the following year, pace and reaction of the Sphire's offense and opening the head foottrying to adapt piec- ball job. Camden Coundefense.

“The offense sets the es. Sphire would show ty was the AJC team of tempo and we go fast coaches various ways the decade by class in and we keep it moving to create an effective the 2000’s with three trying take advantage screen game and get state titles under Wing-T of the defense,” Sphire your athletic players wizard Jeff Herron. Hersaid. “As the offense in spaces where they ron departed to retiremoves quickly it creates could let their natural ment and after a couple the same sense of tem- ability take over. of years at Prince AveThe Bulldogs of nue Chris-tian grabbed po and urgency on the defensive side of the North Gwinnett had a 7A title in his one year ball and it allows us to never won 10 games stint with Grayson beattack downhill. We can in a season before fore heading to South create more turnovers Sphire. Once he arrived Carolina’s T.L. Hannah. with the defense and it in 2006, Sphire won 10

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Camden County sorted through resumes of the best high school and college coaches in the state, but Sphire made a hire that intrigued the entire state. The Wildcats have been so format-ted to the Wing T, coaches probably know the secret handshake. Sphire would come in and throw the ball more in two weeks of practice than the Wildcats threw all last season.

“It's a process definitely,” he said. “This is not something that we will learn all at once.

It's a lot to comprehend and we know that we are going to make mistakes but as long as we are mov-ing towards our goal that is expected. Players are learning our terminology and everyone is us-ing the same verbiage and we are starting to see some execution showing the learning is taking place.”

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brantley county blue herons

HERONS SEEK RETURN TO THE PLAYOFFS Summary of last season:

Highlights

2016 Region Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Heron Field Mascot: Blue Herons

6-4

3-2

Who To Watch Landon Middleton John Pollard Josh Davis

position LB/RB/WR S/RB/WR LB/OL

Head Coach: Mark Walker Years at this school: 8th Coach's record: 26-44-0

2017 SCHEDULE 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/22 10/6 10/13 10/20 10/27 11/3

— — @ — @ — @ — @

McIntosh County Academy Charlton Richmond Jeff Davis Montgomery Pierce County Tattnall County Appling County Liberty County Long County

After falling in their opener to McIntosh County Academy last season, the Herons jumped to a 3-1 record. Their three loses of the season were to MCA, then region 2-AAA foes Pierce and Liberty. The Herons got wins over Charlton, Jeff Davis, Montgomery, Tattnall, Appling and Long. After the halfway point of the season, Brantley County won three out of five games to claim the region's number three seed and made the state playoffs for the first time since 2006 when current Brunswick Coach Sean Pender was at the Heron's helm. The Herons eventually fell to Jackson High School in the first round.

The Coach: Coach Mark Walker is going into his eighth season at Brantley County. After serving in the U.S. Army, Walker joined the staff at McIntosh County Academy as an assistant.

He became an assistant at Brantley County High School in 2001 and was named Offensive Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach two years later. In 2010, Walker became the Heron’s Head Football Coach. He has spent his entire head coaching career in Nahunta. The past two years he has led Brantley County to winning seasons and a playoff appearance last year.

Outlook for this season?

“It is our goal to play fundamentally sound football and to reach the state playoffs,” Walker said. “2016 was the second time Brantley made the state playoffs. If we make the playoffs this season it will be the first time in school history that Brantley has made the playoffs back to back.”

The Herons would like to see another trip to the post season this year. It will be tough with standout quarterback Mikell Collins gone. However, the Herons have eight starters returning from last year’s playoff team.

Big games this year: The Herons will face six teams with new head coaches this year. They will open at home against MCA and then host the Charlton County Indians. Then it's on the road to Richmond Hill for a tough three-game stand to start the season. Then, the Herons host Jeff Davis County and Montgomery County. October brings Region 2-AAA play and the games that count toward the playoffs. They will face off against Pierce, Tattnall, Appling, Liberty and Long in region play this season.

Returning Offenisve Starters: 4

Returning Defensive Starters: 4

6 Home | 4 Away Region 2 - 3A

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

27

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pierce county bears

STRICKLAND IS THE NEW PAPA BEAR

Stadium Name: Bear Stadium Mascot: Bears

2016 Overall Record

The Bears made it to the state quarterfinals in 2016 behind the passing of Stetson Bennett, who is now a freshman walk-on at the University of Georgia. Starting out at 2-2, falling to Richmond Hill and AA power Brooks County, Pierce County went on a five game winning streak before falling to Liberty County in the game to decide the Region 2-AAA Championship. They ended the season at 7-3 and the number two seed in Region 2-AAA. The Bears posted two home wins in the playoffs but fell on the road to Crisp County.

Highlights

9-4

2016 Region Record

Summary of last season:

4-1

The New Coach: Coach Sean Pender exited and is now at Brunswick High School. After a search, Pierce County hired Jason Strickland from Fitzgerald to take over the football program. Coach Strickland has a record of 81-32-1 over nine years as a head coach.

He spent four seasons at Lamar County and then five seasons at Fitzgerald. Coach Strickland led the Purple Hurricane to the state title game in each of the last two seasons. Prior to becoming head coach at Lamar County, he was an assistant at Westside Macon and for Coach Rich McWhorter at Charlton County.

Outlook for this season?

“With the graduation of Stetson Bennett and a new offense, the Bears will have a new identity,” Coach Strickland said.

“There are many questions that need to be answered. (We) must be able to quickly evaluate the personnel and be able to place them in the right spot. Since my arrival the growth and attitude of the players have been exceptional, but there are many giant steps that need to be taken to continue to build on the success of the last couple of years.”

It will be a learning year for Pierce County as they learn new formations and plays for a new coach and they will have to learn to play without last season’s stars. The Bears will face four teams with new head coaches this year.

Big games this year: The Bears will open against Bacon County in Alma before returning home to face Beach. That's followed by a visit to Richmond Hill then a three game home stand, then road trips to Long and Tattnall. The season ends in what could be a region-championship showdown in Hinesville against last year’s champion, the Liberty County Panthers.

2017 SCHEDULE 8/26 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22 10/6 10/13 10/20 10/27 11/3

@ — @ — — — @ @ — @

Bacon County Beach Richmond Hill Brooks County Wayne County Brantley County Long County Tattnall County Appling County Liberty County

5 Home | 5 Away Head Coach: Jason Strickland

Who To Watch Renard Matthews Cody Williams Moses Shider Cody Clark Josh Thrift

position LB WR DL WR LB/K

Region 2 - 3A Returning Offenisve Starters: 4

Returning Defensive Starters: 7 Photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

29

Kickoff Dinner

a SUCCESS Written by: W. John Wood Photography by: Michael Brinson

Southeast Georgia high football coaches have known for years that the third Thursday in June they had better figure out a way to end workouts early or hopefully don't end up in passing league that one night. The schedule adjustment is certainly worth it because coaches get to see one another away from the field, renew old friendships, and are given amazing hospitality and the best local seafood at CrabDaddy's from Josh Wil-

30

liams and his family.

CrabDaddy’s started out as the host restaurant for SEGA In the Game Magazine and it remains the favorite still. Over time, many coaches have shared a table, great meal and splendid con-versation during the past eight years at CrabDaddy’s. During the dinner, coaches had the chance to catch up on how spring football, camps and 7 on 7 tournaments were going and what each of them

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

thought about the upcoming season. In the Game Radio hosted by Rob Asbell and John Wood gave coaches an opportunity to chat about their programs.

“Only two of the original head coaches that are still at the same school and were at the first kick off dinner, are here tonight. Mark Walker from Brantley County and the dean of the Georgia High School football coaches,

Rich McWhorter of Charlton County,” SEGA ITG Publisher Shawn Smoak said.

Smoak and his wife Kim have been creating a great opportunity for the schools of southeast Georgia to showcase their programs, athletes, and communities.

A total of nine new coaches were in attendance for this year’s event including Sean Pender, a fixture at Pierce County, who is

now at Brunswick High.

Also swapping teams was long time Appling mentor JT Pollock who has traded the Pirate red for the Columbia blue of Long County.

Jason Strickland left the wild chickens that stamper the streets of Fitzgerald to assume the man-tle of the Pierce County Bears, Bradwell Institute brought back its former coordinator Ross Couch for his first head coaching job and Wayne County went across the border to get

In the Game Sports Network would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of the 2017 coaches dinner:

Bluffton head coach Ken Cribb.

“I'm really enjoying Wayne County. Jesup fits me well because it's like the town a grew up in Georgetown, South Carolina. It's amazing to see how loyal and excited the fans are about the season,” Cribb said.

Also at CrabDaddy’s was new Appling head coach Jon Lindsey from East Paulding and Camden’s new coach, Bob Sphire. Originally from Kentucky, Sphire made a name for himself at

Lex-ington Catholic with the quickness of the air raid offense when everyone else was still living the ground game.

“Kentucky is a basketball state pure and simple. But we were ahead of the curve there and we had that same beginning at North Gwinnett. We learned to create an atmosphere where we could control the tempo and in turn limit a defense. The offensive quickness created a faster at-tacking de-

fense,” Sphire said.

Sponsors for this year’s Coaches’ Kickoff Dinner included Gibson Animal Clinic, the Georgia Bone and Joint Institute which has always sent doctors to make sure that coaches know that they are ready to step in and help any Saturday morning that a player needs them.

Coastal Pines Technical College has been helping student/athletes for the last eight years.

Dr. Glen Diebert has brought the Move on

When Ready program into Southeast Georgia schools and is helping record numbers of students earn transferable college credit while still in high school. Woody Shellnut came from Coastal Charters Trailways, as did Dr. Denny Carter from Southeast Georgia Health System.

The annual Coaches’ Kickoff Dinner is put on by “In The Game” Southeast Georgia as a way to let coaches get to-

gether talk football before the season gets going. CrabDaddy’s is located at the corner of Ocean Boulevard and Arnold Road near the entrance to The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort on St. Simons Island.

CrabDaddy’s is open every evening from 5-10 p.m. For catering, call (912) 6341120.

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

31

Liberty County Panthers

PANTHERS STILL ON THE PROWL

Head Coach: Kirk Warner

2017 SCHEDULE 8/25 9/1 9/7 9/22 9/29 10/6 10/13 10/20 10/27 11/3

— — @ @ — — — @ @ —

Bradwell Institute Statesboro Jenkins New Hampstead Effingham County Tattnall County Appling County At Long County Brantley County Pierce County

6 Home | 4 Away Returning Offenisve Starters: 3

Returning Defensive Starters: 8

Who To Watch position Tramel Walthour DL Traveon Freeman DL Josh Washington DB Kris Coleman RB Russell Dandy DB/WR Cleon Hamilton DB/WR Markel Johnson LB/RB Karrington Warner DB Sisquo Westbrook DL Alvin Roberts LB Josh Swinson LB Matthew Carte OL Desmond Brown RB 32

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

11-2

2016 Region Record

Stadium Name: Donnell Woods Stadium Mascot: Panthers

2016 Overall Record

Highlights

5-0

region 2 - 3a

Summary of last season: It was the best year in Liberty County football history. The Panthers went 9-1 in the regular season, their only loss coming on a one-point overtime defeat at the hands of the Effingham County Rebels. Liberty won big games all season with strong defense. It came down to the final game against Pierce County for the Region 2-AAA Championship, which the Panthers won 56-46. Liberty County was the number one seed and went on to make it to the quarterfinals of the state playoffs before losing a three-overtime battle to Greater Atlanta Christian.

The Coach: Best known around the state as a tight end for the University of Georgia in the 1980’s, Kirk Warner is now one of the elder statesmen of the southeast Georgia football coaches. Now going into his 15th year with the Panthers, he has made playoff runs the last four seasons. Last year he led Liberty County to the state playoff quarterfinals and the Panthers first ever Region championship.

Outlook for this season?

“We will be replacing the winningest senior class in the history of Liberty County,” Coach Warner said. “We will need to find some leadership, but have talent. We will also need to develop a lot more depth.”

Gone is University of Georgia freshman Richard LeCounte and quarterback Jaalon Frazier, who have to be replaced. Returning for sure are several standouts including highly recruited defensive linemen Tramel Walthour and Traveon Freeman, who will anchor the defensive line for Liberty and make it difficult for opponents to develop a running game. In all, Liberty has 11 starters returning from last season’s region championship team.

Big games this year: “All region games,” Coach Warner said.

The Panthers play in Region 2-AAA with Pierce County, Tattnall County, Appling County, Long County and Brantley County. The annual Commissioner's Cup gets the season started against cross-town rival Bradwell Institute. Then it’s Statesboro, Jenkins, New Hampstead and Effingham before region play starts in October. The Panthers will face six teams with new head coaches this year.

Highest Endorsed Football Players (ALL IN THE TOP 100 OF THE HIGHEST PAID ATHLETE ENDORSERS OF 2016)

Peyton Manning: $15,000,000

Tom Brady: $8,000,000

Drew Brees: $12,000,000

Eli Manning: $8,000,000

Cam Newton: $12,000,000

Julio Jones: $1,200,000

Russell Wilson: $10,000,000

Luke Kuechly: $1,000,000

BLUE TIDE WELCOMES OLD ADVERSARY Highlights

1-6-2

2016 Region Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Veteran's Stadium Mascot: Blue Tide

0-5

Who To Watch Christian Bass E.J. Crawford Cody Cox J.J. Elder Mikiya Folston Henry Blair

position TE RB DB DB LB DE

Returning Offenisve Starters: 3

Returning Defensive Starters: 6

Head Coach: J.T. Pollock Years at this school: 1st Coach's record: 89-49-2

6 Home | 4 Away 2017 SCHEDULE 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22 10/6 10/13 10/20 10/27 11/3

— — @ — @ @ — @ -

Islands Jeff Davis Windsor Forest New Hampstead Bradwell Institute Appling County Pierce County Liberty County Tattnall County Brantley County

Long county blue tide

Summary of last season: The Blue Tide came out strong with a victory over Islands High School of Savannah last season. The cancellation of game two due to Tropical Storm Hermine was an omen of what was to come the remainder of the season. The Blue Tide fell to Windsor Forest and then came the highlights of the year: two consecutive tied games against New Hampstead and Bradwell Institute. After the two ties came a five game losing skid, all of them Region games in which they could only muster 59 points.

The New Coach: After just two seasons as head coach at Long County, Eric McNair resigned. This led to a search for a new coach, which found someone from nearby and an old region foe in J.T. Pollock, the former coach at 2-AAA Appling County. Coach Pollock has spent his entire 12 year head coaching career in Baxley. During that time he led the Pirates to eight playoff appearances including a semifinals appearance in 2011, which saw a four overtime quarterfinal victory over Lamar County, then coached by new Pierce County Coach Jason Strickland. Coach Pollock is confident of his new team.

"The players have responded very well,” he said. “Our numbers are low but the ones sticking with it seem to be dedicated and want to win.”

Outlook for this season?

"We have to improve both our strength and physicality as a football program,” Coach Pollock said. “We have allowed the kids to slow the game down and play confidently by simplifying our system on both sides of the ball. Our kicking game is a big concern."

Long County has nine starters returning from last season, including several seniors in key positions.

Big games this year: "At this point they are all big games," Coach Pollock said.

Savannah's Islands High School is on top for the home opener in Ludowici. Then Jeff Davis County, a road trip to Windsor Forest and then the Blue Tide will host New Hampstead. That's followed by road trips to Bradwell and Baxley where they will face Coach Pollock's former team, Appling County, in a Region contest. Home games against Pierce and Liberty are then followed by the regular season closer against Brantley at home.

NFL Most Career RUSHING YARDS Emmitt Smith: 18,355

Walter Payton: 16,726 Barry Sanders: 15,269

Region 2 - 3A

Curtis Martin: 14,101 LaDainian Tomlinson: 13,684 IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

33

2017 Preseason Football Rankings Written by: Evan Smoak | Photography by: Aaron Musgrove

1.

Brunswick High Pirates - With the arrival of former Pierce County Bears head coach, Sean Pender, and his high flying offense, I predict that this team, filled with college prospects, will win the Region 2-6A championship and find success in the playoffs this year.

2.

4.

3.

5.

Liberty County Panthers - The 2016 Panthers, led by 5-star prospect Richard LeCounte, made it all the way to the Elite 8 last year, losing a heartbreaker to GAC in Triple OT. I expect no slump due to the emergence of other college prospects. I’m calling it early: The Liberty County Panthers, back to back region champs.

Ware County Gators - With Coach Franklin Stephens’ first full senior class and a stout defense that bares three D-1 prospects, how could you not see the Gators going back to back as region champs and marching their way back into the playoffs?

34

Glynn Academy Red Terrors - With the departure of D-1 athlete, Deejay Dallas to Miami, I predict a drop off from Glynn, but with senior college prospects Randon Jernigan and Hunter Hall leading the charge, I project a Region 2-6A runner up title and return to the playoffs.

Richmond Hill Wildcats - With Coach Matt LeZotte entering his third year as a head coach armed with D-1 WR prospect Sam James and one of the top kicking prospects in the country, I expect big things from the Wildcats projecting a third place (or higher) finish in Region 2-6A and a second straight trip to the playoffs.

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

6.

Frederica Academy Knights - Coach Brandon Derrick and his Knights were expected to win it all in GISA 3A last year but fell short by being ousted in the second round. However, with 2019 college prospects JaShawn Sheffield and Jaylin Simpson, Frederica is once again projected to win it all.

I feel like 2017 could finally be the Knight’s season.

7.

Appling County Pirates - With the arrival of new coach Jon Lindsey at the helm of the ship, I see great things for the Pirates. A former Camden County Legend Jeff Herron disciple, Lindsey has helped turn two programs around into powerhouses. I see no reason he can’t do it in Baxley.

Football Season is upon us and it's time for me to throw in my two cents.

These rankings are based on my projections on how teams will do in their respective classifications.

I’m not declaring Team A would beat Team B, but rather that they will perform better inside their own classifications.

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8.

Charlton County Indians - With Coach Rich McWhorter entering his 28th year as head coach down in Folkston armed with a stout offense including quarterback A.J. Bell and athlete Raykwon Anderson, I project another playoff experience for McWhorter in the 1-A Public playoffs.

9.

Camden County Wildcats - When Welton Coffey moved from head football coach to AD this past offseason so did the Wing-T offense. For the first time ever, new coach Bob Sphire will have his Wildcats running a spread offense. I expect some growing pains but not enough that would prevent Camden from making the playoffs in 7-A.

10.

Pierce County Bears - With the departure of UGA walk-on quarterback Stetson Bennett and New Brunswick Head Coach Sean Pender, I think there will be learning curve for Pierce County. However the arrival of former Fitzgerald head coach Jason Strickland, whose teams played for the last two State Championships in AA, will have the Bears ready to compete for a Region 2-AAA title and keep the playoff streak alive.

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

11/2016 Š 2016 SGHS

35

INDIANS WILL BE REBUILDING

Vidalia Indians

Head Coach: Lee Chomskis

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

— @ @ @ — @ — @ — —

Dodge County Appling County West Laurens Metter Benedictine Bacon County Jeff Davis Swainsboro Toombs County Bryan County

Returning Offenisve Starters: 3

9-3

2016 Region Record

Stadium Name: Buck Cravey Stadium Mascot: Indians

2016 Overall Record

Highlights

6-1

region 2 - 2a

Summary of last season: It was a great year for Vidalia in 2016. Led by All-American linebacker Nate McBride, the Indians finished the regular season with only two losses: to AAAA West Laurens and to eventual AA state champion Benedictine. Along the way they got wins over Dodge, Appling, Metter and then Region 2-AA foes Bacon, Jeff Davis, Swainsboro, Toombs and Bryan. Vidalia was ranked in the top 10 all season and made it to the state playoffs for the fifth consecutive year. The Indians downed Laney in the first round and got to the second round where they fell to Rabun County.

The Coach: Coach Lee Chomskis has been the Head Coach at Vidalia since 2007. This is his 11th year with the Indians and they have been to the playoffs in seven of his 10 seasons, including a quarterfinal appearance in 2014. Coach Chomskis has a 62-percent winning percentage as a head coach. He started coaching as an assistant at Hephzibah High School, then went on to Burke County and Screven County. After a two-year stint as head coach at Evans High School, he was an assistant at Mary Persons and then Lincoln County, where he won a state title in 2005.

Outlook for this season?

Returning Defensive Starters: 3

5 Home | 5 Away Who To Watch Tristan Cross Nasir Wagner Daniel Collins Derman Simmons Prentis Hunt

position TE LB DE RB OL

All-American Nate McBride has graduated and is now in Athens playing on Saturdays. Coach Chomskis is optimistic but guarded about the upcoming year with only six starters returning. "The 2017 season will be one of rebuilding,” he said. “We will have several holes to fill. There will be several players with very little experience expected to play. We will need great leadership and must grow up in a hurry if we expect to compete in Region 2AA." Several seniors will step into starter roles this season for the Indians.

Big games this year: "Every game we play is a big game. We can't afford to look ahead or behind," said Coach Chomskis.

After opening at home against Dodge County, the Indians go on the road for three weeks, only to return home to play defending state champion Benedictine on September 22. The Big Game this season is the cross-county rivalry against Toombs County. This year it will be played in the friendly confines of Buck Cravey Stadium.

COLLEGES WITH MOST PLAYERS IN THE NFL LSU: 61 Alabama: 58 Florida: 58 36

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Ohio State: 54 FSU: 52 Clemson: 48

Georgia: 45 Auburn: 44 Utah: 42

RAIDERS LOOK TO IMPROVE

bacon Co. red raiders

Summary of last season:

Highlights

In his first year as head football coach at Bacon County, Kyle Langford started the rebuilding process the Red Raiders must undergo to make a return to the playoffs. As with other teams in Southeast Georgia, Bacon cancelled a game last season due to weather in 2016, a non-Region affair in week two with Telfair County. Although the Raiders won only two games, they were both region contests.

After a seven point victory over Jeff Davis, Bacon endured a five-game losing streak that included a one point loss to Swainsboro, before beating Metter in the final game of the season, to end on a good note.

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Morris Johnson Stadium Mascot: Red Raiders

2016 Region Record

The Coach: 2016 was the inaugural season for Coach Kyle Langford who came to Alma from Cook County. He spent two years as the Red Raiders' Defensive Coordinator before taking the top job at Bacon last year. Langford started as an assistant at Lowndes before coaching at Lee County and then Hawkinsville for nine seasons. He spent six years as head coach at Towns County before going to Cook County and then Bacon County.

Returning Defensive Starters: 10

Region 2 - 2A Coach's Record: 19-50 Years at School: 2

2016 STATS

137.6

57.1 127.1

12

Ints

3 Sacks

Tackles P/G

Total TDs

19 Rush Yds P/G

Big games this year:

vs national averages

WR CB DE LB LB

Returning Offenisve Starters: 9

2-5

Team Averages

Rec Yds P/G

“We are looking to bounce back from a disappointing and injury plagued 2016 season that resulted in a 2-7 record,” said Coach Langford. “Fortunately for the Raiders, we must only replace three starters and five seniors from last year’s team.”

Player participation continues to rise with 65 players on the roster, and with so many young players being forced into significant playing time last year, the depth of this year’s team is expected to be better than it has been in the last couple of years. It is important to note that the Red Raiders will once again participate in the toughest region in the state of Georgia (2-AA). The road back to the playoffs will include defending state champion Benedictine and a region that top to bottom is compiled of very good teams.”

position

LaGondric Snell Je’sus Brown Andrew Bloodworth KJ Brown KaJohn Casteel

2-7

Head Coach: Kyle Langford

Outlook for this season?

Who To Watch

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

— — — @ @ — — @ @ —

Pierce County Telfair County Berrien Jeff Davis Toombs County Vidalia Swainsboro Benedictine Bryan County Metter

6 Home | 4 Away

Information via www.maxpreps.com

“Pierce County and Vidalia,” Coach Langford said.

The Red Raiders open at home against Pierce followed by two more home games.

Then, road trips to Hazlehurst and Lyons. Vidalia comes to Alma on September 29 and the Raiders travel to Benedictine and Bryan County later in the season before closing at home against Metter.

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PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

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Jeff Davis yellow jackets

JACKETS LOOK TO HELTON FOR NEW START

Head Coach: Lance Helton Returning Offenisve Starters: 6

Returning Defensive Starters: 7

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

— @ @ — @ — @ — — @

Atkinson County Long County Brantley County Bacon County Metter Toombs County Vidalia Bryan County Swainsboro Benedictine

5 Home | 5 Away Who To Watch Alex Sanders Jaylene Kirby Antavion Stegall John Jackson Austin Lewis

position RB ATH DB ATH DE

2-7

2016 Region Record

Stadium Name: Yellow Jacket Stadium Mascot: Yellow Jackets

2016 Overall Record

Highlights

2-5

region 2 - 2a

Summary of last season: There were high hopes in Hazlehurst last season as assistant Coach Ed Lovvorn took over the reins of the football program after serving as a coordinator two years previous. After a 2-7 storm-shortened season, Lovvorn departed and the Yellow Jackets hired Dublin assistant Head Coach Lance Helton to run their program in Hazlehurst. Under Lovvorn, the Jackets defeated Metter and Bryan County while falling to Bacon, Brantley, Toombs and Vidalia before dropping the season-ender against eventual state champion Benedictine.

The New Coach: The biggest change this season will be the new head coach. Lance Helton comes from the Dublin Irish where he was the assistant head coach. Before that, he was an assistant at Coffee County High and previously an assistant at Dublin. He brings in new formations and plays that the team will grow into. This will be his first time as a head coach, but looks to be a good fit for the Yellow Jackets. Coach Helton was an all-state player at Washington County and played his college football at Valdosta State University.

Outlook for this season?

“With the implementation of a new program and the systems that go with it, the Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets are focused on their growth and development in 2017,” said Coach Helton.

The Jackets return 13 starters from last season’s team, including senior running backs Alex Sanders and Jaylene Kirby. Defensively, Jeff Davis has a strong corps of seniors at linebacker and defensive end. Region 2-AA is one of the toughest in the state and includes the defending state champion Benedictine Cadets. After poor showings the past two seasons, the Jeff Davis faithful are ready for some wins on the gridiron to go along with the state baseball championship they won in June.

Big games this year: “At this point in our program every game is a big game to our kids,” Coach Helton said.

The first year head coach will open his career against Atkinson County at home in Hazlehurst. Region play opens in September and includes road trips to Metter and Vidalia and home games against Toombs, Bryan and Swainsboro. The season concludes against Benedictine at Savannah State Stadium.

Magazine Visit our website to Stay In the Game! www.inthegamesportsnetwork.com IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

39

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Berry Tanner is back.

We’re proud to have one of our area’s most experienced bankers and commercial leaders heading up our new Waycross office. Berry Tanner brings years of financial expertise home to help us grow your business. You’ve known Berry for years and we invite you to stop by our new office to say hello, or contact Berry today to schedule a visit at your office soon.

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Giving Back to the Community Written by: Rob Asbell | Photography by: Shawn Smaok

One of South Georgia’s longest serving and most respected financial institutions has expanded into Ware and Pierce counties with a familiar face at the helm.

Southeastern Credit Union opened the doors of its new Ware county location in May to serve the Waycross and Blackshear area. Well-known for offering financial services in the Valdosta, Tifton and Nashville areas, Southeastern Credit Union in Waycross will be able to handle everything from business loans, mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, to auto loans and Visa credit cards. We will eventually offer savings accounts, checking accounts, certificates and money markets for both personal and business accounts.

The Ware-Pierce Area Executive Berry Tanner said his career success took him further and further away from the thing he loved most, interacting and helping people with the financial challenges they face.

Southeastern’s mission to deliver value while provid-

ing legendary service will help him get back to that love of helping people.

Tanner is known not only for his 30 years of banking experience in Waycross and the surrounding area, but because he was born and raised in Waycross.

With this new opportunity, Tanner is able to return to his roots.

Southeastern Credit Union’s newest branch, lo-

cated on Boulevard Square in Waycross, will help serve Ware and Pierce counties.

Southeastern has six other locations in Valdosta, Tifton and Nashville. Anyone who resides in the Southeastern Credit Union field of membership which includes; Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Pierce, Tift, Turner and Ware counties can become a mem-

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Credit unions are notfor-profit financial institutions which reinvest back into the credit union to offer the best products, services and rates for members. Account holders own a share of the credit union and elect a board of directors. For Tanner, the best part of working with Southeastern Credit Union is knowing that he will be giving back to the community he has grown to love.

“As a credit union, we offer lower rates on loans, higher rates on deposits and fewer fees than are generally available from banks,” said Tanner.

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Now he will be able to balance quality time at home and at work with an organization Tanner calls, “a high-quality financial partner that I trusted could deliver value and provide exceptional service for businesses and individuals and would commit to investing service and money back into my community.”

In business since 1953, Southeastern Credit Union now has nearly 30,000 members. The new Waycross location is at 1701B Boulevard Square and is open Monday through Thursday 9am to 4pm and Fridays 9 to 5. You can call them at (912) 809-3572 or go online at http://www. southeasterncu.com. You can also connect with them on Facebook. At Southeastern Credit Union, their primary focus is serving you.

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IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

41

Toombs County Bulldogs

BULLDOGS WANT PLAYOFF RETURN Summary of last season:

Highlights

2016 Region Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: Booster Stadium "The Pit" Mascot: Bulldogs

6-5

4-3

Who To Watch Dalton McBride Keshawn Morgan Jiedon Sistrunk DJ Matthews Willie Campbell Ervin Mincey Cody Fuller Jaquial Boyd Rig Tinnoco

position QB/S RB/LB RB RB/LB OL/DL DE/TE OL/DL LB/WR K

Head Coach: Richard Marsh Years at this school: 2nd Coach's record: 59-45

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

@ @ — @ — @ — — @ —

East Laurens (GSU) Twiggs County Telfair County Bryan County Bacon County Jeff Davis Benedictine Metter Vidalia Swainsboro

5 Home | 5 Away

Under new Coach Richard Marsh last season, Toombs County got off to a good start in 2016, winning five of their first six games including their first three games in the tough Region 2-AA against Bryan, Bacon and Jeff Davis County. Things got tougher after that and Toombs went 1-3 in their remaining four games. The Bulldogs were 6-4 overall and 4-3 in the region and made it back to the playoffs as a number four seed. Toombs fell on the road in the first round to fifth-ranked Screven County.

The Coach: Coach Richard Marsh enters his second season as coach of the Bulldogs. He was head coach of Thomasville for eight seasons until 2012, taking them to the quarterfinals of the state playoffs twice. Marsh has also been a coach at the collegiate level, headed two programs in Florida and was the defensive coordinator at his alma mater, Valdosta High. A defensive coach by trade, Marsh likes to run multiple defenses but prefers the Base-50.

Outlook for this season?

“Second year, same message. The goal is to be a lifelong grinder that accepts responsibility,” Coach Marsh said. “We have a group of kids that are ‘All In.’ We are working every day to build on the once proud tradition of Toombs County Football.”

The Bulldogs return 14 starters from last season’s 6-4 team including quarterback Dalton McBride, running backs Keshawn Morgan, Jiedon Sistrunk and DJ Matthews and offensive lineman Willie Campbell. The Bulldogs look to be making big strides toward becoming a power once again.

Big games this year: “Benedictine, Vidalia and Swainsboro,” Coach Marsh said.

The Bulldogs start the season at the Erk Russell Classic at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro. Playing in one of the toughest regions in the state, which includes Benedictine, Bacon, Bryan County, Jeff Davis, Metter, Vidalia and Swainsboro. Toombs will welcome defending state champion Benedictine to the Pit October 13 and two weeks later go across county to Vidalia for their annual rivalry game against the Indians. They close at home against Swainsboro.

Last 5 Heisman Trophy Winners 2016: Lamar Jackson

Louisville, Quarterback, Sophomore

2015: Derrick Henry www.sportingnews.com

Oregon, Quarterback, Junior

Returning Offenisve Starters: 7

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

sportsagentblog.com

2013: Jameis Winston usatoday.com

42

Alabama, Running Back, Junior

2014: Marcus Mariota

Region 2 - 2A Returning Defensive Starters: 7

www.orlandosentinel.com

Florida State, Quarterback, Freshman

2012: Johnny Manziel

Texas A&M, Quarterback, Freshman

johnny-manziel.com/

Mcintosh co. academy buccaneers

BUCS LOOKING TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: The Ship Mascot: Buccaneers

Head Coach: Terel Toomer

@ @ — @ — — @ — @ —

The New Coach:

5 Home | 5 Away JP Palmer Micheal Campbell Payne Drake Amhaud Jackson

position DB/RB DB/WR OLB RB/LB

Returning Offenisve Starters: 8

Returning Defensive Starters: 6

region 3a - a

After an early season stumble to top-ranked Clinch County, the Buccaneers stepped on the gas to go into the state playoffs with a first round bye. Defense was the name of the game in Darien and it took MCA all the way to the Georgia Dome and the state championship game, where they played Macon County close until the final quarter.

The Bucs went on a five game winning streak before falling to fifth-ranked Calvary Day School during the regular season. In the playoffs, MCA downed Lincoln County and Greene County before getting their revenge on Clinch County in the semifinals. The Buccaneers finished the season at 10-3 and were number six in the state's Class A-public school seeding’s.

Brantley County Clinch County Bryan County Jenkins County Savannah Christian Portal Claxton Calvary Day School Savannah Country Day Region 3-A Play-In

Who To Watch

4-1

Summary of last season:

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

10-3

2016 Region Record

Highlights

In late February it looked as though all was well in Darien until Coach Robby Robinson was indicted by a grand jury in connection with an alleged hazing incident on a player. Robinson and MCA parted ways for the second time in his career. The school board didn't have far to look when they chose Terel Toomer, the Buc's defensive coordinator the past two years including their 2016 run to the dome with the state's top defense that gave up just 12.5 points per game. "The Bucs have high expectations after a 10-3 state runner up season in 2016,” Coach Toomer said. “The team is working hard this off season and embracing the process. See you at The Ship.”

This is Coach Toomer's first stint as a head coach.

Outlook for this season?

Coach Toomer says the Bucs would like to take one more step this year and win the state title. "Our players have set the team goals very high,” he said. “After a disappointing finish to last season's championship game, our kids have set a goal of taking the new season one day, one session, one practice, and one game at a time. Our players have had a taste of winning and they are hungry for more."

Big games this year: "Clinch, Savannah Christain and Calvary Day," Coach Toomer said. The Bucs start with two big games: An old rivalry against Brantley will rekindle in Nahunta to open the season followed by a trip to Homerville to face Clinch County. Games against Savannah Christian and Calvary will be at home this year.

In sports, performance is everything. We return you to play.

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IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

7/2017 © 2017 SGHS

43

Ernest Jones Linebacker | Ware Co. After a solid junior season and a standout performance in the Rising Senior All-Star game, Jones was offered by many SEC schools. He would later commit to further his studies and play at the University of South Carolina. With his commitment behind him, he looks to lead the Gators’ stout defense this fall.

Randon Jernigan Quarterback/Athlete Glynn Academy

Randon Jernigan has been on our radar ever since he won our Middle School Player of the Year back in 2013.

Now as a senior, he will be the starting quarterback for the Glynn Academy Red Terrors and will look to continue his playing career. Jernigan has offers from Appalachian State, Army and others.

Top 10 Players to Watch Written by: Evan Smoak | Photography by: Aaron Musgrove

44

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Keshawn Morgan

Tramel Walthour

Running Back | Toombs Co.

Defensive Tackle | Liberty Co.

Morgan has flown under the radar throughout the first three years of high school, but looks to break out this fall. Last year, Morgan rushed for 1,679 yards and 21 touchdowns. He already has an offer from Georgia State and other schools are showing interest. I bet he won't fly under the radar anymore.

Walthour was another Southeast Georgia prospect who blew up this offseason as he was flooded with several D-1 offers that include Georgia, Ohio State, Auburn, and Tennessee. With his senior season still ahead, we look forward to seeing the 6’4”, 277 pound defensive tackle help Liberty County continue their success in AAA.

Sharrod Frazier

JP Palmer

Linebacker/safety Brunswick

Running Back/Free Safety McIntosh County Academy

Frazier has been a beast for the Pirates in his high school career. Last year, Frazier recorded 91 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and four turnovers. The outside linebacker, who also plays safety, has already received offers from Appalachian State and Tulane among others. Expect big things from the captain of the Pirate’s defense.

Palmer was one of the breakout stars last year for MCA and helped lead the Bucs to the State Championship game. Palmer had 1,273 all-purpose yards and 14 touchdowns last fall. Coming this fall, Palmer looks to grow and help MCA take one more step: the Class A State Title.

Sam James

Jalynn Strickland

Wide Receiver | Richmond Hill

Offensive Tackle | Ware Co.

James is a 6’2”, 160 pound receiver who just so happens to run a 4.28 second 40-yard dash. Last year, James had 1,036 all-purpose yards. The Wildcat has recently announced his commitment to West Virginia. Morgantown, you guys are getting a stud!

Strickland is another kid who has been on In The Game’s radar ever since he was in middle school. Fast forward four years, the Gator is a dominant presence on both sides of the ball. Recently, Jalynn has committed to take his talents to NC State and the Wolfpack is getting a good one.

Jeremiah Compton

Jaylen Jackson

Free Safety | Camden Co.

Defensive Back | Brunswick

Compton had himself a year last year. As a junior, Compton had 83 total tackles and 326 all-purpose yards as he was the Wildcat’s return specialist last season. Now as a senior, this 6’1” 185 pound athlete only looks to do bigger and better things.

One of the surprise players for the talented Brunswick High Pirates is senior safety, Jaylen Jackson. Jackson, whose future seemed to be on the hardwood, is creating a buzz with recruiters on the gridiron. This offseason, Jackson snagged 16 interceptions in a 7v7 tournament.

Expect big things for this defensive back (and guard) his senior year.

Tre Cobb Defensive End AJ Bell Quarterback Joseph Petrino Kicker Kevin Harris Running Back Ja’Shawn Sheffield Wide Reciever

Ware Co. Charlton Co. Richmond Hill Bradwell Institute Frederica Academy IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

45

46

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Nick Chubb- RB SR - 5’10” 228

2016 RECORD

8-5

sec

TEAM STATISTICS

Written by Carson Waggoner

319

Points Scored

312

Points Allowed

SEPT

2

SEPT

SEPT

9

OCT

30

7

NOV

NOV

4

11

SEPT

16

OCT

14

NOV

18

SEPT

23

OCT

28

NOV

25

2,430

1,130 16

204

663

224 44

8

QB

Jacob Eason

RB

Nick Chubb

7 REC TDs

4-4

REC YDs

54%

RECs

SEC RECORD

PASS COMP

PASS COMP.

RUSH TDs

Rush YDs P/G

RUSH YDs

191.2

CARs

Pass YDs P/G

PASS TDs

193.4

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

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

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

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

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

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

Middle linebacker Roquan Smith and defensive tackle Trent Thompson could end the season as SEC All-Americans. Kirby also brought in one of the best recruiting classes Georgia has ever seen ranked 3rd in the nation and 2nd in the SEC with 25 commits.

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

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

PASS YDs

2016 Averages

WR Isaiah McKenzie

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

47

Deondre Franciois - QB JR - 6’2” 205

2016 RECORD

10-3

acc

TEAM STATISTICS

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

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

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

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

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

While replacing Dalvin Cook is impossible, the Noles did the next best thing and will give

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

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

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

264.1 Pass YDs P/G

202.3 RUSH YDs P/G

PASS COMP.

ACC RECORD

58%

5-3

SEPT

SEPT

9

16

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

NOV

NOV

NOV

2

27

21

College Football Preseason Rankings

'17

48

2016 Averages

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

1 ALABAMA

4

OHIO STATE

2

23

11

30

18

3 FLORIDA STATE

14

25

USC

4

Jordan Scarlett - RB SO - 5’10” 213

2016 RECORD

9-4

sec

TEAM STATISTICS 2016 Averages

215.7 Pass YDs P/G

128.2 Rush YDs P/G

PASS COMP.

58%

SEC RECORD

6-2

311

Points Scored

218

Points Allowed

5 OKLAHOMA STATE

CLEMSON

6

7 LSU

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

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

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

Jim has not shown the gator fans his recruits yet, and it has his fan base questioning him as the head guy. With Zaire most likely winning the starting job over redshirt freshman Filipe Franks, this marks the third first-year quarterback in a row for the gators.

Their savior on offense, Antonio Callaway, is potentially the best wide receiver this year. If he and the quarterback can get on the same page early in the season, the Gators will be back in Atlanta.

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

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

OKLAHOMA

8

9 WASHINGTON

SEPT

2

SEPT

SEPT

9

SEPT

16

23

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

NOV

NOV

NOV

30

14

4

18

7

28

11

25

AUBURN

10

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

49

Julio Jones - WR 6’3” 220

2016 RECORD

11-5

nfc

TEAM STATISTICS

Written by Carson Waggoner

COMPs

2016 Averages

309.0

373

YDs

Pass YDs P/G

TDs

101.9

4,944

38

devonta freeman 24

540

1,409

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

NOV

NOV

NOV

NOV

DEC

DEC

DEC

DEC

DEC

CARs

227

15

29

Points Allowed

108

PASS COMP.

NFC RECORD

75

TOTAL

33

32

5

20

DEION JONES 45 LB

106

TOTAL AST

KEANU NEAL 22 S

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

12

AST

COMB

15.5 Following an unfortunate overtime defeat in Super Bowl LI and being the first team in NFL history to lose a Super Bowl with a 25-point lead is sickening for the Falcons and all Atlanta sport fans. But Falcons head coach Dan Quinn is ready to overcome those scary thoughts of last year’s bitter loss against the Patriots and take on the 2017 season head on.

It will be interesting seeing if new OC Steve Sarkisian can follow in previous OC and now 49ers’ new head coach Kyle Shanahan footsteps. With one of the most explosive offensives in the league, it shouldn’t be hard for Starkisian to take over. Quarterback Matt Ryan is playing the best football in his career right now and Julio Jones, named the best receiver in the NFL, is a perfect combo. The dynamic duo of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman only get better and better each year by scoring red zone touchdowns with the help from a huge O line.

22

COMB

TOTAL

39

SACKs

5-1

COMB

VIC BEASLEY 44 OLB

69%

1

julio Jones 11 WR

406

50

SEPT

17

1,079

TDs

6

Points Scored

11

YDs

YDs

RECs

83

RB

24

TDs

Rush YDs P/G

SEPT

10

2 QB

MATT RYAN

SEPT

26

3

72

34

More good news for the Falcons with amazing back-to-back drafts, rookies played a huge role in the defense. With outstanding rookie linebacker Deion Jones and 2nd year sack machine Vic Beasley, the Falcons defense is growing into the NFL’s next best. Atlanta became the first team in NFL history to start four rookies on defense. With 2017 1st round pick Takk McKinley and 3rd rounder Duke Riley, they should live up to the potential of play makers like Jones and Beasley.

It’s not a surprise for a Super Bowl participant to have five primetime games, including three Sunday Night Football appearances in the 2017 season. The spotlight is on the Dirty Birds this year coming into their new and advance Mercedes Benz Stadium. Owner Arthur Blank is predicting another playoff run and hopefully finishing Super Bowl 52 with a W. That should be highly possible unless Cam Newton’s Panthers and Jameis Winston’s Bucs have something to say about it.

7

24

18

31

Telvin Smith - LB 6’2” 205

2016 RECORD

3-13

afc

TEAM STATISTICS 2016 Averages

Written by: Ryan Hennessy

245.3 Pass YDs P/G

101.9 Rush YDs P/G

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

OCT

OCT

10

PASS COMP.

24

60%

Points Scored

1

AFC RECORD

8

2-10

318

17

400

OCT

15

NOV

22

5

NOV

NOV

NOV

DEC

DEC

DEC

DEC

DEC

12

19

Points Allowed

26

Tom Coughlin is back in the 904 as the vice president of the Jacksonville Jaguars. That was just one of the changes the Jaguars made this offseason. With the Jaguars firing head coach Gus Bradley last season, they stuck with offensive line coach Doug Marrone as their new head. Marrone was the head coach of the Bills where he took them to a 9-7 record before coming to Jacksonville. Both the offensive and defensive side also got a face lift this offseason as well.

10

24

Offense

On the offensive side of the ball, the Jaguars drafted running back Leonard Fournette with the fourth pick in the NFL draft out of LSU. The Jaguars hope this pick will help Blake Bortles, who has never had a 1,000 yard rusher on his team. The offensive line has improved on the left side with the trade to get pro bowl caliber left tackle Brandon Albert. They drafted another left tackle in the second round of the draft in Cam Robinson. Robinson and Albert will battle it out, and I believe the loser of the battle will play left guard or right tackle. The weakness on the offense is at tight end. The Jaguars traded Julius Thomas to the Dolphins, who they signed to a big contract a few years back. At the end of the day it all comes down to No. 5 quarterback Blake Bortles, who is coming back from a down year in Jacksonville.

3

17

31

Defense

On the defensive side, the Jaguars spent a good amount on free agency to help build their team. They signed veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell from the Cardinals. Campbell will be playing alongside former third overall pick Donte Fowler Jr., super bowl champion Malik Jackson, and last year’s rookie pass rusher, who had 8.5 sacks, Yannick Ngakoue. They also signed free agent defensive back A.J. Bouye to play alongside Jalen Ramsey. This pair will be a great young force for years to come. The last addition and possibly the most underrated move was the signing of strong safety Barry Church from the Cowboys. The reason why this addition is key is because Church was a captain of Dallas defense and his leadership will help a young secondary.

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

51

Striving To Be

THE BEST

Written by: Rob Asbell Photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson

He is the type of foot- a great job in the weight Castellanos started ball player high school room. He lifts hard and playing recreation league works out hard. He’s very football at six-years-old coaches can’t wait to get on their team - a smart, dedicated to getting betfor the Patterson Eagles coachable athlete who can ter.” as an offensive lineman. take over the game with His abilities at quarterNot fond of the position, every snap. Thomas Cas- back have given coaches he moved to the backfield tellanos is an eighth-grade reason to update Waycross the following year with his highlight film whenever he Middle’s offense to a read/ brother, Ladedric, by his is on the football field for pass option to give Castel- side.

Waycross Middle School. lanos more choices with “Since then, I have At 5’9” 175-pounds, the ball. pretty much played for “[Ware County High local rec or travel teams Castellanos is a two-way player, handling duties at School Head Football every year wherever I have quarterback on offense Coach Franklin Stephens] lived and have loved the and linebacker on defense. looked at the kids that game of football,” he said. were coming up through But most of all, he loves the Although he is a gifted competition of athlete now, the game. there was a “Playing time when Casagainst greats tellanos was and striving to not the best be the best,” player.

Castellanos “I used to said. be terrible at As a quarbasketball,” he — Thomas Castellanos terback, he said. “I rememruns the read ber always option from shooting ‘granthe shotgun as well as any the middle school and he ny shots’ when I was little high school signal-caller. feels like that’s the kind of and missing most of them.

Castellanos can throw the offense he will start using But over time, I have greatball and is an elusive run- because it fits our kids a ly improved my game and ner when he breaks into little better,” Coach Steven- even won MVP last year.” the open. At running back, son said. “During spring To improve his game, he is able to find the open practice Thomas picked Castellanos often plays holes and dart through up on it real well. A spread against older, more experithem. Then there is his de- type offense fits him.” enced opponents and also fensive prowess. As a lineThis summer he partic- plays AAU basketball in the backer, his speed lets him ipated in the Future Stars off season. track opposing running of Georgia game where he He started attending backs and defend the pass. was named Defensive MVP. Waycross Middle School “He is one of my lead- Along with several tackles and played on the eighthers on my football team,” and big hits, Castellanos grade football team in said Waycross Middle also picked up a fumble sixth-grade. That year he School Football Coach and returned it 45 yards was selected as both the Kevin Stevenson. “He does for a touchdown.

“Playing against greats and striving to be the best.”

52

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

“When he first came to me, he played linebacker then last year as a seventh grader he started for me at quarterback,” said Coach Kevin Stevenson.

“He is a very versatile young man. He can play on both sides of the ball and he is good at both sides, too.”

1701-B Boulevard Square, Waycross btanner@southeasterncu.com

Berry Tanner is back.

We’re proud to have one of our area’s most experienced bankers and commercial leaders heading up our new Waycross office. Berry Tanner brings years of financial expertise home to help us grow your business. You’ve known Berry for years and we invite you to stop by our new office to say hello, or contact Berry today to schedule a visit at your office soon.

Best Defensive Player in football and the Best Offensive Player in basketball. He made an impact on both teams right away.

“I made a big play against Appling County and forced a fumble which gave me the confidence to know that I can hang with the big dawgs,” he said. “I have just kept going hard ever since then.”

In seventh grade he was the football team’s Most Valuable Player and led the Bulldogs to the conference championship, again, against Appling County.

“We were down 6-10,” he said. “I was a seventh grader playing quarterback with like 2:00 minutes left on the clock and I scored the winning touchdown. We were all so excited to win the title after fighting so hard.”

In his two years in middle school, Castellanos has been part of three championship teams. Now, going into his eighth-grade season, Castellanos is looking for big things.

“I have recently begun working out with the high school and more at home,” he said. “I also try to surround myself with people that are better than me so I can learn and get better.”

He credits his coaches and his mom for making him the player and person he has become.

The son of Yukia McCullough, Castellanos enjoys Language Arts in the classroom. He would like to pursue a career in sports medicine after college. His ultimate goal is to be a five-star athlete coming out of high school, get a scholarship to a D-1 university, and play profes-

sional football.

Away from school, Castellanos is active in the Solid Rock Student Ministry at Central Baptist Church.

“I like hanging out with my friends and family but I do stay pretty busy with all three sports and practices all year long,” he said.

Coaches see Castellanos as a respectful, hardworking student/athlete who has a bright future ahead of him at Ware County High School.

“I think early in his career, I see him playing on the defensive side of the ball,” said Coach Stevenson. “By the time he becomes a 10th-grader, I see him playing quarterback at the high school level.”

FAVORITES:

Snack - Life Saver Gummies Food - Chicken Hobby - Video games (when I'm not playing sports) Pro Team - New England Patriots College Team - Clemson Pro Player - Tom Brady TV Show - ESPN/SportsCenter School Subject - Language Arts Pets - Don't have any, but if I did , it would be a German Shephard

Place to Travel - New York Car - Range Rover Who Inspires You and Why Coach Joey Fitzgerald. He pushes me to work hard on and off the field and in the classroom. He talks to me about being a good player, but more importantly being a good man.

Old name.

New place.

New ideas.

Ready to lend.

Berry Tanner Ware-Pierce Area Executive NMLS #433378

In The Game’s

GAMEs Written by: Evan Smoak Photography by: Aaron Musgrove

Week 0 - Aug. 18th McIntosh County Academy v Brantley County

MCA will start their mission to return to the Class A Public state championship by traveling over to Nahunta to continue an old rivalry with the Brantley County Herons. Expect an exciting beginning to football 2017 over in Caney Bay.

Week 1 - Aug. 25th Ware County v Glynn Academy

The rivalry between the Gators and Red Terrors continues as Coach Hidalgo's stout offense matches up with Coach Stephens’ stout defense. Glynn has won the last three matchups, including a state semifinal in 2015. Is this the year Ware breaks the streak?

Week 2 - Sept. 1st Ware County v Coffee County

The border war between the Gators and Trojans continues.

Ware has won every year since Coach Stephens has arrived in Waycross. Can Coffee finally defend their home turf?

Week 3 - Sept. 8th Pierce County v Richmond Hill

These two teams clashed last year in “Bearville” as the Wildcats squeaked by 24-17. This year the game switches to Richmond Hill, and new Pierce coach, Jason Strickland, looks to have his Bears ready to face this tough road test.

Week 4 - Sept. 15th Appling County v Wayne County

One of Southeast Georgia’s oldest and most heated rivalries starts a new saga as both the Yellow Jackets and Pirates have new coaches leading the charge. Which coach will start off right when these two teams meet in Jesup? We will have to wait to see.

Week 5 - Sept. 22nd Camden County v McEachern

New Wildcat coach, Bob Sphire, and his spread (SPREAD!) offense take their show on the road up north to one of Georgia’s perennial powerhouses, McEachern. Hopefully, the Wildcats can show how we play football in Southeast Georgia.

OF THE WEEK Week 6 - Sept. 29th Charlton County v Irwin County

Another South Georgia rivalry will continue when the Indians of Charlton County face the Indians of Irwin County in Ocilla.

Both teams have played for a state title in the last three years.

Will one of them make it back?

Week 7 - Oct. 6th Appling County v Long County

Appling’s long time head coach, J.T. Pollock, switched schools this offseason as he became the new head coach of the Long County Blue Tide. Can Coach Pollock lead his Blue Tide against his former team or will the Pirates continue their dominance of Long under new Coach Jon Lindsey?

Week 8 - Oct. 13th Brunswick v Glynn Academy

With the arrival of former Pierce County Bear skipper, Sean Pender, Brunswick had its way with Glynn in the spring game.

However, Coach Rocky Hidalgo is a perfect 3-0 against the Pirates. Can Pender and his Pirates change that?

Week 9 - Oct. 20th Bacon County v Benedictine

Coach Kyle Langford and his Bacon County Red Raiders will find out how good they are as they travel to Savannah to play defending Class AA State Champion, Benedictine. Don’t be surprised if this is the measuring stick for the Red Raider’s season.

Week 10 - Oct. 27th Vidalia vs Toombs County

One of the three city championships in Southeast Georgia and this one could be the surprise of the year. Lately this has been a one-sided affair with Vidalia cruising, but Toombs’ senior D-1 prospect, running back Keshawn Morgan and the rest of the Bulldogs look to get back on the winning side of this city title game.

Week 11 - Nov. 3rd Pierce County v Liberty County

Last year, this regular season finale was winner takes all for the region championship. Even with departure of stars Richard LeCounte and Stetson Bennett, we could see a similar situation when the scene switches to Hinesville.

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

55

Building a New Tradition Written by: Rob Asbell Photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson

Josh Davis wants to be a veterinarian one day. And not just any type of veterinarian, he thinks big. He wants to work with large animals - horses, cows and livestock. But first, he has some big unfinished business at Brantley County High School.

“The coolest thing that I have ever done was to be on the second team in Brantley County history to make it to the playoffs for 56

football,” said Davis. “It was special to all of us because it was what we had all worked so hard for and now if we keep working hard we have a chance to create a new tradition in Brantley County.”

A new tradition of winning seasons and playoff appearances.

Last season, Brantley County made the state playoffs for just the second time in school history. The first had

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

occurred in 2006 under then-head coach Sean Pender in his pre-Pierce County and Brunswick days. The Herons claimed the number three seed from Region 2-AAA in 2016 and Davis was a big part of that success.

“When I get on the field, I am in a totally different frame of mind,” he said. “It is like everything else in the world is turned off and it is just me and my team against the enemy.”

Now in his junior year, Davis has im-

proved his game by becoming a stronger, faster and smarter player. He has also worked on becoming a better leader on and off the field by setting a good example for his teammates.

“When I get on the field, I am in a totally different frame of mind. It is like everything else in the world is turned off and it is just me and my team against the enemy.”

— Josh Davis

“I have gotten better by coming to work every day with the mindset that no one is going to out work me and that I have to get so much better in order to get where I want to be,” he said.

And where he wants to be is back in the playoffs with his teammates.

Davis started playing football in fifth grade and then picked up basketball the following year. He has been playing both sports ever since. His first big play on the football

field came at Brantley Middle School against Pierce County. An errant pass was about to hit the ground when Davis, playing outside linebacker, came up with a one-handed interception and returned it to the 10 yard line to setup a first and goal for the Herons.

He got his first varsity start as a freshman against Pierce County High, Brantley’s rival, in a game played at Heron Field. Anytime these two teams meet it becomes intense.

“The atmosphere was insane,” he said.

Davis is a total team player, even volunteering to practice with the offensive line during spring practice.

“He came to us with that because he knew that was an area of concern for us,” said Brantley County Coach Mark Walker. “Josh leads by example. He started as a freshman not just because he is athletic, but because he is mentally and physically tough.”

Davis has started to appreciate the trap-

“The coolest thing that I have ever done was to be on the second team in Brantley County history to make it to the playoffs for football.”

— Josh Davis

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“I love running through the banner to the sounds of the entire county there supporting us.”

— Josh Davis

pings of high school football in Brantley County, especially on Friday nights at home in Caney Bay. “I love running through the banner to the sounds of the entire county there supporting us,” Davia said.

The highpoint of last season for Davis came during the second half of the year when the Herons started playing games that counted toward the playoffs.

“When we began our region play and began to play our best football,” he said.

Brantley County won three of their last five games and one of the losses was by less than a touchdown and could have gone either way. The Herons finished the regular season 6-3 and playoff bound.

The son of Len and Raleeta Davis of Hoboken, Josh is attracting attention from colleges because of his work in the classroom. He carries a perfect 4.0 grade point average and takes advanced courses. He hopes to play football in college and then go on to work with animals. He has been raised around livestock and wants to make a career out of helping them. Davis has the grades and classes to make that happen.

“He couldn't take weight training class during fall semester because his schedule would not allow it due to taking

advanced academic classes including college classes,” Coach Walker said. “He still worked out every day after or before school and is the strongest kid on the team.”

Davis is the only player at Brantley this year to join the Heron’s thousand pound club.

Davis credits his mom for helping him by encouraging him to give his best all of the time regardless of the circumstances. His parents push him to give more than he thinks he can and set high expectations.

“My mom is the person who helped me develop the mentality that in order to get better I have to show up every day and push myself beyond what I think my limits are,” he said.

This season Davis will be playing on the line as well, so he is changing jersey numbers to 50. That was the number worn by his father when he played for the Herons in the 1980s. He has excelled on the football field due to his unbridled work ethic, but he has become an outstanding person because he chooses to be. Coach Walker encourages this in his student/athletes.

“We believe that it's important to make good choices, and the point I'm trying to make is that Josh has chosen to be the best at whatever he does, football, student and as a person,” he said.

IN THE GAME PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017

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INDIANS WORKING THEIR WAY BACK TO THE PLAYOFFS

charlton county indians

The Coach: Coach Rich McWhorter is The Patriarch of Southeast Georgia football coaches. A past "In the Game" SEGA Coach of the Year, he has spent all 27 years of his coaching career at Charlton County and has won four state championships in seven trips to the big show. A master of conforming his offense to fit his talent pool, Coach Mac finds ways to win.

Outlook for this season?

"We hope and expect to be better than last year,” Coach McWhorter said. “We had very good winter workouts and spring went well.”

A total of 13 starters return from last year's team.

Charlton County has always had great athletes and that continues this year. Raykwon Anderson has already committed to the University of Florida and hopes to have a strong junior campaign for the Indians as they work their way back to playoff form. Several seniors dot the lineup as well as some young players who will take some important snaps.

Big games this year: "Every game," Coach McWhorter said.

Because of the power ratings system used to seed Single-A public schools in the playoffs, every game a team plays is important. This year's road opener in Nahunta against the Brantley County Herons will determine how the season will go. Home games follow against Appling and Savannah Christian and then road trips to Atkinson and Turner. The annual Swamp War against Clinch will be on the Panthers' turf in Homerville this season on October 27.

60

PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

Stadium Name: Indian Field/ The Swamp Mascot: Indians

3-6

2016 Region Record

It was an anomaly. One of those rare occurrences you see only once in every great while. Charlton County missed the playoffs in 2016. The Indians had their worst record since 1988, going 3-6 in a storm shortened season.

The Indians did not make the playoffs for the first time in Coach Rich McWhorter's 27 year tenure at the school.

Indications started at the beginning of the season when Charlton fell to Brantley County in their season opener at home. The Indians showed flashes of offensive brilliance in their three wins but not the rest of the season.

Highlights

2016 Overall Record

Summary of last season:

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Region 2 - A Who To Watch Raykwon Anderson Michael Elliott Shawn Bolden Preston Lynch Eric Daniels Daniel Mack AJ Bell Kyree Williams Tyler Cribb

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

@ — — @ @ — @ — @ —

Brantley County Appling County Savannah Christian Atkinson County Turner County Irwin County Wilcox County Telfair County Clinch County Lanier County

5 Home | 5 Away

position WR RB Head Coach: Rich McWhorter TE RB Years at this school: 28th RB Coach's record: 271-72-2 DL QB/DB OL OL

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Frederica academy knights

KNIGHTS LOOK FOR ANOTHER BIG YEAR

Highlights

9-2

2016 Region Record

2016 Overall Record

Stadium Name: The Candler Complex Mascot: Knights

Who To Watch Tyler Pierce Rett Thompson Matt Hagstrom Mike Tindle Camron Gardner Santana Clark John Mitchell Brock Jashawn Sheffield Jaylin Simpson Patrick Brunson Isaiah Jackson Harry Veal

3-1

position OL/DL FB/TE/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL RB/WR/LB P/K RB/WR/LB QB/WR/DB WR/RB/DB RB/DB FB/TE/LB

GISA 2-3A @ — @ @ @ — @ — -

The Knights had a strong showing in 2016, losing only one game in the regular season, a one-point loss to Bulloch Academy. Frederica Academy defeated Valwood and Memorial Day School during a seven-game winning streak. After going 8-1 on the storm-shortened season, Frederica would win the region and then make it to the quarterfinals of the GISA state playoffs, where they fell to Deerfield-Windsor. A talented sophomore class led the way for the Knights.

The Coach: Coach Brandon Derrick came over to the St. Simons Island School under the oaks from Glynn Academy in 2013 and immediately started building a football program.

A member of the East Tennessee High School Hall of Fame, Derrick was a three-year starter at quarterback at Maryville College. He was head coach at McMinn Central High School before coming to Georgia in 2009 as Offensive Coordinator for Glynn Academy for four years.

Outlook for this season?

“The 2017 campaign is going to be a challenging season with a very competitive schedule with powers like Parklane Academy of Mississippi, Wesleyan School in Atlanta, Valwood in Hahira along with our grueling region schedule of Bulloch, Edmund Burke Academy, Pinewood, and Trinity Christian School from Dublin,” said Coach Derrick. “The tools to be a very successful team are in place, but we will have to stay healthy, protect the football and play great defense. We have eight returning starters back on offense and defense along with our returning punter and kicker, so the experience is in place, now we have to go out execute every Friday night.”

Last year's sophomore class are this year's juniors. With more than a dozen college scholarship offers, Ja'Shawn Sheffield returns as one of the leaders of the Knights' offense.

Big games this year:

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

Summary of last season:

Parklane Academy, Miss Holy Spirit Bethesda Wesleyan Valwood Memorial Day School Trinity Christian (Dublin) Pinewood Bulloch Academy Edmund Burke

“Parklane Academy, Mississippi, Wesleyan School, Atlanta, Valwood, Hahira and our region games,” Coach Derrick said. The Knights start the season playing in Montgomery, Alabama against Mississippi power Parklane Academy.

Returning Offenisve Starters: 8

Returning Defensive Starters: 8

5 Home | 5 Away

Head Coach: Brandon Derrick Years at this school: 5th Year Coach's record: 25-18-0 at Frederica (47-29 overall)

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912.283.4250 • 800.673.9360 www.walkerjones.com US #1 South • Waycross, GA PRESEASON FOOTBALL EDITION 2017 IN THE GAME

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