December 2014 Southeast Georgia Edition

In This Issue:

Southeast Edition

08 Player Spotlight: Underclassmen

CONTENTS

December 2014

15 Academic Athlete Tristan Yeomans

Ware County High School

20 Coach’s Corner Ken Cofer

Bacon County High School

08

26 Rising Star Beau Bennett

15

26

Impact Players

17

Bacon County High School

19

Pierce County High School

23

Ware County High School

29

Camden County High School

31

Bradwell Institute

35

Wayne County High School

37

Brantley County Middle School

32 Most Improved Player Anfernee Jordan

Also Inside

2

Southeast Area High Schools

20

Wayne County High School

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December 2014 Publisher Shawn Smoak

From the Publisher The road has come to an end for SEGA teams heading toward The Dome. We had three teams make it into the final eight in their respective classifications.

Glynn Academy shocked the 5A world by going into Creekside in round two and beating the defending state champions. The Red Terrors were derailed in round three by eventual state finalist and perennial powerhouse NorthsideWarner Robins. Sean Pender’s Pierce County Bears were racking up the points in the playoffs, but in round three, they ran into the best player in the state A.J. Grey and fell to the Washington County Golden Hawks.

Coach McWhorter’s Indians would give just about anything for a mulligan.

After tying the game up late, a missed extra point sent the game into overtime, where they eventually lost to Public Single A finalist, Hawkinsville. It was a fantastic season of football here in SEGA, and the road to next year’s playoffs starts now. Keep up with all the preparation right here in the pages of In The Game Magazine.

Editors Mark Dykes Sarah Turner

Graphics Sarah Turner

Cover Photography Jeffrey Griffith Old Goat Photography

Feature Photography Jeffrey Griffith Old Goat Photography Jennifer Carter Johnson Jennifer Carter Johnson Photography The News Courier Gena Churchwell Bo Carter

Feature Writers John Wood Rob Asbell

Copy Editor James Washington

Advertising/Marketing Shawn Smoak

shawn@inthegamemagazine.com

Mark Dykes

mark@inthegamemagazine.com

Website Manager Sarah Turner

SEGA Prep Sports P.O. Box 2960 • Waycross, GA 31502

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“Overachieving Underclassmen.” There may have never been a more fitting title for a group of student-athletes. In December’s Player Spotlight, we’ve started a tradition in finding the best underclassmen in the area. The representatives for this year’s three classes are very impressive, not only on the football field, but as great young men. In the Game looks forward to following their high school careers in the upcoming seasons and beyond as they make their mark at the next level.

The yin and yang of being a coach’s son is something a select few studentathletes deal with in high school, but is it any different when the parent coaches a different sport? This month’s Academic Athlete, Ware County’s Tristan Yeomans, might could answer that question. Sporting a perfect 4.0 GPA and playing both receiver and defensive back for the Gators, I’m sure there’s a term paper tucked away on the subtle nuances of growing up as a coach’s son.

Area Schools

Southeast Edition

Appling County Pirates Bacon County Red Raiders Bradwell Institute Tigers Brantley County Herons Brunswick Pirates Camden County Wildcats Charlton County Indians Frederica Academy Knights Glynn Academy Red Terrors Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets Liberty County Panthers Long County Blue Tide McIntosh County Buccaneers Pierce County Bears Ware County Gators Wayne County Yellow Jackets

Contributors

The SEGA coverage area experienced football coaching turnover like never before this past offseason, with 5 schools replacing head coaches. One of the best hires was Bacon County’s pickup of Ken Cofer. Coach Cofer came to Bacon County by way of Cook County and wasted no time in turning the Red Raiders back into a playoff team his first year. Trust me Red Raider fans, it’s only going to get better with the caliber of coach you have now.

Wayne County won its first outright region title in football since 1993, thanks in part to the improvement of players like Anfernee Jordan. Anfernee has played on both sides of the ball since he was a sophomore, but this year he has taken on a leadership role as a senior. He leads by example on the field and in the weight room. He lead his team in rushing in 2014, which can be attributed to his hard work in the weight room in the off-season leading up to his senior year.

If heart was a measurable statistic, like a 40-yard dash time or a vertical leap, Rising Star Beau Bennett of Brantley Middle School would be at the top of the list. Coach Mark Walker would like to place an order for about 22 Beau Bennetts for the next four years for his Herons football program. This kid is tough as nails and will not stop playing hard on the football field. Look for big things out of Beau over the next 4 years.

We hope you enjoy reading In the Game as much as we enjoy producing and publishing it. 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/ inthegamemagazine. Join us every Thursday evening live from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. as we broadcast live “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.

Shawn Smoak,

Southeast Georgia Publisher

John Wood,

Features & Commentary

Rob Asbell,

Features & Specials

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In the Game High School Sports Magazine is published monthly excluding July. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher. Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2014 Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

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Don’t Let Knee Pain Keep You Out of the Game Jumper’s Knee & Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Jumper’s Knee, or patellar tendinitis, is an injury that affects the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone. It is most common in athletes whose sports involve frequent jumping, like basketball, soccer, and volleyball, but anyone can suffer from jumper’s knee.

This common overuse injury occurs when placing repeated stress on the patellar tendon. The stress results in tiny tears in the tendon, which the body attempts to repair. As tears in the tendon become more numerous, the body can’t keep up, causing inflammation in the tendon to worsen.

Factors that may contribute to the development of jumper’s knee include intensity and frequency of physical activity, excess weight, tight leg muscles, misaligned leg bones, raised kneecap, and muscular imbalance.

Pain is the first symptom of jumper’s knee. It’s usually located in the section of the patellar tendon between the kneecap and the area where the tendon attaches to the shinbone. Pain may feel sharp during physical activity, especially when running or jumping. After a workout or practice, pain may persist as a dull ache.

If you experience knee pain, try self-care measures first, such as icing the affected area and temporarily reducing or avoiding activities that trigger symptoms. Call your doctor if pain continues or worsens, interferes with your ability to perform routine daily activities, or is associated with swelling or redness around the joint. If there’s no improvement during or after physical activity see a doctor.

Following an initial exam, you may be referred to an orthopaedic surgeon or sports medicine specialist who may be able to determine if you have jumper’s knee based on your symptoms. If the diagnosis isn’t clear, tests may be performed to rule out other conditions, including, X-rays, ultrasound, or an MRI. Non-surgical treatment aims to reduce the strain on the tendon and gradually build up its strength. These treatments include rest, physical therapy, stretching and strengthening exercises, use of a patellar tendon strap, medication, corticosteroid injection, PPR injection, or massage. Expect at least several weeks or months of conservative therapy before fully resuming physical activity,

including jumping. The time for healing a reinjured jumper’s knee may be even longer.

You and your doctor may consider surgery in select cases if non-surgical treatment isn’t helping after 12 months. The type of surgery depends on the specific injury, as well as the surgeon’s preferred method, and may include repairing tears in the tendon, or removing any badly damaged parts of the tendon. Most patients who have had surgery are able to resume athletic training within about six months. In some cases, however, recovery may take up to 18 months.

Reduce your risk of developing jumper’s knee by taking the following precautions: t %PO U QMBZ UISPVHI QBJO *G ZPVS TQPSU PS BDUJWity is causing knee pain, rest, apply ice and try a different type of exercise until the pain is gone. t 4USFUDI BOE TUSFOHUIFO ZPVS NVTDMFT 4USFUDIing and strengthening the quadriceps muscle will help it handle the load you put on it. t *NQSPWF ZPVS UFDIOJRVF $POTJEFS UBLJOH MFTsons or getting professional instruction.

Osgood-Schlatter disease is a painful swelling of the anterior tibial tubercle, the bump on the upper part of the shinbone, just below the knee. When the quadriceps muscle is used a lot in sports activities during a child’s growth spurt, this area becomes irritated or swollen, and causes pain.

Most common in adolescents who participate in basketball, volleyball, soccer, or gymnastics, it can be caused by small injuries due to repeated overuse before the knee area is finished growing.

Painful swelling over a bump on the shinbone may occur on one or both legs. There may be leg or knee pain, which worsens with running, jumping, and climbing stairs. The area is tender to pressure, and can have swelling ranging from mild to very severe.

Your doctor can tell if you have Osgood4DIMBUUFS EJTFBTF CZ QFSGPSNJOH B QIZTJDBM exam. A bone x-ray may be normal, or it may show swelling or damage to the tibia. X-rays are only used if the doctor wants to rule out other causes of the pain.

J. Lex Kenerly III, MD

J. Matthew Valosen, MD Christopher Swanson, MD

The Bone & Joint Institute of South Georgia provides the full range of orthopedic services, including non-surgical and surgical treatments, and on-site Open MRIs in Jesup and Waycross. From a sprain to a severe injury requiring surgery, BJISG is your first choice for comprehensive, compassionate orthopedic care.

After Hours Appointments Available Mondays until 8pm in Jesup

Jesup | Baxley | Hinesville | Waycross

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0THPPE 4DIMBUUFS EJTFBTF BMNPTU BMXBZT HPFT away on its own once the child stops growing.

4VHHFTUFE USFBUNFOUT JODMVEF SFTU BOE EFDSFBTing activity when your child has symptoms; icing the painful area two to four times a day, and after activities; and Ibuprofen or other nonsteroidal antiJOøBNNBUPSZ ESVHT /4"*%T PS BDFUBNJOPQIFO 5ZMFOPM

Adolescents should be allowed to play sports if the activity doesn’t cause too much discomfort, however, symptoms will improve faster if activity is LFQU UP B NJOJNVN 4PNFUJNFT B DIJME XJMM OFFE UP take a break from most or all sports for two or more months.

In the rare case where symptoms don’t go away, a cast or brace may be used to support the leg until it heals. This typically takes six to eightweeks. Crutches may be used for walking UP LFFQ XFJHIU PGG UIF QBJOGVM MFH 4VSHFSZ JT rarely necessary.

Regular stretching, both before and after exercise and athletics, can help prevent injury; however, the small injuries that may cause this disorder are usually unnoticed.

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Player Spotlight sponsored by:

UNDERCLASSMEN OVERACHIEVERS

by Rob Asbell

8

The underclassmen: Simply defined as “not the seniors.”

Usually described as “only a” or “just a” as in “He’s only a freshman” or “Just a junior.” Either way it denotes that the player has not yet reached the status of a fourth-year player and may somehow lack the experience to get the job done. When postseason awards are announced, it is usually members of the senior class who

photography by Jeffrey Griffith

get the accolades. Seniors are usually the first to be considered as team leaders and go-to players. Occasionally, however, underclassmen - freshmen, sophomores and juniors - will take advantage of the opportunity to play and contribute in a big way. They become leaders by example on the field. It wasn’t just the senior class who ruled the statistical leaderboards during the 2014 season. Once again, several

underclassmen made big impressions.

Freshmen stepped up big, including Charlton County running back Eric Daniels and Brunswick quarterback Randon Jernigan, who started behind center in his very first high school game.

Many sophomores were featured as offensive and defensive starters on several rosters this year. Jernigan often threw

or handed the ball to Pirates’ sophomore playmaker Shawn Smith, and Ben Aldridge was a hard-hitting linebacker for Sean Pender’s Pierce County Bears. Juniors led the way for Wayne County and Glynn Academy. In Waycross, third-year player Dedrick Mills was a powerhouse on offense and defense for the Gators. For the Red Terrors, sophomore Deejay Dallas and junior running back Garrison Hurd helped Glynn Academy to the school’s first third-round playoff appearance in 50 years.

Middle school feeder programs are having a positive effect on varsity teams, as young players get the opportunity to develop at an earlier age. In Camden County, Wildcats’

Coach Welton Coffey first noticed sophomore Brandon McMasters when he was playing running back at St. Marys Middle School.

Hurd led Glynn Middle School to an area championship and Jernigan was a standout at Risley Middle School in Brunswick. But there is a big difference in playing at the middle school level and playing at the varsity level. Younger players have to be able to play the game mentally as well as physically. Jernigan became stronger and faster during summer workouts, and the seven-on-seven passing tournaments helped his throwing abilities, but it was during contact camp that he earned his teammates’ respect.

“They saw that I would fight for them and never quit on them and that’s what they wanted,” Jernigan said.

This month, In the Game has chosen a player from each of the underclasses. One freshman, one sophomore and one junior. Each player was a standout this season, and one is already attracting the attention of college scouts as far away as Madison, Wisconsin. They are at separate stages of the recruiting process, from looking for offers to working on grades and technique before becoming involved. Each of them is now, or soon will be, a top college prospect. ITG 9

Jeremiah Littles

JUNIOR Wayne County Yellow Jackets

What do you want for Christmas this year?

In Jesup, junior Jeremiah Littles has become a force in the middle of the defense for the Wayne County Yellow Jackets. The 6’3,” 225-pound inside linebacker was a run-stopping machine for Coach Jody Grooms’ team, helping them to a 6-6 season record, and a perfect 4-0 region mark which made the Jackets champions of Region 3-AAAA. The number one seeding helped them to the second round of the state playoffs.

Unlike Jernigan and McMaster, who were products of the middle school programs, Littles played varsity his freshman and sophomore years at McIntosh County Academy. During the past offseason, Littles moved to Wayne County due to family reasons. He also attended football camps to help him prepare for moving up to varsity full-time.

“I realized that I had to improve on speed and strength and overall playing ability,” he said. “When I went to the camps, I saw all the guys I was competing against.”

He earned a starting position and has played in every game his junior year at Wayne County. Littles prides himself on causing turnovers and tackling ball carriers for losses. To get to that level, Littles put in extra work, including footwork drills and spending days running down a dirt road.

He also became a leader by example.

“I already have a car, so I guess I’ll say a scholarship offer!”

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“Leadership is a big factor on the defensive side of the ball,” Littles said.

This year, Littles had 19 tackles in a single game against the Thomson Bulldogs. Against Oak Leaf High School of Florida, he had 12 tackles (six of them solo), two sacks, four tackles for loss and a pass break-up.

Scholastically, he holds a 3.6 grade point average and would like to study marine biology or computer science in college. So far, he has drawn interest from the University of Mississippi, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Clemson, and Mississippi State. Last season, the Wisconsin Badgers recruited two players, Jeremy Patterson and Krenwick Sanders, from Coach Grooms’ Yellow Jackets. This year the Big Ten team is taking a look at Littles.

He credits his father for the player and person he has become. “He reminds me of things I have to do and keeps me up with what I need to do,” he said. Along with Coach Grooms, defensive coordinator John Creager, and defensive backs coach Jordan Mullis also deserve credit for working closely with Littles on recruiting and making sure he stays motivated.

“Coach Creager changed my work ethic and mentality,” Littles said. “Coach Mullis has had a big impact on my life.

Brandon McMaster

SOPHOMORE Camden County Wildcats

What do you want for Christmas this year?

There were a lot of surprises for the Camden County Wildcats this season, not the least of which was missing the playoffs for the first time in 28 years. One of the more pleasant surprises, however, was the emergence of sophomore Brandon McMaster as a running back threat for the Wildcats. While most of the preseason attention had been focused on senior Antonio Wimbush, McMaster erupted onto the scene and quickly became one of the leading rushers in the rugged Region 1-AAAAAA. At 5’9” and 190 pounds, McMaster runs a 4.6 40-yard dash and is quick to reach full speed. He is an elusive runner who makes tacklers miss. In the weight room, he can bench press 300 pounds, squats 440 pounds, and can power clean 295 pounds.

McMaster started playing football when he growing up in Charleston, South Carolina. He continued playing after his family moved to Camden County. After playing his middle school ball at St. Marys Middle School, he got the opportunity to play as a freshman, seeing limited time at running back.

“We saw him play in middle school. You could tell then that he was a little different than others,” Camden County Coach Welton Coffey said.

This season, McMaster got his first start in the opening game against Lincoln High School of Tallahassee, Florida.

“It was a different level of competition, but all my hard work paid off,” he said. He scored a big touchdown in that game, and within a few games, McMaster was leading Region 1-AAAAAA in rushing and was making a name for himself as a downhill runner and a solid blocker. He finished the year as the region’s number-two rusher with 866 yards.

McMaster prepared to become a regular player by staying positive and being a team player. He credits his coaches and teammates for helping him become an impact player.

“I really look up to Antonio Wimbush,” McMaster says of his senior teammate who is a Division I prospect this year. “He helped me a lot.”

McMaster maintains a solid 3.6 grade point average and would like to attend the University of Florida or Miami; however, he says, it depends on which school offers him a scholarship.

Coach Coffey says McMaster has a great football mentality of attitude and aggressiveness. “I can honestly say he embraces the process of being great in the game of football. You cannot say that about everyone.”

“Clothes and shoes”

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Randon Jernigan

Freshman Brunswick High

What do you want for Christmas this year?

One of the biggest surprises of the year was the play of Brunswick’s Randon Jernigan. The freshman quarterback stepped up at the beginning of the season and developed as a player throughout the year. He became a threat to run or throw for the Pirates’ offense.

Jernigan played quarterback at Risley Middle School in Brunswick, but he mainly ran the ball. He credits Brunswick Coach Victor Floyd for helping him mature quickly so that he could be a leader, even as a freshman.

But all the practice could not prepare him for playing in a real game. He admits to being slightly nervous in his first varsity game. He also noticed that the famously mentioned “Friday night lights” were not on because early season games often start in the daytime; the lights are not turned on until it begins to get dark, which can be as late as halftime in some games.

“I wanted them on because that’s what everybody talks about,” he said. “Once the lights came on, it felt natural.” The young quarterback settled in and led the Pirates to a 42-6 victory over McIntosh County Academy.

By the third game of the season, Jernigan and the Pirates were ready to go head-tohead against state power Camden County.

He threw two touchdown passes, one a

“I just want to have another Christmas with my family. I never ask for anything.”

12

76-yarder to Shawn Smith, and had 185 yards passing and 55 yards rushing to push the Wildcats deep into the third quarter.

He continued to improve and led the Pirates to a playoff spot, but that is where the story turns sad. In the final game of the regular season, Jernigan suffered a high ankle sprain against the Ware County Gators. The injury was serious enough that Coach Floyd declared him ineligible for the Pirates’ first road playoff game against Stockbridge, who defeated the Pirates and ended their season.

At 5’10” and 160 pounds, Jernigan is still growing and plans to hit the weight room hard during the offseason. It won’t be long before colleges begin taking notice of Jernigan, but for now that doesn’t concern him.

“I’m not worried about that right now,” he said.

As for his classroom achievements, Jernigan’s first semester report card was all A’s with the exception of one B. “It was the first B of my life,” he said.

As long as he keeps up his grades and work ethic, coaches say, the sky is the limit as to where he can go.

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Academic Athlete sponsored by:

Tristan Yeomans Ware County High School

Yeomans applies skill on field and in the classroom

by John Wood

W

are County High School Senior Tristan Yeomans fully understands the age-old athletic maxim that power, not just speed, comes through the legs. Yeomans has developed a skill set that is conjoined, though not exactly common.

Playing for the Gators’ football team, Yeomans plays both ways as a wide receiver and free safety, where he had a decent season catching the ball. However, serving as the long snapper is one of his strongest assets, as he learns how to use his legs and hands in unison together to fire a perfect

photography by Bo Carter

spiral to the kicker.

Though his father, Tony, is the head baseball coach at Ware County High School, Tristan ended up choosing golf as his spring sport. In the spring, Yeomans is able to use that same coordination to hit long, straight drives and crisp irons into the green for scoring opportunities.

“My dad being a coach has made me more competitive, not only in sports but also in life. He taught me to keep God first in my life, and that everything else would fall into place,” Yeomans said.

Ware County has always been a very

strong football program, but the Gators got a stronger test this past year when the GHSA moved Coffee County and Brunswick back to Class AAAAA. The Gators were tested throughout the season but did not falter, finishing 10-0 and claiming the Region 3-AAAAA title. However, Mays High School, near Atlanta, ended the Gators’ hopes of making it back to the Georgia Dome.

“I believe that Ware County excels in all sports for several reasons; the quality of the athletes that are here, the knowledge that each coach possesses in their individual sport, and the high expectations of athletes 15

that the coaches demand. Last, but not least, is the weight room here at Ware County. We are second-to-none in the weight room; each athlete is required to lift weights,” Yeomans said.

The loss to Mays certainly does not take away the undefeated season or the fact that Gators spent a large amount of the regular season ranked number one in Class AAAAA. First-year head coach Franklin Stephens and his return to fundamentals created some great memories for Yeomans and the other seniors on the team.

For Tristan, the Coffee game is the one that stands out on his mind as one of his favorite games this past season. He had a pair of catches for twenty yards, including a 16yard catch and three solo tackles from his free safety position.

“I played both ways that night, made several tackles on defense, and had a couple of receptions on offense to help our team.

The most important thing is that we won the game,” Yeomans said.

In the classroom, Yeomans’ intensity and hard work is not any different than one would expect on the field. He currently has a 4.0 grade point average, and his favorite subjects are math and history. One of his goals is directly related to working hard in the classroom. Tristan’s end goal is to finish with a doctorate in education.

“My academic goals are to graduate from college with honors and eventually earn a doctorate in education,” Yeomans said.

As for college options, he is looking at the University of Georgia, Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, and North Georgia University in Dahlonega.

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Yeomans still hopes to continue to play football as a long snapper, which is a skill position that colleges seek to fill every year.

Being the son of a coach, he has learned how hard he has to work on the field but also learning, knowing, and understanding the game is a major part of the equation that leads to athletic success.

Long snapping is a perfect example of the importance of being mentally tough on the football team, since the entire play essentially hinges on the accuracy of the long snapper getting an accurate snap to the kicker.

“I have looked at sports in a more mental way. I believe that mental toughness is necessary to be successful in any sport,” Yeomans said.

Tristan understands that he has been blessed to play in a program like Ware County and wants to make sure that he and his teammates leave a legacy that will inspire underclassmen to continue to play to be the best.

“My legacy at WCHS is to set an example on and off the field; to be someone who gets it done in the classroom and on the field. I want to be remembered as a hard worker, someone who made a difference at Ware County, and someone who did the right things in life while here,” Yeomans said.

When he is away from sports and school, Tristan enjoys time with family and friends.

He also likes to watch college football on Saturdays.

“First, I want to thank God for giving me everything I have. I also want to thank my family for supporting me in all my endeavors, and all of my coaches pushing me to make me better in sports and life,” Yeomans said. ITG

16 16

Impact Players Caleb Turner School: Pierce County High School Class: 2015 Righty or Lefty? Righty Car or truck? Ford F-150

Favorites:

Snack: Oatmeal Cream Pies Food: Potato Salad Drink: Mountain Dew Pro Team: Baltimore Ravens College Team: Alabama Pro Player: Richard Sherman Movie: 300 Movie star: Adam Sandler Video game: NCAA 14 School subject: Literature

Superpower you would like to have? Mind reading so I can read the mind of the quarterback Pets: My Chihuahua Place to travel: Dominican Republic Who inspires you and why? My defense because, we play smashmouth football and I know they got my back and I got theirs What do you want for Christmas? College Scholarship

Photo Courtesy of jennifer carter johnson

Adrein Cross School: Glynn Academy Class: 2015 Righty or Lefty? Righty

Car or truck? Truck Superpower you would like to have? Heat Vision

Favorites:

School subject: Math Pets: None Place to travel: Hawaii Who inspires you and why?

My brother, because he played college football and is now coaching What do you want for Christmas? A laptop

Snack: Honey Buns Food: Pizza Drink: Lemonade Pro Team: Green Bay Packers College Team: Oregon Ducks Pro Player: Patrick Peterson Movie: Remember the Titans Movie star: Brad Pitt Video game: Madden 15

Photo Courtesy of gena churchwell

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Katron Folsom School: Bacon County High School Class: 2015 Righty or Lefty? Righty

Favorites:

Snack: Twix Food: Wings Drink: Tea Pro Team: Detroit Lions College Team: Ohio State Movie: Remember the Titans Movie star: Will Smith Video game: GTA 5 School subject: Math Photo Courtesy of andre heflin

Steven Wright School: Ware County High School Class: 2015 Righty or Lefty? Righty

Car or truck? Truck Superpower you would like to have?

Invincibility

Favorites:

Video game: Call of Duty School subject: Math Pets: Dogs Place to travel: Germany Who inspires you and why?

My mother inspires me because she is my guiding light.

What do you want for Christmas? Power Stroke Ford Truck

Snack: Slim Jim Food: Fried Chicken Drink: Sprite Pro Team: Green Bay Packers College Team: Oregon Ducks Pro Player: Richard Sherman Movie: Saw Movie star: Will Smith

Photo Courtesy of jennifer carter johnson

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Car or truck? Car Superpower you would like to have? Speed Pets: Snakes Place to travel: Hawaii Who inspires you and why?

Calvin Johnson, because he’s a reciever with explosive speed and game breaking abilities What do you want for Christmas? 2015 Dodge Challenger

Bacon County

Raiders

Football Season Ends in Playoffs

by Rob Asbell

Football season came to an end in the playoffs for the Bacon County Red Raiders. In Coach Ken Cofer’s first season in Alma, he guided the Red Raiders to the postseason for just the sixth time in 24 years. With a 6-4 regular season record, Bacon County qualified as the third seed from Region 2-AA. This season, Coach Cofer brought in a spread offense that averaged 30 points per game and scored more than 40 on four occasions. The team’s only losses this season were to playoff teams, Pierce County, Charlton County, Benedictine and Vidalia. They were led by seniors Drell Green and receiver Katron Folsom. Green is

still catching the attention of college recruiters from Florida State, Missouri and the University of Georgia. The 6’0,” 182-pound Green plays quarterback for the Red Raiders, but he is being recruited as a defensive back.

The Red Raiders won five of their last six games to get into the playoffs, where they fell to the Brooks County Trojans in Quitman. Bacon County’s Folsom had three receptions for 135 yards and a touchdown in the 24-17 loss.

Folsom plays receiver, running back and safety on the football team, and he is also a member of the Red Raiders’ basketball team where, at 6’2”, he is usually found in the low post.

With football coming to an end, winter sports will take over at Bacon County. The boys and girls’ basketball teams of Coach Derrick Green have already started their seasons with home games against Wayne County and Appling County in late November.

Meanwhile, the Red Raiders’ wrestling team of Coach Thomas McCullough got started in early December.

Bacon County Raiders 2014-2015 Varsity Basketball Schedule NOV 25 NOV 29 DEC 5 DEC 9 DEC 12 DEC 13 DEC 16 DEC 19 JAN 6 JAN 9 JAN 13 JAN 16 JAN 20 JAN 23 JAN 24

WAYNE HOME APPLING HOME BENNEDICT/St. V. (Ppd). HOME JEFF DAVIS HOME MCINTOSH AWAY APPLING AWAY VIDALIA AWAY BRYAN HOME LONG HOME GROVES AWAY JEFF DAVIS AWAY MCINTOSH HOME VIDALIA HOME BRYAN AWAY WAYNE AWAY

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Coach’s Corner Ken Cofer Bacon County High School

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Cofer Builds Success Through Family and Faith

by Rob Asbell

W

hen Coach Ken Cofer took over the football program at Bacon County High School earlier this year, no one knew what to expect. He had been successful in his four previous years at Cook High School in Adel, and there were enough athletes in Alma to put down a solid foundation for a new program. Still, it would be a building process. As the new head coach, Cofer brought in a new system of offense and defense, as well as new ways of doing things.

“The main thing we had to teach the kids was what we wanted to achieve this season and getting them to believe in what we were doing,” Cofer said.

Among the things Cofer wanted was a faster playing style, a new defense, the producing of leaders, and creating a sense of “family,” which is the school’s motto. Bacon County High School is working to build a total athletics program and support every sport at the school. “Everyone here is close,” Cofer said.

His coaching philosophy is simple, yet goes well beyond basic game preparation.

“Our kids understand to keep God first, and that they’re meant for greatness in their lives by keeping Him first,” Cofer said. “Greatness, to us, is doing something positive with our lives, such as being a good father and husband, joining the military, going into business and taking it to new heights, or going to college or tech school. We believe that if we can do those things, we’ll win in all facets of life.”

photos coutesy of The News Courier

Cofer grew up in Paulding County, west of Atlanta, and attended the University of West Georgia in Carrollton. He had two coaching influences while he was coming up. The first was his father, Mike, who was head coach at Louisville High School in Jefferson County.

He spent countless hours watching eightmillimeter game films with him and preparing for the next opponent.

“His non-stop work ethic, loyalty, and his dedication for 30 years is something I hope to match by the time my career is over,” Cofer said.

His other mentor was former Irwin County coach Ross New, who helped Cofer when he accepted the head coaching job at Cook High School in 2010.

“I never would have made it without him by my side. Other than my dad, Coach New is the most influential person for me,” Cofer said.

His most memorable moment this season was the culmination of the whole year, as he watched the players becoming more of a team each week. The Red Raiders started the season 1-3, but then won five of their last six to make the state playoffs as the three-seed from Region 2-AA. After a season that included an appearance in the state football playoffs, Cofer says the one game he would like to play again is the Red Raiders rivalry against Pierce County.

This season’s edition was filled with controversy, but ended before Bacon County could complete a come from behind drive. Cofer

would like to have played the Bears later in the season so that his players would have more experience in what they were doing.

Coach Cofer continued his personal playoff streak this season by earning the third seed in the postseason. His teams made the playoffs in each of the four seasons he coached at Cook High School, and his entry with Bacon County makes it five years in a row.

“It’s important in selling a winning attitude.

We always want to go beyond the first round, but installing a ‘swagger’ in the program is the beginning,” Cofer said.

In 2010, Cofer led Cook to a 12-1 record and lost to eventual state-champion Buford.

He has an overall record of 38-20. This season, he helped Bacon County rebound from a losing season in 2013 and a return to the playoffs.

Following his first season in Alma, Cofer says his biggest surprise has been the community support the Red Raiders have received.

“Everyone here wants a winner, but enjoys the fact that we speak the word of God here and always will,” he said. “Administrative and Board of Education support is great as well.

This is a great place to live and work.” ITG

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Photography By Jennifer Carter johnson

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Pierce County

Bears

The Award Winning Sound of Silver Marching Band

by Ivy Young

“I’ve never been surrounded by a more outstanding group of students in the Sound Of Silver Marching Band. They have inspired me to perform to the best of my ability, and never fail to amaze me with their hard work and commitment. I am so proud of everything that we have accomplished this marching season and can’t wait to watch as they succeed in the years to come,” says Drum Major Brianna King. The 2014-15 Sound Of Silver Marching Band competed in three competitions this year and hosted one of their own. The first competition was the Coffee Marching Invitational, in Coffee County. Here, the band received Best In Class awards in the following areas: Dance, Drum Major, Percussion, Band, Majorette, and Color Guard. In the Maroon Division, they received first place in Drum Major, Percussion, Dance Line, Majorette, Colorguard, and Band. They also received High Danceline and placed first Runnerup. At the Heart of Georgia Invitational in Warner Robins the band earned a Superior in Drum Major,

Band, and Dance Line, and an Excellent in Color Guard and Percussion. Best in Class awards for Band, Dance Line, Color Guard, and Drum Major.

Both the Drum Major and Dance Line received second Best in contest. The Band received overall 6th place. The final competition of the season took place at Statesboro High School. At The East Georgia Marching Band Championship the SOS won Superiors in Drum Major, Dance Line, Percussion, and Band. The Dance Line won Best in Class. The Band won first place in Class AAA. The Sound of Silver Invitation was also successful. Pierce County High School hosted 24 bands, and ran behind schedule only once. Creekview High School took the Grand Champion award home from the SOS Invitational.

Much time and hard work have been put into this band season by both students and directors, and many memories were made. Senior mellophone section leader, Daniel Beaudry, stated “I love each and everyone of the mellophone

players in my sections. They inspire me to reach greater heights in my own life. The memories and friendships I have made this year will effect me for the rest of my life.” Though marching band season has come to an end does not mean band has come to halt. The SOS Marching Band will perform in Pierce County’s Christmas parade and Martin Luther King Day parade.The symphonic and jazz band will perform joyous Christmas tunes this December at their annual Christmas Concert. Also, band will be taking an end of the year trip to Washington D.C. during Spring Break 2015. “To put band in as few words as possible, band is extraordinary.” says Band President, James Howard. “Without band my high school years would not be as entertaining , nor rewarding. The lessons that I have learned in band have helped me in many aspects of my life. Mr.Edwards makes sure that even if you don’t learn anything musically, you learn life lessons. Things that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

pline to do what you know you should do, even when you don’t feel like doing it.” Many goals have been set for the season; such as having two state champions and two additional state placers, along with the team finishing in the top eight at state. At practice, the boys are pushed to do their best and meet their goals by doing conditioning drills and skill development. “We will not be out conditioned by any team” stated

Coach Jernigan. The season can be tough on the body, and because of this, the Pierce County wrestlers are not expected to cut weight but to remain at their normal weight. Over the Christmas holiday, the team will be headed to Tennessee to wrestle. Out of 35 members there are 6 seniors: Lorenzo Clark, LJ Fullard, Carter Malone, Chago Ramirez, Tyler Wilby, and Kody Wolfe.

PCHS WRESTLING

by Ivy Young

Pierce County High School’s winter sports have finally begun. The 2014-15 wrestling team has 35 members and 6 coaches.Head coach is Brandon Jernigan, Lovett Young is chaplain, Berry Henderson, Lawrence Petrowicz and Renard Matthews are assistant coaches, and David Lanier is the middle school head coach.

Brandon Jernigan says that “one of the most important keys to success is having the disci-

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Waycross • 912.449.7600

Bennett has potential to make a quick impact

by John Wood photography by Jennifer Carter Johnson

Rising Star

sponsored by:

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Beau Bennett Brantley County Middle School

ocial media has been one of the greatest advantages for young athletes that want to take advantage of their potential. Brantley County Middle School quarterback Beau Bennett is a perfect example, and when you look at his highlight page you can understand why. Bennett is only in his second year of football and already expected to make a huge impact when he is a freshman at Brantley County High School.

In his final middle school season, the eighthgrader rushed for 1,138 yards on 147 carries, scoring 17 total touchdowns. Besides leading the Herons under center, he also plays special teams as a kick and punt returner. He returned a kickoff for a touchdown against Jeff Davis and also racked up five more rushing touchdowns, finishing the game with 219 yards on the ground off 25 carries and six touchdowns.

“Last year as a seventh-grader, Beau started at the halfback position,” said Brantley County head football coach Timmy Smith. “This season, we moved him to quarterback more for his ability to run the ball. Beau runs the ball extremely hard and doesn’t avoid contact. Injuries on the offensive line forced us to rely on Beau even more.”

Bennett wears the number 22 as a quarterback, which is a very distinct trait. The jersey number originally designated Bennett at his halfback position, but he kept the number when he assumed the position of quarterback this season. The only other quarterback at any level to wear the same number is Doug Flutie, who won a Heisman Trophy in 1984 while attending Boston College.

Lined up in the shotgun on the Brantley County 45-yard line, Bennett took the snap and cut through Ware County Middle School’s defensive line and into the second level before getting to the rail of the sideline. Bennett ran through a mass of opposing tacklers trying to corral him and even stumbled around the 20-yard line before regaining his footing and making into the end zone.

A week earlier, the Herons were winless, but a Bennett-inspired offensive attack helped Brantley defeat Pierce County Middle School, who had been unbeaten to that point. In the first win of the season for Brantley County Middle School, Bennett was a scoring machine. He had three touchdowns from 35, 36, and six yards out. On the day, he had 221 yards rushing and

276 total offensive yards.

“Beau’s work ethic is great,” Coach Smith said. “He can bench over 200 pounds. He squats over 300, cleans close to 200, and runs a 4.9 40-yard dash.”

When Bennett looks back on his eighthgrade football season, he certainly smiles from the enjoyment of his time on the gridiron at the middle school level, but he will be ready to suit up for the Brantley County Herons High School football team next season.

“Some of my best memories so far from my eighth-grade year are playing quarterback for Brantley County Middle School and being able to score touchdowns. My teammates are the main reason that I have a chance to score. Their blocking up front gives me an opportunity to be able to find an opening to run the football, which is something that I really enjoy,” Bennett said.

Though Bennett is a quarterback by position, his favorite player is University of Georgia’s freshman running back Nick Chubb.

Just a year removed from the prep game, Chubb was the leading running back in the state of Georgia at Cedarville High School.

Bennett likes the absolute power and resolve

that Chubb shows when he is running the ball.

“Even though I am a quarterback, I love watching Chubb run the ball. He is very dominating with the way he runs. I also like his physicality. I don’t necessarily run into the opposition to get tackled, but I don’t avoid contact either. I am a diehard Georgia Bulldog fan too,” Bennett said.

Named Most Athletic among his classmates at Brantley County Middle School, Bennett also excels in other sports. In addition to his gridiron talent, Bennett continues to hone his skills as a member of the Brantley County Middle School track team.

Off the field, he lists science as his favorite subject. When Bennett is away from school and sports, he enjoys fishing and quiet, in addition to hanging out with family and friends.

“Beau is one of the most unassuming players that I have ever coached; maybe because this is only his second year of playing organized football,” Coach Smith said. “He leads by example. He shows up every day to practice ready to prepare for the next game.

Our coaching staff looks forward to seeing Beau perform at the next level.” ITG

Jeff Davis: 219 yards on 25 carries. 5 rushing TDs, 1 KO return TD. Arthur Williams: 101 yards on 16 carries. 1 rushing TD. Waycross: 121 yards on 28 carries. 1 rushing TD. Pierce: 221 yards on 29 carries. 3 rushing TDs. Bacon: 232 yards on 32 carries. 3 rushing TDs. Ware: 244 yards on 17 carries. 3 rushing TDs.

Gators Football Ends, Basketball and Wrestling Begin

by Rob Asbell

round, the Gators were surprised by Mays High School out of Atlanta, who ended Ware County’s run at 11-1. The Gators will lose 21 seniors from this year’s squad but still look to be a state contender again next year.

Meanwhile, Coach Tre Hill’s basketball team rolled out to a season-opening victory over Wayne County in Jesup. The Gators downed the Yellow Jackets 68-51 and were led by Keyshon Leonard, who had 29 points.

Following regular season play, including contests against several region foes, the Gators are scheduled to play in the McDonald’s Invitational in Tifton the day after Christmas and will return to Tift County for the Martin Luther King Classic in January.

Mandy Lingenfelter’s Lady Gators also tipped off their season in Jesup but fell to the Lady Jackets 51-37, despite Bryanna Wilson’s 16-point effort. Wilson also had 11 points as Ware County fell to Dodge County in the Hugh McBride TipOff Classic Basketball Tournament.

The next day, they got their first win of the

new season with a 35-34 come from behind victory over the Bryan County Lady Redskins. The Lady Gators are scheduled to play in the Christmas Tournament at Brewton Parker College in Mt. Vernon this month.

Coach Joe Eichfeld’s Gator wrestling team got started in November, hosting the Swamp Duals. Wrestlers from Camden, Valdosta, Effingham County, Glynn Academy, Tift County, and Brunswick took part in the meet. The Gators also won the Buddy Duals in Effingham County for the second year in a row. They went to 11-4 on the season after going 4-0 and winning the first annual Turkey Brawl at the Beach hosted

by Glynn Academy. The round robin tournament also included Brantley County, Brunswick, Coffee County, Richmond Hill, Statesboro and Treutlen County.

The wrestling team’s schedule for December includes the Yellow Jacket Invitational at Jeff Davis High School, the Rebel Invitational at Effingham County High School, and the Fitzgerald Invitational on December 20.

Photos Courtesy of the Ware County Athletic Dept.

Following an unprecedented run through the schedule, Ware County’s Cinderella season ended in the second round of the state football playoffs in November. The Gators were a perfect 10-0 in the regular season for the first time in school history and also held the state’s number one ranking for the first time.

It was a year of firsts for the Gators, who welcomed new Coach Franklin Stephens this year.

Coach Stephens brought in a high-scoring offense to go along with a ball-hawking defense that gave up fewer than 100 points during the regular season. The offense averaged almost 35 points per game prior to the playoffs.

The season started with victories over Brooks County and Manatee, Florida. The Gators then ran the table on region foes Coffee County, Richmond Hill, Bradwell Institute, Effingham County, Statesboro, South Effingham, Glynn Academy and Brunswick. Ranked at the top of the state polls, Ware County entered the playoffs as the top seed and champion of Region 3-AAAAA. After defeating Starr’s Mill in the first

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Camden County

Wildcats

Another Swish for Camden Basketball

by Caitlin Annunziata

Since football has come to an end in Camden County, fans are now focusing their support their on the boys in blue on the courts! Camden County basketball is now in season and ready to dominate the region. Coach Billy Moore closes a winning, undefeated region season with girls’ volleyball and is ready to do the same with his Wildcat boys!

The Camden County boys’ basketball team held a preseason scrimmage with McIntosh County Academy. The game kept its high energy pace throughout all four quarters, ensuring that the Buccaneers will remember the night they played the Wildcats. The varsity Wildcats were able to produce a 56-43 lead after the third quarter, allowing the JV team to score an additional 23 points in the fourth quarter. Competing against the 2-AA Bucca-

neers was Tarel Grant, a senior at CCHS, who had nine points, along with fellow players Ean Johnson and Logan Ballard. More Cats joined on the scoring fest with Jaylen Dixon and Darryl Johnson having seven points apiece. Jonathan Canada scored six points, followed by Dewayne Artwater getting five points.

Jaylen Dixon succeeded with a Corner Trey shot, making the game 21-12 which became 2317 by the end of the quarter with Camden on top.

Grant was able to make a three-point shot which then moved Camden even further ahead, putting them at 34-19. Within the final seconds before intermission, Daryl Johnson converted a three-point shot, stretching the lead even more by halftime, ending at 47-30.

The JV cats, coached by Brian Benton, kept the same energy from the first half into the second half, not allowing McIntosh to gain any points until a minute remained. Eric Southers gained seven points while C.J. Sullivan and Courtney Jackson had four points. Brandon Shelton and Andrew Young also had three-pointers. The Wildcats will take on West Nassau in the opening game of the season on November 21.

This is only the beginning of Camden basketball.

They are on the road to victory as they are starting off their season strong. The boys in blue will be playing West Nassau as their season-opening game and will bring the same energy from their game vs McIntosh.

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Jordan Leads the Way in His Final Season

by John Wood

photography Jeffrey Griffith Glynn by Academy

T

Most Improved Player sponsored by:

Anfernee Jordan 32

here is no question that Wayne County senior running back Anfernee Jordan is talented. Jordan simply needs to watch college football on Saturday or scan the Division I media guides to see the success that he and his Yellow Jacket teammates have brought to Jesup over the past few years.

Jordan was an integral part of the run that ended one game shy of a Georgia Dome appearance in the Class AAAA title game. With a bench press close to 300 pounds and squatting 380 pounds, Jordan has become one of the key players for Wayne County in his senior season.

As a sophomore, Jordan was predominantly a strong safety, but moved to the backfield his junior year.

It was a shared stage in the Yellow Jackets backfield, but Jordan certainly had his share of rushing duties. During that junior year he also ended up being a First Team All-Region selection.

“Last season we had so many different weapons that we could use offensively. Teams would crowd the box and we could throw on them all day long and also be able to have a strong running game,” Jordan said.

Jordan only averaged around seven carries per game as a junior and around 750 yards total, but he still scored 20 touchdowns in a year that Wayne County shattered school and state scoring records.

Graduation hit the Yellow Jackets hard, with the Class of 2014 sending seven players to the next level.

Jordan knew early on in 2014 that the expectations for him would be extremely high.

“All of the coaching staff was telling me that I was going to have be the work horse my senior year. I had to be ready to step up, because it was going to be on my shoulders once the season got here. I worked harder than I ever have in the weight room last summer getting ready for this season,” Jordan said.

Those seven carries a game Jordan had in his junior year became 25-30 carries per game. On average, a high school offense will run somewhere between 60-70 plays in a game, so Jordan was accounting for more than half of the Yellow Jackets’ offense in the 2014 campaign.

Changing regions this year, Wayne was forced to fill holes created by no longer playing the Augusta portion of the sub-region schedule. Though the Yellow Jackets play a tough schedule anyway, the 2014 non-conference matchups were brutal. Jordan’s legs helped get Wayne through a rocky 2-5 start before Wayne County started to turn things around.

“Glynn Academy was tough for us. Defensively we played well, but we made a lot of offensive mistakes. I didn’t have a very good game against Glynn. I had 24

Known to friends as “Dubbs,” Williams can bench press 335 pounds and runs the middle of the line. The Glynn Academy Center has an innate ability to clear holes in the line for running backs.

carries and only 57 yards,” Jordan said.

When the Yellow Jackets finally grabbed their first win against rival Statesboro, they started to gain confidence.

“I kept building up the offensive line, because they were the ones that made the holes for me. That’s what changed from me getting only 50 or 60 yards off of 25 carries to 150-200 yards per game. The real turning point for us was playing against Oak Leaf, Florida. Even though we didn’t win, we played very tough on both sides of the ball, and that built confidence for us. I had 130 yards and two touchdowns against Statesboro and our quarterback, Nick Belz, had a couple of hundred yards passing, so it helped us get back on track,” Jordan said.

Once Wayne County opened region play, there was no stopping the Yellow Jackets, who tore through each opponent until it came down to a contest between Wayne and Burke County to determine the outright region title winner.

“I’ve been playing against Burke ever since my sophomore year. They have beaten us for the region title the last four years. When we went up there, we would have a chance to beat them this year. They beat us for the title and celebrated on our field, so we wanted to have a chance to take the outright region title,” Jordan said.

Jordan got his 25 carries a game against Burke, including an 85-yard touchdown run.

Wayne trailed Burke at the half, but battled through and grabbed its first region title against Burke County.

“It was a great win to come from behind; but even better was that this is my senior year.

Obviously, our goal was to get to the Georgia Dome. We weren’t able to get there this year, but it was great to win the region title, and to do

it on Burke County’s field made it even better.”

Though Sandy Creek stopped the Yellow Jackets’ quest to make the quarterfinals in consecutive seasons, Jordan left an imprint on Wayne County’s program. Wayne has not made back-to-back appearances in the state quarterfinals since Georgia star receiver Lindsay Scott was a Yellow Jacket in 1975 and 1976.

Jordan ran for two touchdowns and 118 yards to grab the Region 3-AAAA title for Wayne County against region power Burke County. In the Yellow Jackets’ first-round victory against Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy, Jordan ran for 126 yards on 24 carries. He scored both of the team’s touchdowns in the 14-6 win. Coming into the Sandy Creek game, Jordan had 1,167 yards on the year, along with 20 touchdowns in 12 games.

“Anfernee Jordan had an amazing season for us. He worked last winter and spring, and transformed his body completely. Anfernee became an every-down running back that could catch the ball out of the backfield. He became a major weapon for us and became one of the kids that we knew we could depend on when things were not going well. Anfernee was a two-year starter and a major contributor to our success during both of our playoff runs,” Wayne County head coach Jody Grooms said.

A number of different schools are looking at Jordan, including Savannah State University, Clemson, Albany State, Shorter, Carson-Newman, and the University of Idaho.

“I really want to thank Coach Grooms, my position coach, Coach Davis, and my teammates, especially Cody Washington, Nick Belz, and Cameron Padgett,” Jordan said. ITG

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Bradwell Institute

Tigers

Bradwell Trades the Gridiron for the Hardwood

by John Wiood

freshmen and sophomores. When you lose seven seniors you have to rebuild, and that’s were we are right now,” Hellgren said.

Bradwell also must adopt a disciplined offense and defense because the Tigers suffer from lack of height. However, one of the brands that Hellgren’s team proudly wears is the fact that they play a very aggressive attacking man-toman defense and are constantly trying to work and make passes to find the best shot.

“We are really young, but we just got to keep getting better. One good thing as a staff these younger players have been taught the same system and understand the expectations that are on them as members of the varsity team,” Hellgren said.

Bradwell opened the season against county rival Liberty. The Panthers were playing without four key players since their football team was

playing AAAA defending state champion Griffin in the first round of playoffs.

It was fast-paced game from the beginning, but the Panthers proved too much for Bradwell in the end, 66-44.

Just as the schools were getting out for the Thanksgiving, they met for a rematch, but the results were the same. Liberty defeated the Tigers again, 63-42.

The Lady Tigers have been going through some rebuilding, also. Bradwell’s girls’ team has long been one of perennial powers in the region.

Returning seniors Javaughna Claridy and Jakira Fleming and junior Brianna Johnson are key players that have helped the Lady Tigers get to a 2-0 start.

Bradwell defeated Liberty twice before beginning region play this week against the Effingham County Lady Rebels.

Bradwell Institute

The rebuilding effort for the Bradwell Tigers will continue from the gridiron to the basketball court. Coming off a very successful campaign in 2013, the Tigers got very close to making it to the second round of the AAAAA state tournament.

A close loss to Bainbridge ended their season, and Bradwell Instuttue head coach Rhett Hellgren graduated seven seniors that had been the nucleus of the program that he took over in 2012.

Hellgren had a couple of players from last year’s squad that are playing at the next level.

Since graduation hit the Tigers so hard, Hellgren is in the middle of rebuilding.

Kendrick Harris-Bennett is the Tigers’ lone upperclassman starter with the rest of the varsity being made up by freshman and sophomores.

“Right now we are trying to play AAAAA basketball with a varsity team that is full of

35

Wayne County’s Winning Ways

by John Wood

Legendary Georgia comedian Lewis Grizzard once said about his Georgia education, “People used to say that it was so easy to get a degree from Georgia that all you had to do was drive thru Athens, but it takes more than that, you have to stop first.”

We all know the flagship education UGA gives and Grizzard’s humor but in Wayne County their fall sports could make Grizzard’s claim if grabbing titles. From football to the entire school winning its own The Band Perry private concert by participating in a State Farm contest.

The girls and boys cross country teams won Region 3-AAAA titles as did the Lady Yellow Jackets softball, and the competition cheer leading team also won a title.

Though last season Wayne County missed the a berth into the AAAA state championship game in the final minutes against eventual champion Griffin the Yellow Jackets claimed its first outright region title since 1993.

Losing to Burke County several times over the last years, the Yellow Jackets were thrilled to have an opportunity to play Burke County on its home field for the region title. Seeing The Bears win their last region at the Yellow Jackets was more than enough to make Wayne determined to finally grasp it’s first outright region title which it hadn’t won in nearly two decades.

“Beyond a shadow of a doubt, the win over

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Burke County was special. We have played those guys for the region title the past three years and it was very rewarding to finally get over the hump. That was the first region title in over 20 years,” Wayne County Yellow Jackets Head Coach Jody Grooms said.

Despite a rough start and a grueling non region schedule the Yellow Jackets made it thru their Region 3-AAAA unscathed even tossing a few shutouts along the way.

“There really were not any major turning points this season. We started a different lineup every single week of the season. We had more injuries this year than I can ever remember.

We happened to start playing well around midseason. Our younger kids started to grow up, become major contributors, and make plays on a more consistent basis,” Grooms said.

The tough start and schedule forced a Grooms to make some early changes. Those changes took a 1-4 team in the first half and spurred them to a Sweet 16 finish.

“Due to mass injuries, our younger kids got better. Our depth improved and we grew closer as a unit. We were 1-4 at one time during the season and the kids never wavered. They worked, competed, and ended up making to the sweet 16 of the 4-AAAA play-offs,” Grooms said.

The Yellow Jackets will still lose a number of

players due to graduation but return over half of the offensive and defensive starters that will give the Yellow Jackets solid offseason footing.

“We finished the season with 15 seniors. We will return 8 starters on defense and 7 starters on offense. We are extremely excited about what the future holds.

We just have to figure out a way to stay healthy. We struggled all year with one injury after the next. Hopefully, those things run in cycles and will cycle to another school next year,” Grooms said.

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