In the Game Southeast Georgia December 2016 Magazine

Dual-Threat Pirate Wiley Golden

The Surrency Flash Keyshawn Walker

Hungry for Pancakes Tra’shawn Bacon

Blindsided by the Game Matt LeZotte

Delivering the Goods GAME SOUTHEAST GEORGIA

$4.00 / Issue

IN THE

December 2016

Mikel Collins, Stetson Bennett, Jemar Lincoln, & Jaalon Frazier

Seventh Annual In the Game Sports Network Southeast Georgia High School Football Awards Banquet Monday, December 12,2016 6:30 PM Waycross City Auditorium Partner with In the Game as we gather to celebrate Southeast Georgia’s top football players and coaches from the 2016 season. Joined by their families and fellow fans, we look forward to recognizing the outstanding efforts, achievements, and futures of these remarkable people.

Limited Seating Available: $50 per pair | $30 per individual Sponsor Tables Available

AWARDS:

Forward Progress Award Academic Player of the Year Player Spotlight MVP Award Defensive Player of the Year Coach of the Year Offensive Player of the Year Middle School Player of the Year Spirit Award

For more information contact Shawn Smoak: shawn@itgsportsnetwork.com

Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab 2004 Pioneer St. Waycross, GA 31501 912-284-2410 phone 912-284-2386 fax

Neurology 1921 Alice St., Suite B4 Waycross, GA 31501 912-285-5690 phone 912-285-1753 fax

Primary Care 1921 Alice St., Suite B4 Waycross, GA 31501 912-490-0722 phone 912-490-7227 fax

Cardiology 2004 Pioneer St. Waycross, GA 31501 912-284-2460 phone 912-284-2389 fax

Obstetrics & Gynecology 505 City Blvd.

Waycross, GA 31501 912-490-2229 phone 912-490-9023 fax

Pulmonary Medicine 2005 Pioneer St., Suite C Waycross, GA 31501 912-338-9704 phone 912-338-9758 fax

Express Care 1921 Alice St., Suite A4 Waycross, GA 31501 912-283-5616 phone 912-287-0788 fax

Occupational Medicine 1921 Alice St., Suite A3 Waycross, GA 31501 912-283-3136 phone 912-287-0788 fax

Radiation Oncology 1451 Church St. Waycross, GA 31501 912-490-9729 phone 912-283-7337 fax

Family Psychiatry 1707-A Boulevard Sq. Waycross, GA 31501 912-490-0078 phone 912-490-0083 fax

Ophthalmology & Optometry 413 Lister St. Waycross, GA 31501 912-490-0041 phone 912-490-0042 fax

Satilla Advocacy Services 1908 Tebeau St. Waycross, GA 31501 912-285-7355 phone 912-283-4570 fax

Hematology/Oncology 1706 Alice St. Waycross, GA 31501 912-490-4673 phone 912-490-4674 fax

Orthopedics 305 Pineview Dr. Waycross, GA 31501 912-283-8444 phone 912-283-7132 fax

Satilla Care Center 1600 Riverside Ave. Waycross, GA 31501 912-283-1182 phone 912-285-1554 fax

Multi-specialty Physician Office 316 South Shirley Ave. Douglas, GA 31533 912-383-0815 phone 912-383-0826 fax

Outpatient Laboratory 1921 Alice St., Suite A2 Waycross, GA 31501 912-284-2335 phone 912-283-8788 fax

Surgery (General & Vascular) 1908 Alice St. Waycross, GA 31501 912-338-6010 phone 912-287-2796 fax

111 Colonial Way Jesup, GA 31545 912-810-6296 phone 912-810-5329 fax

Pierce County Nursing Home 221 Carter Ave. Blackshear, GA 31516 912-449-6631 phone 912-449-2640 fax

Hospital 1900 Tebeau St. Waycross, GA 31501 912-283-3030 main

4 | itgsportsnetwork.com

IN THIS

ISSUE

9

17 Pirates Miss Playoffs 18 Busy Season for Chastain in First Season at Helm in Wayne County 23 Softball Makes the State Elite 8 Football Wins Region 31 PCHS Cheerleaders Earn Back-to-Back State Titles Again 38 Camden Football is Focused Going Into the Offseason

ALSO

DELIVERING THE GOODS

Stetson Bennett (Pierce), Mikel Collins (Brantley), Jaalon Frazier (Liberty), & JeMar Lincoln (Ware)

20 Dual-Threat Pirate 32 Blindsided by the Game Wiley Golden, Brunswick High School

26

Impact Players 4 Athletes From Southeast Georgia

Matt LeZotte Richmond Hill High School

34

The Surrency Flash Keyshawn Walker Appling Middle School

28

Hungry for Pancakes

Tra’shawn Bacon Glynn Academy

In The Game | 5

FROM THE PUBLISHER

By the time you read this, the high school football season will be over. It was a great run for SEGA. We had 11 out of 18 teams make the state playoff in 2016, with five teams making it all the way to the quarterfinals.

Unfortunately, Glynn, Liberty, Pierce, and Ware all lost their third round games to end their seasons, leaving one survivor to carry the SEGA flag to Atlanta and the Georgia Dome. Robby Robinson and his band of Buccaneers from McIntosh County will have played for their first state title in school history, and let’s hope that we are celebrating their victory and championship title.

The state of Georgia is currently producing a bumper crop of quarterback talent. The nation’s number one rated QB for 2017, Davis Mills, and 2018, Trevor Lawrence, are both Georgia products, and SEGA is no exception when it comes to talent. We look at four senior QBs who have left their own legacy on their fan base and the record books.

Brantley County’s Mikel Collins is the most feared dual-threat QB to step on the football field in SEGA, leading the Herons to just their second playoff appearance in school history. Liberty County’s Jaalon Frazier scored seven TDs in his team region championship-winning game.

Pierce County’s Stetson Bennett IV is now seventh all-time in passing yards in the state of Georgia. Ware County’s JeMar Lincoln has five playoff victories and a region title to his credit after just two seasons with the Gators. They are all impressive QBs, but more importantly, they are all impressive young men.

Coaches talk all the time about team leader. Look at any successful program and you

6 | itgsportsnetwork.com

find good team leaders: that one young man other players respond to and follow into battle. Brunswick High’s tight end / wide receiver Wiley “Tre” Golden is that player for the Pirates.

Coach Larry Harold calls him a role model that young men in the program can look up to and emulate. Golden gets it done not only on the field but in the weight room, at practice, and in the classroom, sporting a solid 3.9 GPA. He’s a leader that any young man looking for success would be happy to follow.

Matt LeZotte left Wayne County as the Yellow Jackets Offensive Coordinator and took the head coaching job at Richmond Hill. He’s charged with the tough task of changing the culture of a program that is poised for greatness but has had limited success. He’s no stranger to the head coaching position or putting programs on the right track. He took over Aquinas in August as head coach and laid the foundation that had them go 14-0 and win a state title in 2013.

Richmond Hill is looking for similar results for the Panthers, and I think they have the right man in place.

You must be quick with a nickname like “The Surrency Flash,” and Appling Middle School QB Keyshawn Walker fits the bill.

I saw Keyshawn and his Ram teammates play for the middle school conference championship this season, and I can attest: Keyshawn is a football player. He plays both offense and defense and continually makes plays for coach Jeremy Smith. I’m not sure who replaces coach J.T. Pollock at Appling County, but they’ll be getting a good one in Keyshawn Walker.

Call me what you want to, but don’t call me late for breakfast.

20

Glynn Academy’s Tra’shawn “Big Breakfast” Bacon would agree to that statement, I’m sure.

Tra’shawn loves “Pancakes”. Not the kind you eat with syrup but the kind a lineman gets on the football field after flattening his opponent. OK, he probably like the ones with syrup too, who doesn’t. I’m partial to Cracker Barrel’s pancakes myself, but I digress. Tra’shawn committed himself to the weight room and the practice field to earn his starting position and one of the senior leaders of the Red Terrors.

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.inthegamesportsnetwork. com and Facebook at www.facebook.com/inthegamesportsnetwork. 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 November edition of ITG

Contributors Publisher Shawn Smoak Editor Mark Dykes Graphics Mandy Douthit Cover Photography Jennifer Carter Johnson Feature Photography Jennifer Carter Johnson Michael Brinson Charles Smith Feature Writers John DuPont Rob Asbell John Wood Copy Editor Cole Parker

Anna Limoges

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 makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisments are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2015 Dykes Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

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DELIVERING

the

GOODS

Written by: John DuPont Photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson

It’s the one thing every coach wants from Santa this Christmas: a strong-armed, mobile signal-caller who always comes through in a pinch. They are guys who can beat you by both running and throwing the ball with instincts and intelligence to match. Southeast Georgia is a prime breeding ground these days for the animal known as the dual-threat quarterback. Here’s a glimpse at four of the region’s finest.

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STETSON BENNETT IV Pierce County High School Coach: Sean Pender 5’11”, 175 pounds Parents: Stetson Bennett III & Denise Bennett 40-yard dash: 4.5 seconds Bench press: 325 pounds Power cleans: 255 pounds Squats: 365 pounds

COLLEGES INTERESTED:

THE SKINNY:

Offers on the table include Columbia, Georgia Southern, Harvard, Mercer, Middle Tennessee, Samford, United States Military Academy (West Point), and Yale.

College coaches would prefer Bennett be a bit taller, but he’s got the arm, the wheels, and the brains to be a viable candidate from D-1 to the Ivy League. A natural scrambler and playmaker, Bennett is already on Pierce’s Mt. Rushmore of quarterbacks and is now among the top 10 career passers in state history with over 8,300 yards. A returning all-state player, he boasts 87 career touchdown passes, including 35 this season. Since taking over as the full-time starter in 2015, Bennett has rushed for over 800 yards with 16 touchdowns and was a prime reason for Pierce’s advancement to the state playoffs this season.

YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY:

MEMORABLE MOMENT:

“Stetson doesn’t intimidate anyone with his size. He just refuses to lose. He is a good teammate and someone who is always trying to make the team better. He brings a positive vibe to practice, and I’d go to war with him any day.” – Kole Kicklighter, PCHS center

“It was probably the entire game when we played Wayne County this year (52-34 Bears victory). My papa, Buddy Bennett, played QB there and played on the Jesup High State Championship team in the 1950s. He was also the head coach there in the 1980s. He died earlier this year, so it meant a lot to me to be able to play over there.”

10 | itgsportsnetwork.com

“SEEING THE FIELD AND EXTENDING PLAYS, I GUESS, ARE PROBABLY MY STRENGTHS.”

COLLEGES INTERESTED:

THE SKINNY:

His wish list includes East Tennessee State, Elon, Georgia State, and West Georgia.

Collins led the Herons to back-to-back winning seasons and the first state playoff berth for BCHS in 10 years. He threw for 1,570 yards and 18 touchdowns this season while rushing for 1,108 yards and 14 scores. He also had two interceptions on defense, including a pick-six that went 90 yards.

Additionally, Collins averaged 38.4 yards as the team’s punter. He threw for 296 yards and five touchdowns while rushing for 206 yards and three scores in a win over Appling County.

YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY:

MEMORABLE MOMENT:

“Not only will Mikel make you miss; he will also run through you.” – Mark Walker, BCHS head coach

Collins cites this year’s game against Pierce County, a 49-43 loss in which he accounted for 450 yards total offense and five touchdowns. Still, he defers credit to several teammates. “We fought hard, but came up short,” Collins said. “The defense played really well, and on offense John Pollard helped me out a lot in that game. He caught a lot of deep balls. Brandon St. Clair stepped up at running back and blocked and ran the ball real hard. Landon Middleton ran the ball very well and blocked well when he needed him.

Luke Hutto did well on defense and offense, where he caught a few passes.”

“I GUESS I’M A DUAL-THREAT QB BECAUSE I CAN RUN AND THROW. SOME SAY I RUN IT BETTER THAN I THROW IT. I CAN READ A DEFENSE PRETTY WELL AND MAKE ADJUSTMENTS IF I NEED TO.”

MIKEL COLLINS Brantley County High School Coach: Mark Walker 5’11”, 190 pounds Parents: Bo and Nikki Collins 40-yard dash: 4.54 seconds Bench press: 320 pounds Power cleans: 300 pounds Squats: 455 pounds

In The Game | 11

“I CONSIDER MYSELF A DUAL-THREAT QUARTERBACK THAT IS CALM UNDER PRESSURE AND SOMEWHAT OF A PLAYMAKER.”

COLLEGES INTERESTED:

THE SKINNY:

YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY:

MEMORABLE MOMENT:

Those taking notice of Lincoln include Cincinnati, Harvard, Middle Tennessee, and the United States Military Academy (West Point). He has also visited Florida State.

Lincoln led Ware County to the semi-finals in 2015, his first as the Gators’ starting signal-caller. This season he helped rally the team from a 2-3 start to win the last four regular season games in a row to launch another state run. The Gators maximized Lincoln’s talents by primarily utilizing a wing-T offense while sprinkling in the read option. His 10game rushing totals include 1,025 yards and 13 touchdowns.

His passing numbers over the same period of time include 778 yards with nine touchdowns and no interceptions while completing 62 percent of his throws. He earned player-of-theweek honors four times. Also an all-region hoops star, he is a heady athlete with claims to Beta Club and National Honor Society.

“JeMar definitely has integrity and is a determined and solidly committed athlete. He’s an exciting player who has great vision on the field, and his ability to make quick decisions helps him to make quick plays for the offense.” – Jerome Lincoln, father “One would be the 2015 state semi-final game against Glynn Academy (a 24-16 Glynn victory) when we drove down to the six-yard line when the game ended. Then I had a 65-yard run against Camden County in the scrimmage this season. That really set the tone for the rest of this season.”

JEMAR LINCOLN Ware County High School Coach: Franklin Stephens 6’1”, 185 pounds Parents: Jerome and Jeanette Lincoln 40-yard dash: 4.5 seconds Bench press: 240 pounds Power cleans: 225 pounds Squats: 405 pounds

12 | itgsportsnetwork.com

JAALON FRAZIER Liberty County High School Coach: Kirk Warner 6’2”, 198 pounds Parents: Lelon and Deborah Frazier 40-yard dash: 4.5 seconds Bench press: 225 pounds Power cleans: 265 pounds Squats: 425 pounds

COLLEGES INTERESTED:

THE SKINNY:

YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY:

MEMORABLE MOMENT:

Frazier’s wish list includes Kennesaw State, Georgia State, Mercer, and South Alabama.

“MY STRENGTHS ARE MY LEADERSHIP ABILITY AND ME OPENING UP THE OFFENSE MORE RUNNING AND THROWING THE BALL. I LIKE WATCHING LAMAR JACKSON (LOUISVILLE) BECAUSE OF HOW HE OPENS UP HIS OFFENSE WITH RUNNING OR THROWING THE BALL AND HAVING GREAT PLAYERS AROUND HIM.”

Frazier helped Liberty to its first ever region title and a 10win season in 2016. The Panthers averaged more than 42 points per game and scored 50 or more on four occasions.

Frazier amassed 2,521 yards passing with 37 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He also rushed for 1,043 yards (8.7 average) with 13 scores.

“He is a very good athlete who is bigger, stronger, and more physical than people give him credit for. He does a great job of keeping his eyes downfield. It’s always hard to get a clean shot on him, and he always finishes his runs leaning forward. He’s the straw that stirs their drink.” – J.T. Pollock, former head coach, Appling County High School Frazier said the region title game against Pierce County ranks No. 1. He had six scoring tosses and one running TD, and he ran for a two-point conversion and passed for another. “I threw two deep passes for touchdowns to Dylan Stewart and Kris Coleman and the two-point conversion to Richard LeCounte,” Frazier said. “Dylan has great hands, great ability to get over and catch the ball, and Kris has great elusiveness and puts one move and has the ability to take it to the house.”

In The Game | 13

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Browning’s Pharmacy In Business For Your Health

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

written by: Rob Asbell

Before the days when there was a major drug store chain on every corner, local, small town pharmacies served customers with a personal touch, taking the time to discuss medications with customers and advising them on when and how it should be taken. Today, that rare customer service and care can be found at Browning's Medical Arts Pharmacy in Waycross.

For years, people have known it as the small town drug store over by the hospital on Alice Street. Browning's Medical Arts Pharmacy opened its doors almost 52 years ago when Emory Browning Jr. was in business. Waycross native Kenny McCarthy bought the business in 1988 and has been serving the area ever since.

"In business for your

health," McCarthy states the pharmacy's motto.

As a registered pharmacist and owner, it's more than just words for McCarthy. He and the staff of Browning's go the extra mile to help people every day. "I like the personal contact and being able to get to know the patients," McCarthy says.

"We are in the community with them." The staff includes Amelia Redick, Cammie Whitley, Laura Sweat, Joy King and Jennette Barrow. "She was there before I was," McCarthy said. Browning's still offers delivery of prescriptions in and around the city limits.

It is the ability to adapt to each patient's needs that give local pharmacies an advantage over large; chain stores that offer cookie-cutter solutions. Give them a few times and before long

Need Last minute Christmas Gift Ideas? See Browning's for UGA merchandise along with Watkins Products, Altamaha River Trading Company items, Magnolia Lane Collection and Melissa And Doug Children Toys.

the staff at Browning's will know your name. The public tends to agree with Browning's concept of personalized service. One posting on Browning's Medical Arts Facebook page touts the service they received. "The staff at Browning's are the best," the posting states. "I just found out that they accept my insurance and I'm so excited that I can now bring my business back to them and not have to deal with a large chain anymore."

In The Game | 15

RENNIE CURRAN Keynote Speaker Rennie Curran is a professional athlete, author, life coach, and one of the top motivational keynote speakers. Rennie uses his platform as a professional athlete to empower audiences by delivering powerful keynote speeches around the country on topics of leadership, teamwork, and personal development. His talks are informative, humorous, and always entertaining. He is based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Rennie is available for: Businesses Churches Associations School Assemblies Commencement Speeches Leadership Summits Sports Teams Workshops and more!

In “Free Agent: The Perspectives of a Young African-American Athlete,� Curran hopes that his experiences will help others who are facing similar crossroads in their journey of life, giving them the inspiration they need to overcome any obstacles they may encounter on the way to finding and attaining their dreams.

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APPLING COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

PIRATES MISS PLAYOFFS Basketball and Wrestling Get Underway Written by: Rob Asbell The Appling County Pirates football team got off to a strong start this season and at one time was ranked in the state's Top 10. The team won four in a row before hitting a four-game losing skid. After falling to state ranked Liberty County, the Pirates ran into a reinvigorated Brantley County team in Nahunta, where Brantley won the shootout 59-45. The following week the Pirates faced Pierce County and their All-Region quarterback Stetson Bennett. The Bears were able to defeat Appling, 38-28, for the first time in four years. With a playoff spot on the line, Appling closed out their hurricane-shortened, nine-game season against Tattnall County. The Pirates needed the region win over the Battle Creek Warriors but were unable to pull out the victory, ending the season with a 24-17 loss.

The Lady Pirates softball team of coach Linsey Tillman fared well this season, finishing as the No. 2 seed in Region 2-AAA. Appling defeated Peach County in the first round of the state playoffs and went on the road to face Region 8's No. 1 seed, the East Jackson Lady Eagles, in Commerce, Georgia. Despite a valiant effort by the Lady Pirates, East Jackson took both ends of the opening doubleheader, 10-1 and 5-1, to win their second round matchup.

Meanwhile, the basketball teams of coach Bryan Weaver and Lady Pirates coach John Roddie started their seasons in late November at home against the Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets, while the wrestling team of coach Mark Green starts grappling in December.

APPLING COUNTY PIRATES BASKETBALL 2016-17 11/26 vs. Jeff Davis County @ACHS 12/03 vs. Bacon County @Alma 12/06 vs. Twiggs County @Jeffersonville 12/09 vs. Brantley County @Nahunta 12/10 vs. Bacon County @ACHS 12/13 vs. Liberty County @Hinesville 12/15 vs. Twiggs County @ACHS 12/17 vs. Jeff Davis County @Hazlehurst 12/20 vs. Toombs County @Lyons 12/27 Vidalia Christmas Tournament @Vidalia 12/28 Vidalia Christmas Tournament @Vidalia 12/29 Vidalia Christmas Tournament @Vidalia 1/06 vs. Long County @ACHS 1/13 vs. Pierce County @Blackshear 1/14 vs. Tattnall County @ACHS 1/17 vs. Brantley County @ACHS 1/20 vs. Liberty County @ACHS 1/21 vs. Charlton County @Folkston 1/24 vs. Tattnall County @Reidsville 1/28 vs. Toombs County @ACHS 1/31 vs. Long County @Ludowici 2/03 vs. Pierce County @ACHS 2/04 vs. Charlton County @ACHS 2/7, 2/9, 2/10 Region Tournament

APPLING COUNTY WRESTLING SCHEDULE 2016-17 12/6 vs. Swainsboro/Vidalia @Swainsboro 12/7 vs. Ware County @Waycross 12/13 vs. Ware/Brantley @ACHS 12/16 Treutlen Tournament @Soperton 12/17 Treutlen Tournament @Soperton 12/19 vs. Swainsboro/Brantley @ACHS 12/20 vs. Telfair @McRae 12/21 vs. Ware/Charlton @Waycross 12/22 Bulldawg Brawl @Toombs County in Lyons 12/23 Bulldawg Brawl @Toombs County in Lyons 1/6 Area Duals @TBA 1/7 Area Duals @TBA 1/10 vs. Dodge County @Eastman 1/12 State Duals @TBA 1/13 State Duals @TBA 1/14 State Duals @TBA 1/17 vs. Telfair/Dodge @ACHS (Senior Night) 1/19 vs. Charlton @Folkston 1/20 Sweet Onion Classic @Vidalia 1/21 Sweet Onion Classic @Vidalia 1/24 vs. Pierce County @Blackshear 1/27 Area Traditional Championship @TBA 1/28 Area Traditional Championship @TBA 2/3 Sectional Traditional @TBA 2/4 Sectional Traditional @TBA 2/9 State Traditional @TBA 2/10 State Traditional @TBA 2/11 State Traditional @TBA

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WAYNE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

BUSY SEASON FOR CHASTAIN IN FIRST SEASON AT HELM IN WAYNE COUNTY Written by: John Wood

The day after the Presidential election, while the rest of the country was trying to figure out how “The Apprentice” moved to1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, others remained unfazed. Alabama head football coach Nick Saban’s sound bite of the day was that he didn’t realize the first Tuesday in November was Election Day. Obviously for him, and for coaches at any competitive level, every day is a day on the campaign trail, and Friday nights and Saturdays carry the weight of an election day.

While Wayne County head football coach Derek Chastain took time to do his civic duty and Post the Peach (vote), he would certainly understand the singular focus that football season brings, especially with being the head coach.

Chastain arrived in Wayne County in the middle of June to a program that had been in limbo without a head coach since the end of spring football. Five months flew by like a

NASCAR at the Daytona 500. The Yellow Jackets ended the season with a loss to Jones County in the first round of the AAAA State Playoffs.

“It’s been a whirlwind,” Chastain said.

“The season just flew by. It seems like I was just filling out the preseason information for In the Game.”

Just a couple of months ago, Chastain was trying to make sure that he had the trip itinerary to go scrimmage Thomasville. Learning to put together travel

“It’s been a whirlwind. The season just flew by.

It seems like I was just filling out the preseason information for In the Game.”

in the school system. As with the kids and coaches, I do believe the relationships were started and got stronger as the year went on.”

Chastain spent years on the gridiron, but a special part of being a head coach is developing relationships with senior players. Regardless of one season spent together or four, a head coach and "I was proud of how they overcame the adversity his seniors are inof the coaching change and the adversity of the tertwined.

“I was proud of start of the season to finish the season with a how they overcame the adver3-1 region record and host a playoff game.” sity of the coachplans along with sched- his players. Learning ing change and the uling pregame meals names and develop- adversity of the start of and activities are the ing relationships were the season to finish the growing pains of a first- just as much a part of season with a 3-1 reyear head coach. the Wayne County pro- gion record and host a “Well, I was lot busier gram as learning a new playoff game,” Chastain than I’ve ever been for offense or looking at a said. “I hate to see them sure,” Chastain said. ”I defensive front change. go because I am just used to wonder why “As all relationships now starting to develop Coach Coffey never do, they get better with the relationships with knew the latest news time,” Chastain said. them.” out there, but now I “We are still developOnly a week out of know why. I feel like ing those relationships the season, Chastain is my head is buried in in the community and already looking at what the sand sometimes.

The biggest thing that became ‘real’ for me is I used to just suggest decisions. Now as the head coach you have to make decisions.”

New job and new responsibilities notwithstanding, it wasn’t just a matter of names across helmets during preseason practice that helped him learn the names of

he wants to accomplish in the weight room and getting ready for spring football.

“We will put an offseason program in and work towards getting a lot stronger,” Chastain said. ”We have some big kids, but they need to be pushed a little harder in the weight room. We will look at camps to attend this summer and make sure we get good competitive work this summer in these camps.”

The players will not be alone in working hard in the offseason.

One of the first things that Chastain plans to do is relive every down of the season, not necessarily grading players but rather grading and critiquing himself.

“I will do a lot of critiquing,” Chastain said.

“As a coach, you always go back and reevaluate and see what you did well and what needs improvement.”

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In The Game | 19

DUALTHREAT PIRATE Written by: Rob Asbell Photos by: Michael Brinson

20 | itgsportsnetwork.com

The offensive line for the Brunswick High Pirates has become known as one of the most talented groups of players in Southeast Georgia. For one member of coach Larry Harold’s massive O-line, it is about making good grades and playing well on Friday nights.

Tre’ Golden, officially Wiley Golden III, is a senior tight end and wide receiver for the Brunswick Pirates. He’s a 6'5", 250-pound, people-moving machine who can also catch the ball.

“The high point of the season for me was when we beat Cook County and I had seven pancake blocks and a touchdown catch,” Golden said.

While a standout on the playing field, Golden is also a standout in the classroom. He believes working hard in the classroom helps him understand plays better and enables him to play multiple receiver positions.

“Wiley Golden is a highly intelligent and hard-working leader on our team,” Harold said. “He has grown into one of the most physically imposing athletes on our team due to his intense work ethic in the weight room.”

The son of Wiley Jr. and Katrina Golden of Brunswick, Wiley III is an all-around athlete. Once football season is completed, he will transition over to play for coach Chris Turner’s Pirate basketball team. His favorite academic subject is biology, and he wants to go into wildlife management and work with the Department of Natural Resources as a wildlife biologist or game warden one day. He likes to be outdoors, and two summers ago he caught a four-foot shark at Overlook Park in downtown Brunswick.

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In the field house he can bench 300 pounds and squat 405. He is a member of the highly-touted offensive line at Brunswick that includes several top college prospects. Golden himself already has an offer to play for Stetson University, and several other schools are looking at him too.

“HE IS A SELFLESS BLOCKING TIGHT END WHO NEVER ASKS FOR THE FOOTBALL, BUT WILL BLOCK OR DO WHATEVER IS NEEDED TO HELP THE TEAM WIN,” HAROLD SAID. “HE CARRIES A 3.9 GPA AND IS THE PERFECT ROLE MODEL FOR THE YOUNG PLAYERS IN OUR PROGRAM.

If Golden’s play in the City Championship game against Glynn Academy was any indication, he will soon have even more offers. Golden nabbed a pass to keep a Brunswick drive going, and then during a two-point PAT attempt, recovered a fumble in a classic “emerge from the bottom of the pile” type play.

“It was crazy,” Golden said. “The only thing that went through my mind was that I’m not getting up without this ball in my hand. It was the most intense play I’ve ever been a part of in a football game.”

22 | itgsportsnetwork.com

The completed twopoint conversion tied the game at 21 in the third quarter and gave the Pirates a chance to come back.

Golden started playing sports at a young age. He played T-ball, basketball, and football in the rec leagues.

“I’ve played football every year besides my sophomore year, and I’ve played basketball every year since eighth grade,” Golden said.

He played junior varsity his freshman season and made his first big play.

“I made the game-winning touchdown catch against Wayne County,” Golden said.

Following his freshman season, Wiley took a year off before he became a starter for the Pirates last season. Now, when he breaks the huddle knowing he will be the

primary target of one of quarterback Jamarius Stevens’ passes, he remains calm.

“I just look at it like, ‘I’ve done this before. It’s nothing new,’” Golden said. “And I think about not letting my team down by dropping the ball.”

One of his biggest catches of the year came against Glynn Academy in this year’s Brunswick City Championship. He ran a crossing pattern but then realized that his quarterback was being pursued by defenders in red and white.

“The catch was like a routine play, and then I saw our QB scramble, so I kept running and got open and made myself a big target for him,” Golden said.

The reception kept a game-tying drive alive.

Despite his big plays on the gridiron, Wiley’s most memorable game was actually in basketball last year when he got his first in-game dunk for the Pirates. Golden lettered in football and basketball last year and was named “Top Pirate” by Harold.

“I’VE GOTTEN BIGGER, FASTER, AND STRONGER,” GOLDEN SAID. “I’VE GAINED MORE FOOTBALL KNOWLEDGE.”

To get to where he is now, Golden worked hard in the offseason and studied old game films to correct his mistakes. He credited offensive line coach Ryan McKenzie for helping him improve on the field.

“He has coached me with all he’s got to make me a better player,” Golden said. “He refuses to settle for mediocrity.”

Coaches see a bright future for Golden, which includes college.

“He wants to major in urban forestry,” Harold said. “He loves the outdoors, and I foresee him being a CEO of a company or business in the future.”

WARE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

SOFTBALL MAKES THE STATE ELITE 8, FOOTBALL WINS REGION Written by: Rob Asbell

SOFTBALL The Lady Gators softball team advanced to the state's Elite Eight before falling to a tough Thomas County Central team. Ware finished the regular season 11-9 and took the No. 3 seed in region 2-AAAAA. Coach Rebecca Kirkland's team hit the road just south of Atlanta to play Locust Grove in the first round of the state playoffs. Despite the long road trip, the Lady Gators took both ends of the double header from the Lady Wildcats 13-1 and 3-1.

The victories moved Ware County to the second round of the state playoffs against Region 8's Flowery Branch Lady Falcons, who were upset winners over Decatur in the first round.

Because Ware was a higher seed, the series was hosted in Waycross. The Lady Gators were victorious over Flowery Branch 2-1 and 15-0, meaning Ware moved on to the state tournament in Columbus as a member of the Elite Eight.

After a community send off, Ware County traveled to Columbus and faced Harris County out of Hamilton, Georgia. The Lady Gators fell to the Lady Tigers on the first night of the state tournament 9-2. That put Ware into the losers bracket of the double-elimination tournament, where they played the Thomas

County Central Lady Yellow Jackets on the following afternoon and lost 3-2. The Buford Wolves were the eventual state champions with Walnut Grove finishing second.

FOOTBALL It has been another outstanding season for the Gators football team of third-year head coach Franklin Stephens. Ware County went undefeated in Region 2-AAAAA to take the region title and the top seed going into the state playoffs. The Gators clinched the region championship with a 27-3 victory over Wayne County and then sealed the deal with a 49-14 win over New Hampstead on TV the following Thursday to finish the hurricane-shortened regular season 6-3. That put the Gators in the state playoffs against Region 4’s Ola Mustangs out of McDonough. The Gators jumped out to an early lead but then saw the Mustangs make a comeback and close within seven points. But that was as close as Ola would get as the game ended in a 3528 win for Ware County.

The Gators continued in the playoffs the following week, facing the Loganville Red Devils in The Swamp.

BASKETBALL Basketball season is about to get underway. The Lady Gators basketball team of coach Mandy Lingenfelter and the boys team of coach Tre Hill will travel up Highway 1 to Hazlehurst to start the year at the preseason tournament hosted by Jeff Davis County.

Last season the Gators made it to the state tournament but were defeated in the first round by Warner Robins, while the Lady Gators were defeated in the quarterfinals of the region tournament.

11/18 Jeff Davis Pre-Season Tournament @Hazlehurst 11/19 Jeff Davis Pre-Season Tournament @Hazlehurst 11/29 vs. Bacon County @Waycross 12/2 at Glynn Academy @Brunswick 12/10 at Coffee County @Douglas 12/13 vs. Bradwell Institute @Waycross 12/16 vs. Coffee County @Waycross 12/17 at Charlton County @Folkston 12/27 Vidalia Christmas Tournament @Vidalia 12/28 Vidalia Christmas Tournament @Vidalia 12/29 Vidalia Christmas Tournament @Vidalia

1/3 at Bacon Couonty @Alma 1/6 at South Effingham @Guyton 1/7 vs. Charlton County @Waycross 1/10 at Pierce County @Blackshear 1/13 at New Hampstead @Savannah 1/14 vs. Statesboro @Waycross 1/17 vs. Wayne County @Waycross 1/20 vs. South Effingham @Waycross 1/21 vs. Glynn Academy @Waycross 1/24 vs. Pierce County @Waycross 1/27 vs. New Hampstead @Waycross 1/28 at Bradwell Institute @Hinesville 1/31 at Statesboro @Statesboro 2/3 at Wayne County @Jesup 2/7 at Region Play-In Game

WRESTLING Coach Joe Eichfeld's Gator wrestling team started grappling in November, hosting the Swamp Duals on Nov. 12. Last year 10 teams from Camden, Effingham, Brunswick, Glynn Academy, Colquitt County, Tift County, Lowndes County, and Valdosta took part in the tournament. The Gator wrestlers will also travel to Valdosta in November to face Lowndes and Colquitt. Ware County will then take part in the Buddy Duals in Effingham County on Nov.19 and the Battle at the Beach in Brunswick on Nov. 22.

11/12 Swamp Duals @Waycross 11/15 vs. Lowndes and Colquitt @Valdosta 11/19 Buddy Duals - Effingham Co. @Springfield 11/22 Battle at the Beach @Brunswick 11/29 Wildcat Invitational @Valdosta 11/30 vs. Brantley County @Waycross 12/2 Yellow Jacket Duals @Hazlehurst 12/3 Yellow Jacket Duals @Hazlehurst 12/7 vs. Appling and Yulee, Florida @Waycross 12/10 Rebel Invitational - Effingham Co. @Springfield 12/13 vs. Appling County @Baxley 12/16 Fitzgerald Invitational @Fitzgerald 12/17 Fitzgerald Invitational @Fitzgerald 12/21 vs. Charlton and Appling @Waycross 12/30 Wildcat Invitational @Valdosta

1/7 Area Duals @Pooler (New Hampstead High School) 1/12 State Duals @Macon Centreplex 1/13 State Duals @Macon Centreplex 1/14 State Duals @Macon Centreplex 1/18 vs. Glynn Academy @Brunswick 1/20 Sweet Onion Classic @Vidalia 1/21 Sweet Onion Classic @Vidalia 1/25 vs. Charlton County @Folkston 1/28 Area Traditional Championship @Pooler (New Hampstead) 2/3 Sectional Traditional - Allatoona @Ackworth, Georgia 2/4 Sectional Traditional - Allatoona @Ackworth, Georgia 2/9 State Traditional - Gwinnett Arena @Atlanta 2/10 State Traditional - Gwinnett Arena @Atlanta 2/11 State Traditional - Gwinnett Arena @Atlanta

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In The Game | 25

Chelsea Davis "Chels" Senior

Brunswick High School

BHS Volleyball, SEVA Travel Volleyball Position: Outside Hitter

Brunswick

BHS Basketball, Travel Basketball Position: Power Forward

GPA: 3.9 Righty or Lefty? Righty Car or truck? Car Superpower you would like to have? Telekinesis FAVORITES: Snack: Gelato TV Show: “CSI” Food: Japanese Movie: “The Hunger Games” Drink: Sweet Tea Movie Star: Scarlett Hobby: Reading, Writing, Johansson Movies Video Game: “Episode” Pro Team: Chicago Bulls Singer: Taylor Swift College Team: South School Subject: English Carolina Gamecocks Pets: Rabbit Pro Player: Dwayne Wade Place to Travel: Tokyo

Victor Ambriz Senior

Jeff Davis High School

Hazlehurst

Cross Country and Soccer Position: Sweeper (defense) 2016 All Region Soccer Player GPA: 4.0 Righty or Lefty? Righty Car or truck? Truck Superpower you would like to have?

Omniscience: the power to know all FAVORITES: Snack: Sour Patch Kids Movie: “Hacksaw Ridge” Food: Fried Catfish Movie Star: Kevin Hart Video Game: “Call of Duty: Drink: Dr. Pepper Pro Team: Barcelona Black Ops II” College Team: UGA Singer: Kevin Gates Pro Player: Lionel Messi School Subject: History TV Show: “Street Outlaws” Place to Travel: Orlando WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHY? I am inspired by all my coaches because I may be down on myself, but they will never give up on me. They keep pushing me to reach my full potential.

26 | itgsportsnetwork.com

WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHY? My Mom, Dr. Gloria Davis, because she has always been beside me, providing the support and stability I need in my life, helping me through my first small steps in life, now to a huge step: college. She is everything a mother can be and more. She is a God-loving, caring, kind, stern, loving mother I feel every mother should be.

Bryant Walker Jr. "BJ" Senior

Camden County High School

Kingsland

FOOTBALL Position: Offensive lineman GPA: 3.2 Righty or Lefty? Righty Car or truck? Truck Superpower you would like to have? Speed FAVORITES: Movie Star: Megan Good Snack: Little Debbie Cakes Food: Shrimp and Fries Movie: “Boo! A Madea Drink: Powerade Halloween” Video Game: “Modern Hobby: RC Cars Warfare WW2” Pro Team: Steelers College Team: Florida Gators Singer: Luke Bryan School Subject: Science Pro Player: Ray Lewis Pets: Dog TV Show: “Ink, Paper, Place to Travel: Miami Scissors”

WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHY? Ray Lewis because he works hard all the time and is willing to work.

Tristen Herndon “T-Hern” or “Bull” Senior

Jeff Davis High School

Hazlehurst

SOFTBALL TRACK Positions: Infield, Events: Discus and shotput catcher, outfield Two-time state runner-up Batting Average: .358 Runs: 33 Homeruns: 3 RBIs: 20 GPA: 3.47 Right or lefty: Righty Car: 2016 Roush Mustang Superpower you would like to have? Read people's minds FAVORITES: TV Show: “Criminal Minds” / Snack: Strawberries Food: Chicken “Grey's Anatomy” Drink: Sweet Tea Movie Star: Jennifer Aniston Hobby: Softball Singer: Sam Hunt School Subject: Science Pro Team: Atlanta Falcons College Team: Georgia Pets: Maltipom named Roscoe and a Rottweiler named Nitro Bulldogs Pro Player: Tim Tabor Place to Travel: Bora Bora Movie: “The Blind Side” WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHY? My mother, Rhonda Herndon. She inspires me every day no matter what I'm doing. On and off of the field she helps me get through the many obstacles I face. She's taught me how to face adversity and overcome my fears.

In The Game | 27

CHECK THIS OUT:

WHAT’S IN A NAME? It’s no secret that minor league sports are notorious for bizarre nicknames and mascots. With the Jacksonville Suns changing their name to the Jumbo Shrimp, it made us think about some other ridiculous team names.

MINOR LEAGUE

Oh the jokes that will be coming out when the Montgomery Biscuits travel June 4-8 to take on the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. Who doesn’t want to catch some Shrimp and Biscuits action that week? Those aren’t even the worst nicknames we could come up with in minor league baseball. How about the Savannah Bananas, Travers City Beach Bums, Hartford Yard Goats, Richmond Flying Squirrels, Topeka Train Robbers, Albuquerque Isotopes, or the El Paso Chihuahuas?

COLLEGE

Something about the West Coast brings out strange and bizarre mascots, like the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos, UC Irvine Anteaters, UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs, and the Long Beach State Dirtbags. Other odd names include the Indiana State Sycamores, Wichita State Shockers, Southern Illinois Salukis, UM Kansas City Kangaroos, and the TCU Horned Frogs.

HIGH SCHOOL

One of my all-time favorite high school mascots is the Cairo, Georgia Syrupmakers, but what about in the state of Florida?

Among the odd ones are the Seabreeze Sandcrabs, Key West Conchs, Okeechobee Brahmans, Fort Lauderdale Flying L’s, Miami Beach Hi-Tides, and – the best of all-time, hands down – the Laurel Hill Hoboes.

28 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Hungry for PANCAKES Written by: Rob Asbell Photography by: Michael Brinson

Being considered one of the most improved players on a team that made it all the way to the state championship game last year is quite an honor. But offensive lineman Tra’shawn Bacon has put in the time and effort to be a serious player for the Glynn Academy Red Terrors.

“My favorite part of the game of football is going out on the field and getting a chance to compete against other players and get some pancakes,” the starting left guard said.

A “pancake,” in this case, is the act of putting a defender on his back while blocking him. Pancakes are an offensive lineman’s business, and for Bacon business has been good this year. The Red Terrors had lost only one game the entire regular season and were ranked in the state’s Top 10 most of the year.

The 6-foot, 289-pound, baby-faced senior starter on the O-line for coach Rocky Hidalgo protects the back of quarterback Deejay Dallas and opens holes for running back Kendall Cross.

“Tra’shawn has become an integral part of our team,” Hidalgo said. “He is a total program kid. Through hard

work and dedication, he has made himself into a really good high school football player.”

Whether he is pulling on a run play, taking out a linebacker, or dropping back in pass protection, Bacon is always on the move.

It has been an amazing past two years for Bacon and the Red Terrors. Following their four-point loss to Allatoona in the state championship last year, they entered this season facing a tough road schedule that included state AA No. 1 ranked Benedictine and AAAAA ranked Ware County. Hurricane Matthew caused a rescheduling of several games including a Tuesday night affair with Effingham County for the Region title. Glynn also played an interstate game against Colorado’s state runner-up, Pomona High School.

“We played them at the Disney ESPN Center in Orlando, Florida,” Bacon said. “It was a great experience, and then the next day we went to Universal Studios.”

Also known as “Tra,” and sometimes the “Baconator,” he is the son

of Marquita Smith and Travis Bacon and has a little brother who is an up and comer for the Glynn Middle School Hurricanes this season. Tra’shawn hopes to play on the collegiate level one day and possibly play in the NFL. “If that doesn’t work out, I would like to become an engineer,” Bacon said.

“My favorite part of the game of football is going out on the field and getting a chance to compete against other players and get some

PANCAKES." While he is not being actively recruited yet, his coaches see him becoming an outstanding player on the smaller college level.

Bacon started playing football in the recreation leagues as a young man and continued playing in middle school.

“I broke my wrist at the end of my seventh-grade year, and that prevented me from playing some of my eighth-grade year,” Bacon said. “I didn’t play offense until I reached high school.”

His athleticism was apparent at an early age when, during a middle school game, Bacon made

a touchdown-saving tackle following a defensive fumble recovery.

Once he got to Glynn Academy, however, he started to take football more seriously. But he soon realized that he was spending more and more time on the sidelines watching practice rather than getting in on plays.

“I wasn’t getting any reps at practice, but as the years went by, I started getting more and more reps and then became a starter,” Bacon said.

To get there, Bacon committed himself to the weight room. He also got it in his mind to be a team player and to go out and play hard all of the time.

“My coaches and teammates helped me the most by pushing me forward and not letting me quit,” Bacon said.

Each time he walks out onto the playing field, he focuses on the play at hand and makes sure he does the right steps and executes.

He enjoyed traveling to Orlando to play and has even taken a cruise to the Bahamas, but his ultimate trip would be another visit to the Georgia Dome for a second shot at the state

title. Hidalgo has watched Bacon improve over the past three seasons and has been impressed with his abilities.

“He is a kid who really bought into what we were trying to do at Glynn Academy and invested in our program, and the results are evident,” Hidalgo said.

“My coaches and teammates helped me the most by pushing me forward and not letting me quit.”

PIERCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

PCHS CHEERLEADERS EARN BACK-TO-BACK STATE TITLES AGAIN

P

Written by: Jaron Raulerson | Photography courtesy of Pierce County High School

It was a season that included an undefeated record, remarkable stunts, and a memorable run by the Pierce County High School varsity cheerleading squad. The Lady Bears cheerleading team of coach Amy Nimmer was destined to be the state champion after three consecutive region championships plus a state championship last season. It was a year full of hard work, emotions, and memories for the team. The Bears won their fourth state title in the past five years, an accomplishment some schools can only dream of.

The Bears, led by captain Brittany Mayhew, won six invitationals this season and were unbeaten all season.

After last season the Bears were considered a top-tier team and were thought to be the team to beat.

“This is a mature team,” Nimmer said when asked about the girls as a team. “Because of that, we were a very connected team.”

After the girls learned what was expected of them, they all stepped up to the challenge and

provided what was asked of them.

“We were blessed to not have injuries like years past, and we were very determined,” Nimmer said. “Because of this, we were the champions.”

The 2016 Bears only had four seniors on the team, but because of the maturity of the team, that was not a problem for the team. The seniors who will be well missed next season include KellyAnn Howard, Brittany Mayhew,

Abigail Walker, and Katie Wallace.

Other team members include Torin Bryant, Emmaline Dixon, Katy Davis, Joscie Johnson, Zoie Johnson, Allie Caroline Long, Anna Claire Long, Isabelle McQuaig, Alyssa Nolan, Jincy Strickland, Amber Taft, Chelsea Thrift, and Alyssa Whitt.

Next season will be here before you know

it, and the Bears will be there yet again competing for another title. Next year’s Lady Bears will be led by a whopping nine seniors, which will be an incredible advantage for them. With 2016 in the books, the 2016 Bears have left their mark on Georgia Cheerleading history and will never be forgotten because of this.

“THIS IS A MATURE TEAM. BECAUSE OF THAT, WE WERE A VERY CONNECTED TEAM.”

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The blind side creates a serious hazard for a quarterback. A split-second can make the difference between six points and a Joe Theisman highlight reel. Fortunately for Richmond Hill High School head football coach Matthew LeZotte, he wasn’t hit with a Lawrence Taylor sack. The blind side hit that Matthew LeZotte took put him back on the gridiron that he loved.

LeZotte has spent his whole life behind center, first playing for Gerald Barnes at Westside High School in Augusta and then playing for Mickey Matthews at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Not only did he find a life-long mentor in Matthews, but he also proudly wears a 2004 FCS National Championship ring as the Dukes' quarterback.

“I had a great relationship with Mickey Matthews at JMU and believed I could be successful as a JMU graduate,” LeZotte said. “I loved the school and was blown away by everything they had to offer It was that special of a place, so special that my younger brother, Tony, ended up following me there.”

He started selling pharmaceutical products in Asheville, North Carolina, but was constantly going back to JMU because his brother was a defensive back for the Dukes as

“I COULDN’T GET AWAY FROM FOOTBALL.” a freshman during Matt’s senior year. LeZotte was about to be blindsided by a new profession that would put him back on the football field.

“I couldn’t get away from football,” LeZotte said. “I would travel to every home game at JMU to see my brother play. During that time, I had a couple offers to coach small college football. I ended up moving blindly back to Augusta in 2007 and decided to go back to school and become a high school coach. Mickey Matthews, my college head coach, was a huge influence on that decision. I haven’t looked back since.”

The move back to Augusta was a defining point in his early career. LeZotte became head coach at Aquinas, a private school.

Season one was 5-5, but then eight and nine wins became standard. In 2013, Aquinas went 14-0, capturing a GHSA State Title.

Though LeZotte wasn’t the head coach of record when Aquinas won, he certainly built the foundation of that program, and he is trying to do the same thing at Richmond Hill High School.

For years Richmond Hill was known as a basketball school thanks to Jimmy Hires, who coached the Wildcats to a pair of state titles in the 1990s. However, in the last few seasons, the Wildcats have made some significant movement on the gridiron. In fact, those who watched an amazing victory by Mississippi State over then Top 10 ranked Texas A&M would have seen Nick Fitzgerald, tall as a Georgia pine, leading the Bulldogs.

Fans in Starkville readily

“#WEARERH IS SOMETHING WE CAME UP WITH TO BRING THE COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL TOGETHER, WORKING TOWARDS CREATING QUALITY CITIZENS WHILE TRYING TO WIN SOME GAMES ALONG THE WAY.” give this Richmond Hill product more cow bell.

Fitzgerald is only one of the many players who have gone on to play at various levels of college football.

“We have started a movement, not just for football, but for Richmond Hill as a whole,” LeZotte said. “#WEareRH is something we came up with to bring the community and school together, working towards creating quality citizens while trying to win some games along the way.”

While the movement allows community participation and buy in from the school, LeZotte knows his goal is to build a self-sustaining football

program that is going to be successful regardless of who is at the head.

“I told our administration I do not want to build them a football team; I want to build them a football program,” LeZotte said. “Richmond Hill has had good teams in the past, but the program aspect has not been here.”

LeZotte’s first season was tough because he inherited a team that had been hit hard by graduation, and some players that had not played certain positions were put there because of need. However, just like his program goals, last offseason his players worked hard and came out ready for the 2016 campaign.

“A new region didn't hurt, I'm quite sure,” LeZotte said. “We are so young it’s hard to determine how good we are. Coming into this season, we knew we were going to struggle in region play with our tiny senior class.

We focused on our mental toughness in the offseason. Everything we did was geared towards becoming resil-

“IT WAS ONE OF THE CRAZIEST THINGS I’VE EVER EXPERIENCED, & I DO NOT WANT TO DO IT AGAIN.” ient. We showed it throughout the season with hurricanes, stomach bugs, and a variety of inter-team issues. We have a long way to go, but we are on the right path. Trust the process.”

The Wildcats seemed like they would be more than a flash in the pan when Richmond Hill upset a strong Pierce County team on the road. However, just like every other team in the area, they got hit with Tropical Storm Hermine and a few weeks later Hurricane Matthew. Though the Wildcats made it to the playoffs this season, one of the games that stands out for LeZotte, when his team showed resiliency and mental toughness, was against South Effingham.

“We beat South Effingham after 12 starters had a stomach bug prior to the game,” LeZotte said. “A ton of guys went to the hospital. We were pulling guys off the sideline that had never played in a varsity game, and we lucked out and won. It was one of the craziest things I’ve ever experienced, and I do not want to do it again.”

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The Surrency Flash Written by: Rob Asbell Photography by Jennifer Carter Johnson

Just outside of Baxley at the intersection of U.S. Highway 341 and Highway 121 is Surrency, a small town of about 200 residents in Appling County. There you will find one of the fastest middle school quarterbacks in Southeast Georgia. Keyshawn Walker is an eighth grader who led the Appling County Middle School Rams to an undefeated regular season this year.

At 5'9" 134 pounds, he uses his speed at quarterback, free safety and corner for Coach Jeremy Smith's team. "This year, I kept my head and team in the game," Walker said. "I stayed focused and made big plays when I needed to."

Big plays come naturally to Walker who is blessed with football abilities: Speed and strength. "He has breakaway speed," Coach Smith said. "Once he gets in the clear it is tough to catch him." He is also tough to bring down, fighting for extra yards whenever he can. It's those abilities which Coach Smith says the Rams will miss when Walker moves up to high school next year.

"This year, I kept my head and team in the game. I stayed focused and made big plays when I needed to."

The son of Natasha and Curtis Walker, Keyshawn holds a grade point average of 89 and enjoys math in the classroom. Like many of his friends, he is also fond of the roller coaster that visits Baxley with the fair each year. His plans are to one day play professional basketball or football, hopefully for the New England Patriots. "Whichever picks me first," he says adding the his favorite college team is the Alabama Crimson Tide. A soft-spoken young man, he immediately became a team leader for Appling County Middle School. "He's a great kid. Very humble," said Coach Smith. "He's not a 'rah-rah' type of guy.

He's a leader by example. He's very quiet and reserved when he's playing."

Walker is a two sport star at ACMS, playing center on the Ram's basketball team, too, where he averages 10 points per game for the team that took the conference title last year. But it is football where he has stood out this fall, leading the Rams to an undefeated season on

"You get to have fun and tackle people." the gridiron in 2016 over a six game schedule against Brantley, Long, Jeff Davis, Bacon and Martha Puckett Middle and Arthur Williams Middle Schools of Wayne County. That pitted ACMS against Pierce County Middle School in the semifinals which the Rams won 34-8. The win gave the Rams a spot in the Southeast Georgia Middle School Athletic Association's championship against the Waycross Middle School Bulldogs, which they lost by just two points.

Looking back, Walker started playing football and basketball as soon as he could walk. By seven-years-old he was playing in the recreation leagues where he excelled until he moved to middle school ball in seventh grade. In 2014 he led his rec team to the state championship played in Screven County, a game he calls his most memorable so far.

He joined the ACMS team last season and started working to get better. He usually stays close to home, going to his father for advice on playing, but he has also found guidance at school. "Coach Smith and my basketball Coach Terrence Gibson have really helped me improve between the both of them," Walker said.

He realized that this season would be special during the preseason scrimmage against Pierce County Middle School when he faked a handoff and found a hole to run a 40-yard touchdown to get things started. A feared

offensive threat on every play, Walker's favorite part of the game is defense. "You get to have fun and tackle people," he said. For now, Walker plans to play for the Appling County High School Pirates next year.

It may be just in time as the Pirate's standout quarterback, Keelan Crosby, is graduating in 2017, potentially opening a spot for Walker to come in as a freshman. "I think he can play quarterback in high school," Coach Smith said. "He also played free safety for us but I can see him playing quarterback."

With football season at an end, Walker is now turning his attention to basketball where the Rams are the defending Southeast Georgia Middle School Athletic Association champions. His goal: To win another conference title. After that, he will prepare for what looks to be a standout freshman year in football.

CAMDEN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

CAMDEN FOOTBALL IS FOCUSED GOING INTO THE OFFSEASON Written by: John Wood | photography by: Photography by Michael Brinson

Adversity is something that the Wildcats have hit before and it certainly didn’t stand like a wall in their way to accomplish what they wanted to or needed to.

The 2016 campaign certainly presented some opportunities for the Camden County Wildcats football team to have to battle through adversity.

"Everything we do in our football program is done with intent. Our motto or theme this season was 'Decide to Be Great.' We knew that we would be young and inexperienced. However, that cannot be allowed to be an excuse. This is Camden County High School and there is an expectation each season,” Camden County Head Coach Welton Coffey said.

This past season is one that most teams

in Georgia and Florida will not necessarily recall the wins and losses.

Instead everyone will certainly remember that the game of football is played outside on Friday nights. Since it is a game played outside the rapid movement of the weather forced every team along the coast and about 80 to 100 miles inland to have to deal with weather that forced cancellations of games and that was just the first round with Tropical Storm Hermine. Three weeks later Georgia would find out if those beautiful barrier islands of St. Simons, Jekyll, and Cumberland down in St. Mary’s could keep Hurricane Matthew from directly hitting the Georgia coast.

Camden lost at least two games on this year’s schedule because of weather. When

“It was our desire to convey a message that each player must make a decision every day what type of student, athlete, son, and person they were going to be.

You have to decide to accept discipline, structure, your role in the program, etc.

It is a privilege to be part of the team, not your right."

"Everything we do in our football program is done with intent. Our motto or theme this season was 'Decide to Be Great.' We knew that we would be young and inexperienced. However, that cannot be allowed to be an excuse. This is Camden County High School, and there is an expectation each season.” it looked like they could pick up a game with neighboring Charlton County. The game was going to give Camden a chance to replace the game they lost against Columbia County because of Tropical Storm Hermine. Of course, as luck would have it, the day the Indians were coming to Chris Gilman Stadium the Georgia coast was under a possible Category 3 hurricane warning from approaching Matthew.

If the weather issues were not enough, Camden found themselves in a new region and new classification, AAAAAAA. Made up of the largest 48 schools in the state. The Wildcats region now includes Lowndes, Colquitt, and Tift. Most of the teams impacted tremendously by graduation and was only personified when Colquitt County Head

Coach Rush Propst stated that Colquitt might be the first team to play for a state championship with a losing record. The changes and events of the season were certainly not lost on Coffey and his Wildcats. Graduation hit the Wildcats, who were 9-0, going into the region championship against Colquitt last season.

Regardless, Coffey still knows that even with a season that the Wildcats didn’t perform as well as they should have there are no excuses.

“It was our desire to convey a message that each player must make a decision everyday what type of student, athlete, son and person they were going to be. You have to decide to accept discipline, structure, your role in the program, etc. It is a privilege to be part of the team, not your right.

Complaining, whining, pointing fingers are counterproductive to the goal of winning games. The only thing that we will every ask our players is to simply be better than what you were yesterday. If they do that, they will be always moving in a positive direction. We live in a results driven society, but it is the process that produces growth. When you must 'Embrace the Process' and let the results be what they are going to be,” Coffey said.

Regardless of wins and losses in a particular season it does not take a football analyst’s perspective to see the results over time of those that have played at Camden learning to embrace the process and that embrace led to excellence.

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