Southeast Georgia December 2017 Edition

One for the Thumb: PCHS Cheerleading Wins 5th State Title

Good as

GOLD

Blocking Adversity Billy Parker, Wayne County

Sam James & Justin Jeffrey Richmond Hill

A Tradition of Family, Faith, and Football

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IN THE

December 2017

Jack Christman Savea Lewis Frasier Middle School

In The Game | 1

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e u s s I s i h t T n I 8 12 16

Good as Gold

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One for the Thumb: PCHS Cheerleading Wins 5th State Title

25 36

Impact Players

Sam James and Justin Jeffrey, Richmond Hill

Also 14

Gators Make 2nd Round

22

Cheer Team Takes 4th in State

Ware County

Fishing & Football

Terel Toomer, McIntosh County Academy

A Tradition of Family, Faith, and Football

Jack Christman Savea, Lewis Frasier Middle School

Bacon County

Blocking Adversity

Billy Parker, Wayne County

32

Stepping Up

Jaylen Jackson Brunswick High School In The Game | 5

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Well, it’s a wrap. Football is in the pages of history here in SEGA for the 2017 Season. We didn’t have anyone make the finals, but Rocky Hidalgo took his Red Terrors to the semifinals in 6A, losing to the eventual STATE CHAMPS, the Lee County Trojans.

We started with 11 SEGA teams in the playoffs with five making exits in the first round. Of the six remaining teams, we saw Ware, Pierce, and Wayne all fall in the second round.

That left Glynn, Liberty, and Charlton to carry the SEGA banner toward the Benz. Liberty fell to 3A state champions Calhoun, and Charlton lost to ECI, both in the quarter finals.

It was another stellar year for SEGA football, and before you know it we’ll be talking about spring games. But until then, we turn our attention indoors for action on the hardwood and the mats of SEGA. Again, SEGA is loaded with some exciting basketball teams that will be fun to watch and some of the best wrestling programs in the state with title implications in several classifications. Keep reading In The Game for all the latest information.

Dynasty is a word that gets tossed around regularly in the sports world but not always in the proper context. Take it from me; it is in the proper context when used in a discussion about the Pierce County competition cheer squad.

These girls have had an unbelievable run over the last six seasons winning five state championships.

That’s unheard of in any sport. The championships were not just given to these girls; they work as hard as any program in any sport in SEGA , and the proof is in the Pierce County Bear’s trophy case.

It’s a coach’s dream: not one, but two Division I receivers on a high school football team. Coach

6 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Matt LeZotte of the Richmond Hill Wildcats got to live that dream in 2017. Sam James and Justin Jeffery’s were two of the best receivers in the state, and they played on the same team. It almost doesn’t seem fair to opposing defenses. Sam will play on Saturdays for the University of West Virginia, and Justin will suit up for the Cincinnati Bobcats. It will be fun to watch these two over the next four years as they represent SEGA in the NCAA ranks.

Good things come to those who wait. Wayne County’s Billy Parker can attest to that saying whole heartedly. He and his fellow seniors have had a rough three-year period going through three head coaches and three offensive schemes in as many years, but 2017 paid off big time with the arrival of coach Ken Cribb. Winning a regional title and having some historic wins was the payoff for Billy and the Seniors who stuck it out through the tough times.

Now Billy can concentrate on moving to the next level. With a 4.0 GPA and several college offers in hand, Billy and his family will weigh his options and make the best choice moving forward.

When opportunity knocks, you must open the door. Sometimes it’s not when you expect it or under the best circumstances, but you still must answer the call. That’s exactly what McIntosh County Academy new coach Terel Toomer did. When the decision was made to replace the state runner-up in AA football, the Buccaneers didn’t have to look any further than their very own defensive coordinator. Toomer was a big part of that state runner-up season, coaching a defense that allowed single digits on average in PPG, and was the right man to take over as head coach.

Nowadays in recruiting when coaches aren’t sure were kids project at the next level, they label them as “athletes.” It’s not just a label for kids like Jaylen Jackson of Brunswick High, who is an actual “athlete.”

Jaylen can do anything on the football field that coach Sean Pender needs him to do. On defense he

20

may be the best defensive back in all of SEGA. On offense, he can play multiple positions and is a threat to score anytime he touches the football. I'm not sure what recruiters will label him for the next level, but rest assured he will be on the field in some capacity, probably at multiple positions, on Saturdays.

Hinesville, being a Military town, has had a long tradition of American Samoan football players at both high schools. Meet the next guy to follow that path from Lewis Frazier Middle School: Jack Christman Savea. Jack plays both sides of the ball, playing the three technique on defense and left tackle on offense.

Jack prefers defense because he likes the feeling of tearing through the line using his swim move to seek and attack the ball carrier. It will be interesting to see if he ends up as a Panther or a Tiger. One thing's for sure, coach Couch or coach Warner will be getting a versatile and quality football player.

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.itgsportsnetwork.com and Facebook at www.facebook. com/inthegamenation. Follow us on Twitter @SEGAInTheGame and on Instagram @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. 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.

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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 Charles E. Smith Jennifer Carter Johnson Michael Brinson Jeffrey Griffith Feature Writers Rob Asbell John DuPont W. John Wood Copy Editors Anna Limoges Alex Dunn Advertising/Marketing Shawn Smoak shawn@itgsportsnetwork.com Mark Dykes mark@itgsportsnetwork.com Website Manager Mandy Douthit SEGA Prep Sports P.O. Box 2960 Waycross, Ga. | 31502 Corporate Office: Dykes Media Group LLC P.O. Box 812 Valdosta, Ga. | 31603 In the Game is published monthly (excluding July).

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

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Good as Gold written by: John DuPont Photography by: Charles E. Smith

Jerry Rice and Terrell Owens, Julio Jones and Roddy White, Lynn Swann and John Stallworth. Those are some of the names that come to mind when football fans think of great receiving tandems. Many coaches are lucky to have one great receiver. Some are blessed to have two.

When Matt LeZotte was hired as the head football coach at Richmond Hill High school three years ago, he inherited a talented tandem of sophomore wideouts in Sam James and Justin Jeffery. Since then, the Wildcats have gradually increased their win total each year from two to seven. The 2017 squad clinched the school’s first playoff berth since 2013, and James and Jeffery were a major part of that success.

“Everybody thinks of receivers as just catching the football, but it’s more that,” LeZotte said. “It’s blocking too, and both of those guys can do that. Not everyone can block on the perimeter, and we had missed 31 touchdowns in two years because of guys not blocking on the perimeter. Helping our other guys be successful was a challenge I made to them, and they accepted it wholeheartedly. And it had nothing to do with route-running — just being selfless and helping other guys on the team.”

LeZotte said the real value of these young men actually lies beneath each’s respective athletic skills.

“They are as good as gold,” LeZotte said. “I don’t know of two other players that have done more for this football program in the time that I have been here. One thing I always tell coaches and one of the biggest compliments I can give a kid is to say, ‘I would allow them to date my daughters.’ They are ‘Yes, sir’ and ‘No, sir’ kids, and when you ask them to do something, they are going to do it to the best of their ability.”

8 | itgsportsnetwork.com

JUSTIN JEFFERY

SAM JAMES

SAM JAMES Personal: The son of Shirleyann Clark, Coach’s Comments: “Sam is a guy James was one of the state’s most sought-after receivers from the prep signing class of 2018. The 6’0”, 170-pounder also runs track (400-meters and 4x400 relay) and plays basketball (shooting guard, small forward).

who plays with his emotion on his sleeves.

He wants the ball every snap. He wants it thrown to him, tossed to him, fed to him on screens and downfield shots. He is a guy that can play right away at the next level.”

905 yards (17.1 yards on average) and 11 touchdowns as a senior this past season. His long scoring play was an 80-yarder against Southeast Bulloch. He also had multiple touchdowns on four occasions. His all-purpose yardage total included two rushes for 58 yards. Defensively, he had five stops (including one tackle for loss) and an interception return of 30 yards.

say I am more of an aggressive receiver, but Justin is definitely more of a finesse receiver.

We have known each other since fifth grade, and we have been best friends outside of football. We both play basketball and run track together, too.”

Stat Line: James snagged 53 passes for Sam Says: “By looking at this season, I’d

Numbers Behind “The Numbers”: Weight room maximum totals include 270 pounds on the bench press and 405 in squats. He has consistently run the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds or better and clocked an astonishing time of 4.28 while showcasing his skills at Mississippi State.

Colleges Interested:

Solidly committed to West Virginia, James selected the Mountaineers over a dozen other D-1 schools. Additional offers included: Cincinnati, Colorado State, Georgia Southern, Georgia Tech, Kansas, Louisville, Maryland, Mississippi State, Missouri, South Carolina, Central Florida, and Wake Forest.

Favorite Personal Highlight: “When we played Brantley County (52-0 win for RH) and we were on the 10-yard line,” James said. “Our running back, Maurice Smith, broke free. I dumped my defensive back to the ground, and then I went up to the next level, which was the safety, and dumped him to the ground. I had gone to Maurice just before that play and told him, ‘I’ve got your back.’”

Source of Strength: “It’s my mom, Shir-

leyann. The fact that she is a single mother and raising two boys (Younger brother Jordan Clark is a freshman.) has inspired me to go to college. And even if I don’t make it to the NFL, just to get a college degree means I can help take care of her.”

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JUSTIN JEFFERY Personal: The son of John and Mary

Jeffery, Justin stands 6’2” and weighs 175 pounds. On the track, he runs the 100-meters and competes in the long jump, triple jump, and high jump. On the hardwood, he plays point guard and shooting guard.

Stat Line: Jeffery snared 27 passes

for 241 yards (12.6 on average) and two touchdowns in his final campaign for the Wildcats. His longest touchdown was a 59-yard burst against Lakeside, when he also had a season-high 92 yards receiving.

His season-high catch total was six, versus Southeast Bulloch. He also punted three times.

Numbers Behind“The Numbers”: Weight room max efforts include 240 pounds on the bench press and 365 in squats. He runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds and features a 36.5” vertical leap.

Colleges interested:

UNC Charlotte appears to be a top contender over a field of schools that includes Alabama State, Appalachian State, Central Michigan, Citadel, Eastern Kentucky, Elon, Florida Atlantic, Liberty, and Mercer.

Coach’s Comments:

“Justin’s film doesn’t pop off as well as Sam’s, but Justin is going to be able to perform at a high skill level,” LeZotte said. “He is a very blue collar guy. The first thing I think of as

10 | itgsportsnetwork.com

an offensive-minded guy deals with them blocking, and Justin was able to make a couple blocks on the perimeter against Grovetown (37-7 win for RH).”

Justin says: “Sam is like the most ag-

gressive outside receiver I’ve ever seen.

The dude will go up on anybody at any time and go get the ball. One time it was him and Richard LeCounte (former Liberty County star, now at Georgia) running side by side. They jumped up, and Sam took the ball away, just snatched it out of Richard’s hands.”

Favorite Personal Highlight:

“It was my first touchdown because I got hurt my sophomore year,” Jeffery said.

“Then in the first game of my junior year against Southeast Bulloch, I juked somebody for a 40-yard run. That was kind of my coming back party.”

Sources of Strength: “My dad and

Sam,” Jeffery said. “Whenever I got hurt, I got really behind. My arm was hurt, so I could only run routes with no catching.

But my dad was always there to push me.

And Sam was my rabbit. I was originally a defensive back, and Sam took my spot when I was out. So, I knew I had to keep working to get my job back, and eventually through all that, I became my own person.”

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Fishing Football Written by: Rob Asbell Photography by: Michael Brinson

Coaching takes patience. Waiting for young men to mature into seasoned football players is a lot like sitting in a boat waiting for the fish to bite. That may be how McIntosh County Academy first-year head coach Terel Toomer learned patience.

“I fished bass fishing tournaments from 2007 to 2010,” he said.

Although both require patience, the similarities end there. Fishing rarely gets as exciting as a Friday night at “The Ship” in Darien.

Terel Toomer took a circuitous route around Georgia to become the head coach at MCA this season. He grew up in Sylvester, a town in southwest Georgia between Albany and Tifton. He played high school football for the Worth County Rams of coach Bobby McAllister and defensive coordinator Neil Bennett Roberts, who would go on to become a major influence on Toomer’s coaching style. His senior year, the Rams made it to the state quarterfinals, giving Toomer a taste of the success yet to come.

After going the JUCO route, Toomer went to Valdosta State University, where he played defensive tackle for the Blazers football team that gave him an even bigger taste of success.

“Winning the 2004 national championship as a player at VSU on ESPN,” he said of the nationally televised Division II college football championship.

VSU went 13-1 that season, 9-0 in conference play, under coach Chris Hatcher.

After graduation, Toomer worked as a volunteer coach, patiently waiting for his chance to break into the Georgia high school coaching ranks. In 2009, he was working at Chattooga High School in Summerville when he met Senorise Perry, who now plays running back for the Miami Dolphins.

“He ran a 4.27 in high school and won the 100-meters as a 10th-grader,” Toomer said.

Toomer still considers him one of the best players he has ever coached. In 2010, Toomer remained in northwest Georgia and became an

12 | itgsportsnetwork.com

assistant at Gordon Central. In his three years with the Warriors, Toomer helped them go from a .500 team to a bona fide contender. He considers it one of his proudest moments as a coach.

“Turning the football program around at Gordon Central and making the playoffs in 2011,” he said.

The following year, he was made defensive coordinator and given the daunting task of rebuilding the unit. He took over

a defense that had given up over 300 points the year before and shaped it into a unit that allowed 186 points in 2012, just 13 points per game.

In 2013, he moved across the state to join the staff at Washington-Wilkes High School under coach Robby Robinson. In his first year, Washington-Wilkes went undefeated in the regular season and won the region championship.

He followed Robinson to McIntosh County

Academy in Darien and helped take an 0-10 team all the way to the state championship game in two seasons. During the Buccaneers' 2016 run to the dome, Toomer had the state's top defense, which gave up just 12.5 points per game. The Bucs' only defensive slip of the season came when they played Clinch County in the second game of the year. The Panthers downed MCA 32-7 that night in Darien. The Bucs went on to go 7-2 on the

regular season and then entered the playoffs, where they beat Lincoln and Greene to set up a semi-final rematch with Clinch County, this time in Homerville.

Toomer had his Bucs prepared, and MCA went home with a 24-8 victory and a ticket to the Georgia Dome for a shot at the state championship. The Bucs fell to Macon County for a runner-up finish.

Although things were going well on the field, offseason problems came creeping in, and Robinson was indicted in connection with an alleged hazing incident on a player. Robinson exited MCA for the second time in his career. The McIntosh County School Board didn’t have far to look as they chose Toomer to head the program this year.

“He is the laid back type off of the field, but once he gets on the field, he is very hard nosed,” said MCA senior cornerback Michael Campbell.

Although he didn’t institute an entirely new program, Toomer introduced different practice procedures to make it more fun for the players by raising the intensity.

Despite the high expectations that came with the state runner-up finish, Toomer’s first season as head coach did not

go as well as he had hoped. The fallout from the previous coach’s exit and the loss of their starting quarterback was too much to overcome, and the Bucs went 3-6, missing the playoffs. Toomer was still able to find positives from the season.

“Watching young players grow up and become varsity players,” he said.

He remains patient as things in Darien settle down and the football program continues to move forward.

Toomer’s best coaching moments come each year on National Signing Day. “Every February when I watch my players sign scholarships,” he said.

Away from his coaching and teaching duties, Toomer works toward earning his doctorate and spends time with his family.

He enjoys working outdoors, and had he not become a coach, he would have found a career that allowed him to be outdoors.

“Cutting grass, farmer, maybe a truck driver,” he said.

For now, his players are happy that he is their coach. “ He is an overall cool coach,” Campbell said. “He doesn’t say much, but if you get to know him, he is pretty cool.”

WARE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL GATORS MAKE 2ND ROUND Written by: Rob Asbell | Photography courtesy of Ware County High School

FOOTBALL

The Gators football team made it back to the playoffs this season with the No. 2 seed in Region 2-AAAAA. After a first-round defeat of Harris County 24-6, Ware County moved into the second round against Stockbridge in metro-Atlanta.

The Tigers were undefeated and ranked No. 3 in 5-A. They have a strong defense and had only allowed 70 points all season. The two defenses collided on a cool night in Henry County. After a scoreless first quarter, Acy Paulk hit Jeremiah O’Hara on a slip screen that O’Hara took the rest of the way, 85 yards, to give the Gators the lead 7-0.

That is how the score remained as the Gator defense held strong and did not let Stockbridge sustain a drive through most of the game.

But as the fourth quarter began, Stockbridge tied the game at 7-7.

The defenses continued to battle until, with just under four minutes remaining, Stockbridge kicked a 37-yard field goal to take the lead 10-7. This gave the Tigers their first lead of the night, and they held off any offensive efforts Ware County threw at them. The game ended with Stockbridge defeating the Gators 10-7, ending their season.

SOFTBALL

After a strong season on the diamond, the Lady Gators softball team of coach Rebecca Kirkland placed four players on the All Region 2-AAAAA team, all underclassmen. Juniors Valerie Ortiz and Chyna Carter were named to the first team. Ortiz, a pitcher for Ware County, also led the team with a .384 batting average. Carter started at first base and batted .361.

On the second team were sophomores Sierra Taylor and Lauren Smallwood. Taylor was the Lady Gators centerfielder and leadoff hitter this year, while Smallwood played catcher and batted .290 with eight RBIs. Ware County made the playoffs this year after an 11-7 regular season finish.

14 | itgsportsnetwork.com

WRESTLING

Wrestling got started in November as Ware County hosted the ninth annual Swamp Duals. Ten teams took part in this year’s edition including Tift County, Coffee, Effingham County, Statesboro, Valdosta, Glynn Academy, Toombs County, Colquitt County, and Yulee High School of Florida. After a full day of grappling, Ware faced Valdosta in the championship and won 35-24.

The Gators continued to dominate on the mats to start the season and finished second in both Effingham’s Blue Line Duals and the Battle at the Beach in Brunswick. On both occasions, Ware fell to Richmond Hill in the finals.

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In The Game | 15

A Tradition of Family, Faith, and Football Written by: W. John Wood Photography by: Charles E. Smith

American Samoa’s leading ex“Jack plays the three-techport to the United States comes in nique on defense and left tackthe form of gridiron warriors. Robert le on the offensive line," LFMS head football coach Mary Lee Louis Stevenson, writer of “Treasure Island,” said that Polynesians were said. "He comes to the ball very “God’s best work.” A natural linage quick and has good hand work of warriors, Samoans found their — able to beat a majority of ofpassion on the gridiron. The warfensive linemen in front of him.

As an offensive rior tradition not only creates strong tackle, he has “Half of the season good football players footwork.” but also loyal, I was out because of Savea underbrave men and an injury. But the one stands that he women that are blessed with chance I got to be on is part of the United raw talent but the field, I took it, and it’s up to him States military.

Lewis Frasier I came back. And even to refine it and Middle School technique with the thought of build defensive tackle that allows him Jack Christman injuring myself again, to use his athletiSavea is a living there was no fear in my cism to react. It’s embodiment just about system whatsoever.” not of his Samoan the physical part ancestry.

He — Jack Christman Savea of the game; he learned his poalso works hard sition from his off of the field. father, Paufi, who was one of “I’m in eighth grade," he said. several Samoan players to play "I am a very religious person, at Bradwell Institute. The Tigers and family is a really big deal for had strong Samoan players me. I lived in Hinesville, Georgia, such as the Matavo brothers in all of my life. I also take my culthe late 90s and most recently ture very seriously. I’m Samoan Chester Brown, who signed with and white. I also take my eduUniversity of Central Florida to cation seriously, too, because play offense but who's athletimy education determines my cism allowed him to move to the future." defensive line.

Besides football, Savea also

16 | itgsportsnetwork.com

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plays third base and pitches in baseball. In the classroom he works hard to keep good grades and enjoys science and math.

Jack has had to battle injury this season, but he didn’t let it stop him from having a good year.

“Half of the season I was out because of an injury," Savea said. "But the one chance I got to be on the field, I took it, and I came back. And even with the thought of injuring myself again, there was no fear in my system whatsoever.”

During his time at Lewis Frasier Middle School, Jack has had the opportunity to play with his cousins, and it is one of his favorite memories of his middle school football season. Liberty County has two varsity football programs, Bradwell Institute and Liberty County High School. Two programs and three different middle schools creates a sporadic feeder system. Usually the middle schools run more generic systems since the players could end up at either of the high schools. The lack of a true feeder system puts both high schools a step behind their region peers, but this doesn’t concern Savea.

“It takes a student athlete to have heart in what he or she does," he said.

"It doesn’t matter about the school system you are in; it matters about the player’s commitment.”

He plays the line on both sides of the ball and also on kicks, but his passion is playing the defensive line.

“I think it’s very easy to get through the line with speed and strength, but I have to also use technique, like a swim move or rip through the offensive line," Savea said. "I like defense better be-

cause the feeling of being the one to get past the line and seek and attack the runner is the best feeling on the field.”

Whether fighting through a double team by the offensive line or making sure his footwork does not penetrate past the heels of the offensive line, his father is watching and coaching him all the way.

“I have really learned more about the game mostly because of my dad.," he said. "Every game he tells me what I do wrong, and the next game I will have to fix what I did wrong. I wouldn’t say that my footwork is great because there’s always room for improvement and I think that my footwork will improve with hard work and dedication,” Savea said.

Because of the importance the Samoan tradition and family play in his life, spending time with them is what he enjoys most in any down time.

“They’ve been a big impact on my life and always taught me right from wrong, and I wouldn’t be the player I am today if it wasn’t for them," he said. "My goal is to make it to the big leagues for either baseball or football, or both. Academically I want to be a marine biologist if my plans for sports don’t work out.”

Savea believes that he will be able to help a varsity team at defensive tackle as a freshman and also on the offensive line.

“I will have to stay on my path and keep working harder and striving high for my high school team, and I will focus on both defense and offense," Savea said. "I think they have heart, and I think their determination to meet their goal is very high, and that’s what makes them successful and good contributors to the game."

24/7 Sports Top 10 Georgia High School Football Players

ESPN Top 10 Georgia High School Football Players Rank Player 1 Justin Fields

POS QB-DT

HT 6'3"

WT 221

School Commit UGA

Rank Player 1 Justin Fields

POS QB-DT

School Commit UGA

2

Trevor Lawrence

QB-PP

6'6"

209

Clemson

2

Trevor Lawrence

QB-PP

Clemson

3

Xavier Thomas

DE

6'3"

269

Clemson

3

Jamaree Salyer

OG

4

Eyabi Anoma

DE

6'6"

223

4

Azeez Ojulari

WDE

UGA

5

K.J. Henry

DE

6'6"

234

5

Adam Anderson

OLB

UGA

6

Patrick Surtain Jr.

CB

6'2"

192

6

Brenton Cox

SDE

Ohio St

7

Micah Parsons

DE

6'3"

241

7

Trey Hill

OG

8

Justin Shorter

WR

6'4"

213

8

Quay Walker

OLB

9

Devon Williams

ATH

6'5"

191

9

JJ Peterson

OLB

10

Terrace Marshall Jr.

WR

6'3"

193

10

Kyler McMichael

CB

Penn State

Courtesy of www.espn.com

Alabama

Clemson Courtesy of 247sports.com

In The Game | 19

One for the Thumb: PCHS Cheerleading Wins 5th State Title Written by: John Dupont | Photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson

Pierce County High School now sits alone atop the Class AAA cheer mountaintop.

On Nov. 11 at the Columbus Civic Center, PCHS accomplished what no Georgia school in its classification had previously done by capturing a fifth state title in competition cheerleading. The Cheer Bears accomplished another first this fall by winning a third consecutive state crown.

The Georgia High School Association has recognized competition cheerleading since 1993.

Since then only Carrollton High — with four — had as many Class AAA state titles as PCHS heading into this season. All five state crowns for PCHS have come within the past six years.

“So many emotions flood your body,” said Amy Nimmer, PCHS head coach, who has been at the helm for all five state titles. (She was assisted in 2017 by Candace Douglas.) “It is one of the best feelings that you could ever ex-

20 | itgsportsnetwork.com

perience as a coach or as an athlete. The feeling of winning a state title has not changed one bit.”

Title No. 1 came in the fall of 2012, with the second crown coming a season later. A runner-up finish was next, followed by the latest achievement — a “three-peat” beginning in 2015. PCHS has also been undefeated in four of the five state championship campaigns. Nimmer, who has also guided the school to 11 of its 14 region titles, said it took longer to

achieve its elite status than people might realize.

“This program has always been at the top in the region,” she said. “But taking the program to the next level took years. I coached for eight years before we won our first state title.”

In fact, it wasn’t until Nimmer’s sixth season that her team carded a top-five state finish. That was the same season the school’s feeder school began its own run of success. In 2009 Pierce County Middle School claimed the first of eight straight titles at its highest level of competi-

tion: the Southeast Georgia Middle School Athletic Conference championship.

Dde Jordan, who like Nimmer is herself a former cheerleader, heads up the middle school program.

“Our goal in middle school is to train the girls in all aspects of cheerleading: stunting, tumbling, jumping, choreography, and cheering,” Jordan said.

“We also work on body awareness, coordination and strength training. In doing this, we help prepare our girls for their future as a high school cheerleader. After they spend three

“Because of our hard work and dedication to the sport, cheerleading in Pierce County has become a powerhouse. Girls know they want to be a part of our winning tradition from a young age.”

- Dde Jordan, PCMS head coach years cheering at the middle school level, the girls who continue cheerleading are more than prepared to help PCHS take yet another state title.”

Both ladies say they and their young charges are quick to acknowledge a high influence at work in their success.

“In the end, we give all the glory to God for our accomplishments,” Nimmer said. “Each year we have a different motto. It goes along with the theme of our routine each year.

This year, we used Philippians 2:3, which says, 'Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.’”

Similarly, Jordan said PCMS adheres to its own biblical premise as a means of inspiration.

“We also focus on the strength that God can provide us if we put our trust in him," Jordan said. "We remind the girls of Philippians 4:13 — ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ When they put their trust in Christ, the girls learn to trust themselves. We are one, in one direction. We win together; we lose together.”

During its 19 seasons of competition cheering, PCHS squads have finished in the top five or better 10 times and in the top 10 or better 16 times. No PCHS squad has ever finished lower than second in the region. Ironically, the most recent PCHS runner-up finish at region for PCHS came in 2012 — the year of the first state title.

“From the very first day, I tell them that I believe they can win a state title,” Nimmer said. “I want them to not only hear those words, but also believe those words. The culture that has been created in this program is phenomenal. Not only do they believe they can accomplish great things, but they actually go out and make those accomplishments happen.”

BACON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

CHEER TEAM TAKES 4TH IN STATE Written by: Rob Asbell

In November the Bacon County competition cheer team advanced to the state championships, where they took fourth place in the AA classification. Their three-minute routine was performed flawlessly as each girl stuck their stunts with a smile as the music pumped, electrifying the Columbus Civic Center.

The Lady Raiders performed just before AAA champion Pierce County.

Bacon County’s head cheer coach Tanya Bourdeau had the team of 15 young ladies well prepared along with Misty Rigdon and Crystal Moore.

The team will lose senior Cheyenne Taylor to graduation next year but return five juniors, seven sophomores, and two freshmen.

Armuchee took the AA state championship with Screven County second and Coosa third.

Football mini-game recap The 2017 football season came down to a three-team shootout on a cool Monday night in Vidalia. With Bacon County, Jeff Davis County, and Swainsboro all tied for fourth place, Region 2-AA held two mini-games to determine who would get the fourth and final playoff spot.

The format involved a three-way coin flip to determine which team would get to sit out the first game.

The coin flip was won

by Jeff Davis County, which meant Bacon had to play Swainsboro. The games were played like a regulation contest except with five-minute halves and a two-minute halftime.

The winner of the first game would then play a mini-game against Jeff Davis County to determine the fourth seed.

Swainsboro won the toss and elected to defer receiving the ball until the second half. After taking the opening kickoff to the 40-yard line, Bacon County fumbled the snap and then suffered through several penalties that backed them up, forcing a punt. The defense held the Tigers, but the offense was unable to move the ball, and the quick half ended in a scoreless tie. In the second half, the Raiders mounted a drive into Tiger territory, but a

48-yard field goal attempt missed wide left with 26 seconds remaining in the game.

On second down, a Swainsboro running back broke free down the left sideline for a 74-yard touchdown run that spelled the end of the contest 6-0.

Jeff Davis defeated Swainsb o r o in the second game and claimed the No. 4 seed in the playoffs.

W i t h the loss, the Red Raiders ended

their season at 6-4.

Several Red Raiders made the All-Region 2-AA team following the season. First teamers included senior running back Anthony Madison, senior wide receiver Lagondric Snell, and junior kicker Ronaldo Juarez.

Named to the second team were Snell as a defensive back; senior Andrew Bloodworth, who made it as an offensive lineman; and defensive end and linebacker KJ Brown.

Honorable mentions were Garrett Anderson and Je'sus Brown.

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Impact Players

Christian Bass Nickname: Billy Long County High School Ludowici, Georgia Class: 2018 Sports: Football, Basketball, & Track Positions: TE, LS GPA: 3.8

Righty or Lefty: Righty.

Truck or Car: Truck.

Superpower: Telekinesis.

Snack: Reece's.

Food: Ribs.

Drink: Sweet tea.

Hobby: Collect football cards.

Pro Team: Lions.

College Team: University of Michigan.

Pro Player: Calvin Jackson Jr.

TV Show: "Wild n' Out." Movie: "I am Legend."

Movie Star: Denzel Washington.

Video Game: "2K18."

Singer: Kendrick Lamar.

School Subject: Math.

Pets: Dogs.

Place to Travel: Dubai.

What do you want for Christmas?

Red iPhone 7 Plus or iPhone 8.

Trey Cobb Nickname: T. Cobb Ware County High School Waycross, Georgia Class: 2018 Sports: Football & Track Positions: LB, DE, TE, WR GPA: 3.0 Stats: 94 Tk, 5 Sk, 1 int, 9 Rec, 97 Yds, 3 TD Verbally committed to Appalachian State

Righty or Lefty: Righty.

Car or Truck: Truck.

Superpower: Invisibility.

Snack: M&M’s.

Food: Ribs.

Drink: Arctic Blitz Gatorade.

Hobby: Playing "Madden" and "2K." Pro Team: New England Patriots.

College Team: App State and Florida State.

Pro Player: Tom Brady.

TV Show: "Wild ‘n Out." Movie: "Friday."

Movie Star: Vin Diesel.

Video Game: "Madden."

Singer: NBA Youngboy.

School Subject: Math.

Pet(s): Pitbull.

Place to Travel: Dubai.

What do you want for Christmas: A four wheeler.

In The Game | 25

Impact Players

Jeremiah Compton Camden County High School Kingsland, Georgia Class: 2018 Sports: Football & Basketball Positions: Safety GPA: 3.0

Righty or Lefty: Lefty.

Car or truck: Truck.

Snack: Flaming Hot Cheetos.

Food: Steak.

Drink: Sprite.

Hobby: Football.

Pro Team: Falcons.

College Team: UGA Bulldogs.

Pro Player: Earl Thomas.

TV Show: "The Flash."

Movie: "Dead Pool."

Movie Star: Ryan Reynolds.

Video Game: "Call of Duty."

Singer: Drake.

School Subject: Math.

Place to travel: Hawaii.

What do you want for Christmas?

"NBA 2K18."

Keshawn Morgan Nickname: Demarcus Toombs County High School Lyons, Georgia Class: 2018 Sports: Football Positions: Running back Stats: 1,166 Yds rushing, 13 td

Righty or Lefty: Righty.

Car or truck: Truck.

Superpower: To fly.

Snack: Snickers bar.

Food: Pizza.

Drink: Fruit punch.

Hobby: Play video games.

Pro Team: Cavaliers.

College Team: Oregon.

Pro Player: Cam Newton.

TV Show: "Swamp People."

26 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Movie: "Radio."

Video Game: "2k18."

Singer: Money Bagg.

School Subject: Literature.

Pets: Dog. Place to travel: Atlanta.

What do you want for Christmas?

2017 Chevy Silverado.

Impact Players

JP Palmer McIntosh County Academy Darien, Georgia Class: 2018 Sports: Basketball, Football, & Track Positions: Basketball - PG Football - RB, WR, FS, SS GPA: 3.2

Righty or Lefty: Righty.

Car or truck: Truck.

Superpower: Be able to read minds.

Snack: Oreos.

Food: Steak.

Drink: Arizona.

Hobby: Playing video games.

Pro Team: Seattle Seahawks.

College Team: Georgia Bulldogs.

Pro Player: Marshawn Lynch.

TV Show: "Impractical Jokers."

Movie: "American Sniper."

Movie Star: Kevin Hart.

Video game: "NCAA Football 14."

Singer: Migos.

School Subject: Economics.

Pets: Yorkie.

Place to travel: Hawaii.

What do you want for Christmas?

A BMW.

Joseph Petrino Nickname: “Golden Boot” Richmond Hill High School Richmond Hill, Georgia Class: 2018 Sports: football & soccer Positions: Football - Kicker soccer - striker GPA: 3.

Stats: 152 tot pts; 8,206 kickoff yds Verbally committed to: University of Maryland

Righty or Lefty: Righty.

Car or truck: Car. Superpower: Breathe underwater.

Snack: Fruit Gushers.

Food: Pizza.

Drink: Mango pineapple smoothie.

Hobby: Video games.

Pro Team: Dallas Cowboys.

College Team: Maryland.

Pro Player: Ezekiel Elliot.

TV Show: "Riverdale."

Movie: "Moana."

Movie Star: Zac Efron.

Video game: "Fortnite."

Singer: Selena Gomez.

School Subject: Math.

Pets: Dog and rabbit.

Place to travel: Mountains.

What do you want for Christmas?

A Gucci wallet.

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Impact Players

LaGondric Snell Nickname: Gondric Bacon County High School Alma, Georgia Class: 2018 Sports: Football & basketball Positions: WR, CB All-Region on offense and defense

Righty or Lefty: Righty.

Car or truck: Car. Superpower: Speed.

Snack: Anything sweet.

Food: Pizza.

Drink: Lemonade.

Hobby: Fishing.

Pro Team: Chiefs.

College Team: Alabama.

Pro Player: John Ross.

TV Show: "ESPN." Movie: "Friday."

Video Game: "Call of Duty."

Singer: NBA Youngboy.

School Subject: Social Studies.

Pets: 3 dogs (Man, Rocko, Princess).

Place to travel: Dubai.

What do you want for Christmas?

Nothing really… I just want my brothers to be satisfied.

Jalynn Strickland Nickname: Manny Ware County High School Waycross, Georgia Class: 2018 Sports: football, basketball, track & field Positions: Left Tackle GPA: 3.0 Verbally committed to NC State

Righty or Lefty: Righty.

Car or truck: Truck.

Superpower: The ability to freeze time.

Snack: KitKats and Doritos.

Food: Fried chicken and shrimp.

Drink: Water.

Hobby: Spending time with family and friends and having a good time.

Pro Team: Packers and Chiefs.

College Team: NC State.

Pro Player: Rueben Foster.

TV Show: "30 for 30."

Movie: "300" and "Forrest Gump."

Movie Star: Tom Hanks.

Video Game: "Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege."

School Subject: History.

Pets: Dogs.

Place to travel: France.

In The Game | 29

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JENNIFER CARTER JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY CAPTURING MEMORIES Written by: Rob Asbell | Photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson As you thumb through the pages of In the Game's Southeast Georgia edition, you no doubt notice the quality of the photographs that accompany the stories.

Many of those were taken by photographer extraordinaire Jennifer Carter Johnson of Blackshear. For the past six years, Jennifer Carter Johnson Photography has been taking pictures of high school seniors and student athletes.

“Through the years, I have learned what I love to photograph, and that’s what I tend to concentrate on: For me that’s there,"

she said. "Just have a passion for sports, the action shots. And seniors; I love their energy.”

Now, she follows her passion by doing photography for high school seniors and out on the playing fields. As a photographer, she has a keen eye for subjects that stand out. She will put people in surrounding locations that emphasize their own interests. One of her photos captures a softball team coming out of a corn field as if they are in a “Field of Dreams” remake. The photo adorns the top of her Facebook page that features several other examples of her work. Like

many parents, Jennifer Carter Johnson got her start by photographing her own children and then posting the pictures on social media.

“Other people would see it, and it just sort of went from there," she said. “It’s something that with time the more I did it the more I liked it and the more interest I had from other people.”

Before long, she had a following who loved her photographs with their attention to detail and a certain flare that made them more than just pictures.

She began taking photos for others and was soon doing signature photos for high school seniors.

“I am so blessed to be surrounded by coaches

and kids that don’t mind having my camera in their face during games and by lots of amazing clients that trust me enough to capture their memories,” she said.

Her favorite type of photo is one that challenges her, and her favorite place to be is on the sidelines of a Pierce County Bears football game on a Friday night. Shooting photos of action pulls her in and gives her the freedom to get good, exciting photos.

“When it’s dark it is so much more of a challenge to catch those guys in the air catching the ball,” she said Whether she is photographing a game or shooting a magazine cover, each of Jennifer Carter

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To make an appointment, contact Jennifer Carter Johnson Photography at (912) 281-2599 or by email at jennifer@ jennifercarterjohnson. com. She is also available on social media on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

In The Game | 31

Stepping Up Written by: Rob Asbell Photography by: Michael Brinson

No. 7 enters Glynn County Stadium with his teammates through the tunnel and smoke at the south end zone with one thought going through his mind.

“I have to put on for my city,” said Jaylen Jackson, the Brunswick High Pirates' all-around athlete.

Jackson is a senior for coach Sean Pender. Listed as an “athlete,” he plays all over the field: corner and safety on defense and receiver on offense.

He also handles punt returns and kick returns, but very few teams have kicked him the ball. “(He does) anything we need him to,” Pender said.

Jackson was originally recruited as a safety, where he played last season, but now people are seeing that he can play wherever they need him.

“He’s dynamic and versatile enough that he can go wherever you need him to go,” Pender said.

When Brunswick needed a close-cover

corner, Jackson stepped up and became one of the state’s leading lockdown coverage defensive backs.

In the summer, Brunswick lost a slot back who moved away, leaving the team with a position to fill.

“Jaylen came over to the offensive side of the ball, and we didn’t miss a beat,” Pender said. “I try not to play him all the time, but in certain situations we have to play him, and he’s done a tremendous job for us.”

At 6 feet and 190 pounds, he runs a 4.5 second 40-yard dash , while in the weight room he benches 300 pounds and can squat 430.

Jackson became a starter for the Pirates his freshman year. He has grown as an athlete during his time at Bruns-

32 | itgsportsnetwork.com

wick High and credited the coaching staff for encouraging his development.

“Coach Keon Perry helped me improve my technique, ball skills, and concentration,” Jackson said.

He led Brunswick with three interceptions his junior year and was named honorable mention to the all-region team.

This season, Jackson came up big when the Pirates needed it most: playing talent-laden Richmond Hill (see our Player Spotlight this month) for a possible share of the region championship.

Knowing that a three-way tie for first would come down to point differential to determine the region title, Brunswick needed to beat Richmond Hill by 22 points.

The Pirates were up by 21 points in the fourth quarter, but the Wildcats were driving. Although Jackson had kept him in check all night, Wildcats receiver Sam James showed why he has com-

mitted to West Virginia by making a big play at the 3-yard line.

“Sam made a great catch on a corner route,” Pender said. “The ball was placed perfectly.”

Richmond Hill punched it in on the next play, and Brunswick’s lead was cut to 14 with 1:05 left in the game. Pender put Jackson on the spot and asked him, “Do you have it in you?” Jackson said, “Yes, sir.”

On a third and 13 with 35 seconds left to go in the game, Pirates quarterback Jamarius Stevens threw a seam route to Jackson.

“He jumps over the defender’s head, catches the ball, lands on his feet, and takes it the rest of the way, 55 yards, for a touchdown,” Pender said.

But Brunswick would need a two-point conversion to win by 22 points, so Pender called for a double-reverse on the PAT. Jackson got the ball and was supposed to hand off.

“He faked the handoff, ran it himself, and dove into the end zone to get the two-point conversion and put us up by 22 points,” Pender said.

By the end of the night, Jackson had a

“My first big play was when I caught an interception and ran it back for 105 yards."

— Jaylen Jackson forced fumble, an interception, two touchdowns, and a two-point conversion. By the end of the 2017 regular season, Jackson had already garnered 18 college offers to play football from schools like Central Michigan, Western Michigan, and Tulane, but had committed to the University of Cincinnati.

His favorite part of playing football?

“Scoring and catching an interception,” he said.

“He’s dynamic and versatile enough that he can go wherever you need him to go.”

— Sean Pender, head coach

Sometimes, that happens all in one play.

“My first big play was when I caught an interception and ran it back for 105 yards,” he said of the pick-6 against Effingham County this year. “I broke the school record.”

He got an early start playing football in the recreation leagues.

“I started playing football in rec when I was about 4,” he said.

When he was 10 years old, Jackson was ranked No. 4 in the nation in the high jump. He continued in rec league football until he got into middle school,

60 Sec. Full Plank

30 Sec. Full Plank

where he played for the Jane Macon Eagles.

In addition to football, he also plays point guard for the Pirates basketball team and runs the 4x100-meter relay and

long jumps on the track team.

The son of Veronica Myrick and Dwayne Jackson, Jaylen holds a 3.4 GPA in the classroom and is listed on the A-B Honor Roll. He

“He’s a leader and a dynamic playmaker,” Pender said.

“Anything you want him to do, he can do it.”

34 | itgsportsnetwork.com

plans on graduating from college early with a degree in physical therapy.

Pender sees Jackson playing football at the collegiate level next year.

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30 Sec. Raised Leg Plank (Per Side)

30 Sec. Full Plank

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Wayne County has long been known for the strength and tradition of its sports programs.

However, the past three seasons have brought about circumstances that have led the Yellow Jacket players to learn three different systems from three different head coaches.

An unforeseen departure at the end of spring football two years ago left Jody Grooms resigning, and nearly two months

36 | itgsportsnetwork.com

later after a troubled coaching search, Derek Chastain from Camden County took the job.

While Chastain gave a serviceable effort, the program wanted to move in a different direction at the end of last season.

“My senior football class has faced a lot of adversity,” Billy Parker, senior offensive tackle said. “We watched some teammates switch schools while myself and others

chose to make the best of a bad situation. Though we were uncertain about our coaching leadership over our break, we continued with our daily workouts and kept a positive attitude. The younger players needed a leader to follow, so I tried to be the best role model I could be.”

He and his teammates had determined regardless of who their third head coach in four

Written by: W. John Wood Photography by: Jeffrey Griffith

Adversity

Blocking Football is filled with opportunities for players to rise to the occasion.

A player can fumble the ball one play and, finding mental toughness, can break for an 80-yard touchdown the next. Forty-eight minutes on Friday night is an open case study on resilience, not just for the players, coaches, parents, and fans, but even the community at large that lives vicariously through the home team.

years would be that they were all in and their senior season was going to be memorable. Wayne County hired Ken Cribb, who took Low Country’s Bluffton, South Carolina, from a blip on the screen to multiple double digit and deep playoff runs.

“Coach Cribb has really shown us how important the mental part of the game is,” Parker said. “He made a spiritually broken team with a

lot of untapped potential into a niques and elevate their overall self-confident group of talented game. One coach on that staff players who went to the second was David Poinsett, who has round of state playoffs.” been a longtime head coach in Standing 6’5”, high profile South Carolina high 265 pounds, the school programs offensive tackle has two things and a college asthat you can’t sistant at different coach: size and levels. intelligence.

“My position coach, David Parker has a 4.2 weighted GPA. Poinsett, knows He was also sethe lineman polected as the sitions from top Presidential to bottom,” ParkScholar Nominee er said. “He has and as the Top coached at the Move-On-Whencollege level and Ready Student had a short stint — Billy Parker at Coastal Pines playing in the Technical College NFL. His knowlfor Fall of 2016. He has never edge of the game gave me a missed a day of high school. tremendous amount of confiWhen Cribb got the job at dence, and he showed a lot of Wayne County, the school alfaith in my abilities.” lowed him to bring an amazing Continually studying film staff that had a wealth of expeand working on technique, Parkrience that would allow players er uses his size and smarts to like Parker to refine their techcreate the perfect block needed

"The younger players needed a leader to follow, so I tried to be the best role model I could be.”

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“The change in the team's mentality from the beginning to the end of the season has been dramatic.”

— Billy Parker

to move the Wayne County offense forward.

Wayne County opened the 2017 season with an unspectacular 12-3 win against West Laurens, which Parker was named offensive player of the game.

Wayne County started to create some buzz as they entered week two against AAAAAA state champs and perennial Georgia power Valdosta at Bazmore-Hyder Stadium.

The Yellow Jackets upset Valdosta, and all of the sudden Wayne County was for real in the eyes of the state media.

Wayne only dropped one game, to AAAAAA region champ Glynn Academy, on the way to its own region title.

“The change in the team's mentality from the beginning to the end of the season has been dramatic,” Parker said.

“We had been kicked

while we were down so many times that we really expected the worst.

The new coaching staff changed that from day one. Coach Cribb told us from the start that he had watched our film and knew that we had the talent to have a successful season. We bought into his confidence and his way of thinking. It really was an awesome season that I will never forget.”

Parker will have a chance to continue his football career in college, where he plans to study pre-law and business.

Parker’s size and intelligence have created a demand from the service academies, but he is getting pursued by a lot of schools that have equally strong academics and athletics.

“In the last couple of weeks I have had an official visit to Mercer and Georgia State,” Parker

38 | itgsportsnetwork.com

said. “Duke and Wofford have offered preferred walk-ons, and a couple of Division II schools have made offers. Georgia Southern, Furman, Middle Tennessee, Memphis, and a few others have shown interest. I am looking hard at the Naval Academy, Mercer, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, and Duke.”

As his time ends on the gridiron at Wayne County, he is very proud of his career for the Yellow Jackets.

“I will always remember my senior year and how Coach Cribb, Coach Poinsett, and the rest of his staff built us up and made us believe we could win,” Parker said.

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

Berry Tanner is back.

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In The Game | 39

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