Southeast Georgia October 2016 Edition

DEDICATION ON AND OFF THE FIELD

J.P. FOUNTAIN | WAYNE COUNTY

CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK

MICHAEL MINCEY | WAYCROSS MIDDLE SCHOOL

The Warrior Experienced Winner Rookie Champion

Coach Lovvorn Shyhiem Clark Jeff Davis Pierce County County High School

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impact Players

Not Just a Football Player IN THE

GAME SOUTHEAST GEORGIA

$4.00 / Issue

GLYNN ACADEMY

October 2016

DEEJAY DALLAS

2 | 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

IN THIS

ISSUE Not Just a Football Player DeeJay Dallas Glynn Academy

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Dedication On And Off The Field

18

Impact Players

22

The Experienced Rookie

30

Chip Off the Old Block

34

JP Fountain Wayne County High School

6 Athletes from Southeast Georgia

Coach Ed Lovvorn Jeff Davis High County

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Michael Mincey Waycross Middle School

ALSO: Pirates’ Football Going Strong

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Jeff Davis Back in Action

20

Bears hope to make splash with talented roster

25

Wildcats rebound

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Warrior Getting Closer To Winning Number One 16 Winner Wayne County High School Lead The Way 17 Champion Volleyball Captains Ware County High School Shyhiem Clark

Pierce County High School

Appling County High School

Jeff Davis High School

Pierce County High School

Camden County High School 4 | itgsportsnetwork.com

In The Game | 5

FROM THE PUBLISHER

It’s hard to believe we are almost half way through the fall season. Softball has already started region tournament play with the playoffs just around the corner. Cross country is tearing up courses all over the southeast with record setting performances almost weekly and a couple of football teams have already played 6 of their 10 regular season games. By the time I write the November publishers letter we’ll have a much clearer playoff picture. There’s been some huge surprises so far this season. Camden with only one win on the season thus far, Ware sitting at 2-2 all be it a tough schedule and Wayne County has knocked on the door but they’re still searching for win #1.

On the other hand you have Liberty County 4-0 ranked #4 in the state in class AAA, Glynn Academy in the top 10 of AAAAAA after dropping the season opener and Appling County 3 points away from being undefeated on the season. Should be a great run to the finish in all classifications here in SEGA. Stay tuned to In the Game Sports Network to catch all the action.

I had heard talk of a special athlete at Glynn Academy several years ago which turned out to be DeeJay Dallas. Once I saw him on the field I was an instant believer. The speed, the elusiveness, the feel for the game was special. Even when he was a freshman and sophomore most nights he was the best player on the field. What I didn’t know is what a tremendous young man he is off the field. He leads by example at practice, in the weight room and in the classroom. I’ve never been around him when he’s not smiling ear to ear. Dee-

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Jay is the kind of young man you are proud to represent your football team, your school and your community. The University of Miami is lucky to be getting a student-athlete of his caliber.

In the off season the powers that be at Jeff Davis High School made the decision to replace the head football coach Roger Metts. One of the main guys in this decision was athletic director Roger Metts. It’s not every day you make the decision to replace yourself but none the less the decision was made and by all accounts a great replacement was found. Ed Lovvorn had been on staff as the Defensive Coordinator and was promoted to take over the Head Coach. Lovvorn brings a fresh perspective to the Jackets but keeps the continuity the team had developed under Metts.

There may be a future dentist playing linebacker for the Wayne County Yellow Jackets, J.P. Fountain. J.P. is a young man with a plan in place and great understanding of what it will take to achieve his goal after his playing days are over. A great student in the classroom sporting a 4.0 and great student of the game making calls on the field for coach Chastain’s defense J.P. is always striving to get better. You have to admire a student athlete who lives by the motto “Hard work beats talent when talent refuses to work hard”.

You heard it before, “Life is about decisions”, the problem is we don’t always make the best ones. By his own admission, Pierce County’s Shyhiem Clark decided this past off season he was going to start making better decisions and it has paid off for both himself and the Pierce County Bears. Coach Sean Pender says Clark is hands down the most improved player on his football team. Clark switched from defense to offense and has been the bears most productive running back scoring seven

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touchdowns so far on the season. Stay motivated young man and keep making those good decisions.

Waycross Middle School’s Michael Mincey is truly a man among boys. I knew the first time I saw him play as a 6th grader he was a special talent. Size, speed and the heart to match, Mincey has grown into a fine young football player. He started his career on the line of scrimmage but is now a devastating fullback for coach Stevenson’s Bulldogs. At 6ft/220lbs wearing his Dad’s old number 42, “Mike Mike” is a load to bring down at fullback but his passion is hitting opponents from his defensive line position.

We hope you enjoy reading In the Game as much as we enjoy producing and publishing it. We would like to thank our friends at the Georgia High School Football Historians Association (ghsfha.org) for their assistance. We are always open to suggestions as well as story ideas or ways you think we can improve our magazine. Please visit our website at www.inthegamemagazine.com and Facebook at www.facebook.com/inthegamemagazine.

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 September edition of ITG

Contributors Publisher Shawn Smoak Editor Mark Dykes Graphics Mandy Douthit Cover Photography Michael Brinson Feature Photography Jennifer Carter Johnson Michael Brinson Jeffrey Griffith Julie Ernst Feature Writers John DuPont Rob Asbell John Wood Gracie Claxton Lexy Rentz Jaron Raulerson 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.

NOT JUST A FOOTBALL PLAYER Written by: Rob Asbell | Photography by: Michael Brinson

Ask any Southeast Georgia football fan about Glynn Academy quarterback Deejay Dallas, and you’ll hear that he is an outstanding player with great speed and a great future ahead of him as a four-star recruit at the University of Miami. But the real Deejay Dallas is more than a hard-hitting, fast-moving player who works on Xs and Os all the time. He is

presented by

8 | itgsportsnetwork.com

a polite, big-hearted young man who cares about his family and shows concern for all of Earth’s creatures.

“I don’t want people to think of me as just a football player,” Dallas said. “I like animals.

That’s a big deal to me.

I want to be a veterinarian. I feel that football is going to put me in a place where I can become a vet.” Dallas’ big smile reveals braces on

his teeth, reminding you that this unbelievably talented football player is still young, but his plans for the future reveal that he has a good head on his shoulders.

An all-region and allstate player, Dallas has scored big touchdowns in big games, but he claims the coolest thing he has ever done is to ride Universal Studios Orlando’s Rip Ride Rockit more than a

dozen times. “I went to Universal one time and rode their biggest roller coaster like 16 times in a row,” Dallas said. “That was fun.”

Unfortunately, recruiting hasn’t been all fun.

The process has been long and arduous, and Dallas traveled a lot of miles before choosing the college he wants to attend. Dallas admits that the recruiting process has been difficult

at times and that he has learned not to get his feelings involved. He constantly reminds himself that college football recruiting is a business.

He visited more than 20 campuses trying to decide. Then, when he made his decision, everything changed when the coach was fired.

He was prepared to travel north to Athens where he had verbally committed to the Dogs

Glynn County Stadium with his running ability, often turning losses into big gains and touchdowns. Dallas will soon take his talents south to play for the University of Miami Hurricanes, where players such as Michael Irvin, Reggie Wayne, and Santana Moss made their marks before becoming NFL legends.

With an early high school graduation planned for December, Dallas will leave Brunswick and enroll in classes at “The U” in January so he can begin learning Richt’s playbook and methods.

Dallas is a playmaker on both sides of the ball. before his junior year. my process of becom- The all-around athlete Then, coach Mark Richt ing a quarterback and stands just half-an-inch was fired from Georgia, becoming a better man over six feet, weighs leaving Dallas unsure of has been Greg Cross, 194 pounds, and runs his next move. who played quarter- a 4.54 40-yard dash. He The University of back at GA (Glynn was shifted to quarterMiami was not even Academy),” Dallas said. back for coach Rocky on Dallas’ radar when “He has been a big part Hidalgo’s Red Terrors mid-way through last the recruiting process of my life.” began. “I was leaning During school hours, season and led Glynn more toward the west Dallas is a quiet leader: Academy on a 10-game coast and Oregon or He’s a member of the winning streak that endUCLA,” Dallas said. He student council with a ed in the state championship game. In was ready to college, he will take his moth"I don't want people play wherever er “West Coast” wants him. on a visit when to think of me as just a Richt The discussion newly hired Unifootball player," Dallas of how he will be versity of Miami by the Hurcoach Mark Richt said. "I like animals. That's used ricanes has censtarted hiring his staff, and Dallas a big deal to me. I want tered around a former University began to take to be a veterinarian. I feel of Georgia athnotice. “That just put me over the that football is going to lete who played for Richt. Miami edge,” Dallas put me in a place where I is talking about said. Now he speaks with his can become a vet." doing something like Richt did with future college Brandon Boykin coach at least once per week or when- 3.6 GPA. On the field, at Georgia, rotating him ever Richt has free time. he can score from any- as a defensive back, reDallas has had a lot of where and seems espe- ceiver, and safety. “They help getting where he cially adept at turning just told me to come in is. He credits his tutor, nothing into something in tip-top shape, and it coaches, and a former very quickly. For the will be a reality for me,” University of Pittsburgh past four years, Glynn Dallas said.

After going through quarterback for helping Academy’s Dallas has him. “A big mentor in electrified crowds at the recruiting process

GOLF PROFORMANCE

WAYCROSS

BAXLEY

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JESUP himself the past four years, Dallas has offered words of advice to his teammates who are looking to play college football one day. “I just tell them to grind and just keep your head down, and everything will fall into place,” Dallas said. Hidalgo called Dallas a great athlete who can change the game at any moment. “He is a great competitor who challenges himself and his teammates to push beyond their boundaries,” Hidalgo said.

After accomplishing so much during his high school career, it isn’t always easy to maintain a level head while being recruited, but remembering where he is from has helped Dallas stay focused. “At first in the recruiting process I was overlooked a lot, and then as it got more in depth, then people started finding me,” Dallas said. “Coach Richt was one of the first to find me, so I just remember at one point I didn’t have any offers; at one point I wasn’t talked about. Now I just have to keep that same mindset.”

Glynn Academy made it to the state quarterfinals in Dallas’ sophomore year and all the way to the championship game last year with Dallas at quarterback. His ultimate goal before graduation is to win a state football championship. Last season the Red Terrors came close to winning it all, falling 10-6 to Allatoona in the final at the Georgia Dome. “Last year we got close and came up short by four points, and this year we are shooting for the stars,” Dallas said.

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In The Game | 11

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WOODARD POOLS WAYCROSS

“I want a pool.” We’ve all heard it from family members and even thought it ourselves. A pool in the backyard adds value to a home and makes a relaxing getaway right at your own backdoor. And in Southeast Georgia, pools can be enjoyed almost year round.

But pools are expensive, right? Not necessarily, according to Davy Woodard, owner of Woodard Pools.

People from all walks of life come to Wood-

ard Pools, which serves Waycross and the surrounding area building premier concrete and vinyl pools. “Qualified buyers can get 100-percent financing on a new pool,” Woodard said.

In business for 36 years, Davy Woodard says he still enjoys the creative process of building new pools and the opportunity to meet new people. “We create a lot of good friends just building pools,” Woodard said.

No matter what type

of pool you are considering, Woodard Pools can handle it with no worries. Woodard Pools is able to do custom designs for any concept or budget. Whether you have something in mind or need them to start from scratch, they can design and build a pool that fits your terrain and your relaxation needs.

Woodard Pools is experienced enough to do the job right, and they will keep you up to date during the process.

“We love our new

pool,” a reviewer said on Facebook about Woodard Pools. “They are very professional and hard working. The owner, himself, is on the job to make sure everything is done right...It was put in professionally at a reasonable price.

Thanks. I have recommended them to lots of our friends.”

If you already have a pool, Woodard Pools also does maintenance and will even schedule weekly, monthly, or yearly visits. They also

provide service and the pool supplies you need.

Contact Debra and Davy Woodard at (912) 283-6126 or stop by their showroom at 611 Memorial Drive in Waycross. They are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon. You can also visit their website at woodardpools.com and like them on Facebook.

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In The Game | 13

APPLING COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

PIRATES' FOOTBALL GOING STRONG Written by: Rob Asbell | Photography by: Rob Asbell

After playing preseason scrimmage games against Bacon County and Jeff Davis County, the Pirates’ football team under coach J.T. Pollock got started with the regular season in August. The schedule called for the Pirates to face three teams of Indians to start the season.

The first was a road trip to take on the

state’s third-ranked team, the Vidalia Indians. The Pirates trailed 7-6 at the half but saw the Indians take a 23-6 lead in the second half. Appling started a comeback and scored two touchdowns to pull within three points, but time ran out before they could complete the job.

Appling fell 23-20 in the season opener.

The following week,

Softball: The Lady Pirates’ softball team under coach Linsey Tillman got off to a slow start with a young team. They have only two seniors on the roster – outfielder Katie Roberts and first baseman Mattie Bass – and went 3-5 to start the year with wins over Crisp County, Southeast Bulloch, and Pierce County. Appling started September with region wins over Tattnall and Long and had a four-game win streak going until they fell to Jeff Davis and Brantley counties. The Lady Pirates got a big win over Liberty County.

Halfway through September, the Lady Pirates had a record of 6-7 (4-1 in Region 2-AAA) with games still to come against Pierce, Glynn Academy, Tattnall, Long, and Brantley. The season ends at home against Liberty County on Oct. 4 with the region playoffs starting later that week.

the game scheduled against the Charlton County Indians was cancelled due to Hurricane Hermine, meaning the Pirates will only play a nine-game regular season. Appling County came back from the off week looking strong against the Dodge County Indians. The game went back and forth, but Keelan Crosby ran for over 200 yards

as the Pirates won their home opener 41-34 at Jimmy Swain Stadium in Baxley.

Game three of the season had the Pirates traveling down U.S. Highway 341 to Jesup to face the Wayne County Yellow Jackets.

In a barn burner that saw the score change hands numerous times, it came down to the final 18 seconds. Appling

County was able to score and then convert a two-point PAT to win 39-38 over the AAAAA Wayne County. The Pirates started the season 2-1 with Region 2-AAA play still ahead.

WAYNE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

GETTING CLOSER TO WINNING NUMBER ONE Written by: John Wood

Wayne County head coach Derek Chastain spent several seasons coaching against some of the toughest teams in the state and country, and his first year at the helm of the Yellow Jackets is no different. The Yellow Jackets opened up against West Laurens on the road, and the Raiders have been running through opponents. Week two was a tough Brunswick team on the road before the home opener against a resurgent Valdosta was delayed by the residual ef-fects of Hurricane Hermine.

“You have to play the best to be the best,” Chastain said. “We want to take this program to an elite level, and you have to see where you stand against elite programs. Our kids have battled and fought even through probably one of the toughest non-region schedules in the state.”

The challenging non-region schedule full of tough schools, most larger than Wayne County, allows Chastain to see how his team measures up under pressure.

“I was extremely pleased with how Gar-

“OUR KIDS HAVE BATTLED AND FOUGHT EVEN THROUGH PROBABLY ONE OF THE TOUGHEST NON-REGION SCHEDULES IN THE STATE,” CHASTAIN SAID.

rett Overholt stepped up when Trenquell Hollo-way went down against Valdosta,” Chastain said. “He didn’t flinch versus Valdosta and really was the lone bright spot in our game versus Brunswick.

He threw the ball well, and our young guys on the perimeter did a nice job as well. Defensively, I believe that the play of Lamont Trent has really stood out in these first three games. Lamont is a junior linebacker that has played very physical and consistent through these first three games.”

During the first half of the season, the Yellow Jackets’ defense has been the strong point.

“Without a doubt our defense is the strength of our team,” Chastain said. “We have to do a better job giving them looks during the week so that it doesn’t take them a series on Friday night to get used to the speed of the game. We have had a few injuries on that side of the ball and hope to get these young men back for region play.”

Chastain has been working with his offensive line, and he has

also found a strength and willingness in players that have stepped up to help the line improve.

“We have to be better on the offensive line,” Chastain said. “We are asking these kids to use some techniques that they aren’t used to, but regardless of technique or scheme, we have to be more aggressive. I tell them all the time that you have to play more aggressive than you are. Especially in the trenches. We are slowly but surely getting better up front.

We have had to shuffle

some people around to put them in spots to help create competition in practice and improve as a unit. Guys have come to the offensive side of the ball that have played their whole career on the defensive side of the ball to help and have had an unselfish attitude about it.”

While the Yellow Jackets haven’t achieved their first win yet under Chastain, the team is getting better every game, and the wins are coming.

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WARE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

VOLLEYBALL CAPTAINS LEAD THE WAY Written by: Rob Asbell | Photography courtesy of Alesia Gibson/WCHS

While the attention of Ware County High School has been focused on Friday nights under the lights at Memorial Stadium, the Lady Gators’ volleyball team under coach Alesia Gibson has quietly been making big strides. The team is led by its senior captains: outside hitter Jayme Russell and the team’s setter, Kiersten Moye.

“We’re the best of friends,” Moye said. “We do everything together.”

They are similar in many ways. They are close in height – Russell is 5’7” and Moye is 5’8” – and they each have a 3.8 GPA. Both play tennis for the Gators, and both got started in volleyball their freshman year when they were called upon by then-coach Gina Howell, now an assistant principal in the school system, who was hoping to build her junior varsity program. “Jayme and Kiersten are leaders on and off the court,” Gibson said. “They are always positive and never have a negative word about anyone or anything.”

After they joined the team, they were put to work. “Ninth grade year I was pulled up from JV to play on the varsity,” Russell said.

“One of our main middle hitters got her thumb dislocated, so our coach called me to go in. Of course I am a tiny ninth-grader, so I totally freaked out.” Moye also started on the varsity her freshman year and called it a learning experience. “It made me have to step up to the plate because I didn’t want those tall girls mad at me,” Moye said.

Over the years, Russell (number 4) and Moye (number 8) developed their skills, attending camps and learning new techniques. Moye has always been able to serve but learned proper techniques and procedures at camps. Now in their senior year, both are humbled by the title of team captain. “It’s scary to have people look up to you because you never want to disappoint anybody,” Russell said.

Their leadership was called on this season during a match against the Statesboro Blue Devils. The team embedded down to start the match, and it showed as they fell 25-14. “We got our butts kicked the first game,” Russell said. “They wore us out.” With strong serves by Moye, the Lady Gators came back to win the second game, forcing a third and deciding game. “I’ve never felt us click as good as we did the third game,” Russell said. Ware County pulled away and won the final game 25-17 to win the match.

Both young ladies have developed a love of volleyball and enjoy playing the sport with a group of people with whom they

have become close. They enjoy the speed and coordination the game requires and, of course, the thrill of the kill. “There are no words to describe how you feel when you get up,” Russell said of smashing the ball over the net for a point. “It’s kind of like waking up on Christmas morning.” While Russell is the team’s biggest hitter, Moye is the go-to server and leads the team in aces this season.

The future is wide open for both ladies. Russell wants to become a Physical Therapist while Moye is still undecided on what she wants to study in college. For now, they will enjoy their time at Ware County High School. Both girls agree that this is their best year. Once the regular season is complete, the Region 2-AAAAA volleyball tournament is scheduled for Statesboro on Oct. 8.

presented by

Dedication

on and off the field Written by: John Wood Photography by: Jeffrey Griffith

When J.P. Fountain was coming up through the Wayne County school system, he saw the Yellow Jackets’ football program transform from average to extraordinary. As a freshman, Fountain was a part of the high water mark that the Yellow Jackets hit when they made it to the AAAA Final Four, losing to eventual champion Griffin.

“That was one of the most exciting things I have been a part of in my four years of playing high school athletics,” Fountain said. “The crowd along with the intensity of the players gave me a feeling that I hope to get back every time I step on the field.”

Four years later, Fountain has played football, baseball, track, and also been a swimmer for the Wayne County Yellow Jackets. “My favorite position of these four sports would be line18 | itgsportsnetwork.com

backer on the football team,” Fountain said.

The memory of the semi-final game at Griffin High School isn’t the only memory that Fountain carries from his freshman year. Just like the list of sports he has competed in for Wayne County High School, he also carries a 4.0 GPA and valuable lessons from one of his favorite teachers.

“My freshman year I took economics taught

by Mr. Guill,” Fountain said. “Economics is very interesting to me, and I also enjoyed the style in which Mr. Guill taught.

Right now I am taking calculus, and it’s one of my favorite classes I’ve taken throughout my whole career because my teacher, Mr. Martin, keeps it interesting.

You can tell that he really wants everyone in the class to succeed in the way that he pushes us all past the limit we

thought we could go.”

Expectations have followed Fountain, and he always understood the importance of those expectations both in the classroom and on the field.

“No matter what anyone tells you, the classroom always has priority over any sport,”

Fountain said. “No one can rely completely on sports as a profession because even though many of us don’t want to hear this, everyone’s sports career comes to an end at some point. If you don’t have a strong education to lean back on, then no matter how good you were at

sports, it’s not going to help you get a job.”

Fountain’s dedication to his studies has also helped him become a stronger student of the game of football.

Since he is committed and works hard in the classroom, he is able to really understand the defense and make the

calls on the field, something he takes great pride in.

“My eagerness for learning in the classroom transfers over to the field as well,” Fountain said.

“It helps me understand my assignments for certain plays and helps me be very disciplined on the field. Being a good student also allows my coaches to rely on me to make the calls on the defensive side of the ball.”

As a senior football player and leader for Wayne County High School, he had to step up when the Yellow Jackets’ program went into disarray at the end of last year school.

“I really have to tip my hat to all my fellow seniors in how much we all stepped up to the plate and turned this change and made it a positive energy, which has pushed us to work harder,” Fountain said.

Camden County assistant Derek Chastain left the Wildcats around the middle of June to take the Wayne County job, his first head football coaching position. The Yellow Jackets’ assistants had kept players lifting, and senior leaders like Fountain knew with Chastain coming so late it would be fast learning curve, but the team embraced it.

“Coach Chastain has really impacted our program in a positive way since he arrived,” Fountain said. “At first many people didn’t like the sudden change of coaches, but as time passed we could all tell how much he cared for us without even being there for more than a week. Throughout this season, any time something good or bad happens he always tells us, ‘You didn’t choose me. I chose you.’”

Chastain is reciprocal of the compliments of

Fountain and how he and the other seniors have really worked hard to learn Chastain’s coaching style and system.

“J.P. Fountain is one of the hardest workers we have in the classroom, weight room, and on the field,” Chastain said. “He has been a joy to get to know and coach these first few months. I hate that I only have a few months with him before he graduates. J.P. comes from a strong family that demands hard work and excellence at everything they do. His success in the classroom as well as on the field is a direct testament of his parents and the way they have raised their boys.”

Upon graduation, Fountain hopes to attend University of Georgia and major in the medical field.

Once he receives an undergraduate degree, he

plans on going into the field of dentistry, specializing in Orthodontics or Endodontics. Staying in the same hard working mold that will get him there, Fountain also wants to own his own business or private practice.

“I would like people to remember me mainly for all the hard work I have put in over my four years as a student-athlete,” Fountain said. “From on the field to in the classroom, I want people to think of me as the motivated person throughout the school. I like to base everything I do off of a quote by Charles Bukowski – ‘If you’re going to try, go all the way.’ – mainly because (since) before I can remember, my parents have always told me that hard work beats talent if talent doesn’t work hard.”

“My eagerness for learning in the classroom transfers over to the field as well. It helps me understand my assignments for certain plays and helps me be very disciplined on the field. Being a good student also allows my coaches to rely on me to make the calls on the defensive side of the ball.”

JEFF DAVIS HIGH SCHOOL

JEFF DAVIS BACK IN ACTION

Written by: Gracie Claxton and Lexy Rentz | Photography by: Julie Ernst

The 2016 Jeff Davis Football program is on its way. Ed Lovvorn stepped up to become Jeff Davis’ new head coach and brought with him running back coach Trevor Porter and quarterback coach John Williford.

Porter enjoys working at Jeff Davis High. “We have a great working staff,” Porter said. “I can’t read the future, but I can tell you it’s all about mentality, speed, and physicality.”

Williford’s family is new to the Hazlehurst area. “There are so many great people, and we enjoy living here,” Williford said.

“It’s a great program, good solid kids, and we have a great administration to help get everything we need,” Lovvorn said. “I think we will be better as the year goes on. We have to keep up this hard work.”

Treshawn Coleman wears number 2, plays cornerback, and plans to become a civil engineer.

Jestin Cornish, number 3, is a running back and would like to attend college to play football.

Jeremy Solomon, number 5, is a wide receiver for the Jackets and would like to attend Valdosta State to study sports medicine.

Wyatt Montgomery, number 15, is a running back. He intends to pursue a degree in Health

and Physical Education and become a wrestling coach.

DeAngelo Adams, number 22, is a running back. He plans to attend Valdosta State or Georgia Southern to pursue a degree in Health and Human Science to eventually become an athletic trainer.

Alex Nelson is new to the team, but he likes Jeff Davis and is excited about the season. Nelson, number 23, plays linebacker and wants to

OUR SENIORS ARE: go into the logging business Aaron Clark, number 24, is a running back.

After high school he intends to pursue a career as a doctor or surgeon.

Treyton Waters, number 40, is a wide receiver.

He wants to attend college for Veterinary Medicine. Treyton believes that all the coaches are where they should be, and he is looking forward to the season.

Justin Kight, number 44, is a running back. Ki-

ght plans to attend ABAC for the timber harvesting program. He believes that well done is better than well said.

Khody Sellers, number 53, plays right guard and would like to attend Georgia Tech to become an engineer.

Wyatt Williams, number 58, is a linebacker and plans on attending ABAC to study Agriculture and business.

Jacob O’Steen, number 62, plays defensive tackle and wants to join

the military.

Darton Stankowitz, number 66, plays left guard and intends on going to South Georgia to become a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant Junior Aguirre, number 80, plays defensive end and plans to attend North Georgia to become a dentist.

Kris Ewing, number 82, is a wide receiver and wants to go into the army for engineering.

The boys agree that the changes in the coaching staff and to the program in general have been good. They see great things happening in the years to come and realize that while they are fully vested in the football team this year, the future of Jeff Davis football is important.

They know the changes that have been made can make all the difference.

Jeff Davis is excited to see what this season holds. Win or lose, these players will always be teammates. They will lead this team and will work to make us all proud.

Once a yellow jacket, always a yellow jacket. Go Jacket Pride!

Seniors: Standing (left to right): Junior Aguirre, Wyatt Montgomery, Kris Ewing, Treshawn Coleman, Jacob O’steen Jestin Cornish, Wyatt Williams, Jeremy Solomon, Justin Kight and Alex Nelson. Seated (left to right): Aaron Clark, Treyton Waters, Darton Stankowitz, Deangelo Adams and Khody Sellers.

20 | itgsportsnetwork.com

IMPACT PLAYERS Alex Dunn GPA: 4.3 Best Time: 19:33. Third in the state last season This spring she was GISA AAA State Champion in the 1,600 meters.

Snack: Banana with peanut butter Food: Peanut butter Drink: Water Hobbies: Running, riding horses, playing piano

Cross Country Senior Frederica Academy St. Simons Island

Righty or Lefty? Righty Car or Truck? Sports car Superpower you would like to have?

Super speed. Fast enough to run on water!

FAVORITES: College Team: Georgia Tech Pro Player: Heather Dorniden, professional runner Movie: The Longest Ride

Movie Star: Anne Hathaway Singer: Luke Bryan School Subject: Calculus Pets: Cat, horse, dog Place to travel: Hawaii

Who inspires you and why? My dad because he loves Jesus, is always studying the Bible, always telling me and my brothers the new things he learns, and he has a lot of faith in Jesus.

Bailey Harrison Batting Average: .571 RBIs: 11 Homeruns: 3 GPA: 4.0

Snack: Original Lays Chips Food: Steak Drink: Cool Blue Gatorade Hobby: Playing softball College Team: The University of Florida Gators Softball

Softball Sophomore Long County High School Ludowici

Righty or Lefty? Righty Car or Truck? 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Superpower you would like to have?

I wish I could be able to fly.

FAVORITES: TV show: Chrisley Knows Best Movie: The Age Of Adaline Movie Star: Zac Efron Singer: Lauren Daigle School Subject: Science

Pets: A Great Dane named Ember, a Yorkie named Izzy, and a cat named Nash Place To Travel: The mountains

Who inspires you and why? Sierra Romero because she is so determined and focused every time she steps onto the field. She works hard and gives it her all every time she gets the chance to, and it really shows. She’s an amazing softball player who’s made so many amazing accomplishments in the sport, and I feel like any girl who wants to go play college ball at the next level, especially D1, should be inspired by Sierra Romero and strive to be like her.

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Haley Taylor Position: Middle Infielder Stats: Batting Average .525, RBIs:14 and

Homerun: 1

Snack: Goldfish Food: Quesadillas Drink: Coke Hobby: Reading Pro Player: Geri Ann

Glasco

Pro Team: Akron Racers

Softball Junior Richmond Hill High School Richmond Hill

Righty or Lefty? Bats lefty, throws righty Car or Truck? Car Superpower you would like to have?

Flying

FAVORITES: College Team: UGA TV Show: American

Horror Story Movie: Benchwarmers Movie Star: Zac Efron Singer: One Direction Video Game: Just Dance

School Subject: Literature Pets: Two Cats

Place to Travel: Perth,

Australia

Who inspires you and why? Lauren Gibson. I met her in 2013 at a hitting camp, and during that time I was working to become a power hitter on the left side. Lauren is a very successful lefty and an incredible second baseman who used to play for Tennessee, but now plays on the USA team. Not only is she an incredible softball player, but she is an awesome person with a very kind personality. I hope to be just like her someday.

Mary Grace Rhodes

Position: Middle Blocker, Outside Hitter, and defensive specialist Stats: Sets Played:54, Kills:186, Total Blocks:25, Aces:30 GPA: 4.04 Snack: Chips Food: Thai Drink: Dr. Pepper Hobby: Volleyball Pro Team: Falcons College Team: UGA

Volleyball Senior Glynn Academy Brunswick

Righty or Lefty? Righty Car or Truck? Car- CRV Superpower you would like to have?

Gravity manipulation

FAVORITES: Pro Player: LeBron TV Show: Grey’s Anatomy Movie: Hunger Games Movie Star: Leonardo DiCaprio

Singer: JB School subject: Math Pets: Dog Place to Travel: Jamaica

Who inspires you? Dad

In The Game | 23

Jeremiah Johnson-Glenn Position: Captain GPA: 3.5 Righty or Lefty? Righty Snack: Oatmeal Cookies Food: Quesadillas Drink: Lemonade Hobby: Dance/Cheer Pro Team: Chicago Bulls College Team: ROLL TIDE!!! Alabama

Cheerleading Senior Liberty County High School Hinesville

Car or truck? Dodge Nitro Superpower you would like to have? Invisibility FAVORITES: Pro Player: Derrick Rose TV Show: Love and Hip Hop: ATL Movie: ATL Movie Star: Lauren London Video Game: Bowmasters

Singer: Chance the Rapper School Subject: Biology Pets: All of them Place to Travel: Alabama

Who inspires you and why? My Mother. She has worked so hard to get me

where I am today!

Lizzie Shurbert Position: Shortstop & Goalie Stats: Avg: .426, OBP: .514, SLG: .754, Homeruns: 3, RBIs:15 Grade Point Average: 3.8

Snack: Cheezits Food: Chick-fil-a Drink: Sweet Tea Hobby: Working with kids in the community Pro Team: Braves College Team: Georgia

Softball & Soccer Senior Ware County High School Waycross

Righty or Lefty? Righty Car or Truck? Car Superpower you would like to have?

The superpower where I could eat all I wanted and never gain weight

FAVORITES: Pro Player: Alex Morgan TV Show: Quantico Movie: The Blindside Movie Star: Patrick Dempsey Singer: Justin Bieber

Video Game: Mario Super Sluggers School Subject: Math & Science Pets: One dog Place to Travel: New York City

Who inspires you and why? There is definitely more than one person who inspires me, but I can narrow it down to four people. My parents inspire me big time.

They're always pushing me to reach new levels academically and athletically. They never let me stop or quit. Megan Cook also inspires me. She's like a big sister I never had, and she always pushes me to be a better person and to always do the right thing no matter how hard it is. Lastly, my aunt, Blake Crews, inspires me on and off the softball field. Blake has always been my best friend, and I loved playing softball with her in high school. We could always read each other. It was like we had some kind of telepathy going on.

24 | itgsportsnetwork.com

PIERCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

BEARS HOPE TO MAKE SPLASH WITH TALENTED ROSTER

P

Written by: Jaron Raulerson | Photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson

The football season has started, and so have the Pierce County Bears. The Bears started the season at 2-2, but still hope to make a splash in the football region. For that reason the Bears are still in contention for the regional title and bragging rights across the region. But in order to do that the Bears need to follow their keys to success, which are staying healthy and improving each week. Pierce County has a tough schedule this season with big time schools (including Liberty

County and star athlete Richard LeCounte III) on the agenda. But with that being said, Coach Sean Pender finds that as a strong point more than a weakness, stating that “this will help us in the playoffs, playing all of these tough teams now.�

The Bears are full of talent this season, including offensive standouts: quarterback Stetson Bennett (#8), wide receiver Chase Royer (#47), running back Shyheim Clark (#28), and offensive lineman Cam Padgett (#69). The defense

unit is much improved from last year allied by linebackers Renard Matthews (#41), Ben Aldridge (#16), and Cam Douberly (#17), as well as Quashawn Conoway (#1). The talent for the Bears is hard to overlook, but there are more than just players that are worth mentioning, including: Coach Garrett Grady (offensive coordinator), Coach Brandon Jernigan (assistant coach), and Coach Kip Burdette (defensive coordinator). The Bears all-around are a very intriguing team.

This team has the

making of a great football team, and has the marking of success.

But by now the Pierce County Bears football team is well known in the region, and confidently will be well known in the future. In view of that, the Bears still have much to offer this season to widen the awareness of Pierce County football. So all together, the Bears will need big plays from their stars in order to win, and have to overcome the tough schedule, and they will strive for a sixth consecutive winning season.

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3353 Hwy. 84 Blackshear, GA 31516 Ben Bennett

Jaron Raulerson PCHS student writer

WARRIOR WINNER CHAMPION Written by: John DuPont | Photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson

It has been a long time coming for Shyhiem Clark, but the planets have finally aligned for his optimal success. Clark, the son of Lorenzo Rivers and Ann (Terrial) Wilson, has been one of the main weapons in 2016 for the Pierce County Bears. Through the first four games, the 5’8”, 160-pound senior was one of the sparkplugs for a PCHS offense that averaged 38 points per game.

Clark was the feature back through the first half of the season, with 53 carries for 390 yards (7.4 avg.) and seven touchdowns. He also had six catches for 58 yards (9.7 avg.) and one scoring grab.

“Shyhiem has made tremendous strides, just tremendous,” said PCHS head coach Sean Pender. “When he first came out for football, he was an undersized kid. He was kind of just out there because his brother was out there, and he was caught up in the wrong people. This summer, he decided to change his ways.

He’s been dedicated and has been working extremely hard, and it started to show on the practice field. He has been practicing at 100 miles an hour and is easily the guy that has improved the most on our team from one year to the next.”

Clark first hit the gridiron as an eight-year-old in the Patterson recreation league. He recalled those teams as having had great success, including an all-star championship, while playing for coach Darrell Hunter.

Clark then moved up to play for Pierce County Middle School in the seventh and eighth grades.

presented by:

“Shyhiem is the most improved player on our offensive unit from last year to this season. He had a great summer through all the padded camps and his transition from defense to offense. He has had to learn the offensive playbook and learn how to read blocks and take care of the football. Even though he is the ‘most improved’ I hope he still continues to strive for greatness this season and does not become satisfied at where he is at right now.”

– Garrett Grady, PCHS offensive coordinator

26 | itgsportsnetwork.com

“I didn’t really get much playing time in middle school; I played a little bit of defense my eighth grade year,” Clark said. “I guess I just wasn’t all the way into football then the way I am now. I didn’t show it on the field. I didn’t show it to the coaches in a way where they could give me a starting position.”

By his sophomore season, Clark was poised to compete for backfield time with the JV, but a knee injury ultimately wrecked that season. After rehab, he pitched in as a scout team member at the end of the varsity season. “It hurt watching everybody else play while I had to stay on the sideline,” Clark said.

“But that break was all about making me stronger and working harder.”

Coaches took notice, and opportunity soon knocked again for Clark.

However, a violation of team rules resulted in his sitting out spring practice. He picked up a couple of jobs in the summer, but in doing so missed those workouts.

Consequently, he was relegated to playing defense due to unfamiliarity with the newest offensive schemes.

“I played free safety, corner, and ranger (covering deep middle thirds),” Clark said. “I was mad because I really wanted to be on offense, but what really motivated me was when Coach (Kip) Burdette didn’t play me in the last couple of games. That’s when I really wanted to go harder.”

On defense, Clark tallied 16 solo tackles and 28 assists, including 1.5 tackles for loss with an interception for the Bears, who chalked

up a 7-4 record in 2015.

PCHS opted against holding spring drills in favor of picking up an extra fall scrimmage.

Clark, though, was a mainstay during summer workouts this goaround.

“This summer I tried to come every day so I could make something of myself,” Clark said.

“This is my last year, and I wanted to make my family proud. I was tired of getting in trouble. I put it in my mind to change and do whatever I could to make an impression on Coach Pender and let him know I’m ready to be a

running back this year.”

Clark also worked hard in the weight room, where his max totals now include 230 pounds on the bench press, 340 in squats, and 230 on cleans. He also helps maintain his 4.6 speed as a member of the track team in the spring. Since eighth grade he has competed in the 100-meter, 200m, and 400m events as well as the 4x100 and 4x400 relays. That speed and power were evident through the early part of the Bears’ 2016 slate. He scored four touchdowns on the ground in the season

“I was tired of getting in trouble. I put it in my mind to change and do whatever I could to make an impression on Coach Pender and let him know I’m ready to be a running back this year.”

“Shy has stepped up as a leader in our position group.

He leads all station work and is usually the one encouraging others to give better effort.

His willingness to give maximum effort between the whistles makes him the ball player he is today.”

– Brandon Jernigan, PCHS running backs and assistant head coach

opener against Bacon County and added three more a week later against Beach.

“Against Bacon, my adrenaline was pumping,” Clark said. “But if it weren’t for our line and our receivers blocking for me, I wouldn’t have scored. And I can’t forget about my mom the night before giving me a motivational speech and telling me to put God first. She always says that and also not to let the hype get to me. And my grandparents always bring God into it and tell me to put Him first.”

Family is of utmost importance to Clark, whose older siblings include two sisters, Shyquilla Rivers and Iesha Clark, and a brother, Lorenzo Clark, all of whom graduated from PCHS. Lorenzo Clark played football for PCHS two years ago and now wrestles at Brewton-Parker. Other family influences included an aunt, Beatrice Burton, along with a cousin, Michael, and grandparents Vivian and Fleming Milledge Sr. “I asked Shyhiem if he thought I was a leader or a follower, and he said, ‘a leader,’” Fleming Milledge said. “And I said, ‘Well, that’s what I think of you.’ One thing I talk to Shyhiem about all the time is his temper. I say, ‘Think twice and speak once. Don’t just let things jump out of your mouth.’”

“I talk to him about temptation and tell him it’s easy to get off the right track but harder to get back on,” Vivian Milledge said. “Whenever he’s here, he is well mannered and loving, and he finds something to do. He’s kind to elderly people, too.”

28 | itgsportsnetwork.com

With an eye on engineering, Clark also considers a career in masonry as an option in following in his grandfather’s footsteps. He credited countless hours as a brick laborer for his current physical state. “I didn’t have weight training until my 10th grade year,” Clark said. “I’d have to pile blocks, mix mortar, and stuff like that. When you’ve got to hand blocks up the scaffold, that’s a workout. That’s really how I got ripped.”

Clark, who attends Evergreen Church near Bristol, listed 1 John 4:4 and Philippians 4:13 among his favorite Bible verses. His mom remains foremost among his spiritual cheerleaders and credited one particular recitation with helping keep her son grounded in faith.

Wilson said, “We have this thing at church that my pastor has our young people say: ‘I have potential. I can do whatever God says I can do. I can be whatever God says I can be. I can have whatever God says I can have. I’m a warrior. I’m a winner. I’m a champion. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’”

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"Some of our freshmen and sophomores able to compete. We still make a lot of yo Jeff Davis County football coach Ed Lovvorn may be a first year head coach, but he has more experience than most football coaches in southeast Georgia. He has been on the sidelines for 31 years, including the last two as the Yellow Jackets’ defensive coordinator. He would probably still be an assistant coach if not for his desire to keep the Jeff Davis program moving forward following the departure earlier this year of Roger Metts, who spent five years as head coach.

“I have always enjoyed being a Defensive Coordinator and having the freedom just to coach kids on a daily basis,” Lovvorn said. “When the job came open at Jeff Davis, the goal was to keep as much of the staff and program in place that we had started building with Coach Metts. The best way for that to happen was for me to apply for the job.”

Although the Jackets had not made the playoffs in 14 years, Metts had begun to build a program in Hazlehurst with Lovvorn’s help. Now it is up to Lovvorn to right the Jeff Davis ship on his own terms, which means producing young men who can be dependable employees and good husbands and fathers. “We preach character, discipline, and accountability to each other, their schools, their families, and their God,” Lovvorn said.

On the field, Lovvorn is a defensive-minded coach, having spent most of his career as a coordinator, a linebackers’ and defensive backs’ coach. He stresses angles, leverage, and effort, based out of an even front

and a quarter coverage shell. Offensively, he likes to spread the field and put specific defenders in a bind.

Lovvorn came from the west Georgia town of Manchester, where he went to high school before going to Georgia Southwestern University in Americus to play baseball.

After college, he started coaching as an assistant at Peach County, where he helped the Trojans make the playoffs after several down years. “We played a lot of homecoming games,” Lovvorn said.

That was followed by stints at Temple, Northside Warner Robins, Rockdale Coun-

The

Experienced

Rookie Written by: Rob Asbell

Photography by: Michael Brinson

s have stepped up and allowed us to be oung mistakes, but they don't back down." ty, Northeast Whitfield, Stockbridge, Washington-Wilkes, and Chattahoochee County over 28 years. His best season, so far, came in 2005 at Washington-Wilkes when they made it to the state championship game – where they lost to Single A power Lincoln County – despite losing seven starters during the season, including their leading rusher, receiver, and three linebackers.

“Every time someone went down, someone else stepped up,” Lovvorn said. “One of our corners had been a manager the year before. We ended up giving up less than six points per game that year despite all the injuries.” One of his fondest memories came the next year when Washington-Wilkes got revenge for their loss in the state championship by beating Lincoln County 3-0.

Lovvorn credited Lee Forehand and Neal Rumble for influencing his coaching style. He played for both men in high school and worked under them early in his career at Peach County. They taught him how to be organized, the importance of fundamentals, and a strong work ethic.

Over his years of coaching, Lovvorn has had the opportunity to coach quite a few Division-1 college prospects and even a few players who made it to the NFL. But he said his most memorable players were those with heart and determination. “One would be Jimmy Reed, who played linebacker for us at Peach County in the mid ‘80s and went on to play a few years in Canada,” Lovvorn said. “Jimmy was about 5’8”, 190-pounds and was the most intense player I have ever coached...a great

natural leader. The other would be Dewayne Hampton.” Hampton, Lovvorn said, weighed all of 140-pounds but was still the leading tackler at outside linebacker for Washington-Wilkes. “In 2006 we played Greene County and (future) Georgia Tech star Josh Nesbitt for the Region Championship,” Lovvorn said. “Dewayne had four or five open field tackles on Nesbitt that stopped drives.”

In 2014, Lovvorn got the opportunity to become Defensive Coordinator at Jeff Davis County and had an immediate positive impact helping to reduce the Yellow Jackets’ points allowed by 14 per game.

This year he moved up to head coach. He inherits a young team that went .500 last season, but Lovvorn believes they will be competitive this year.

“Some of our freshmen and sophomores have stepped up and allowed us to be able to compete,” Lovvorn said.

“We still make a lot of young mistakes, but they don’t back down.” After GHSA realignment, Jeff Davis will remain in the AA Classification but will see new opponents this year. Region 2-AA now includes two of the top three teams in the state in Benedictine and Vidalia, along with Bacon County, Bryan County, Metter, Swainsboro, and Toombs.

Lovvorn said his proudest accomplishment has nothing to do with coaching. It is his two sons, one of whom is in seminary and currently serving on a mission in the Middle East and the other who is an honor graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy serving as a Captain. “Both of them have turned out to be strong Christian young men,” Lovvorn said.

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CAMDEN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

WILDCATS REBOUND, Edge Brunswick for First Win

Written by: John Wood | photography by: Michael Brinson

The Camden County Wildcats started the season 0-2 with backto-back losses on trips to the Sunshine state, losing to Oakleaf 2713 in the opening week of the 2016 season.

Two weeks ago Venice smashed the Wildcats 46-17. Hurricane Hermine forced the cancellation of the final road trip to Florida against Columbia County.

Camden County’s 2016 home opener was against one of their

Glynn County rivals, Glynn Academy. Last season was a breakout year for both Glynn and Camden. After a lackluster 2014, the Wildcats rebounded, finishing the regular season 9-1, and ended up losing in the quarterfinals to Roswell. Glynn, who lost to Camden 24-17, ended up making it to the Georgia Dome, losing the AAAAA state championship to Alatoona.

Graduation hit both teams hard, but the Red

Terrors used the speed and experience of Dee Jay Dallas, a University of Miami commit, coupled with a tough running and option game from junior running back Randon Jernagin.

On the opening possession of the game, Glynn snapped the ball, and Wildcat pony safety Cole Loden filled the hole, stopping the Glynn Academy ball carrier at the line of scrimmage. Over the next three and a half

quarters, a comedy of errors and miscues plagued the Wildcats.

Even while the Red Terrors continued to score almost at will, going up 42-0, Camden County head coach Welton Coffey kept coaching and trying to keep the Wildcats disciplined and playing. Towards the end of the fourth quarter, Camden finally hit pay dirt, avoiding a shutout 56-7.

It was the worst loss that the Wildcats have experienced in 20 years, dating back to a road loss to Windsor Forest, 49-0, in 1998.

A week later the Wildcats finished the Glynn County swing by facing the Brunswick Pirates on the road at Glynn County Stadium. Both teams came into the game looking for momentum to get them back on track. What ensued was an absolute defensive battle. As both teams locked horns, neither team could find the end zone through the first two quarters.

Wildcat running back Mickey Packard had a good punt return and scored the Wildcats’ first and only touchdown two plays later.

Junior kicker Oliver Kellum’s extra point sailed through the uprights for the point after touchdown. Brunswick scored in the third quarter too, but the extra point sailed outside the uprights, and on a night when the Wildcats were fighting for a win, it was Kellum’s one point that made the difference.

The win certainly gave credibility to the growth that Coffey has been looking for in the Wildcats since the first week of the season. However, Coffey knows that the schedule coming up is just as daunting with metro Atlanta power McEachern coming to Chris Gilman Stadium in the next couple of weeks. Camden County will end up getting to play a full 10-game schedule this season. After losing the Columbia County game to Hurricane Hermine, the Wildcats picked up an open date with their rival across the swamp, Charlton County. The game is scheduled for Oct. 7 at Chris Gilman Stadium in Kingsland.

Chip Off the Old

Block

Written by: John DuPont | Photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson

Physically, Michael Mincey is literally a man among boys. The 6-foot, 220-pound eighth grader already has a physique that hints at next-level greatness.

The son of Ykisso Lewis and the late Michael Mincey Sr., he is a twoway star making his mark as both a power fullback and a defensive lineman who punishes opposing ball carriers. Those closest to him say the younger Mincey brings an undeniable air of familiarity to the fold. It has been just over a year since the passing of Michael Mincey Sr., the fifth of

presented by

six football-playing brothers; Otha, Tony, Jerry, Sandy, and Greg are the others.

“I call him ‘MJ,’ but his dad called him ‘MikeMike,’” Lewis said. “He is Michael Sr. all over again, except he’s quiet and Big Mike liked to joke. The past few months he has been talking about his dad, and on my birthday MJ told me he was going to make a touchdown for me. He made a touchdown and pointed to the sky for his daddy to acknowledge.”

“I like playing fullback because that was my daddy’s position, and I

have his number (#42), too,” the young prodigy said. “At first when I was playing tackle, I wasn’t really hitting people.

Then when I’d see my daddy, I’d get physical. I like hitting people now.

It gets me hyped.”

“Michael started for me as a sixth grader on the line,” Waycross Middle School coach Kevin Stevenson said. “He was thick and chubby (240 lbs), but last year he started losing some of the ‘baby fat,’ and we moved him to tight end. He’s an athletic kid, and I moved him to fullback. When we went to Valdosta in our scrimmage game, he scored two touchdowns and had several runs of 20 yards. There were kids that when he got open seemed like they were running from him.”

Such stories hearken more comparisons to Michael Mincey Sr., who played at Pierce County High in the 1990s. One of the elder Mincey’s teammates in those days was James Doe, now a Ware County High assistant. Doe, a backfield mate to Mincey Sr., is the godfather to Mincey Jr. “Michael wants to run the ball, and he’s got to work more on his footwork,” Doe said.

“He’s got to work on his hands and shooting off the blocks. But he is very solid. I took him to the gym with me one day, and he was doing

what I was doing. He’s things I need to do so County (54-0), and Marvery strong, and he re- I can succeed. It’s not tha Puckett (41-0). Over minds me that stretch, Mincey carso much of I like playing fullback Mike. Me ried nine and his dad times for because that was my daddy s were best 130 yards friends, just (14.4 avg.) position, and I have his number like brothand three (#42), too. At first when I ers, and t o u c h one key downs. Dewas playing tackle, I wasn t thing I’ve f e n s i v e l y, been drillhe tallied really hitting people. Then 22 tackles ing with when I d see my daddy, I d get including Michael is nine tackles his grades physical. I like hitting people and his edfor loss. He ucation.” had three now. It gets me hyped.

Mincey quarterJr., who back sacks achieved five years of just about how to play against Martha Puckperfect attendance at football, but how to get ett. school over one stretch, stronger, and how to be Come spring, named Gina Howell and respectful to my mama. Mincey said he’ll Amy Fitzgerald as be- He’s just been there for either play baseing among his favorite me.” ball or run track. He teachers. He aspires to The running back likes the challenge follow in the footsteps boasts impressive of the 100-meof his mom, who earned weight room num- ter and 200-meter a bachelor’s degree in bers: He benches 205 events and admires criminal justice. His fa- pounds, squats 235, the talents of Olympic vorite subjects are math and cleans 185. But sprinters in that disand science. his numbers on the cipline. He also wel“I want to study fo- field have drawn his comes the opportunity rensic weapons, and opponents’ respect. to participate in the math and science are The Bulldogs got out 4x100 meter event, his the best for that,” Minc- of the gates in 2016 mother’s specialty. He ey said. “I like to add with shutout wins over admires Georgia Bullnumbers and deal with Jeff Davis (28-0), Long dog running back Nick how things happen and Chubb and hopes to problem solving. My one day himself play at godfather talks to me UGA. Afterward there about my grades and shows me

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In The Game | 35

“My teammates and I are like brothers.

We don’t get mad at each other; we work together and take it one game at a time.” are pro aspirations, where Mincey looks to earn a paycheck that he can use to bring niceties to his mother.

“I’ll buy her a two-story house, a car, and some shoes,” Mincey said.

“And I’ll get somebody to build her a pool.”

“MJ is humble, and he’ll give you his best,” Lewis said. “He’ll go outside and mow the yard without me telling him. He is loving and caring and loves being outside with his little brother, Treyvontae Hargrove. He likes teaching his brother the protocols of football.

As Michael was going through the trials of losing his father, Treyvontae, who lost his father three years ago, told Michael to lean on God, and Michael started to gain more strength.”

“Mike-Mike reminds me of his daddy in the way he approaches the game: He loves to hit people and has no fear – that and always having his brother’s back and his willingness to help people.”

– Otha “Freight Train” Mincey, uncle to Mincey Jr. and a former standout fullback at Patterson High School.

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Mincey Jr. echoes his mother’s words, citing similar traits for which he most wants to be remembered. “I want people to say that I’m smart, intelligent, like to learn, am caring and open-hearted, a leader, and that I am helpful,” Mincey said. Like his mother, Mincey also acknowledges God as having been instrumental in his life. He furthermore cites the influence of several rec league and travel ball coaches, including coach Shedrick Payne and coach “Nose” (Kenneth King). Additional motivation and inspiration have been drawn from grandmothers Hazel Lewis and Edith Mincey and cousin Rock Taylor.

Of course, there are also the relationships with his current teammates.

“We just take one game at a time, and we

stick together,” Mincey said. “My teammates and I are like brothers.

We don’t get mad at each other; we work together and take it one game at a time. “ His coach sees a bright future for the keeper of the Mincey flame. “He’ll definitely be playing somewhere for Ware County next year,” Stevenson said.

“I don’t know the grand scheme yet that coach (Franklin) Stephens has for him yet, but I coached Tre Jackson and T.Y. McGill (both are now in the NFL) in middle school, and Michael is the same exact way. If he does like he is supposed to, he’ll be playing someday on Saturdays and Sundays.”

In The Game | 39

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