Southeast Georgia September 2017 Edition

The Man in the Arena KJ Milner, Bradwell Institute

High Performance

Raja Bradley Ware County High School

Work To Do Jordan Prince McIntosh County Middle School

Working Day and Night Randon Jernigan Glynn Academy

MEDIA DAY STARTS THE

GAME SOUTHEAST GEORGIA

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IN THE

September 2017

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IN THIS ISSUE

8 14 18 22 27 29

Working Day and Night Randon Jernigan, Glynn Academy

35

KJ Milner, Bradwell Institute

13

NEW LOOK ON BEARS' SIDELINE Pierce County High School

Jordan Prince, McIntosh County Middle School

Media Day Starts the Season

Raja Bradley, Ware County High School

Also:

The Man in the Arena

Work To Do

High Performance

24

Lady Gators Softball Looks for Deep Run in Playoffs Ware County High School

New Owners, Same Great Service

38

New Coach Leads Lady Raiders Bacon County High School

Strickland Keeping Standards High at PCHS Jason Strickland, Pierce Co. High School

In The Game | 5

FROM THE PUBLISHER

As we head into the first turn of the high school football season, we find some of our Southeast Georgia teams in unfamiliar territory. Perennial powerhouses like Charlton County and Wayne County find themselves 3-0 after only winning three games all of last season. On the other end of the spectrum, Ware County and Liberty County, who made it to the quarter-finals last year, are winless so far this season. The good news is there’s plenty of football left to play. Softball, volleyball, and cross country are into their respective seasons with events happening all over SEGA. Do yourself and the student athletes of SEGA a favor and get out and see a sporting contest of your choice this week.

You’ll be glad you did.

When you are a gifted athlete, you can generally play any sport you choose. It just so happens this month’s Player Spotlight chose football and baseball. Glynn Academy’s own Randon Jernigan has had an interesting journey in athletics. We featured him as a multisports star in eighth grade at Risley Middle School, and at the time he told us his first love was baseball. He went on to be the Region Offensive Player of the Year at quarterback for Brunswick High as a freshman. He later transferred to Glynn Academy, where he played receiver for two seasons. Now as a senior, he’s back at his familiar position of QB for the Red Terrors.

All this would lead you to believe his future was on the gridiron, but in August he verbally committed to the University of Georgia to play baseball. First loves are hard to forget.

Sometimes life deals us a tough hand, but what we do in the face of adversity helps mold us into who we are as people. There is no better example of staring adversity in the face and coming out a winner than Bradwell Institute’s K.J. Milner. Milner, like his

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Tiger teammates, had to endure a 20-game losing streak his first two seasons. He and his teammates battled through to turn things around and make the playoffs his junior year. Now as seniors, Milner and the Tigers are currently sitting at 2-0 with a victory over cross-town rival Liberty County for the first time since 2009. All this time, Milner has maintained a 3.8 GPA as he prepares for the next chapter in his life. Great job, young man.

We hear all the time about breakout seasons. This could be just that for Ware County Gator running back Raja Bradley. The senior tailback has been a part of two deep playoff runs by the Gators. Two years ago he played behind Dedrick Mills, and this past season the Gator offense centered around JaMar Lincoln. According to head coach Franklin Stephens, this is the year for tailback No. 32 Raja Bradley to shine on the gridiron. Bradley is coming off a huge game with Coffee County, where he won Offensive Player of the Week honors, an award I suspect he’ll win multiple times during his breakout season.

The Pierce County Nation was stunned when it was announced that the winningest coach in Bears’ history, Sean Pender, accepted the head coaching job at Brunswick High School. Fans wondered who could fill the position that lead the Bears to six straight playoff appearances. How about a coach who has played for two state championships in the last two years? Enter former Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane coach Jason Strickland. Strickland, who has ties to the area, took the Bears’ head coaching job, and the PC nation could not be any happier. Strickland encourages his players to have a winning attitude and good character. He brings an instant notability to the program that Pender built into one of the best AAA programs in the state.

When MCA played for a state

18

championship last December, a large contributor to their success was linebacker Johnathan Jason.

When he was in the eighth grade, we featured him as our Rising Star.

McIntosh County Academy will continue to compete at the highest level because the next wave of great young talent is coming. Meet McIntosh Middle School standout Jordan Prince. Prince can play on both sides of the ball. He’s an outstanding running back as well as a leading tackler on defense from his defensive back position. With great young talent like Prince, MCA will continue to make trips to the dome.

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 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 August edition of ITG!

Contributors

Publisher Shawn Smoak Editor Mark Dykes Graphics Mandy Douthit Cover Photography Michael Brinson Feature Photography Jennifer Carter Johnson Michael Brinson Charles Smith Debra Tanner Feature Writers Rob Asbell John DuPont John Wood Jaron Raulerson Copy Editor 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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Working Day and

Night Written by: Rob Asbell Photography by: Michael Brinson

Randon Jernigan isn’t sleeping through his senior season. The Glynn Academy quarterback developed a plan to stay a step ahead on his opponents.

“I believe that if you're doing something while the opponent is sleeping, you get sort of an edge on him mentally and physically,” Jernigan said. “I don't sleep a lot, so I pride myself on working out at midnight.”

It must be working. Before his senior year started, he had 20 scholarship offers to play football from colleges like Cincinnati, Troy, Appalachian State, Georgia Southern, Florida Atlantic, and Colorado State.

Jernigan is being recruited by college football teams as an “athlete,” which is code for “He’s fast and can play anywhere on the field.” Despite the best efforts of college scouts, however, baseball, not football, will be the sport in Jernigan’s future.

As good as he is on the football field, scouts say he is even more impressive playing baseball, which is where his collegiate future lies. On July 28, Jernigan tweeted that he will become a University of Georgia Diamond Dog. For now, Jernigan’s focus is on football and having a good senior year with his Glynn Academy teammates. He will spend Friday nights entering the stadium through the Terrors’ trademark red smoke.

“I get chills when my brothers and I break out onto the field,” Jernigan said.

Jernigan is a 5’11”, 180-pound blur when he gets the football. He runs a 4.4-second 40-yard

dash and is elusive; he likes to make people miss. He is a threat to score anytime he touches the ball, whether as a receiver, running back, or kick returner.

I get chills when my brothers and I break out onto the field.

- Randon Jernigan 8 | itgsportsnetwork.com

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We ran a draw play, and the hole my o-line made for me was as wide as a truck, and I just outran everyone to the end zone.

- Randon Jernigan On the baseball diamond, he is the quintessential leadoff man/center fielder, fast enough to reach base on a bunt or run down a long fly ball.

He had 29 stolen bases in 28 games last spring including six in one game.

He batted .444, scored 36 runs, and was named the Region 2-AAAAA Player of the Year and All-State Honorable Mention.

Jernigan took an interest in both football and baseball as soon as he was able to play in the Recreation League, but T-Ball and flag football were just not exciting enough for him.

“I couldn't take another year of that boring stuff, so I played up in 8U,” he said.

He continued playing Rec ball until he reached middle school, where he started in both sports his seventh-grade year.

He was honored as the In the Game Southeast Georgia Middle School Player of the Year his eighth-grade football season at Risley Middle School. The following year, he was the starting quarterback for the Brunswick Pirates. His first big play came that season against McIntosh County Academy when he broke the school’s record for longest

touchdown with a 94-yard run.

“We ran a draw play, and the hole my o-line made for me was as wide as a truck, and I just outran everyone to the end zone,” Jernigan said.

His freshman year he rushed and passed for over 1,000 yards and was named the region’s Offensive Player of the Year.

Jernigan then transferred across town to Glynn Academy, where coach Rocky Hidalgo moved him to slot back to take advantage of his speed. He immediately became an impact player. Jernigan was part of the Red Terror squad that played for a state championship in 2015. The following season he remained at slot and was the target of passes thrown by current Miami Hurricane DeeJay Dallas. He scored eight touchdowns his junior year and had over 1,000 all-purpose yards.

He has always worn 3 or 33 in football, but wears number 5 in baseball because it has always been his father’s number.

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“I would play anywhere Coach Rock needs me, and it just happens that this year he needs me back at quarterback.

I'm excited.”

- Randon Jernigan

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“I would say my dad has helped me the most,” Jernigan said. “He shows me the way of life instead of just the game of football and baseball. But he pushes me hard to get better, and I appreciate him for that.”

Officially, it says Randall Jernigan Jr. on his birth certificate, but everyone knows him as Randon. He is the son of Randy and Christa Jernigan of Brunswick. Randon carries a 3.9 GPA and has been on the all-A Honor roll several times. He would like to study physical therapy or engineering in college.

“He’s a great kid and competitor, so the other players just get so much from him in the locker room,” Hidalgo said.

“They all know that he has played a ton of football, and they look up to him.”

10 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Now in his senior year, Jernigan is back behind center and hopes to duplicate the success he had the last time he was calling signals.

“It's great returning to quarterback,” he said. “I would play anywhere Coach Rock needs me, and it just happens that this year he needs me back at quarterback.

I'm excited.”

It is difficult to say whether he is better at football or baseball, but one thing is for sure: Whether he is wearing cleats or spikes, he is a leader on the team and has a bright future ahead of him.

“Whatever he decides to do down the road, he will be incredibly successful,” Hidalgo said.

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PIERCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

NEW LOOK ON BEARS' SIDELINE

P

Written by: Jaron Raulerson

The Pierce County football team anxiously awaits the start of the 2017 regular season. Jason Strickland was signed this offseason as the new head coach and brought a brand new coaching staff with him.

Strickland left the Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane to replace Sean Pender and brought several coaches with him from Fitzgerald, including Jason Wicker, Will Winston, Brett Steverson, and Andrew Dent.

Jason Wicker is now the offensive coordina-

tor of Pierce County and will have to establish an identity for this young offense that lost a majority of its starters last season.

Wicker decided to follow Strickland from Fitzgerald after discussing the move with his wife and daughter.

Wicker grew up in in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and attended Red Bank High School. He later attended Carson-Newman College to major in physical education. After graduation, he coached for numerous high schools — including

Jefferson County, Pigeon Forge, Lamar County, and Fitzgerald — and is now in his first year of coaching at Pierce County. Wicker will teach weight training at PCHS and has every intention of helping PCHS “get stronger in the weight room.”

Will Winston is the new defensive coordinator for Pierce County, and the Bears defense will have to be the anchor for this team, as the majority of the defense returned. But before Winston became

the defensive coordinator for PCHS, he was just a regular boy who grew up in Cairo, Georgia. He attended Cairo High School and then the University of Georgia. After graduation Winston coached for several high schools, including Peach County, Irwin County, Telfair County, Atkinson County, and Fitzgerald.

While serving as the defensive coordinator, Winston will be the health and physical education teacher.

Brett Steverson will spend his first season at

PCHS as the running backs coach. He was born in Macon, Georgia, and attended Fitzgerald High School, where he played offensive tackle under Strickland.

Steverson attended Mercer University to play on the offensive line for the Mercer Bears and then coached for one season at Jackson High School, where he assisted on the offensive line. Steverson will teach American government and world history in addition to coaching for the football team.

Andrew Dent attended Worth County High School, where he played football as an outside linebacker and tennis. He later attended Georgia Southern to earn his major in finance. After graduating, Dent coached at his former high school until 2012, then joined the Fitzgerald coaching staff. Dent will teach algebra at PCHS and intends “to teach mental and physical toughness for both on and off the field” during his stint as a Bears coach.

These new coaches look to help develop the Bears into something special during their time here at Pierce County.

The Man in the

ARENA

Written by: John Wood Photography by: Charles Smith

The metaphors and juxtapositions of the gridiron and life are many. While football is a game, it's a game that creates an iron will among its players that forges success in the unpredictable events of life. Losing is part of the game, but players and coaches fight through and hopefully improve. However, sometimes it takes time to get through the losing, and a player’s resolve is tested while competing and not knowing when the effort will result in a victory.

Bradwell Institute senior defensive end KJ Milner has been the proverbial “Man in the Arena” Teddy Roosevelt described. Milner had a front row seat to understanding what it means to battle adversity when his first two seasons with the Tigers resulted in 20

14 | itgsportsnetwork.com

straight losses. But just like Roosevelt said, “It is not the critic who counts…. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood.” And Milner played with stronger conviction to get through adversity, knowing better days lay ahead.

“I started playing when I was 7-years-old, and once I got the hang of it and found out how to play, I became a beast with the help of my father being tough on me,” Milner said. “Once I saw that I was already natural at playing when I was young, I became serious and knew I had the

potential to be something great with the encouragement of my mother.”

His father initially inspired Milner’s determination on the football field, a determination solidified by coaches who taught him that the next play is always the most important.

“A previous coach told me before that the most important play is the next play, so I use the past losing seasons as a form of motivation to get better, grind harder, and to not repeat,” Milner said.

The same motivation and determination Milner displays on the football field are just as apparent in the classroom.

“KJ is a great kid with a very high upside, both academically and athletically,” said Ross Couch, Bradwell Institute first-year head coach. “In the classroom, KJ has one of the highest GPAs (3.8) on the team, and he's

worked hard to create relationships with his teachers. Performing well academically is important to KJ, and he's going to do whatever it takes to succeed in that venue.”

Unlike most high school athletes, Milner plays something every season.

Besides playing football, he plays basketball and runs track, but playing defensive end in football is his passion. His favorite player is former Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.

“When you talk to KJ, he doesn't say much,” Couch said. “He's quiet. He's reserved. He just puts in work. When he's on the field, he's the same way. His actions do the talking for him.”

Milner knows his position so well that he can envision his exact movements in a split second before the ball is snapped: “First, I line myself up with the outside shoulder tackle and put my left hand or right hand down depending on what side. Second, I watch the ball and wait for it to snap. When snapped, I shoot my hands to the tackle to keep them from blocking me, and instantaneously I read what type of block he is doing to react. Third, I become violent with my hands to stop them from block-

0%

Financing for

72 Months “In my opinion, our region is one of the most competitive in Georgia because we play teams that include several top D1 athletes. That's still not an excuse for us not to beat them because we have just as much talent as they do. It's all about the heart.”

- KJ Milner ing me. Fourth, if the tackle tries to reach me, then I want to get outside leverage and try to force it back in. If it's a down block, squeeze the tackle down, look in, and fill the gap and make the play. If I get a scoop block, then I follow the inside hip of the tackle in pursuit to the ball. If I get a pass block, I use my go-to move to get past the tackle to the quarterback.”

Milner and the Tigers finally grabbed a couple of wins, including their first region win in years against Brunswick. A regime change at the end of the season brought back Ross Couch. Couch brought in a new staff, and for the first time in years the Tigers have a full staff of certified coaches with the majority teaching at Bradwell Institue.

“We know what Bradwell used to be and have been currently in a slump, but we will change it around,” Milner said. “Most of the team was feeling discouraged because we

16 | itgsportsnetwork.com

were losing a good amount of seniors, but we realized we have to step up to the plate and get the job done.”

Newfound purpose and energy gave the Tigers a good summer, but Milner and his teammates know that it will take more than just a good summer to be ready for Region 3-AAAAAA. “In my opinion, our region is one of the most competitive in Georgia because we play teams that include several top D1 athletes,” Milner said. “That's still not an excuse for us not to beat them because we have just as much talent as they do. It's all about the heart.”

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Work To Do Written by: Rob Asbell Photography by: Michael Brinson

Excitement filled McIntosh County last fall, the kind that only comes from local Southeast Georgia pride in a successful high school football program. Throughout Darien, Cox, Townsend, Eulonia, and even Sapelo Island, everyone was cheering for the McIntosh County Academy Buccaneers as they made their way past the regular season, through postseason, and all the way to the Georgia Dome.

18 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Meanwhile, MCA’s future was making his presence known over at the middle school.

“I had four running touchdowns in one game last year,” said Jordan Prince, the McIntosh County Middle School eighth-grader leading the way for the middle school Bucs on offense and defense.

Prince, a speedy running back and defensive back, stands 5’5” and 130 pounds and will continue to grow in high school. Football is his primary sport.

“I've played football since I could walk,” Prince said.

“It is the first sport that caught my eye. My second sport is track; I love to run.”

And run he does. On the track team, Prince competes in the 100-meters, the 4x100, the 4x400, and the long jump.

Whether it is football in the fall or track in the spring, Prince is running. It’s no wonder his nickname is “Fastboy.” His speed and quick, cutting style of running with a football get him to the edge and out into open space, where he operates best. From there, it is all speed, which will come in handy the next few years when he potentially plays both sides for the Class-A MCA team.

“In high school, I see Jordan playing running back and defensive back,” said Marty Jones, McIntosh County Middle School football coach. “Jordan is one of those kids that flies out of a cannon running the ball and on defense has the speed to cover all areas of the field.”

Prince realized he had speed in his first big run from scrimmage as a young man.

“The quarterback handed me the ball, and I passed linebackers, safeties, and cornerbacks and made the touchdown,” Prince said.

He started realizing his abilities as a defensive back during a scrimmage when he snatched an intercep-

“The fourth quarter. My adrenaline starts pumping because there is work to do.”

– Jordan Prince

tion and ran it back to the 20-yard line to seal a win for his team. Last year he was on the McIntosh Middle team that got the opportunity to play the high school’s junior varsity team.

“We lost, but we played a strong game,” Prince said.

The hard-working young man enjoys playing football, and his favorite part of playing the game comes toward the end when victory is on the line in the fourth quarter.

“My adrenaline starts pumping because there is work to do,” Prince said.

Prince puts in work off the field, too. He improves himself as a player by working out whenever and wherever he can. Prince is a team leader for Jones’s middle school Bucs and gives a boost to the team with his hard work in the classroom, weight room, and on the field.

“He gives our team the perfect example of what an allaround athlete should look like,” Jones said. “His strongest part of his game is his ability to be coached. Jordan understands his talent but works his butt off every day to improve and not get comfortable where he's at.”

The son of Shiela Prince, Jordan’s goal is to earn a college scholarship and pursue a degree in engineering. Away from school and practice, Prince likes to play basketball, listen to music, and go to church. He credited his mother and Jones for helping him develop both as a player and as a person.

“My mom is my biggest cheerleader, and she pushes me to do my best in everything,” Prince said. “Coach Jones always gives me good advice for on and off the field.”

Favorites:

Snack: Sweet and Spicy Doritos.

Food: Stewed chicken.

Hobby: Relaxing with my brothers and listening to music.

TV show: “ESPN.” Movie: “Superman.”

Movie Star: Janelle Monae.

School Subject: Social studies.

Pets: Dog.

Place to travel: Orlando, Florida, and New York City.

Car: Tron Lamborghini.

Pro Team: NY Giants.

College Team: Oregon Ducks.

Pro Player: Jemahl Charles, running back for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Who inspires you and why? “My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and my mom. They both love me, no questions asked.”

In The Game | 19

Prince continues to look for new challenges and has already ran and finished a 3K road race at Darien’s annual Blessing of the Fleet.

Next season he will move up Highway 17 to the high school outside of Darien. He looks forward to playing for coach Terel Toomer at MCA, but first comes his eighth-grade season in which he hopes to guide MCMS to the middle school conference championship.

“Jordan's hard work and leadership abilities are strong qualities that help lead our team,” Jones said. “The only way we can be successful is having leaders like Jordan help lead the team into the right direction.”

LET’S GET FIT COLLEGES WITH MOST PLAYERS IN THE NFL LSU: 61 Alabama: 58 Florida: 58

Ohio State: 54 FSU: 52 Clemson: 48

TOGETHER

Georgia: 45 Auburn: 44 Utah: 42

NFL QB’S TO THROW 7 TDS IN A GAME Sid Luckman

Chicago Bears

Adrian Burk

Philadelphia Eagles

George Blanda

Houston Oilers

Y.A. Tittle

New York Gaints

Joe Kappa

Minnesota Vikings

Peyton Manning

Denver Broncos

Nick Foles

Philadelphia Eagles

Drew Brees

New Orleans Saints

Information courtesy of www.ncaa.com and www.newsday.com

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Media Day Starts the Season Written by: Rob Asbell | Photography by: Michael Brinson

Football, sausage, and cornhole were the order of the day at the third annual Southeast Georgia In the Game High School Media Day in late July. The Frederica River was the backdrop as coaches and players from 17 schools gathered at Epworth by the Sea on St. Simons Island for this year’s event.

A packed house listened as each coach gave a preview of the 2017 season, introducing members of their teams who were in the audience wearing their jerseys.

“This was the best Media Day to date,” said Shawn Smoak, publisher of ITG’s Southeast Georgia magazine. “It was great to see so many high school football fans come out to get ready for the season. We really appre-

ciate Southeast Georgia Health System for being our title sponsor this year.”

Media Day was also presented by Coastal Pines Technical College, Lang BBQ Smokers, Sea Palms Resort, Gibson Animal Clinic, and Coastal Charters Trailways.

Schools represented were Bradwell Institute, Camden County, Wayne County, Glynn Academy, Bacon County, Appling County, Liberty County, Jeff Davis County, Brunswick, McIntosh County Academy, Ware County, Charlton County, Frederica Academy, Pierce County, Long County, Richmond Hill, and Brantley County.

ITG’s John DuPont was the emcee of the event as writers Rob Asbell and John Wood hosted “In the

22 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Game on the Radio” on WWUF 97-7 the Wolf and broadcast on Facebook Live. The players on hand glimpsed the crowds they will soon be playing before on Friday nights.

“It's a good experience, and we are learning a lot about other teams,” Long County’s Christian Bass said. “It’s going to be a good season.”

Bass – a tight end being recruited by Georgia Southern, Army, and several other colleges – was one of several highly-recruited players at Media Day. Attendees

“This was the best Media Day to date.”

- Shawn Smoak

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

included Ware County’s Jaylynn Strickland, a North Carolina State commit; Richmond Hill’s Sam James, who is headed to West Virginia; and Glynn Academy quarterback Randon Jernigan.

The smell of Lee and Davis Country Meats permeated the Strickland Auditorium as John Moore delivered plates of sausage freshly cooked on a Lang Smoker Cooker.

The day concluded with a cornhole tournament featuring coaches playing the popular tailgating pastime in which

players toss beanbags at a hole on a slanted board. The competition was fierce as each coach tossed the beanbags hoping for a ringer. It finally came down to two coaches new to the area, Camden’s Bob Sphire and Wayne County’s Ken Cribb. Sphire hit two ringers in the final round but still came up just one point shy of Cribb. And with that, the Lang Smoker Cooker was hooked to the back of a truck headed for Jesup, Georgia.

There was also a drawing for a lucky person to

have a two-night stay at Sea Palms Resort on St. Simons Island.

It was a perfect way to start the 2017 football season. Long County defensive back Cody Cox, one of the players in attendance, summed up everyone’s excitement headed into the season: “I’m ready to pad up, strap up, and do what I was taught and what we have been practicing. I’m ready.”

“It's a good experience, and we are learning a lot about other teams.

It's going to be a good season.”

- Christian Bass

WARE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL LADY GATORS SOFTBALL LOOKS FOR DEEP RUN IN PLAYOFFS Written by: Rob Asbell The Ware County Lady Gators softball team hopes to repeat the success of last season and make another deep playoff run in 2017. The team enjoyed a successful 2016 season, making it all the way to the Elite Eight in Columbus. Coach Rebecca Kirkland’s team finished 18-13 last year, but took the No. 3 seed from Region 2-AAAAA into the state playoffs. They swept Locust Grove on the road and then Flowery Branch in Waycross to advance to the State AAAAA Fast Pitch Softball Tournament.

This year’s squad will be young with the loss of five seniors from last year, including Region 2-AAAAA Player of the Year Lizzie Shubert.

“This definitely makes an impact, but we have been working hard to try to fill the spots,” Kirkland said.

Also gone are three other All-Region players.

Returning is junior pitcher Valerie Ortiz, who was also All-Region performer last year in the circle.

Senior second baseman Bailey Stephens returns along with juniors Chyna Carter at first base and Latreona Holmes.

Returning sophomores include catcher Lauren

Smallwood; Sierra Taylor; D'Yonne McClain, who played outfield last year; and Cullee Peavey, who also pitched last year.

Adrian Harris will be a returning varsity player as well, playing some infield and pitching.

“With the success we had last year, I love the fact that our young girls who were on varsity last year had the opportunity to see just what it takes to go deep in the playoffs,” Kirkland said. “We won't be real deep in positions, but the talent is there.”

The Lady Gators will have a tough schedule in 2017 playing a non-region slate with games against Lowndes, Tift, and Lee County as well as the Georgia Dugout Classic Tournament in Atlanta.

Then there is the always difficult Region 2-AAAAA, which features powerhouses Wayne County and South Effingham

along with Statesboro and New Hampstead of Savannah.

“As far as our region, as it is each year it is extremely competitive,” Kirkland said. “Wayne and South Effingham are two very tough teams to get past. Also, Statesboro will be tough as they have improved tremendously the past few years.”

As the season got underway, the Lady Gators started to come together and play well. Kirkland is pleased with the progress the team has made but said there is more to be done as the 2017 season progresses.

“We have a lot of work to do to get where we need be this season, but I have a group that is willing to work,” Kirkland said. “We will take one game at a time, one inning at a time, one out at a time, and one strike at a time.”

“WE WILL TAKE ONE GAME AT A TIME, ONE INNING AT A TIME, ONE OUT AT A TIME, AND ONE STRIKE AT A TIME.” - REBECCA KIRKLAND

24 | itgsportsnetwork.com

2017 WARE COUNTY GIRLS SOFTBALL SCHEDULE

8/10 vs. Tift County (Double Header) 8/14 vs. Lowndes County 8/17 vs. New Hampstead 8/18 Georgia Dugout Classic Tournament @ Atlanta 8/19 Georgia Dugout Classic Tournament @ Atlanta 8/22 @ Camden County 8/24 @ Wayne County 8/29 @ Statesboro 8/31 vs. South Effingham 9/5 vs. Appling County (Cancer Awareness Game) 9/7 @ New Hampstead 9/11 @ Coffee County (Double Header) 9/12 @ Lowndes County 9/14 vs. Wayne County 9/19 vs. Statesboro (Senior Night) 9/21 @ South Effingham 9/23 vs. Lee County (Double Header) The Gators football team is off to a fast start.

While Friday nights have the spotlight on the varsity football team, Thursday afternoons belong to the junior varsity and ninth-grade teams. Here are their schedules for 2017:

2017 JUNIOR VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

8/11 Scrimmage vs. Camden County 8/31 @ Coffee County 9/7 @ Pierce County 9/14 vs. Tift County 9/21 vs. Benedictine 9/28 @ Valdosta 10/5 vs. Camden County 10/19 vs. Glynn Academy

2017 9TH-GRADE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

8/11 vs. Camden County 8/24 @ Charlton County 8/31 vs. Coffee County 9/7 vs. MCA 9/14 @ Tift County 10/5 @ Camden County 10/12 vs. Charlton County 10/19 @ Glynn Academy

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In The Game | 25

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

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New Owners, Same Great Service

Written by: Rob Asbell

The torch has been passed, and a new generation has taken on the banner of customer service. Holly and Matthew Tanner, both doctors of pharmacy, are the proud new owners of Browning’s Pharmacy in Waycross.

“We are honored to take over for Mr. Kenny McCarthy, who has helped make Browning’s a family environment for our workers and patients,” the Tanners said. “Mr. Kenny has put a priority on giving back to our community and always put his patient's, employee's, and town's best interest first. We hope to build upon these traditions and also move our store into the future with new and exciting offerings.”

For years, people have known it as the drug store by the hospital on Alice Street. Browning's Pharmacy opened its doors in 1964 when Emory Browning Jr. was in business. Waycross native Kenny McCarthy bought the business in 1988, and now it has passed down to the Tanners.

“We want to carry on his traditions and also welcome any suggestions from our customers and from the community on what they would like to see at Browning's,” the Tanners said.

The new owners have already installed a $4 medication list that will save customers money. They promise to meet or beat almost any price for patients without insurance and do their best to save you money and time. Browning’s will soon offer Medicare Part-D enrollment assistance to anyone who needs assistance.

“Medicare plans can be very confusing, but we can help pick a plan that saves you money and make sure that they do not force you into mail order,” the Tanners said.

The Tanners will also be offering flu, pneumonia, and shingles vaccinations along with Medicare billing for diabetic testing supplies.

“We at Browning's love the opportunity to provide our patients

with a stress-free pharmacy experience,” the Tanners said. “We will solve problems before hand so you do not have to. This gives us time to get to know every customer on a more personal level.”

Browning’s Pharmacy is always happy to help answer any questions about medications, insurance, and anything healthcare related to anyone who needs help, even if they are not Browning’s customers. Stop in and let them help. The staff at Browning's will always go the extra mile to help people every day.

“We would like to be looked at as a family-based pharmacy that's doors are always open to anyone in our community,” the Tanners said. “We want to offer you fast, accurate, and friendly service.”

Former owner Kenny McCarthy was always known throughout the area for his unwavering support of the Georgia Bulldogs, and with two University of Georgia graduates at the helm at Browning’s, nothing will change.

“We are happy to be known as the ‘Georgia’ pharmacy around town,” the Tanners said.

Browning's Pharmacy is in the business of dispensing medications, but also of taking care of people. The local feel, right down to their support of the Ware County Gators, comes from a sincere concern for each patient and the community. While Browning's is a full service pharmacy, you can also find UGA merchandise, Watkins products, Rodan and Fields, the Magnolia Lane Collection, and Melissa and Doug Children’s Toys.

Open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., Browning's Medical Arts Pharmacy is located at 1919 Alice Street, across the street from Memorial Satilla Health.

Call them at (912) 283-5504, like them on Facebook, or find them online at browningsmedicalarts.com.

You can even get the Browning’s Rx app.

As Holly, Matthew, and Truett Tanner say, "Our family caring for your family."

In The Game | 27

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Strickland Keeping Standards High at PCHS Written by: John DuPont Photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson

Character counts. Those who best know Pierce County High School head football coach Jason Strickland attest to his adherence to that notion. Since arriving on the PCHS campus in early 2017, Strickland has continued preaching that message, and the Bear faithful anticipate great dividends.

“His players tell me that he is not only teaching them to play football, but also how to be good men,” Dara Bennett, PCHS principal, said. “Coach Strickland is an excellent communicator who is always positive and very supportive of all programs at the school. I am honored to have him at PCHS. Friday night lights should not disappoint this year as he puts his stamp on Bear pride.”

PCHS plucked Strickland from a star-studded pool of applicants following a five-year stint at Fitzgerald High, where he guided his teams to the state title game each of the past two seasons. When Sean Pender resigned the top post in Bearville this past winter to accept an offer at Brunswick High, Strickland immediately joined the PCHS faculty, spending the remainder of the school year implementing his new protocol. His wife Michelle subsequently joined the PCHS staff this fall.

“The big thing that brought us here was the vision of what the future looks like,” Strickland said. “What you’re hoping for with any stop is that you’ve got great administrative support and great community support. I don’t know that we’ve been any place where that has been stronger than what we’re seeing here in Pierce County.”

Bearville makes the third head coaching stop for Strickland, who served at Lamar County before Fitzgerald. The Clinch County native graduated from Valdosta State University before entering the coaching ranks. He then spent 12 seasons at five schools before landing his first head coaching gig, but Strickland speaks fondly of each rung on his ladder of experience. It started in 1996 when Jeff Lee hired him as an assistant for an upstart team at Twiggs County.

“We spent some time there and got that program started,” Strickland said. “Then we went to Jones County when Jeff took that head job. We lived in Gray for In The Game | 29

“I love the guy; he’s like my brother. When he is done coaching high school football, it won’t be one of these things that he’ll get his 30 and then retire. He’ll be one of our state’s best coaches."

– Rich McWhorter

three years and had a heck of a run. I wound up at Jefferson County High School as an offensive coordinator, then at Westside (Macon) for legendary coach Robert Davis, one of the winningest coaches in history. Then it was a place you all are familiar with – Charlton County under coach Rich McWhorter; he’s like my big brother. We spent three years down there, then I got my first head coaching job at Lamar County. Then we went to Fitzgerald, and now we’re back down south again.”

Under the tutelage of Davis and McWhorter, Strickland gleaned wisdom from a pair of legends who now boast 625 combined wins.

Additionally, Charlton won back-to-back state championships in 2005-06 thanks to a coaching staff that included Strickland. He subsequently took those blueprints for success with him to his first head coaching job at Lamar County in 2008, although success did not come quickly or easily.

Michelle Strickland said: “We went 1-9 that year, and it was a struggle. However, the next year Jason came up with a slogan.

T-shirts were made, and let me tell you, it changed. We had a brand new stadium and turf. We opened up to Spaulding County, which was a powerhouse. The whole crowd dressed in blue for a “blueout,” and we beat them. It was incredibly exciting, and it was the first time we actually felt relief from all of the pressure and hype.”

Leading with the slogan “Suddenly It Changes,” the Trojans went on a run of 26 wins over the next three seasons under Strickland, culminating in 2011 with an undefeated regular season and a quarterfinals berth. Opportunity ultimately summoned the Stricklands once more in 2012, and this time the path led to Fitzgerald.

It wound up being a successful passing of the torch to Strickland from Robbie Pruitt, the school’s all-time winningest coach, but it wasn’t easy.

“Not only did we follow, but we moved into a community that was clearly divided by the death of a football player,” Michelle Strickland said. “Jason coined the term ‘We are Fitzgerald,’ and embraced all student-athletes, regardless of sport. He also began the ‘Great Day of Service’ in order for our players to give back to the community by cleaning up yards, building wheelchair ramps, painting houses, etc. Our community became closer through these selfless tasks.”

Dividends on the field included a quarterfinals berth for the Purple Hurricanes in Strickland’s first season. By year three, they played in the semi-finals. Each of the past two seasons, Fitzgerald played for the state title. Strickland’s cumulative mark at Fitzgerald was 54-14-1, and he brings an overall ledger of 81-32-1 to Bearville.

“Kids can tell who is authentic,” McWhorter said. “Jason doesn’t act like anyone else but himself, and the kids are drawn to that. He is going to bring a work ethic, discipline, and a demand for character, and the kids are going to see a better version of themselves through that. I think the kids and the coaches appreciate a guy who is not going to compromise.”

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Strickland said: “One thing I can reassure people is we had a great group of kids at Fitzgerald, a tremendous administration there as well, and a tremendous community. But there was some uniqueness about Pierce County that made us want to get in this area.... I think our vision marries well with the administration in what we feel this can be. We feel this can be one of the elite establishments in the southern part of the state.”

Owner of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in curriculum design, Strickland spends all day, every day in the PCHS weight room along with offensive line coach Jason Wicker.

Previously named Georgia Strength Coach of the Year, Wicker was Strickland’s first hire at PCHS, and the two began immediately in Bearville in February.

“I like to be around students,” Strickland said.

“I like to know what’s going on in their lives, who their girlfriends are, who broke up with them today at lunch, and how are things going on at the house. I think one of my strong suits has been being able to develop those relationships.”

Michelle and Jason, who recently celebrated their 17th anniversary, are the pet parents of two dogs – Levi and Lacy – and are avowed beach fanatics. A veteran coaching both sides of the football, Strickland works predominately with quarterbacks. His Wing-T offense is the first of its kind in Bearville since the turn of the century. However, he wants the Bears faithful to recognize much more than new offensive and defensive schemes.

“When we walk through the front door of the school, there is a big carpet there that says ‘Excellence is the Standard’; we’ve got to

“Jason usually tells me stories that relate to character education because he knows that he is not only molding men on the field, but off the field as well.”

– Michelle Strickland

make sure we’re aiming for that on a consistent daily basis,” Strickland said. “I can’t sit here and predict what number of wins we’re going to have. However, I do know this: I want that standard of excellence to be something we strive for in the weight room, in a math class, walking down the street on a Saturday afternoon, and certainly on the football field. If we take care of those things off the field, I think Friday nights are going to come our way.”

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HIGH

Performance Written by: Rob Asbell Photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson

In front of 10,000 screaming fans at Glynn County Stadium in December 2015, the Ware County Gators took on the Glynn Academy Red Terrors. The winner would get a trip to the state title game in the Georgia Dome. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric. It was one of the biggest games in Southeast Georgia football history and a night Raja Bradley will never forget.

“It was my first time playing in front of a crowd as large as that,” the Ware County running back said. “As a high schooler, you only get that type of experience a limited number of times.”

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Who are the only three undrafted players in NFL history to catch over 800 passes?

What are the only three teams that have won at least five division titles in the last six years?

Who is the only quarterback who lost an NFL game despite passing for more than 500 yards, with no interceptions? The game in question occurred in 2015, featuring two great quarterbacks who are still active.

Philip Rivers, passing for 503 yards in a 27-20 loss at Green Bay.

Who's the only player with two runs of 50-plus yards in the preseason this year?

Corey Grant (Jacksonville). He scored on a 79-yard touchdown at New England.

What was the first team to play its home games on artificial turf?

The Houston Oilers, at the Astrodome in 1968. The Eagles began playing on artificial turf at Franklin Field in 1970.

The Patriots have won the AFC East a record eight years in a row. In NFL history, what is the only other team that won its division seven times in a row?

Los Angeles Rams (winning the NFC West from 1973-79)

What is the only NFL team that currently has three running backs on its roster that have run for more than 1,000 yards in a season?

Dallas (with Ezekiel Elliott, Darren McFadden, and Alfred Morris).

36 | itgsportsnetwork.com

What are the only two current NFL teams with cities named to honor U.S. presidents?

New England, Denver, and Green Bay.

“My favorite part of football is when me or one of my teammates makes a big hit or a big run.That’s when all of our energy surges.”

Trivia

Wes Welker (903), Antonio Gates (897), and Rod Smith (849). Gates needs seven catches to move to No. 1 alltime, which likely will occur in Week 2.

the season against Brooks County. The Gators were on the 30-yard line when Bradley got the call.

“After getting across the line of scrimmage, I broke three or four tackles, and before I knew it I was in the end-zone,” he said.

The following week he got to run through the banner at Waycross Memorial Stadium, which he compared to walking through office doors to go to work with his teammates. A total team player, Bradley does whatever is necessary to make his team better.

“My favorite part of football is when me or one of my teammates makes a big hit or a big run,” he said. “That’s when all of our energy surges.”

The Gators made strong playoff runs in B ra d l e y ’s sophomore and junior seasons.

In 2015, he was a sophomore playing behind current Georgia Tech running back Dedrick Mills. Last year Bradley was in an offense centered - Raja Bradley a r o u n d quarterback JeMar Lincoln. While Bradley has seen significant playing time, he has not had a breakout season that gets players noticed by recruiters. That, Stephens said, is about to change.

“I believe some of the things we are going to do this year offensively will help facilitate his recruiting,” he said. “I think he’s that guy who is going to blossom.”

Last year, Bradley and his teammates were ranked in the top 10 all season and went undefeated in Region 2-AAAAA to take the region title and home field ad-

Washington and Jacksonville (George Washington and Andrew Jackson). The city of Cleveland existed long before Grover Cleveland became a president.

Now a senior for coach Franklin Stephens’ Gators, Bradley spent the offseason working on his strength and stamina preparing for a return trip to the big stage.

“We talk about kids being good football players or good students; he’s the kind of person you want in your program,” Stephens said of Bradley. “He's a high academic kid, he’s a high performer in the weight room, a high performer on the practice field, everything you could want in a kid.”

At 5’9” and 186 pounds, Bradley is not the biggest back in the region, but he may be one of its most elusive runners. He has the ability to break tackles and find the outside corner.

If the offseason is any indication, he is only getting better. He spent January and Fe b r u a r y c o m i n g in before school to do footwork and bag drills.

“I believe my vision and footwork have improved since last year,” Bradley said. “I'm also learning how to set up my blocks better.”

Bradley did not start playing football until his fifth-grade year. He continued playing the following year at Ware Middle School, adding basketball and track along the way. He played all three sports his freshman year at Ware County High School but decided his sophomore year to concentrate on football and track, where he runs the 100-meter dash and 4x100 relay. He got the opportunity to play varsity his sophomore year, and his first big play came in the first game of

Information courtesy of www.fantasyindex.com

Trivia Which team has the highest total of wins in the FBS? Michigan.

Which team has had the most players drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft?

USC has had more first-round draft picks than any other school in college football. Behind USC are Ohio State, Notre Dame, Miami (FL), and Alabama.

Which team has been to the most bowl games?

Alabama has made the most bowl games in FBS history with 62 bowl appearances.

The Ohio State/Michigan rivalry started in 1897 when the Michigan Wolverines defeated the Buckeyes 34-0. Which team has more wins in the series?

Michigan Wolverines who lead the series 58-46.

The Iron Bowl was first played in 1893, a game that was won by the Auburn Tigers 32-22. Which team has more wins in the series?

Alabama leads the series 43-35 and has won three of the last four games against Auburn.

Which school(s) have won the most Heisman Trophies?

Notre Dame and Ohio State are tied with both schools having seven Heisman trophy winners each.

Who is/are the only athlete(s) to ever win two Heisman Trophies?

Archie Griffin won his two Heisman trophies at Ohio State in 1974 and 1975.

Who was the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy?

Ernie Davis won the Heisman trophy in 1961 at Syracuse.

Which of these Heisman trophy winners won the award in the closest Heisman race in history?

Mark Ingram won the closest Heisman race in the award’s history when he received five more first-place votes than Toby Gerhart and won by a total of 28 votes.

Information courtesy of saturdayblitz.com

vantage in the first two rounds of the state playoffs. Now, Bradley wants to lead the Gators even farther into the playoffs.

When he carries the ball, Bradley runs downhill, hitting the hole quickly and breaking tackles as he goes. He is good at getting extra yards when they are needed and protects the ball well.

“Before the ball snaps, I have to tell myself to be patient and explode through an opening when I find it,” he said.

He picks his way through blockers and would-be tacklers, watching all sides to know where he is on the field. Bradley is also adept at slipping out of the backfield to make himself an extra receiving target for the Gators.

“My parents and coaches have done a good job helping me prepare for this upcoming season,” Bradley said.

The son of Jacqueline Hill and Rodney Bradley, he is the youngest of four sons.

He plans to play football in college while earning his degree as a surgical technician or a physician's assistant. Stephens sees Bradley playing in college to help pay for his education. With his abilities on the field and in the classroom, he will be a recruiting steal for a college.

“He’s that kid you know will be there every day,” Stephens said. “He’s going to show up, and he’s going to do a tremendous job. And as a football coach, that’s all you can ask for.”

In The Game | 37

BACON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

NEW COACH LEADS LADY RAIDERS Written by: Rob Asbell | Photography by: Debra Tanner

The Bacon County softball team has a new outlook for 2017. The biggest change is the addition of veteran head coach Kelli Poff, who comes to Alma following nine years leading softball programs. She spent her first year at West Orange High School in Orlando, Florida.

She was then at Woodland High School in metro-Atlanta’s Stockbridge in Henry County for eight years, where she successfully lead the Wolves to a pair of 4-AAAA championships in one of the toughest softball regions in the state.

“I saw the opening for the position here at BC and

knew it was a great program and felt it would be a good fit for me,” Poff said.

She moves into an equally rugged Region 2-AA that includes Jeff Davis County and last year’s state runner-up, Vidalia. Poff has been working with her team to continue the success of last year’s squad. In 2016, coach Stephen Tyre's team finished 25-10 and 13-4 in Region 2-AA. The Lady Raiders were the No. 2 seed and swept series from Jefferson County and Social Circle to make it to the Elite Eight in Columbus. Along with Vidalia and Jeff Davis, they were among three teams from Re-

gion 2-AA to make it to the state AA Fast Pitch Tournament. Once there, they defeated Heard County before falling to Dodge County and Rockmart.

With five starters returning, Bacon County will have a young team this season. They look strong in the circle with six pitchers who will develop as the season continues.

Poff expects to utilize each of them often. The Lady Raiders will be able to run with good speed on the bases. They also have good power hitters who are smart in the batter’s box.

“I feel our strength will be our heart and passion,” Poff

said. “They go so hard and play hard for each other. That will carry us in tough times.”

This summer the seniors led the way for the younger players. The outlook in Alma is positive as the school year begins.

“I believe this season is going to be both challenging and rewarding,” Poff said. “I feel we have a great group of girls, and I am blessed with a great coaching staff, and together I expect our program to be all in and selfless.”

The Lady Raiders have bought in to the new system

and developed a family atmosphere. Their goal is to play as one and get better every day.

“I am already proud, and we have yet to play our first game,” Poff said.

All of the players will have to step up for Bacon to be successful in the always tough Region 2-AA. Poff is enjoying her new role at Bacon County, especially with the group of young ladies she has on the team.

“I cant wait to see what they accomplish together,” Poff said. “No matter what, it's going to be a fun ride.”

In The Game | 39

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