South Georgia December/January 2018-19 Edition

SOUTH GEORGIA BASEBALL PREVIEWS

A Force to Be Reckoned With DJ Lundy, Irwin Co. High School

Fitzgerald’s Finest Hayleigh Ross, Fitzgerald High School

Female Kicker Strives in MaleDominated Sport

IN THE

GAME

DEC/JAN 2018-19

Jenna Cuff, Terrell Academy

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Albany / 2609 Ledo Rd. Albany, GA 31707 / 229.430.8080 716 Philema Rd. / 229.439.4030 Tifton / 2nd St W. Tifton, GA 31794 / 229.386.2265 Moultrie / 621 N. Veterans Pkwy, Moultrie, GA 31788 / 229.985.1380 Sylvester / 601 N. Main St. Sylvester, GA 31791 / 229.776.7641 Quitman / 602 E Screven St. Quitman, GA 31643 / 229.263.7538 Valdosta / 2910 N. Ashley St. N. Valdosta, GA 31602 / 229.242.2037 3774 Old U.S. 41 N / 229.241.9900

ARE YOU In?

South Georgia

In the Game Be bold.

Break barriers. Smash ceilings.

Lift others up as you climb.

Be In the Game. Live In the Game.

Anna Limoges EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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visit

itgnext.com

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4 North Carter Street Lakeland, Georgia 31635 (229) 482-3585

202 W. Washington Ave. Nashville, Georgia 31639 (229) 686-9451

3303 Inner Perimeter Road Valdosta, Georgia 31605 (229) 244-3585

978 Valdosta Highway Homerville, Georgia 31634 (912) 487-1200

www.fmb.net Member FDIC

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1201 S. Patterson Street Valdosta, Georgia 31603 (229) 244-3585

IN THIS ISSUE 18 36 38 39 40 44 48 49 53 54 56 58 60 80 81 82 82

Player Profiles South Georgia’s Top Athletes

The Triumphant Trojan Andrew Jones, Brooks Co. High School 10 Questions With Alex Moore Harris County High School Unlimited Options Eli Joyner, Valwood School

Going the Distance Fabrizzio Orderique, Columbus High School

Female Kicker Strives in Male-Dominated Sport Jenna Cuff, Terrell Academy Breaking Barriers Julie Doss, Special Olympics

South Georgia Baseball Previews All About Technique Technique Athletes

Beyond the Mat Chad Smith, Bainbridge High School A Force to Be Reckoned With DJ Lundy, Irwin Co. High School

Fitzgerald’s Finest Hayleigh Ross, Fitzgerald High School

School Pages

63 64 66 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 77 78

Colquitt Co. High School Lowndes High School Tift Co. High School Valdosta High School Bainbridge High School Thomas Co. Central High School Brooks Co. High School Baconton Charter Tiftarea Academy Fullington Academy Valwood School Westwood School

Wife’s Support Offers Great Benefit to Coach’s Team Maria Harber, Crisp Co. High School

“Uncoachable” Athlete Gets With the Program Gadiely Mendez-Andino, Central High School Hard Work Pays Off Mary-Allison Eubanks, Hahira Middle School Football Holding Communities Together After the Storm Football Award Season Is Here for FCA

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From the Publisher December is here, and a new year is on the horizon. Winter sports are in full gear, but before we know it, springtime will be upon us. And with spring comes baseball.

In this issue we will preview baseball teams all across South Georgia. Bigger programs, smaller teams, and everything in between, this issue will guide you through what to expect for the upcoming season.

We highlight Jenna Cuff, a female kicker from Terrell Academy. She is the first female to be named to the GISA's AllState team and was named her sophomore and junior years.

We meet D.J. Lundy, a running back from Irwin County. He is the force behind a dominant offense that is leading the way in GHSA 1A football for the 2018-19 season.

The issue also spotlights swimmer Fabrizzio Orderique of Columbus High School.

Originally from Peru, he is making waves in the pool for the Blue Devils.

As we end the year, we are gearing up to host our 11th Annual South Georgia High School Football Awards Banquet. This event is an honor for us to put on. It means so much to be able to recognize the hard work athletes across South Georgia put in day in and day out.

As always, we are looking for deserving athletes, coaches, and community members to feature in our magazine. Whether it is a student excelling academically, an athlete pushing the boundaries of their sport, or a coach that is inspiring the next generation, we are here to tell their stories.

If you know of any athlete, coach, or program that embodies this spirit, head to our website to nominate them.

We thank you for your continued support of your local athletic programs and In the Game. Follow us on social media @itgnext and visit us at www.itgnext.com in order to #StayInTheGame!

In the Game Apparel @ITGNext

South Georgia Team Publisher Mark Dykes Editor Anna Limoges Magazine Director Anna Limoges Graphics Mandy Douthit Cover Photography Marque Milla Reese Milla Creationz Photography Player Profiles Photography Marque Milla Reese Milla Creationz Photography Feature Photography Marque Milla Reese Milla Creationz Photography Micki Krzynski Micki K Photography Eric Vinson Dezmond Kimbrough Beth Welch George McDuffie Feature Writers Beth Welch Phil Jones Alex Dunn Dominic Ligon Kaylee Kopke Justin Chandler Jon Nelson Copy Editors Anna Limoges Beth Welch Julie Jernigan Advertising/Marketing Mark Dykes mark@itgnext.com Digital Manager Mandy Douthit Tell us what you thought about the October/November issue of In the Game! info@itgnext.com SOUTH GEORGIA BASKETBALL PREVIEWS

Dynamic Duo Riley Blampied & Megan Bloodworth Crisp Co. High School

Mann on a Mission Emmanuel Mann Jordan Vocational High School

Go to

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NEW! School Pages

Trezman Marshall, Clinch Co. High School

www.itgnext.com to Get In the Game today!

In the Game is published bi-monthly. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher. Dykes Media Group LLC makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2018 Dykes Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

IN THE

GAME

OCT/NOV 2018

ITG Classic Long Sleeve Tee

Panther Great Headed to Athens

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Contributors

Avery Stephen Marketing coordinator

Mark Dykes

Mandy Douthit

aNNA Limoges

Chief Executive Officer

Creative Director

editor

Founder Mark Dykes is the entrepreneur and mastermind behind the In the Game vision. Back in 2007, Mark set out to create a company that captured the passion, intensity, and unrivaled commitment toward high school athletics in the South Georgia area. Today, that vision has become a reality, and he continues to be the leading influence in what lies ahead for In the Game, despite his annual prediction that UGA will win the national championship.

As a Pine Mountain, Georgia, native, Mandy’s move to Valdosta has brought enhanced artistry and intricacy to the ITG design team. The University of West Georgia alum graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in art with a concentration in graphic design. Her artistic nature has allowed her to use graphic design to win national and international design competitions, all of which are meant to serve as diversions and coping mechanisms for Alabama’s loss to Auburn.

After four years as an interdisciplinary studies major at Valdosta State University and three semesters as an ITG intern, Anna has remained a member of the team as an editor. Since her start in early 2016, she has devoted her editorial eye and organizational prowess to the ITG team. More importantly, although she claims to be a fan of the New Orleans Saints, there is fortunately no other sign of such irrational fandom.

A native of South Georgia, Avery holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Valdosta State University in mass media. His passion on and off the job is media, and he enjoys producing short films as well as playing music on the side. Avery tries not to tell cheesy jokes, even though his fellow Green Bay Packers fans are cheeseheads.

Kendra Ehrenberg Video Coordinator

Beth WElch

Susannah Parmenter

Marque Milla Reese

Columbus Area Editor

NF Area Coordinator

Contributing Photographer

A native of Tampa, Florida, Kendra is a recent graduate of the University of North Florida (Swoop!). Playing soccer most of her life, she is excited to work for a company that highlights student-athletes. She is currently living her dream of combining her love of sports and journalism into one career. When Kendra's not busy crying over the Bolts’ loss to the Caps last year, she is a dog mom to her sweet pup Sandy.

Beth has been a part of the ITG Team since 2009 when she began writing for the Columbus Valley edition of In the Game. Now, she heads up all of the Chattahoochee Valley content as Area Editor. Having children who participated in sports in local high schools and later were collegiate athletes, Beth has been involved in athletics in the area for many years, making her the perfect fit for her current role.

Susannah Parmenter is a Florida transplant originally from California. After graduating from California State University, Fullerton, with a broadcast journalism degree, she continued her education with a meteorology degree from Florida State. Now as part of In the Game, she combines her journalism and broadcast skills to highlight the athletes who inspire and motivate us to release our inner champions.

Milla was born a humble, ambitious child on the south side of Tifton, Georgia. He has always see things differently than others as he drew on his imagination, and he went through numerous potential career choices before finding “the one”: the dream of becoming a photographer. With the helpful hand of his wife, Rebekka, Milla is living out that dream as a key contributor of ITG. With that said, the cries of “War Eagle” from them both have fallen strangely silent since 2010.

Micki Krzynski

Eric Vinson

Phil Jones

Alex Dunn

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

When it comes to loyalty to In the Game, it is hard to top Micki. Since the very beginning of In the Game, Micki has provided strong, creative, and highly professional photos. Consequently, Micki and her son/assistant, Jake, have become our go-to photo duo. With enough talent, equipment, and experience to make her dangerous, she continues to push ITG’s photography forward.

Eric Vinson is a native of Lowndes County and a graduate of Valdosta High School. He recently got his Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from Valdosta State University in mass media. Eric loves taking photos, watching sports, and producing music.

Phil Jones began lending his voice to In the Game in 2017. He serves as a radio station manager and host of two daily radio shows: “The Phil Jones Show” on WJHC Talk 107.4 and “The Afternoon Sports Drive” on WJEM AM-FM and on WJHC FM. Jones is a 20year veteran of the newspaper business, serving as manager of marketing and distribution for newspapers in Tifton, Albany, and Atlanta. He was recognized by the Georgia Press Association as “Georgia’s Top Newspaper Circulator” in 2003.

Alex is a VSU graduate and contributing writer for In the Game. After interning for a year, she decided to continue writing for ITG after graduation. Now, she works for the Marietta Daily Journal, where she proofreads and designs page layouts for their publications. She uses her experience as a copy editing intern for ITG to help with the sports pages the most, while also using her freelance to keep her writing skills fresh. However, she only knows how well the Braves are doing when she is placing the game finals on the pages.

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Jon Nelson

Julie Jergans

Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

Copy Editing Intern

Dominic was born in Mobile, Alabama, but claims Georgia as home too. Although he’s lived half of his life in both states, he remains loyal to his Auburn Tigers. (War Eagle, baby!) He recently graduated with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in communications from Valodsta State University. Poetry was his introduction into the writing world, as he’s hosted and participated in numerous local open mic events. Creative expression through literature is a tremendous passion of his.

Jon has been in TV for 27 years based in Atlanta. He graduated from Florida State with a B.S. in political science. Twenty-four of those years have been at GPB as a host and senior correspondentt. He’s also written five books with more on the way! He is blessed with a far prettier wife, Patty, and his two furry children- a Pekingese named Trooper and a cat that acts more like a dog, Trouble. His avid following of every sports team in existence is a ploy to mask the shame of being a FSU graduate.

Julie is a South Georgia native and senior at Valdosta State University who is majoring in English with a minor in journalism.

This is her first semester with ITG as an intern copy editor and writer, and she already feels at home. When she’s not in the office, she’s in class or working in VSU’s Spectator office. After graduation, she hopes to continue providing unbiased news to the community. More importantly, she hopes Auburn can continue their momentum this season well after halftime.

Kaylee Kopke

Justin Chandler

Dezmond Kimbrough

Journalism Intern

Journalism Intern

Kaylee was born in Miami, but raised in Madison County, Florida, since the age of 9. She has always been a lover of reading and writing from a young age. She is in her last year of college and will be getting a Bachelor’s of Science degree in media communications and editing, writing, and media from Florida State University. She is still hoping that she can go to a home game in her last year when the Seminoles play decently and win.

Justin Chandler is a senior mass media major at Valdosta State University. He recently brought his talents to In the Game in the fall of 2018. He has been writing most of his life, whether it be songs, stories, scripts, or articles. He is a man of many words and shows it through his writing. Justin has lived in Valdosta since he was 4 years old. He has a passion for sports and wishes to take his skills to the next level after graduation. He is a die-hard FSU fan and will be traveling with them as their season tumbles downhill.

Malik Shannon

Jensen Armstrong

Marketing Intern

Marketing Intern

Malik Shannon was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, but decided to attend Valdosta State University to double major in marketing and management. Joining the team in the fall of 2018, Malik brought his vibrant energy and enthusiasm to our social media and marketing department. He is a natural leader and gives great ideas to help build ITG as a brand.

Malik plans to remain in the sports industry with big aspirations of owning his own sports agency. If Malik stays focused and remains hardworking, hopefully he won’t fall short like his Atlanta Falcons do every year.

Jensen is from Fernandina Beach, Florida, and is currently a student at Valdosta State University. She is majoring in public relations with a minor in sports management.

Growing up playing sports and watching her brother and dad play influenced her passion for sports. She hopes to continue in the sports field in her future endeavors.

She will do whatever it takes to get to the top, seemingly unlike her Florida Gators football team.

Photography Intern Dezmond was born in Columbus, Georgia, but raised in both Columbus and Atlanta throughout his life. He has always loved the creative side of life, from audio arts to visual, with photography being his connecting point. Moving around more than most when young contributed to his photography, allowing him to observe the different perspectives through the lens. Put your bet on him; he won’t let you down like his Falcons do him.

BE IN THE GAME

Dominic Ligon

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ITG Next Ambassadors 2018-19

Leo Galarza

Sydney Wheeler

Morgan Hill

Taylor Macera

Emma Dent

Shayla Jackson

Bridget Beck

Rylee Watson

Taylor Holmes

Abby Carswell

Anna Cook

Carter Stewart

Dallas Hunt

Peyton Matt

Will Matt

Alyssa Stein

Amelia Mutert

Brooklyne Mangual

Bryanne Mathis

Daryana Davila

Coffee - Junior

Lowndes - Junior

Tiftarea - Senior

Valdosta - Senior

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Colquitt Co. - Senior

Pelham - Junior

Tiftarea - Senior

Valdosta - Junior

Echols Co. - Senior

Tift Co. - Junior

Tiftarea - Senior

Valdosta - Senior

Echols Co. - Senior

Tift Co. - Senior

Tiftarea - Senior

Valdosta - Senior

Lowndes - Freshman

Tiftarea - Senior

Tiftarea - Senior

Valdosta - Senior

Devyon Hunter Valdosta - Junior

Clare Nijem

Valwood - Junior

Elizabeth Evans Valwood - Junior

Kennedy Kimbro Valwood - Junior

Ray Gordon

Valwood - Senior

Join ITG Next Ambassadors Zach Paulk

Valwood - Junior

Not Pictured: Laigan Lagle

Colquitt Co. - Senior

Lyla Roberts Colquitt Co.

Gage Little

Lowndes - Senior

During the 2017-18 school year, In the Game launched its inaugural ITG Next Ambassador Program.

Ideal candidates are high school students who have a strong social media presence and exhibit academic excellence, outstanding character, and strong commitment to their schools and communities.

Ambassadors are given the opportunity to contribute to the vision of In the Game and to play an important role in developing our brand through apparel, social media, events, and content creation. They will also represent the ITG Next brand within their respective schools and communities.

Be a part of In the Game’s 2018-19 Ambassador Program!

Nominate someone or apply online at itgnext.com/ambassador-program ITG Next | 17

Sara-Kate Lupo Tiftarea Academy Softball What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

My freshman year when my team won the region championship.

What makes you different from everyone else?

I practice hard. I put my heart and soul in it. My standards are set high, and I basically eat, sleep, and breathe softball.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

Jennie Finch. She is a good Christian athlete, and she loves what she does. She’s an amazing pitcher.

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End-of-Year Savings that Help You Bring Your New Ride Home for the Holidays.

New & Used Sales | Service Center | Certified Parts | Collision Center www.ValdostaToyota.com | 2980 James Circle, Valdosta, GA 31601 | (229) 299-4146

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Desmond Johnson Valdosta High School Football

What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

My junior year I scored my first touchdown of my high school career.

Who has helped you the most in your sports career?

My uncle, stepdad, and grandad. They continued to encourage and support me throughout my football career.

They always pushed me to do more and separate myself.

What makes you different from everyone else?

I’m humble, and I try to out work others. By doing that, I believe that I’m making myself and others better.

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Emily Golden Tift County High School Cross Country, Track, Basketball What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

At the state track meet this spring, I got PRs in the mile and two-mile, and my team had a record number of people to qualify for state.

If you could play any other sport, what would it be and why?

If I could play any other sport, it would be swimming because it is very challenging. It’s like running but without a constant source of oxygen.

Who has helped you the most in your sports career?

My dad because he ran college cross country, so he knows what it takes to be a good runner. He challenges me to be the best I can be.

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9th Annual McDonald’s Tift County Invitational December 27 - December 29, 2018 Tift County High School Gym Tickets: Single Day $8 3-Day Pass/$20 (w/Drink & Popcorn) CONTACT: Joyce Danford (904) 612-1952 Coach Chris Wade (229) 854-9076

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Carson Hoes Colquitt County High School Mascot What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

When the Packers went to the state championships each year.

Also, going to the Benz Stadium for Corky Kell.

What makes you different from everyone else?

I say being a mascot is showing that you are willing to do the hardest of things on the sidelines.

If a team doesn’t have a mascot, they don’t have a full team.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

My older brother because he did the mascot before me, and I wanted to be like him, but also be better than he was.

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Mya Byrd Turner County High School Basketball What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

Every moment is memorable when I step out on the court with my teammates.

What makes you different from everyone else?

I’m very confident in myself when I’m on the court. I fear no one, and I make everybody else around me better.

Who has helped you the most in your sports career?

I would have to say my parents and all of my coaches. They all push me to do my best and keep me on track with my grades.

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Dallas Freeman Lowndes High School Mascot What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

Our comeback in Tifton last year. Everything was in the air until our Vikings came out of the locker room after halftime.

After your sports career is over, what do you see yourself doing?

I’ve always had a passion for making music, so I’ll probably go to college to become a producer.

If you could play any other sport, what would it be and why?

Volleyball. Growing up, I would play at church, and it became a tradition. Sadly, Lowndes doesn’t offer it for guys, but if they did, I would sign up.

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Clare Nijem Valwood School Mascot What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

The most memorable moment was winning the 2017 state football game at Mercer and just being on the sidelines.

Who has helped you the most in your sports career?

The person who has helped me the most is my mom. She’s taken me to every practice and doesn’t miss a game. She’s my biggest supporter.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

My biggest sports inspiration is my softball coach, Courtney Carter. She was an All-American player for VSU and just encourages me to play my best.

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Mackenzie McFatten Coffee High School Basketball What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

My most memorable moment is when I elbowed my opponent from Lowndes High School in the eye. I helped him off the ground after we went at it during a game.

Who has helped you the most in your sports career?

Coach Grey Williams and Coach Almond Saleem. They put me out so a lot of colleges could see me and get me multiple offers.

After your sports career is over, what do you see yourself doing?

I plan on being in the criminal justice system as a forensic scientist.

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Earn collge credit while in high school!

Nate Henderson, Senior

Fitzgerald High School and Dual Enrollment Student at Wiregrass

Contact your high school counselor or Wiregrass High School Coordinator today at highschoolservices@wiregrass.edu

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Titus Wright Thomasville High School Basketball What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

My most memorable moment of my sports career was when Berrien beat us with a buzzer beat last season. It made me realize it’s time to wake up.

After your sports career is over, what do you see yourself doing?

I see myself somewhere managing my own business. I really see myself as a boss of a big corporation.

Who has helped you the most in your sports career?

My mother because she always keeps me on track.

Without her, I wouldn’t be the man I am today.

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Troy Skidmore, DO

Nur Nurbhai, DO

Jordan Knoefler, MD

Anie Uyoe, MD

Phoebe Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine is pleased to announce the expansion of our team!

Welcome Jordan Knoefler, MD, our new sports medicine specialist and Anie Uyoe, MD, our newest orthopaedic surgeon.

Dr. Knoefler is a certified in sports medicine and has come to Phoebe after completing his Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship at McLennan County Medical Education and Research Foundation with Baylor University in Waco, Texas.

Dr. Uyoe is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon bringing over 10 years of experience to Phoebe Orthopaedics. He specializes in hip and knee replacement surgery, as well as direct anterior-approach hip replacement surgery.

To learn how Phoebe’s comprehensive orthopaedic and sports medicine team can help you, visit phoebeortho.com

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Kaycee Bussey Lowndes High School Volleyball What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

I’d say when I made the high school team.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

My biggest sports inspiration is Kenzley Bell. She plays on the varsity team, and she has always inspired me to play hard and never give up.

After your sports career is over, what do you see yourself doing?

After my sports career is over, I hope to coach volleyball at any level in my spare time.

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The Triumphant

TROJAN Written by: Dominic Ligon Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

Persistency, comAs a first-year starter, passion, and devotion Jones proved that sucare difficult characteris- cess only comes to those tics to develop for any who implement the high school student work needed to get to surrounded by youthful the next step. Breaking distractions. It takes a barriers and constantstrong-minded individual ly setting new goals for to encomhimself alpass those lowed the leadership 1 8 - y ea rqualities to “When I was just old at a young climb up a kid, I remember the totem age. Andrew Jones, sitting on my pole and a senior grandmother’s conquer at Brooks e v e n lap with our eyes g r e a t e r County High School, is glued to the challenga perfect on television while es example and off both of us rooted the field. of what it takes to be for the Seminoles Within his a leader. with our best four years From of playing his earliest tomahawk chops.” for the memories, Tr o j a n s , — Andrew Jones J o n e s Jones recalls havhas traning a “pig skin” in his sitioned from linebackhands. He credited his er to defensive line. grandmother as a tre- Standing at 5’9” and 175 mendous influence in his pounds, he admitted life and said that she in- that being undersized troduced him to football has challenged him to by tuning in to almost become a more well every Florida State Sem- rounded athlete despite inole game. the position swap.

“When I was just a “If I had three words kid, I remember sitting to describe Andrew on my grandmother’s Jones, it would be lap with our eyes glued scrappy, ferocious, and to the television while intelligent,” Maurice both of us rooted for Freeman, head football the Seminoles with our coach, said. best tomahawk chops,” Freeman described Jones said.

Jones as one of the 36 | itgnext.com

most persistent players he’s coached, explaining how Jones dislocated his shoulder while lifting weights on game day, popped it back in place, and still played the same day. During the game later that night, Jones dislocated his other shoulder while attempting to make a play, popped it back in place, and then continued to finish the game.

“His willingness to never give up, no matter the circumstance, is what makes Andrew so special,” Freeman said.

The dedication definitely speaks for itself.

Jones also plays a deeper role for the Trojans as the devotional leader. In the summer of 2013, three football

Georgia High School Football Teams With Most State Championships 19 State Titles

Valdosta High School / 1951-98

11 State Titles

Buford High School / 1978-14 Lincoln Co. High School / 1976-06

6 State Titles

Americus-Sumter High School / 1962-01 Carrollton High School / 1961-98

5 State Titles

Hawkinsville High School / 1954-14 LaGrange High School / 1958-04 Lowndes High School / 1980-07 Morgan Co. High School / 1955-62 Thomas Co. Central High School / 1992-97 Thomson High School / 1967-02 Tome High School / 1965-85

players from Brooks County died in a tragic car wreck. Now, on every game day, it is tradition for the Trojan football team to pray at the wreckage spot named The Three Crosses. For most of this season, Jones has been the speaker leading his team in prayer, not only on game days, but also on every Wednesday during the team’s weekly devotion. Jones doesn’t shy away from his spiritual role on the team, instead embracing every aspect of it.

“I have always been involved with church,” Jones said. “At times, it feels natural to lead the team in prayer because I’ve always been surrounded by faithful family members. With my sister also being involved in the ministry, she inspired me to dive even deeper into my faith.”

Jones is not only an excellent player, but he is also a great student in the classroom. He said the effort someone puts into academics reflects their work ethic on the football field. Jones is proud to apply his hard work and dedication into every aspect of his life, even if he doesn’t play football in college.

“I just want to continue to become a better person whether college football is in the picture or not,” Jones said.

10 Questions

With Alex Moore

Written by: Beth Welch Photography courtesy of Alex Moore

High school wrestling programs in athletic departments are a standard these days. At Harris County High School, the Tigers are gaining a reputation for producing worthy contenders on the mat. In the Game asked HCHS head wrestling coach Alex Moore about his program and upcoming December tournament.

In the Game: What is the name of the tournament your program will host soon?

Alex Moore: King of the County.

ITG: How did it get started?

AM: In 2015, we knew we wanted to host a tournament for the upcoming season, but we didn’t have a date. Another local high school was going through a coaching change and offered us to use their date, which we gladly and thankfully accepted.

ITG: What are the date and location of the tournament?

AM: We host the third weekend in December. This year it’s Dec. 14 and 15 at Harris County High School’s gym.

ITG: Who can participate?

AM: It is open to any high school team. We currently have teams from Georgia and Alabama.

ITG: How long have you been the wrestling coach at HCHS? AM: This will be my fifth year.

ITG: Do you have a wrestling background?

AM: I started wrestling my freshman year at Fitzgerald High School. I didn’t plan on coaching wrestling when I began teaching, but an opportunity came open at Washington-Wilkes to become the head coach. It just rolled from there.

ITG: Do you coach or teach anything else?

AM: I am the defensive coordinator for the football team and the assistant golf coach. I also teach physical education at the middle school.

ITG: Are there any HCHS wrestlers to watch this season?

AM: The majority of our team is returning that went 24-4 in duals last year. The group is led by senior Cohen Perry, who looks to become a three-time state qualifier, as well as other returning senior starters Maverick Crownhart-Swan and Jacob Schrenk.

The underclassmen are led by sophomores Tucker Kinsaul, Grant Monroe, and David Emfinger. Emfinger and Monroe are returning state qualifiers. Kinsaul’s season was cut short due to injury.

Look for freshmen Oran Decker and Garrett Wood to make a splash this year.

ITG: Have you seen an increase in interest for wrestling?

AM: When I came here five years ago, we had six returning wrestlers. We now have a varsity team of around 40-50 this year. Our staff does a great job of reaching out to kids in our hallways and getting them to try wrestling. Many of our kids have come out of our youth club that has been running for several years now, and ICON Wrestling Club in Columbus has helped tremendously with the growth of wrestling as a whole in our area.

ITG: What is the best thing about coaching wrestling at HCHS? AM: Our kids. We have a great group that put in a ton of work over the past 4 1/2 years to get where they are now. We have very little grade and discipline problems, and it’s never a worry when we travel across the state if our kids are going to be respectful to adults or their peers as they are representing our program.

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Alex Moore Job title/responsibilities: Head wrestling coach and defensive coordinator, HCHS; physical education teacher at HCCMS Hometown: Tifton, GA Education: Fitzgerald High School; BS, Georgia Southern University; MS, Georgia Southern University Awards or accomplishments as a coach: Record 13076; record for more dual wins in a single season (Washington-Wilkes, 2013); most sectional qualifiers in a single season (Harris County, 2017 and 2018); most state qualifiers in a single season (Harris County, 2017 and 2018) Family: Wife, Morgan; son, Charlie, 2 Person I most admire: My dad.

Favorite past time: Golf.

Unlimited Options Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

Like a lot of 17-year- was the Boys and Girls Club olds, Valwood Valiants se- Bulldogs. nior and defensive end Eli “My first coach was Joyner is pondering his Jarrod Brown,” Joyner future, undecided at this said. “I learned how to point. For some, it could not only play football unbe lack of motivation or der Coach Brown, but he a desire for the no-care taught me how to love days of high school to and embrace the game.” never end.

Brown was the first of However, in Joyner’s several coaches to leave case, the hesitation may be an impression on Joyner due to the unlimited choic- and vice-versa. es that are staring him in the “I never had a deface and not knowing which fensive end like Eli,” said one to reach out and take. Brown, who has coached For those who know Joyner, countless children through they know that no matter the Boys and Girls Club. where life takes him, he’ll atJoyner also played for tack it with the same passion Lowndes Middle School and vigor that he has shown coach Ed Mitchell. After against opposing ball carriers middle school and just on Friday nights and in the before the start of 10th classroom during the day. grade, Joyner transferred The son to Valwood, of Beth and where he “Coach Hen Clint Joyner, played for Eli Joyner (Henderson) taught head coach was born Ashley Henme how to be a and raised derson. In great student first, his second in Lowndes County. year under then to be Like a lot Henderson, an athlete.” of kids that Va l w o o d — Eli Joyner won one of grow up in Titletown, their three he began playing football at state championships. an early age (as an 8-year-old Yet, as much as Henthird-grader). His first team derson is identified with

winning on the field, single-season Joyner said he more so re- record. He has members what Henderson also recovtaught him off the field. ered four fum“Coach Hen (Hender- bles and has son) taught me how to be a touchdown a great student first, then to catch from be an athlete,” Joyner said. playing tight While that may be end on offense. the case, the former ValJoyner’s work away wood coach remembers from the football field is Joyner’s character as well quite impressive too. He is as his football skills. a member of the American “Eli’s one of the tough- Honor Society, received est kids the AmeriI’ve ever can Histor“He can shut down coached,” ical Award, H e n d e r - one side of an offense was named son said. by his physicality and Valwood’s “He can non-stop motor. Eli is Homecomshut down ing King this not just a great foot- year, and one side of an of- ball player, but a great r e c e i v e d fense by young man as well.” the prestihis physigious Eager — Ashley Henderson cality and Scholarship. non-stop This award motor. Eli is not just a is named for long-time Valgreat football player, but a wood supporter William G. great young man as well.”

Eager III and is given to the Joyner’s current coach, rising senior at Valwood Justin Henderson, has had that “best exemplifies Mr. the privilege of coaching Eager’s commitment to Joyner on the field in his academic excellence, exsenior season. Joyner tops traordinary integrity, natuin the GISA so far with 74 ral leadership ability, and individual tackles this sea- passion for Valwood.” son (recognized by MaxJoyner currently has a Preps), and that’s already a 3.85 GPA and has main-

tained all A’s and B’s throughout his high school career.

With his great grades in the classroom, plus his skills and achievements on the football field, colleges are taking notice.

“I’ve had a couple of colleges looking at me,” Joyner said. “Mercer, Berry College, and Faulkner College have all talked with me, but I’m just not sure if I want to play football or just focus on my academics.”

For now, Joyner remains undecided. The Valwood senior is focused on helping his Valwood team win a state championship in his senior season.

You can bet that when Eli is ready to make up his mind on what he wants to do and where he wants to go, there’ll be someone waiting.

ITG Next | 39

GOING THE DISTANCE Written by: Beth Welch Photography by: Beth Welch

Swimming has been a part of FabHurricanes. Swimming isn’t just somerizzio Orderique’s life as far back as he thing the 17-year-old does; the sport can remember. A native of Peru, Oris his passion, and endurance is his derique moved to Columbus, Georstrength. gia, when he was one year old, and “I really love distance,” he said. his love of the water began at age 2, “I think it’s more of a strategic game when photos show at that point. You him playing in a “I really love distance. I have to be able to pool with his dad. know your body, think it’s more of a stra- to He can remember pace your body. swimming at the tegic game at that point. Not so much talent local YMCA when You have to be able to as it is skill.” he was 4 years old.

The CHS junior Two years later, he know your body. To pace is quite honest joined the Hurri- your body. Not so much about talent vercanes Swim Club, sus skill. He said talent as it is skill.” where he got his he learned early start as a competi— Fabrizzio Orderique on he did not postive swimmer. sess a natural abilToday, Orderique is a member of Coity in the water. Standing 5’5” now, lumbus High School’s swim program, Orderique was usually the youngest known for producing outstanding athand smallest in his swim class. In orletes, and continues to swim with the der to compete with older and more 40 | itgnext.com

BENEFITS OF A SWIM CAP 1. PROTECTION Chlorine and other chemicals in the pool can be extremely harsh and damaging to your hair.

While swim caps don’t keep your hair completely dry, they do limit the exposure that your hair has to those chemicals.

2. THE PERFECT PAIR What goes pairs perfectly with your fancy swim cap? Why, goggles of course! Swim caps are useful because they prevent the goggles from pulling on your hair and also help with positioning the goggle straps.

3. STREAMLINE Swim caps tuck away hair, reducing drag in the water and making you more streamlined, thus improving your performance.

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“I absolutely loved his brother, Jorge. Jorge used to brag on his brother all the time when he was at CHS. I always thought it was just brotherly pride and love.

They are both incredible young men. Fabrizzio broke Jorge’s 100 fly record with a time of 55.17. Jorge’s time was a 57.28 his senior year. Last year Fabrizzio went a 54.44. He is also on all three school record relays.”

—Karen Waters, head swim coach at Columbus High School

TIPS TO MAKE YOUR COMPETITION SWIMSUIT LAST LONGER 1. ALTERNATE, ALTERNATE, ALTERNATE. Give your swimsuit at least 24 hours of rest between each wear. This helps the material regain its memory shape 2. USE PRACTICE SUITS. These could be old suits that you have in your “swim drawer.” Bust those puppies out and keep your good suit for competition day.

3. FIND A SHOWER OR SINK. This is the best way to rinse out the body soil and chlorine from your swimsuit 4. WATCH WHERE YOU SIT. Most pool sides and decks are rough. Always try to sit or lay on a towel. Once a swimsuit is snagged, it cannot be repaired.

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experienced swimmers, he became dedicated to discovering techniques to be successful.

That ability transformed him. When Orderique came to Columbus as a freshman, he made the varsity swim team. His first swim season, he participated in three events and managed to accomplish a feat he didn’t even set as a goal.

“I broke my brother’s record in the 100 (meter) fly,” Orderique said. “He called me and told me he was happy about it.”

His older brother, Jorge Orderique, was an accomplished swim athlete at Columbus a few years back. The younger brother chose to attend the school and participate in swimming as well, but isn’t intimidated by his older brother’s legacy. Basically, the two young men are close

and share a love for the 100 fly, but Orderique is building his own reputation as an endurance swimmer by competing in events that require a different kind of skill.

The following year, as a sophomore, Orderique broke his own record by shaving his time down to 54.4 seconds in the 100 fly. His intense focus and analytical prowess caused the swim athlete to realize he needed to continue to work on technique in the water in order to become faster.

“When you are just starting out, you have lots of room to improve,” he said. “Later, it’s the little things that give you an edge. Less room for mistakes and lot of focus on technique.”

This swim season, Orderique will swim several events for the Blue Devils including the 100 fly, 200 free, 500 free, and

200 individual medley.

He will also be part of the 200 medley relay and the 400 free relay for Columbus.

The rising star is hoping to improve his time in all events and gain the attention of college recruiters. Orderique loves math and engineering almost as much as being in the water. He would realize a dream come true to be able to swim at Georgia Tech.

With a 4.0 GPA, Orderique already understands the challenges of managing a demanding academic workload with year-round competitive swimming.

He is also no stranger to pressure, which he has learned to manage during competitions by a simple mental task.

“I sing songs,” he said.

ITG Next | 41

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ITG Next | 43

Female Kicker Strives in Male-Dominated Sport Written by: Alex Dunn | Photography by: Marque Milla Reese

Senior Jenna Cuff is not your ordinary 18-year-old. Not only does she run track and start for her school’s soccer and basketball teams, but she is also the kicker for Terrell Academy’s football team.

Cuff grew up around football. Her dad was a kicker for Albany State University and currently coach’s arena football.

He played college ball at a much older age, 30, which is why Cuff was able to experience the game when she was younger.

“I would often go with him to practices,” she said. “Kicking was something we would do just for fun, but my dad realized that it was something I was good at.”

When Cuff realized that her school’s team needed a kicker in her eighth-grade year, she asked her dad if she could try out. They went to the field, and Cuff proceeded to kick her first 30-yard field goal. They sent a video of her skill to Terrell Academy’s coach Bill Murdock.

“He asked if I could do that every time,” Cuff said. “I have been kicking ever since. Once I stepped out on the football field for my first Friday night game, I was hooked. Being under the lights is a feeling like no 44 | itgnext.com

other. I love kicking, and God has blessed me with a talent that I believe should be honored.”

Cuff comes from a long line of coaches, so her interest in sports is not much of a surprise.

Both her parents, her cousins, and her brotherin-law are in the coaching business. They are the ones Cuff goes to for advice and support.

“My family encourages me to do and be anything that I want to be,” she said. “I can remember when I was nervous about trying out for the team. My mom told me that if I was going to let fear stop me, then I would never accomplish anything that God had planned for me. I am surrounded by supportive family members.”

Cuff also credited her team and school with showing support; they

voted her homecoming queen and had her crowned in her football uniform.

Cuff was named tothe GISA All-State Team her sophomore and junior years, the first female to accomplish the feat.

“I was honored, and it was one of the most wonderful feelings I have ever experienced,” Cuff said.

“It was like a dream.

All the hard work was worth it. I must give my team credit. It would not have been possible if they had not worked so hard.

My success was only possible because they believed in me.

Being the first female was an honor and privilege.”

Being a female in a male-dominated sport often requires you to work harder than the competition, at least that’s what Cuff lives by.

On the field, she follows a work ethic that has resulted in her success up to this point.

“On the field I am always working to perfect my accuracy and increase my range,” she said. “Some nights I would practice by the lights of my dad’s truck because I want to be looked at for my success, not for my gender. I am often harder on myself than my coach. If I miss an extra point or field goal, I am letting my team down.”

Off the field, Cuff understands that she has become an example of what you can accomplish if you try your hardest.

“I am very aware of

“Once I stepped out on the football field for my first Friday night game, I was hooked. Being under the lights is a feeling like no other. I love kicking, and God has blessed me with a talent that I believe should be honored.”

— Jenna Cuff In the Game | 45

“I am very aware of the amount of kids that look up to me.

It is very important for me to lead a Christian life so that others will not see me in a bad light.”

— Jenna Cuff

the amount of kids that look up to me,” she said. “It is very important for me to lead a Christian life so that others will not see me in a bad light. I do not want to be a bad influence on others. Some of our sport figures do not care about the impact they have on upcoming athletes. I want to be an inspiration to all that you can accomplish anything with hard work.”

Although continuing to kick at the collegiate level is an opportunity Cuff would snatch up quickly, she understands that not many colleges are looking for a female athlete in a male-dominated sport. Therefore, Cuff plans on pursuing a degree in marine biology or oceanography when she goes off to college next year.

Cuff simply wants to inspire others to go beyond the normal and dream bigger dreams. She knows that she can do anything she sets her mind to from the support from her family, team, and friends. Her final words of advice highlight how hard it can be to be a little different, but that shouldn’t stop anyone from reaching their goals.

“Attitude does determine altitude,” Cuff said.

“Never let fear hold you back from your dreams.

I have always been different from most girls, and that is just fine with me. I am who God made me to be. It certainly wasn’t easy walking out on that football field for my very first practice. I didn’t know if I would be accepted. I’m so glad I took that step and risked rejection because it has opened more opportunities for me to be a positive influence on other athletes.

Different is my kind of beautiful.”

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Breaking Barriers Written by: Kaylee Kopke Photography by: Eric Vinson

Julie Doss is an adult Special Olympian who lives in Lake Park, Georgia. She was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome at an early age. Her mom, Jeanie Doss Allen, said she would always see Doss doing perfect cartwheels for fun when she was younger, which prompted her to put Doss in a regular gymnastics program at the age of 7. Immediately, Doss’s then coach saw that she had talent and potential within the sport.

But there were times when, according to Allen, Doss had some trouble with certain apparatuses. Allen and Doss’s coach knew she could get far, especially being so young at the time. At the age of 12, Doss won first place in a regular meet in all four apparatuses, which are the beam, bars, floor, and vault. Shortly after that, Doss made the decision to take a step back from gymnastics to pursue dancing throughout her high school career.

After graduating high school, Doss and her family moved to Lake Park, Georgia, when she was 22 years old. After a 10-year hiatus, her gymnastics career really took off. Thanks to the help 48 | itgnext.com

of Jane Walsh from the and made everyone Valdosta YMCA, Doss proud by going to the got started again in the Games.”

She won first in vault sport, and she picked up right where she left off. and second in the othShe learned new things er three apparatuses. quickly, and she put in ESPN featured her as a backdrop the work required to be “Seeing all the love that throughout recognized she was receiving, she that week by the World pushed through these when the Games. She obstacles and made ev- games were was one of eryone proud by going going on. to the Games.”

According two people from — Jeanie Doss Allen to Allen, that the state was the exof Georgia to go to the perience of a lifetime for 2015 World Games in Los Doss.

Angeles, California.

Doss’s next compeThe road to the tition will be in January Games wasn’t easy for the Georgia Winter for Doss. A couple of Games as well as swimmonths before she was ming in the Summer set to compete, she had Games and bowling to undergo a surgery, in the Fall Games. Not the aftermath of which only is she an avid athcaused serious health lete, but she also likes to complications for Doss. horseback ride during “Even though she her free time, something faced many setbacks that has become a big before her appearance part of her life. at the Games with health Doss’s story just goes complications and sur- to show that with courgeries, many people age and perseverance wrote to her after being there are no goals that inspired by her story you cannot accomplish, through a newspaper ar- no obstacles that you ticle that was written on cannot overcome. That, her,” Allen said. “They all combined with the love rallied together and sent and support from family, her letters and words of friends, and the comencouragement. Seeing munity, can give you the all the love that she was extra boost to shine and receiving, she pushed achieve your greatest through these obstacles potential.

South Georgia Baseball Previews AAAAAAA The 2018 regular season saw Lowndes and Colquitt dominate the upper half of region 1-7A as the two teams combined to win 44 games between them. The Vikings of head coach Rusty Beale finished as the region champs, gaining the No. 1 seed with a 9-3 region mark. Tony Kirkland’s Packer squad finished as the No. 2 seed after going 8-4 in region play. Both teams headed to the state playoffs with high hopes of advancing to the final four. However, both the Packers and Lowndes suffered second round losses in the playoffs. Tift County finished last in the region and did not see any playoff action.

Headed into 2019, both Colquitt and Lowndes face heavy losses among key contributors from a year ago, forcing both Beale and Kirkland to look at any and all newcomers to fill the void.

Colquitt will have to replace 12 seniors from last year, including standout shortstop Garret Patel, along with pitchers Cory Newsome and Dylan Collins. Returning are senior outfielders Tucker Hathcock and Alex Bledsoe.

Lowndes was not hit as hard to graduation, but still lost standouts Wyatt Fender, Tyson Shaw, Rhett McCleod, Brett Beals, Johnny Retterbush, and Palmer Henderson. However, Beale will have some great players back this season, including three players who brought home top awards as juniors in Region 1-7A last year: Region Hitter of the Year C.J. Rose, Region Pitcher of the Year Cameron Carter,and Region Player of the Year Tyler Andrews. Heading into this season, Rose and Andrews are already preseason All-State selections.

Tift County will try to rebound from a rare season with no postseason. The Blue Devils of head coach Kyle Kirk were very young, finishing 10-20 overall with a 4-8 region record. That left Tift as the only team in the region not in the playoffs. But, Kirk will have several of those young players back this upcoming season, including Reese Watson, Gauge Domingue, Ben Brock, and Joseph Pittman.

The Parkview Panthers of Lilburn wound up as the Class 7A state champions for 2018.

TOP 10 MLB HOME RUN LEADERS OF ALL TIME 1. Barry Bonds

762 home runs

3. Babe Ruth

714 home runs

2. Hank Aaron

4. Alex Rodriguez 5. Willie Mays 6. Albert Pujols 7. Ken Griffey Jr. 8. Jim Thome 9. Sammy Sosa 10. Frank Robinson

755 home runs 696 home runs 660 home runs 633 home runs 630 home runs 612 home runs

MLB FUN FACTS

Written by: Phil Jones

• Every single ball used in MLB is pre-rubbed with mud from a secret location along the Delawre River in New Jersey. Only one man knows this secret location. This improve the quality of the ball and is the only way that it can be used in a game.

• Hollywood personality Charlie Sheen once bought 2,615 tickets to a single MLB game just to increase his chances of catching a home run ball.

• Between 1885 and 1893, the MLB allowed one side of the bat to be flat.

This rule only last eight years.

AAAAAA After making it to the state championship game in 2017, the Lee County Trojans had grand thoughts of returning to the big game last season. A 27-win season had Lee winning the Region 1-6A regular season title heading into the state tournament as the No. 1 seed. But, a second round loss to Greenbriar High School in the playoffs ended any hopes that head coach Brandon Brock and his team had of getting a second chance of playing for a state championship.

Heading into 2019, the Trojans will have a new coach as Brock decided to step away to spend more time with his family. Taking over the head coaching duties will be pitching coach Brian Trivette. He’ll inherit some nice returning talent, but he’s also lost some big time names such as pitchers Layne Waird and Reid Hanson, who both signed with Albany State University. Also signing to play college ball were Garrett Suiter and Johnathon Logsden.

Meanwhile, head coach Brad Porter enjoyed a successful first season at the helm of the Valdosta Wildcats baseball program after taking over for long-time coach Bart Shuman. His Valdosta team finished as the No. 3 seed in the always tough Region 1-6A, advancing to the quarterfinals of the state playoffs and finishing with a 23-12 record. Some good talent returns this season, including Region Player of the Year Colby Thomas, who was selected to play for Team Georgia. Joining Thomas are All-Region selections Jude Ard, Cory McCann, and Avery Stephens. Gone to graduation are Dustin Doscher, Kody Noviello, and Eric Posas.

Northside (Warner Robins) is looking to recover from one of their worst seasons in the history of the Eagles program. Last season is one to forget as Northside finished winless in region play, while picking up only five wins against 21 losses. Head coach Mark Estes is hoping the young roster that endured such a tough season last year will be able to put 2018 behind them and move forward this season. The Eagles open the year against Howard High School from Macon.

Coffee County finished as the No. 4 seed in region standing last year, finishing 10-19 overall with a 4-8 region mark and losing out in the first round of the state playoffs to Effingham County. The Trojans lost key seniors pitcher and outfielder Justin Tarver, catcher Grant Vining, and standout infielder Wade Sumner. Sy Jones begins his second season as head coach after coming over from FPD of Macon.

Houston County came within a game of the region title last year, finishing 9-3 in region play and the as the No. 2 seed despite winning a region-high 28 games overall. Heading into 2019, the Bears of HoCo will be welcoming in a new head coach. Jason Brettn — who led the Houston County program over the past nine years as head coach, including state championships in 2014 and 2016 — resigned to take an administrative position within the Houston County school system. His replacement is former assistant coach Matt Hopkins.

Hopkins will inherit a team that lost eight seniors, including Dillan Toms and Logan Morris, who batted .340 for his high school career at HoCo. One of our teams from Region 1-6A hopes to dethrone the Pope Greyhounds, who defeated Lee County in 2017 for the title and repeated last year, defeating Alatoona to win it again.

609 home runs 586 home runs ITG Next | 49

1. LANCE BERKMAN • Six-time All-Star; played 15 seasons for Astros, Yankees, Cardinals, and Rangers • Hit .423 in 2011 World Series to help Cardinals win title 2. ROY HALLADAY • Two-time Cy Young Award winner, eight-time All-Star, pitched 16 seasons for Blue Jays and Phillies • One of only six pitchers whose careers began in 1900 or later with at least 200 wins and a .650 winning percentage.

AAAAA The 2018 GHSA Class 5A State Playoffs once again saw mostly North Georgia dominate the final rounds with Loganville winning its second consecutive state championship. Like the previous year, Region 1-5A was represented by Bainbridge, Thomas County Central, and Veterans high schools.

The Warner Robins Demons did not make the state playoffs for a second consecutive year.

Veterans High School’s Warhawks reached the quarterfinals of the playoffs last season after finishing as the top seed in the region. They advanced farther than any other Region 1-5A playoff team. Unfortunately, Veterans lost to Flowery Branch. Heading into the 2019 season, head coach David Coffey and staff lost eight seniors who led the Warhawks to deep runs in the playoffs throughout their careers.

That includes catcher Leyton Pickney, who continues his baseball career at Mercer University.

Other seniors lost include Ben Gibbs, Jeremy Horton, Dan Hawthorne, Pitcher Derek Wylie, Jemaile Simmons, Spencer Sebero, and Tyler Mayfield. Returning to help Veterans make another playoff run are Matthew Nunez, Cole Hooks, and Jackson Williams.

The Bainbridge Bearcats finished as the No. 4 seed in the region last year, but went into the playoffs on an eightgame winning streak. Their playoffs didn’t last long as they lost to Wayne County in the first round. The Bearcats and head coach Brian McCorkle will enter the upcoming season without key senior Caleb Boutwell, who signed a baseball scholarship with South Georgia State College. He hit .311 during his Bearcat career. The Bearcats will also be without pitcher and infielder Will Kelly.

Nick Barber will be back and counted on to lead the Bearcats from the pitching mound. He has a career ERA of 2.09 entering his senior year. Also returning is sophomore pitcher and infielder Quade Hawkins.

Thomas County Central made it to the second round of playoffs after finishing as the No. 3 team in the region last year under first year head coach Ryan Strickland. Their schedule last year was rated as one of the top five toughest in the state. Entering his second season, Strickland will have the luxury of 12 seniors returning, including catcher Tyler Carter. They said goodbye to six seniors, including All-State selection Jackson NeSmith.

50 | itgnext.com

AAAA The Cairo Syrupmakers were hoping to build on a super successful 2017 season in which they finished with 23 wins, 12-1 in region play, a region championship, and a trip to the state playoffs. They advanced to the second round. Despite a loss to eventual state champion Marist, things were seemingly headed in the right direction.

However, last year did not produce the results Cairo was hoping for. First year head coach Chad Parkerson had to endure the loss of several key players from the 2017 team, and the results were a 15-13 season and a loss to Shaw in the region tournament. The Syrupmakers did go back to the state playoffs. But, as Parkerson enters his second season, things look much brighter as he will have several returning players from last season, having lost only two seniors.

Returning juniors include pitcher, center fielder, and outfielder J.T. Andrews; pitcher and shortstop Hayes Stills; outfielder and pitcher Garrett Gainous; oufielder and pitcher Blake Touchton; and infielder and pitcher D.J. Collins.

The Syrupmakers will open their season against rival Thomasville.

The Perry Panthers finished 2018 as the No. 3 team in Region 2-4A after a 16-13 season and 8-7 in region play. The Panthers lost to Columbus in two games in the first round of the state playoffs. It was the first year under new head coach Tim Hutchins, a former Perry outfielder and assistant coach who got the nod to take over at Perry after previous head coach Lorne Tucker resigned. Hutchins will have his work cut out for him this season with nine seniors lost to graduation from last year’s squad.

Perry starts the 2019 season against the Class 7A Tift County Blue Devils.

WORLD SERIES FACTS

TWO 2019 HALL OF FAME ELIGIBLES

The World series is the biggest event in Major League Baseball.

It determines who that season’s champion will be. Although it is called the World Series, only 29 American teams are contested for, including one token entrant from Canada. The New York Yankees have won a total of 27 titles, 16 titles above their nearest competition. Out of the 30 teams, eight teams have never won the title. Two teams have never reach the event at all.

AAA The Cook Hornets baseball squad is known as one of the best high school athletic programs in the state of Georgia. The Hornets have made the playoffs in 30 of the past 31 seasons with two state championships, four state runner-up finishes, and close to 700 wins.

So, one has to figure that the Cook baseball team will always be a factor when it comes to playoff time, and there’s no reason to think any different in 2019. Last year they finished as the Region 1-3A champion with a 28-8 overall record and a perfect league mark of 12-0 in region play.

In the playoffs, Cook beat Long County and Rutland at home before running into private powerhouse Westminster in Atlanta, losing 2-0 in the quarterfinals.

Looking ahead to the upcoming season, coach Greg Williams will have to replace some big time play makers — many of whom were third-year starters — include four-year starter shortstop Sam Bennett. Bennett’s glove, bat, and leadership will be hard to replace. Others not returning include first baseman Tyler Weeks, pitcher Jalen Wilcox, center fielder Cole Rogers, and outfielder Bobby Griffin.

There are contributors back from last season, including third baseman Damon Collins and second baseman K.J. Manning, one of whom may have to take over at shortstop, replacing Bennett. Also back are regulars Dylan Turner, Cody Way, Brock Revels, Landon Rentz, Hart Griffin, and Ethan Folsom. Look for sophomore Jake Permenter to make some noise as an up-and-comer for Williams and the Hornets.

Cook will have competition from region rivals Crisp and Worth once again in 2019.

Worth finished a distant second behind Cook in 2018 as the No. 2 seed with a 21-10 overall record and 8-4 in the region. Crisp ended up as the No. 3 seed at 14-16, 7-5 in the region.

Both teams figure to be strong again with Worth losing only four seniors and Crisp having just five players graduate.

• Do 3-5 sets of this exercise every day.

AA The Berrien Rebels enjoyed one of their most successful seasons last year, advancing to the state championship game in the GHSA Class 2A playoffs. Unfortunately, in a story that South Georgia high school sports fans have seen time and time again, a talented team in the lower half of the state goes up against a private school with open enrollment, and the result is not good. That was the case as Berrien and coach Doug Nix fell to Benedictine in two games 6-3 and 3-0.

The Rebels were seeking their second state title in school history. Their first was won in 1988 when head baseball coach Bart Shuman led them to an undefeated season.

The folks in Nashville don’t want to hear anything about a rebuilding year, but the reality may be that 2019 is just that.

Nix will have to somehow replace several players who were key contributors in last season’s run for the title: All-Region and All-State selections Rhett Thomason, Brock Jewell, and Darius Tisby. Add to that group All-Region outfielders Brady Young, Tucker Karvonen, and Justin Roberts, all of whom have graduated. Nix will have back last year’s lead-off batter Griffin Rowe and standout Tanner Adams.

While Berrien advanced to the state championship game, they weren’t even the top team in their region. That distinction went to the Thomasville Bulldogs, who were actually the Region 1-2A champions, finishing as the top seed with a 30-7 overall record and 11-1 against region opponents.

The Bulldogs advanced to the quarterfinals of the state playoffs, but lost to Callaway High School. Thomasville is going to have a decent chance to repeat the success of last year as they’ll have some key talent returning. That has to put a smile on head coach Erik McDougal’s face.

Returning to the team this year is junior pitcher and infielderJacob Bradshaw, senior pitcher and infielder Joe Cipriani, and junior Harrison Stewart, who set the GHSA single-season record for triples in a season with 10 during his freshman year.

Gone is standout multi-sport athlete J.T. Rice.

Fitzgerald was the region’s No. 3 seed last year, losing out in Round 1 to Jeff Davis High School. Returning to lead coach Jason McDonald’s team this year will be Kelly Spain, who has a career .333 batting average.

The Echols County Wildcats are looking to turn things around in 2019. The last two years have not been kind to the Statenville ‘Cats. They have just nine wins over the last two seasons including a 4-21 season last year. Senior Weston McCleod will be back to lead Echols this season.

Brooks County didn’t finish like they hoped to last season as the Trojans lost their last nine regular season games to turn a 7-10 season into a 7-19 record. Brooks County won just one region contest. Standout catcher and outfielder Mac Perry has graduated, but head coach Josh Price is looking for leadership from returner Jacquez Jackson this year.

A As we take a look at the upcoming season for our area’s Class 1A baseball teams, you’ll see teams like Baconton Charter, founded in 2008, that have gone from being the new guys on the block to one of the better programs in Southwest Georgia. If Baconton Charter can build on last year's success, then the upcoming 2019 season may prove to be a breakout year for the Blazers.

Head coach Bubber Birdsong’s team finished as Region 1-1A champions with a 20-7 record, their third straight season of 20-plus wins and the team’s third region championship under Birdsong. Now Baconton Charter turns its attention to 2019, as Birdsong must find a way to replace two key starters who were a big part of the team’s success over the last few years.

Lost to graduation is speedy outfielder Logan Cain, who batted .281 for his career at Baconton with 16 stolen bases. Another big-time name fans of the Blazers will miss is pitcher and third baseman Will Bush. At 6’0” and 230 pounds, Bush was an intimidating presence on the mound, and his stats show it. Over his career at Baconton Charter, Bush finished with a 3.34 ERA with 107 strikeouts in just a little over 81 innings pitched.

As far as the rest of the team goes, Birdsong will have everyone else returning, including pitcher Bo Schwarm, infielder Spencer Culp, and sophomore pitcher and outfielder Smith Pinson.

Look for another solid season for Baconton Charter Blazer baseball this year.

Irwin County landed in the Final Four of the playoffs last season — the first time the Indians have advanced that far since 1998.

Heading into this season, the Indians will have almost the entire roster back, and that’s sure to put a smile on coach Drew Tankersley’s face.

A returner who made a huge impact last year is junior Zack Smith, a top starting pitcher for Irwin last year. A freshman from last year who was played well on the mound and in the batter’s box is Brodie Chestnutt. He and Smith both came up big during the season and led the Indians in their postseason run to the Final Four.

Other impact players returning are Keegan Folker, Tucker Paulk, and Spencer Tomberlin.

While only three seniors — Turner Chambliss, Reid Fletcher, and Hunter Spires — graduated, they will be missed. Irwin and Baconton Charter open the season in Baconton.

Mitchell and Turner County will look to get back to the playoffs after missing out on postseason play last year.

Two Pelham players to watch heading into 2019 are junior catcher Doug Curles, who hit .481 last season and led the region with 24 RBIs, and junior pitcher and shortstop Gunner Wisham, who as a pitcher had a .433 ERA with four wins. On the base paths, Wisham led the region with 28 stolen bases. At the plate he was fourth in the region with 18 RBIs. Miller County will lean on senior Dylan Johnson this year. In 2018, he hit .400 and had an on-base percentage of .538 with one home run and one triple.

The Clinch County Panthers welcome back seniors Laneston Hendricks, Duncan Lutz, and Thomas Lankford. Hendricks hit .359 last year, while Lankford batted .317. Lutz was one of the region leaders in wins as a pitcher last season with five victories and will be a go-to guy in region games this year.

Coach Shawn Sharp’s Lanier County Bulldogs finished in the middle of the pack last season with 15 wins. Looking to the upcoming season, Sharp saw over half (seven) of his roster graduate. That includes team captain Noah Tuten. The shortstop and center fielder standout was an All-Region and All-State selection, finishing his career with a .393 batting average and .452 on-base percentage. His skills and leadership will certainly be missed. Sharp will have junior Shawn Martin along with seniors Evan Culpepper and Andrew Roland back to lead the Bulldogs this year. A few underclassmen will need to step up this year to make up for the senior talent lost in Lakeland.

FUN FACT

BENCH PRESS FOR TRICEPS

The Vladimir Guerrero Award is the award for the “worst pitch turned into a hit.” Usually, if the ball is pitched terribly and left, the advantage is with the batting side. Batters may be willing to still go for a swing after all.

ITG Next | 51

GISA/GICAA In GISA, the Piedmont Academy Cougars from Monticello won the 2018 Class 2A state championship, defeating traditional GISA powerhouse Windsor Academy of Macon two games to one. With the title, Piedmont finished the season at 21-7, marking the sixth straight season that the Cougars had won over 20 games. Meanwhile, in Class 3A, the Lions of Trinity Christian-Sharpsburg won the title, defeating Frederica Academy of St. Simons two games to one.

Closer to home in Region 3-3A, Tiftarea Academy, Valwood, and Deerfield-Windsor all had respectable seasons, but it’s safe to say that Deerfield and Valwood would have wished their season could’ve gone a bit further. Both the Valiants' and the Knights’ seasons came to an end in the opening round of the state playoffs. Coming out of the region as the No. 4 seed, Valwood head coach Robert Shipman knew his Valiants would’ve had a tough road entering the state playoffs, forced to face a No. 1 seed, and that’s exactly what happened. Valwood faced off against eventual state runner-up Frederica Academy and lost to the Knights in two games.

Tiftarea Academy and Deerfield-Windsor School each finished the season sporting identical region records of 5-3. Thus, it took a one-game playoff to decide the region, and the Panthers of head coach Chance Benson came out swinging and rolled to the region championship with a 19-7 victory.

That seemed to get the Panthers fired up for the state playoffs, as they soundly defeated Edmund Burke Academy in two games in Round 1, then squeaked by Gatewood 8-7 and 8-5 in the quarterfinals. Tiftarea’s season came to an end at the hands of Frederica Academy in the semifinals.

Looking ahead to this season, Benson will have 10 juniors returning, but will lose five seniors. Look for Tiftarea to make another deep run in the playoffs in 2019.

Deerfield-Windsor has had quite a run in the GISA with two state championships in the last five years. But, as the competition in GISA has ramped up, Deerfield has found the road to a state title to be a little tougher. That was certainly the case last season as Deerfield not only lost in the one-game playoff versus Tiftarea, but also bowed out of the state playoffs earlier than they had hoped, losing to Trinity Christian-Dublin in the first round.

Heading into the upcoming season, Deerfield and second-year head coach Chris Chaffinch will look to get the Knights back to playing for state titles. Even though they’ll be without some key players, Deerfield will have some younger guys coming back to lead the Knights in 2019. One of the biggest names you won’t hear this season — at least in the Deerfield-Windsor lineup — will be Baylen Moore, who was named as the Region 3—3A player of the Year. Two All-Region selections from Deerfield will be back, and that’s good news for Chaffinch and the Knights. Jack Kimbrell returns to lead the Knights this season, and Joe Morgan will return. Moore and Kimbrell were also recognized as All-State performers.

Brookwood had a season they’re looking to put behind them. The Warriors only won three games last season. The good news is that All-Region selection Joe Parker will return this year as will other starters, including senior Nick Lauderdale, sophomore Jacob Lauderdale, and senior Jacob Atkinson. The Warriors did lose a couple of key players, including pitcher Tyler Myrick, a workhorse on the mound from a year ago. Will Saunders has also graduated. Brookwood opens with crosstown rival and GHSA school Thomasville High School.

Westfield School of Perry made a big jump last season, winning 16 games after picking up only two wins in 2017. The Hornets look to keep the momentum going with key contributors Ryan Fitzpatrick and Gage Locke returning.

Westfield did lose some talent from last year, including standout Wyatt Young, Hunter Spence, and Tee Adams.

Like Westfield, Westwood’s baseball team is hoping 2019 can bring better results than recent times. Westwood has finished at or near the bottom of the region standings in GISA 3-2A. Westwood will have to make its comeback attempt without two players who have done their part over their Westwood career. Graduation claimed Wildcat standouts Gage Mock and Jacob Bryan, who were GISA All-Region selections in 2018.

In GICAA, Georgia Christian enjoyed a nice run in 2018, finishing 12-8 overall with a 7-2 region record. The Generals advanced to the GICAA state playoffs, but fell in the opening round to Young Americans Christian School from Conyers. Looking to 2019, coach Tony Long will be without Dalton Rizer, who will continue to play baseball, but not at Georgia Christian; the 4-year starter at Dasher has graduated and will take his talents to Ridgewater College in Minnesota. Rylee White is also gone, so the Generals will count on some younger talent to put the team back in the playoffs this season.

All About Technique Written by: Justin Chandler Photography by: Eric Vinson

Technique is possibly They also have an Acathe most important as- demic Success program pect of any sport. A wide that helps inspire students receiver won’t be able to to learn inside of the lose his defender if he classroom. They provide doesn’t run support, “We got together, including his routes c o r re c t l y.

SAT and and I asked him to A shooting manage the program. ACT prep, guard won’t help He kind of just took to hit that students off with it for me.”

3-point shot create big if his elbow — Dominique Moses goals for isn’t tucked. themselves Practicing technique is beyond just football and important in becoming to get them ready to suca star athlete, and Dom- ceed academically at the inique Moses is here to collegiate level. help athletes do just that.

Moses has been footTechnique Athletes is ball training for about a non-profit sports train- eight years now, and he ing program founded designed Technique Athby Moses and a group of letes back in 2012. Withmentors whose mission out the funds or resourcis to help youth improve es to start the program, their football motor skills Moses couldn’t bring his and overall football IQ. idea to life until last year They provide kids with a when he met with Kevin safe environment to prac- Prather, the head coach tice and compete so they of a Pop Warner football can grow in the sport. team. Prather was train-

ing kids at the time Moses pitched him the idea of Technique Athletes, and he loved it.

“We got together, and I asked him to manage the program,” Moses said on Prather’s impact on social media networks on the program. “He and a recruiting team that kind of just took off with monitors athletes’ proit for me.” gression during training Prather is the acting sessions. Everyone inCEO of Technique Athvolved in the program is letes and played a major there to help these young role in the beginning of athletes progress in footthe program. They have ball and life in general. a complete Some team in “Just to see things notable place to asNFL playevolve, seeing kids sure their ers who from 8 to 10 years athletes rewere a part old go up to high ceive the of the proschool and receive training and gram bee x p o s u r e scholarships, it’s just fore headnecessary to awesome.” ing to the succeed on next level the field and — Dominique Moses were Kenin practice. neth Durden, Josh HarThey have a media vey-Clemons, and Jay team that expands the Rome. All three of these Technique Athletes brand

men came out of Valdosta and trained with Technique Athletes.

“Just to see things evolve, seeing kids from 8 to 10 years old go up to high school and receive scholarships, it’s just awesome,” Moses said.

Technique Athletes is a year-round training program, and they do this to keep these athletes in shape. Taking them to camps and keeping them working is a major part of how this program helps the youth.

As for the future, Moses and his team plan to build a small indoor football field for the athletes to train on.

ITG Next | 53

Beyond the Mat Written by: Kaylee Kopke Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

Chad Smith began his wrestling career at the same the community, and who are willing to break barriers and school he now coaches. He started wrestling in his junior stand out.” year at Bainbridge High school after being inspired to wresIt comes as no surprise, then, that for Smith the most retle by two high school friends, Brain Hines and Alex Pearwarding part of coaching is the relationships that are formed. son. Up until that time, the school did not have a wrestling “I have been in my past wrestlers’ weddings, and I get inprogram. vited for family functions,” Smith said.

“Our first year, we didn't even “You can be a great wrestler and be “I am a first point of contact when have a mat to practice on or a propthey need help or need advice. They er facility,” Smith said. “We bounced a horrible person, but what is the visit when in from college, they email, around from the gym or any other point if that is how you’re viewed? text almost daily, and most of all I love local spaces that would accommo- I want good kids who help others the feeling I get when I see them afdate the team; we even used the out, who make good grades, who ter wrestling and school is long gone. football field and practiced in the They seem like they missed me every want to help the community, and grass on occasion.” day since then. Wrestling for me has Though he did not go on to pur- who are willing to break barriers never been about winning and losing sue wrestling in college, he decid- and stand out.” on the mat, but winning and losing at — Chad Smith relationships and life.” ed to come back to Bainbridge and has been the varsity wrestling head With the wrestling program growcoach since 2011. He said that one of the main reasons he ing in Bainbridge, Smith plans on attending more and more returned to Bainbridge was his own coaches, Cecil Phillips tournaments and state championships as well as hiring on and Roy Mathews, who had deep and positive impacts on more coaches with wrestling experience so they can bring Smith’s life. They showed him the importance of building a new perspective in for the athletes to learn and grow. He long and lasting relationships with athletes, relationships wants to make the wrestling program what football is for most that could last well beyond high school years. schools. With the help of supportive administration such as “I like to teach them (the kids) how to be a good perPrincipal Roy Mathews and athletic directors Scott Miller son, first and foremost,” Smith said. “You can be a great and Jimmy Harris, the wrestling program is well on its way wrestler and be a horrible person, but what is the point to getting the recognition and support it is searching for. if that is how you’re viewed? I want good kids who help others out, who make good grades, who want to help 54 | itgnext.com

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A Force to Be Reckoned With Written by: Justin Chandler Photography by: Micki K. Photography

A strong force in the pounds, and can bench backfield is necessary 345. He has the speed for any successful foot- and power to be an even ball team. D.J. Lundy, a more dominant runner running back from Irwin when he transitions to County, is just that. He college play. There is no is the force behind a doubt that Lundy’s future dominant offense that is is bright, but he knows leading the way in GHSA there is a lot more work 1A football for the 2018- to do as he progresses 19 seaforward. son. With “I just the speed know I to take it have to around the keep it outside of pushing,” a defense L u n d y along with said.

He rushed the power to run for 192 completey a r d s ly through against — Buddy Nobles, Charlton one, Lundy head football coach is making it County difficult for any team to and sat out the entire stop the Indians offense. fourth quarter. He was a Lundy started play- difference maker in the ing flag football at the Indians’ win over deage of 6, and the sport fending state champihas grown on him ever ons Clinch County earsince. He has always lier this season. Lundy is been a running back a versatile player and a and plans to keep with strong athlete who can it as he moves forward adapt and prosper in in his career. Receiving any position he is put offers from multiple Divi- in. He plays both sides sion I schools, the junior of the ball for Irwin is embracing the oppor- County – running back tunities that are coming and fullback on offense his way. and middle linebacker Lundy runs a 4.6 on defense. in the 40-yard dash, Head football coach can squat around 500 Buddy Nobles has been

He is a quiet leader, and the kids know he is going to do his job.

56 | itgnext.com

There is no doubt that whoever gets him at the next level is getting a great person and a great player,” Nobles said. “He is a lot of fun to coach, and I’m glad I can say that I coached him.

— Buddy Nobles, head football coach

coaching at Irwin for five years and is in his third year coaching D.J. “He is a quiet leader, and the kids know he is going to do his job,” Nobles said of Lundy.

Lundy leads with action whether it be on the field or in the classroom. He has a strong 3.5 GPA and is currently exceeding in all of his classes. He works consistently to be the best at whatever he does and continues to make the most of his opportunities.

Lundy is looking to close out his high school career with a bang. He’s been a starter since he was a freshman and has only become better with time. With a 10-0 perfect regular season, Lundy and the Indians are taking the playoffs game by game. Staying focused on what is right in front of them and not getting ahead of themselves is their recipe for success.

Lundy has worked hard to be where he is as a football player, and that hard work shows on Friday nights. Mul-

tiple Division I colleges have been reaching out to Lundy since he made his debut as a freshman, but he doesn’t let the hype get to his head.

“At first, I was a little worried about it, but now I love it,” Lundy said on receiving DI offers.

Lundy looks at these colleges reaching out to him and uses it as an opportunity to better himself. He is smart, dedicated, and passionate about the game of football, and that is what coaches look for in a player.

“There is no doubt that whoever gets him at the next level is getting a great person and a great player,” Nobles said. “He is a lot of fun to coach, and I’m glad I can say that I coached him.”

Lundy is a top running back and a diverse athlete who will thrive at the next level of play.

He knows there is still a long road ahead, but he is ready for the work and excited for what’s to come.

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In The Game | 57

Fitzgerald’s Finest Written by: Justin Chandler | Photography by: Micki K. Photography

As a four-year starter on the girls basketball team at Fitzgerald High School, Hayleigh Ross has been a dominant force for the Lady Canes. Leading up to the 2018 -19 season, Ross is working hard to make her senior year the best yet. She stands at 5’8” and plays point and shooting guard. Hayleigh averaged 11 points, three rebounds, and two offensive rebounds per game with a field goal percentage of 48 last season. She led the team in rebounding and had the second most steals on the team.

Hayleigh started playing basketball when she was around 10 years old and has been a dribbler ever since. She is a general on the court and leads her team with action.

“Hayleigh likes to get her teammates involved during practice and in games,” Earl Brown, girls head basketball coach, said.

After being a team captain her junior season, Ross is more than ready to help in 58 | itgnext.com

leading her team this coming season. She has tremendous confidence that her team will be one to beat.

“We are looking very good; we should be straight this year,” Ross said.

Along with practicing and playing basketball, Ross is also a part of the Fitzgerald softball team. She will be making a quick transition from the diamond to the court with the two seasons running back-toback. Playing two sports that are so close together is no easy task, but she sees it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

“If I’m not playing basketball, I’m playing softball,” Ross said.

Ross and the Lady Canes are working toward another playoff appearance. They competed in the state tournament last year, winning their first three games before losing to Josey High School in Augusta, Georgia. Ross and Brown believe their team is strong enough to make it further into the tournament this year.

“She will help lead the Lady Canes back to the playoffs,” Brown said.

Ross practices every day, whether it is with the team or at home with her brothers.

Her family is a motivation for her to continue to play and have fun with the game.

She is also inspired by star player Maya Moore, who plays for the Minnesota Lynx.

Although she looks up to players such as Moore, Ross is adamant on being original and playing with her own style.

“I don’t try to play like anyone; I just be myself,” Ross said.

She is dedicated to being the best athlete she can be, and it shows in her work ethic. Ross plans on taking her talents to the college level when she graduates. With her experience on the court and the leadership skills she possesses, Hayleigh Ross will benefit any organization she’s a part of.

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ITG Next | 59

Wife’s Support Offers Great Benefit to Coach’s Team Written by: Alex Dunn Photography by: Eric Vinson

Crisp County High School, located in Cordele, Georgia, has more than an exceptional football team. They have a dedicated head coach with an added bonus: an equally dedicated wife.

Maria Harber has helped her husband with the team since he became head coach last year. Her reasoning of taking action was a simple but passionate one based on life experience and dedication.

“I knew it was going to take both of us working together to succeed in this job,” she said. “I want to see my husband fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a successful head coach. I knew that I needed to help make that happen for him.”

Harber has over 20 years of experience in teaching, and to her, this is just another way to fulfill her need to help others and support a well-rounded team.

“My career of teaching has been built around helping kids succeed in school, extra-curricular activities, and in life,” she said. “Helping this team in any way I could was a perfect way to do more of what I love: working with and helping kids.”

Her husband, head football coach Brad Harber, enjoys a plethora of benefits that result from his wife supporting his coaching and team, and he believes she is one of the most qualified people to help him do his job.

“Maria has been a head high school cheer coach, so she really understands all the demands and responsibilities that go along with being a head coach,” he said.

“She does all the behind the scenes work. She is the team mom. She coordinates fundraisers in the offseason and relays any relevant information to the coaches’ wives.”

She is well known for providing drinks and burgers to feed the players and coaches every Friday night.

“I saw a need over my 20 years of teaching that kids should never worry about being hungry, so what better way to help than to feed these big football players every chance I get,” she said.

Coach Haber stressed that he couldn’t do his job the same if it wasn’t for his wife’s help, especially with her connection to the players.

“Many of them feel they can talk to her about any of their situations, and she does a great job counseling some of our guys,” coach Harber said. “I'm truly lucky to have a wife that supports my passion for coaching football and producing great men in our community. Being a head football coach is very demanding, and she enables me to do my job to the best of my ability.”

60 | itgnext.com

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Celebrating Packer Seniors Written by: Sydney Wheeler

Packer Homecoming Written by: Sydney Wheeler

In South Georgia, high school football is a big deal, but especially in Moultrie. Friday nights are a time when we come together as a community and support our Colquitt County Packers football team.

Football is important to our community, and everyone loves to support the team, even people who are not from Colquitt. As a town, we pack out Mack Tharpe Stadium every home game on Friday nights.

On Sept. 24, 2018, Colquitt County’s homecoming week was kicked off. Schools all throughout the school district participated in dressing up and showing their school spirit.

On Sept. 27 the community gathered around the Moultrie Square to participate in and watch the 2018 homecoming parade.

After a successful parade, on Sept. 29, the community gathered at Mack Tharpe Stadium to support the football team on their homecoming game.

Colquitt County’s football team played Alcovy and won 56-0. Colquitt County had a great homecoming all week!

On Nov. 2, the Colquitt County community recognized the class of 2019 in football, cheerleading, band, color guard, and swimming. They highlighted accomplishments throughout their school years and what path they are taking after graduation. This night is special to our whole community because we have such wonderful support from not only parents, but everyone. The community loves to celebrate our seniors as their extracurricular activities are highlighted on that night.

As fans filled the stands, they were not only there supporting our seniors, but also cheering on the Pack in the region championship game. The Packer Nation support was outstanding and a Packer Point of Pride. There’s nothing better than a Friday night under the lights at Mack Tharpe Stadium in Colquitt County. Congratulations class of 2019! #SEN19RS #FIN1SH

High Honors for Colquitt FFA Colquitt County High School Future Farmers of America sent 16 members to the 91st annual FFA National Convention in Indianapolis. In order to attend, students must place first in a state competition or fulfill all the requirements to earn the American degree, the highest degree possible to bestow on an FFA member. Morgan Hart, Danyela Salas, and Elizabeth Beacham were all honored with this degree. Garrett Griner, son of Keith and Monika Griner, has been named national champion in FFA Wildlife Production and Management for work on his family's quail farm.

ITG Next | 63

12 Answers With Gavin Patel Written by: Shayla Jackson

1. When I was about 6 years old, I played T-ball, and I loved it. Ever since then, I kept on playing and have always been pretty good, so it’s always been fun. I play for fun more than anything else.

2. I play for Gordon State College, and I play shortstop and pitch.

3. I’ve played every position at some point in my life. Currently, I am playing shortstop, third base, and second base. My favorite position is shortstop.

4. Each week, I spend four to six hours at the baseball field working on my defense and hitting. I also work on my baseball smarts, which is how to play certain situations. After that, three days a week I work out for 45 minutes to an hour.

5. My parents and family have always been 100 percent supportive in my baseball journey.

Vikings Host First Volleyball Showdown Written by: Shayla Jackson

The Lowndes High volleyball team held its first volleyball showdown on Oct. 2. This showdown was held as a fundraiser for the volleyball team. There were a total of five teams with up to 8-10 boys on a team. Considering this was the first year, there was an amazing turnout with parents, students, and even staff members from Lowndes High School.

The Lowndes High School volleyball team worked hard to make sure this showdown went as smoothly as possible. The girls acted as refs and line judges for the games. They had the concession stand up and running and the scoreboard going for the teams playing. There were two courts going at one time.

After a couple of intense rallies with the other teams — and I have to say, there are some boys who can play some good volleyball — it finally came down to the championship. The last two boy teams played each other for the championship, and the girls then were able to have a little fun and play the team that won the championship. This showdown was full of laughs, good friends, and a good game of volleyball.

The volleyball team hopes that next season, the second annual volleyball showdown will bigger and better.

Someone you can count on.

6. My favorite player is Fransisco Lindor. He is statistically one of the best players in the MLB, and he is always having fun. His nickname is Mr. Smile.

7. When I was 10 or 11 years old, I was playing shortstop and turned a triple play. There were runners on first and second, and I caught a line drive, stepped on second to double the lead runner off, then threw it to first to double off that runner for the third out. Then, I led off the bottom of the inning with a base hit.

8. It’s the dream to move on to the MLB after playing in college. Of course I want to, but the chances are slim.

9. I just have to find time in between to make up for lost time with friends.

Baseball is a higher priority right now, so when I have time, I make plans to hang with friends.

10. Before a game, I just try to relax as much as possible. Personally, the more I think about the game, the worse I tend to play.

11. It is extremely hard to balance school and baseball. I was a straight-A student in high school, and now I’m mixing in some B’s and even a C. Us athletes are extremely busy, so it’s hard to find time to study. Also, we miss classes for games, so we get behind.

12. The only advice I have is work extremely hard, make good grades, and have fun.

1213 Baytree Rd Valdosta, GA 31602 (229) 244-9856 3310 Bemiss Rd Valdosta, GA 31605 (229) 247-6677

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2725 Madison Hwy Valdosta, GA 31601 (229) 671-4264

8369 State Road 6 West Jasper, FL 32052 (386)638-0020

Q & A With Coach Christy Cavanaugh Written by: Rylee Watson

Q: How long have you been coaching cheerleading?

A: "Out of my 18 years as an educator, I have coached cheerleading for nine years, and I was a competition cheer judge for one year."

Q: How long have you been coaching cheerleading at Tift County?

A: "This is my fifth year as a coach at Tift County."

Q: How did your time as a competition cheerleader impact your decision to coach?

A: "Since I was a competition cheerleader, I think it has given me a better understanding of what the girls go through and the emotional and physical stress of this sport. I definitely try to remember what my coach did to motivate me to work hard every day, and I try to avoid the things that my coach did that did not work to help the team be better."

Q: What is your coaching philosophy?

A: "As a coach, my job is to help guide the girls on the team to be strong, hardworking, and confident young women. I try to make sure the girls always know that I care about them on and off the mats. I try to push the girls to honestly evaluate their personal abilities and to always strive to set goals for themselves and their team and to do what it takes to achieve them. If they all work on bettering their individual cheer abilities every year, the entire team will always benefit."

Q: What were your expectations going into the region competition?

A: "As always, I expected my girls to work hard as a team and to do their best at the region competition."

Q & A With Tift County Head Football Coach Ashley Anders Written by: Rylee Watson

Coach Ashley Anders is the Tift County High School head varsity football coach. Anders has been coaching at Tift County for six years. His first two years he was the defensive coordinator, and he has been the head coach for the last four. The team has had three state playoff appearances in the last four years with high expectations of making another run in the playoffs this year and the years to come.

Q: How are you preparing for the region play that is about to start?

A: We have got to get through the homecoming game against Miller Grove. You don’t want to overlook anyone on your schedule, but everybody knows it’s getting close. The preparation that you have done through the summer and through the non-conference schedule prepares you for region play.

Q: How do you feel like the season is going so far? Do you think the boys are playing to their full potential?

A: Obviously every coach wants to be undefeated, but we have played well at times. I think you get better every week that the season goes by.

You’re in constant preparation to reach your full potential, and I think our best football is coming.

Q: Who do you think is going to be the toughest opponent in our region?

A: Our region in my opinion is the toughest region in the state with Lowndes, Colquitt, and Camden having successful programs. I think the toughest opponent that we will play will be the opponent we are playing that night.

Q: Do we have any seniors that are committed to any Division I schools or just any colleges in general already?

A: K.D. McDaniel is committed to the University of Kentucky, but we have eight to 10 other players that are getting heavily recruited at the moment from Division I schools all the way to NAIA schools.

Q: What players do you think are the best leaders on the team this year?

A: There are different kinds of leadership. We have a lot of players that contribute in being leaders in different ways. We just elected four team captains, and they were elected by their own teammates. I think that shows a lot of leadership. The four team captains that were elected this year are No. 32, senior linebacker Antonio Howard; No. 77, senior defensive tackle Ricky Perry; No. 53, senior offensive lineman Landon Bateman; and No. 14, senior running back Mikes Jones.

Q: How did the region competition go?

A: "We got second in our region. It was not our best competition.

We had a fall, but it showed the team what we need to work on this week before sectionals."

Q: For this year's team, what are the biggest strength's overall?

A: "We have some very talented young ladies on the team. We have quite a few girls that have been doing competition cheer for a long time. I think we have some of the best jumps I have seen, and we have some very strong young ladies that are willing to work as a team to make sure we are successful."

Q: What are some areas you know of for improvement for next year?

A: "We need to work on flexibility skills with our flyers, and we need to improve our standing tumbling."

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Desmond Johnson Football If I could play any other sport, it would be basketball because I am a jumper.

Valdosta High School Quarterback Sets School Record Tate Rodemaker, quarterback for Valdosta High School, set a single game passing record in a 46-44 victory over Northside (Warner Robins). He threw for 491 yards against the north Georgia team, which put him at 2,893 yards passing in just 10 games, ranking him second in the state.

Seth Shuman holds the school single season passing record with 3,194 that he set in 2015. With the regular season over with, Rodemaker made a statement in his first season as a starter. He stands at 6’4", weighs around 190 pounds, and runs a 4.9 in the 40-yard dash. Despite being the starting quarterback, Rodemaker is also a talented wide receiver, and it shows in his highlights.

He is set to graduate in 2020 and has time to improve his game before his senior season.

VHS Students Awarded Kenneth Jerome Rose Scholarship The Kenneth Jerome Rose Memorial Trust Fund Committee gives out scholarships each year at Valdosta High School's honors night. The committee reviews qualified applicants and selects a student with the highest academic rank from the graduating seniors who meet certain criteria. The student must be a varsity athlete, band member, or chorus member and have a recommendation from the applicant’s coach, band director, or chorus director.

This year they chose two students to receive the award. Danesha Emanuel and DeVante Sanders were both awarded $1,500 that will go toward their college tuition. Emanuel is already enrolled at Kennesaw State University, and Sanders is enrolled at Fort Valley State University. The Kenneth Jerome Rose scholarship is helping these students pay for school and making their transition into college a little bit easier. The deadline for rising seniors to apply for the scholarship is April 1, 2019.

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Nia Allen Basketball I would play softball because it was another sport I grew up loving to play.

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Bainbridge Softball and Hurricane Michael When Hurricane Michael went through Bainbridge, it was a Category 3 with estimated winds of 111-130 miles per hour. It devastated the city of Bainbridge, knocking out almost 100 percent of the city's power. Just days later, the Bainbridge softball team won the second round of the GHSA 5A state tournament against a skilled Statesboro team.

The Lady Cats made it to the Elite Eight of the tournament and lost to a familiar opponent in Locust Grove. Bainbridge defeated Locust Grove 1-0 in August of this year and was riding an undefeated streak heading into the match.

Still just one win away from the state championship game, the Lady Cats were defeated by Loganville in a close elimination game.

Despite not bringing home a state title, they showed their Bainbridge community that any obstacle can be overcome with strength and perseverance. The city is still bouncing back from the hurricane, but these young ladies shined a bright light for their community during a dark time.

“Your Kind of Bank”

600 N. Broad St. Cairo, Ga 39828

FEMA Recovery Center in Bainbridge FEMA opened a recovery center in Bainbridge following the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. Held at the Decatur County Coliseum, disaster relief officials are helping answer questions from people looking for assistance. The recovery center is put in place for people to meet with relief experts and find out exactly what assistance they are eligible for.

The hurricane swept through the county and caused a lot of destruction. Houses were flooded, falling trees and limbs damaged houses and power lines, and some farmers' crops were completely destroyed. This recovery center is in place to help aid citizens affected by this disaster and give them information on how they can bounce back. They offer expertise on things such as how to handle mold after flooding and making sure living conditions are safe for families.

The damage has been done, but with the help of FEMA and other communities helping with the disaster, the city of Bainbridge will come back stronger than ever.

Bainbridge Students Awarded REACH Scholarships Three students from Decatur County were awarded Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen scholarships in September. The REACH Georgia Scholarship “rewards students for self-accountability, promotes parent involvement, and provides motivation and support, all factors that we know are critical in student educational achievement,” Gov. Nathan Deal said at the launch of the program in February 2012.

The three REACH scholars from Decatur County were Skylar Jones, Thomas Spooner, and LaQuirsten Williams. These scholars will receive a $10,000 scholarship that can be used at any Georgia two-year, four-year, or technical college. A portion of the scholarship must be collected within the community. The community sponsors for the scholarship are First Port City Bank, the Thomas M. and Irene B. Kirbo Charitable Foundation, and Envision Credit Union.

These students are provided with the academic, social, and financial support needed to graduate high school, go to college, and ultimately achieve success in their futures. These three students joined nine other REACH scholars from Bainbridge High School.

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TCCHS Senior Chosen as Georgia YA Lieutenant Governor One Thomas County Central High School student will occupy a front row seat in a statewide program that builds an understanding of government among youth. Senior Langley Wooten was selected to serve as this year’s Georgia Youth Assembly’s lieutenant governor.

The position is an unexpected honor to Wooten: Jeremy Austin, state program director for Georgia Youth Assembly through Georgia YMCA, contacted her directly and asked her to fill the spot.

Girls Basketball Date Opponent 11/27 @ Brooks County 12/1

Worth County

12/8

Pelham

12/11 @ Worth County

First Ever Digital Learning All-Star Teacher Named for Thomas County Schools

12/14 Lowndes 12/15 @ Bainbridge

In order to recognize the teachers who have gone above and beyond with implementing the effective use of technology in classroom instruction, this year the Thomas County School System named the first ever Digital Learning All-Star Teacher at each school and for the district.

Each school held a nomination process with the winner for each school completing an application to compete for the district title. This year's district winner, Jennifer Braswell, a first-grade teacher at Garrison-Pilcher Elementary School, was awarded a laptop computer courtesy of ByteSpeed Computers and will attend an educational technology conference in the fall.

12/18 Brooks County 12/20 @ TBA: Battle On the Island 12/21 TBA: Battle On the Island 12/22 TBA: Battle On the Island

TCCHS Donates for Hurricane Michael Relief Thomas County Central High School Athletic Boosters held a special drive to raise donations for Bainbridge families affected by Hurricane Michael. Bainbridge took a direct hit. The boosters expanded the drive to Thomas County Central High School students, faculty, and staff. The school responded and brought in numerous items. These included deodorant, ramen noodles, bleach, space heaters, clothing, and canned goods. The boxed items, along with a check from the boosters, were presented to Bainbridge High School personnel on Oct. 31.

1205 Veterans Pkwy N. Moultrie, GA 31788 2815 Gillionville Rd Albany, GA 31721

southerntractorandoutdoors.com

M5-111

1/4

Seminole County

1/5

Thomasville

1/8

@ Pelham

Who Said Learning Can’t Be Fun?

First Round of Playoffs = Coach Freeman’s 200th WIN

The senior Advanced Mathematical Decision Making students in BCHS created carnival games to display their knowledge of the use of probability and expected value in real-life. Students created games and wrote reports that detailed their theoretical and experimental probabilities, expected payoff (expected value), rules, cost, potential profit, and why they thought their game should be chosen for a real-world carnival game. Once the games were created and tested, each group presented and allowed classmates within their classes and other classes to play their games.

Passion for Literacy The Brooks County Middle School staff who presented at the Georgia Department of Education’s L4 Summer Institute include Tonja Healey; Ashlee Gruno, instructional coach at Brooks County High School; and Beth Lee, instructional coach at BCMS. The institute focuses on literacy and learning and provide professional learning for teachers and leaders.

Their presentation focused on trends in literacy with a focus on disciplinary literacy and media literacy. They will travel to Valdosta, Savannah, Macon, Cartersville, and Athens this summer, sharing their knowledge and passion of literacy with teachers across the state.

The “Smallest”

Trojan

Hurricane Relief Our students and teachers have big hearts! The Brooks County High School AVID program sponsored a two-week hurricane relief drive for those affected

by Hurricane Michael in South Georgia. Students collected non-perishable and personal items. They sent them to their friends and neighbors who were directly impacted by Hurricane Michael.

302 E Screven St Quitman, Georgia (229) 263-4061

PROUD TO BE YOUR HOMETOWN PHARMACY.

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The Community is Pitching In Baconton is a small, close-knit community, and the new playing field fits right in. The second-year Baconton Charter football head coach is helping guide a construction project that will give the school its own home field. Improvements are being made to an existing community field along U.S. 19 in Baconton that will eventually allow the program to play its home games in its own community instead of traveling to Centennial Stadium in Camilla. The members of the community are also pitching in to help put in the necessary ingredients to play ball in Baconton on Friday nights.

Baconton’s Angel Tree Baconton Community Charter School set up an angel tree in their school office after Hurricane Michael came through the state of Georgia. It was set up to help the families in their community affected by this destructive hurricane. The angel tree was a great and easy way for people to stop by the school office and help.

They also had the angel tree and a donation jar set up at the gate of their football game.

Shooting for the Olympics Senior Bethany High had a successful couple of days shooting international Olympic bunker trap in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Competitors shot a total of 200 targets over four days. Targets can release as fast as 110 mph but usually stay in the 70-90 mph range. At the end of four days, High went into the final round in fourth place overall and finished the final with a strong fourth place finish, but was also crowned the Junior 2 Ladies Champion and third place in B class. Each tournament brings her one step closer to her dream of representing the United States in the Olympics.

MITCHELL COUNTY US Hwy 19 | 3604 Nicks Road | Pelham, GA 31779 www.mitchellcountychryslerdodgejeep.com | 229.294.4909

Tiftarea Makes School History The Tiftarea Academy Panthers were region champions for the first time in school history. The Panthers defeated Southland Academy 28-13 in the GISA Region 3-3A championship game. The Raiders drew first blood by scoring a touchdown in the first quarter, but Tiftarea responded quickly and hit the 2-point conversion. The Panthers ran away with the game after that first touchdown and never looked back.

They allowed the Raiders to score one more time in the second half and ended up winning the region matchup. The Panthers upgraded to 10-0, making this their first undefeated season and first region title. The Panthers have been a dominant force all season and will now receive a bye in the first round of the state playoffs.

Exceeding Expectations The Tiftarea Academy boys cross country team finished third in the GISA 3A state championship, exceeding head coach David Dark’s expectations of a top five finish.

Samuel Cook, the team’s top finisher, came in 17th with a time of 18:33.16. Nate Fortson finished 27th, Carter Cook 28th, Colson Stewart 32nd, Reed Turner 33rd, and Ty Cowan 42nd.

The girls team finished seventh, with their top finisher, Ann Catherine Walker, coming in 32nd overall (and in 23rd place for runners counting toward team totals). Caroline Barksdale finished 42nd (31st), Maddie Harper 44th (33rd), and Peyton Matt 59th (47th) to round out local runners in the top 50.

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Fullington Softball Wins Back-to-Back State Championships The Fullington Academy Lady Trojans defeated the David Emanuel Academy Lady Eagles for the GICAA Division I softball state title. Fullington Academy played the same team last year for the state title, and the results did not change as the Lady Trojans won the series 2-1.

Both games were extremely close with the Lady Trojans taking a 10-4 lead heading into the fifth inning of the first game. DEA pulled themselves together in the sixth, bringing the score to a close 10-9, but they couldn’t keep the momentum going, and Fullington Academy took the game.

The second game was close for the entire matchup with DEA leading the majority of the time. The Lady Trojans made a comeback and won in spectacular fashion. Mackenzie Rogers delivered the game-winning run batted in to center field, allowing her teammate to cross home plate for a 9-8 score wrapping up the Lady Trojans' second straight state title.

Boys Basketball

Girls Basketball

Date Opponent

Date Opponent

11/16 @ Central Georgia Arts

11/16 @ Central Georgia Arts

11/27 @ Southwest Georgia Academy

11/27 @ Southwest Georgia Academy

12/4

Crisp Academy

12/4

Crisp Academy

12/6

Central Fellowship Christian Academy

12/6

Central Fellowship Christian Academy

12/7

@ Terrell Academy

12/7

@ Terrell Academy

12/11 Sherwood Christian Academy

12/11 Sherwood Christian Academy

12/14 @ Highland Christian Academy

12/14 @ Highland Christian Academy

1/4

@ Crisp Academy

1/4

@ Crisp Academy

1/5

Citizens Christian Academy

1/5

Citizens Christian Academy

1/8

Georgia Christian

1/8

Georgia Christian

1/11

Southwest Georgia Academy

1/11

@ Central Fellowship Christian Academy

1/11

@ Central Fellowship Christian Academy

1/15

@ Citizens Christian Academy

1/15

@ Citizens Christian Academy

1/18

Highland Christian Academy

1/18

Highland Christian Academy

1/22

@ Grace Christian Academy

1/22

@ Grace Christian Academy

1/25

Terrell Academy

1/25

Terrell Academy

1/29

@ Georgia Christian

1/29

@ Georgia Christian School

2/1

Grace Christian Academy

2/1

Grace Christian Academy

Fullington Shotgun Team Places 2nd The Fullington Academy shotgun team placed second overall at the Harvester Christian Academy meet on Nov. 10. Mandy Smith placed first in the varsity girls competition, and Ansley Greer placed third. Drayton Taunton and Nicholas Warren placed second and third, respectively, in the middle school competition.

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The ADC Team is proud to support

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

We want to recognize a few members of our ADC family who are in different stages of beating breast cancer: Lynn Correll, Voncille Hair, Elizabeth Norman, Wanda Roe, Allison King, Cheryl Smith and Angela Harrell. Breast cancer has affected many others in our ADC family. We want to lift them all up in prayer and offer our continued love and support.

Please join us in praying for all breast cancer patients, affected families, and survivors of breast cancer. We will be raising awareness for breast cancer research the entire month of October. We hope that you will join us so that one day breast cancer will be eliminated.

For more information on how you can help please visit www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month

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2010 through through 2018!

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Nothing Impossible With a Valiant Heart

Volleyball Standout Named All-American

Written by: Kennedy Kimbro

On Sept. 7 during the Valwood versus North Florida Christian game, Ray Gordon, No. 1 for the Valiants, started experiencing an extreme shortness of breath with a tightening in his chest. He attempted to finish the battle on the field, not knowing that he was actually beginning a battle for his life.

Gordon collapsed several days later at his home. He had two large clots in his pulmonary arteries and received treatment at Shands Hospital in Gainsville, Florida, for more than 20 days.

The Valwood Family and the entire Lowndes community along with surrounding counties and GISA schools began praying for Gordon. Valwood's senior football players designed RG1Strong bracelets, selling them to students and anyone that wanted to help the Gordon family with expenses. RG1 stickers were made for the football helmets to remind them of their brother every Friday night.

Gordon fought like a Valiant while in the hospital and still fights today to regain the strength he lost. We are thankful to say he is doing much better today, and he actually able to attend the game at Southland Academy on Oct. 12.

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Valwood volleyball standout Erin Moss was named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association Under Armour girls high school All-America third team. Moss was selected out of a record 793 nominations submitted through AVCA and MaxPreps.

Valiants for a Cause Written by: Kennedy Kimbro

Eight years ago, Teresa Bailey, a third-grade teacher at Valwood, started a service project for her class. The children are asked to do chores around home and their neighborhoods to raise money for Great Strides, which began 30 years ago to help individuals living with cystic fibrosis.

After weeks of helping mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, and others, the kids give all their “chore� money to Great Strides. But the work of these third-graders does not stop with the chores.

On Sept. 8, all of Bailey's third-graders met at Wild Adventures at 7:45 a.m. to participate in their annual walk. The Valwood third-graders raised $855 this year to go toward Great Strides and cystic fibrosis awareness.

In The Game | 77

Making ABAC Hall of Fame Jenni Smith was recently inducted to the Hall of Fame at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. During her time at ABAC, she was named MVP of the 1981 and 1982 Phillies basketball team. During her time coaching at Westwood, she led her Lady Cat teams to the first two girls basketball state championships in Westwood’s history. Congratulations to Jenni Smith on a much deserved honor.

Ford Keeping Westwood Running to Victory

Create, Maintain, Extend

Westwood coach Earl Ford received the Brent Cribb Distinguished Service Award at the GISA banquet in St. Simons. Ford has won 34 region championships and 11 state championships and continues to build a dynasty with Westwood track and field.

Although he is best known for his accomplishments on the track, he also coaches defense for the football team and has four state championships as a football coach. He also brought wrestling and cross country to Westwood.

The Westwood Y Club is a service club whose motto is “to create, maintain, and extend throughout the home, school, and community high standards of Christian character.”

The club is open to all high school students in grades nine though 12 who would agree to live up to this motto. The club has a school project and a community project each month and often works other “special” projects into the service calendar.

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“Uncoachable” Athlete Gets With the Program Written by: Beth Welch Photography by: George McDuffie

Gadiely Mendez-Andi- guard attributes some of no is refreshingly honest. her past determination to The 16-year-old, known as do things her own way to Gi Gi to friends and family, having played since age is a member of the Cen- 5. Part of a military family, tral High School Lady Red Mendez-Andino moved Devils basketball team. to the area due to her faShe is just a sophomore, ther’s career, and basketbut Mendez-Andino ball is the only sport she made the varsity last year ever took seriously. In her and is one of coach Caro- eighth-grade year, she relyn Wright’s rising stars on alized she not only loved the team. playing the sport, but that To be selected to play she was good at some key for Wright is nothing to elements of the game. take lightly. The longThat gave her the time Central coach is well confidence to try out at re s p e c t Central ed in her her fresh“There is just something field, and man year. about the sound of the her pro- ball when it goes through Although gram has the net that is like nothing M e n earned a else. A swish feels good.” dez-Andireputation no made — Gadiely Mendez-Andino over the the team, years for she quickits discipline, hard work, ly realized playing high and talented athletes. school ball, and more Wright also has a knack for specifically, playing in seeing potential in young Central’s league, was women, even to the point different. of bearing with some of Last season was them until they literally get frustrating for the freshwith the program. man athlete because Mendez-Andino is she sat on the bench proof. Her honest nature most of the time. Evencomes forth when asked tually, she began to how her first season went see the value of listenas a freshman on Wright’s ing to her coaches and varsity team. adapting her skills to “When I first got start- what the team needed, it was said I was ‘un- ed. She will more than coachable,’” she admit- likely see a lot of playted. “I had some growing ing time this basketball to do.” season because of her The 5’6” shooting shooting ability.

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“I am good at shooting 3-points,” she said.

“There is just something about the sound of the ball when it goes through the net that is like nothing else. A swish feels good.”

While the sophomore has the talent to make the 3-point shots, she is all about being a team player. Maybe that is one of the many things her coach saw early on in the young athlete.

“I like assisting,” she said. “I like shooting, but I like passing the ball. If you’re wide open, I’ll pass the ball to you.

If not, I’ll try to make something happen. It’s about working together as a team.”

Mendez-Andino has two more seasons after this one to hone her craft and live up to the expectations of her coach. After a year of watching and waiting, she understands she is a valuable asset. Now it’s time to show what she has learned.

The days of being uncoachable are past.

How to Improve Your Jump for Volleyball

Hard Work Pays Off

Leg plyometric exercises are a huge asset to include in your volleyball training regimen. Doing these exercises regularly can help you gain the vertical jump to be a better blocker and hitter. They can also make you a better defensive player because you will have the speed and agility to cover more of the court.

How to do this circuit

Written by: Kaylee Kopke Photography by: Micki K. Photography

In recent years, volleyball has increased in popularity among high schools throughout South Georgia.

Unfortunately, it is still not offered as a team sport in the majority of the middle schools in the area. This was the case for Mary-Alison Eubanks, who got to try the sport for the first time in her elementary school physical education class and immediately fell in love with it. However, because volleyball was not offered as a team sport in the area at the time, Eubanks could not pursue volleyball.

In the spring of her fifth-grade year, she signed up for cheerleading, and even though she enjoyed it, it did not give her the same feeling that volleyball did. Her hopes of playing volleyball were finally fulfilled when the Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks and Recreation Authority sent home a flyer for their fall sports. In that list, was, you guessed it, volleyball.

Seeing how excited she was about this new opportunity, her parents decided to sign her up after she finished cheering for the season. Eubanks started in the fall of her sixth-grade year and participated in two programs through her seventh-grade year. Throughout those years, she switched from the VLPRA team in the fall to a satellite team from Tallahassee, Florida, in the winter back to the VLPRA team in the spring. She plans on doing this throughout her eighthgrade year as well.

Each exercise is 15 repetitions. Do the entire thing 2-3 times through. Ideally, you should incorporate this kind of training in your routine at least two months before your season starts.

• WARM UP

• 15 MINUTES OF CARDIO Not only does Eubanks play for these two programs, but she also participated in volleyball camps at Emory, Valwood, and Valdosta Middle School. While attending the Valwood Volleyball Camp, she was chosen as the sixth-grade camper of the week and MVP for middle school campers this past summer.

• 15 KNEE TUCK JUMPS

“She loves playing with other students from Hahira Middle School,”Alison Eubanks, Mary-Alison’s mother, said. “This is a great opportunity for them to play together and against each other.

While playing against your friends is not always fun, they are all great about encouraging each other and helping each other grow. Hopefully, they can all try out for the Lowndes High School team and play together one day.”

The mother also stated that her daughter wants to continue her passion for volleyball after middle school.

“Mary-Alison definitely wants to try out at the high school level during the spring,” she said. “More and more girls are taking up volleyball, and I am sure it will be very competitive when she tries out next year. Only God knows the plans he has for her, so we will see if it all works out. We would love to support her and watch her play at the high school level.”

There are many exciting things that are yet to come from Mary-Alison Eubanks as well as many achievements within the growing sport of volleyball.

With the help of her school and the VLPRA, she will be able to grow and evolve into a capable student-athlete.

• 15 LATERAL JUMPS

• 15 MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS

• 15 BURPEES

• 15 JUMP SQUAT

• COOL DOWN AND STRETCH

Information courtesy of www.fitnessblender.com

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Football Holding Communities Together After the Storm Written by: Jon Nelson

The images are awe-inspiring for what you see Mother Nature doing these days.

And she’s still undefeated.

Hurricane Michael came into Georgia at its southwest corner and decided to steamroll at a 45-degree angle in October. It came in at Seminole County and the town of Donalsonville and didn’t stop until it got to the Carolinas. Then, a few days later, it rocketed up the east coast.

When you go into Dougherty, Baker, Miller, and Seminole counties, the damage picks up speed and volume the deeper you tuck your head and move into the corner.

Seminole County’s Indians and head coach Wes Williams had to play three games in eight days to get back to square in their schedule in 1A public.

They hovered around the No. 20 seed going into the last week of the regular season and wouldn’t be playing any of their games from Michael’s entrance through the end of the season in town. The field was too chewed up, and the scoreboard was twisted like some kind of metal Twizzler no one dared grab.

Students didn't get a senior night, but there are other priorities, including restoring power at the lake communities and restoring wells to communities so they can have water flowing again.

When I talked to coach Williams, the whole thing kind of hit home for me.

He admitted that the elementary, middle, and high schools all have to open at the same time. So, it appears that football season will be over before everyone can go back to school — probably early November.

His athletes have been scattered to places like New Orleans and Atlanta as well as not being able to come to town because of a lack of power, water, or resources. He carries his cell phone with him at practice now just in case a mother or father needs to know when to come and get their child so they can come back for chores.

It’s been that kind of month.

But, dear reader, I ask this of you this time around: Know that times are tough for a lot of folks right now — it’s not just Donalsonville, but it’s Bainbridge, Cordele, Tifton, and all places on that line we talked about earlier — from farmers and the crops they are trying to salvage to average folks trying to live a normal day with power and water for the first time in a long time.

Keep an ear peeled to the east and west.

If you can reach out, do so in any way you can. It can be as simple as lending a caring hand, a word, a gesture, or just listening for a minute or two. Be there for them as much as you can.

The kindness will come back tenfold, and you might be surprised from where and when.

Play it safe, everyone. I’ll talk to you soon.

82 | itgnext.com

Sprinting to Save Lives David Verburg, the champion sprinter who won the 4×400-meter relay at the 2016 Rio Olympics, ran into a busy intersection to save a tortoise. David saw the tortoise while driving in Florida, swerving to avoid hitting it. He turned around, parked in the turning lane, and ran to the tortoise, which was stuck in the middle of the intersection. David grabbed the tortoise and ran back to his car. He then drove until he reached a more secluded area before releasing it. David #LivesInTheGame by taking just a few minutes to do the right thing.

Football Award Season Is Here for FCA Submitted by: FCA

What a mighty God we serve. Southeast Georgia Fellowship of Christian Athletes has grown, and God has blessed it in ways that we could have never imagined. It is such a blessing to see local communities come together to support students, athletes, and coaches and minister to their families.

Brooks County held its annual FCA banquet on Oct. 18 at the old high school, which is now the J.H. Wells Center. The guest speaker was Randall Godfrey, who played at Lowdnes High School and went on to play for the University of Georgia and the Dallas Cowboys. Godfrey gave an inspirational speech that was more geared to the students in the room, but nonetheless, proved to be a powerful and God-centered devotional.

The food was catered by Don Stanley and Racing Pig Catering, and it was delicious to say the least. An inspirational video was shown of coach Maurice Freeman, head football coach in Brooks County, baptizing and washing the feet of the senior football players and coaching staff. Coach Freeman wanted to exemplify and model the life of Christ: To be a leader, one must first learn to be a servant.

The Donor Appreciation Lunch was held on Nov. 1 with a seafood buffet that proves to always be a crowd favorite. The guest speaker was Rev. Jimmy Towson, the new senior pastor at Park Avenue United Methodist Church. Around 150 attended, and Rev. Towson brought a powerful message of Christ’s love and forgiveness.

We had FCA at Valdosta State University’s football game day on Nov. 10. Students from all across the Southeast came to enjoy a meal from Chick-fil-a, participate in the Blazer Walk, receive a devotional, and then enjoy the game in the stands at VSU. SEGA FCA would like to thank VSU Athletics, Angie Cofield, and Herb Reinhard for helping to make this such a great event.

The annual Spring Fundraising Banquet will be held on Feb. 18, 2019, at the Lowndes High School cafetorium with Dan Mullen, head football coach for the University of Florida, as the guest speaker. Table sponsorships are already being bought, so don’t miss out on your opportunity to have a meet and greet with Dan Mullen and a great time of fellowship and spiritual renewal. Buy your sponsorship today by calling the FCA office (229) 245-1717 or sending an email to Meg Booth (mbooth@fca.org)!

Please continue to pray for Southeast Georgia Fellowship of Christian Athletes as we endeavor to seek those who are lost, strive to help them come into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and assist them in cultivating that knowledge to transform them into servants who can later become leaders.

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