South Georgia December/January 2019-20

Crisp County Softball Star Wins Gold for US National Team Riley Blampied

Transition, Impact, and No Shortcuts Marquis Westbrook | Warner Robins

Swinging for the Fences

Path to the Pros James Spurlin | Atlanta United

Jamie Felix

The Seed of Chucky +South Georgia

Live In the Game

DEC/JAN 2019-20

Fantasy Football

• Hughston’s quality patient care has kept us #1 in orthopaedics for 70 years • Organizing preparticipation physicals since 1976 • Covering over 1,500 local sporting events each year • Saturday morning injury clinic • Researching and implementing concussion management software for local athletes

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ITG Next | 3

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Who's Next?

ITG Next Winners are dedicated. Champions persevere.

In the face of all that stands against them, they find a way.

Get In the Game. Stay In the Game.

Anna Limoges EDITOR

ITG Next | 5

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ITG Next | 7

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Swinging for the Fences

Tift County's Lone Returning Starter Jatarion Warren

21

Jamie Felix Camden Co.

34

Successful Season for Trojans Softball

40

28

Shaping the Future One Decision at a Time Aalah Brown | Valwood

Aiming for Perfection Karrigan Bludworth Lee Co.

32

Crisp County Softball Star Wins Gold for US National Team

44

Riley Blampied

Path to the Pros

James Spurlin | Atlanta United

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48

Leading, Serving, Running

More 27

Anna James, Brandon Hopper, & Zach Goff Thomas Co. Central

54

Freeman Named Nike Coach of the Year

Maurice Freeman | Brooks Co.

46

Lowndes Wins Sportsmanship Award

66

Consistency Is the Name of the Game South Georgia Technical College

Transition, Impact, and No Shortcuts

71

Prayer Before Games in South Georgia

Marquis Westbrook Warner Robins

74

The Seed of Chucky

80

Alternatives to the NFL

81

Excitement Building for New Sport in Columbus

82

What I've Learned From Buddy

58

Team USA's MVP Olivia Cochran | Carver

62 Two Times Injured, Two Times a Champ Mountain Sees Valleys and Peaks After Injury Anthony Mountain | Brunswick

69 Using It to Her Advantage

Player Profiles

Todd Carter Pierce Co.

19

Lane Rucker | Perry

72

24

Trice McCannon | Marion Co.

38

Gary Osby | Lowndes

43

Kyle Toole | Lee Co.

52

Jaqualin McGhee | Peach Co.

56

Wesley Steiner | Houston Co.

60

Payten Singletary | Thomasville

65

Jordan Curry | Worth Co.

Renee Fillingame | Bainbridge

76 ITG Next | 11

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At Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville, our team of doctors and nurses give kids of all ages nationally ranked care in a caring environment. From cancer treatment to neurosurgery to heart defects, our staff has the experience to help children overcome even the most serious conditions.

From the Publisher Do you consider yourself successful? You might say yes because you’ve reached a certain milestone in your career or personal life. You might say no because you haven’t achieved a certain objective yet. And even though answers and reasons vary from person to person, the idea of what makes someone successful boils down to one simple truth: Success is personal.

Success is defined by the goals you set for yourself and your own judgment of whether or not you’ve attained those goals. Your goals don’t (and shouldn’t) look exactly like the goals of the person next to you. To be successful, you have to focus on where you are now, where you want to be in the future, and how you’re going to get there.

For many high school athletes, success looks like securing a college athletic scholarship. For others, success looks like getting to start in a game. For others, success looks like making the team and getting the chance to play a game they love with a team they care about and that cares about them. The stories in this issue highlight the many successes of young athletes.

On our cover is Camden County sophomore Jamie Felix, a baseball and football standout who already has Division I offers in both sports. Don’t expect him to narrow his focus to just one sport, either, as he plans to pursue both throughout high school and college.

Olivia Cochran, a senior at Carver (Columbus), traveled to Mongolia this summer as part of Team USA’s 3x3 under-18 basketball team. She not only helped her team come home with the gold, but she was also named MVP of the World Tournament.

Crisp County senior Riley Blampied also won gold this year for the U.S. National Team. She traveled to Barranquilla, Colombia, in October as a member of Team USA’s under-17 softball team to compete in the Pan American Games. That win qualified the team to compete for the 2020 World Cup. Those stories and more fill these pages. Do you know someone who #LivesInTheGame and has a story worth sharing? Head to our website to nominate them to be featured in our next issue!

Follow us @itgnext on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more inspiring stories.

You'll also be the first to hear about new apparel launches and upcoming ITG Next events. For exclusive South Georgia content, follow @itgnext.georgia on Instagram.

South Georgia Team Publisher Mark Dykes Editor Anna Limoges Graphics Mandy Douthit Annabelle Scott Cover Photography Aaron Musgrove Player Profile Photography Eric Vinson Dreaming Wild Photography Feature Photography Kelly McCrary Eric Vinson Dreaming Wild Photography Micki Krzynski Micki K Photography Feature Writers Zac Howard Kyle Grondin Phil Jones Alex Dunn Leah Morton Copy Editors Anna Limoges Leah Morton

ITG Next Apparel @ITGNext

Advertising/Marketing Andrew Pipkin andrew@itgnext.com Mark Dykes mark@itgnext.com Digital Manager Mandy Douthit Tell us what you thought about the October/November issue of ITG Next! info@itgnext.com

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ITG Next 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 2019 Dykes Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

ITG Next | 13

Contributors

Andrew Pipkin Account Executive

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 in the National Championship.

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 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.

Born and raised in South Georgia, Andrew attended Valdosta State University where he obtained a degree in marketing and business. He is passionate about sports, especially high school football (Go Cats!). Andrew’s focus is to develop and cultivate relationships with businesses all around South Georgia. Like so many other Georgia Bulldogs fans, his hopes of a national championship increase every year, but in the end they are just long lost dreams.

Kyle Grondin

Alex Dunn

Phil Jones

Leah Morton

Sports Editor

Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

Journalism Intern

Kyle is a senior at Valdosta State University working toward a Bachelor of Arts in English with a track in journalism. He transferred to Valdosta with his wife from UCF and hopes to become a world class sports journalist. Most days, Kyle is taking his dog Stella for walks or playing sports at the local gym. Kyle is a bigtime UCF Knight fan, so you know he’s willing to claim himself the national champion of everything with little evidence supporting his cause.

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.

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.

Leah graduated from Southern Regional Technical College in June 2016 with an A.A.S. in Early Childhood Education. She enrolled at Valdosta State University as an English major in August 2016 and has since picked up a concentration in journalism and editing. She has held various positions, including editor-in-chief, managing editor and creative director, on VSU's four student-run publications. Leah hopes to build a career in editing, writing, and designing for publications upon graduating in December 2019.

Micki Krzynski

Eric Vinson

Kelly McCrary

Annabelle Scott

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Photographer

Graphic Design Intern

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.

Kelly is from LaGrange, Georgia, and grew up there. She attended Auburn University and graduated with a degree in media studies in 2015. Kelly loves sports and bleeds orange and blue. She hasn't missed an Auburn home football game since 2009. Kelly loves anything film or photography related. She has an ongoing streak of going to the movie theater to see a new movie every week for the past three years.

Annabelle Scott is senior public relations major at Valdosta State University. She is originally from Live Oak, Florida, and is currently pursuing her passion for strategic design as an intern at ITG Next. She is a competitor at heart and is always working to set and exceed her life goals. A Georgia fan by marriage, Annabelle can be found on any given Saturday in the fall quietly reading a book while her husband, Aaron, cheers on them Dawgs.

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Lacey Crandall

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.

Lacey is a senior mass media student at Valdosta State University. She was born and raised in Deland, Florida, and discovered VSU through being recruited to play softball at the collegiate level. Her plans after graduation are still undecided, but she hopes to follow the sports media/videography pathway that she’s currently on. She hopes to have better luck in her future than the Washington Redskins have had with quarterbacks.

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Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Tyrah Walker is excited to join the ITG Next family as one of the on-air hosts. A graduate of the preeminent University of South Florida, she received her bachelor's degree in mass communications with an emphasis in broadcast news (Go, Bulls!).

Tyrah is also an author. She is looking forward to sharing sports stories with the community. When she's not hosting or blogging, Tyrah enjoys reading, photography, and spending time with family.

Shelby is a graduate of the University of Florida's telecommunications program.

Before working with ITG Next, she was a news reporter in South Georgia and covered crime and politics. While she was at UF, she covered Florida Gators softball, football, and gymnastics. She enjoys running, surfing, hiking, and traveling when she's not covering a game. She has traveled to 13 countries and plans to visit Ireland for her next big trip. She has been surfing since she was 4 and considers that to be her favorite sport.

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Graphic Design

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BE IN THE GAME

Kendra Ehrenberg Video Coordinator

ITG Next | 15

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i t g n ex t . c o m ITG Next | 17

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ITG Next | 19

STAY IN THE Introducing

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Tift County's Lone Returning Starter Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Micki K Photography

Jatarion Warren just keeps getting better and better, and the Tift County Blue Devils are thankful for that. According to first-year head coach Xavier Holmes, the two-year starter will be the only returning starter with meaningful varsity minutes from last year’s Final Four squad.

“We will be leaning on Jatarion this year in many areas,” Holmes said. “His skillset is just one thing we hope to have from him this season.”

Warren is a bit of a late bloomer to the game of basketball — at least, the organized variety. He didn’t play recreation league basketball growing up. Instead, he began playing organized basketball his seventh-grade year at Turner Middle School, where he continued playing throughout his eighth-grade year.

The following year, Warren returned to Tift County, where he was born, with his father

“We are probably playing him out of his natural position, which is more of a wing. That’s exactly where colleges will play him at the next level."

— Xavier Holmes ITG Next | 21

“I want to help my teammates any way I can.”

— Jatarion Warren

and enrolled at Tift County High School. He started playing basketball as a freshman and earned a starting spot last season as a sophomore.

In his first two seasons at Tift, Warren has amassed over 440 points total. As the Blue Devils’ second leading scorer last season, he averaged just over 11 points per game.

Coming in and starting right away for a traditional state basketball power like Tift County might give a younger player a feeling of entitlement. But, according to Holmes, that’s not at all the case with Warren.

“When we first got Jatarion here at Tift, he was a very raw talent,” Holmes said. “You could see that he could be a special player, but he needed to work and tweak all phases of his game. He has worked on his footwork, his ball-handling skills, and his shooting skills.”

Although Warren has been a starter, Holmes said Warren’s role on the team will continue to evolve and change.

“We are probably playing him out of his natural position, which is more of a wing,” Holmes said. “That’s exactly where colleges will play him at the next level. But because he’s the lone returning starter from last

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year’s team, I’ve got to try to use him wherever we need him the most.”

According to Holmes, he and his staff will be forced to replace approximately 30 points per game that have been lost through graduation, and, of course, much of that burden will fall to Warren. But scoring points isn’t the only factor that Warren will be counted on for.

“We will need Jatarion's leadership skills,” Holmes said. “We’ve talked extensively with Jatarion about taking on more of an active role this year, but we want him to also play his game.”

Holmes said that he and his staff see nothing but progress so far.

“As our expectations rise with Jatarion, you can see that his overall game continues to rise,” Holmes said.

Off the court and away from his high school team, the high school junior’s work doesn’t stop.

Holmes said Warren has been a hard worker in the weight room and has stayed active on the court with two AAU squads: Atlanta Express and Georgia Stars.

Warren understands and welcomes the expectations for the upcoming season.

“I want to help my teammates any way I can,” Warren said.

According to Holmes,

the team will probably ask Warren to do a few things, like playing a pure point guard at times, which Warren isn’t “totally suited to do.” Meanwhile, Warren knows that continuing to learn will translate into him becoming an overall better player. He’s already begun devoting time to making himself better in several areas.

“I’ve been working on bringing the ball up the court and working on my shot,” Warren said.

“I want to do whatever it takes to help my team.”

While he has this year and the next remaining at the high school level, Warren is drawing attention from a few collegiate programs already. So far, Florida Gulf Coast, Appalachian State University, and Georgia State University have all reached out.

However, he has yet to hear from Georgia Tech, where he hopes to study math and science to become an engineer.

If his play continues to improve, it’s likely the Atlanta school — and many more — will be calling for Jatarion Warren.

Only time will tell.

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Freeman Named Nike Coach of the Year Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Micki K Photography

Brook County's Maurice Freeman has exclusively coached high school football in the state of Georgia for 29 years.

He spent six years as head coach of the Brunswick Pirates and four years as head coach at Southwest Macon. He was also an assistant for four years at Northeast Macon. But, at this point in his career, Freeman is right where he wants to be in the tiny city of Quitman. After all, he was born and raised in Brooks County.

After graduat- “Coaching at Brooks County High ing from has been a dream come true."

Florida — Maurice Freeman A & M , Freeman took an assisFreeman was also rectant coaching position at Northeast Macon, a job ognized this summer as he held for four years. He Nike’s “Coach of the Year” then came home to Quit- by the Georgia Athletic man to take his first head Coaches Associates.

As Freeman reflectcoaching job in 1994 and picked up his first win as ed on the award, the head coach of Brooks wins, and 25 years as a County in a victory over head coach, the memories came flooding in.

Greenville High School.

That first victory in They’re mostly happy, 1994 set Freeman on a with a few somber mempath that led him and his ories in between.

According to FreeTrojans to a state chamman, none of his success pionship that first year and, later, to his 200th would’ve been possible win. That milestone vic- without his wife, Christory came over Screven tine, who he describes as County in the open- his Superwoman.

“I have a fantastic ing round of the GHSA Class 2A state playoffs partner, soulmate, and wife in Christine,” Freelast season.

man said. “I am nothing without her.”

The coach also discussed his players and the reward that comes from teaching young men about football — and life.

“I try to let my players know that there’s a lot more to life than just football,” he said.

Freeman exemplified this by sharing a story from a few years ago. A player seemed to be loafing at practice, so he got on to the player for being lazy. But it turns out that the player and his family were homeless.

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said. “Suddenly, football wasn’t the most important thing at that moment in that young man’s life.”

Freeman also talked about his long-time assistant coach, Marvin Mitchell, who suffers from a serious kidney disease which requires Mitchell to undergo hours of dialysis each day.

“Coach Mitchell never complains, never says anything negative to anyone,” Freeman said. “He really is a huge inspiration to me, our other coaches, and our players.”

Despite having lived and coached by the ocean, in the middle of

the state, and in South Georgia, Freeman knows he’s right where he was meant to be all along.

“Coaching at Brooks County High has been a dream come true,” he said. “They have made me feel very special here at Brooks County High School, and I hope I have made them feel special, also.”

Successful Season for Trojans Softball Written by: Leah Morton | Photography by: Eric Vinson

6A REGION CHAMPS 28 | itgnext.com

2017 2018 2019

W1N R2PEAT 3ELIVEE

Falling 6-0 to Pope for the GHSA 6A softball state championship, the Trojans placed as state runner-up in October.

But second place doesn’t come easy. The third-consecutive regional champions had to fight to get into the finals.

The first step: Beat Houston County for the regional championship. The Trojans lost the first round 4-3 but came back with a 14-4 win and, finally, a 7-6 win for the title.

“It was a great feeling to beat a top-ranked team like Houston County, especially a team that is in your own region that has been at or near the top of the rankings for a majority of the season,” Dwayne Suggs, Trojans head coach, said.

With the regional title in “It was a great hand, the Trojans had to next feeling to fight their way into the Sweet 16 round by beating Lakebeat a topside. The final scores: 4-0 and ranked team like 2-1, with the Trojans on top.

Houston County, “We have had struggles over the past several years of especially a not getting out of the Sweet team that is in 16 round,” Suggs said. your own region But the Trojans know how to put up a fight. Beat- that has been at ing South Paulding 9-1 and or near the top 8-0, the team surpassed of the rankings the Sweet 16 and entered the Elite Eight for the first for a majority of time since 2009. the season.”

Once in the competi— Dwayne Suggs tion, players were determined to break a record by winning at least one game, something the Trojans didn’t do in any of the three years, 2007-09, that it placed in the Elite Eight.

The team didn’t get off to a great start, losing 2-1 to Dacula in the first game and immediately falling in the losers bracket. But the next day, the Trojans got back on track when pitcher Abby Hughes threw a no-hitter against Evans for the team’s first Elite Eight win.

Next up was River Edge, who lost 5-2 to the Trojans.

While the team’s confidence was boosted, it still needed two more wins to be in the running for the championship.

The Trojans got an early lead and beat Northgate 13-5 in a game led by Trellis Whaley, who scored four runs. The next team, Dacula, was tougher. They got in two runs — one in the first and one in the fourth — but the Trojans surpassed them with three runs, a single by Rebekah Cooper and a double by Rhiannon Belcher, in the fourth.

The team made it to finals but ultimately lost to Pope. That’s not to say that the Trojans weren’t victorious, though.

“This was a history-making year for Lee County softball,” Suggs said.

According to Suggs, there are two things behind every successful season: dedication and determination. The Trojans display this throughout their spring, summer, and fall workouts and practices.

“We prepare for all of our opponents just by getting our reps in, whether it’s working on our hitting, slapping, bunting, base running, and situational hitting when we are on offense,” Suggs said. “On defense, our players get a lot of ground balls, fly balls,

Trellis Whaley

Karlee Back

and extended throwing. We are constantly working on bunt and slap defense, first and third situations, and run downs. Pitchers get their work in as needed during practice.”

The stats vouch for all the hard work the players put in during each practice and game. Aside from placing second in state, the Trojans are up eight wins and down five losses since the 2018 season, making for a 29-8 season in 2019.

That’s not to mention the improvement of the team’s overall ranking. They were eliminated from the Sweet 16 during the 2018 season.

The dedication and determination paid off for not only the entire team, but the individual players as well.

The Trojans have four college commits currently on the team: Abby Hughes, Karlee Back, Trellis Whaley, and Marley Smith.

Hughes’s season highlights — a 426 batting average, 13 homeruns, 22 wins in the pitcher’s circle, and 289 strikeouts for opposing teams — has helped land her an offer at Georgia Tech. According to Suggs, it “has been her dream school from the beginning.”

With a 443 average, Back plans to play softball for as long as she can as she earns her registered nursing degree at Chipola College. Back recorded 51 hits and 25 stolen bases on her senior season.

Whaley, who threw out 48% of runners trying to steal and struck out only six times in 132 plate appearances during the season, will take her 387 aver-

Marley Smith

“I believe it was all seven of our seniors (who) stood out with their leadership to keep this team a tight-knit group on the field,” Suggs said.

“All of our players stand out. Some are able to do things when called upon that don’t necessarily reflect stats.”

— Dwayne Suggs

Abby Hughes

age to Auburn University at Montgomery.

Smith’s 282 average will carry into her four-year college softball career as she studies to become an occupational therapist. Smith missed the first seven games of the Trojans’ 2019 season due to offseason surgery, but her dedication eventually got her back on the diamond, at least for a few more years.

But these four players aren’t the only ones who stand out.

“I believe it was all seven of our seniors (who) stood out with their leadership to keep this team a tight-knit group on the field,” Suggs said. “All of our players stand out. Some are able to do things when called upon that don’t necessarily reflect stats.”

Two notable players are juniors Rebekah Cooper and Julianna Franklin.

Cooper hit 280, with seven homeruns and 41 RBIs, while Franklin posted a 5-1 record in the circle.

“Both were a part of our success this year and will be expected to be senior leaders in 2020,” Suggs said.

As the team’s seniors move on to join new teams and the juniors step up to lead the next season, the Trojans will begin their battle all over again. But, despite the final loss, the Lee County team knows it has what it takes to win.

“Being able to attain every goal this season but one still qualifies our season as a huge success,” Suggs said.

And so the battle begins again.

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ITG Next | 31

Aiming for Perfection Written by: Alex Dunn | Photography by: Eric Vinson

Karrigan Bludworth, a senior at Lee County High School, knows what it takes to put in the work. The 17-year-old Lady Trojan demonstrated her athletic abilities after she was selected as First Team All-Region for the second year in a row, recognized as a Junior GACA All-Star, and earned 14th overall in assists and ninth in aces in Class 6A. Bludworth is a setter, hitter, and team captain of the volleyball team. She takes her leadership role and puts it to good use by mentoring young, aspiring volleyball players.

“Part of being a leader is learning about your teammates and their differences,” she said. “My team does not respond much to just yelling, and all of them respond better to different things. I absolutely love helping younger players, whether they be middle-schoolers or my fellow teammates. It's also cool when they actually continue to do it and I can see that I was a big part of their progress.”

These extra responsibilities don’t slow Bludworth down, though. During the summer, she continues her practice in college camps. She trains at Prostyle Volleyball Academy in Tallahassee, Florida; attends four-day college camps regularly; and has had individual training with Albany State's assistant head coach and Valdosta State's head coach.

“I've continued to do trainings through PSV because I learn a lot and get good volleyball out of it,” Bludworth said. “I do all of this extra training because I always strive to get better. I know I'll never be perfect, but I sure am going to aim for it, even if it's just my mom tossing me balls in the gym so I can get hundreds of extra setting reps in.”

Her mother, Michele, has always provided Bludworth with the best support and motivation. She enjoys seeing how far her daughter has come.

“Karrigan's dedication to improving her skill and volleyball knowledge as a player on the court is something that, as parents, we are very proud of,” she said. “She genuinely wants to help her team be successful.”

Bludworth’s athletic skills also include adaptability. While already represented in the extra practices and mentoring she juggles on a daily basis, as mentioned earlier, she also plays multiple positions.

“I try to be flexible to whatever the coach needs in a player,” Bludworth said. “My main position is setter, but because sometimes we don't have a wide variety of positions for teams, I play wherever I am needed.”

As for after high school, Bludworth is interested in playing at the collegiate level. She said that, right now, her mind is open to the options before her, including an offer from Columbia College in South Carolina. She plans to bring her A-game and extra work ethic to any team she gets to play for.

“That is just the kind of person and teammate I am,” she said. “I still have a lot to learn and am not perfect, but I've gained a lot of knowledge from my many years playing and multiple college camps.”

827

Most Kills in NCAA (Women) 587

Jordan Thompson Lindsey Ruddins Cincinnati UC Santa Barbara

584

584

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Carlisa May Arkansas St.

Emily Stroup Ole Miss

Karlie Taylor UNI

Jacqueline Quade Kazna Tarawhiti Sherridan Atkinson Kathryn Plummer Illinois Utah Valley Purdue Stanford

560 32 | itgnext.com

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ITG Next | 33

Swinging for the Fences A sophomore with offers from top Division I schools for football and baseball, Camden County High’s Jamie Felix is swinging for the fences in both sports.

Written by: Zac Howard | Photography by: Eric Vinson

34 | itgnext.com

Jamie Felix has a knack for making a strong first impression.

Less than a week before Brian English's first opening day scrimmage as the head baseball coach at Camden County High earlier this year, he had seen enough from the then-freshman after just a few hours of batting practice. Although football commitments delayed Felix’s arrival to the team, he needed no time to adjust to the change of cleats.

“He just kind of hopped in, and honestly, two days in, you know he’s in our starting lineup,” English said.

While coaching at Georgia Southern in 2018, English heard chatter about Felix’s reputation as a football and baseball phenom. The early hype has not begotten hubris for the power-hitting infielder, who is “a little introverted, but extremely intense,” according to his coach.

Bob Sphire, Camden County’s football coach, met Felix as an eighth-grader, and he, too, was struck by the precocious teenager.

“He jumped out at you pretty quick,” Sphire said. “It was obvious the first time he got the ball handed to him (that) he had ability.”

OFFERS:

Now a sophomore, Felix is 5-foot-10 and 195 pounds. Sphire expects him to grow another two inches and compares his running style to Emmitt Smith.

Physical development often outpaces behavioral maturity, but not for Felix.

“You just never felt like you were coaching a freshman,” Sphire said. “He has kind of a quiet strength of confidence in interaction that you pick up on pretty quickly.”

On Friday nights, the Wildcats' starting running back speaks up when he thinks it will help the team.

“I try to not be Hollywood,” Felix said.

“In the games, I’m a quiet leader at first, but let’s say I break a big run, then I’ll get fired up, and they’ll feed off that.”

While both coaches are wary of putting the cart before the horse or weighing too lofty of expectations on Felix with three years of high school still ahead of him, neither doubts his limitless potential.

“He could be a Bo Jackson type,” English said. “I know that sounds so foolish to say, but 20 years from now he could really be that.”

In an era of sports specialization with year-round training, two-sport athletes are often considered an endangered species, yet they are far from extinct. In two of the last ITG Next | 35

four years, a baseball star was drafted No. 1 overall in the NFL draft, and although Jameis Winston’s MLB flirtation was less dramatic than Kyler Murray’s decision to spurn the Oakland A’s, both players gained additional media attention for their excellence on the diamond.

Other recent dual-sport stars include Russell Wilson, Robert Griffin III, Johnny Manziel, Tim Tebow, Jimmy Graham, and Eric Decker, although none of them enjoyed the same luxury of deliberating between two professional leagues like Winston and Murray.

Felix has a realistic chance at developing into a five-tool player, with a plus grade in four of the five tools already, according to English.

“When you start talking about guys that have all five, you’re talking about guys that could go in the first couple of rounds,” he said. “At the college Power Five level, to do both (sports), it’s so rare you just have to be such a unicorn.”

Felix intends to play both sports in college and admits schools with meager baseball programs know they are less likely to receive consideration. He currently holds more than a dozen scholarship offers from top Division I schools, including Auburn, Florida, Ohio State, Tennessee, Florida State, Kentucky, West Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgia Tech, among others.

The sophomore star may not be loquacious, but he is confident and determined.

“Schools already know that if they want me, (they) have to recruit me for both,” Felix said.

He expects to decide after his amateur career is over.

“In college, it’s possible," he said. “Once it’s time to get drafted, people go where the money is at.”

At this point, of course, there is no need to rush a decision. In fact, the two sports may prove complementary. Felix appreciates the way both demand attention to detail and mental fortitude.

“Baseball helps you with mental situations,” he said. “There’s always going to be ups and downs. It’s going to humble you.”

Sphire and English, both of whom have past experience coaching two-sport athletes, share that sentiment, which helps keep all involved parties from unnecessary strain or tension. In addition to an overlap in skills, games breed competition that cannot be recreated in a practice environment.

The concept of preventing the high schooler from playing a game he loves baffles Sphire, and he insists that the football team is better off with Felix missing spring workouts for a chance to compete in big-game atmospheres.

“For the next three years, Jamie’s going to have opportunities to be at the plate, bottom of the ninth with two outs,” Sphire said. “You can’t tell me if it’s the last two-minute drive of a game, and he’s experienced that pressure situation in baseball, that won’t carry over to our football program. I firmly believe that it will.”

36 | itgnext.com

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With plenty of room for improvement, Felix is wisely focused on the present. Still, excitement in the community continues to grow, and Kingsland residents packing into Chris Gilman stadium will be watching a rare talent on the gridiron.

Both coaches lament the unreasonable expectations that accompany exceptional success and advise Felix to keep his inner circle small. Maintaining his stellar play in both sports will prove challenging in more ways than one.

“There’s a reason there’s only been a few of those guys in our lifetime,” English said.

The next few years will dictate how much the hype surrounding Felix grows and whether he has a realistic chance at defying the commitments demanded of other two-sport stars in recent years.

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“If there’s a guy that can break that mold, I can see Jamie very well being that guy,” Sphire said. “Now, I’m not saying he is going to be that level at both sports. I can’t predict that. Obviously, he’s on a pretty good track right now.”

ITG Next | 37

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

Winning against Colquitt for Region in 2017.

What makes you different from everyone else?

Because when I say I’m going to do something, I do it.

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Crisp County Softball Star Wins Gold for US National Team Written by: Alex Dunn | Photography by: Eric Vinson

Senior Riley Blampied has been hitting the bat since she was 4 years old, leading her to become an influential softball star at Crisp County High School. Although her athletic career at Crisp is coming to an end, her new journey will start at the University of South Carolina next year.

Blampied was initially committed to The University of Alabama last year, along with her teammate, Megan Bloodworth. However, she recently decided that her true commitment lies with USC. Blampied’s drive and work ethic have led her to many accomplishments, including being named Region Player of the Year, Region Offensive Player of the Year, First Team All-State, and Second Team AllState. She has also been selected to play in the North South All-Star Game, High School All-American for USA Today, and Fast Pitch News.

40 | itgnext.com

But the long list of accomplishments doesn’t stop there. Blampied said that there is one more honor that takes the cake in her softball career so far.

“Being selected to play on the U-17 USA National Team is one of my greatest accomplishments, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity that was given to me,” Blampied said. “It was a great experience to meet new people and travel to a different country playing the game I love. We played Mexico in the final and won 2-0. We won the gold medal, and we also qualified for the 2020 World Cup.” A lot of Blampied’s achievements are thanks to her coach, Ben Robbins, who has

watched Blampied and her fellow teama scholar-athlete, which led her to becommates grow as athletes and has helped ing committed to USC. She said that it has shape who they are today. always been instilled in her “Their drive to be the “To be at my best in a to put academics first. best athletes they can be game, I really focus on “Growing up, I was alpushes them to have re- staying positive (and) ways taught that grades markable work ethics,” come before anything,” relaxed, making the she said. “I work hard in Robbins said.

Blampied agreed, stat- game fun, and playing the classroom and manage ing that Robbins has always my time well to keep the at my own pace.” taught her to learn from her two balanced... I hope to mistakes and to stay positive. make the 18U Junior Na— Riley Blampied “To be at my best in a tional Team that will play game, I really focus on stayin the World Cup this next ing positive (and) relaxed, making the game summer.” fun, and playing at my own pace,” BlampBlampied is currently undecided on ied said. “I also play travel ball throughout which major she wants to pursue but may the year all over the country; that keeps me entertain an interest in business or cardiosharp. I’ve always pushed myself to compete vascular technology. Whichever major she and strive to be the best player on the field. pursues, USC will certainly gain a skilled My coaches and teammates also inspire me athletic recruit. to be my best.”

Blampied also has the honor of being

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Shaping the Future One Decision at a Time Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Micki K Photography

Parents can influence their child’s life in a lot of different ways. Valwood junior receiver Aalah Brown’s father, Carlos Brown, has made at least two critical decisions to help shape Aalah Brown’s future in a positive way.

The first was to move from the place his son was born.

Aalah Brown grew up in Miami, Florida, where he began playing football in the Florida Youth Football League at 6 years old.

Despite there being plenty of great football and game teachers in South Florida, his father said the increasing violence in the area had

become just too much.

“South Florida is very prominent for producing top-notch football players,” Carlos Brown said. “But the decision to move from South Florida was motivated by the intent to provide myself and my son with a safer environment.”

The two moved to Valdosta in 2013. Aalah Brown began playing football at Valdosta Middle School, where he played outside linebacker and strong safety, the following year. Then, a knee injury kept him out of football during his seventh-grade season, but showing both his athletic

and mental toughness, he was still able to win an individual region championship while wrestling in middle school.

He returned to football as an eighth-grader at Newbern Middle School. It was there that coaches began to take notice of his abilities as a receiver. The next season, his freshman year, he was moved from defense to offense, where he started at wideout for the varsity Wildcats. He also played receiver as a sophomore at Valdosta, where he began gaining attention for his on-the-field play.

But his father had yet another decision to make.

While homeschooling his son last spring, Carlos Brown reached out to Valwood head coach Justin Henderson about his son transferring to the Hahira private school. According to Henderson, he was familiar with Aalah Brown but hadn’t had the opportunity to see him play.

“I never saw him play before he came to Valwood,” Henderson said.

“When Aalah’s dad contacted me in the spring last year, I had certainly heard of (him) but had never seen him play. I knew he was a good player, though. He was on one of those 7-on-7 teams that travel around in the springtime, and everyone knows that you don’t become a member of one

NCAA Most Rushing Yards in a Football Season 44 | itgnext.com

of those teams without being pretty special.”

Carlos Brown said the decision to transfer his son to Valwood was based on the need to receive a more one-on-one education.

“Education is important to me, and that comes first,” Carlos Brown said.

“I love Valwood. There is such a family atmosphere at Valwood.”

While it’s obvious that the Valiants are grateful to have Aalah Brown’s talents on Friday nights, there’s so much more that makes him special.

“What everyone sees on Friday nights is only one thing that Aalah does well,” Henderson said. “There are so many other aspects of life that Aalah succeeds in.

He is a talented academic student; he is a leader in and around the school; and he is a quality character kid.”

Speaking of his talents between the lines on Friday nights, Aalah Brown is enjoying a standout season in his first year at Valwood. He has 37 receptions for 692 yards receiving with eight

touchdowns through eight games in 2019. Defensively, he is credited with 47 tackles and an interception returned for a touchdown.

With two full seasons still in front of him, Aalah Brown is already receiving interest from several major universities, including Vanderbilt, Temple, Louisville, and South Florida University. He said out of all the schools he has visited so far, he has enjoyed his visit to Vanderbilt the most but admitted that “the recruitment process is a hard time to go through.”

Away from the field, he enjoys history and math and likes to unwind by shooting skeet, playing Madden, and making TikTok videos.

With two previous decisions having made such a difference in his life, the next one will likely be the most important, and you can bet that his father will be there to help guide him along the way.

Barry Sanders 1988 2,628 Oklahoma State

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ITG Next | 45

Lowndes Wins Sportsmanship Award Written by: Phil Jones | Photo courtesy of Mike DiTomasso

High school athletics have become quite competitive over the years.

As the spotlight shines brighter on high school sports and its participants, the level of competitiveness grows. School alumni, fans, administration, and boosters want more wins, so they seek out the top coaches that they feel can get their program to a region and state championship quicker than their opponent. That then creates another layer of competition: Seeking out the greatest comes with a cost — literally.

High school football coaches in Georgia are among the highest paid coaches anywhere in the country. In fact, according to a report filed in a March edition of “First Coast News,” the number of coaches making six-figure salaries has doubled over the past five years. In Georgia alone, at least 44 coaches at the high school level made six figures for the 2017-18 season.

But that trend is similar when considering coaches’ compensation in other states where high school football and sports are so popular.

With growing salaries that match growing desires to win among fans and faculty, maintaining a delicate balance of spirit and sportsmanship becomes more important than ever.

That was the driving purpose for 30 Georgia electric membership cooperatives to develop and introduce the Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award.

Launched in 2006, it is awarded to just one school in each region within each classification. The award’s main purpose is to remind everyone, especially school administrators, fans, players, and coaches, that maintaining a strong presence of sportsmanship while keeping the spirit of competitive athletics is paramount to the ultimate success of everyone involved.

This year, the award was presented to Lowndes High School by area representatives from Colquitt EMC. According to Lowndes High School Principal Leanne McCall, it was the first time that Lowndes had received the honor.

“This award reflects the dedication of the Lowndes High coaches, teachers, administrators, and parents to teach our student-athletes about sportsmanship,” McCall said. “As part of the Viking tradition of excellence, we work hard for region and state titles; however, this award recognizes the character we expect from our students.”

McCall said she was elated to learn that the school she leads had been selected for such an honor.

“I was honored that Lowndes High School was chosen for this award because it reflects the values found in our Crimson Creed,” she said. “We truly are ‘One Lowndes!’”

Of course, McCall acknowledged that any award that embodies sportsmanship and spirit is a result of great coaching.

“This award belongs to all of the Lowndes coaches,” she said. “All of our coaches recognize their responsibility to teach student-athletes about character, sportsmanship, spirit, humility, teamwork, selflessness, hard work… the list could literally go on and on.”

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Path to the Pros Written by: Kyle Grondin Photography by: Kelly McCrary

The date is June 21, 2019. Atlanta United’s U.S. Soccer Development Academy team quickly falls down 2-0 in 36 minutes. The trip to Oceanside, California, was long and daunting, and they face an uphill battle to win this game.

They find a spark and score four goals in 12 minutes. With a two-goal lead, the Five Stripes hunker down to preserve the win.

Goalkeeper James Spurlin faces the New York Red Bull onslaught in the final minutes, as Image courtesy usatoday.com

they’re desperate for a comeback. Save after save, Spurlin is the key player in the second half, preserving the 4-3 win.

In soccer, they say it requires a certain mentality to play goalkeeper. You have to be bold, aggressive, confident, and commanding. For James Spurlin, that feeling is genetic.

His father, Mike, played goalie in college for UAB and St. Louis University, then later for the Atlanta Silverbacks and Columbus Comets in the 1990s. His old-

I never thought of myself as being one of the best goalkeepers at my age. I just knew that I really liked playing the position and how it made me feel.

— James Spurlin

er sister, Caroline, also played soccer for the Columbus Redstar club, where her father was the coach. From there, Spurlin signed to join Redstar and the Georgia State Olympic Development team until he was 11 years old, when Atlanta United came calling.

“My father taught me the fundamentals of the position, which ultimately helped me to develop a lot of confidence,” Spurlin said.

The Atlanta United Academy targets some of the best talents in

Brad Guzan - Atlanta United Stats • 375 career starts • 69% save percentage • 87 career clean sheets • MLS Best XI: 2007 (Chivas USA) • 2 time MLS All-Star • 2018 MLS Cup Champion • 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup Golden Gloves winner

48 | itgnext.com

the area. The academy launched in 2016, prior to its first season in MLS, and Spurlin was one of the first players on the inaugural roster.

Many professional clubs have development academies to provide a clear path to reaching the professional team.

It’s almost like a school for soccer, and it creates an environment to create professional athletes. Most clubs around the world have developmental academies, and they recruit kids as young as 8 or 9 years

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old to develop under their own coaching staff and teach their philosophies.

Many famous clubs, such as Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund, develop their best players from their academy teams, and now MLS teams are beginning to try and find the best American talent to develop what they call their homegrown players.

For Atlanta United, players like Andrew Carleton used the academy to make the professional roster. Their academy has made strides in just three short years, making them one of the top developmental teams in the country.

Spurlin, now in his fourth year with the academy, has stood out and made the roster every year. With Atlanta United’s rise to be among the top teams in MLS, and a proven track record of young players making the professional roster, the club has seen an influx of talent coming in, creating a more competitive environment.

“I never thought of myself as being one of the best goalkeepers at my age," Spurlin

said. "I just knew that I really liked playing the position and how it made me feel.”

Developing that confidence has been happening since he was 8 years old, when he first started to hone in on the goalkeeping position. Now a sophomore at Northside (Columbus) High School, Spurlin, 16, is among the top 35 goalkeepers at his birth year. At 6-foot-1 and 174 pounds, he is ineligible to play high school soccer due to his professional status.

Spurlin admitted that he would love to play for Northside and the opportunity to play with his friends in Columbus, but he is “fortunate for the opportunity to develop and train with Atlanta United.”

Being placed in the Atlanta United Academy is an honor to Spurlin, and he hopes to one day get the chance to play for the 2018 MLS Cup champions.

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5

Best Soccer Rivalries in the World Barcelona VS Real Madrid El Clásico

Two Spanish soccer giants make a football and political rivalry. In 178 La Liga matches, they’ve each won 72 times.

River Plate VS Boca Juniors Superclásico

players' spots, he has ment style. Spurlin sees maintained his position the academy as a platsince joining. Spurlin is form to receive a great competitive and wants education and play comto one day petitive play for soccer, but the prothe intent fessional is to one My goals are to team. day make “My goals play both Division it profesare to play I college soccer as sionally. both DiSpurlin vision I well as ultimately is also a college student of becoming a the game. soccer as well as ulHe watchprofessional timately es a lot of goalkeeper for great teams becoming a proaround Atlanta United fessional the world, in Major League including goalkeeper for AtAtlanta Soccer. lant United United and in Major European — James Spurlin League powers S o c c e r, " like Bayhe said. "My love for the ern Munich, Manchester game of soccer as well United, and Liverpool. He as wanting to be the best models a lot of his game I can be as a developing after some the players he soccer athlete drives me watches every day. to be the best.”

“I love Brad Guzan's If their players aren’t (Atlanta United) strong ready to be professionals leadership style and at 18, Atlanta United will awesome foot skills," work with a lot of their Spurlin said. "He is alacademy products to ways communicating on find college programs the field. I love Manuel that fit their develop- Neuer (Bayern Munich) 50 | itgnext.com

for being so strong, smart, and comfortable with the ball at his feet.

I would say I’m a combination of Neuer, as I can be very aggressive (in the goal box), and Guzan because I can communicate effectively to my teammates and motivate them to perform at a high level so the team can succeed.”

Despite his immense talent and accolades, Spurlin remains humble, and his performance on the field shows his lead-

ership. He is one of the longest tenured players in the Atlanta United Academy and can be a commanding presence in the box for the Five Stripes.

His goals are close to realization, and one of the premier talents in the country is capable of accomplishing what lies ahead.

When Argentina’s two biggest clubs meet, it is sure to produce fireworks (literally) in Buenos Aires.

Celtics VS Rangers

The Old Firm The football clubs separate the two major religious factions of Glasgow.

The Protestants (Rangers) against the Catholics (Celtics).

Manchester United VS Liverpool The North-West Derby Two of England’s most prestigious clubs sit about an hour apart in a game that historically has title implications.

Seattle Sounders VS Portland Timbers Two of the biggest soccer cities in America compete in one of the oldest rivalries in U.S. soccer.

STAY UP TO DATE • RANKINGS • INTERVIEWS • GAME HIGHLIGHTS • INSPIRING STORIES itgnext.com/newsletter

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Leading, Serving, Running Written by: Leah Morton | Photography: Eric Vinson

Running isn’t as easy as it seems. It takes discipline to come out on top, but three Thomas County Central runners have what it takes.

Junior Anna James, senior Brandon Hopper, and senior Zach Goff have a combined total of three race wins and four second-place, four third-place, and numerous top 10 finishes.

But they are much more than winners. They are hard workers, encouragers, and leaders.

“They bring discipline, motivation, and leadership every day,” head coach Tony Voyles said.

“They are the first ones at training and typically the last to leave.

“Anna is the type of person that gets along with everyone and makes sure to include every-

one and make them feel a part of the team. Brandon and Zach are definitely the leaders on this team. They organize group runs outside of practice, conduct the warmups and cooldowns at each practice, and motivate each runner with their words and actions.”

James got her start in third grade by running club track in school and community fun runs with her father. She quickly rose to the top of her age group and realized that the more she practiced, the faster she got. Then, in the fifth grade, James joined the cross country team.

“My favorite part of cross country is my teammates, and I love them so much,” she said. “It makes my day to see them every afternoon, and we joke around,

sing, and have fun, but when it's time to work, we put in the work.”

James is an example to her teammates of what hard work can do: She won region in the 800-meter race during the 2019 season.

“I like to keep encouraging all of my teammates and all my new runners because cross country is a hard sport with tough workouts,” James said.

Hopper got his start in fun runs as well. The twice-consecutive Yellow Jacket Award recipient joined the cross country team in sixth grade and has since risen into his role as a leader.

“I am always there to motivate teammates at practice and meets,” Hopper said. “One of my favorite parts of being a leader on the team is being able to

push my friends to be the best they can possibly be.”

The challenge of the sport is what drives Goff, who got involved with cross country in eighth grade. For some, it can be intimidating. Goff helps keep up the morale among his teammates.

“I spend a lot of time trying to help the younger students on the team,” he said. “If the freshmen and sophomores ever need anything during practice, I’ll try my best to help, and I also try to make them feel welcome so that they’ll want to come back the next year.”

While the Yellow Jackets’ goal is to win region as a team, each runner has an individual goal as well. Goff hopes to get his 5K

They bring discipline, motivation, and leadership every day. They are the first ones at training and typically the last to leave.

— Tony Voyles

time below 18 minutes from his 18:06 current best before the end of the season, while James hopes to place second at region and in the top 35 at state.

“My goal is to run under 20:30 at region,” James said. “It will be tough, especially since I will most likely be running the race by myself because our region is so small and there is usually a minute gap between all of the top finishers.

“At state, it would be phenomenal for me to run sub 21, but I will be happy if it is a sub 22.

This season, I've also made some goals for myself to be more accepting of my performances and to grow mentally stronger.”

Although running is challenging — especially when paired with maintaining grades, playing ad-

ditional sports, and volunteering — James, Hopper, and Goff manage to do it while staying among the top five of their classes: James is No. 1 in the 2021 class, while Goff and Hopper are ranked No. 3 and No. 4, respectively, in the 2020 class.

Despite taking a total of nine AP and nine dual enrollment courses across science, social studies, and — for James — foreign language at Southwest Georgia Technical College and Valdosta State University, each athlete remains dedicated to their education and community.

“The number one thing that has allowed me to do so well in high school is dedication,” Hopper said. “Over my four years, I have encountered lots of obstacles, but my desire and dedication

outweighed these obstacles.”

That dedication is what keeps these runners going, often without a break, as each performs spring sports. James participates in track and field, Hopper in golf, and Goff in tennis.

Additionally, each is involved in school organizations and within the community.

James is an alumnus of the Chick-Fil-A Leader Academy, which teaches young people skills to develop leadership qualities, and is a member of Spanish Club and National Honors Society. She also teaches English as a second language at her church on Wednesday nights and volunteers at the Salvation Army during the holiday season.

In addition to being a Georgia MERIT Scholar, a Governor’s Hon-

or Program nominee, a National Honor Society member, and an Envision Scholar Athlete for golf, Hopper is a drummer for his church’s student worship band.

Goff participates in Backpack Buddies, which helps pack food for underprivileged children in the Thomas County Central school system, with his tennis team. He also participates in The Walk Youth Group, where he leads two small groups throughout the week.

As the three athletes plan to take their own paths, both to run and not to run, and pursue science and engineering degrees at different colleges, they will always share a passion. And that passion, for leading, serving, and, of course, running, will keep them grounded.

My favorite part of cross country is my teammates, and I love them so much. It makes my day to see them every afternoon, and we joke around, sing, and have fun, but when it's time to work, we put in the work.

— Anna James

Wesley Steiner HOUSTON CO. BEARS LINEBACKER RUNNING BACK 6'0" 220 LBS

TOP OFFERS Who is your biggest athletic inspiration?

Luke Kuechly. His on and off the field character is similar to mine, so it inspires me that people like myself can very well succeed.

What makes you different from everyone else?

My personality, my levels of maturity, my commitment, and my knack to outwork people.

56 | itgnext.com

Transition, Impact, and No Shortcuts Written by: Kyle Grondin Photography by: Eric Vinson

Marquis Westbrook has been around football his entire life. From a standout at Crisp County High School to cornerback at the University of Florida under Steve Spurrier, there isn’t much that he hasn’t seen or experienced.

Westbrook was recruited to Florida after being a two-way all-star at Crisp County. He saw a lot of success in his college career, starting with a 2000 SEC Championship and Citrus Bowl victory. He was also part of the 2001 Sugar Bowl victory and 2002 Orange Bowl win.

Now, he’s learning, and excelling, as head coach at Warner Robins High School.

He is the first black head football coach in Houston County.

impact to the team.”

Despite having to adjust, Westbrook learned a lot from his time with the Gators, including who he is. He credited that to Spurrier.

“Coach (Spurrier) would always say, ‘No shorts,’ as in no shortcuts,” Westbrook said.

“There’s a little bit of a longer leash in college compared to high school, but on the field, it’s business and learning to do things the right way.”

After his playing career, Westbrook entered a coaching career that

According to Westbrook, his experience at Gainesville was a wake-up call, and he applies a lot of those lessons to his coaching "Your name might not techniques. be in the newspaper or “(Playing at Florida) was a (listed as) the biggest rude awakening,” recruit, but you’re a Westbrook said. part of this roster and “I had to really learn the grind make a huge impact of a student-athto the team.” lete. It’s a difficult concept because — Marquis Westbrook anyone who makes it to the next level and plays college ball typically took him around South thinks they will make it to Georgia. He was previthe NFL. But I learned that ously at Macon County I had a role to play, even and Veterans as an assisthough I wasn’t playing tant before working as every down, and that is a defensive coordinator what I tell my kids here. at Warner Robins for the Your name might not be last three seasons.

As the coordinator, in the newspaper or (listhe and former Warner ed as) the biggest recruit, but you’re a part of this Robins head coach Mike roster and make a huge Chastain led a remark-

58 | itgnext.com

able turnaround for the Demons. After a 3-9 opening season, Warner Robins had made backto-back state championships. So, when Chastain went on to be the head coach at Jones County, Westbrook hit the ground running. It was an obvious hire given his pedigree and how he turned around the defense.

Since transitioning into the head coach role this season, Westbrook has led the Demons to the top of Region 1-5A and managed to clinch the region title.

“The best part of the transition was how well the kids knew the staff already,” Westbrook said.

“It was a quick transition, and the kids were really fired up to get practiced.

The upperclassmen have been a real help in assisting with the transition.

They’re a good group of kids who have been leaders on and off the field.”

Despite the ease he’s experienced, Westbrook isn’t taking his position for granted and sees it as an honor and privilege.

“I heard about (the position) during the hiring process, and honestly, it is a blessing to have this opportunity on my shoulders,” he said.

“It was a tremendous feeling being hired by the school, and God allowed me the chance to prove myself and do this community proud.”

Westbrook’s team has stood out on the field during his first season. The Demons look primed to be in the state championship hunt again and may have the pieces on both sides of the ball to attain that elusive state championship.

As the hunt continues, the defense and its performance this season may be partly

responsible. Additionally, quarterback Jalen Addie and the offense have been rolling through. Overall, the Demons have beaten up 6A and 7A schools this season, including Houston County and Tift County, and have battled Colquitt County.

They also avenged last season’s state championship loss, beating Bainbridge 28-21.

But Westbrook knows the journey and is keeping his kids focused on the task rather than the goal.

“It sounds cliché, but we always take it one game at a time,” he said. “We start each week from zero, and we have to prove it at practice week in and week out. Nobody in our program is thinking about state championships until that time comes.”

Westbrook's goal isn’t just winning. Instead, he uses his time as a player in the collegiate system as a learning opportunity for himself and his players.

“It sounds weird to say as a coach, but the games mean more than the results on the field or your individual performance,” he said. “It’s about taking the lessons we teach on the field and applying them to your everyday lives off it, bonding with your teammates on and off the field, and cherishing this experience. We want to win, but that is what I see as success.”

South Georgia Football Region Champions: 7A

Region 1

Lowndes

6A

Region 1

Lee County

Region 1

Warner Robins

Region 2

Ware County

Region 1

Carver - Columbus

Region 2

West Laurens

Region 1

Crisp County

Region 2

Pierce

Region 4

Peach County

Region 1

Thomasville

Region 3

Dublin

Region 1

Mitchell County

Region 2

Irwin County

GISA 3A

Region 3

Valwood

GISA 2A

Region 3

Southwest Georgia Academy

5A

4A

3A

2A

1A

“The best part of the transition was how well the kids knew the staff already.

It was a quick transition, and the kids were really fired up to get practiced.

The upperclassmen have been a real help in assisting with the transition. They’re a good group of kids who have been leaders on and off the field.”

— Marquis Westbrook

ITG Next | 59

Payten Singletary THOMASVILLE BULLDOGS TIGHT END 6'4" 220 LB Who is your biggest athletic inspiration?

Rob Gronkowski. Off the field he’s just a fun guy everyone loves, but on the field he’s a monster.

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60 | itgnext.com

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Team USA's MVP Written by: Kyle Grondin Photography by: Kelly McCrary

Despite starting to play organized basketball in just the sixth grade, Olivia Cochran is one of the best high school players in the country.

Her accolades have amassed quickly: She's an undefeated state champion for Carver High School and was a member of Team USA’s 3x3 under-18 basketball team (and gold medalist of said team). She was given the opportunity to travel to Mongolia to represent her country and gain new experiences with the sport.

“It was an awesome trip overall,” said Cochran, who was fourth in the entire tournament with 41 points scored. “The 3x3 game is so fast paced, but it was fun to see a new culture that is totally different from Columbus.”

5

Tips to Improve Your Jump Shot

62 | itgnext.com

Cochran was victo- lumbus High School, rious in Mongolia, and where the expectations she set the bar high by are sky high for her seearning MVP honors at nior season. Cochran the World was named 3x3 tournaCo“My teammates de- the ment. The lumbus sport is set serve a lot of credit for Ledger-Ento make my success. I was so q u i r e r ’ s its official Bi-City shocked when I heard All Olympic Player of I won, but I knew we the Year in debut in 2019, as the 2020 fought so hard to win, Games. she led the especially after losing team with “My teammates a game early in the 13.5 redeserve a tournament. I was just bounds per lot of credit game to go so happy to be there.” for my sucalong with cess,” Co— Olivia Cochran her 19.5 chran said. points per “I was so game. shocked when I heard I won, Cochran is considbut I knew we fought so ered a stretch four, a forhard to win, especially af- ward position that can ter losing a game early in operate both on the pethe tournament. I was just rimeter and down low in so happy to be there.” the post, for the Tigers.

She returned to Co- She is one of the best

One-Handed Shooting A simple drill you’ve probably done since youth, but it’s important to make sure your form is perfect.

rebounders in the state of Georgia, as she uses her size and athleticism to get great positioning on the court.

“Olivia is a great leader for our team,” Anson Hundley, Carver head coach, said. “Her performance in our state championship really stood out to that fact. She made the big plays when we needed her and wasn’t afraid to make the right play if they double teamed her. She showed a lot of selflessness in that game.”

Cochran led the Tigers in scoring 15 points and adding 11 rebounds during the state championship game.

The victory was more worthwhile for Carver after falling short in the Final Four two years in a row. Now, Cochran will

have to step up even more, as nine seniors left the Carver roster.

“The best thing Olivia can do to get even better is to become the general on the court,” Hundley said. “We’re trying a lot of ways to keep her leading, like having her bring the ball up the court as a forward and initiating more of the offense. The team looks up to her now.”

After starting at an older age, Cochran’s basketball game is still growing, as she continues to learn the game more and more each day. But her raw talent is undeniable, as many top colleges around the country have begun to notice.

Her scouting reports read her as an “elite front court player in the class of 2020,” according to

1-2 Step

Rhythm

Repeat

Focus on your feet while shooting. Keep them pointed toward the goal.

Keep a rhythm while shooting, but not out of control. Don’t walk into your shots, keep a running, game like motion when you practice. Find your rhythm.

The best shooters (Ray Allen, Klay Thompson, Steph Curry) are always repeating the same motion.

Keep it Low

Keeping a low center of gravity allows you to get more strength and better form from your legs in your shot.

All New Basketball Event for 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games Four Olympic medals are now up for grabs in basketball with the addition of the 3x3 variant, which includes teams of four athletes. It's a half-court game with a single basket. Shots inside the arc are worth one point, and shots from outside are worth two. The first team to 21 points or the team leading at the end of the 10-minute regulation time wins. This version was introduced at the Youth Olympic Games in 2010 and now has its own FIBA World Cup. The U.S. women’s team won gold at the 2014 Youth Games, and two of the players from that squad are now on the women’s national team.

Information courtesy of teamusa.org

ESPN recruiting. She is well known for her low post scoring ability and is a walking double-double when she’s playing the game.

That is when the University of Louisville came calling. She committed to play for the Cardinals starting next season.

“Being in Louisville felt like home to me,” Cochran said. “The city really reminded me of Columbus, and I could tell Coach (Jeff) Walz really cared about my future and my well-being.”

For now, though, Cochran is focused on her

time at Carver. Her senior season brings one more challenge: back-to-back state championships. But overcoming the odds often comes easy for Cochran. The gifted scorer from Columbus sees this as another opportunity to prove herself.

“Olivia is a great player and a better person for this school,” Hundley said. “She cares deeply about Carver and wants to do well. Our goal is another championship, and I know her hard work and humility will put us in a position to achieve that.”

Meanwhile, Cochran knows to enjoy every second of it while she still can.

“I have a lot of goals to finish my high school career,” she said. “I want to be able to win another state championship and become a McDonald’s All-American.

I’m not sure how far basketball will take me, but I am enjoying every second of it and know it will help me succeed in life.”

Top 10 Women’s College Basketball Recruits

Paige Bueckers Hopkins (MN)

Diamond Johnson

Neumann-Goretti (PA)

Angel Reese

Sarah Andrews

Cameron Brink

Hailey Van Lith

St. Frances Academy (MD) Southridge (OR)

Caitlin Clark

Dowling Catholic (IA)

Kamilla Cardoso

Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (TN)

MacArthur (TX)

Cashmere (WA)

Hannah Gusters

MacArthur (TX)

Leilani Kapinus James Madison (WI)

ITG Next | 63

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Jermaine Curry is my biggest athletic inspiration because he introduced me to the game and pushes me to better myself.

ITG Next | 65

4 Consistency Is the Name of the Game Drills to Written by: Kyle Grondin | Photography by: Eric Vinson

South Georgia Technical College women's basket- averaging 80 on the season. The Lady Jets spaced ball head coach James Frey cares about consistency. the ball out last season, with four different players For the Lady Jets, consistency has helped them averaging double-digit scoring and nearly eight make the NJCAA tournament five of the last six years. 3-pointers per game as a team.

Frey took over the women’s basketball program “We’ve got some great talent down low in our in 2012, only eight years into the team’s existence. post players, and a lot of times we get double teams South Georgia Tech had only one tournament ap- inside, and their unselfishness leads to open shots pearance before Frey took over. But since he took on the outside,” Frey said. “This year we’ll probably over, his accolades include the five regional titles and shoot threes even more, with about four or five playtournament appearances, six all-Amerers who can really shoot the ball.” ican players, and one Elite Eight ap- “I don’t expect all of Frey’s inside-out style can pay divipearance in 2015. our shooters to be dends for the Lady Jets, and it stresses the Frey has seen the rise in expecta- on every night, but need to continue to play unselfishly and tions since he began. hot hands each and every game. if we can get two or ride“Ithe “Success breeds success,” he said. don’t expect all of our shooters to “When you have success, it becomes three a game that be on every night, but if we can get two expected. The players, administration, are really feeling it, or three a game that are really feeling it, and staff all expect to win, and ev- we’re going to be a we’re going to be a tough team to guard erything is just done at a higher level tough team to guard and a tough team to beat,” Frey said. when your expectations are higher.”

In 2019, South Georgia Tech will Last season, the Lady Jets’ record and a tough team to need every player to step up, as leadwas 30-4, as they went on to win the beat.” ing returning scorer Kamya Hollingshed Region 17 championship and District — James Frey suffered an ACL injury in October. She J championship in dominating fashion. is one of the top shooters and leaders They were ranked No. 19 when they faced No. 14 on the team this season, which puts a lot of pressure ranked Trinity Valley in the first round of the NJCAA on younger players, such as Anna McKendree, Amatournament; they lost the contest 73-48. ra Edeh, and Yasriyyah Wazeerud-Din, to step up in South Georgia Tech’s calling card last season was expanded roles. one of the best offenses in the country. They finished “Losing Kamya is a big blow to the season, but tied for No. 18 out of 181 teams in points per game, she’s going to be on the bench and continue to be

Improve your Ball Handling

1

Two-Ball Handling

Try two-ball dribbling when moving up and down the court and when stationary. This drill increases focus and ball control.

2

Tennis Ball Toss

Dribble with one hand and play catch with a tennis ball with the other hand. This forces you to keep your head up while dribbling.

3

Tennis Ball Dribbling

If you can dribble with a tennis ball, odds are you’ll greatly improve your ability with a basketball in your hands.

4

Full Court Ball Handling

Practice going full speed and keeping your head up.

66 | itgnext.com

a great leader and great role model to some of the younger players,” Frey said. “The younger players like McKendree and Edeh have done a great job accepting leadership roles and seizing the opportunity.”

Even with Hollingshed’s injury, expectations continue to rise at South Georgia Tech. Frey has noticed the change over the years since his takeover.

“It is funny to think about our first year — we won 20 games, and that was a big deal,” he said. “A lot of fans thought it was a great year, and now if we won 20 games, fans would be thinking about it a lot differently. The bar has been raised, and since we came in 2012 to now, people are hoping and expecting for a lot more each season, and we hope to continue to capitalize on that. I’m always thinking about winning a championship, and that’s where we hope to be.”

South Georgia Tech’s season began with a win, knocking off Santa Fe College 82-55 in its opening contest. South Georgia Tech avenged its loss last season to Santa Fe and took advantage of its size in beating the Saints with inside-out game again.

Frey is hoping to see the continued consistency this season. He sees this as a learning opportunity for the Lady Jets to reach the next level and win a national championship.

“We have to continue to practice better,” Frey said.

“That is still one area we need to reach our expectations: to be ready to improve every day and (be) consistent daily. I’m a stickler for the small stuff and want to see that in practice every day. If we can do that every time we work, we will be great in the end.”

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For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed a program, and other important information, please visit our website at southgatech.edu/academics/ gainful-employment/ As set forth in its student catalog, South Georgia Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, veteran status, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, Karen Werling, 229.931.2902 or kwerling@southgatech.edu; or the Section 504/ADA Coordinator, LaKenya R. Johnson, 229.931.2595 or ljohnson@southgatech.edu.

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Mountain Sees Valleys and Peaks After Injury Written by: Leah Morton | Photography by: Eric Vinson

Whether on the field or on the sideline, Anthony Mountain turns the “got to” into “get to.”

The 6-foot-2, 210-pound quarterback for the Brunswick Pirates knows that excuses don’t generate results. So, when he tore his ACL last season after hyperextending his knee for the second time since eighth grade, Mountain had to work to turn the “I have got to get back on the field” into “I get to be back on the field.”

“I could have easily given up and made an excuse of why I couldn’t play this year (like) competition being in front of me," Mountain said. "But (coach) always says, ‘Make an excuse to do instead of not to do,’ so I just made that excuse to do.”

Despite having to sit that season out due to the slow recovery, Mountain found a way to remain a team player by establishing a mentoring role from the sidelines.

“Being the quarterback, it’s a big thing to be one of the best encouragers on the team,” he said. “Always encourage your teammates and keep them up when stuff might not be how you want. Always be there for your team, no matter what.”

According to Mountain, his upbringing has helped him grow into his role as a leader and has taught him how to be a role model.

“Being the quarterback, it’s a big thing to be one of the best encouragers on the team. Always encourage your teammates and keep them up when stuff might not be how you want. Always be there for your team, no matter what.”

— Anthony Mountain ITG Next | 69

“I love being on the field, so when I was able to walk, I was ready to go again."

— Anthony Mountain

“Leadership is a nat- told me, ‘If anything, nevural thing because I’ve er give up!’ From the day been doing it for so he found out that my ACL long,” he said. “I have was torn, he was always good parents at home, like, ‘Never give up!’ And and they help me out I never gave up. I just kept with making the right de- working, kept working. I’m cisions. … It kind of just here today.” translated to the field.”

Pender said, “He has The team’s younger quar- his peaks and valleys.” terbacks, But even K.J. Lee “Leadership is in the valand Jeffery a natural thing leys, MounWaye, es- because I’ve tain doesn’t let his strugpecially see been doing it for this leadergle and ship. Moun- so long. I have disappointtain took it good parents at ment show. upon him- home, and they Instead, he self to men- help me out keeps his tor them eyes fixed and prepare with making the on the next them for right decisions. peak ahead.

“As a footleadership. … It kind of just ball player, Then, when translated to Lee broke you should the field.” his foot always try to stay in shape, and took — Anthony Mountain work out and the bench stuff like that, alongside Mountain, Waye — with but there’s always the other Mountain’s advice in mind part (where) you don’t want — got the opportunity to to get your knee hit, but I lead the team. never really thought of it like “As a quarterback, you that,” he said. “When I’m on (have) to be the strongest the field, I try to do what I person on your team, no can do. I came to win.” matter what, because if Through hard work, you lose or draw, it’s all dedication, and encourgoing to come back to the agement from his coach, quarterback,” Mountain Mountain preserved said. “It’s an important po- through his injury and sition, and I just try to keep got back on the field, them up, show them how where he has accumuto do things right. They lated more than 1,500 show me, and we just have yards this season. that type of relationship.”

As he begins preAside from encour- paring for college and aging leadership among deciding on whether he his teammates, Moun- wants to pursue a degree tain hopes to show them in sports medicine or edthat being involved with ucation, which could ultiyour teammates, even mately land him a job as those who don’t get a coach, Mountain plans much playing time on to wait for the school with the field, outside of the best offer. practice is important.

Regardless of where But every leader he ends up, Mountain needs his or her own will carry the words of his leader to follow by ex- coach and leave a legacy ample. For Mountain, of leadership and dedicoach Sean Pender fills cation to his teammates. the role.

Wherever he goes, he “I love being on the will teach his team, and field, so when I was able its audience, how to to walk, I was ready to go change one vowel by again,” Mountain said. “He having the right mindset. helped me build that confidence. … He just always

Prayer Before Games in South Georgia

Written by: Kyle Grondin | Photography by: Mandy Douthit

There are three things people in the South value more than anything else: family, God, and football. As the Winnersville Classic took place this year, we saw the best of South Georgia all in one night.

Lowndes was ranked No. 16 in the nation by MaxPreps going into the contest. The Concrete Curtain, one of the best defenses in the entire country, was looking for more dominance. Expectations were sky high for the Vikings after beating Miami Northwestern.

For the Valdosta Wildcats, the dominant team for many years, every game is a must watch. After defeating Colquitt County two weeks prior, they became the top team in Class 6A and had many believing in a state championship.

The rivalry runs deep, but it’s a rivalry of passion, never anger. Winnersville is a great showing for the community as families come together.

Approaching Martin Stadium that night, you saw tailgate tents scattered across the parking lot and covering every available grassy surface.

Inside the gates were the people of the community, decked out in their

respective colors of yellow and crimson, enjoying food and celebrating the joyous occasion. Off of Joe Wilson Field, the Winnersville Classic more so resembled a holiday gathering with friends and neighbors than a football game.

Right before kickoff, everyone bowed their heads, and we stood together united in prayer. We prayed for the safety of our players, the joy of the competition, and the sanctity of the contest. It was as important to the community as everything else that night.

Our prayer was symbolic. It represented our community, our lifeblood, and our culture — just like football. It didn’t matter who won or who lost in the end, but how a community came together.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation asked for the end of the pregame prayer. They cited discrim-

ination and said that the school is imposing its religion on everyone in the stadium.

But the object of this argument is shortsighted and an argument of someone who has never attended a Lowndes football game. The prayer is as much a representation of our culture and community as anything else.

It is never intended to push anyone away because of what they believe, but welcome anyone for who they are. The community stands and prays for safety and well-being, united.

Prayer has always been about togetherness, not discrimination. And the Lowndes County School Board made the right decision to keep the pregame prayer. If you walked around the stadium that night, you didn’t see anyone made uncomfortable by the prayer. You saw the joy and togetherness that we preach.

That is what the game, and prayer, is all about.

We want to keep our prayer before games. It’s as much a tradition as the Winnersville Classic itself.

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Two Times Injured, Two Times a Champ Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Eric Vinson

Pierce County senior Todd Carter knows a little something about overcoming injury and adversity to achieve goals. The standout wrestler has had to battle back from three separate injuries during his high school career on his way to success as a Bears wrestler.

Son of Michael and Jamie, both of whom played sports at Pierce County, Carter grew up in Pierce County. His mother, uncle, and grandfather all won the Most Athletic award while playing sports at Pierce, leaving little doubt about Carter’s own athleticism.

Carter started playing football and baseball at an early age, when a family friend introduced him to wrestling in fourth grade.

Brandon Jernigan, Pierce County's current athletic director, was the high school wrestling coach at the time, and his sons, Austin and Avery, were friends with Carter. The boys asked him to take up wrestling with themselves and their dad, so Carter did.

After wrestling for a couple of years and into the sixth grade, Carter knew that wrestling was the sport he enjoyed most and performed exceptionally in. His instincts were spot on, as he went undefeated while wrestling in middle school with a 58-0 record.

Entering his ninth-grade season, Carter was participating in a 7-on-7 passing tournament with his Pierce County football teammates when adversity struck. As he was going for a pass across the middle, he ran into a couple of defenders. A subsequent trip to the doctor and x-rays confirmed a fractured L-5 vertebrae, which ended his football career and placed a promising wrestling career on hold for a few weeks.

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But Carter was determined to make it back in time to at least prepare for a run at the state title. Missing most of his ninth-grade wrestling season, Carter was able to practice for just four weeks prior to the finals at Macon. Incredibly, having just recovered from a broken back and wrestling at 113 pounds, Carter won his first state championship.

When he began the 10th grade, Carter decided to drop baseball and devote all his efforts exclusively to wrestling. With an eye toward another state title, Carter’s efforts were once again derailed when he caught the flu within just three days of the state wrestling meet. With a weakened body going up against a more seasoned and experienced wrestler — a senior — Carter finished as runner-up in the 120-pound class state final.

Carter continued into another great run, rolling through a 38-0 season his junior year before bad luck struck again. A torn rotator cuff, received while practicing, jeopardized his run toward a chance to compete at state. But he made it back with just one day to spare and captured his second state wrestling championship in three years by a solid defeat of a threetime state champion.

Carter’s high school coach, John Hilton, said that moment was when he knew Carter was really special.

“He really opened my eyes with that performance,” Hilton said. “It wasn’t just that Todd won the match but the ease (with) which he won.”

As Carter prepares for his final season at Pierce County, he reflected on his career, remembering those

who helped him achieve everything to this point.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without my coaches,” he said. “First, Coach Jernigan, who introduced me to the sport. I am also grateful for Coach Hilton. Coach Rico Gilbert has worked with me since the fifth grade, taking me in as a son. He trains me year-round and even comes in after my high school wrestling practice and works with me.”

Carter credited his parents as well, stating that they have always backed him 100%.

“They took me to all the camps and never complained,” he said.

Looking ahead, wrestling remains first and foremost in Carter’s immediate future, as he has committed to Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina. Due to his high school dual enrollment, Carter already has enough credits to enter college as a sophomore.

His wrestling career is taking him places, and wherever he ends up, there’s a fair chance that Carter will come out on top.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without my coaches. First, Coach Jernigan, who introduced me to the sport. I am also grateful for Coach Hilton. Coach Rico Gilbert has worked with me since the fifth grade, taking me in as a son. He trains me year-round and even comes in after my high school wrestling practice and works with me.”

— Todd Carter

The Seed of Chucky Written by: Kyle Grondin Photography by: Eric Vinson

College football is rich with tradition and symbols.

With the rise of the “Turnover Chain” at the University of Miami, we’ve now seen later iterations of traditions, including turnover pencils and chainsaws. There is a form of team camaraderie built in these symbols, meant to celebrate defensive excellence. But was the turnover chain the first of these symbols? Wrong.

There’s a certain tradition that belongs to the University of Florida that has been passed down for eight years now, long before Mark Richt was at Miami.

If you’ve been to Valdosta High School football games, you may have seen a doll on the sidelines, the infamous Chucky doll.

When Jaheim Bell initially committed to the University of Florida, the doll became a staple around games, and it carries a tradition that goes back a few years for the Gators.

Chucky, of course, is the murderous doll from the cult classic movies of the 1980s and ’90s. But the Gator tradition was started in 2011: When defensive end Dominique Easely had the Chucky doll, it was a symbol of the Gators’ tenacity and killer instinct on the defensive side of the ball. It was that defensive dominance and spirit that made the Chucky doll their staple for years to come.

Chucky became the second symbol for the Gators, and their killer instinct on the defensive side of the ball was being written into the record books. Florida was constantly one of the top defensive teams in the country, and every year saw another great prospect drafted from their ranks.

From then on, many players carried on the tradition, with Dante Fowler Jr. taking the doll from Easely and passing it along for years. It was a span that saw 17 Gators defensive players drafted, showing their dominance. That’s when it hit the recruiting scene.

Many players began using the doll as their unofficial form of commitment to the university. The symbol for the great defensive players who had pride for the Gators made its way to high school sidelines, and now you’ll see the doll with nearly every recruit. The tradition had transcended its initial purpose and became a Florida Gator staple.

Bell had it with him to announce his initial commitment to the University of Florida, and while he may have since turned away from Florida, the Chucky tradition lives on. You can assume you’ll see many more Chucky dolls come National Signing Day as players don the Gator blue and orange.

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Top 5 Kickers in South Georgia

Daniel Gibbs Kenneth Lockhart Noah Jones Jason Gallardo Alex Martinez 74 | itgnext.com

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Using It to Her Advantage Written by: Alex Dunn Photography by: Micki K Photography

Senior Renee Fillingame comes from a family of wrestlers. It is because of that fact, and her family’s support, that she has become Bainbridge High School’s first female to join the team.

Fillingame’s brother, Randy, was the Class 5A 182-pound champion, and her younger brother is a promising incoming freshman. The first time Fillingame walked into the gym to watch one of her brother’s wrestling meets was the moment she decided she wanted to give the sport a try.

“That did inspire me due to loving to watch my brothers at their wrestling meets,” she said. “I was nervous at first, but after getting started, I wanted to keep going. Now, we get to practice and compete side by side.”

Fillingame admitted that although she played other sports throughout her life, she still had to quickly adjust, physically and mentally, with male competitors.

“It was a little different at first, but then you realize (that), just like females, some males are stronger or weaker than others,” she said.

Chad Smith, head varsity wrestling coach at Bainbridge, helped Fillingame adapt to the sport too.

Smith has known Fillingame for nine 76 | itgnext.com

years, having coached her brother, but has only been coaching her for the past two years.

He explained why Fillingame, along with other female competitors, can be well adapted for this sport.

“It’s a real struggle for males to wrestle females because they feel like they shouldn't be required to, so I teach her to use this to her advantage,” he said. “It's easy to intimidate a male wrestler as a female if you come out the gate being offensive and aggressive. Females also tend to be more flexible, so I teach her to use that in reversal opportunities and (to get) out of pinning situations.”

Although female competitors may have different techniques available to use to their advantage, Smith said that he never needed to tailor his coaching to Fillingame and chooses to treat all players the same.

“Renee prefers to be treated as an equal,” he said. “Nothing about my coaching style needed to change in order for me to coach her.”

Fillingame agreed.

“Everyone is taught pretty much the same technique in the same

Top 5 Female Wrestlers of All Time: 1. Kaori Icho

She is the only female ever to win a gold medal at four straight Summer Olympics.

2. Saori Yoshida

She won 13 world championship titles to go with her three gold medals. She is the most decorated freestyle wrestler ever.

3. Helen Maroulis

The 2016 gold medalist is one of only three wrestlers to beat Yoshida, and the only one to do so at the Olympics.

4. Natalia Vorobieva

With one gold medal from 2012 and one silver from 2016, Vorobieva is the favorite to take home the gold in 2020.

5. Carol Huynh

The first Canadian gold medalist won six world medals from 2000 to 2012.

itgnext.com

"Setting high goals and having a great support system at home and school makes me a great athlete.”

— Renee Fillingame

way, but what you do with that is all up to you,” she said. “He continues to push me hard every day at practice and refuses to treat me different.”

Fillingame will be a state competitor this year, according to Smith.

He gave some insight on her past competitions and what will be in store for the next season.

“Last year, she was 5-6 total of the year, but that is including male competitors, which she scored one win over,” he said. “This past year we were able to wrestle four other females, for which we went 3-1 — the one loss, Renee was giving up nearly 20 pounds. At the sectionals competition, we went 0-2 but had both opponents

pinned but couldn't finish. We will work on that this year.”

While female wrestlers aren’t as common, Fillingame still sees her fair share of them in competitions. However, she said that a lot of her adaptability has changed from when she first started, and meets are generally the same whether she is wrestling a female or male opponent.

“The females that I have wrestled have been really aggressive, like male competition,” she said.

Along with wrestling, Fillingame is also on the dance line during football season. She doesn’t allow the extra sport to affect her academics, however.

“Academics always comes first,” she said.

“That goes for everyone in my family, but we make as much time for sports as we can. Setting high goals and having a great support system at home and school makes me a great athlete.”

Smith believes that bigger and greater things are in Fillingame’s future.

He knows because of the great qualities he has seen in her during the time he has coached her.

“The biggest thing that Renee has going for her is character and morals,” he said. “She is determined because she has been taught that from watching her older siblings succeed in sports, along with her mother’s work ethic in life.”

“It was a little different at first, but then you realize (that), just like females, some males are stronger or weaker than others.”

— Renee Fillingame ITG Next | 79

Top 5 NFL Uniforms Written by: Tyrah Walker

Image courtesy of colts.com

5. Indianapolis Colts. Although there’s not

Alternatives to the NFL

much to look at, sometimes less is best. White is a bright color. Pair that with speed blue, and you don’t need much to stand out.

Written by: Phil Jones

Founded in 1920, the NFL remains the premier professional football league in the United States and the world, for that matter. There have been many leagues that have tried to compete with, and perhaps even complement, the NFL, but all have failed. Some have lasted longer than others, but in the end, the one that was first, the NFL, is the one that still stands tall above the rest.

That’s not to say that other leagues have not been able to survive. There is the Canadian Football League, which serves as the primary pro league in Canada.

There is also the Arena Football League, which is played indoors and on shorter fields than the NFL’s standard 100-yard playing field.

While the CFL has been able to maintain a strong presence in another country, the AFL has shrunk from a league high of 19 member teams to only six today.

Many other leagues that have attempted to capitalize off of the NFL’s popularity in hopes that American football fans simply can’t get enough with only one pro league.

The Alliance of American Football league is the most recent league to start, and fail, in its quest to bring pro football to fans. Boasting an eight-team league with a strong regional presence and playing a 10-game schedule, the AAF debuted immediately after last year’s Super Bowl but then folded eight weeks into its season. The reasons for its demise were numerous, but a lack of funding was the ultimate downfall for the new league.

The AAF has plenty of company, however. The most notable and familiar pro league was likely the United States Football League. Although it lasted only three seasons, the new league went after big-name talent with huge, inflated contracts.

The first, and biggest, name was UGA running back Herschel Walker, who was signed by New Jersey Generals team owner Donald Trump.

Perhaps the other most publicized league was the XFL, started by pro wrestling magnate Vince McMahon. It lasted only one season, as it tried to utilize player nicknames, colored footballs, and other gimmicks. The XFL and McMahon will make another attempt in 2020 with its second launch.

Numerous other leagues have tried and failed, including The United Football League, World Football League, and NFL Europe, which lasted longer than any other new league, mainly because of its alliance with the NFL as a developmental league. There are more, but their fates were the same as all others: doomed.

The reasons for these leagues not making it are various, from lack of funding, to poor planning, low TV ratings, lack of promotion, and less-than-stellar talent.

Perhaps the greatest reason for these leagues not making it has nothing to do with what they did or didn’t do properly. It has everything to do with the popularity of the NFL. It’s simply a monster of a professional sports league, with iconic franchises like the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, and New England Patriots — teams that have fans in every corner of the world. The NFL has the best players, in the best league, in what remains America’s favorite sport.

And for those reasons, no matter what any new pro football league does, it’s going to always remain an uphill battle against the NFL.

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Image courtesy of usatoday.com

4. Pittsburgh Steelers. The team gets a few extra points for being creative with the helmet.

They are the only team in the NFL to have their logo one-sided (right).

Photography by: Kendra Ehrenberg

3. Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags have a beautiful combination of black, teal, and gold. The Jags get a few extra points when they occasionally wear their all gold uniforms.

Image courtesy of bleacherreport.com

2. Green Bay Packers. The simple three strips on each side of the jersey and collarbone area is a little old school, but the cheese heads can do that.

Image courtesy of buffalobills.com

1. The Buffalo Bills.

The team’s red, white, and blue give a patriotic feel whenever they step out on the field. The team may not be the best (although so far this season they are doing well), but they look fantastic, and that has to count for something.

Excitement building for new sport in Columbus Written by: Kyle Grondin Photography by: Kelly McCrary

For the first time ever, Muscogee County School District high schools will have flag football available for female participation. The season began in early November for each of the public high schools in the district. Each game will be played at Kinnett Stadium, except four games, which were played at Spencer High School’s football field in late November.

Spencer’s flag football coach, Andrew Smith, sees it as a great opportunity for the school district to get involved in progressing football.

“It’s so awesome of the Atlanta Falcons for putting this together and (backing) these now six counties to give these girls an opportunity to play football they

wouldn’t get anywhere else,” Smith said. “The turnout has been fantastic. These girls are excited to get an opportunity to play.”

The Atlanta Falcons and owner Arthur Blank’s foundation helped start this program to grow the sport around the state of Georgia. Each district received grants close to $30,000 from the Falcons to fund about 75% of the costs for the flag football programs.

“We’re so grateful for the Falcons to take the lead and help fund this league,” Smith said.

“There’s a huge amount of thanks to them for helping and even hosting the counties in a championship school event.”

Muscogee County joins five Atlanta area counties to compete in the flag football league.

It hopes to get the sport sanctioned by the GHSA and to be able to compete for state championships in the near future.

The last sport to be sanctioned by the GHSA was esports in October 2018.

“We’d love to be the beginning of a movement to get the sport in the entire state,” Smith said. “A lot of the girls are excited, and the guys have been really excited to come out and support them. If we can continue this excitement throughout the year, the GHSA will have no choice but to sanction it.”

Spencer had about 50 girls show interest to begin the tryout phase

and settled on a roster of about 20 for this season.

The opening game was on Nov. 5.

“There are going to be a lot of challenges in terms of growth,” Smith said. “A lot of the expectations will be the players working on learning their roles and responsibilities, especially in a new sport.”

The inaugural season will last one month, with the Muscogee County School District Championship taking place on Dec. 9. The winner will travel to Atlanta to take part in the Atlanta Falcons Champions Day, where they will take on the winner of the other counties for a championship.

Smith sees this as a great opportunity for the sport to hit the ground

running and grow in the next five years. Personally, he knows he and the team are looking at playing for a championship.

“The experience for them as a whole is just so new and different,” he said.

“I know they can’t wait to get on the field, but I can’t wait to see them get a chance to play.”

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What I've Learned From Buddy Written by: Jon Nelson | Image courtesy of Irwin County Indians via Facebook

It’s the holiday season, so excuse me for a bit. This column may not be completely about football.

I admit for the last few months that my words have been focused in one location — Ocilla. And I know a lot of you are wondering how Irwin County head coach Buddy Nobles is doing. Most of the time, you can go to the Irwin County Indians Facebook page or Nobles’ family’s pages to get updates from Buddy’s wife, Tammy. We constantly get to see the outstretched arms of absolute and extreme gratitude from that whole community.

Really, that’s what I wanted to talk about this time around.

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One of the phrases I constantly tell Buddy when I see him these days is, “I love you.”

I know that, for the longest time, we all used to think that those words weren’t supposed to be said in public — or at all — to someone you love and care about. It was meant for closed rooms, doors that no one could hear behind, secret conversations, and private moments.

I propose that we put all that aside.

I walk up to Buddy and tell him that I love him. I call him on the phone to talk and tell him that I love him before we hang up and go on to the rest of our days.

And that’s how it should

always be. I tell those in my life that I feel that way, so why should it be any different in public?

I guess now that we’re heading to the end of another calendar year, I’m issuing a bit of a challenge — and a reminder to myself — to not keep things hidden as we all go forward. The emotional hide-and-seek isn’t worth all the grief and regret.

We’ve all lost someone we hold close, or we know someone who has.

How did we act in that moment? How did we act in those moments that led up to a last conversation or communication?

How much did we leave on the table, and how of-

ten do we look back and wonder what happened in the in-betweens?

It’s an easy escape to not wonder about those kinds of moments. But the notion to change that is simple: Talk to one another and don’t leave the thought that lingers in your head on the table. I admit it took me a while to get to this point, and I have experienced moments where I kicked myself over what I did and what I should have done.

So, I’ve learned from those around me. And I’ve learned from Buddy.

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