South Georgia February/March 2019 Edition

Cheer Team Tumbling Over the Competition Pierce Co. High School

Wrestler Primed for the Present

John Jones, Northside High School

VSU

National Champions

Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender

IN THE

GAME

FEB/MAR 2019

Presented by:

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

ARE YOU In?

South Georgia

In the Game Be ambitious. Pursue greatness.

Give it everything you've got and then some.

Get In the Game. Live In the Game.

Anna Limoges EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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Honoring South Georgia Athletes No Matter the Sport

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

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

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

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

3303 Inner Perimeter Road Valdosta, Georgia 31605 (229) 244-3585 8 | itgnext.com

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IN THIS ISSUE 18 20 21 23 25 28 29 44 45 46 48 54 55 56 58 68

10-Year-Old Superman Smashing Records Witcher Takes on New Horizons With Dual Enrollment Program Southern Regional Technical College

Macon County Student Takes College Career in Own Hands South Georgia Technical College More Than an Athlete Coastal Pines Technical College

Bouncing Back Despite Setbacks Valwood School

Cheer Team Tumbling Over the Competition Pierce Co. High School Shining a Light Through All Levels of Sport FCA

First Hardaway Athlete to Commit to Play Division II Since 2012 Genesis Adams, Hardaway High School Making a Run for It Deerfield-Windsor School

Pine Grove Middle’s Bundle of Joy Allea Christopher Player Turned Coach Tia Lewis, Turner Co. High School

Wrestler Primed for the Present John Jones, Northside High School

Cincinnati Assistant Coach Bringing the Team Together Outfielder Knows What It Takes to Catch Success Andrew Newhouse, Perry High School

Area Athletes Honored at 11th Annual ITG Next Banquet Compensation Beyond Scholarships for College Athletes

70

Is Change Good?

81

NFL Hall of Famers' Letter to the League

82

Vikings Take to the Water Pacelli High School

Football Champions

30 31 33 35 36 40

There's No Stopping a Runaway Freight Train Frederica Academy

High Expectations and Back-to-Back State Titles Clinch Co. High School A Cinderella Story: From 5-5 to State Champs Bainbridge High School Humble and Hungry Is the Motto Lee Co. High School

Central High School Wins First State Football Title in 25 Years Road to the Throne Valdosta State University

School Pages

50 49 52

Lowndes High School Brooks Co. High School Dooly Co. High School

Player Profiles

71 72 73 74 76 77 79 80

Jayce Tyler Moore, Coffee High School Sky Geovanni, Colquitt Co. High School Dominique Dale, Valdosta High School Daniel King, Cairo High School Taydrain Sanders, Turner Co. High School Treun Pace, Pelham High School Nia Allen, Valdosta High School J. Ben Paulk, Colquitt Co. High School

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Chase Busby, St. Simons Island, Ga.

Care that’s a world apart, but just down the road.

Last year, more than 800 children from South Georgia made a very important trip. Some were just a few days old; others were kindergartners or teens. But they all received top-ranked care from one of the best children’s hospitals in America: Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Care that’s a world apart, but just down the road. more 10Learn | itgnext.com

at wolfsonchildrens.com

From the Publisher To become a champion, you must posses a few key characteristics: natural talent, dedication to the process, perseverance in the face of adversity, and a commitment to pursuing excellence. ITG Next’s mission is to inspire that pursuit, that desire to become the best at whatever it is you do.

Whether you need to put in more hours practicing or more effort studying or more intent preparing, there’s always something that you can do to improve. And true champions know that we never stop improving. Even once you’ve reached that goal that once seemed so big and unattainable, it’s time to start the next journey – to become better, strong, faster, and smarter in pursuit of a new goal.

Our cover story highlights the Valdosta State University Blazers’ journey to winning the NCAA Division II football national championship. When head coach Kerwin Bell came to VSU three years ago, he had a plan to develop the team and get the Blazers to the place they’d been three times before. In what is described as the best season in program history, the Blazers not only won every game, but dominated nearly every opponent they faced.

Six high school teams in our coverage area walked away as fall sport champions too. Pierce County High School achieved its sixth cheerleading state championship in seven years. Both Lee County and Clinch County high schools were named back-to-back football state champions. Central High School (Alabama) won it’s first football state championship in 25 years. Frederica Academy was named the GISA Class 3A football state champion. Bainbridge High School entered playoffs with a regular season record of 5-5 and went on to win the GHSA Class 5A title in a game that saw three overtimes.

Those stories and more fill these pages, including stories of athletes who have adapted to their life circumstances to continue competing and participating in athletics. The phrase “make no excuses” comes to mind, and these athletes really put into perspective what is possible when you make up your mind to do something.

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! And we’re not just looking for athletes. You can #LiveInTheGame in all areas of life, and we want to help those people tell their stories too.

Follow @itgnext on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for exclusive giveaways and chances to win free apparel. You’ll also be the first to hear about new apparel launches and upcoming ITG Next events.

In the Game Apparel @ITGNext

South Georgia Team Publisher Mark Dykes Editor Anna Limoges Magazine Director Anna Limoges Graphics Mandy Douthit Cover Photography Eric Vinson Player Profiles Photography Marque Milla Reese Milla Creationz Photography Feature Photography Micki Krzynski Micki K Photography Eric Vinson Beth Welch George McDuffie Michael Brinson Dezmond Kimbrough Cindy Rewis Juston Lewis Beth Tate Feature Writers Joshua Miller Phil Jones Alex Dunn Beth Welch Dominic Ligon Kaylee Kopke Justin Chandler Copy Editors Anna Limoges Beth Welch Advertising/Marketing Andrew Pipkin andrew@itgnext.com Mark Dykes mark@itgnext.com Digital Manager Mandy Douthit

Tell us what you thought about the December/January issue of In the Game! info@itgnext.com

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In the Game is published bi-monthly. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher. Dykes Media Group LLC makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2019 Dykes Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

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Contributors

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 an editor. Since her start in early 2016, she has devoted her editorial eye and organizational prowess to the ITG team. More importantly, although she claims to be a fan of the New Orleans Saints, there is fortunately no other sign of such irrational fandom.

Andrew Pipkin Account Executive 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.

Susannah Parmenter

Avery Stephen Marketing coordinator

Kendra Ehrenberg Video Coordinator

Beth WElch Columbus Area Editor

NF Area Coordinator

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

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

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

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

Micki Krzynski

Eric Vinson

Marque Milla Reese

Alex Dunn

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Writer

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

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

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

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

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Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

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.

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

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

Justin Chandler

Lacey Crandall

Journalism Intern

Journalism Intern

Videography Intern

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

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

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.

Kaylee Kopke

Want to Join the Intern Team?

Email your resume to info@itgnext.com.

Graphic Design

Journalism

Marketing

Social Media

Photography

Videography

BE IN THE GAME

Dominic Ligon

Phil Jones

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ITG Next Ambassadors 2018-19

Leo Galarza

Morgan Hill

Taylor Macera

Emma Dent

Shayla Jackson

Bridget Beck

Rylee Watson

Taylor Holmes

Anna Cook

Dallas Hunt

Peyton Matt

Will Matt

Alyssa Stein

Brooklyne Mangual

Bryanne Mathis

Daryana Davila

Clare Nijem

Elizabeth Evans

Kennedy Kimbro

Ray Gordon

Coffee - Junior

Pelham - Junior

Tiftarea - Senior

Valdosta - Senior

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Echols Co. - Senior

Tift Co. - Junior

Tiftarea - Senior

Valwood - Junior

Echols Co. - Senior

Tift Co. - Senior

Valdosta - Senior

Valwood - Junior

Lowndes - Freshman

Tiftarea - Senior

Valdosta - Senior

Valwood - Junior

Lowndes - Junior

Tiftarea - Senior

Valdosta - Senior

Valwood - Senior

Join ITG Next Ambassadors

Zach Paulk

Valwood - Junior

Not Pictured: Matthew Peters Cairo - Junior

Carson Ballenger Tift - Junior

Mikyla Woods

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

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

Ambassadors are given the opportunity to contribute to the vision of ITG Next and to play an important role in developing our brand through apparel, social media, and events.

They will also represent the ITG Next brand within their respective schools and communities.

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

Lowndes - Senior

Nominate someone or apply online at itgnext.com/ambassador-program.

World Records Still Held by MICHAEL PHELPS:

Image courtesy of usatoday.com

10-Year-Old Superman Smashing Records

100 butterfly – 49.82 200 butterfly – 1:51.51 400 IM – 4:03.84 4x100 free relay – 3:08.24 4x200 free relay – 6:58.55 4x100 medley relay – 3:27.28 4x100 free relay – 3:03.20

Written by: Kaylee Kopke

To excel at a sport to the point sions that are above his own and placthat long standing records are broken ing at the top every time. His coach, and national recognition is attained, Dia Rianda, told USA Today that from an early age Apuada showed a level it takes passion, determination, work ethic, discipline, and raw talent. These of technical skill that befitted a 16- or are all qualities that 10-year-old Clark 17-year-old.

Kent Apuada possesses and what I believe that athletes should be helped him break a placed in a division in Michael Phelps swimwhich they are able to To beat the 23ming record. To beat be their own athlete the 23-time Olympic and display the abilities time Olympic gold gold medalist's marks that they have. They medalist's marks requires near-supershould not be made to human levels of speed hold back for the sake requires nearand technique. There of fellow contestants. superhuman levels of Everyone progresses happens to be a Suin a sport at their own perman at the Salinas speed and technique. pace, and they should Aquatic Center in California. Clark Apuada is be able go up in diproving that the impossible can very vision without being questioned. I well become possible. am a firm believer in the idea that all Apuada, who is a part of the Monathletes have their own journeys and terey County Aquatic Team, broke goals that they want to achieve and Phelps' 100-meter butterfly record that they should be given the freedom on July 29, 2018, at the Far Western to do so. Apuada’s long-term goal of Championships in Moraga, Califorcompeting in the Olympics is an innia. Apuada’s time was 1:09.38, which spiring and, for him, attainable goal. was more than one second faster than In this world of possibilities, there Phelps’ 1:10.48. Phelps set that record are individuals like Clark Apuada who in 1995 at the Far West Nationals. Not are born with extraordinary talent, and only has Apuada received recognition they get the opportunity to find somefrom various news media, but he even thing that they are passionate about. got recognized by Phelps himself. The With the help of mentors and loved Olympian sent out a tweet a couple ones, they are able to accomplish inof days after the competition to concredible feats. gratulate Apuada on his achievement.

Apuada’s abilities are so outstanding that he is being placed in age divi-

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USA HIGH SCHOOL Free Style National Records 50 FREE BOYS — Caeleb Dressel — 19.29 GIRLS — Abbey Weitzeil — 21.64

100 FREE BOYS — David Nolan — 42.34 GIRLS — Abbey Weitzeil — 47.09

200 FREE BOYS — Trey Freeman — 1:33.06 GIRLS — Katie Ledecky — 1:41.55

500 FREE BOYS — Grant Shoults — 4:12.87 GIRLS — Katie Ledecky — 4:26.58

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Witcher Takes on New Horizons With Dual Enrollment Program

Written by: Alex Dunn | Photography by: Eric Vinson Junior and senior years of high school are a time when students need to begin seriously thinking about their lives after graduation. For many, college is the answer, and with it comes another question: What can I do to ensure a good start to a college career?

Abigail Witcher may have found a simple solution. A senior at Thomas County Central High School, Witcher takes Dual Enrollment classes at Southern Regional Technical College. She said that her school encourages all students to look into Dual Enrollment and that she began classes after discussing it with her guidance counselor.

According to the school’s website, the Dual Enrollment program gives high school students the opportunity to take college level courses that receive both high school and college credit. . Student can take academic degree level core courses that will transfer to any Technical College System of Georgia or University System of Georgia college or university, occupational courses, or diploma-level core courses.

For those who think that they may not have the extra time to take college courses alongside high school and athletics, they might be surprised by Witcher’s weekly schedule.

“I am given a free period in high school for each class I take with the college,” she said. “I take online Dual Enrollment classes, which allows for me to spend my free periods and any other free time I have to do my college work.”

Witcher, who has also been playing tennis for her school for three years, said that Dual Enrollment does not take time away from doing what she loves.

“Dual Enrollment gives me the freedom in high school I wouldn’t have taking regular classes,” she said. “With Dual Enrollment, I have more time to spend on the tennis court, as well as time to spend doing other school work."

On top of all the other benefits, any of these courses taken through Dual Enrollment are fully funded by the state of Georgia so that no student will have to pay out of pocket for books, college related fees, or tuition, according to the institution’s website.

“Through these courses, I have a head start on my college career,” Witcher said. “I now can jump straight into my preferred classes, rather than spending so much time and effort on core classes in college.”

High school students enrolled in an eligible Georgia high school or home study program are eligible to enroll in the program once they meet the college eligibility requirements.

“I recommend taking college courses through Dual Enrollment because it challenges you, gives you time for other activities, and gives you a head start on college and your future,” Witcher said. “I love that Dual Enrollment gives all students DOUBLE THE CREDIT. HALF THE TIME. ZERO THE TUITION. the opportunity to get so • Save time! You can earn an associate’s degree or professional diploma while far ahead. This finishing high school at NO COST to you or your parents. program is not for every• Save money! Your tuition, mandatory fees, and books are covered.

• Save HOPE credits! Courses taken under Dual Enrollment don’t count against body, but for those seeking the maximum hourly caps for HOPE scholarships or grants. a jumpstart • Flex your schedule! You can participate in Dual Enrollment in any semester – and on their future you can choose convenient times for on-campus or online classes. and more flex• Transfer your credits! Many of your academic credits are guaranteed to transfer ible schedules, to other colleges and universities in Georgia if you decide to continue your Dual Enrollstudies for a bachelor’s degree at a USG institution. ment is the way to go.”

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Macon County Student Takes College Career in Own Hands Written by: Alex Dunn | Photography by: Eric Vinson

“Students should participate in Dual Enrollment because it helps you get closer to your dreams and benefits you academically in high school and college,” McKenzie said. “Dual Enrollment gives you a head start on your career.”

Why South Georgia Technical College?

• Second oldest technical college in Georgia; celebrating the 70th anniversary of the first graduating class from 1949 • One of only two technical colleges in Georgia with on-campus housing • Free textbooks ( Students receive a book at the beginning of the semester and if they return it in good condition at the end of the semester, there is no cost.)

• 99% job placement of graduates • Over 200 associate degree, diploma, and technical certificate of credit programs available • 12:1 student-teacher ratio • Nationally ranked in academics, student activities, and athletics • The SGTC Lady Jets intercollegiate athletic basketball team is currently ranked 16th in the nation and has been to the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I National Tournament four of the last five seasons.

One of the many things a junior or senior can do in high school to make a positive impact on their college career before it has even started is to look into the Dual Enrollment program at their local colleges.

Any ninth through 12th-grade student enrolled in an eligible Georgia high school or home study program is eligible to enroll in the program after they have passed a required college placement exam.

Junior Julius McKenzie from Macon County High School is one of those students who decided to take his future college career in his own hands. He learned about South Georgia Technical College’s (SGTC) program through his counselor and peers at school.

According to SGTC’s website, the Dual Enrollment program gives high school students the opportunity to take college level courses that allow them to recieve both high school and college credits. They can take academic degree level core courses that will transfer to any Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) or University System of Georgia (USG) college or university, occupational courses, or diploma-level core courses.

“I have been able to complete courses that I would have been instructed to take in the next few years,” McKenzie said.

McKenzie is the point guard for his school’s basketball team, which takes up a lot of his time between his school work and the Dual Enrollment program, but he described basketball as something that helps with the stress.

“Basketball keeps me going when times or life become rough,” he said. “It means the world to me.”

Even when playing the sport he loves has him completely tired at the end of the day, McKenzie does not allow for his academics to fall behind.

“Dual Enrollment and athletics are stressful at times because there are days when I am straight exhausted but still manage to stay up late to finish assignments,” he said. “It’s even worse when I have away games, so I try going ahead and finishing assignments before games.”

While it is hard work, McKenzie is still able to recognize the benefits he will get out of Dual Enrollment and what it will mean when it is time for him to start college.

“It has boosted my GPA,” he said. “My class ranking has gone up.”

On top of that, any of these courses taken through Dual Enrollment are fully funded by the state of Georgia so that no student will have to pay out of pocket for books, any college related fees, or tuition, according to the website.

Dual Enrollment is not for everyone, something McKenzie was quick to point out after explaining the adjustments he had to get used to after taking on the program.

“Serious consequences come with Dual Enrollment,” he said. “Make sure you’re committed.”

ITG Next | 21

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More Than an Athlete Written by: Dominic Ligon | Photography by: Micki K Photography

Jackson Boeckel is an exceptional student-athlete who shows just as much dedication in the classroom as he does on the baseball field. Boeckel is currently a junior attending Camden County High School, while also dual-enrolling at Coastal Pines Technical College. He proves that average isn’t enough.

Growing up in Kingsland, Georgia, Boeckel has been playing baseball since the age of four. He comes from a baseball loving family and credits his parents for inspiring his passion for the game at such an early age. Although he originally played second base as a kid, Boeckel had to transition to playing behind the plate as catcher for the Wildcat squad. This transition taught him how to adapt quickly.

“To play catcher, you have to be aware of everything that’s going on in the game,” he said.

It’s safe to say that Boeckel’s keen awareness and willingness to adapt benefits his academics as well.

Deciding to register for Coastal Pines Technical College’s Dual Enrollment program was a no-brainer for Boeckel, considering he’d gain college credits while still in high school.

“I would recommend Dual Enrollment to any high school student that wants to further their education in college," he said. "It will give you the chance to knock out a couple of college courses early and get a head start. It’s only as complicated as you make it. If you use your time wisely, it makes things a lot easier.”

He admitted that hard work and consistency are needed to do both, but he doesn’t shy away from the workload.

The 17-year-old maintains a 4.0 GPA as an athlete and Dual Enrolled student. After high school, Boeckel hopes to play college baseball and also plans to major in engineering. There’s no doubt that there are big things to come for the young student-athlete.

There are 25 general education courses taught by Coastal Pines Technical College that are guaranteed to transfer to any of the University System of Georgia’s colleges and universities.

• American Government • American Literature • Art Appreciation • Biology Introduction I • Biology Introduction II • Calculus • Chemistry I (Intro) • Chemistry II (Intro) • College Algebra • Economics (Macro) • Economics (Micro) • Economics (Principles) • English Composition I

• English Composition II • Humanities (Intro) • Pre –Calculus • Psychology (Intro) • Public Speaking • Quantitative Skills & Reasoning • Sociology (Intro) • Statistics (Intro) • US History I • US History II • World History I • World History II

ITG Next | 23

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Bouncing Back Despite Setbacks Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Eric Vinson

When Emily Taylor was a 4-year-old, her dad took her to her first ever softball practice at the Valdosta State University Blazers' softball field.

While the other players were just figuring out which base to run to, Taylor was hitting balls all over the place.

“No one among the coaches and parents could believe I was catching on so easily,” Taylor said.

That love for the game of softball stuck with her, but like many young athletes, she enjoyed other sports. Taylor played Upward basketball and played in middle school.

But, softball was always Taylor’s calling. She began playing school and travel softball.

At the age of 10, she began playing with the CHAOS travel ball group. Taylor played catcher most of the time, although she also saw time at shortstop and third base. Fast pitch softball can be physically demanding on the catcher position. It became even tougher after Taylor had to overcome two major physical obstacles in her life. A third came later.

She first suffer a broken ankle on the last night of Vacation Bible School just before her sixth-grade season. Recovering from that injury required her to wear a brace in her very first game; soon after, her cast was removed.

Then, before her seventh-grade season, another major setback befell Taylor.

During a routine checkup back in the third grade, it was discovered that Taylor had a mild form of scoliosis. At the time, the affliction was not serious enough to keep her from participating in sports. When Taylor reached the seventh grade, follow-up tests revealed that her spine had curved to such a degree that her doctors in Jacksonville decided she needed surgery.

Taylor had two titanium rods inserted into her back to stabilize her spine. The operation and subsequent recovery sidelined her for eight months, keeping her away from sports. But, Taylor bounced back.

The man that took her to that first softball practice many years ago knew his daughter would be back.

“She showed the will and desire to get back on the field after the surgery,” her father, Jason Taylor, said. “She’s the type of athlete that

always shows determination, reliability, and commitment.”

That determination and commitment brought Taylor through her recovery and back to playing the game she loved. After all, softball was her sport, and she had even begun talking with college coaches about the possibility of playing after her high school days were finished.

Entering her freshman year at Valwood, Taylor decided to go to basketball tryouts. A friend, Paula Waldron, had convinced her to go along.

“I went to see what it was all about,” Taylor said.

“But, I wasn’t sure I was ready to play at that (high school) level.”

She went to tryouts and made the team, but her first year of playing basketball as a freshman wasn’t as fun as she had hoped. She considered quitting, but then a coaching change beITG Next | 25

fore her "When 10th-grade E m i l y started season changed taking herself her mind.

That new seriously on the coach, Stephanie basketball Johnson, court, she convinced went from Taylor to this quiet, stay. uncer“I could tain girl see that to one of Emily was our best an athlete, players," but it was “She grew into this Johnson obvious said. "She leadership position, has conthat softball was to and she is our vocal tinued her sport,” improved J o h n s o n leader. She is always t r e m e n said. “She dously.” encouraging her Ta y was very quiet on teammates to do their lor plays for the court best. She gives us a center Valwood, at first, and didn’t breath of fresh air.” and her quite know p o i n t — Stephanie Johnson p r o d u c what to do in certain tion has situations. She had trou- steadily improved: As ble getting the ball in the a freshman, she scored basket, but I always knew 71 points for the season. if she applied herself She increased that to 99 that she could become a points her next season. good player.”

Last year, her junior seaMeanwhile, back son, Taylor more than on the softball field, doubled her scoring to Johnson began notic- 251 points for the year. ing that a slight burn- So far in her final season, ing sensation in her Taylor is off to a great throwing shoulder was start, according to Johngetting worse. A visit to son. a doctor brought bad “She grew into this news: The pain and in- leadership position, and jury that Taylor suffered she is our vocal leadwas probably due to er," Johnson said. "She overuse from her years is always encouraging of playing year-round her teammates to do softball. Surgery would their best. She gives us a likely reduce her overall breath of fresh air.” range of motion signifiTaylor said basketball cantly. He told her that has maybe done more she could finish out her for her than the sport she high school softball loved and excelled at all career, but any idea of her life. playing beyond that “Basketball has taught was out of the question. me more discipline than Taylor’s softball days softball, I think,” she said. were over.

Fortunately, that didn’t “Basketball requires and mean an end to playing promotes more of a team basketball. That thrilled concept.”

Taylor, but she knew there was still room to improve, as did her coach.

26 | itgnext.com

“She’s the type of athlete that always shows determination, reliability, and commitment.”

— Jason Taylor

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With a total of 12 region, six state, and 11 grand championships under their belts within the last 15 years, Pierce County High School’s cheer team definitely has some bragging rights. Much of that credit goes to the head competition cheer coach, Amy Nimmer, who has been coaching at PCHS for, coincidently, the last 15 years.

When Nimmer first started coaching, she said they were the kind of team that was happy to just be called to the floor during competitions.

Cheer Team Tumbles Over

the Competition

Written by: By Alex Dunn | Photography by: Micki K. Photography

“That was the wrong mindset to have,” she said. “You have to push athletes and get them out of their comfort zone in order to see something extraordinary happen.”

Since winning their first state title in 2012, that outlook has completely changed.

“Now, each year these athletes come with the mindset of what do we have to do to win another state title,” Nimmer said. “It’s no longer about getting to the floor; it is about disciplining yourself to get to that No. 1 spot.”

Nimmer’s team consists of 19 girls, 16 of whom compete. She said that potential can take a while to show itself, but that’s what she is there for.

The GHSA has a degree of difficulty set that cheer tryouts must have.

Nimmer explained that out of the 16 athletes 28 | itgnext.com

who compete, 14 of them have to be able to tumble with a tuck or higher. They will reserve spots for two other girls to have the opportunity to act as bases.

“Sometimes it takes several years for them to get where I think they should be, but how awesome is it to see it when they peak,” Nimmer said.

Senior Zoie Johnson, main base, has been on the team all four years. She understands the hard work that comes with being on a team that has been undefeated all season for the past four years.

“The challenges we face at practice are getting focused and just trying to find the little bit of energy we have left after an hour and a half of working out,” Johnson said. “We go straight into two hours of practice, with little downtime. Our biggest challenge at competitions is keeping our nerves controlled. I can get overwhelmed at times because of the pressure, and we just have to turn all of that into motivation to perform better.”

For the upcoming school year, Nimmer has already put some thought into how she wants to further challenge her team.

“I have already been thinking about the New Year and what we can do to push ourselves to the next level," Nimmer said. "We look to the higher classifications to see how we can become a stronger team. Northgate has always been one of our favorite teams and helps motivate our team.”

Shining a Light Through All Levels of Sport “Only God can do this," said Dabo Swinney, head football coach for the Clemson Tigers.

"If anybody thinks anything different, they’re really missing it. This is nothing that I’ve done.

Truly, only God can write a script like this.”

After winning the National Championship game in California, those words resonated throughout the stadium as players and fans rushed the field to congratulate the Clemson Tigers for their win against Alabama. Swinney has shared on numerous occasions about his relationship with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and how FCA

“gives a hope and peace that only a relationship with Jesus Christ can give”. It is the desire of FCA to continue the legacy of all coaches, and we continue to work to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and leave a legacy of more than just winning sports, but one of eternal value.

The annual Spring Fundraising Banquet will be held on February 18, 2019, at the Lowndes High School Cafetorium with Dan Mullen, head football coach for the University of Florida, as the guest speaker. Table sponsorships are already being bought, so don’t miss out on your opportunity to have a meet

and greet with Dan Mullen and a great time of fellowship and spiritual renewal. Buy your sponsorship today by calling the FCA office at (229) 245-1717 or sending an email to Meg (mbooth@ fca.org). She will be glad to help you get on the list for a sponsorship!

The Berrien County Banquet will be held on March 18, 2019, at Flat Creek Church Family Life Center in Nashville, Georgia. The doors will open at 6 p.m., and the guest speaker is Gabe Giardina, head football coach for Albany State University. Call the FCA office or Keith Powell at (229) 300-9281 to purchase a table sponsorship!

The Cook County Banquet will be held on April 11, 2019, at Lenox Baptist Church Family Life Center.

The doors will open at 6 p.m., and the guest speaker will be Randall Godfrey, former linebacker for the University of Georgia.

Call the FCA office or see an Adel Adult Chapter member to purchase a table sponsorship!

We have a great banquet season coming upon us, and we are so thankful for all of the many volunteers

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State Champions There's No Stopping a Runaway Freight Train Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Michael Brinson

The Frederica Academy Knights clinched their second GISA state championship in school history with a commanding 48-0 victory over rival John Milledge Academy in the Class 3A title game at Mercer University’s Five-Star Stadium.

It marked the first title ever under head football coach Brandon Derrick, who just completed his sixth season at the St. Simons school.

The path to the championship began with a bit of a rough patch for Frederica. The Knights opened the 2018 season against traditional GHSA powerhouse Charlton County and coach Rich McWhorter. The Indians not only won the game 28-21, but the loss took a physical toll on Frederica, according to Derrick.

"We came out of that game really banged up," Derrick said. "Jaylin Simpson suffered a torn tendon in his toe, and several other guys had quite a few bumps and bruises.”

Things didn’t get any easier for Derrick’s troops in Week 2. The defending state champion Valwood Valiants came calling to Frederica and came away with a hard-fought 7-6 overtime win. That left Frederica with an 0-2 start to the season and had some fans wondering if the Knights would be able to bounce back.

Indeed they did, beginning with their first road game of the season at Lanier County. It was against the Bulldogs in Lakeland that Frederica was finally able to get 30 | itgnext.com

their first win of the season, by a score of 60-40.

In fact, that kick started the Knights' season, as they reeled off five consecutive wins, beginning with Bethlehem Christian, then Augusta Prep, followed by Pinewood Christian, Westfield, and Trinity Christian. In that six-game winning streak, Frederica averaged 52 points per game, while improving their record to 6-2. In the next game versus John Milledge Academy, Fredrica suffered a familiar fate: a 1-point loss in an overtime game. Just as they had done against Valwood, the Knights lost 14-13 in overtime against John Milledge.

While the loss was tough to take, it proved to be a lesson learned, according to Derrick.

“The John Milledge game was a wake-up call for us,” Derrick said. “We

knew from that moment on that we had to play better if we still wanted to accomplish our goals.”

With his team able to regroup and put the loss behind them, they travelled to Bulloch and won a big time game by a score of 49-24. According to Derrick, it was during this game that the tide seemed to turn for the Frederica Knights.

“I remember everything was going our way that night," he said.

"We actually led at the half by a 42-0 score, and you could tell the players and coaching staff was ready. They all

had that look in their

eyes, and we kind of knew then that everything had changed for the better. Players were ready to believe in themselves and each other.”

The win over Bulloch clinched the region championship for Frederica and gave the Knights a much needed first round bye. Next were the playoffs, and the opponent was Valwood once again. Unlike the first meeting that saw the Valiants get the upper hand, Frederica dominated this

time around, winning 60-27. Another blowout victory in the semifinal matchup against Heritage showed everyone what Derrick had pointed out back in the Bulloch game: The team was clicking, and it was going to be hard to stop the runaway freight train known as Frederica Academy football. In the GISA Class 3A State Championship game, Frederica faced off in a rematch with John Milledge Academy. In the previous game, played just

a few weeks earlier, the Knights had suffered a tough, 1-point loss.

However, when it counted the most, Frederica won easily by a final of 48-0. That not only gave the Knights their second overall state championship in school history, but also gave Derrick’s team a 10-win season.

State Champions High Expectations and Back-to-Back State Titles Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Cindy Rewis

The Clinch County Panthers are accustomed to winning state titles, including this past season’s GHSA Class 1A Public championship.

But, according to head coach Jim Dickerson, that often means high expectations, and this year was no different.

“We went into the season with high expectations, as we always do," Dickerson said. "But graduation hit

us really hard last year.

We lost two D-1 (Division I) players in Charles McClelland (University of Cincinnati) and John Mincy (University of Tennessee), so we knew this season was going to be a real challenge.”

In addition to the key talent lost, Dickerson had another concern.

“We also lost a lot of depth, so we knew there would be a lot of guys having to play offense, defense, and on special teams,” he said.

As he and the Panthers always seem to do, Dickerson found a way to not only make it back to a state title game, but win it as well.

Notching their second straight championship and third in the last four years, Clinch County did it against a familiar opponent in the Irwin County Indians, defeating Buddy Nobles’ team by a 27-20 score.

The 2018 season started out well for Clinch County, winning a big one right out of the gate against Hebron Christian.

“We were fortunate to win that one,” Dicker-

son said. ”We had to intercept a pass in the end zone at the end of the game to get the victory.”

That indeed preserved a 24-17 win for the Panthers, setting up another run to the title.

After impressive wins over Brooks County and Dooly, Clinch faced Irwin County in a rematch of last year’s title matchup.

In this game, it was all Irwin County, who exacted a bit of revenge over the Panthers, winning 21-3.

The loss handed Clinch their first loss of the season, giving them a 3-1 record. The loss seemed to be a wake-up call of sorts for Dickerson’s troops, as they reeled off six consecutive victories to close the regular season at 9-1, heading into the state playoffs. A first round bye was a welcomed rest for the Panthers, who had some key players nursing injuries, according to Dickerson.

“Trezman Marshall had a labrum (shoulder) injury last year with his left side, and he injured the other side about midway through this past season, so he really benefited from any down time, especially heading into the playoffs,” Dickerson said.

The rest appeared to help Marshall and his teammates, as they resumed play in Round 2, defeating Mt. Zion 35-7.

The momentum carried over into the semifinal game, a 31-23 victory over Marion County.

That set up a rematch of last year’s state final contest against Irwin County. While the Indians

defeated Clinch in the regular season, the only loss for Clinch, Dickerson and his Panthers got the best of their region opponents once again in the title game, winning 27-20. The big play was a 60-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tyler Moorhead to sixfoot-seven wide receiver Jeremiah Johnson with just under five minutes remaining in the game to give Clinch County a two-touchdown lead.

Dickerson singled out Moorehead for stepping up this year as the team’s quarterback, as well as the entire offensive line.

“It was truly a total team effort,” Dickerson said. “Moorehead is going to truly be a superstar. he’s just a sophomore, so I look forward to having him back next season.”

With the win, Clinch secured back-to-back state titles, finishing with a 13-1 record.

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State Champions A Cinderella Story: From 5-5 to State Champs Written by: Phil Jones | Photography courtesy of Brooke Paige

Talk about a Cinderella story. That is the 2018 Bainbridge Bearcat team, which came out of nowhere to win the Class 5A state championship. A 5-5 team in the regular season, Bainbridge stunned the high school football world in Georgia en route to the school's second state championship ever.

Under coach Jeff Littleton, Bainbridge started off the 2018 season with impressive wins over Seminole County and long-time rival Cairo. At 2-0, things were looking good for the Bearcats. Then, Bainbridge went into a rut with four straight losses, starting with a road loss at Lincoln High of Tallahassee, a tough 2-point loss to Brooks County, then home losses to Crisp County and Tift County. Even though the ‘Cats were at 2-4 after the Tift loss, it was that

very contest against the Blue Devils that Littleton pointed to as one of the season’s turning points.

“In the game versus Tift, we actually led at halftime 14-10," he said.

"Even though we lost the game (31-14), we found something we could build on.”

And they did. After the Tift County loss, Bainbridge and Littleton won eight of their next nine games. That included a 27-14 win over Veterans High School.

After a forgettable loss against Warner Robins, the Bearcats reeled off impressive wins over Harris County and then Thomas County Central in the regular season finale. The Bearcats entered the playoffs with a 5-5 overall record and a 3-1 region mark, good enough for the No. 2 seed. That ensured a first round playoff game at home for Bainbridge,

something Littleton pointed to as another possible turning point in his team’s season.

“Having that home game to start the playoffs was huge," he said. "It gives you a fighting chance to get off to a good start in the postseason.”

While Bainbridge took advantage of the home playoff game versus Jones County, winning 40-13, it was what they were able to do in the next five games on the road that were without a doubt the biggest wins in Bainbridge football history and in Littleton’s brief history with the Bearcats. The miraculous run began with a victory over the previously undefeated Wayne County Yellow Jackets.

Bainbridge defeated the Jackets by a touchdown, 26-19, and advanced to play the Buford Wolves.

Littleton recalled how

his team prepared for Buford, deciding not to refer to them as Buford.

“We (coaches) got together and decided not to refer to them by name,” Littleton said.

“We simply called them ‘The Green Team’ during our preparation for the game. That’s what the

players referred to them as, and that sort of took away some of that mystique surrounding a team with their tradition.”

The game that many refer to as the turning point of the season for Bainbridge was the exciting playoff victory over Buford, 23-20. Littleton admitted that after the Buford win, the team started believing that “maybe we’ve got a shot.” Bainbridge defeated Stockbridge the following week by a 2019 score to set up the improbable rematch between the Bearcats and the Warner Robins Demons for the state championship.

Warner Robins had defeated Bainbridge easily during the regular season 38-0, so Littleton’s Bearcats were a decidedly heavy underdog headed into the state final at Mercedes Benz Stadium. After jumping out to a big 28-0 lead to start the game, Warner Robins climbed back to tie the game at the end of regulation 3535. In one of the craziest games of the entire twoday GHSA finals event, Bainbridge held on to win in three overtimes by a 47-41 final score.

The win gave Littleton's team the distinction of becoming the first team in Georgia since 1992 to go from .500 in the regular season to a state championship.

Bainbridge finished with a 10-5 overall record.

ITG Next | 33

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State Champions Humble and Hungry Is the Motto Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

The Lee County Trojans continued to amaze everyone with an incredible run through the 2018 season, finishing with a 15-0 record en route to a state championship in GHSA Class 6A. Lee County finished off their first ever undefeated season by defeating fellow Region 1-6A rival Northside (Warner Robins) by a 14-0 score.

The title was the team's second consecutive state championship and put coach Dean Fabrizio’s Trojans in select company: Since the GHSA began crowning a state champion in 1947, Lee County became just the 13th school to win back-to-back state titles in the state’s two highest classifications, including 6A and 7A. Preseason polls had Lee County as the team

to beat in Georgia’s Class 6A. After all, Lee County was the defending state champion, and with their roster, the Trojans were a unanimous No. 1 pick to go all the way once again.

Fabrizio knew that the challenge would be managing the high expectations of his football team. So, he and his staff decided to come up with a team motto that would hopefully keep the players grounded.

“We decided to adopt the motto, ‘stay humble and hungry,’" Fabrizio said. “we talked to the kids about not letting all the praise and attention go to their heads.”

The season started with a 41-point win over Dougherty High. Then,

a familiar name in the world of Fabrizio came calling to the home stadium of Lee County in Dr. Phillips High of Orlando. Fabrizio was an assistant coach for the Florida school in the '90s, and their head coach, Rodney Wells, played for Fabrizio during that time. The game was a much anticipated contest between two defending state champions, as Dr. Phillips had won the FHSA Class 8A championship in 2017. In the end, however, Lee prevailed easily with a 35-3 win.

Another school where Fabrizio formerly coached as an assistant, Peach County, visited Leesburg in Week 3, and the Trojans recorded their first shutout of the year 33-0.

After breezing through the remainder of their non-region schedule with wins over Americus Sumter, Southwest (Macon), and Thomson to go 5-0, the region portion of the schedule arrived. Lee County opened with a 24-7 win over Northside (Warner Robins), a foreshadowing of things to come.

Perhaps the biggest win outside of the championship game came in the second region game of the season for Lee County. The Trojans defeated the mighty Valdosta Wildcats by a 63-7 score, handing Valdosta their worst defeat in school history. The win also avenged a 3-point loss to the ‘Cats from the

season before that was the only blemish on Lee’s 2017 record.

Lee County then recorded its fourth shutout of the year with a 45-0 win over Houston County to improve to 9-0 on the season. The regular season finale pitted Lee against its state championship opponent from a season ago, Coffee High School. Unlike that game, an overtime affair that saw Lee win the state title in exciting fashion, this was no such contest, as Lee County won 38-7 to close out the regular season at 10-0 overall.

A 4-0 region mark was good enough for the top seed in Region 1-6A heading into the state playoffs.

There, Lee rolled through Mundy’s Mill, Effingham County, Creekview, and Lanier to advance to its second consecutive state championship game.

On the big stage of the Class 6A state championship game, held for the first time at Mercedez Benz Stadium, Lee County battled with a familiar foe: region oppo-

nent Northside (Warner Robins). In a hard fought game that saw the vaunted Trojan defense come up big, Lee had its lowest offensive output of the season with just two touchdowns, but enough to win its second straight GHSA title 14-0. Lee County received an invitation to participate in the four-team Geico Champions Bowl Series, a high school showcase event matching state champions from Georgia, Washington, Maryland, and Arizona. Lee County was chosen to play St. Frances Academy, a state champion from Maryland, in their final game of the season. The game was held at Lee County’s stadium in Leesburg in front of a capacity crowd and was also shown to a national audience on ESPNU. St. Frances won the game 43-14 in the exhibition contest. The loss was the only blemish in an otherwise perfect season for the Trojans. Lee County finished 15-1.

ITG Next | 35

State Champions Central High School Wins First Football State Title in 25 Years Written by: Beth Welch | Photography courtesy of Central High School

It was their year.

That statement pretty much sums up the 2018 Red Devils of Central High School’s football season. Everything just came together for head coach Jamey DuBose in his fifth season with the Phenix City, Alabama, football program.

The Red Devils finished their stellar season 14-0, defeating Thompson High School in the Alabama Class 7A state championship 52-7. It was the first time the Phenix City program has had an undefeated/untied season in 74 years.

For DuBose and his team, it was all about finishing. The past three

36 | itgnext.com

years the Red Devils have been very close to the state title, but each time came away empty handed. All four teams have been loaded with talent, and expectations were high for the past three seasons just like this time around. So, what was the difference this year?

“One play,” DuBose said, joking.

On a more serious note, DuBose said this year’s team had a better developed leadership style, which led to a more defined trust among his players.

“One of our coaches, Tripp Duke, came to me last year and discussed

his desire to start teaching leadership classes to our guys," DuBose said. "We wanted to be able to teach them some things that related to what they needed to know about dealing with life and how to manage different things that go on for a better life after they leave here. We wanted them to know we are worried about them as people, not just players. I think that developed a trust and strong bond with us and with each other."

The head coach said he thinks that really came into play when the team fell behind in the semifinal game. For the past

few seasons, that was a familiar pattern, but this season DuBose said his team hung in there with a real leadership style.

“They finished it," he said. "They trusted each other to get the job done."

The Red Devils finished it, alright. In the state title game, D.J. Rias took the opening kickoff downfield for 67 yards, setting up the chance to score first.

Quarterback Peter Parrish (an LSU commit) rushed 100 yards, had one touchdown on 11 carries, no interceptions, and had five out of nine pass completions for 78

yards. He was named MVP for the game.

The 52-7 win was legendary and will keep fans talking all the way to next season. DuBose will lose some 40 seniors, four of whom will be playing Division I football next year. But the Red Devils head football coach doesn’t seem to be worried. His program has grown so much in his five years at the helm that players moving up have already had a lot of playing experience when they get to the starting lineup.

“We really don’t like to call it rebuilding," DuBose said. "We like to say we reload.”

DuBose never played on a championship team as a high school football athlete in Opp, Alabama. But, he has been the coach for two other state championship teams. Prior to coming to Central, DuBose coached in Prattville, where his teams won state titles in Alabama Class 6A in 2008 and 2011.

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Road to the Throne Written by: Joshua Miller | Photography by: Eric Vinson, Juston Lewis, and Beth Tate

Valdosta State’s football team finished 2018 as Division II national champions in a season that can only be recognized as the best in program history.

The Blazers not only won every game, but they dominated just about every opponent that stood in their way.

VSU entered the season unranked and was pegged as the fifth seed in the Gulf South Conference for the preseason polls. Even though the Blazers finished with an unflattering 5-4 record in 2017, the rankings seemed like a slight toward the program given that their 2017 campaign was handicapped.

The end of 2017 was a time for the Blazers to find themselves. Quarterback Rogan Wells earned the starting spot as a freshman, and head coach Kerwin Bell decided to invest most of his recruitment in building around Wells.

Bell brought in a recruiting class of freshmen and transfers that was the perfect match of speed, strength, and skill to his current roster.

Another significant change was that Bell turned to his son, Kade Bell, and gave him the responsibilities of offensive coordinator after serving as the quarterbacks coach for two seasons.

40 | itgnext.com

It all started right here.

It seems like just yesterday. You were running around the backyard playing football with your dad, dreaming about the big game. Now, here you are. You’ve made the team. You’re taking the field. And we’re here to cheer you on.

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These alterations to the roster were vital to the team’s upcoming season, and when they kicked off 2018, VSU hit the ground running.

The first two games were out-of-conference matchups in which VSU blew out each team by at least 30 points. Week 3 was their first high profile matchup against West Alabama, who was ranked No. 8 in the nation at the time.

VSU quickly showed that being No. 8 in the nation was not enough to top them, and the Blazers won 58-24. This signified that the Blazers were going to be much better than many expected.

The Blazers swept through the next six games, scoring a total of 317 points and allowing 133 points against them.

By this time, VSU was a threat across the nation but still didn’t reap the same respect as their rivals did all season long.

VSU played West Georgia for the regular season finale and the GSC championship. At this point, VSU ranked No. 5 in the nation, while West Georgia ranked third, but when the game kicked off, rank was thrown out the window.

VSU proved that their highest scoring offense in the nation was impossible to conquer. VSU took the GSC Championship in a 47-31 victory and earned the top seed in the region.

The Blazers proved the doubters were wrong, but they had complet-

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ed just one half of their goal. The next half was the playoffs; VSU had a first-round bye and held homefield advantage until the championship.

They were now legitimate threats to win it all.

Their first matchup was against Bowie State and the nation’s leader in passing yards, Amir Hall.

The game was competitive in the first half, but the Blazers figured out Bowie State by halftime and outscored them 45-0 in the second half. The Blazers advanced to the quarterfinals in a 66-16 victory.

Lenoir-Rhyne was next on the Blazers’ hitlist, and that game was far from competitive. VSU won with ease 61-21 and had two more games before etching themselves in DII football history.

Notre Dame College was next and showed the Blazers resistance for the first time in the postseason. Notre Dame’s running back, Jaleel McLaughlin, led the nation in rushing yards and was another Harlon Hill finalist.

The Blazers showed resiliency when they needed it and squeezed out a 30-24 victory after Notre Dame College tried to make a comeback in the final minutes of regulation. This game was the perfect scenario of give and take that the Blazers needed exposure to before entering the national championship.

Their ticket was now stamped to the grandest stage in DII football, and VSU flew down to McKinney, Texas, to face Ferris State and quarterback Jayru Campbell. Campbell ended up winning the Harlon Hill Trophy as Wells finished second in voting.

The match was set: Two undefeated teams, the Harlon Hill Trophy winner against the runner-up, clashed together

They were now legitimate threats to win it all.

for the national championship. It was an instant classic, like two heavyweights standing in the middle of the ring going blow for blow for the title.

The game came down to Ferris State’s final drive. VSU was up 4941 as Ferris State started their drive with 2:17 left in the game. Campbell marched them downfield, and Ferris State ended up scoring with 45 seconds left. The score was now 49-47.

A 2-point conversion was needed to force overtime. Ferris State’s Jevon Shaw rolled out and found his receiver streaking open in the end zone, but the pass sailed right over the fingertips of the Ferris State receiver and landed incomplete.

The Blazers ran the clock out and were then crowned national champions.

“When we started here three years ago, we had a plan,” Kerwin Bell said after the championship win. “And we stuck to that plan and knew exactly what we needed to do to get the job done. … We found some guys who really became champions on the field tonight. That makes me proud of our coaches and our players. They gave me everything I’ve asked for the last three years to get us to where we are today.”

Most of VSU’s impact players are set to return in 2019, but there will be a few faces missing on the sidelines.

In January, Bell took the job as offensive coordinator at University of South Florida; offensive line coach Jeremy

Darveau followed Bell and will coach the offensive line at USF. Another departure was defensive coordinator Danny Verpaele. He left for the defensive backs coaching position at Kennesaw State.

That leaves Kade Bell and the other position coaches on staff, for now.

The good news is that Bell led an offense that averaged a nation-leading 52.2 points per game and the Blazers will still have a talented roster.

Nonetheless, the hiring of a new head coach may shift their chances of repeating as national champions in 2019.

Albany State W 45-14 Fort Valley State W 55-6 West Alabama W 58-24 Shorter W 52-0 Mississippi College W 63-42 Delta State W 59-28 Florida Tech W 51-21 North Greenville W 44-21 West Florida W 48-21 West Georgia W 47-31 Seed Bowie State W 66-16 Seed Lenoir-Rhyne W 61-21 Notre Dame College W 30-24 Ferris State W 49-47

ITG Next | 43

First Hardaway Athlete To Commit to Play Division II Since 2012 Written by: Beth Welch Photography by: Beth Welch

Genesis Adams gets asked about her name pretty often. She smiled as she explained her mother gave her the name because it signified a new beginning. It seems an appropriate name for the first athlete at Hardaway High School in any sport to commit to play Division II college athletics since 2012.

When the 5’10” multi-sport athlete graduates in May, she will transition to playing basketball for Tuskegee University. Not only is it an unusual set of circumstances for Adams to be the first Hawk in years to play Division II sports, it is also unusual for an athlete of her caliber to have advanced so quickly.

Adams only began playing basketball in the eighth grade.

“All my life I wanted to be a dancer; I wasn’t interested in sports,” Adams said, laughing.

In her last year of middle school, Adams decided to give sports a shot. She participated in volleyball, basketball, and track. All three sports were equal as far as interest, but she admitted maybe basketball edged out the other two just a bit.

After Adams chose to attend Hardaway and to participate in the school’s International Baccalaureate program, she continued to be a three-sport athlete.

Playing three sports in high school is difficult enough, but combining practices and games with the intense academic schedule of the IB program is impressive.

Her freshman year started her routine of volleyball in the fall, basketball in the winter, and track and field in the spring. Adams’ track season includes multiple events: hurdles, high jump, relays, discus, and shot put.

“All my life I wanted to be a dancer; I wasn’t interested in sports.”

— Genesis Adams

giate career playing at Shorter and held assistant coaching jobs in other places before joining her alma mater’s athletic department. Ellison considers Adams to be a coach’s dream. According to her, Adams has a great attitude, does whatever is asked of her, and is a stellar student-athlete.

The center and sometimes power forward really came into her game in 2017.

Before then, Adams spent her freshman and sophomore years as backup for more experienced athletes. She does not consider that experience to have been wasted. Adams said she would study the opponents and analyze their strengths and weaknesses before she was called into the game.

Her highest scoring game last season netted the Lady Hawks 28 points. Adams is also proficient in rebounds and brings strong leadership to her team. Even though she has found basketball to be the means to attend college, Adams set a high standard for academics long before her talent on the court caught up to her.

Dually enrolled at Georgia Military College and Columbus State, Adams currently holds a 3.8 GPA and will have several college credits when she leaves high school. While she has “grown” into sports and developed a love for basketball, Adams is focused on her priorities.

“You’re privileged to play sports," she said. "Some people have lots of “I don’t like to do nothing," she said. "I like talent, but they don’t get anywhere because they didn’t have the grades.

There is going to be an after.” to keep busy."

When HHS athletic director and head girls basketball coach Kendall Mills passed the reins of the girls program over to Kelly Ellison in 2016, it didn’t take long for the new coach to spot something different about Adams.

“The first thing I noticed was when everyone was running, Genesis was running," Ellison said.

"She was way ahead of everyone else. I mean, she was out there every time, and it was surprising."

Herself a product of Hardaway, Ellison graduated in 2008 and played basketball all four years of high school for the Lady Hawks. She finished her colle44 | itgnext.com

Making a Run for It Written by: Justin Chandler Photography by: Eric Vinson

Deerfield-Windsor’s track and field team was the team to beat last season. Athletes from the boys and girls teams won state titles in a combined 11 events in the spring of 2018. The girls team won the state title, and the boys team were runners-up. Coach Jake Clawson is heading into his first season as the official track and field head coach at Deerfield-Windsor and plans to make this season the best one yet.

Clawson began as a history teacher in the fall of 2015 at Deerfield and shortly after was given the opportunity to coach the boys cross country team. He took over the girls cross country team the following season and was an assistant coach for the track and field team. When the previous coach decided to scale back his responsibilities and the girls track and field coach became the athletic director, Clawson was asked to take over both programs.

“I was eager for the challenge," Clawson said. "I ran cross country and track in college

at Western Carolina University, so it was a natural fit."

The program will have six or seven seniors returning who will be able to score points at the region and state meets.

Returning for the boys team are John Collier Logan, who is one of the top throwers in the GISA, and Ford Bennett, who is an 800-meter specialist. Returning for the girls team is Catherine Peacock, who is an important member of the 4x400 relay.

For the majority of the team, voluntary workouts will begin in January. The distance runners train for the entire year besides the short break they take after cross country season ends.

“They took their two weeks off after the season, and now they’re in the process of building an aerobic base for the spring,” Clawson said of his distance runners.

have their first meet March 6.

Clawson is preparing his team for another state title. They proved to be one of the best teams in the state last season and plan on doing the same this year. The team knows what it takes to be champions, and Clawson expects his team to train like it.

“I expect our kids to be focused on what they can do on a day-to-day basis to achieve those goals, whether that’s recovering properly, pushing through a tough workout, or competing at a meet,” Clawson said.

The girls team has won 5 state titles in a row. The boys team won a state title in 2017 and were runners-up last year. Clawson plans to build on that this upcoming season.

Their first meet of the season is on March 1-2 at the Nike Panther Relays in Fayetteville, Georgia, where the more advanced runners will be selected to compete.

The rest of the team will

ITG Next | 45

Pine Grove Middle’s Bundle of Joy Written By: Kaylee Kopke Photography by: Eric Vinson

If you have a positive outlook on life and you don’t let anything hold you back, then you’ll be able to do all of the things that you love.

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Allea Christopher was born 10 weeks premature. She was hospitalized in the NICU in Macon, Georgia, and then returned to South Georgia Medical Center before being discharged home. Nine months later she started receiving physical therapy; at 18 months old, she was officially diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Christopher began using her first wheelchair at 3 years old.

Having to endure such health problems at an early age can certainly bring down the spirits of any person, but not Christopher. On the contrary, she does not let anything stop her. According to her mother, Jessica Rhodes, Christopher has always been a happy and loving child. She enjoys laughing, singing country music, and being around her friends and family.

“She makes friends very easily and, thankfully, has always been accepted by her peers and loved by her teachers," Rhodes said.

When it comes to activities, no matter the hobby or sport, Christopher will do whatever it takes to participate in them. This love for sports all started with her love for Vikings football.

“Allea is a huge fan of the Lowndes High Viking football team and attends every home game," Rhodes said.

"She has always enjoyed watching the cheerleaders as well.”

When Christopher was 8 years old, she got the opportunity to participate in the Little Vikes Cheer Camp at Lowndes High School, which fanned the cheer spark into a flame.

“From that point on, she has always wanted to be a cheerleader,” Rhodes said.

Christopher is currently a cheerleader for Pine Grove Middle School and is considered their very own bundle of joy.

Christopher has also participated in various sport while growing up.

In the fifth grade, she participated in Girls on the Run and completed a 5K. She is also in the Special Olympics, rides horses,

and plays baseball through the Miracle League.

“Allea does not allow her wheelchair to hinder her from participating in any activity," Rhodes said.

Christopher’s story is one that inspires many.

She is not bound by her diagnosis or to her wheelchair. Her story just goes to show that it’s all about the perspective that you have on life. If you have a positive outlook on life and you don’t let anything hold you back, then you’ll be able to do all of the things that you love.

— PHOTOGRAPHY —

Contact info: cevinson9216@gmail.com 229-412-1296 Eric Vinson

evdreamswild

Player Turned Coach Written by: Justin Chandler Photography by: Eric Vinson

wants her girls to grow as individual young ladies and as a team.

Lewis relates well to her players because she was once in their shoes and knows what it takes to make it at the next level.

Turner County High School's girls basketball team has found themselves a new head coach. Tia Lewis, who is originally from Worth County, stepped up and took the position in April of last year. Lewis played basketball for Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. She finished her collegiate career as the 10th alltime leading scorer and is one of only six players in the history of the program to have grabbed over 1,000 rebounds.

After college she spent a short time playing in the WNBA for the Washington Mystics. After she was waived by the team, Lewis spent three seasons playing overseas in Israel, Bulgaria, and Slovakia.

When she decided it was time to step away from her pro career, she knew she wanted to share her experience with younger athletes to help them grow.

“My love for the game led me to coaching after playing pro48 | itgnext.com

fessionally overseas," Lewis said. "I knew I didn’t want to play any longer; therefore, coaching the game was the next best thing.”

In January 2018, Lewis was introduced to coach Shedric Office, who was coaching both the girls and boys teams at Turner at the time. Lewis was asked to speak to the team last season due to her background and experience playing basketball.

From there on she continued to help the team in practices and in the playoffs. When the season came to an end, she sat down with the coach and had a conversation about her taking over the girls program.

“I saw a light in the girls that would return the next year," Lewis said. "I accepted the position and was officially hired in April (2018).”

This being her first season as head coach, Lewis is already setting big goals in hopes of winning a state title in the near future. She

— TIA LEWIS

My love for the game led me to coaching after playing professionally overseas.

“I use my experience to help lead by simply explaining my journey, by letting them know I am from a neighboring small city and they can make it just as I did,” Lewis said.

Lewis uses her experience as a tool to help coach and lead her young players. Showing her team new drills, information, and plays that worked for her team in college will ultimately help them succeed.

She said that the most rewarding part of mentoring student-athletes is watching them evolve into young women on and off the court.

“There’s more to life than just basketball, and that’s what I try to instill in them,” Lewis said.

Lewis plans to continue coaching and teaching at Turner and is excited to see what the future holds.

CONGRATULATIONS SENIORS!

Image courtesy of Brooks County via Twitter

Image courtesy of www.brooks.k12.ga.us

Graduation Collaboration Tae Gray - University of South Florida Anthony Daniels - Florida A&M Deon Fountain - Coastal Carolina University

Principal Christine Freeman recognized Kasey Knight and Lee and Pickels Drugs as one of Brooks County Middle School’s Pledge 2 Graduate partners. P2G is a collaborative initiative between Brooks County Schools and local businesses to promote graduation.

Grant Awarded for Mobile Literacy Classroom Brooks County High School instructional coach Ashlee Gruno was awarded a grant from the Robert Ward Chambers Foundation to develop a mobile literacy classroom.

Image courtesy of www.brooks.k12.ga.us

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

PROUD TO BE YOUR HOMETOWN PHARMACY. ITG Next | 49

Image courtesy of Lowndes via Facebook

Image courtesy of Lowndes via Facebook

Vikettes Give Back

Team of Excellence

During their Christmas break, the Vikettes basketball players and coaching staff visited Pruitt Nursing Home to distribute gifts to residents. They distributed over 25 shoe boxes filled with items the residents could use, played Bingo, popped popcorn, and sang Christmas carols with the residents.

Lowndes High School received a Team of Excellence award for winning multiple state championships in the 2000s decade (in '04, '05, and '07). Head football coach Randy McPherson shared the award with school board members.

Heading to Clemson Written by: Justin Chandler

Image courtesy of Lowndes via Facebook

Lowndes High School is known for having a successful athletic program. A recent athlete to commit to playing at the next level is softball star Madison May. May committed to play softball at Clemson University and is in her final season at Lowndes High School. She received the Hitter of the Week award after the Vikettes' Sept. 13 defeat of Tift County. Winning 16-0, Madison went 5 for 8, with two home runs, eight RBIs, nine runs scored, and five walks. May doesn’t plan on slowing down after high school.

Someone you can count on.

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

Barry Broome 50 | itgnext.com

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

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

ITG Next | 51

Image courtesy of Dooly County via Twitter

Recognizing Bobcat Seniors

Azaria Mathis is in her fifth year with the cheer squad and did two years on the girls track team. She is an honor roll student and takes dual enrollment courses. She plans to attend Georgia State University in Atlanta and major in physical therapy.

Malaysia Manning has played on the basketball team and been on the track team for three years, is in Beta Club, and is an "A" honor roll student. She plans to attend Georgia Southern and major in biology.

To'Morrius Lester has been accepted to Valdosta State University. He will start VSU in the fall of 2019 and major in computer science with a minor in history.

FFA Competition La'Kamren Bryant has been accepted to Valdosta State University. He will start VSU in the fall of 2019. He will major in biology and participate in the Air Force ROTC.

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The Dooly County High School Future Farmers of America attended the 29th annual Georgia National Fair held in Perry, Georgia. They received first place for Chapter Project and were named Reserve Division Champions for an FFA chapter.

WWW.SGSC.EDU | HAWKNATION@SGSC.EDU

DOUGLAS: 912.260.4206

| WAYCROSS: 912.449.7600

Wrestler Primed for the Present Written by: Beth Welch Photography by: George McDuffie

Wrestlers usually get of three state wrestling their first look at the events in New Jersey sport when they reach was faced with a whole high school. Some may year without participathave attended middle ing in the sport. schools with wrestling Jones kept up his programs or clubs. skills in various ways, and Practically no wrestling he played point guard athletes can attest to for his middle school beginning their ca- basketball team to stay in reers at the age of 4. shape. For high school, That is unless you are Jones chose to attend Northside High School Northside’s bio-medical senior John Jones. magnet and learned the “My grandfather runs school had a reputable a youth program in New wrestling program under Jersey," Jones said. "My the direction of coach uncles were always wres- Matt Redmond. tling, and I just kind of The freshman athgot in there. So yeah, I lete not only made the have been wrestling for team, he was named 13 years." captain for the Patriots The 17-year-old New that same year, quite a Jersey transplant moved feat for the newcomer. to Columbus his eighth“It’s a team vote," he grade year. While many said. "Honestly, I think of his peers could lay they could tell how claim to playing tradi- much I cared about tional sports like football wrestling and recogand baseball as young- nized me as a leader." sters, Jones actually canHis first season as a not remember, literally, high school wrestler was a time when wrestling impressive. The 5’6” wreswasn’t a part of his life. tler‘s record was 27-4.

The move to Colum- That set the stage for an bus was not only a bit of even more hopeful sopha culture omore outshock for ing. How“It’s a team the outever, Jones going and vote. Honestly, I broke his likeable thumb in a Jones, it think they could match but also was tell how much didn’t realdisapize the seriI cared about pointing ousness of to learn wrestling and the injury local pubat first. lic middle recognized me as “I hurt schools so bad, but a leader.” did not I thought it — John Jones offer wreswas just tling proa bad grams in their athletic sprain," he said. "I findepartments. The winner ished the match and basi54 | itgnext.com

cally won it wrestling with one hand. I lost another match later because of my thumb. I had to have surgery three weeks later because it broke at the growth plate. There are screws in there now, and all the time I just thought it was a sprain."

With his sophomore season a bust, Jones kept his sights on the following year. Working hard and focusing on details gave the junior his best record as a high school wrestler. Only four losses marred his outstanding record of 47 wins.

He placed first in three tournaments: Harris County’s King of the County, Smiths Station Invitational, and the local City Tournament. In addition he came in first at area, second at sectionals, and third at the state tournament.

Going for a top spot at state is Jones’ goal as he starts off in the 126-pound

weight class. His dedication is apparent, and his coach recognizes that Jones excels in certain techniques.

“John has a solid leg shot," redmon said. "He has really grasped the idea that deep penetration leads to a better shot at a takedown. His leg defense is tight as well. John focuses on winning from the neutral position."

Early exposure to wrestling combined with personal coaching from his grandfather set Jones up for his current Northside experience.

One reason Jones is still involved in the sport is that it gives him a twofor-one option.

“It’s a team sport, but really it is up to the individual," he said. "Honestly, it’s all on me. That’s what I love about it.”

It was John Jones’ grandfather, Pop Pop, who taught him the techniques he uses today when wrestling.

The two have a bond made even closer because of the sport.

“He flies down sometimes to see my matches," Jones said, smiling. "He still gives me advice, and I listen."

Pros Raising Awareness

Cincinnati Assistant Coach Bringing the Team Together

Here are some professional athletes who use their platforms to raise awareness and money for people with disabilities.

Albert Pujols — MLB

Joc Pederson — MLB

David Ragan — NASCAR

Gene Stallings — Coach

Written by: Kaylee Kopke The roles of an assistant coach for a football team range from program to program and from circumstance to circumstance. But, in Cincinnati, Ohio, at Mason High School, there is one assistant coach who has not only become an integral part of the team, but an irreplaceable one. Assistant coach Nate Petrey has brought a sense of togetherness to not only the players, but the coaching staff as well.

Petrey is a former Mason football player with Down Syndrome. After graduating, he decided to join the coaching staff because of the bond he had with the program. Petrey also has a close bond with head coach Brian Castner that is almost 20 years strong. Petrey’s responsibilities as an assistant coach include setting up the practice field and helping with drills.

Even though he does not have authority over schematics and game plans, he serves as the glue that binds the team together and pushes them to do better every day.

In an interview conducted by Jaclyn DeAugustino for WCPO, head coach Brian Castner said: “When he walks into the locker room or when he walks into the coaches’ office, the coaches perk up, and they're like, ‘All right, Nate Dog's here! Coach Petrey's here!’ And automatically he's making us better."

For much too long now, the world has been a harsh place to the people who are slightly different from the people that surround them on a daily basis. This dilemma is especially true for people who are diagnosed with Down Syndrome. There is a stereotype that an individual with this diagnosis is incapable for living a fully independent life and working a regular job. Petrey is one of many people with his diagnosis who are breaking that stereotype and are gaining recognition and acceptance through not only the sport of football, but in other avenues as well.

This speaks a lot to the world that we are living in. Uniqueness between people brings diversity into our world. It also brings enrichment to our lives, new experiences, and understanding of others. Being someone who comes from a different background compared to the people around me, I believe that having people in my life who are not like me helps me become a well-rounded person. This is an inspiring story, and it is a positive step forward into acceptance, inclusivity, and togetherness as a nation.

Images courtesy of yahoo.com

Information (about the interview) courtesy of: www.wcpo.com

ITG Next | 55

Outfielder Knows What It Takes to Catch Success Written by: Alex Dunn | Photography by: Micki K Photography

Senior Andrew Newhouse is the type of athlete who excels on and off the field. While maintaining a 4.0 GPA and taking advanced placements courses, he was also the starting centerfielder and leadoff hitter for the Perry High School baseball team his junior year, with a nearly perfect fielding percentage of -.975, 30 hits, 12 RBIs, 22 runs, and five stolen bases.

But it doesn’t stop there. According to coach Tim Hutchens, Newhouse has received the Academic Athlete Award for the baseball program the past three years, as well as other academic and sport-related honors.

“Receiving the Academic Athlete Award was very nice, just knowing that all the work I have put in was acknowledged,” Newhouse said. “Being named Second Team All-Region Outfielder as a junior was a big accomplishment for me, and it makes me work

harder to try and be named to the First All-Region Team in my senior year. In my freshman year, I received the Future Panther Award, which is an award given to an underclassman who the coaches believe will make a big impact in the program.”

Newhouse has played a total of seven different positions during his three-year stretch at Perry High School. He is currently the outfielder for the team, but his favorite position to play is centerfielder.

For him to ensure success in the classroom and on the field, Newhouse knows that academic work must come first. First and foremost, students wouldn’t be able to play if their grades were unsatisfactory, something Newhouse made sure to reiterate.

“No matter how late you get home from a game or practice, you must finish any homework or projects due the next day," he said.

"Try to finish your work early so you don’t have to worry about it."

While making good grades is definitely a good motivator to play for the team, Newhouse has a different and simpler reason for playing.

“I like to play because it makes me happy," he said. "The feeling of making a good play or getting a hit is incomparable."

Newhouse does a lot to make sure he plays his best on the field. It takes determination, motivation, and preservation to reach the athletic goals he wants to accomplish in order to advance his playing career. Luckily, he has all three of those aspects to fuel him to play his best and hardest.

“I take practice as seriously as I would a game, but it is also important for me to have fun," he said. "Whatever drills or workouts we do at practice, I always try my hardest and give it my all."

For future plans, Newhouse wants to major in computer science. Mirroring his high school career, he wants to continue to play baseball at the collegiate level.

56 | itgnext.com

ITG Next | 57

2018 AWARDS BANQUET

Area Athletes Honored at 11th Annual ITG Next Banquet Written by: Anna Limoges | Photography by: Eric Vinson and Marque Milla Reese

On Dec. 10, 2018, players, coaches, and fans gathered to celebrate the top football players from 33 schools across the region at ITG Next's 11th Annual South Georgia High School Football Awards Banquet.

University of Alabama head coach Nick Saban was the guest speaker for the evening. He talked about the early years of his football career and emphasized the impact coaches have on players and vice versa. He said that we owe the people who have helped us more than a "thank you" and that they deserve an IOU of our very best.

Following Saban's speech, the Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year from each school were awarded for their performances on the field and the leadership they provided during the season. ITG Next and sponsorship partners then awarded top honors to eight players, one fan, and one coach. A coach in attendance was also named the winner of the Steel's Jewelry giveaway.

Guest Speaker Presented By:

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CONGRATULATIONS

Berrien High School Offense: Tanner Adams Defense: Brian Carter Vereen Rehabilitation Center

Brooks Co. High School Offense: Darryl Gallon Defense: JaColby Brown Vereen Rehabilitation Center

Colquitt Co. High School Offense: Kamaar Bell Defense: Brian Merritt Vereen Rehabilitation Center

Mitchell Co. High School Offense: James Thomas (NP) Defense: Malik Barnes Vereen Rehabilitation Center

Pelham High School Offense: Judah Wilson Defense: Javoris Williams Vereen Rehabilitation Center

Thomas Co. Central High School Offense: Quay Edwards Defense: Tykeem Wallace Vereen Rehabilitation Center

Turner Co. High School Offense: Demarcus Barnes Defense: Trent Henderson Vereen Rehabilitation Center

Worth Co. High School Offense: Jordan Curry Defense: Tayshaun Shipp Vereen Rehabilitation Center

Bainbridge High School Offense: Caleb McDowell (NP) Defense: Roman Harrison (NP) Southern Regional Technical College

ITG Next | 59

2018 AWARDS BANQUET

Brookwood School Offense: Joe Parker Defense: Colin Grimsley Southern Regional Technical College

Thomasville High School Offense: Jay Tillman Defense: Karey Lee Southern Regional Technical College

Tift Co. High School Offense: Landon Bateman Defense: Deontae Overstreet Griffin Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep

Tiftarea Academy Offense: Spence Massey Defense: Casen Royal Griffin Ford-Lincoln

Clinch Co. High School Offense: Tyler Morehead (NP) Defense: Miquel Davis (NP) Farmers and Merchants Bank

Lowndes High School Offense: Bryer Touchton Defense: Jamari Hill Farmers and Merchants Bank

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Cairo High School Offense: Cameron Goosby Defense: Tony Herring Kevin Ross Financial

Lanier Co. High School Offense: Tyquan Baker Defense: Keontae Hodges First Commerce Credit Union

Fitzgerald High School Offense: Justin Reliford Defense: Nate Henderson Dorminy Medical Center

CONGRATULATIONS

Crisp Co. High School Offense: Colton Oliver Defense: Chris Paul Crisp Regional Hospital

Dooly Co. High School Offense: Bo Lawson (NP) Defense: Malik Burns (NP) Crisp Regional Hospital

Cook High School Offense: Trey Smith (NP) Defense: Kenny Mathis Cook Medical Center

Atkinson Co. High School Offense: Trevonte Williams Defense: Tayshon Northcutt Coffee Regional Medical Center

Coffee High School Offense: Jaymin Speight Defense: Tykecius Burkes Coffee Regional Medical Center

Jeff Davis High School Offense: Jashaun Kirby Defense: Austin Wood Coffee Regional Medical Center

Georgia Christian School Offense: Grant Copeland Defense: Miles Grimes CBC Bank

Valdosta High School Offense: Rajae’z Mosley Defense: Desmond Johnson Dr. Ben Hogan

Valwood School Offense: Caleb Burns Defense: Eli Joyner Advanced Dental Care

ITG Next | 61

2018 AWARDS BANQUET

Deerfield-Windsor School Offense: Jack Kimbrel Defense: John Collier Logan ITG Next

Perry High School Offense: Lane Rucker Defense: Antwann Fann ITG Next

Irwin Co. High School Offense: DJ Lundy (NP) Defense: Eric Anderson (NP) Coffee Regional Medical Center Crisp Academy Offense: Griffin Gravitt (NP) Defense: Dede Lawrence (NP) Crisp Regional Hospital

Westwood School Offense: Albert Stringer Defense: Gambill Dallas ITG Next

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Veterans High School Offense: Tylon Chambers Defense: Jalon Shine ITG Next

TRAVIS TISDALE & TATE RODEMAKER Lowndes High School and Valdosta High School

OFFENSIVE Players of the year Presented by

South Georgia High School Football Awards Banquet

JAY WARD

Colquitt County High School

DEFENSIVE Player of the year Presented by

South Georgia High School Football Awards Banquet

RYAN FITZGERALD Colquitt County High School

SPECIAL TEAMS Player of the year Presented by

South Georgia High School Football Awards Banquet

DOUG CURLES

Pelham High School

FORWARD PROGRESS

Award

Presented by

South Georgia High School Football Awards Banquet

DEON FOUNTAIN Brooks County High School

SCHOLAR ATHLETE Player of the year Presented by

South Georgia High School Football Awards Banquet

NAN’TRAVIOUS TOOMER Worth Middle School

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Player of the year Presented by

South Georgia High School Football Awards Banquet

JARRED SERMONS

Valdosta High School

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Award

Presented by

South Georgia High School Football Awards Banquet

RUSH PROPST

Colquitt County High School

COACH of the year

Presented by

South Georgia High School Football Awards Banquet

CARSON BALLENGER Tift County High School

THE 12TH MAN Award

Presented by

South Georgia High School Football Awards Banquet

TUCKER PRUITT Fitzgerald High School

STEEL’S JEWELRY GIVEAWAY WINNER Presented by

South Georgia High School Football Awards Banquet

Compensation Beyond Scholarships for College Athletes Written by: Justin Chandler

The debate about college athletes being compensated for more than just a free education has been going on for years. There are arguments for each side, but the chance of this debate being settled is highly unlikely. Many college athletes who are recruited out of high school are given a full-ride scholarship. Free education is a privilege that a majority of college students would love to receive.

According to a survey of college pricing, the College Board reports that the average yearly tuition for a public, four-year college for in-state students is around $9,410, while the average of a public, four-year college for out-of-state students is around $23,890.

Depending on the situation a student is in, a four-year college education could cost anywhere from $37,000 to $95,000 and beyond without a scholarship of any sort. That doesn’t include the costs of basic living expenses, fees, textbooks, and food. That is a good chunk of change for a four-year education, and many college athletes receive it for free.

It is a privilege that few are able to get; there are people all over the world who don’t have the chance to go to college.

The NCAA brings in around $1 billion in revenue annually. The majority of that mon-

NBA Top 10 All-Time Scoring Leaders

ey is brought in by men’s Division I football and men’s Division I basketball. That being the case, the topic of discussion about paying college athletes is usually centered around men’s football and basketball. None of the other sports programs are bringing in near the amount those two are, but to only compensate football and basketball would cause controversy.

The idea of paying athletes beyond the free education given to them would cause more problems than it would solve. The student-athletes signed a contract with their school of choice to receive a free higher level education and play the sport they love on the national stage. If that agreement doesn’t sit well with the student-athlete, then they can pay for their own college tuition. The benefits of a free education are endless.

If an athlete ends up not making it pro, they have a fall back plan that is the degree that they earn during their years in school.

Walter Byers, the first executive director of the NCAA, coined the term student-athlete for a reason. That reason being, kids on scholarship for a sport are to be a student first and an athlete second. A free four-year education at a university is the perfect compensation for these athletes as they prepare to take their talents to the next level.

Image courtesy of prnewswire.com

From Cheering to the Paralympics Lacey Henderson is a cheerleader who has accomplished more on one leg than some people do in a lifetime. She was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 9, and when chemotherapy was marginally effective, doctors recommended amputation of her leg. She went on to become the captain of her high school cheerleading squad and receive a cheerleading scholarship to the University of Denver. In 2012, she began competing in track and field, and she went on to compete for Team USA at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Top 10 NBA Players Drafted Out of High School

1.

Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar 38,387 points

1. Kobe Bryant

Lower Merion (Philadelphia)

2.

Karl Malone

36,928 points

2. LeBron James

St. Vincent-St. Mary (Akron, Ohio)

3.

Kobe Bryant

33,643 points

3. Moses Malone

Petersburg (Virginia)

4.

Michael Jordan

32,292 points

4. Kevin Garnett

Farragut Career Academy (Chicago)

5.

Wilt Chamberlain

31,419 points

5. Dwight Howard

Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy

6.

Dirk Nowitzki

31,187 points

6. Tracy McGrady

Mt. Zion Christian Academy (Durham, N.C.)

7.

LeBron James

31,038 points

7. Shawn Kemp

Concord (Ekhart, Indiana)

8.

Shaquille O’Neal

28,596 points

8. Amar’e Stoudemire Cypress Creek (Orlando)

9.

Moses Malone

27,409 points

9. Monta Ellis

Lanier (Mississippi)

10.

Elvin Hayes

27,313 points

10. Darryl Dawkins

Maynard Evans (Orlando)

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ITG Next | 69

Is Change Good?

Written by: Jon Nelson

Admittedly, this is the time of year called the “silly season.”

It’s where, usually, anywhere from 18 to 25 percent of Georgia high school football coaches are let go from their duties and are forced to look elsewhere for employment. But when you’re in a top-3 state for high school football, these kinds of events happen on a yearly basis. (Oh, for the record, I was using the Jeff Fisher algorithm that he uses to determine level of competition and athletes heading to the next level there. It’s the first time in its history that Georgia was listed as No. 3.)

There are some surprises along the way

when it comes to vacancies, and the two that come to top of mind are the ones at Grayson and Buford. Christian Hunnicutt and John Ford didn’t get to the last game of the year when expectations are a certain level, and they’re gone.

Hunnicutt is now at Villa Rica, and don’t be surprised if Ford ends up at another high-profile gig before we’re done.

Buford hired from within and elevated defensive coordinator Bryant Appling in what a lot of folks are calling internally a good and popular hire. Buford athletic director Tony Wolfe said he had more than 60 applications for the job.

Completely understandable.

But understand that much like their college counterparts, we have a trickle-down effect on the business of sport. If there’s an anticipation of continued success with the pedigree you’ve already set for yourself, then there's pressure to continue that road. And all the pressures that are associated with it come with it — both external and internal.

They exist, and we all know that.

Will we see more moments like this going forward with programs of high levels of success and their history? You can bet on it. Coaching changes are a part of the deal, but when a coach like Ford is gone after two seasons and a coach

like Hunnicutt is gone after two double-digit win seasons, it’s big business.

Remember that Grayson in two years played Bergen Catholic, Hoover (Alabama), Birmingham-Ramsey, John Curtis in Louisiana, and the International School of Broward (Florida). Buford played Deerfield Beach (Florida), the International School, Melbourne Central (Florida), and Rock Hill-South Pointe (South Caroline).

That’s not cheap, and it also gives teams of that pedigree the chance to challenge themselves on that kind of a national scale.

That’s also big business with a developing reputation on the line.

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We’re seeing Lee County playing plusones now, and that’s a good thing on a national scale to remind everyone why Georgia high school football is where it is right now.

But with all of this added exposure comes added pressure to stay where you are. Grayson and Buford’s offseasons are the example of that.

Play it safe, everyone.

I’ll talk to you soon.

Jayce Tyler Moore Coffee High School Basketball What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

It has to be the night I reached 1,000 career points. I’ll never forget the game, and it was against one of our rival teams (Valdosta).

What makes you different from everyone else?

What makes me different has to be my grind. I’m not always the strongest or fastest, but I out-hustle everyone that gets on the floor.

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

After my sports career is over, I see myself furthering my education and studying criminal justice to become a state marshal.

ITG Next | 71

Sky Geovanni Colquitt Co. High School Swimming, Diving What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

The most memorable moment of my career was when I won a national title and just seeing the expressions on my family’s faces.

Who has helped you the most in your sports career?

The person who has helped me the most in my career is definitely my little brother. He pushes me to be the best that I can, and I try to set a good example for him.

What makes you different from everyone else?

What separates me from everyone else is that I don’t set any tangible goals like the Olympics or a national title. I just strive to be the best that I can and enjoy the sport.

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Dominique Dale Valdosta High School Wrestling

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

The first time we went to state duals as a team.

What makes you different from everyone else?

I’m short and bigger than most people my size, and others who are taller than me find me hard to handle.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

Jordan Burroughs. He sends a message that no matter your size or your awkward figure, you can be the best at anything.

ITG Next | 73

Daniel King Cairo High School Football What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

It was last year when we came back on Northside after being down 31-7.

Who has helped you the most in your sports career?

Coach Devo really pushed me to do my best on the field.

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

I see myself practicing sports medicine.

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Earn collge credit while in high school!

Nate Henderson, Senior

Fitzgerald High School and Dual Enrollment Student at Wiregrass

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

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Taydrain Sanders Turner Co. High School Basketball What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

When we played on senior night and had a great game by helping my teammates out.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

Kobe Bryant because he always talks about mentality.

What makes you different from everyone else?

I listen to what my coach tells me, and I play hard.

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Treun Pace Pelham High School Football

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

My most memorable moment was when I was a sophomore.

We won my first region championship.

Who has helped you the most in your sports career?

My mother. She has always pushed me to be the best person I could be on and off the field. She taught me to keep my mind focused on what is important in life and to block out all negativity.

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

Basketball. My grandmother has been one of my biggest supporters, and she loves basketball.

ITG Next | 77

Nia Allen Valdosta High School Basketball

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

My most memorable moment was when my team and I won regionals last year.

Who has helped you the most in your sports career?

I’ve had a lot of help during my career from my family to my coaches and my JROTC teachers, but the person who helped me the most was my God dad, Gary Lewis. He was the one to push me to be my very best from the very start.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

My brother is my biggest inspiration because when I would watch him play, he would give me everything he had and more. He was my role model on and off the court.

ITG Next | 79

J Ben Paulk Colquitt Co. High School Mascot What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

I believe it was when I first put on the suit at our first home game, and I felt the joy and excitement the suit gave me.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

Tim Tebow because of how he puts the Lord first in everything he does. I just try to do the same.

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

I would play baseball because I used to play it and also because of people that are very inspirational to me.

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NFL HALL OF FAMERS' LETTER TO THE LEAGUE Written by: Justin Chandler

A group of the National Football League’s most prestigious players sent a letter to the hierarchy of the NFL. The letter demanded health insurance and annual salary for all Hall of Famers that includes a share of league revenue. They are demanding this because they believe that during their years of play they were sacrificing their bodies and minds, which is true. Every Sunday these guys would go out on the field and put everything they had in to each game, wearing their bodies down year after year for a paycheck while the NFL ran off with the big piece of the pie.

Stated in the letter: “The total cost for every Hall of Famer to have health insurance is less than $4 million – less than that of a 30-second Super Bowl advertisement, or about three cents for every $100 the league generates in revenue.”

Health insurance is necessary for players who are playing or have played in the National Football League. Day after day, taking and giving hits can take a major toll on a person’s mental and physical health. A lot of NFL veterans struggle with health and financial problems to this day, but to say that only Hall of Famers deserve the benefits demanded in this letter is absurd.

Demanding an annual salary of six figures years after retirement is a bit of a long shot. The players making these demands were some of the highest paid players in the league during their time. They have already been paid for their services on the field, so demanding a salary of that magnitude was a stretch for Eric Dickerson and the others who took part in sending the letter.

Health insurance is a completely different issue. Football is a full-contact sport and extremely dangerous. With all of the new research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy and obvious post-career trauma that NFL retirees suffer from, it would make sense for the league to jump on this opportunity to focus on the true problem players in the NFL face today.

American neurosurgeon and medical reporter Sanjay Gupta has done research on ex-NFL players and the issues CTE causes. Of 91 ex-NFL players who donated their brains to research, 87 were diagnosed with CTE. It is an obvious problem the NFL faces today and should be addressed by the league in one way or another. Not just Hall of Famers, but all players who retire should receive health insurance from the league for the sacrifices they have made for the rise and success of the NFL today. Each player makes a contribution to the sport when they step out on that field.

2013-2018 PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAMERS CLASS OF 2018

CLASS OF 2017

Bobby Beathard Robert Brazile Brian Dawkins Jerry Kramer Ray Lewis Randy Moss Terrell Owens Brian Urlacher

Morten Andersen Terrell Davis Kenny Easley Jerry Jones Jason Taylor LaDainian Tomlinson Kurt Warner

CLASS OF 2016

CLASS OF 2015

Edward DeBartolo, Jr. Tony Dungy Brett Favre Kevin Greene Marvin Harrison Orlando Pace Ken Stabler Dick Stanfel

Jerome Bettis Tim Brown Charles Haley Bill Polian Junior Seau Will Shields Mick Tingelhoff Ron Wolf

CLASS OF 2014

CLASS OF 2013

Derrick Brooks Ray Guy Claude Humphrey Walter Jones Andre Reed Michael Strahan Aeneas Williams

Larry Allen Cris Carter Curley Culp Jonathan Ogden Bill Parcells Dave Robinson Warren Sapp

VIKINGS TAKE TO THE WATER Written by: Beth Welch Photography by: George McDuffie

Kristin Turner has been a swimmer for most of her life but never competitively.

That didn’t stop the high school counselor at Pacelli High School from volunteering to coach the school’s very first swim team.

“We just had so much interest in the sport," Turner said. "Several of our students were swimming for the Hurricanes, and parents were asking about getting a program started at the school."

The Hurricanes is a swim club in Columbus that has a long-established connection to the sport of competitive swimming. For many years the club provided the only competitive swim program for young people outside of a few local high schools.

Once the city of Columbus opened a new aquatic center, several high schools added swim programs to their athletic departments.

This is the third season the Pacelli Vikings have put ath-

letes in the water.

Initially, Turner enlisted the help of a Hurricanes coach who was also a school parent. Turner knew she needed someone with coaching experience to help get the program off to a good start. She managed the details and scheduling, while her community coach added the expertise.

“I was a collegiate competition cheerleader, so I knew the basics of what goes into having a sports team," Turner said. "I was more than willing to handle the administrative part of the program. Having someone who really knew about the sport of swimming was key."

The first season the Vikings had five swim athletes.

Some were swimmers with the Hurricanes, and others

were newcomers to the sport. Their first endeavor into an organized program was deemed successful.

One of their swimmers even qualified for state.

Last year Pacelli’s swim team featured 13 athletes.

The interest in the program grew substantially, but then the community coach moved out of the country due to his wife’s military career. Turner was faced with finding someone who could fill that very necessary void in the program.

During the time the high school counselor had spent at the aquatic center with her team, she was also getting her own daughter introduced to the sport by way of the Hurricanes program. Over time, she became acquainted with Leah Gingrich, a Pennsylvania resident who recently moved to the area and coaches with the Hurricanes.

To say Gingrich has swim experience is an understatement. The list of her

Two Pacelli swim team members, Braeden Theriault and Daniel Forlines, both juniors, have been with the program from its inception.

Forlines’ brother, Joseph, is also a member of the team. Each of them is looking to make a big splash this season, which began in November and runs thru February.

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accomplishments is lengthy.

As a high school athlete, Gingrich was a four-time NISCA All-American, sixtime Pennsylvania individual state champion, and a twotime state MVP. Gingrich attended the University of Texas and was a member of the Longhorns swim team for four years. While there, she was a five-time finalist at the USA Swimming National Championships as well as a two-time All-American and six-time Big 12 Champion.

Adding to her credits are her Olympic Trials in 2008, where she finished eighth in two events. Gingrich has also been featured in several swimming magazines and is currently training for a competitive swim event.

When approached by Turner to fill the vacancy of swim coach for Pacelli, Gingrich agreed to take on the role.

“She kind of talked me into it,” Gingrich said, smiling.

Although the Vikings lost several seniors from last year’s team, the swim program is continuing to gain momentum. A middle school program has been developed, which acts as a feeder program. According to Turner, the interest at the middle school level is encouraging.

“We are seeing both accomplished swimmers and those with no competitive experience come up from the middle school," Turner said.

"It is going to be very valuable to us."

Looking around the crowded swim facility, Turner smiled and gestured toward the athletes.

“The swimming community has been so welcoming to us," she said. "It has been a lot of fun to be a part of this."

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