South Georgia October/November 2017 Edition

Newton’s Work Ethic Drives Him to Success Derick Newton, Coffee Co.

Competitive Spirit Pushes Athlete to Excel in Classroom Josh Fernicola, Brookstone School

Rashod Bateman, Tift Co.

IN THE

GAME

$4.00 / Issue

Starts Senior Year With Historic Win

of South Georgia’s Top Athletes

OCT/NOV 2017

BATEMAN

In The Game | 1

THE

HUGHSTON DIFFERENCE YESTERDAY.

•

Providing you, for over 60 years, with research, education, and treatment

•

Organizing preparticipation physicals since 1976

•

Covering over 1,500 local sporting events each year

•

Saturday morning injury clinic

•

Researching and implementing concussion management software for local athletes

LOCATIONS Albany Auburn Columbus Dothan LaGrange

Moultrie Phenix City Thomaston Thomasville Valdosta

Hughston Clinic 706-324-6661 2|

6262 Veterans Parkway, GA 31909 1-800-331-2910 / www.hughston.com itgsportsnetwork.com

TODAY. TOMORROW.

7

In The Game | 3

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

4 | itgsportsnetwork.com

ARE YOU In?

South Georgia

In the Game Stay hungry.

Never be satisfied with where you are now.

Always look toward where you’re going.

Set goals. Achieve them. Set more.

Stay In the Game.

In The Game | 5

CELEBRATING THE CHAMPIONS 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

www.fmb.net Member FDIC

OF SOUTH GEORGIA

6 | itgsportsnetwork.com

n o s a e s n e o i r t i P d e l l a b t e k s Ba G T I 7 1 0 2

49

IN THIS ISSUE 15 29 31 33 36 37 38 40 43 45 47

50

South Georgia’s Top Athletes

51 53

Newton’s Work Ethic Drives Him to Success Derick Newton, Coffee Co. Major Moves

Run, Zeke, Run

10 Questions With Justin Newman Jordan Vocation High School

Competitive Spirit Pushes Athlete to Excel in Classroom Josh Fernicola, Brookstone School

Bateman Starts Senior Year With Historic Win Rashod Bateman, Tift Co. Figuring It Out

Team Manager Finds Family on the Sidelines Olivia Morgan, Pacelli School Twin Brothers’ Unique Situation Works Well on Football Field Bryce & Kalen Andrews, Calvary Christian School

Continuing the Brand With a New Team McDonald’s Scholar Athlete

Hardaway High School Football Coaches Come Home Patriot Defender Has On-Field Personality Caleb Johnson, Northside High School

BASKETBALL PREVIEWS

Valwood Softball Program on the Rise Braxton Hill & Blake Barnes, Valwood

FCA Summer Camps a Success FCA

57

Lowndes Vikings Valdosta Wildcats

70

Turner County Rebels Irwin County Indians

59

Georgia Christian Generals Valwood Valiants

71

Coffee County Trojans Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane

61

Thomasville Bulldogs Thomas Co. Central Yellow Jackets

72

Deerfield-Windsor Knights

63

Brooks County Trojans Brookwood Warriors

73

Lee County Trojans Crisp County Cougars

74

Houston County Bears Westfield Hornets

75

Northside Eagles Warner Robins Demons

77

Clinch County Panthers Cook Hornets

65 66 67 69

Colquitt County Packers Tiftarea Panthers Worth County Rams Tift County Blue Devils Cairo Syrupmakers Bainbridge Bearcats

78

Lanier County Bulldogs Berrien County Rebels In The Game | 7

Magazine

NEWSLETTER

SOCIAL MEDIA

#Trending Top Facebook Posts

@inthegamenation

Top Tweets

Top Instagram Posts

2017 Football Awards Banquet December 12, 2017

8 | itgsportsnetwork.com

From the Publisher The coming of autumn signifies change.

Leaves Change from green to red. Flavors change from strawberry and watermelon to caramel and pumpkin.

The smell of sunscreen and flowers changes to bonfires and cinnamon. The South Georgia weather changes from unbearably hot to comfortably cool.

With all that change in the air comes a renewed sense of purpose, a need to make ourselves and those around us better. In this issue, we highlight the student-athletes and coaches in South Georgia who are reaching for success on the field and in the classroom, those people who are challenging expectations and rising to new heights both athletically and academically.

On our cover is Tift County wide receiver Rashod Bateman, a senior who made history with his team this year by defeating the Valdosta Wildcats in Bazemore-Hyder Stadium for the first time since 1993. Bateman was part of the Tift boys basketball team that won the 2017 7A state championship, and he hopes to do just as well with the football team this year.

We take a look at the rising Valwood softball program that won no games last year and is 10-1 so far this year. We talk with Coffee County football senior Derick Netwon, a defensive end and tight end for the Trojans whose effort is

finally being recognized by college scouts.

From the Columus Valley area, we interview two football-playing twins from Calvary Christian, a football team manager for Pacelli, and the McDonalds Scholar-Athlete from Brookstone School.

All that and more can be found in the pages of this magazine. However, it isn’t just about the athletic abilities and achievements of these teams and players; while their talents may bring them to the center of conversation, it is their character, work ethic, support systems, and drive that will make them successful in life. On the field, in the classroom, around the community, being In the Game isn’t being in our magazine. It’s about living In the Game.

We are looking for people who understand what it means to passionately persevere, inspire, and strive for greatness in all areas of life. In short, we are looking for people who understand what it means to BE In the Game.

So the question is: ARE YOU IN? Our mission is simple: to inspire your inner athlete toward the passionate pursuit of excellence, on and off the field. So, if you know of a player, coach, or fan deserving of recognition, head to our website and officially nominate that story!

We thank you for your continued support of your local athletic programs and In the Game Sports Network.

Follow us on social media @InTheGameNation and visit us at www.InTheGameSportsNetwork.com in order to #StayInTheGame!

In the Game Apparel @InTheGameNation

South Georgia Team Publisher Mark Dykes Editor Anna Limoges Magazine Director Brittany K. Wyche Graphics Brittany K. Wyche Mandy Douthit LaDarius Dennison Cover Photography Aaron Musgrove Feature Photography Micki Krzynski` Micki K Photography Aaron Musgrove Garrison Muelhausen George McDuffie Jerry Christenson Feature Writers Beth Welch Alex Dunn Candace Mitchell LaDarius Dennison Jon Nelson Copy Editors Anna Limoges Beth Welch Alex Dunn Advertising/Marketing Mark Dykes mark@itgsportsnetwork.com Brittany K. Wyche brittany@itgsportsnetwork.com Digital Manager Mandy Douthit

Tell us what you thought about the August/September issue of In the Game! info@itgsportsnetwork.com

Be In the Game – Women Tanks

Tee-It-Up T-Shirt

ITG Friday Night Football T-Shirt

Go to www.inthegamesportsnetwork.com/apparel to Get In the Game today!

Use Promo Code ITGmag1017 to receive 15% off of your next purchase!

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 2017 Dykes Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

In The Game | 9

Contributors

Mark Dykes

Brittany k. Wyche

Mandy Douthit

aNNA Limoges

Chief Executive Officer

Account Executive

Graphic Designer

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 unrivalled 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 Sports Network, despite his annual prediction that UGA will win the national championship.

Whether it’s creating relationships with clients or designing the cover of a magazine, Brittany’s multiple talents bring value, and personality, to the In the Game team. Upon recognizing her natural ability to sell, combined with her insatiable drive to succeed, her original role as a graphic designer evolved into primarily client relations. Yet unfortunately, she and her husband, who looks like Shaun Livingston, are big Golden State Warrior (bandwagon) fans.

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 championship game.

After four years as an interdisciplinary studies major at Valdosta State University and nearly two years as an ITG intern, Anna has remained a member of the team as a copy editor. Since her start in early 2016, she has devoted her editorial eye toward serving as one of the first and last lines of defense against errors within these pages. More importantly, while her Facebook page says that she likes the Saints, there is fortunately no other sign of such irrational fandom.

Beth WElch

Jon Nelson

Candace Mitchell

Alex Dunn

Contributing Writer

Journalist Intern

Copy Editing Intern

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

Candace Mitchell is a Journalism & English major at Valdosta State University.

She began interning for ITG in the fall of 2017. Along with her zealous energy she brings a passion for new creative topics.

She would be the perfect southern sports journalist if she wasn’t such a die-hard Ohio State Buckeye fan.

Alex is a senior English-Journalism major at Valdosta State University. She started working for ITG in the summer of 2017 to lend her editorial eye to the many articles that filter through her before heading on to print. Although her main job is devoted to copy editing, she contributes her own journalistic talents for our print and digital platforms as well. Her youthful enthusiasm can only be dampened by yet another crushing disappointment from her Atlanta Falcons.

Columbus Area Editor 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.

Micki Krzynski

Aaron Musgrove

George McDuffie

Jerry Christenson

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Photographer

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.

Originally from Live Oak, Florida, Aaron found his home as a multitalented photographer and graphic designer after moving to Valdosta in 2007. As the lead graphic designer at Colquitt Regional Medical Center since 2010, Aaron has found his passion in corporate graphic design and commercial photography, but he also loves capturing the unique dynamics of sports with ITG. Fortunately, his notable lack of any sports career that lasted more than a single day does not impact his sports photography.

George may have retired from the Muscogee County School system in 2013, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t staying busy. With a background in business management, a love for the Auburn Tigers, and knack for photography, George has been able to capture amazing sports shots for our Columbus Valley schools. We are always excited to have George’s photos featured in our magazines!

In an area as expansive as the Chattahoochee Valley, covering it with great stories and photography is no easy task. Thanks to Jerry, however, In the Game continues to be able to do each story justice. Teaming up with Beth Welch, the Area Editor, he is part of the tag team that makes it all happen.

Jerry’s experience in photography and familiarity with the local sports scene make him a vital piece of the ITG puzzle.

10 | itgsportsnetwork.com

What to look forward to:

Alexis Myers

Moving from Atlanta, Garrison is now a member of our growing video department in Jacksonville. As a graduate of Thomas County Central and Valdosta State University, this filmmaker has been filming and working in a variety of sports since high school all the way up to working for CBS Sports. He always strives to add creative pizzazz in all of his work and in his own personal hobbies such as drawing graphic novels.

As the demands of our video department have escalated, Alexis has risen to the occasion. As a graduate of Lowndes High and the College of Southern Nevada, this award-winning filmmaker has raised the bar for ITG video productions through her creative eye and blossoming skill set. When she isn’t creating videos, Alexis handles the constant disappointment of being an Atlanta Braves fan by traveling, singing, and songwriting with her ukulele and hanging out with her dog, Abi.

videographer

2017 High School Football Awards Banquet Each December, we gather the top players, coaches, and fans from South Georgia’s prestigious football culture in order to celebrate the season.

Stay tuned to see how you can get involved!

Looking At Warriors on the Court, The End Goal Leaders in it All Meg Torbert Pacelli School

Thomas Harrison and Rachel Cooper Brookwood School

Cairo Pitcher Keeps His Eye on The Dream, Commits to play College Baseball At The University of Georgia

#7

Hall Returns Home for Another Title and FirstRound Future

#11

D.L. Hall / Valdosta High

Social Media Intern

Videographer

With social media starting to play such a big role in the ITG marketing department, intern Carson Waggoner hopped on in the summer of 2017 to take on all tasks. As a current communications major at VSU and sports junky, Carson is full of ideas to keep the company up to date with things happening in the sports world. He plans to continue working in sports, eventually becoming a sports analyst and taking David Pollack’s job. Carson’s only apparent downfall is his love for UGA.

The Lee County and Valdosta State mass media alumnus joined our intern team back in the summer of 2016, but Vince separated himself from the crowd and proved to be a talented and trustworthy videographer. He easily transitioned into a more active role within the ITG operation and culture thanks to his passion, drive, and creativity, but it took significant individual and group therapy for our staff to finally forgive him for being an LSU and New Orleans Saints fan.

Dynamite Comes in Small Packages Octavious Fudge/ Lowndes High

Fast Breaks

GHSA Rule Change Brings New Intrigue to Spring Football

Silly Season Continues: For More Than One Reason

IN THE

GAME SOUTH GEORGIA

$4.00 / Issue

Vince Jupiter

APRIL/MAY 2017

Carson Waggoner

#22

February – March 2018 Baseball Preseason Edition Prepare for long days at the diamond this spring with our first ever baseball preseason edition! Team previews and special baseball features will pack the pages of this inaugural issue!

LaDarius Dennison Graphic Design Intern LaDarius grew up as a Lowndes Viking but graduated as a Valdosta Wildcat.

Since teaching himself the fundamentals of graphic design, he has developed his raw talents into real-world application and adapted to the workload while here at ITG. The Valdosta State mass media major will graduate this spring with aspirations of going to graduate school for design, as long as he doesn’t embrace the mediocrity that his favorite team, the Georgia Bulldogs, has modeled for him.

2017-18 High School Sports Awards Banquet After each school year we come together to recognize the top athletes from across South Georgia.

It is a night to honor all players no matter the sport.

BE IN THE GAME

Garrison Muelhausen Video Coordinator

In The Game | 11

12 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Bainbridge High School

Brookwood School

WE BUILD. YOU WIN. Construction Management Design-Build General Contracting www.jcicontractors.com 229.985.4444

Colquitt County High School 14 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Lowndes High School

2016-17 Stats Total Points

514 14.8 2.5

Points Per Game

Steals Per Game

Diamond Hall Basketball

Colquitt County

#1 Athlete In The Game | 15

2016-17 Stats Total Points

408 17 2.6

Points Per Game

Steals Per Game

Kirstin Crook Basketball Fitzgerald

#2 Athlete 16 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Proud History. Valued Tradition.

1515 East Jackson St - Thomasville, GA 31792

1-800-255-1282

www.ThomasvilleFord.com In The Game | 17

18 | itgsportsnetwork.com

As a Senior, I consider myself to be one of the leaders on the team.

Anna Bullington Cheer Lee County

#3 Athlete In The Game | 19

I try to be that person the team can look up to.

Kenzley Bell Volleyball Lowndes

#4 Athlete 20 | itgsportsnetwork.com

2980 JAMES CIRCLE | VALDOSTA, GA. 31601 WWW.VALDOSTATOYOTA.COM | 229-247-1920

SHOP SMART. SHOP LOCAL.

In The Game | 21

The Best Gym in Town!

1711 Norman Dr. Valdosta Ga 31602 (229) 469-4292 winnersvillefitness.com

Personal Records 800m

2:07.59 4:47.01 17:06.64 1600m

5K

Dallas Hunt Cross Counrty TiftArea

#5 Athlete In The Game | 23

Outside Linebacker Height

6’0” 196 lb Weight

Kendrick Wade Football

Brooks County

#6 Athlete 24 | itgsportsnetwork.com

South Georgia’s

HOME TEAM

At VSU, we offer the full college experience, including undergraduate research, NCAA championship athletics, student life, and life-changing study abroad experiences. undergrad research

engaged faculty

student interaction

study abroad

Hands-on learning plays a key role in every major, so you’ll be prepared to contribute on day one when you start your career. Our small class sizes and expert faculty deliver one-on-one interaction, giving you the freedom to become who you want to be and the experience it takes to get there.

Join us for Open House Valdosta, GA

Register at:

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@ValdostaState

100+ MAJORS 21

AVERAGE CLASS SIZE

11,375 BLAZERS

October 14, 2017

valdosta.edu/inthegame

CONNECT WITH US!

7X NCAA CHAMPS

VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY In The Game | 25

SERVING SOUTH GEORGIA FAMILIES FOR NEARLY 50 YEARS

Prince of Albany 2701 Ledo Road

Prince Automotive 1410 Hwy 82 W.

Prince Ford 109 Westgreen Hwy

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26 | itgsportsnetwork.com

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Middle Linebacker Height

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Rahjon Holden Football Brooks County

#7 Athlete In The Game | 27

124 N. Patterson St. Valdosta, Ga 31601 229-244-9651 melbob1978@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook and Instagram 10:30 - 5:30 Tuesday - Friday and 10 - 2 Saturdays

- Handmade Custom Frames - Photo printing on high quality photo paper and color adjustment - Canvas printing and hand stretched, gallery wrapped canvases - Scanning and printing for art reproductions - NEW! We now carry art supplies of the highest quality at the best prices in the USA! - Original art by local artists for sale in store -28 Gift merchandise for fall arriving soon! | itgsportsnetwork.com

Home of 10,000 Picture Frames has been in business for 44 years and is owned by Melanie Register McGinnis.

Newton's Work Ethic Drives Him to Success Written by: Alex Dunn

Derick Newton has a lot of experience paving his way to becoming a great player. Playing since he was 7 years old, he knows how to put in the work and time to be recognized for his talents.

Newton is in his senior year at Coffee High School in Douglas, Georgia. He has played defense and tight end on the varsity team since sophomore year and has honed his technique to become one of the top picks for college scouts.

Newton’s strategy to playing a great game and staying on top is centered on putting in as much work as possible, whether it be at the Friday night games or practice after school.

“After practice, I always run extra,” he said. “And then in the game, I just take my time and do my detail and focus on playing well.”

Newton’s work ethic is what sets him out from the rest. From being overlooked in earlier years to now having national recognition took time and work, but he knows how he got here.

“My effort,” he said. “I give maximum effort.

That’s one thing that sets me apart, my drive.

That’s something that every coach always comes to me to tell me about my work ethic.

Everything I do I give 100 percent because when I do something I want to be the best.”

Newton said that some of the most important figures in his football career are coaches Robby Pruitt and Milan Turner.

“He’s a heck of a player; he’s got a high motor,” Pruitt said. “He’s ones of those kids who plays hard all the time, and you can tell that as a young kid.”

Coaches influence young athletes, but when asked what inspires him on and off the field, Newton was quick to say family.

“I like to lift weights,” he said. “But besides weights I have my grandmother.

She’s the reason why I do what I do because it makes her happy. My mother, we get to do a lot together.

I just want her to see me go to college and make her proud.”

Coming in at 6’2’’ and 270 pounds, Newton has a small disadvantage with his height for college prospects, but he makes up for it with other qualities.

“He plays hard, and that’s what they look for,” Pruitt said. “He’s got a high upside: Even though he’s not as tall, he’s got long arms and extremely big hands, and he’s got good take off and a really good first step.”

Defensive Tackle & Defensive End Nat. Rank: 435 GA Rank: 38 Solo Tackles: 133 Total Tackles: 147 Tackles Per Game: 8.6

offers 30 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Sacks: 26.0 Caused Fumbles: 6 Fumble Recoveries: 2

Newton’s top three colleges are Kansas State, Georgia Tech, and Miami.

He wants to pick the one that has the best offer for him athletically and academically. He wants to look into a sports education major so that he can study to become a coach one day.

“Football is what I love,” Newton said. “I want to become a coach because I love being around the sport so much.”

For whichever college Newton decides to attend next fall, they will receive a valuable player, one who doesn’t hesitate to put in the maximum effort required to be a top player.

“I think he is going to be a great college player,” Pruitt said. “It’s because of his motor. He’s got a lot of things that you can’t coach, and he’s extremely intelligent. He’ll do well in school. He’s a smart kid, and he can do what he wants academically.”

FAST BREAK

Written by: LaDarius Dennison Wow! The jaw dropping 2017 NBA offseason moves is one for the books. The Golden State Warriors demolished the Cleveland Cavaliers to become the 2017 NBA Champions. That defeat tarnished the chemistry between Kyrie Irving and LeBron James, forcing Irving to request a trade. Shockingly, rumors say it was because LeBron might be going to play for the Lakers next season.

“My intent is to be happy and to be with a team I can grow with,” Irving said after being traded to Boston in a Blockbuster Deal, a deal that sent Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, a 2020 pick, and a 2018 first-round pick to Cleveland. The most exciting part will be when these two new teams meet each other for the first game of the season.

“I’m the king of the world,” must be the way James Harden felt after signing the biggest contract extension in the history of sports. Harden and the Rockets inked a massive four-year, $228 million contract.

“Everything is going to happen here in Houston, and that’s the reason I’m here forever,” Harden said.

That is $156,164 a day. Can you imagine having that much money? Harden was not the only one to score a big payday. Steph Curry signed a whopping five-year, $201 million contract. Out of nowhere, Blake Griffin re-signed for a five-year, $173 million contract with the Clippers. NBA teams were dishing out contracts like assists.

It seemed as if every team got a new face through free agency or a trade. Crazy thing is, nearly all the Eastern All-Stars went to the Western Conference. Jimmy Butler got traded to Minnesota, Paul Millsap signed with Denver, etc. Most notable is Paul George. Pacers traded George to the Oklahoma City Thunder, giving OKC the piece they need to help Westbrook get back to the playoffs.

Will that be enough to take down the Warriors? Rockets acquired Chris Paul in a trade, teaming him up with MVP finalist James Harden. Do they have what it takes to dethrone the champs? What makes it scarier for other teams is that the Warriors have gotten even better over the offseason by acquiring Nick Young and Omri Casspi while resigning their current players. In other news, Carmelo Anthony is still seeking a trade to Houston without waiving his no trade clause. Where will Anthony land? Or will he remain unhappy in New York?

www.nba.com

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In The Game | 31

The ADC Team is proud to support

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

We want to recognize a few members of our ADC family who are in different stages of beating breast cancer: Dr. Angela Manning, Angela Harrell, Christal Holton, Alison King, Leah Shaw and Martha Spikes. Breast cancer has affected many others in our ADC family. We want to lift them all up in prayer and offer our continued love and support. Please join us in praying for all breast cancer patients, affected families, and survivors of breast cancer. We will be raising awareness for Breast Cancer Research the entire month of October. We hope that you will join us so that one day breast cancer will be eliminated.

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

Voted in South SouthGeorgia Georgia Voted Best Best Dentist Dentist in 2010 2016!

2010 through through 2017!

3211 Wildwood Plantation Dr. www.adcteam.com • 229.242.4441 Ashley Moorman, DMD • J. Barclay Woodward, DMD • Bill Moorman, DMD Members of American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

32 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Valwood Softball Program

ON THE RISE

Written by: Alex Dunn Photography by: Micki K Photography

The Valwood softball program had a tough run last season, ending 0-12. This season the Valiants are determined to turn things around. They’ve already beaten last year’s record after winning their first game of the season, and the team is hoping to keep up a winning streak.

Head coach Courtney Carter explained that she has a lot set in store for the team this season.

According to Carter, what they lacked last time was pitching, which is a vital part of the game of softball.

“We are constantly changing and altering the way we do things in order to perform at our maximum potential,” Carter said. “We can always improve and are always working to be the best we can be as individuals as well as a team.”

Carter explained that it was like a weight being lifted off her shoulders when they own the first game. She said they worked hard to accomplish that goal.

“We worked hard all summer,” she said.

“It was great to see the hard work pay off. The enthusiasm coming from the girls made every hour this summer worth it.”

Having two powerful seniors, Braxton Hill and Blake Barnes, on the team this year definitely helped matters. The definitions of student-athletes, each girl strives both on the field and off of it.

Carter finished her career with legendary statistics across the board; her .439 career batting average and 75 total home runs.

In The Game | 33

“Braxton and Blake are both great students,” Carter said. “They hold themselves to high expectations on the field as well as in the classroom.”

Hill is currently batting .425 with three homeruns in eight games. Barnes is the team’s first baseman and is said to do splits to try and catch the balls.

“Hill’s reputation also brings her a lot of respect being behind the plate as the catcher,” Carter said. “Barnes is very vocal on the field and also our team leader. She keeps everyone straight.”

“Blake Barnes is very vocal on the field and also our team leader. She keeps everyone straight.”

— Courtney Carter

Both players attribute their hard work for this upcoming season to coach Carter.

“She definitely is a lot tougher; practice is long, and we are a lot more disciplined team altogether,” Barnes said.

“She encourages us to get along as teammates and friends,” Hill said. “Most importantly, she encourages us to do our best in every aspect of life, not just softball. She makes sure to tell us that softball is not forever, but character is.”

As of this writing, Valwood is 10-1 overall and 6-1 for region play. Let’s see how this winning Valiants team ends the season.

“Braxton Hill’s reputation also brings her a lot of respect being behind the plate as the catcher.”

— Courtney Carter

Valwood 2017 Softball Schedule Aug. 9 Aug. 15

W 5-4 (1-0)

at CCA

CCA W 2-1 (2-0) Aug. 17 at Westwood School W 16 -4 (3-0) Aug. 22 Southland Academy* W 6-4 (4-0) Aug. 24 at Deerfield Windsor* W 8-3 (5-0) Aug. 29 at Tiftarea Academy* W (6-0) Aug. 31 Brookwood School* L 13-9 (6-1) Sept. 14 Deerfield Windsor* W 13-0 (7-1) Sept.18 Westwood School W 9-6 (8-1) Sept. 19 Tiftarea W 7-4 (9-1) Sept. 21 at Brookwood School* W 5-3 (10-1) Sept. 25 at Echols County Sept. 27 at Southland Academy* Oct. 2 Echols County

34 | itgsportsnetwork.com

*Region Game

In The Game | 35

F AS T BREAK

Run, Zeke, Run Written by: LaDarius Dennison

Ezekiel Elliott is an absolute beast on the field, amassing 1,735 rushing yards on 346 attempts accompanied with 15 touchdowns in 2016. Elliott’s rookie performance earned him All-Pro honors, a trip to the Pro Bowl, and the 2016 Offensive Player of the Year award, making him the premiere running back of the NFL. Everything wasn’t peaches and cream for Elliott as he encountered legal issues by violating the personal conduct policy before the start of his rookie season. Accusations have been made by his ex-girlfriend on numerous occasions of domestic violence abuse in 2016.

After the NFL conducted a yearlong investigation, they decided not to charge Elliot but to suspend him for six games for the 2017 season. In mid-August, Elliot appealed the suspension, but it was later upheld by an NFL arbitrator.

Cowboys fans were panicking, but luckily a federal judge came to the rescue by granting a request for injunction by the NFL Players Association, putting the suspension on hold.

What does this mean for the Cowboys? Zeke “The Beast” will be running all over defenses this season.

2

1 ZEKE

LIOTT E LRB

| 1,631 YDS

3 TONY

D ORBR S E T T

| 1,007 YDS

EMMITT

SMITH

RB | 937 YDS

ROOKIE SINGLE SEASON RUSHING RECORD 36 | itgsportsnetwork.com

10 Questions With Justin Newman

Written by: Beth Welch Photos courtesy of Justin Newman

There are always adjustments to be made when a change in coaching staff occurs. For the 2016 football season, Jordan Vocational High School named Columbus native Justin Newman as the new head football coach.

Newman took over the Red Jackets football program on June 1, just 2½ months before the season began. Although athletes, coaches, and fans were disappointed with the results of the season, Newman feels the adjustments to new management are behind the Red Jackets. In the Game asked Newman 10 Questions about himself, his football program, and his take on coming to Jordan one year later.

ITG: Have you made adjustments to your coaching style or philosophy since last season?

JN: The philosophy as a coach has stayed the same; I have just had to adjust little things in order to be more productive with our time. Each school is different, and there is no blue print that each school must go by. It took this past season to see what needed to be adjusted here at Jordan in order to help make these kids successful. The one aspect that will never be adjusted is the high standards that I hold my players to: academically, behavior, etc. All the things that deal with character. Every one of these kids I treat like my own.

ITG: Are there any particular Red Jacket football players to watch this fall?

JN: Emmanuel Mann, Aaron Maxwell, JaQuan Crawford, Quintin Duke, D’Quandre Sullivan, Quantavious Hill, Cameron Green, Golden Strawther, lll, Jaylen Wyatt, and Demetrius McCrary.

In The Game: How long have you been coaching football?

Justin Newman: This upcoming season will be my 11th year coaching high school football, second as a head coach.

ITG: When did you come to Jordan Vocational High School as a staff member?

JN: I came to Jordan last June 1 officially as the head football coach and social studies teacher.

ITG: Where did you coach/teach prior to Jordan?

JN: Prior to Jordan I was the assistant head coach/offensive coordinator at Wheeler County High School in Alamo, Georgia; Schley County defensive coordinator; season before that at G.W. Carver as assistant to coordinators; assistant head coach at St. Anne-Pacelli; assistant head coach, defensive coordinator at Shaw.

ITG: Did you play sports in high school and college?

JN: I played football and baseball at Shaw High School. I went to Georgia State University on a baseball scholarship and from there played in the Cincinnati Reds organization.

ITG: Do you teach at Jordan as well as coach sports?

JN: I teach American government and world history.

ITG: What attracted you to the head coaching position at JVHS? JN: Columbus, Georgia, is home. Jordan has always had athletes to be successful; it just has not translated to victories in the past. This position gets me back home and becoming a head coach of a high school program, which was always my end goal.

ITG: Last season was a learning experience for you and everyone involved in your program. What are the expectations for your team this football season?

JN: Last year was tough. Coming in as late as I did made it difficult to truly lay the foundation for the future of the program, but even though we went 0-10 , we have made some very positive strides as a program. The record is all on me with no excuses to make, but we are working hard here at Jordan in order to build toward the future of the program, not only on the wins and losses, but at life.

Justin Ryan Newman Hometown: Columbus, GA (born in Jamestown, ND) Education: Shaw High School; Georgia State University Sports awards or accomplishments (high school, college, career): All Bi-City Baseball High School; All-Conference Baseball College; Professional Baseball Player, Cincinnati Reds Family: Wife, Kelly; children, Katharine Gail Newman (9), Charlie Ruth Newman (3), and Scott Thomas Newman (1) Hobbies or leisure time activities: Anything sports with the Ohio State University Buckeyes. Spending time with wife and kids.

Person you most admire: Scott Newman, my father. If it was not for him, I would have been an attorney. He pushed me to go with him to Georgia Southern to meet Rance Gillispie and learn football. I have been hooked ever since. My father is my best friend, and I love him to death. If I could be half the man he is, I will be successful.

ITG: What are one or two things that you really enjoy about coaching at Jordan?

JN: This place is special, and not many people know about it. The perception of this school is not its reality at all. When it comes to academics, behavior, sports, anything, this place is a good/great school. For some reason or another there is a perception that this school is not one of the best in the city. It is an older school, but it has tradition. This place has arguably the best alumni association in the city.

In The Game | 37

Competitive Spirit Pushes Athlete to Excel in Classroom

“My mom always said playing high school football is the closest you can come to being in the army,” he said. “Learning to follow orders, the discipline, and relying on those around you. The friendships you make in football are strong.”

Written by: Beth Welch | Photography by: George McDuffie

A competitive spirit is not unusual in athletes. In fact, passion often fuels the drive to succeed in sports. Perhaps a little unusual is when athletes admit to a competitive spirit driving them to succeed in the classroom.

Josh Fernicola is a senior at Brookstone School. Last year he participated in three sports for the Cougars and ended his junior year with an impressive 4.74 GPA. Fernicola said he set his academic standard back in elementary school, when he realized he wanted to be the best at whatever he did.

“I think that goes back to the competition thing,” he said. “I wanted to be better or be the best. It became my priority.”

Brookstone School has a reputation for academic excellence and college preparatory focus.

Rigorous coursework and community service are staples of the Brookstone program. Fernicola has a humble attitude about achieving such a remarkable GPA as a multi-sport athlete in an environment where the bar is set so high.

“I like having a goal to work toward,” he said.

“I’ve always wanted to work hard in class.”

The 17-year-old is the son of medical professionals, who Fernicola said expect him to do his best but have never pushed him to do more than he felt capable. Maybe some of his competitive spirit is derived from being the fourth of five brothers. Whatever the reason, Fernicola learned to channel that drive into what works for him.

“It has to do with time management,” he said. “I don’t like to procrastinate.

I don’t want to leave assignments undone. The classes are getting harder, but I don’t like to be idle.”

No one could accuse the student athlete of being idle. Each year of high school Fernicola has taken a look at the course requirements and deliberately chosen the hardest classes. He has always taken honors and AP classes, which account for such a high GPA. At this point, Fernicola said, his AP calculus class has been the most difficult for him, but even then he managed to make an “A.” In addition to his classroom studies, Fernicola is a member of the Cougars varsity football program.

Last year he was a starter on both sides of the ball.

This season he is expected to see time as a tight end and guard. Since starting the sport in seventh grade, Fernicola has played a variety of positions, including running back, receiver, middle linebacker, outside linebacker, and on special teams. His favorite position is linebacker, but he enjoys the game so much he is willing to play wherever he is needed.

For his senior season, Fernicola has a little more enthusiasm about the Cougars program. Former Brookstone head football coach Blair Harrison was named to the position again this past summer.

While Fernicola did not play for Harrison during the coach’s first stint at Brookstone, he is familiar with him.

“My brother played for him,” Fernicola said.

“I knew Coach Harrison from then. I am so excited about his return. I am especially excited about what he is going to bring to us as a team.”

For his junior year, Fernicola played football in the fall, swam on the Cougars swim team in the winter months, and finished up in the spring with tennis. He is not certain about playing three sports again this year, but

Fernicola played three sports last year.

Swimming was one of the three. Brookstone began a swim program a few years ago, and Fernicola was an original member of the inaugural team.

38 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Scholar-Athlete presented by

there’s a pretty good chance tennis will be part of his lineup.

“I love everything about tennis,” he said. “The coach is great.

I can be in class and think about tennis practice after school and really look forward to it.”

As much as he loves the sport of tennis, Fernicola said football is what he enjoys playing most. The 6’2”, 190-pound athlete feels the camaraderie among the players is unlike any other sport. He also enjoys the more structured parts of it.

“My mom always said playing high school football is the closest you can come to being in the army,” he said. “Learning to follow orders, the discipline, and relying on those around you. The friendships you make in football are strong.”

The intelligent and talented athlete has not made a decision

about college yet. He has always favored the science classes in school and knows he wants to go somewhere for biology and pre-med. His leanings at this time are to enter into some field of sports medicine.

He has taken the ACT and scored a 34 and will soon be taking the SAT. Fernicola has no desire to slack off for his senior year as far as his academics are concerned. Knowing he has years of schooling ahead, he wisely plans to move into the next phase without slowing down and to push through using what has helped him get this far.

“Brookstone does a great job of preparing us for college,” he said. “I plan on working just as hard. I’ll be ready.”

Brookstone students are required to participate in servant leadership by way of community service.

Fernicola chose Habitat for Humanity as his project.

“On Saturday mornings after a Friday night game, I am up at 7:30 to get there. I will be aching and stiff, but once I get there and meet my friends, we just get into building that house,” Fernicola said.

Bateman Starts Senior Year With Historic Win

Written by: Candace Mitchell Photography by: Aaron Musgrove

Since the age of 5, Rashod Bateman, a talented multi-sport athlete, has had a passion for football.

This passion drove him to become a dependable, hard-working wide receiver who helped create history.

40 | itgsportsnetwork.com

“Not only is he very explosive off the ball, but he is so smooth with his running that he doesn’t look like he is running. He is extremely fast and is our vertical threat player.”

— Ashley Anders

On Sept. 8, 2017, the Tifton Blue Devils defeated rivals the Valdosta Wildcats 20-10. As his team sought to remain undefeated thus far this season, Bateman performed throughout the entire game, accumulating eight catches, 93 receiving yards, and one touchdown.

According to Becky Taylor from the Tifton Gazette: “At the end of the first period, (Griffin) Collier found a rhythm with Rashod Bateman, who got the Devils into Valdosta territory for the first time.

“Four plays later, Tift was back on the field and the Collier-to-Bateman connections continued after a 21-yard run by Jones.

“Bateman caught two passes during the seven-play drive, including the one that ended it — a 22-yard touchdown reception where he shook off a defender after Collier found him on the left sideline.”

The Blue Devils created ground breaking history winning that game; the last time they won at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium was in 1993, when the Wildcats of coach Nick Hyder were defeated 8-7 in overtime by coach Gene Brodie's Tift County team.

What was so different this year?

“Our team’s chemistry improved,” Bateman said. “We don’t have as many selfish players as we did last year. We have each other’s back and became closer to our coaches. Whatever they ask us to do, we do it.”

Yet head coach Ashley Anders thinks the leadership that comes with having so many seniors on a team is what drove them toward stronger discipline and success, especially having a player who embodies leadership.

“Rashod is a leader on and off the field,” Anders said.

Anders’ praise of Bateman’s character was only matched by his praise of Bateman’s athletic ability.

229.469.4892 www.smallcakescupcakery.com 3209 N. Oak Street Extension Valdosta, GA 31605

“He is just a natural football player; he is a tremendous route runner,” Anders said. “Not only is he very explosive off the ball, but he is so smooth with his running that he doesn’t look like he is running. He is extremely fast and is our vertical threat player.”

And Bateman’s skill and understanding of his position are demonstrated through his stats; Bateman leads the state in receiving yards, having handed in 642 on 28 catches (22.9 yards per reception on average) and nine touchdowns. Winning their Sept. 15 game against Parkview 5037, Bateman finished with six catches, 248 receiving yards, and three touchdowns.

Th 17-year-old Minnesota commit has a promising future given his talent and mindset.

“My work ethic is what distinguishes me from my teammates because I understand

that hard work pays off,” Bateman said.

“Sometimes I stay late after practice to run drills with my running-back. I have the mindset of a winner. My biggest milestone was winning state in basketball because that is every high school athlete’s dream and I finally got to do that in basketball.”

Bateman is well known for his leadership skills on the field, but he also uses those skills to positively affect his community.

“I use my leadership skills as a positive because so many kids watch me and they look up to me, so I have to set an example for them so they can be successful later down the line,” Bateman said.

Bateman’s overall goal is to make it into the NFL. While he studies his inspiration, Odell Beckham, Bateman’s passion and skill are paving the way for his dreams to become reality, exemplified just by his last season being a Blue Devil.

“Going into the game I am just anxious, yet excited,” Bateman said. “This is my last year playing as a Blue Devil, so for me and my fellow seniors, we have to go out with a bang. We are determined to win.”

And winning is exactly what they are doing.

“This is my last year playing as a Blue Devil, so for me and my fellow seniors, we have to go out with a bang.

We are determined to win.”

— Rashod Bateman

42 | itgsportsnetwork.com

FAST BREAK

Figuring It Out Written by: Jon Nelson Photography by: Aaron Musgrove and Mike Chapman

Here’s a question for you: When was the last time that Valdosta lost three of its first four non-region games?

There are a few seasons that stick in my mind, but I don’t have a definitive answer.

It might be the 1-9 season from 2006. But when Wayne County, who hadn’t won at Bazemore-Hyder since 1954, and Tift, who hadn’t won in Valdosta since 1993, do what they have done this season, it does make your head turn.

But, I look at it this way: Expectations are high all over the state every year, especially for storied programs.

With there being three seasons (in my mind, anyway) — non-region, region, and playoffs — you always try to use the first one to get you ready for the other two on an upward curve.

For those people looking at their favorite teams’ win-loss records with a furrowed brow, just keep an eye on your team when you get into region play. A lot of teams in the past have had records that weren’t too percentage-friendly going into region play (Colquitt and Clinch come to mind recently) or even the playoffs, but they made appearances late in the football season because they figured it out.

There’s still time.

Now, on to those who have taken advantage of the early part of the season.

With the numbers the offense is putting up with Michael Barrett at quarterback behind the “Sons of Thunder,” Lowndes is off to a staggering start. You know head coach Randy McPherson is pleased with his bulldozing front lines.

A couple of other teams — Colquitt, Lee County, Coffee, Warner Robins (AND Northside), Jenkins-Savannah, Taylor County, and Macon County — have had great starts too.

(Okay, I admit, that’s more than a couple, but you see where I am going here.)

This is shaping up to be one of the more wide-open and balanced runs to a title at the Georgia Dome (in most of the classifications) that we have seen in a long time.

So, dear reader, here’s your question for this issue: What’s been your early-season surprise?

Could be a team, a player, a coach for doing something that might have been a surprise (pleasant or just out-right shocking) as we have passed the non-region part of the schedule.

Let us know through any of the In The Game platforms that you’re a part of, and if one is missing, join it and let us know what you’re thinking. You can always do the same with me on Twitter (@OSGNelson), Facebook, Instagram, or through any of the GPB Sports platforms as well.

It’s hard to believe that we’re already so far into the season, but as always the slow part of the season is always the offseason. I will always maintain that there are four seasons here in Georgia, and they’re not the four you think: It’s “Football,” “Spring Football,” “Recruiting,” and “National Signing Day.” And, remember, we’ve got two of those now.

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

In The Game | 43

F AS T BREAK

Top 10 High School

Information courtesy of 247sport.com

Basketball Players in Georgia

1 2 3

Courtesy of Reggie Perry

Courtesy of www.mdjonline.com

Courtesy of Khavon Moore

REGGIE PERRY Thomasville (Thomasville, GA) Pos: PF Ht: 6’9’’ Wt: 200 lbs.

Rating: 98 Commit: Mississippi State

E.J. MONTGOMERY Wheeler (Marietta, GA) Pos: PF Ht: 6’10’’ Wt: 200 lbs.

Rating: 97 Commit: Auburn

KHAVON MOORE Westside (Macon, GA) Pos: SF Ht: 6’8’’ Wt: 187 lbs.

Rating: 96

4. AMANZE NGUMEZI

5. JAMIE LEWIS

6. NELSON PHILLIPS

Johnson (Savannah, GA) Pos: PF Ht: 6’9’’ Wt: 235 lbs.

Rating: 94 Commit: Georgia

Westlake (Atlanta, GA) Pos: PG Ht: 6’3’’ Wt: 185 lbs.

Rating: 93

Warner Robins (Warner Robins, GA) Pos: SG Ht: 6’5’’ Wt: 175 lbs.

Rating: 93

7. JOJO TOPPIN

8. MOHAMMED ABDULSALAM

9. LANDERS NOLLEY

10. DRUE DRINNON

Norcross (Norcross, GA) Pos: SF Ht: 6’8’’ Wt: 175 lbs.

Rating: 92

Greenforest-McCalep Christian Academy (Decatur, GA) Pos: C Ht: 6’8’’ Wt: 268 lbs.

Rating: 91

Langston Hughes (Fairburn, GA) Pos: SF Ht: 6’4’’ Wt: 175 lbs.

Rating: 90

Pebblebrook (Commerce, GA) Pos: PG Ht: 6’0’’ Wt: 165 lbs.

Rating: 89

44 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Team Manager Finds Family on the Sidelines There are many reasons group sports appeal to high school athletes. One word used often in describing the connection players have with one another on a team is “family.” The bonding of participants sometimes extends beyond the actual athletes, which is what has happened in the case of Pacelli School senior Olivia Morgan.

Last year Morgan joined the Pacelli Vikings football program as a team manager. A close friend had been one of the managers and talked Morgan into giving the position a try. According to the school’s athletic director, Buster Connelly, team managers are a group of four or five female students who usually undertake those responsibilities as sophomores and continue throughout their senior years.

“The idea is to have someone coming up as a manager with others who have been around a couple of years,” Connelly said. “That way, we have students who take the lead role and teach the new managers what the job entails. It’s work.

Most people don’t realize how hard these young people work as managers.”

Morgan was a junior when she became part of the manager team. On-the-job training commenced immediately, and there was one main surprise for the newbie.

“It’s really a lot of work; you aren’t just standing there watching the game,” Morgan said, laughing.

HOW TO STAY

Information courtesy of active.com

1. CONTROL THE ANGER Don’t blow up at the referee after every bad call. Take a deep breath and keep playing.

IN THE GAME 4. HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE Before you start the game, think of positive things to keep your spirits up and mind sharp.

5. DON’T HANG YOU HEAD Opponents will look for signs of weakness. Don’t show your exhaustion or frustration for them to prey upon once you get back in the game.

2. SUPPORT YOUR TEAMMATES Maintaining positive support for you teammates will improve your game play and keep you in a positive attitude.

3. DON’T MAKE EXCUSES If you mess up, owe up to it. Don’t let it get you down and affect your game play.

Tell yourself that you can do better and improve without worrying about how you messed up.

The outgoing and personable Pacelli student laughs a lot about her first days on the job. She learned the hard way about the heat, the aggravation of flying insects, and, most importantly, hydration.

“It’s all about water,” Morgan said. “I drink more water than I ever did. I have learned how key being hydrated is because of how necessary it is to the players. With them, you have to constantly be aware of how much water or fluids have been taken in and who needs something. You are watching everyone and always making sure they have what they need. There is intensity to the job because the players are not thinking about being hydrated because they are focused on playing.

They depend on us.”

Team managers haul ice, water, and sports drinks for practices as well as games. They have to prepare before players ever get on a field, and they are cleaning up or getting supplies ready after players leave. Morgan said the managers ride with the football team and coaches to away games and must make all arrangements for coolers, water bottles, and fluids long before the bus pulls out of the parking lot.

In The Game | 45

The managers for Pacelli’s football team are not trainers. The Vikings have a trainer on site for practices and games. The primary role of the team managers is to make hydration available and “push it” during athletic endeavors. Connelly pointed out coaches preach hydration should be a lifestyle for athletes before they ever get to a field of play. Once there, managers work to keep them hydrated.

Other than being in constant motion, Morgan said she also was surprised last year to find the group of athletes and support personnel form a bond during the season.

“These guys have always been serious and respectful to us,” Morgan said.

“They treat us like part of the team, and we really get to know each other. I probably would not have contact with most of the guys on the team just by attending school here. But because I am a manager, I have a family relationship with this team. It’s really a sweet little football family.”

An only child, Morgan feels like the football program at Pacelli has become an extend-

46 | itgsportsnetwork.com

ed family for her. That feeling was no greater needed or appreciated than when Morgan’s father, Wes Morgan, died in January.

“Everyone knew my dad,” she said. “He was always at the games.

I just couldn’t believe how supportive they were to me when he died. I didn’t expect the reaction I received.

The family aspect really came through.”

This season Morgan is back on the sidelines as a manager but also as the leader. She is senior to the other four managers and takes her role seriously. Over the summer she was at Pacelli daily taking inventory of equipment and gear or helping with other tasks in the athletic department and later working at football practices.

Being a manager has been a unique experience for Morgan.

She plays volleyball for the Vikings and had played some basketball earlier in her life, but football was just a spectator sport to her. In fact, Morgan has taken dance most of her life and is an accomplished violinist. She has really learned a lot about football from being up close and personal to it, including becoming a pretty vocal fan as she encourages her “family” from the sidelines.

“Yep, that’s me yelling for them on the sidelines; (I) feel kind of like the team mom,” she said with a laugh.

Twin Brothers’ Unique Situation Works Well on Football Field Written by: Beth Welch | Photography by: George McDuffie

There has always been a little mystery surrounding siblings who are multiples. Twins, triplets, and other sets are unique in many ways and often have a very close bond. Bryce and Kasen Andrews are seniors at Calvary Christian School in Columbus, and the 17-year-old twins look so much alike, it’s hard not to stare upon first meeting them.

After getting to know each of them, however,

the differences between the two are more noticeable. Bryce, the oldest by five minutes, has a more narrow face than his brother and a more serious nature. Kasen, maybe a pound or two heavier, has a more laid back approach to things.

The young men share a very close relationship, but don’t necessarily find being twins such a big deal.

“Being a twin is just like having another

brother or sister but you just look the same,” B. Andrews said.

The two say they don’t really notice the “twinness” so much until others point it out.

“I mean, but it is a little crazy when you are standing right beside each other and other people will say how much we look alike,” K. Andrews said.

Which prompts the question, do you think you look alike?

“No,” they said in unison.

Both brothers are 6’4” and weigh about 205 pounds. They do almost everything together, including playing sports.

The natural athletes started playing football at an early age due to their father’s desire to get them involved in the game. From the beginning, the Andrews twins have played positions together.

“He was always the quarterback, and I was his center,” B. Andrews

said. “Later on, I was like I don’t want to block for anyone any more. I want to do something fantastic, and that is when I got started as a receiver.”

The twins settled into the roles of quarterback for Kasen and wide receiver for Bryce. As members of the Calvary Knights football team, Bryce also sees time as a strong safety, but Kasen is strictly the quarterback.

Being tall for their age, Bryce and Kasen have givIn The Game | 47

en other sports a try. When they each other so well, their familiarcame to Calvary as sophomores, ity aids in their performance on they chose football in the fall and the field. basketball for winter. Bryce gave “We have been playing tobaseball a season as a sophogether since we started,” B. Andrews more, but the Andrews brothers said. “I know his body movenow see spring as more of a footments. I know what he is going ball prep time. to do and where I need to be for Since their arrival at Calvary, him to get me the ball.” the twins have become importNodding in agreement, ant contributors to the Knights Kasen added his perspective. football program. Last season, “I can almost feel where he Kasen was the leading passer for is,” he said. “I can look at his face the team with 233 attempts and and know what he is thinking and 1,852 total yards. Bryce led the he can look at me and know what team in receptions with 36 for to do.”

741 yards. Each of them has a Up until the third grade, the boys were in the same classes standout memory from the 2016 season. together. They insisted then to be separated, but even in high “Had to be the last playoff game,” B. Andrews said. “It was school they have had some classes in common. The twins forth and 15; we were on the see each other at 15-yard line and lunch and can pretwe were down by a ty much be found in touchdown. It was each other’s comin overtime. Coach called where I got to pany just about all go straight down the the time. field and go jump They are hoping and get the ball in their senior season the end zone. I was brings out more renervous, so whatevcruiters with offers er. Kasen throws it for next year. Bryce up, and I had about and Kasen plan on two or three people. going to college I jumped up, went to together regardless go get it, brought it if it is on athletic back down, and evscholarships or not. eryone went crazy.”

They hope to go far His brother reaway from home — Kasen Andrews flected back to the mainly because beginning of that season for his their mother and other famimost memorable game. ly members have encouraged “The first game,” K. Andrews them along those lines. The twins said. “That first game everyshare an interest in pursuing caone had the jitterbugs, and we reers involving sports. Bryce is were not sure what we would leaning toward sports medicine, do, but I had a really good game. while Kasen has narrowed the I performed really well. I had over field to physical therapy.

300 yards passing and maybe With so much together time, four or five passing touchdowns.” do the guys ever get on each The brothers said they realother’s nerves or fight like other ized after their sophomore seasiblings sometimes do? son they needed to work harder “Oh, yeah,” K. Andrews said. at their game play. That following “If we have been together every summer they attended camps minute just constantly, it hapto help develop their skills. They pens. But Bryce has the quickest worked out daily and focused on temper. He just hangs on those specifics. As a result, they came emotions.” into their junior year better preThe older twin is not defenpared and more motivated to be sive about his brother’s remarks. what their teammates needed.

“It’s usually over something Bryce and Kasen spend alsmall,” he said. “I get over it, and most all their time together. They we are back to being friends. still share the same room at home Mostly, it’s just with each other, and are very protective of one too. We get along with everyanother. The twins say they know body.”

“I can almost feel where he is,” he said. “I can look at his face and know what he is thinking and he can look at me and know what to do.”

“That first game everyone had the jitterbugs, and we were not sure what we would do, but I had a really good game. I performed really well. I had over 300 yards passing and maybe four or five passing touchdowns.”

— Kasen Andrews 48 | itgsportsnetwork.com

“He was always the quarterback, and I was his center. Later on, I was like I don’t want to block for anyone any more. I want to do something fantastic, and that is when I got started as a receiver.”

— Bryce Andrews

FCA Summer Camps a Success Submitted by: FCA

As summer comes to an end, we are overjoyed with the success that our camps have had over the past months and excited to see that lives were changed.

There were many first time decisions for Christ and commitments to serve Him on a more personal level.

Faith in Football was held on July 13 in Clinch County with 300 players and 30 coaches in attendance. This is a one-day football camp, and the guest speaker was Reggie Hutchins, the chaplain for the Florida State Football team and a team member of The Fellowship

of Christian Athletes in Tallahassee, Florida.

There was a one-day football camp in Albany, Georgia, on July 18, and the guest speaker was Derrick Moore, chaplain for Georgia Tech. This camp had 350 players and 35 coaches in attendance. Brooks County attended this camp with over 70 players in attendance.

On July 14-15, we had a football camp at Valdosta State University with 500 in attendance. On July 19-20, FCA had a padded football camp in Cook County with eight area schools represented. There were a total of 480

players and 40 coaches. Valdosta State University hosted a cheer camp July 24 -28.

Mary Lou Braswell, former head cheer coach for the University of Georgia cheerleaders and a staff member with FCA, heads up all cheer camps in the Southern United States and lead camp at VSU. We had a great week and are hoping we made an impact on many young girls’ lives and their coaches. Lanier County sent 39 players and seven coaches to FCA Football Camp at Georgia Southern University. There was a total of 32 teams going to various FCA

camps this summer. Overall, our camp season has been phenomenal, and we always look forward to next year so that we can send even more athletes and coaches to camps all over the state of Georgia and beyond.

On August 17, we had our annual Christ Makes Winners Rally at First Baptist Church in the Family Life Center. Music was provided by Future Now Praise Band, and the guest speaker was Chris Musgrove, who is a chaplain with Future Now. Everyone was invited to attend around 6 p.m. for free food, and

then the Rally was from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

We anticipate having a great year at The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and we covet your prayers. God has called us into ministry, and we strive to do the best job that we possibly can while giving God all the glory. It is always a joy to see young and old accept Christ for the first time and to see the peace and determination that comes along with that new commitment. Thank you for serving with us in the Valdosta community.

Continuing the Brand With a New Team Written By: Morgan Danford Photography by: Marque Milla Reese

The 8th Annual McDonald’s Tift County Invitational is almost here, and the 2017 GHSA 6A State Champion Tift Blue Devils have a new coach.

Chris Wade inherited the title of Tift County High School’s boys basketball coach, and all the expectations that come with the territory rest on him this season.

Many recognize Tift County’s basketball program for the way its athletes play, its winnings, and the coaches that brought the team success.

Wade said the Blue Devils have always been “a really classy, well run program."

“It’s always been like this,” he said. “It’s consistently been an elite program and consistently run with class.”

Wade is from Forest Park in South Atlanta. He attended Truett McConnell Junior College for two years, where he played tennis before transferring to Georgia Southwestern State University, where he played basketball.

After graduating, he coached basketball and football at Americus.

He started the junior college basketball program at South Georgia Technical College and then went to Miami-Dade for a year.

Wade played basketball from a young age, but knew early he was going to coach. “[The players] kinda got a chip on their “I was pretty realistic about my abil- “Since coach Holland has left, everyone thinks shoulder,” he said. “Since coach Holland ities,” he said. “I was never under the this is their shot to get Tifton. Our kids are has left, everyone thinks this is their shot impression that I was going pro or actually pissed off about it. They’re ready to get to get Tifton. Our kids are actually pissed anything. I just used what ability I had to learn as much and stay on a team started and prove they’re still players here and still off about it. They’re ready to get started and prove they’re still players here and long enough to get as much experi- are going to maintain what we’ve been doing.” still are going to maintain what we’ve ence as possible to go to coaching.” been doing. “ — Chris Wade On the surface, Wade and past Wade said this year will be about coach Eric Holland seem to be a lot different, but after working together for years, it’s only the execution maintaining the success and quality of the program. He takes pride in maintaining the expectations of how the team acts, looks, and plays, that sets them apart.

“Our method of getting the message across is a little bit different and he is prepared to make his mark as a coach in the program.

No matter the changes this year, Wade said, “We’re still Tift County.” sometimes, but we both believe in discipline basketball, and we both He’s also already looking forward to the 8th Annual McDonald’s understand that defense wins,” Wade said.

Invitational.

The school partners with local McDonald’s restaurants He believes this season will be very different from the last few. Wade asked that fans and supporters take it easy on the players this season. to host a tournament against teams in nearby cities.

Wade said he’s interested in making it a tournament style again.

“We’re gonna be a lot smaller, and we’re going to be a lot less This year, the schedule includes nearby teams such as Albany and methodical offensively because of that,” Wade said. “We’ll rely Nashville and teams from as far as Bartow and Minneola, Florida. on perimeter shooting, which will result in more free flow ball Wade ensured the tournament is “something South Georgia can movement, player movement, so I think we’ll be kind of fun to be proud of.” The 8th Annual McDonald’s Invitational is set for Dec. 28- 30 at Tift County High School. watch, depending on how we shoot it.”

That doesn’t mean that Tift County will be easy to beat.

50 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Hardaway High School Football Coaches Come Home Written by: Beth Welch Photography by: George McDuffie Back when Michael Woolridge roamed the hallways of Hardaway High School as a student and football athlete, he developed a strong bond with the school.

Even after he graduated in 2000, Woolridge looked back on his time at Hardaway as some of the best years of his life.

“I have always had a love for Hardaway High School,” he said.

The same is true for Jonathon Burton. Like Woolridge, Burton was also a football athlete at Hardaway. Even before he graduated in 2005, Burton formulated a career plan to work his way back to the Home of the Hawks.

“I had an initial goal, my bucket list goal you might say, to coach football at Hardaway,” Burton said with a smile.

In 2015 Woolridge was named head football coach at Hardaway. The 2016 football season was his first heading up the football program, and this past spring he brought Burton on board as an assistant coach.

It appears for all intents and purposes the two former Hardaway athletes have come home.

While it isn’t all that unusual to have alumni return to work as teachers and coaches in schools they at-

tended, it is a little unusual in that these two former students actually planned on returning to their alma mater.

“We grew up around each other,” Woolridge said.

“We knew each other, and about four or five years ago we started talking about coming back here as coaches.”

When the talented tight end and outside linebacker played at Hardaway, the school knew some success with its football programs.

Woolridge recalled his junior year, the 1998 football season, as being the most memorable during his time at the school. The Hawks went 10-2, and morale was high for both the team and its fans.

Woolridge, a special education teacher at HHS, attended Eastern Kentucky on an athletic scholarship.

Later, he came back to the area and once coached at Hardaway as part of thenhead coach Jeff Battles’ coaching staff from 2008-10.

During that time, the Hawks experienced their last winning season to date.

Woolridge moved over to Jordan Vocational High School as offensive and defensive coordinator for four seasons. The Jordan football program improved during his time there, but when Battles stepped down as head football coach at Hardaway,

Woolridge saw his chance to return to his former school and take over the football program. All along the way, Woolridge never lost his love for Hardaway.

“Even when I was coaching at other schools, if Hardaway played on Thursday or Saturday, I was there,” Woolridge said. “I was in the stands. I supported Hardaway long before I came back here.”

Burton’s road back to Hardaway came by way of some local middle schools.

After graduating from Hardaway, the former middle linebacker and offensive guard attended Albany State University and graduated with a dual major in health and physical education and recreation. He spent some time as a parapro working his way into his hometown school system and later taught at another middle school before landing at Richards Middle School.

At Richards, Burton coached for four years, the last three as head football coach. During his time as head coach with the Warriors football program, Burton’s record was 22-2. He had three undefeated regular seasons and won a city middle school championship. Richards Middle School has traditionally been known as a “feeder” school for Hardaway since the two schools are located in close proximity. Burton was getting closer, literally and figuratively, to Hardaway.

While Woolridge and Burton were coaching at other schools, they would often cross paths and talk Hawks football. The two loyal alums were disappointed by the football program’s series of losing seasons. Their talks turned to “what ifs,” and coaching plans were talked over. When Woolridge was named Hardaway’s head

Interestingly enough, some of Burton’s athletes from his years coaching at nearby Richards Middle School are now seniors on the Hardaway football team.

“I feel kind of like a proud dad with those guys,” Burton said. “I watched them grow up and get better. It’s a real good feeling to be a part of their lives here, too.”

Woolridge admitted some things have changed since he played football at Hardaway.

“The facilities for sure,” Woolridge said. “We have a state-of-the-art weight facility here. These guys don’t know how good they have it. Back then, we had like a small room with no windows, and the coach would close the door. It was a sweatbox, for sure.”

football coach in 2015, Burton was excited about the prospect of Hardaway returning to a winning tradition under Woolridge’s direction.

This past spring a spot opened up for another coach in the HHS football program, and Woolridge brought Burton on board. The 30-yearold teaches physical education at the school and works as an assistant coach for Woolridge. It was the culmination of their strategic planning to get there but only the beginning for their vision of returning Hardaway’s football teams to an era of winning.

“Who better than us?”

Burton said. “We are invested in this school and in its traditions. We know what it is like to be here and really want to win as athletes. Now we want the same things as coaches.”

Their enthusiasm for the future of the program is contagious. It helps that Woolridge’s first season was 4-5 as compared to the pre-

vious 1-9 record. However, the head coach isn’t content with improvement.

“We want to build a legacy here,” Woolridge said.

“Short term is playoffs or nothing. The long term is Hardaway becoming a dynasty of winning teams.”

The head coach and his assistant said they feel blessed to have the opportunity to return to the school as educators. Their lives were impacted by the instruction and experiences they had on this same campus where they now work. It’s something they have never forgotten.

“I feel like I never left Hardaway,” Woolridge said.

Nodding his head in agreement, Burton summed it all up: “Once a Hawk, always a Hawk.”

In The Game | 51

F AS T BREAK Written by: Alex Dunn

5 Hard-Core Football Training Exercises Uphill Speed Ladder

Bounding

Dumbbell Bench Press

Landmine Row

Tricep Press

Start at the ladder at the bottom of a hill. Rapidly tap each foot on each rung until you reach the top. Repeat.

Bound from one leg to the other, try to get as much distance as possible with each bound.

Get into position and hold the dumbbells near your chest. Drive them toward the ceiling until arms are fully extended.

Try not to arch your back as you lower the dumbbells to starting position.

Straddle the bar with your back flat and chest up. Get into a 45-degree forward bend at the waist and grab the rope. Pull elbows back until your hands reach the outside of your chest and lower weight until arms are straight.

Hold handles with palms facing out and extend arms while leaning at a 45-degree angle. Bend elbows until they are behind the head and repeat.

Information courtesy of stack.com

Top 10 2017 College Football Players 1. Ed Oliver, DT, Houston 2. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville 3. Sam Darnold, QB, USC 4. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma 5. Derwin James, S, Florida State 6. Connor Williams, OT, Texas 7. Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State

NCAA Leader in Rushing Yards Diocemy Saint Juste, Hawaii - 434 yds

8. Rashan Gary, DT, Michigan 9. Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming

Information courtesy of www.kauainews.com * Ranking as of 9/18/17

10. Derrius Guice, RB, LSU Information courtesy of NFL.com

2017 Passing Yards Drew Lock

Kyle Shurmur

521 yards

296 yards

Shea Patterson

429 yards 52 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Quinten Dormady

221 yards

Nick Fitzgerald

239 yards Information courtesy of www.ncaa.com *Ranking as of 9/18/17

Patriot Defender Has

ON-FIELD PERSONALITY Written by: Beth Welch Photography by: George McDuffie

Northside High School senior Caleb Johnson hopes one day to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering or something along those lines.

He also would like to get a secondary degree in business management.

An only child, Johnson talks about his mother with respect and admiration and carries on conversations with reserved demeanor.

Don’t let the calm, cool, and collected side of Johnson fool you.

When he steps onto a football field as one of the top defenders in the Columbus Valley area, Johnson’s alter ego takes over.

“Oh, yeah,” he said. “I flip a switch. I really like hitting people.”

Standing 6’4” and weighing 250 pounds, Johnson is a force to be reckoned with as a starting linebacker for the Patriots. He has been playing football just about as far back as he can remember. Because he was always “bigger than the other kids,” Johnson has seen a lot of playing time on defense.

Johnson came to Northside primarily because of the school’s biomedical engineering magnet program. He played just about every sport he could at Veterans Memorial Middle School and knew he wanted to continue to play football in high school. He found his chance with the Patriots, but it didn’t come easy.

As a freshman Johnson started off much like every other underclassman. Eventually, the linebacker set a goal to be a starter for his sophomore season. A lot of hard work and effort went into making that a reality, but when the 2015 season rolled around, Johnson had earned a starting position.

“I was surprised. I was like other kids who wanted to grow up and be a professional football player.

Play in college and go on to the NFL — but it was surprising when I started getting calls.”

— Caleb Johnson

“I will say that particular year we had a huge senior class,” Morgan Ingram, Northside head football coach, said. “For him to beat those other guys out was a big deal.”

Johnson said he worked hard at attaining the starting position because nothing was handed to him. It is a philosophy he still holds to as a member of the Patriots team. Hard work is the norm, not the exception.

“I did what I had to do,” he said. “Hard work.

There was a spot open, but I had to work hard to earn it.”

Chalking up the sophomore season to an experience builder, Johnson came into the 2016 season with the same work ethic and mindset. His competitive spirit ramped up, though, and a funny In The Game | 53

thing happened. Johnson exploded onto the scene with big results. He led the team in tackles, almost twice as many as the year before, and was an interception leader.

“It was my breakout year,” he said. “I had about 125 tackles on the season and was named All-Region.”

Because of his stellar performance, Johnson started gaining attention from colleges that were impressed with the outside linebacker’s size and speed. The guy who was always bigger than everyone else is also faster than many of his peers.

His best time in the 40yard Dash is 4.7 seconds, which is one of the reasons during the spring the two-sport athlete can be found playing right field for the Patriots baseball team.

When the scouts started calling and the offers started coming in, no one was more amazed than Johnson.

“I was surprised. I was like other kids who wanted to grow up and be a professional football player. Play in college and go on to the NFL but it was surprising when I started getting calls,” says Johnson.

His coach acknowledged it was pretty quiet on the recruiting front until February, and then

the interest in Johnson started heating up. Now, he is considered a threestar recruit with several offers from key Division I football programs. Johnson’s life has become a little more complicated because of the attention.

“It’s overwhelming,” he said.

At this point Johnson has narrowed down his choices, but is playing his cards pretty close to the vest. While other high school athletes might be dazzled by the hype and attention, Johnson is still pretty much the same person he has always been off the field: calm, cool, and collected.

His list of “possibles” is more about what the schools have to offer him in the way of academics.

He said his mother has always stressed the value of education. Academics will factor big in his decision. Johnson also said he wants to choose a future college based on not just

Johnson comes from a long line of talented athletes. He can list family members who attended college on athletic scholarships or were serious athletes. One he is particularly proud of is his grandfather. Johnson said his grandfather was a boxer who was a heavyweight fighter back in the day.

the coaches but on how the team relates to one another. At Northside, the senior values the closeness of his teammates and feels the connection athletes have with each other builds the strength of the team as a whole.

At the time of his interview, Johnson was planning on delaying his decision until the end of football season. He hopes his skills on the field continue to project upwardly, and his focus is on being a team leader, working hard, and being a contributor to his team’s goal of a winning season.

He has an off-thefield plan for his future because Johnson knows football is a means to an end.

“I have heard too many stories about career-ending injuries,” Johnson said. “I know football will end one day, and I want a back-up plan.

Football is my gateway to other things.”

“I have heard too many stories about career-ending injuries,” Johnson said. “I know football will end one day, and I want a back-up plan. Football is my gateway to other things.”

Passing Yards

Players

Yards

Pos

Jimmy Garoppolo Jacoby Brissett Tom Brady

380 124 67

QB QB QB

Receiving Yards

Players

Yards

Pos

Jacob Holllister D.J. Foster Austin Carr Rex Burkhead James O’shaughnessy

120 85 75 50 41

TE RB WR RB TE

Rushing Yards

54 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Players

Yards

Pos

Brandon Bolden Dion Lewis Leshun Daniels D.J. Foster Rex Burkhead

66 66 39 30 20

RB RB RB RB RB

2017 BASKETBALL

In The Game | 55

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LOWNDES VIKINGS Photography by: Marque Milla Reese

Highlights

5-2

Head Coach: Donnie Holland

2016 Overall Record

2016 region Record

2016 Overall Record

18-8

15-12

2016 region Record

GIRLS

BOYS

2-4

Head Coach: Brittany Ferguson

Points Scored: 1604

Points Scored: 1588

Points Allowed: 1421

Points Allowed: 1521

7A region 1

VALDOSTA WILDCATS Photography courtesy of www.gocats.org

Highlights

5-3

Head Coach: Antonio Haynes

2016 Overall Record

2016 region Record

2016 Overall Record

16-12

12-16

Head Coach:

Points Scored: 1674

Points Scored: 1441

Points Allowed: 1635

Points Allowed: 1447

2016 region Record

GIRLS

BOYS

5-4

E.A. Wilcox

6A region 1 In The Game | 57

At the game?

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Highlights

2-6

Head Coach: Drew Copeland

2016 Overall Record

2016 region Record

2016 Overall Record

2-21

3-10

2016 region Record

GIRLS

BOYS

2-4

Head Coach: Drew Copeland

Points Scored: 1035

Points Scored: 388

Points Allowed: 1469

Points Allowed: 607

GISA 2A region 3

VALWOOD VALIANTS Photos courtesy www.valwood.org

Highlights

7-1

Head Coach: Andy Stamschror

2016 Overall Record

2016 region Record

2016 Overall Record

17- 4

5-10

Head Coach:

Points Scored: 1309

Points Scored: 565

Points Allowed: 985

Points Allowed: 719

2016 region Record

GIRLS

BOYS

1-8

Carlos Jones

GISA 3A region 3 In The Game | 59

Lowndes High Vikings

Valdosta Wildcats

Atkinson County Rebels

Fitzgerald Hurricanes

Coffee High Trojans

Valwood Valiants

Wilcox Patriots

Irwin County Indians

Georgia Christian Generals

Highland Christian Eagles

Berrien Rebels

Brooks County Trojans

Echols County Wildcats

Follow usat: at: Follow us Community Christian Academy

Home Schoolers

60 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Georgia Cyber Academy

Lanier County Bulldogs

Wiregrass Regional College and Career Academy

Cook Hornets

Citizens Christian Patriots

THOMASVILLE BULLDOGS Photos courtesy of www.bulldogathletics.com

Highlights

10-0

Head Coach: Benjamin Tillman

2016 Overall Record

2016 region Record

2016 Overall Record

19-9

10-19

Head Coach:

2016 region Record

GIRLS

BOYS

4-6

Antonio Wade

Points Scored: 1663

Points Scored: 1338

Points Allowed: 1535

Points Allowed: 1411

2A region 1

THOMAS CO. CENTRAL YELLOW JACKETS Photography by: www.timesenterprise.com

Highlights

Head Coach:

0-9

Levi Williams

2016 Overall Record

2016 region Record

2016 Overall Record

2-23

10-17

2016 region Record

GIRLS

BOYS

1-8

Head Coach: Thomas McAboy

Points Scored: 1306

Points Scored: 1313

Points Allowed: 1736

Points Allowed: 1495

5A region 1 In The Game | 61

BROOKS COUNTY TROJANS Photography by: Vince Jupiter

Highlights

1-10

Head Coach: Brandon Dawkins

2016 Overall Record

2016 region Record

2016 Overall Record

7-17

14-11

Head Coach:

2016 region Record

GIRLS

BOYS

5-5

Lamar Thomas

Points Scored: 1350

Points Scored: 1296

Points Allowed: 1521

Points Allowed: 1200

2A region 1

BROOKWOOD WARRIORS Photos courtesy of www.timesenterprise.com

Highlights

Head Coach:

2-9

Brad Piazza

2016 Overall Record

2016 region Record

2016 Overall Record

10-14

19-9

Head Coach:

Points Scored: 1134

Points Scored: 1286

Points Allowed: 1136

Points Allowed: 989

2016 region Record

GIRLS

BOYS

5-5

Kim Taylor

GISA 3A region 3 In The Game | 63

64 | itgsportsnetwork.com

COLQUITT COUNTY PACKERS Photography by: Garrison Muelhausen

Highlights

Head Coach:

3-3

Andy Harden

2016 Overall Record

2016 region Record

2016 Overall Record

21-7

23-5

2016 region Record

GIRLS

BOYS

5-1

Head Coach: Rondesha Williams

Points Scored: 1746

Points Scored: 1619

Points Allowed: 1448

Points Allowed: 1205

7A region 1

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TIFTAREA PANTHERS Photos courtesy of www.sgasports.net

Highlights

1-9

2016 Overall Record

2016 region Record

2016 Overall Record

4-16

15-2

Head Coach:

Head Coach:

Points Scored: 781

Points Scored: 891

Points Allowed: 1038

Points Allowed: 674

2016 region Record

GIRLS

BOYS

8-0

GisA 3a region 3

WORTH COUNTY RAMS Photography by: Marque Milla Reese

Highlights

Head Coach:

3-4

Roney Mays

2016 Overall Record

2016 region Record

2016 Overall Record

9-19

6-19

Head Coach:

2016 region Record

GIRLS

BOYS

1-7

John Popham

Points Scored: 1145

Points Scored: 1304

Points Allowed: 1478

Points Allowed: 1475

3A region 1 Butch Jenkins, PT Savannah Jenkins , DPT Molly Barnard, LPTA Jamie Pritchard, Office Manager Phone: 229-821-3892 Fax: 229-821-3893 Email: sgtherapyrehab@gmail.com 1009 West Franklin St. • P.O. Box 846 Sylvester, Georgia 31791

TIFT COUNTY BLUE DEVILS Photography by: Marque Milla Reese

Highlights

Head Coach:

5-1

Chris Wade

2016 Overall Record

2016 region Record

2016 Overall Record

29-2

17-10

2016 region Record

GIRLS

BOYS

Head Coach:

Points Scored: 2101

Points Scored: 1365

Points Allowed: 1460

Points Allowed: 1201

4-2

Julie Conner

7A region 1

In The Game | 67

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CAIRO SYRUPMAKERS Photos courtesy of www.ccajax.org

Highlights

Head Coach:

1-14

Ike Chance

2016 Overall Record

2016 region Record

2016 Overall Record

4-20

9-16

2016 region Record

GIRLS

BOYS

4-10

Head Coach: Drew McClendon

Points Scored: 1145

Points Scored: 1304

Points Allowed: 1478

Points Allowed: 1475

4A region 1

BAINBRIDGE BEARCATS Photography by: Marque Milla Reese

Highlights

Head Coach:

4-5

Terry Smith

2016 Overall Record

2016 region Record

2016 Overall Record

10-19

19-9

2016 region Record

GIRLS

BOYS

6-4

Head Coach: Kelvin Cochran

Points Scored: 1640

Points Scored: 1402

Points Allowed: 1763

Points Allowed: 1211

5A region 1 In The Game | 69

TURNER COUNTY REBELS Photography by: Marque Milla Reese

Highlights

12-4

Shedric Office

Head Coach:

2016 Overall Record

2016 region Record

2016 Overall Record

19-9

19-11

2016 region Record

GIRLS

BOYS

11-5

Shedric Office

Head Coach:

Points Scored: 1994

Points Scored: 1705

Points Allowed: 1746

Points Allowed: 1379

1A region 2

IRWIN COUNTY INDIANS Photos courtesy of sgasports.net

Highlights

Head Coach:

10-7

Levon Grant

2016 Overall Record

2016 region Record

2016 Overall Record

11-14

2-22

2016 region Record

GIRLS

BOYS

Head Coach: Yachika Wilson

Points Scored: 1524

Points Scored: 600

Points Allowed: 1600

Points Allowed: 1276

1A region 2 70 | itgsportsnetwork.com

1-17

COFFEE COUNTY TROJANS Photography by: Micki K. Photography

Highlights

6-3

Pernell Smith

Head Coach:

2016 Overall Record

2016 region Record

2016 Overall Record

16-10

8-19

2016 region Record

GIRLS

BOYS

1-7

Tasha Kimble

Head Coach:

Points Scored: 1642

Points Scored: 1205

Points Allowed: 1513

Points Allowed: 1333

6A region 1

FITZGERALD PURPLE HURRICANE Photography by: Garrison Muelhausen

Highlights

7-3

Head Coach: Derrick Arrington

2016 Overall Record

2016 region Record

2016 Overall Record

14-6

22-3

2016 region Record

GIRLS

BOYS

Head Coach:

Points Scored: 1486

Points Scored: 1624

Points Allowed: 1397

Points Allowed: 1219

9-1

Earl Brown

1A region 1 In The Game | 71

DEERFIELD-WINDSOR KNIGHTS Photography by: Albany Herald

Highlights

7-4

2016 Overall Record

2016 region Record

2016 Overall Record

15-10

5-18

2016 region Record

GIRLS

BOYS

Points Scored: 1382

Points Scored: 970

Points Allowed: 1253

Points Allowed: 1244

2-8

Gisa 3A region 3

inthegamesportsnetwork.com/apparel

LEE COUNTY TROJANS Photography by: Albany Herald

Highlights

6-5

Kirven Davis

Head Coach:

2016 Overall Record

2016 region Record

2016 Overall Record

15-16

10-15

Head Coach:

2016 region Record

GIRLS

BOYS

4-4

Tondra Davis

Points Scored: 1781

Points Scored: 1095

Points Allowed: 1837

Points Allowed: 1184

6A region 1

CRISP COUNTY COUGARS Photography courtesy of www.americustimesrecorder.com

Highlights

8-2

Head Coach: Stacy Stephens

2016 Overall Record

2016 region Record

2016 Overall Record

17-12

4-25

2016 region Record

GIRLS

BOYS

1-7

Head Coach: Danyal Johnson

Points Scored: 1942

Points Scored: 1174

Points Allowed: 1959

Points Allowed: 1586

3A region 1 In The Game | 73

HOUSTON COUNTY BEARS Photos courtesy of SportsMic

Highlights

Head Coach:

2-7

Stephen Walls

2016 Overall Record

2016 region Record

2016 Overall Record

4-19

12-13

2016 region Record

GIRLS

BOYS

4-5

Head Coach: Daniell Johnson

Points Scored: 1202

Points Scored: 1100

Points Allowed: 1364

Points Allowed: 1172

6A region 1

WESTFIELD HORNETS Photos courtesy of http://www.southgeorgiaphoto.com

Highlights

0-7

2016 Overall Record

2016 region Record

2016 Overall Record

3-16

2-12

2016 region Record

GIRLS

BOYS

1-4

Head Coach: Danny Johnson Points Scored: 967

Points Scored: 596

Points Allowed: 1212

Points Allowed: 725

GisA 3a region 4 74 | itgsportsnetwork.com

NORTHSIDE EAGLES Photography courtesy of SportsMic

Highlights

4-5

Head Coach: Matthew Simon

2016 Overall Record

2016 region Record

2016 Overall Record

15-15

17-10

2016 region Record

GIRLS

BOYS

Head Coach:

Points Scored: 2000

Points Scored: 1423

Points Allowed: 1963

Points Allowed: 1397

7-1

Ashleigh Fox

6A region 1

WARNER ROBINS DEMONS Photos courtesy of Macon.com

Highlights

9-0

Head Coach: Jamaal Garman

2016 Overall Record

2016 region Record

2016 Overall Record

26-4

27-2

Head Coach:

2016 region Record

GIRLS

BOYS

9-1

Tracy Fendley

Points Scored: 2176

Points Scored: 1868

Points Allowed: 1687

Points Allowed: 1285

5A region 1 In The Game | 75

Residential • Commercial New Construction • Service LICENSED / BONDED / INSURED

GA Lic #CN7050 • FL Lic #CAC058168

WWW.WALLERHVAC.COM

Thomasville, GA 15 Williamsburg Ave # 25 229.225.1200

76 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Valdosta, GA

405 N. St. Augustine Rd 229.244.1200

CLINCH COUNTY PANTHERS Photography by: Wenda G Bailey Photography

Highlights

14-2

Head Coach: Terrence George

2016 Overall Record

2016 region Record

2016 Overall Record

26-4

2016 region Record

GIRLS

BOYS

7-19

5-13

Tanya O'Berry

Head Coach:

Points Scored: 2080

Points Scored: 775

Points Allowed: 1636

Points Allowed: 1286

1A region 2

COOK HORNETS Photography by: www.sgasports.net

Highlights

Head Coach:

3-6

Jeremy Brown

2016 Overall Record

2016 region Record

2016 Overall Record

10-18

20-9

2016 region Record

GIRLS

BOYS

7-1

Head Coach: Clemmie Foster

Points Scored: 1653

Points Scored: 1619

Points Allowed: 1628

Points Allowed: 1363

510 N Parrish Ave Adel, GA 31620 (229) 896-2797 Therapy Associates of Georgia Physical Therapy & Fitness Center

In The Game | 77

LANIER COUNTY BULLDOGS Photos courtesy of www.hudl.com

Highlights

Head Coach:

10-8

Ty Randolph

2016 Overall Record

2016 region Record

2016 Overall Record

14-13

15-14

Head Coach:

2016 region Record

GIRLS

BOYS

11-5

Robert Brunel

Points Scored: 1724

Points Scored: 1382

Points Allowed: 1492

Points Allowed: 1250

1A region 2

BERRIEN COUNTY REBELS Photos courtesy of www.sgasports.net

Highlights

2-8

2016 Overall Record

2016 region Record

2016 Overall Record

6-20

16-13

2016 region Record

GIRLS

BOYS

Points Scored: 1248

Points Scored: 1613

Points Allowed: 1499

Points Allowed: 1513

6-4

2a region 1 78 | itgsportsnetwork.com

♦ Azalea’s Restaurant & Lounge ♦ Full Service Amenities ♦ Meeting & Reception Facilities ♦ First Class Accommodations ♦ 40” Flat Panel HD Televisions ♦ Family, Executive & Jacuzzi Suites ♦ Fitness Center & Business Center ♦ Hot Tub & Large Swimming Pool ♦ Complimentary Airport Shuttle

HOLIDAY INN HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER

I-75 (Exit 16) ♦ 1805 West Hill Avenue ♦ Valdosta, GA (229) 244-1111 (800) 465-4329 “Best Hotel and Meeting Place for Teams” www.WilliamsHotelGroup.com

Exit 16 229-249-8800 Valdosta

Exit 18 229-249-8900 Valdosta

Exit 18 229-244-7600 Valdosta

Exit 62 229-382-3300 Tifton

Exit 18 229-249-8880 Valdosta

Exit 16 229-244-1111 Valdosta

Exit 22 229-244-4460 Valdosta

Exit 62 229-382-8100 Tifton

Owned and operated by Williams Investment Company A proud part of South Georgia’s growth since 1963

Exit 16 229-249-8000 Valdosta

Exit 39 229-896-4574 Adel

Exit 18 Exit 62 229-382-8250 229-244-8440 Valdosta Tifton

Exit 62 229-382-8505 Tifton

Exit 16 229-249-1000 Valdosta

In The Game | 79

80 | itgsportsnetwork.com