South Georgia October 2016 Edition

It’s More Than Football WALTER GRANT

Red Devil standout looking to join club of champions Jaxton Carson

Hard Work Pays Off: Cairo Syrupmaid Turns Diamond Success Into Big-Time College Scholarship Mackenzie Puckett

GAME SOUTH GEORGIA

THE EVOLUTION OF OFFENSE CONCUSSIONS IN FOOTBALL OMG, IMG JOINING THE TREND: south Georgia building Volleyball competition

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IN THE

CHECK OUT OUR FAST BREAKS

OCTOBER 2016

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14. Leaving a legacy Antwon Kincade Valdosta High School

19. iT’S MORE THAN FOOTBALL Walter Grant Cairo High School

22. TIFTarea Gymnast balances life’s Beams to perfection Anna Sumner Tiftarea Academy

26. HARD WORK PAYS OFF Cairo Syrupmaid Turns Diamond Success Into Big-Time College Scholarship

29. 10 QUESTIONS Morgan Ingram Northside High School

32. journalistic GENIUS: Celebrating the Career of Wayne Grandy

38. lEE COUNTY COMPETITION CHEERLEADING: Leading the Charge in South Georgia

42. Center OF ATTENTION

Tucker Barnes Lowndes High School

52. Vikings looking to begin new era with competition cheerleading Pacelli High School

54. tri-city striders athletes attend junior Olympics 58. red devil standout looking to join club of champions

Jaxton Carson Central High School

Fast Breaks 37. Joining the trend:

South Georgia Building Volleyball Competition

34. OMG, IMG 50. the evolution of offense 57. concussions in football

46. Blue collar blue devil

Cody Thompson Tift County High School

In The Game | 7

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

Contributors:

What a time for high school athletics here in South Georgia. Football rages on and draws ever closer to region play, teams fight to assert their dominance on the softball diamond, volleyball begins to catch traction in this area, offseason training continues, and much, much more.

But here at In the Game, it isn’t just about what happens on the field; it’s about what the life of a student-athlete is like. What is it like for these remarkable boys and girls at home, in the classroom, in the locker room, in the community? What is unique, interesting, and inspiring about their still-developing stories? What is it that makes them, well, them?

The answers to those questions range all over the spectrum, and we have yet another magazine that gives you, our loyal readers, just a glimpse into their lives and this culture.

Being October, football is leading the charge. On the cover we have Antwon Kincade, starting safety

and leader of the Valdosta Wildcats’ defense. We also go across town to Lowndes to check in with Tucker Barnes, the soon to be Ivy Leaguer, about his life in the classroom and on the field. Cody Thompson of Tift County emphasized an undying spirit and relentless work ethic. And Walter Grant, one of our two student-athletes from Cairo High featured in this magazine, is one of the highest profile players in the area.

In other sports, the other Cairo feature is the future Florida State Seminole softball player, Mackenzie Puckett. We also catch up with coach Donna Jones and the senior leaders on Lee County’s envied competition cheerleading squad, put the spotlight on a level 10 gymnast from Tiftarea in Anna Sumner, and give a journalistic retirement send-off to a Moultrie journalist legend, Wayne Grandy.

For our Columbus content, you won’t want to miss our 10 questions with Northside’s Morgan Ingram or the emergence of Pacelli’s competition cheerleading program. We also highlight the Junior Olympic attendees from the Tri-City Striders and showcase one of the premier football talents in the region, Jaxton Carson of Central High School.

Don’t have time to read those full length features? Check out our fast breaks and quick hits! Scattered throughout the magazine you will find pieces on the sports world as a whole, addressing big and small topics alike. In this edition, our fast breaks tackle the topic of volleyball catching hold in South Georgia athletic programs, take another look at IMG Academy’s philosophy and

how it is impacting the game, look at how football offenses have evolved over the years, and dive into the ongoing discussion on concussions.

These stories, and more, pack the pages of this October edition of our In the Game South Georgia Magazine.

Our mission is to inform, inspire, and connect you with our content and your community. We relentlessly strive to discover, document, and display captivating, sports-inspired stories in a way that accurately represents and honors those involved while actively engaging those not involved.

How do we do that? We at In the Game Sports Network seek to embed ourselves into strong communities that recognize the value of sports tradition by providing extensive coverage and recognition for local student-athletes, coaches, and fans.

So if you know of a player, coach, or fan that is deserving of recognition, head to our website and officially nominate that story!

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?

Publisher Mark Dykes Editor Cole Parker Graphics Brittany K. Wyche Cover Photography Micki Krzynski Feature Photography Micki Krzynski Micki K Photography Lindsi Jones Lindsi Jones Photography Marque Milla Reese Milla Creationz Photography George McDuffie Jerry Christenson Feature Writers James Washington Jacob Dennis Shane Thomas Zack Pine Beth Welch Copy Editors Cole Parker Anna Limoges Beth Welch Advertising/Marketing Mark Dykes mark@itgsportsnetwork.com Cole Parker cole@itgsportsnetwork.com Website Manager Cole Parker

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

They Now:

Kenny Moore TROJAN TEAMMATES TO MAKE THE TREK TO ANN ARBOR Linebacker Stays Focused on Academic Achievement THE DIVING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS COME TO COLQUITT COUNTY

MARKAVIEST BYRANT - CRISP COUNTY IN THE

GAME SOUTH GEORGIA

$4.00 / Issue

In the Game is published monthly excluding July. 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 2016 Dykes Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

September 2016

SENIOR COUGAR SHINES WITH THE LIGHTS

In The Game | 9

Contributors

Mark Dykes

Cole Parker

Brittany k. Wyche

Mandy Douthit

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Operations Officer

Graphic Designer

Graphic Designer

Founder and CEO 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 towards 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.

As a recent Cornell University graduate, Cole dove head first into the working world by taking on a leadership position with In the Game. As the Chief Operations Officer, he has come on board to manage all business operations, digital development, and company expansion.

Combining his experience in entrepreneurship and marketing with his extensive sports background, Cole is looking forward to further establishing and growing In the Game Sports Network.

It takes a lot of talent and drive to handle the graphic design workload here at ITG, but we found the perfect fit in Brittany. Starting her collegiate career as a soccer player at ABAC, she decided to transfer to Wiregrass in order to study Design and Media Production.

Since then, she purchased her own design computer for freelance, but ITG has provided her the perfect opportunity to combine her love for sports and art.

Mandy recently made the move from Pine Mountain, Georgia, to Valdosta in order to join the ITG corporate team. The University of West Georgia alum graduated with a Bachelor 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, and now she will be bringing those skills to In the Game.

James WAshington

Jacob dennis

Shane Thomas

Zack Pine

Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

Joining the staff in July 2014, James brings his passion for sports writing and research to the In the Game Sports Network. After earning a B.A. in English (Journalism Emphasis) from Valdosta State University in 2013, he also just earned his M.A. in Communication Arts.

James brings his experience of writing for various collegiate and professional publications, as well as having played for numerous basketball teams throughout his educational career, to the ITG team.

Jacob Dennis is a senior Business Management major and Journalism minor at Valdosta State. As the winner of a national sports writing contest and a Thomasville native, he brings a diverse skillset and knowledge of the area that will only help In the Game Sports Network continue to grow. From social media to marketing to actually writing articles, Jacob does a little bit of everything.

Shane Thomas is a journalist with a jump shot looking to make his name.

So not only is Shane one of our basketball experts, he is also an award-winning author that has hit the ground running with his contributions to In the Game. While his journey started as a player, it has now taken a turn towards giving his unique perspective on the sports world with vivid story telling and strong reporting.

In May of 2016, Zack Pine received his B.A. in History and joined our staff at In the Game. After graduation, Zack decided to stay in Valdosta to pursue his M.A. in Teaching and to write for our South Georgia region. He hopes to use his time at ITG to focus not just on athletics itself but also the bigger picture issues in athletics. We look forward to his interesting writing for South Georgia.

Micki Krzynski

Marque Milla Reese

Lindsi Jones

George McDuffie

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 Magazine, Micki has provided strong, creative, and highly professional photos. Consequently, Micki and her son/ assistant, Jake, have become our goto photo duo. With enough talent, equipment, and experience to make her dangerous, she continues to push ITG’s photography forward.

Marque “Milla” Reese was born a humble, ambitious child on the south side of Tifton, Georgia. He has always had a vision to see things differently than others as he drew out his imagination, and he went through numerous potential career choices before finding “the one”: the dream of becoming a photographer. With the helpful hand of his wife, Rebekka Reese, Milla is living out that dream as a key member of ITG.

Lindsi is an artist, a photographer, and a welcomed addition to our ever-growing team. Her fascination with art, imagery, and creation lead her to study Fine Art at Valdosta State University, and it was during that time that Lindsi discovered her talent and fell in love with the art of photography. She is as reliable as they come, and regardless of the task set before her, she always delivers beautiful, inspiring photos.

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!

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.

aNNA Limoges Copy editor Anna is a senior Interdisciplinary Studies major at Valdosta State University. She started working with In the Game Sports Network in early 2016 and lends her editorial eye to the words that grace ITG’s pages. She enjoys the meticulous process of copy editing and plays an important role in making each story and magazine the best it can be.

Jerry Christenson Contributing Photographer 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.

BE IN THE GAME

Beth WElch

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In The Game | 13

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In the game of football, pride is everything. It is a pure, visceral emotion that, when properly harnessed, can separate winners from losers and can turn simple contenders into champions.

It is an emotion that runs deep through the heart of Valdosta, Georgia. The winning ways of the Valdosta Wildcats are constantly on display for the world to see: six national, 24 state, and 41 region titles.

To be a Wildcat, one must not only understand and appreciate the heritage. It becomes a daily necessity to bleed black and gold. It is an indescribable feeling to take the field of battle in Death Valley, honorably named in the memories of former coaches Wright Bazemore and Nick Hyder.

Valdosta is a town of success. The Wildcats are a team with unprecedented accomplishments. And standing tall in the middle of the secondary for the storied band of stellar student-athletes is safety Antwon Kincade.

“This city is known for its legacy,” Kincade said. “This is ‘Winnersville,’ and that’s not something to be taken lightly. No other high school in this country has been able to do what we’ve done.”

Although he was born in Valdosta, Kincade’s family moved to Jacksonville, Florida, when he was young. However, when

you’re meant to be a Wildcat, it’s impossible to stay away; his family returned to Georgia when he was 11 years old and have remained since. Originally a receiver in his early playing days, he soon realized how much he enjoyed the contact of the sport; his passion for hitting opponents took him to the other side of the field, and he’s lined up in the secondary ever since.

His parents, Sharon Montgomery and Antonio Kincade, wanted to get their son away from his current love of backyard football and return him to an environment in which the game was taught with more stability. Knowing that Valdosta could provide that environment better than Jacksonville, the decision proved to be a positive one.

“My parents are my everything,” said Kincade, who also credited his aunt, Ilona Kincade, as a major influence in his life.

“They are the type of parents that stress to my siblings and me the importance of leaving a legacy. They want their kids to be better than them, and that is my daily motivation. They’ve laid tremendous groundwork, and it’s my job to make them proud.”

Thus far, his accomplishments have undoubtedly done the job. His outstanding career has earned him numerous accolades and honors, most recently including a nod as a member of the GHSA Class AAAAAA All-State First Team just a season ago. Highlighting last season’s performances for the young

In The Game | 15

WHEN YOU’RE MEANT TO BE A WILDCAT, IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO STAY AWAY

“Football has been big because of the interaction,” Kincade said. “Later in life, once I’ve become specialized in a career, I’ll be around other people that have their own specializations. We’ll be different, but we’ll work together with a common goal. It’s a major lesson that football has taught me. I can’t do what a lineman can do and vice versa. But when we work together, we can get any job done.”

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star is his game-clinching stop in the first round of the postseason against North Cobb High School.

“We were up four, 21-17, near the end of the game,” Kincade said.

“Their team was at midfield, and their quarterback threw a 49-yard lob to try to win the game. I was the deepest man back, so I jumped and caught the game-sealing interception. It was amazing.”

The Wildcats opened the year with three consecutive wins over Lowndes (38-13), Woodland (5112), and Wayne County (28-0).

While all equally impressive, it is the season-opening win that holds the greatest significance. Valdosta’s crosstown rival moved up to the newly-formed Class AAAAAAA prior to the 2016 season; because of this, the Winnersville Classic, regularly scheduled around the end of October, became an early year matchup.

Bragging rights remained the same; the Wildcats would take home their third straight win in the Classic and fourth since 2011. But what would make this win stand out above the rest is what it did to Valdosta’s overall win total.

“That was win number 900,” Kincade said. “Nobody’s coming close to this. Put it in perspective; we’re that much closer to 1,000. And we got to hit this milestone by beating our archrivals. It doesn’t get any better than that. I’m just blessed that I was able to be a part of something so meaningful.”

2014 began in similar fashion for the ‘Cats; the team opened on a seven-game win streak before eventually falling to the soon-to-be state-champion Colquitt Packers in Week Eight. This time around, the game will be similar to the one against the Vikings, as Colquitt has also moved up to Class AAAAAAA. But regardless of classification, Kincade still has not forgotten that loss.

Even more so, he has the Packers very high on his radar for 2016.

“I’ll never forget that game,” Kincade said. “As a matter of fact, I want them more than any other team on this schedule now that Lowndes is behind us. I have yet to beat Colquitt in my career as a Wildcat, and that is something that I fully intend to change on September 23. I’ll never go as far as to say that I ‘hate’ anyone…but there is a strong dislike there.”

Kincade’s animosity is a major reason that he is not afraid to hold back with his confidence and opinions. His braggadocio is even more evident in his style of play; his professional favorite, Kam Chancellor, is reflected in Kincade’s brash talk and bone-jarring, smash-mouth nature on the gridiron. He has even voiced that, for a while, he wore the number 31 on his uniform because of Chancellor. “(Chancellor) is very vocal,”

Kincade said. “He’s not afraid; I’ve never seen fear in him. And, like him, I love to talk trash. Winning, losing, it doesn’t matter. I’m finding their key players, and I’m getting in their heads. They’re going to know that I’m there, and I’m not going anywhere the whole night. Once I’m in your head, the game is essentially ours for the taking.”

When you’re dedicated to academics and athletics equally, it is only a matter of time before collegiate scouts come calling. Sure enough, Kincade has earned his share of attention from countless schools.

While a decision has not been made, all are being considered. He has earned approximately a dozen offers from the next level, including Southern Mississippi, Central Michigan, Western Kentucky, and Mercer, just to name a few. While not set on a college major as of yet, he voices a love for animals and could see himself involved in zoology or something of the sort.

“Football has been big because of the interaction,” Kindcade said. “Later in life, once I’ve become specialized in a career, I’ll be around other people that have their own specializations. We’ll be different, but we’ll work together with a common goal.

It’s a major lesson that football has taught me. I can’t do what a lineman can do and vice versa. But when we work together, we can get any job done.”

Kincade has set a great example for his teammates and others around him. But more importantly, he is setting a wonderful example for his younger siblings: 15-yearold Ladainian Kincade is currently suiting up at cornerback for the Wildcats, and 14-year-old Ajazhanae Montgomery is a clarinet player in the school’s band.

Their big brother has grown up with a selfless mentality; he strives to put everything before himself. Kincade specifically credits his trainer, Travis Hall, as a key reason for his determination. He says that Hall’s motivation forces him to be his absolute best, and it’s an attitude that he exudes daily. This vibrant spirit has been a game-changer from the field to the classroom. Teachers and coaches alike praise him for his gracious and unwavering ways, and rest assured that his future is one headed for certain success.

“Academics are my number-one priority, no doubt about it,” Kincade said. “But one thing is for sure. No matter where I go, football or not, I’ll be surrounded by thousands of people from every part of this country. And I’ll tell you this: They will know where I’m from. That Wildcat pride, that lack of fear, it goes with me everywhere. Everyone will know that I’m a Wildcat because that is something that will forever make me proud.”

In The Game | 17

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Walter Grant

Written by: James A. Washington Photography by: Micki Krzynski

For as long as Walter Grant can remember, the pigskin has had a strong hold on his heart.

At a young age, he fell in love with the game and never looked back.

“I started playing around the age of 7,” Grant said. “I used to watch my brother and cousin play, and eventually I started playing in the yard with them. A lot of younger kids start off playing flag football, but not me. It was straight to tackle with me.”

Jumping right into the world of tackle football may be a big task for some. For Grant, however, it was what would soon be expected as another day in the office. After scoring his first touchdown, which also happened to be a game-winner in one of his first Pop Warner games, he knew that he belonged on the gridiron.

Even though his talent could have potentially taken him elsewhere, his love never wavered. Grant was also a standout basketball player, shining as a power forward and center from around 10 or 11 years of age, until he decided to focus solely on football after his sophomore year.

“It’s just something about the game (of football),” Grant said. “The bond is unique, and I just feel at home on this field. There’s nothing like it.”

What began as a fun hobby for a 7-year-old has turned into much more; the dynamo now finds himself an integral component of the Syrupmakers’ stable, where he shines all over the field on both sides of the line. On offense, he sees action at receiver and running back. On the other side of the ball, he plays defensive end as well as inside and outside linebacker.

In The Game | 19

All Time Wins Comparison

FOOTBALL DRIVE

915 - Michigan 884 - Texas 882 - Notre Dame 881 - Nebraska

Grant’s natural talent and incomparable work ethic have been recognized quite often. He has taken home his fair share of postseason awards, the most recent of those being a spot at linebacker on the 2015 Class AAAA All-State First Team. His open willingness to contribute to team success is a key quality that only the best of the best possess. Perhaps that is why the cream of the crop in the collegiate ranks are all vying for his services. As of this writing, Grant has received offers from Clemson, Florida State, Auburn, Alabama, and Georgia. While he has not made a final decision, he does acknowledge that he has narrowed the choice down “to a couple of top schools.”

“Wherever I go, I plan to major in Sports Medicine,” Grant said.

Photo courtesy of Mike Chapman

904 - Valdosta, GA

“My favorite is definitely outside (linebacker),” Grant said. “I take pride in my ability to read plays and help my teammates get in position to make plays as well. I’m a team player.

At the end of the day, I want to win, and I’m willing to play wherever I have to for that to happen.”

“I love football, and once my playing days are over, I want to be able to stay close to the game however I can.”

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FIND YOUR GAME

College may be right around the corner, but for now, the focus is on improving on the results of Cairo’s 2015 campaign. In its first season under new head coach Steve DeVoursney, the team finished 4-6; however, Cairo also finished 3-1 in region competition, and their record was still enough to secure a playoff position.

2016 Cairo Football

2015 Overall Record: 4-6 2015 Region Record: 4-3 Returning Offensive Starters

Returning Defensive Starters

6

8

Jeremiah Gordon Walter Grant Jamal Thomas Jahseari Patterson Todd Brown

State titles: 06 | Years: 1961-1998

Morgan County

leading rusher

Malike Taylor

position

And although an early 27-10 defeat to the Spalding Jaguars (Griffin, Georgia) sent the Syrupmakers packing in the first round, Grant believes that better days are closer than many think.

“I think we’ll be ready; we’re going to improve,” Grant said. “I’m looking forward to going up against Bainbridge. They got us last year (21-7), and I want to make sure that doesn’t happen again. And we have a big game closing out the year at home against Northside (Columbus). We don’t play them very often, but when we do, it’s always a huge battle.

It’s going to take senior leadership, and that starts with me. That’s my personal responsibility.”

Grant’s kind-hearted nature will surely be missed

Carrollton

Team Leaders

College Prospects DT LB DB LB DE

leading passer

John M. Owens leading receiver

Jamal Thomas leading TD scorer

Malik Taylor leading tackler

Walter Grant

interception leader

Jamal Thomas

when he crosses the stage in 2017. He is a humorous jokester that loves to laugh and have a good time off the field, but when the helmet and pads are locked in, it’s strictly business. A talent of that stature is hard to replace, and although he won’t personally suit up for the Syrupmakers again after this season, his heart will always remain. He hopes to return to Georgia to begin his career after finishing college, and he credits the irreplaceable bonds and friendships of Cairo for helping him to make his decision.

“It’s all about the team,” Grant said. “My class, the Class of ‘17, has been together forever. This year, our final year, is our time to shine. This is more than just a group of friends. This here is a family.”

Hawkinsville

State titles: 05 Years: 1954-2014

Thomas Co. Central

State titles: 05 State titles: 05 | Years: 1955-1962 Years: 1992-1997

LaGrange

This Out Do you know who holds the most all-time Georgia high School football State Titles?

Valdosta

State titles: 19 Years: 1951-1998

Buford

State titles: 11 Years: 1978-2014

Lincoln County

State titles: 11 Years: 1976-2006

Lowndes

State titles: 05 State titles: 05 Years: 1958-2004 Years: 1980-2007

Thomson

Check

Rome

State titles: 05 State titles: 05 Years: 1967-2002 Years: 1965-1985

AmericusSumter

State titles: 06 Years: 1962-2001 This information is courtesy of www.maxpreps.com

In The Game | 21

Written by: James A. Washington Photography by: Marque Milla Reese

At the tender age of 2, Anna Sumner found herself practicing cartwheels while she waited on her older sister, Jordyn, to finish her daily routines at a local gymnastics facility. In Anna’s eye, the cartwheels were simply a way to pass the time; everyone around her was fully engaged in the activity, so it appeared a fun thing to do.

She looked up to Beth Roberts, an outstanding gymnast in her own right who currently competes at the University of Georgia. In the midst of her personal rehearsal, she caught the eye of Elena Pankratova, an instructor who immediately reveled at the pure talent that young Anna possessed.

“She approached me and asked how old Anna was,” Deana Sumner, Anna’s mother, said.

“I let her know, and (Elena) had a momentary look of shock. She told me to make sure that I bring Anna back to begin classes as soon as she turned 3 years old because there was something about her that stood out.”

The world saw natural ability.

Young Anna saw a fun way to keep herself entertained. Fast forward to 2016, and the long-

standing pastime has turned into something of a “claim to fame” for the Tiftarea sensation.

“I love everything about gymnastics,” Anna said. “It’s a yearround sport, so there is always something to do or to practice. I always said that if I were to have a superpower, I would want to be able to fly. Gymnastics allow me to get as close to that as possible. When I’m out there competing, I feel like I’m flying.”

Flying has proven to be the ideal metaphor to relate to Anna’s career as a gymnast.

Currently a sophomore, she achieved a Level 10 distinction in eighth grade and has numerous accolades behind her name.

As a Level Seven gymnast, she placed second at both Regional and State-level competitions, and she repeated the feat at her State competition for Level Eight. After moving to Level Nine, she took it a step further; not only did she make it to Regionals, she also went on to compete at Eastern Nationals in Tampa, Florida.

“I definitely want to compete in college,” Anna said, also stating that the floor and bars are her favorite events. “I have some schools in mind, and there are a couple currently looking at me, but there’s still a great deal of time to make that decision.”

Gymnastics, both on the surface and deep within, serve as an impeccable metaphor for life itself. To the eyes of spectators, Anna is exceptional at whatever she does in competition. But what the world doesn’t see is that all of her talents and abilities are the result of countless hours of hard work and dedication to her craft. She practices between 20 and 25 hours a week. Outside of gymnastics, she tackles a rigorous school schedule while also being a part of various clubs, including BETA Club and The National Honors Society of High School Scholars.

“Some nights, Anna comes home and doesn’t go to bed until midnight because she’s so busy with homework,” Deana said. “She’s taking seven classes this year, and they are all core material. She’s enrolled in courses like Honors biology, no filler classes like P.E. or things of that nature. She’s extremely

dedicated to her education.”

Her dedication shines brightly; her tireless work ethic has her currently sitting on a 4.0 GPA and ranked fifth in a sophomore class of approximately 62 students. She has never earned a grade lower than a 95 since attending Tiftarea Academy, which has been her academic home since she began school.

Her plans are to turn her vast intelligence and determination into a career in the medical field.

Although she has not decided which path will be taken, she currently finds that her favorite science is biology.

Tiftarea Academy is a second home to Anna. She truly appreciates the small school because of the family atmosphere; everyone knows one another, and the amount of support is incomparable. Through Tift Gymnastics Academy, where Anna trains and practices, the environment is nearly identical. All of the coaches, including Ben Ledl (who has been Anna’s coach since 2011), give the gymnasts their undivided attention and expertise. Most importantly, the staff, as well as the gymnasts, take time to pray after every

practice in the facility.

“I sincerely appreciate all of my coaches that have gotten me to this level,” Anna said. “And I also want to thank my parents (Tim and Deana Sumner). They have been so supportive of everything that I do, and I will always be grateful.”

Anna’s humble spirit and pleasant attitude are a breath of fresh air every time she sets foot in the facility. She is a role model for the younger gymnasts, who all have become quite enamored with not only her skills, but her gracious and giving nature as well.

“Parents approach me to talk about Anna,” Deana said. “They say that she is so sweet to them and their children. Occasionally, I even have little girls, younger gymnasts, come up to me to tell me that they want to be just like Anna when they grow up.”

Anna Sumner has touched countless lives through her gift of gymnastic prowess. Combined with her outstanding academic success, it is a safe bet that having children admire her and aspire to follow in her footsteps is quite a virtuous way to go.

TIFT GYMNASTICS ACADEMY Recreational Gymnastics Team Gymnastics Tiny Tot Mommy and Me Birthday Parties Parents Nigh Out Certified Coaches Training Pits Rock Wall Inflatables Trampolines & Tumble Track Kids Night 732 E 5th St. Tifton Ga, 31794 Right off Hwy 82 www.tiftgymnasticsacademy.com In The Game | 23 229-396-5589

Colony Bank has met, and exceeded, that demand.

In the increasingly digital, fast-paced world in which we all live, the demand for people to be able to manage their finances online has become more and more prevalent.

Colony Bank has met, and exceeded, that demand.

Complementing our traditional services, Colony Bank now offers numerous e-banking services for consumers and businesses alike, but this month we want to focus on what our e-banking platforms can offer businesses.

Mobile Banking Our Business Mobile Banking App is designed with the small business customer in mind. Business Mobile Banking lets you quickly manage your business accounts while on the go from your Smartphone. Easily check account balances, monitor transaction activity, and initiate transfers between your Colony Bank accounts. Business Mobile Banking can alert you to approve ACH files, internal transfers, and wire transfers.

Mobile Deposit Use the Business Mobile Deposit service from Colony Business Mobile Banking to simply and securely deposit a check from the convenience of your mobile device.

Deposits can now be made anywhere and anytime. Submit deposits 24/7, view previous and pending deposits, and reduce time away from your business with fewer trips to the bank Download our Business Mobile App from the Apple® App Store or Google® Play Store™.

Online Banking We offer 24-hour online banking and cash management services. Whether your company needs comprehensive balance information or direct payment capability, this 24/7/365 service can meet your needs.

At your convenience, you will be able to view the balance and history of accounts and loans, view and print imaged checks, transfer funds between accounts, verify check clearings and deposits, issue stop payments on checks, create e-Alerts for quick notification of account activity, access e-Statements, and customize security with the ability to authorize other users and provide individual passwords and levels of access.

Bill Payments Our Online Bill Pay service saves your business the time and cost of printed checks, envelopes, and postage by allowing you to pay your bills online, from anywhere, anytime. Stay organized with this safe, convenient, and reliable way to pay your bills.

You can receive and pay e-Bills online, schedule repeating payments, group similar bills together, electronically link invoice and credit memo information with your payments, and administer three levels of user authorization to include dual control features. e-Statements Receive your checking account statement electronically – it’s free and easy!

Each month we will email you notification that your eStatement is ready to be viewed. To view the eStatement, you will be required to log on to Colony Bank Online Banking with your Access ID and password. Once you have signed up for eStatements, you will no longer receive a paper statement via U.S. mail. If at any time you would like to have a paper statement again, just let us know, and we’ll switch you back!

Complementing our Traditional Services

24 | itgsportsnetwork.com

In The Game | 25

The daughter of her high school coach, Puckett has lived and breathed softball from an early age. Her dedication to the sport paid off when she committed to play for Florida State University, which houses one of the most prestigious softball programs in the NCAA.

Cairo Syrupmaid Turns Diamond Success Into Big-Time College Scholarship Written by: Jacob Dennis | Photography by: Lindsi Jones

FSU Softball 2015 Season

Overall

ACC

Home

Away

Neutral

55 10

21 02

28 04

15 03

12 03

For most athletes, there is an offseason where rest and recuperation are needed before the start of a new season, regardless of sport. For Cairo High School softball star Mackenzie Puckett, however, there is no offseason, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

The daughter of her high school coach, Puckett has lived and breathed softball from an early age. Her dedication to the sport paid off when she committed to play for Florida State University, which houses one of the most prestigious softball programs in the NCAA. “It took a lot of hard work and dedication to get a scholarship,” the Syrupmaid said of her offer. “I went to camp after camp after camp. There was one point in the summer before I was offered my scholarship that I spent two straight weeks on the road only to go home for one day and be back out of town for another week. Softball was practically all I did that summer. But I thank God for giving me the ability to play because without Him none of this would be possible.”

Puckett has posted video-game-like numbers thus far in her Cairo career, as she boasts a near .600 batting average and a combined total over 1.000 for slugging and on base percentages. While her talent is God-given, the softball star stands out even

more because of her tireless work ethic.

“A good leader is someone that everyone looks up to; they give 110 percent no matter what,” Puckett said of how she plans to lead Cairo during her senior season. “To be a good leader, you need to work hard and do your part, and when others see that, they hopefully will follow and do the same. Good leaders do their best on and off the field.”

“This season I plan to lead Cairo alongside our other senior Hannah Wilde,” Puckett said. “We lead by getting to the field early and getting ready quick to start taking extra ground balls and hopefully speed up the underclassmen so that they get to practice a little quicker as well. We try our best to keep everyone focused and in the game. We try to start off every game with a couple of good at bats, and we also try and lead the cheering from the dugouts while our team is hitting. We talk it up on the field and try to pick everyone up.”

It wasn’t only the flashy numbers that caught the attention of big-time college coaches. It was the lead-by-example attitude. In addition to Florida State, which she notes as her “dream school,” Puckett earned offers from names like Florida, North Carolina, and Auburn, making her easily the most sought after recruit in the history of Cairo High School.

“The recruitment process as a whole was kind of nerve racking,” she said of her experience with the several colleges that wanted her services at the next level. “I seemed to always be a bit nervous.

But once you get to know all the coaches and realize they are just people too, then things get a little easier.”

As is often the case with talented high school athletes, Puckett is much more than just a one-sport star. During her senior season, she will be involved in five different clubs: Key Club, FFA, Cairo Youth Council, National Honors Society, and FCA. In addition to her impressive slate of clubs, the Cairo softball star will take all AP and Dual Enrollment classes with her 4.0 GPA. Couple this with the fact

This information is courtesy of www.seminoles.com

that she is the first ever Division I softball commit from Cairo High School, and Puckett has quite the résumé.

But as her final season gets underway, expect the Syrupmaids’ senior leader to be all business.

“My expectations for my team this season are that we go out and do our best and hopefully come away with a win every time we step on the field,” Puckett said of her team goals. “I guess you could say we are hoping to get a ‘big number’ this year, as in a big number of wins. We are working towards setting a new school record for the most games won in a single season.”

Personally, Puckett has equally high expectations. For opposing teams on Cairo’s 2016, that should be a terrifying thought.

“This season I’ve set the bar pretty high for myself,” Puckett said.

“I hope to, first off, have my best batting average out of all four of my high school seasons and to also hit more homeruns than I’ve ever hit. I just want to go out there and do the absolute best I possibly can.”

Puckett currently resides on the left side of the infield for Cairo, as she plays mostly shortstop and third base. She cites Alex Powers, Florida State’s first baseman, as her on-the-field role model, as the Lady Seminole has overcome two ACL tears to contribute for the Noles. Ironically, Puckett also plans to make the move to first base once she gets to Tallahassee.

The Lady Syrupmaids star has countless achievements on the field, but her favorite softball memory thus far was something she accomplished with two of her teammates.

Batting Average

Slugging Percentage + On Base Percentage

Puckett has posted video-game-like numbers thus far in her Cairo career, as she boasts a near .600 batting average and a combined total over 1.000 for slugging and on base percentages.

In The Game | 27

“

A good leader is someone that everyone looks up to; they give 110 percent no matter what

“

“My favorite high school softball memory was hitting back-to-backto-back homeruns with my teammates Hannah Wilde and Caitlyn Nowell,” Puckett said. “We were the first, second, and third batters, and we all hit homeruns over the fence in the first inning.”

The oldest of four children, Puckett plans to major in Biology at FSU and then further her education by “doing something in the medical field.”

“My goals I have for myself after high school are to go play college softball and make it to the Women’s College World Series, then graduate from college with a degree, and hopefully after that get a job helping people,” Puckett said.

If her track record at Cairo is any indication, the Syrupmaid star is in for ample success in the future, both on and off of the softball field.

Northside High School Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Columbus, GA

Questions with Northside

High School’s Morgan Ingram Written by: Beth Welch | Photos by: George McDuffie

This is a busy time of year for athletes and coaches who participate in fall sports. Sometimes it seems as if the families of those involved need a logistics expert to help them navigate the harried schedules athletic activities generate. Northside High School Athletic Director and head football coach Morgan Ingram knows all too well about being pulled in several directions. Ingram is coaching football at the same time his daughters are participating in fall sports. In addition, his wife, Kacy, is also an athletic director and a coach, which makes for some serious strategic planning sessions each fall.

Last year, the Northside Patriots had a 7-4 record for the season, 6-1 in the region. Ingram’s team was the region runner-up and are looking to have a winning 2016 season. In The Game asked Ingram 10 Questions about his coaching career, his goals for the football season, and how his family manages their active lifestyle.

In The Game: How long have you been Athletic Director at Northside High School?

Morgan Ingram: Going into my ninth year.

ITG: When did you become head football coach for the Patriots?

MI: January 2013 ITG: What subjects do you teach at Northside?

MI: For eight years, I taught different levels of math at Northside. This year, I will transition into the physical education department.

ITG: Where did you teach/coach before coming to NHS? MI: For eight years, I taught math and coached football at Columbus High School. For two years, I taught math and was the head football coach at Hardaway High School.

In The Game | 29

Check this out!

We all know the siblings in sports like the William sisters in tennis, the Manning brothers in the NFL and more. But heres a list of a couple that no one really knows about.

StepH Curry

Yes, the reigning NBA MVP and best shooter in the league has a brother who plays in the pros. Despite not having the same NBA success, Seth Curry is also a pro basketball player. In fact, Seth played at a bigger school than Steph and put up some respectable numbers in college.

Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin is a former first overall pick and is a multiple time all-star and All NBA award winner. He is one of the most exciting high flyers in the league. One thing that almost no one knows about Blake is that his brother, Taylor, is a former second round pick.

Michael Vick

Michael Vick has been one of the more polarizing figures in the NFL for years and is one of the best mobile QBs of all time.

He has also done terrible things off the field, but there is no denying his skill on the field. This is very similar to his brother, Marcus Vick.

Champ Bailey

Champ Bailey is often regarded as one of the best cornerbacks in NFL history. He is a multiple Pro Bowl and All Pro award winner and a member of the All Decade team of the 2000s. What many people don’t know is that he is the brother of another former NFL player. Boss Bailey, best known for his time with the Detroit Lions, is the younger brother of Champ Bailey.

Jason Giambi

Jason Giambi was a big time slugger in the MLB and was a five time all star who won the 2000 AL MVP. He had one of the better careers in MLB history. What a lot of people don’t know about Jason is that he has a younger brother that also played in the MLB. Jeremy Giambi played in the MLB for six years and enjoyed moderate success, but wasn’t able to put up the numbers that his brother did.

This information is courtesy of www.thesportster.com

ITG: Being an AD/head coach/teacher at a large high school is a big load. What is your secret to keeping up with all of those responsibilities?

MI: I have a great support staff to help me keep up with the load. I have, what I believe to be, the best football coaching staff around. They do a great job. I also work with wonderful head coaches who do a great job at their particular sports, which is a huge plus from the AD perspective. The students at Northside High School make the teaching part fun and rewarding.

ITG: Tell us a little about this year’s Patriots football team and what your goals are for this season.

MI: Our team goals are to contend for a region championship and make a playoff run.

As a team, we have replaced 16 starters from last year’s team. However, the experienced players that returned are very capable and determined.

ITG: Your wife is the Athletic Director of Aaron Cohn Middle School. Does she coach sports, too?

MI: Kacy has been the AD at ACMS since the school opened. She coaches track at ACMS as well as adapted sports for MCSD. ITG: Your two daughters are athletes. What sports do they participate in for school?

MI: Romie is a junior at Northside. She has been a 1st Team All Bi-City athlete in both Cross Country and Track & Field. Riley is a freshman at Northside. She is a member of the Lady Patriots softball team.

ITG: How does your family manage the logistics of practices and games of such an active and athletic family?

MI: Kacy and I have been coaches every second of our teaching careers. It’s all we know.

It’s all our children know. We laugh when we say that our kids didn’t have any choice but to play sports. Logistically, it has not always been easy to juggle multiple schedules, but we have always made it work. Kacy and I have been lucky enough to work at the schools our children have attended in middle and high school, which has really helped.

The fall has always been the toughest season for us. With high school and middle school football games, cross country meets, and softball games all being played in the same season, it is difficult.

ITG: What is the best part of being the Athletic Director and head football coach for Northside High School?

MI: The best part of my job is the kids I get to meet and work with. It is such a blessing to watch them grow throughout high school, mature into adults, and move into the real world. But the real pleasure has been to get to work with some of them later. I have four former players of mine coaching on my

football staff this season: Brycen Freeman (Columbus High), Joey Peacock (Hardaway), Johnny Garner, and Tim Bennett (Northside).

PERSONAL BIO Name Job Title Age

Patrick Morgan Ingram Athletic Director/Head Football Coach/PE Teacher-Northside High School 42

Hometown

Troy, Alabama

Education

Charles Henderson High School, Troy University (undergrad), and Columbus State University (masters)

Family

Wife, Kacy; two daughters, Romie (16) and Riley (14)

Athletic Career

Athletic career (high school and college): Charles Henderson High School, baseball (catcher) and football (QB)

Coaching awards or career highlights

2015 Class AAAAA Athletic Director of the Year (GADA); three-time Region AD Of The Year; 2015 Ledger-Enquirer All Bi-City Co-Coach of the Year

Hobbies/activities

Watching my kids play sports, spending time with family and friends

Person you most admire

My father, Charles Ingram (Major General in the US Army Reserves, war veteran-Desert Storm; very successful commercial contractor; great husband, father, and family man)

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In The Game | 31

Journalistic Genius: Celebrating the Career of Wayne Grandy Written by James A. Washington Photography by: Lindsi Jones

32 | itgsportsnetwork.com

“I want to be remembered as covering all sports to the best of my ability. I’ve tried to approach my job to match the effort that teachers, coaches, and players put into their jobs. It’s all about passion.

The Moultrie Observer has been a pillar of this community since 1894. This job is a huge responsibility, and I just want to make sure I’m remembered for doing it the right way.”

-Wayne Grandy

As a young boy, Wayne Grandy used to sit around, on edge, enjoying Washington Redskins football and Washington Senators baseball games. After each game, he would craft his own personal recaps of the action as a hobby.

Fast forward to July 2016, and Grandy is retiring as a member of the Colquitt County Sports Hall of Fame (Class of 2005) and a legend in the realms of South Georgia journalism.

Born in Maryland, Grandy grew up in northern Virginia and later graduated from George Mason University. Given his extensive and memorable career in the newsroom, his undergraduate major may come as a slight surprise to some.

“History,” Grandy said with a laugh. “Originally, I was planning to be a school teacher. But eventually I realized that I didn’t care too much for standing in front of classes. It made me a little uncomfortable.”

Wayne Grandy has resided in Colquitt County since 1979. He and his wife, Connie, recently celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary on Aug. 23. To their union, they have one son; Richard, a 1990 graduate of Colquitt County High School, now lives in Winter Haven, Florida, with Wayne and Connie’s grandson, 11-year-old Richie.

“My wife was always with me,” Grandy said.

“She’s been such a tremendous help. She would come to games and help me record tackles, follow the ball after plays, and things like that. You’ve got to understand this career is not only taxing on the people in it. It’s been hard on my wife, my family, everyone around me. I remember there would be occasions when I would eat dinner on holidays and then head to the office. Connie has meant more to me than anything through this process, and I will always be grateful.”

His career began in freelance work. As a member of The Moultrie Observer, Grandy would take assignments handling writing, photography, and other coverage for various private schools in the area. Since 1982, he has assumed a plethora of roles in the company, ranging from reporting to editing.

“I began as a reporter,” Grandy said. “Soon after, I was promoted to Sports Editor. I’ve been Managing Editor, City Editor, you name it. Since becoming full-time in 1982-83, I actually served as Sports Editor on three different occasions. I’d get shots in other roles, but my passion always brought me back.”

While his career path took him through various ranks of the Observer, each kept him close to his original choice. His love of history landed him in the perfect place: a tight-knit community that takes true pride in its athletic heritage, regardless of venue. In a town that boasts a nationally-known diving facility, multiple professional athletes in various sports, and a football team that has celebrated historic success (including three undefeated seasons and state titles since 1994), a byline including the name of “Wayne Grandy” has become just as legendary

as the outstanding student-athletes, coaches, and community members he has uplifted with his precisely-chosen words.

“There is such a rich tradition in this community,” Grandy said. “And the diversity of the sports that I have been able to cover has been great.

‘Moose’ Moss started a diving powerhouse in a pool in his own yard. Coaches like Jim Hughes and Rush Propst have given this town endless memories. That’s another thing that I try to let people in on as well; the teachers, coaches, and parents deserve so much credit for the success of this community. They are the hard workers that push these student-athletes to new heights every year. And it is their motivation that builds champions in Colquitt County.”

Spending such a long time in one area, Grandy has been able to see a world that many others may overlook. He has seen children grow from Little League stars to living their lives as professionals. Many of the young faces he once knew are now pillars of the communities in which they live as adults.

“I remember when I wrote a piece about a young kid named Greg Tillery in the late 70s,” Grandy said.

“He was pretty good at what he did. Fast forward to today, and not only does he remember the article, he now serves as the Athletic Director of Colquitt County High School. Over the years, I’ve been able to watch so many young faces grow and flourish. It’s a great feeling.”

As the popular saying goes, “When you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” While he has officially retired, Grandy has been “not working” since July. He still takes assignments and makes his mark on the town nearly every day.

Day-in and day-out, Wayne Grandy gave his heart and soul to the Colquitt community. And in retirement, he will be appreciated and respected just as much, if not more than, he was during his trips across sidelines, baselines, and everything in between.

“I simply enjoy sharing,” Grandy said. “I’ve done this for all these years because people expect accuracy. They expect the truth. And I take pride in what I do because people deserve to have access to information. I’ve worked with a lot of fine people throughout my career; I don’t even know if we have room to mention them all. They took me under their wing and led me along. I’ve also been able to work with so many great coaches and players. I’ve been blessed to cover so many different things in this community. It’s been a real privilege, and I’ve loved every minute of it.”

5 sports Writers you need to follow

.

on twitter

1 @AdamSchefter

Schefter on why he thinks he’s accumulated so many followers: “I think people value football information, and Twitter is an incredibly effective way to transmit information. People also give you a lot of food for thought on Twitter, so that’s helpful. And I love big stories outside of football and try to share with readers the ones I think are important. I’m also not naïve enough to ignore that fantasy football drives a lot of interest because people are so into that. So I try to keep them up-to-date with fantasy news too.”

.

2 @ErinAndrews

ESPN broadcaster Andrews has wide crossover appeal, and recently started sharing a wealth of behind-the-scenes interviews and tidbits via her Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube channels.

.

3 @SI_PeterKing

Sports Illustrated‘s primary NFL writer, King tweets prolifically and responds to his followers’ comments and questions often.

.

4 @Buster_ESPN

A longtime baseball reporter, Buster Olney’s status as a senior writer at ESPN The Magazine makes him a go-to source for fans of America’s pastime — as evidenced by his 355,000 Twitter followers.

.

5 @jadande

“Consumers today expect information to come to them, rather than hunting for it themselves,” ESPN columnist J.A. Adande told Mashable in an email. “I use Twitter to send out links to my columns and promote my TV appearances. But to keep it from being just a P.R. stream I also seek out interaction with my followers and retweet the best responses.”

This information is courtesy of www.mashable.com

In The Game | 33

FAST BREAK

OMG, IMG Written by: Jon Nelson

Photo courtesy of Marque Milla Reese

Brantley County knocked off Charlton County for the first time in over two decades, and you know that the folks in Nahunta are really proud of that moment. And if I told you that two defending champs, Colquitt County and Allatoona, would start their seasons 0-3, would you have believed that?

Valdosta is in one of the toughest regions in the state of Georgia, and there are times that four teams in their region – the Wildcats, Lee County, Northside, and Houston County – are ranked top four in their weekly polls coming out of the blocks.

The “Region of Doom” in Single-A

(Region 2) will be a fun bunch.

Within Region 1-AA, I have always maintained that South Georgia has some of the best rivalries around, and the one thing that reclassification hasn’t been able to squash (for the most part, anyway) are the old match-ups we enjoy.

But when Camden County starts their season with three games in Florida, when Tift and Glynn Academy go to Orlando to take on Colorado sides, and when Colquitt takes on teams from Alabama and Florida UNTIL Game 8, it creates some interesting games we haven’t seen before.

But this also brings us to other

Photo courtesy of Marque Milla Reese 34 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Photo courtesy of Mike Chapman thoughts: Regions that have only four squads (like Region 1-7A) and power rankings determining teams in both Single-A and 7A figuring out who gets in and who goes home.

The biggest wild card comes from IMG Academy.

I get you. I really do, but as the New York Times said in their investigative piece in 2015, they’re a “private, for-profit sports boarding school.”

If you invited someone to a backyard barbeque and they stole your electronics while they were there eating your food, would you really want them as a houseguest anymore?

I understand private schools wanting to play around the country, but IMG is a little different.

The groundwork is set for kids

who go there as high schoolers to be a part of an established system of agents and advisors when they’re adults ready to make the leap to being professional athletes.

And I know what the response is: “Well, they don’t have to listen to us for advice.”

True. It is up to the athlete and the parents. But for it not to be a part of the consideration to be represented by IMG years later with the relationships you’ve created is just not a logical thought.

So to IMG Academy, I wish you the best on the field with your all-star team of all-star teams, but don’t be surprised if more states join Texas and Georgia in not wanting you around anymore.

How to win!

Follow us online to see our weekly #ITGpickem posts.

For each of the Games of the Week, comment or submit your picks.

You will need to indicate both the winner and the score of the games. Winners are determined first by wins and losses, then by point differential.

Weekly winners will be announced and awarded the following Mondays, then the grand prize winner will be calculated at the end of the post-season.

Pick’Em. Play’Em. Pay’Em.

In The Game | 35

36 | itgsportsnetwork.com

FAST BREAK

This information is courtesy of www.biography.com

Written by: James A. Washington

Volleyball Competition

South Georgia Building

JOINING THE TREND

April Ross

Professional beach volleyball player and former opponent of Jennings, Ross decided to team up with Jennings for the 2016 Rio Olympics. Ranked as third in the world in their sport, the duo had been unstoppable and were seen as possible gold medal contenders. However, their dream for the top prize was shattered when they lost the first two sets during their semifinal with Brazil, the No. 2 ranked team in the world.

In South Georgia, the fall months are legendarily synonymous with the gridiron. For the last two seasons, the Packers of Colquitt County have run the table to back-to-back undefeated campaigns and state championships. During the 2000s, the Lowndes Vikings reeled off impressive charges that led to titles in 2004, 2005, and 2007. And with its season-opening and record-setting 900th win, Valdosta High School continues to add to the legacy that is Wildcat football.

Football, basketball, baseball, and even diving have become realms of perennial competition for many of the schools of the lower portion of the Peach State. In recent years, however, the area has

Kerri Walsh Jennings

Professional beach volleyball player Kerri Walsh Jennings paired up with Misty May-Treanor and won Olympic gold in beach volleyball at the 2004, 2008, and 2012 Summer Olympic Games; Walsh Jennings is known as one of the best players to ever compete in the sport. She teamed up with her former competitor April Ross for the 2016 Rio Olympics, but her dream for a fourth consecutive gold was shattered when Brazil, the No. 2 ranked team in the world, showed a strong offense and won the first two sets of the semifinal against them. Prior to the defeat, Jennings had never lost a set in her entire Olympic run. Jennings and Ross did walked away winning Bronze.

looked to add a new staple to its athletic prowess: volleyball.

Tift County, Valdosta, Lee County, and most recently Lowndes High School have all joined the ranks of competition on the court. While some may look at the shift with trepidation regarding competing with more established programs, others look toward the future. With a rise in interest in volleyball, the road begins to possibly be paved for other sports that may not receive a second look in a majority of South Georgia insti-

tutions. Lacrosse, for example, has become highly popular in Florida, but does not receive quite the same attention one mere state north.

Championships are currently dominated by northern programs such as Roswell, Westminster, and Milton. South Georgia faithful can only imagine that opening the door to other sports such as volleyball can create opportunities for lesser-recognized programs to come to fruition.

In The Game | 37

Lexus The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are the only squad in the NFL with their own successful reality TV show. In case you haven’t seen it, Season 9 of “Making the Team” premiers Friday on CMT at 9 p.m. ET and it’s incredibly entertaining. For The Win went behind the scenes with DCC earlier this summer to learn more about what it takes to become a cheerleader and it’s a grueling process.

Here are five things you need to know before watching the show: 1. Everyone tries out There are between 36-39 spots on the team, but on the first day of tryouts in May, more than 500 women from all over the world — New York, Miami, Australia, Japan — came to AT&T Stadium in hopes of becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader.

There were recent college graduates, triathletes, Laker Girls, and dental hygienists. One girl said she races off-road monster trucks for fun. Another had recently returned from serving eight years in the military. The ages ranged from 18-40.

2. Jerry Jones’ daughter is the president Some NFL cheerleading squads aren’t as important to their organizations, but in Dallas it is. Jones’ daughter Charlotte Anderson has been in charge ever since her family bought the team in 1989.

3. Being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader isn’t considered a full-time job … but it should be Most cheerleaders have fulltime jobs in addition to their cheerleading responsibilities.

They don’t do this for a paycheck.

4. The cheerleaders have to tryout every year Even the veterans. And sometimes the veterans get cut.

5. To make the team, you have to take a test During the tryout process, team director Kelli McGonagill Finglass and choreographer Judy Trammell, who were both cheerleaders in the 1980s and have been in charge since the ’90s, conduct background checks, investigate social media backgrounds, teach interviewing skills and give etiquette training.

They also give a written test with 80 questions covering the history of the Dallas Cowboys, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerlead38 current | itgsportsnetwork.com ers, events and nutrition.

This information is courtesy of www.usatoday.com

Hannah

Lee County Competition

Cheerleading: Leading the

Charge in South Georgia Written by: James A. Washington | Photography by: Micki Krzynski

Throughout sports history, cheerleaders have anchored the sidelines of various competitions in attempts to encourage their capacity crowds’ spirits while motivating their respective teams to victory.

But what many may fail to realize, or simply underestimate, is the amount of energy, talent, and hard work that goes into a cheer routine.

Many schools across the nation boast sideline cheerleaders. Many others also send competition cheer squads out on the road to square off against the best that other institutions have to offer. In Lee County, however, spectators that are lucky enough to gaze upon the flair of the Trojans will observe that the two squads are one and the same.

“These girls are very athletic,” said Donna Jones, Lee County High School cheerleading coach. “I even have a few that compete in other sports outside of cheer. Soccer, track, volleyball, you name it. These young women are in tremendous shape and are fully capable of contributing to any sport you can imagine. But what a lot of people don’t understand is that competition cheer can be so physically demanding that other sports are out of the question.”

Cheerleading, especially of the competition type, is among the most demanding sports regarding risk of injury. Participants suffer many setbacks, and it takes the extreme care of highly-trained coaches to ensure the safety of all involved.

“Here in Lee County, these girls are putting in an unbelievable amount of work,” Jones said. “They

start on the first day of summer vacation, and they go nonstop until the end of their season, which is around the middle of November. Beginning on September 17, they compete every Saturday with the only exception being Homecoming weekend.”

For the last 21 years, Jones has been a key component of the Lee County Cheer program. During her tenure, the team has earned 17 region championships and competed among the elite of the state of Georgia. Anchoring this year’s team are four seniors: Meah Bennett, Alli Jernigan, Lexus Purvis, and Hannah Saunders. For this month’s feature, In the Game Magazine spoke with each of them about their experiences with the Lee County program.

Around what age did you get involved in cheerleading?

Meah Bennett: I started gymnastics at the age of 4, but when my family and I moved to Georgia, I started cheering at age 11. I started doing competitive cheerleading for the school at age 11.

Alli Jernigan: I first got involved in cheer at Lee County Middle School in sixth grade. I haven’t left since.

Lexus Purvis: I got involved with competitive cheerleading around the age of 12. I started cheering at the end of sixth grade.

Hannah Saunders: I got involved with competitive cheerleading at the very young age of 3. My older sister was a cheerleader, and she inspired me to get into it myself.

Alli

Meah

Load up with power and Load up with power and efficiency.

Efficiency

region

championships Describe the key differences between competition cheering and cheering at sporting events.

MB: Competitive cheerleading is more difficult than cheerleading at sporting events because we have to learn a routine with difficult stunting, tumbling, and other things that go into a routine. Cheerleading at sporting events is cheering on our team, not competing against another team.

AJ: Sideline cheering is more for the team. We’re focused on pumping up the fans and getting everyone involved. When it comes to competition, we have to do a great deal of things that we don’t normally do. It’s much more demanding and physically and mentally exhausting.

LP: The key difference between competitive cheer and cheerleading at sporting events is that competitive cheer is all about the sport of cheer. It’s the excitement and butterflies you get when you’re about to compete. At sporting events, people are there to watch the sport and not the cheerleaders.

HS: When you are competitive cheerleading, you are competing with other schools to achieve a goal, while when cheerleading at sporting events, you are cheering on your school’s team and entertaining the fans.

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What do you feel makes this year’s squad special?

MB: Our team this year has never been more ready for the challenge this early in the season, and I feel like we have a good bond between one another.

This makes this year special and different because I have never felt more confident than this year’s cheer team.

AJ: This year, we’re a lot more team-based. We do everything together, and we’re always working to make sure that everyone improves. We all push each other to be the best we possibly can.

LP: I feel like the team bond that we share is what

makes this year special. We only lost two seniors this past year, which I think has a major contribution to it. We all work 110 percent together to make the team stronger and better. At the end of the day, it is all about the team bond on and off the mat. We’re all close friends outside of cheer and hang out together. We do everything as a team.

There’s only 16 of us this year, so we take that into consideration with everything we do. We all have the same mind set to be the best that we can be, and I believe that is what makes our team this year so special.

HS: What makes this year’s cheer squad special is the amount of talent we are bringing to the floor this season. What makes our team different is the ambition and determination we have to succeed.

This is my 14th year as a competitive cheerleader, and I have never been a part of a more talented and motivated team.

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Moultrie, GA 31788 AJ: I’ve done my best to make sure that everyone is comfortable with what they’re doing. And I always ask for input from others to try to make sure that they feel comfortable and included on team decisions.

LP: Seniors are an important part of the team, in my opinion. As a senior, you are the leaders of the team. Your teammates look up to you and follow you, so you want to make sure you are setting a great example. We made specific plans to follow this year, and I feel like with those plans, I have contributed readiness and consistency to my team. www.kubota.com Also, if I come into practice every day with a great

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Lee County High School Competitive Cheer Leesburg, Georgia attitude and the readiness to work hard, then my team will follow and have the same mindset. In my opinion, the team is only as great as their leaders.

If the leaders are always consistent and work hard every single time at practice, then the team will do the same. I feel like that is what are the contributions to success.

HS: I lead and guide the team in the right direction to achieve our goals while being a mentor and a role model to my teammates.

Do you prefer one over the other (between competition and sideline cheer)? If so, which one and why?

MB: I prefer competition cheer because I love the sport and the memories it has given me.

AJ: I prefer competition cheer because of the adrenaline rush; there’s nothing like it.

LP: I prefer competition cheerleading because the feeling that you get when you’re in the hole about to take the floor, when your hard work at practice pays off at competitions, and the team bond you create is a feeling like no other. It’s a sisterhood for life.

HS: I prefer competitive cheerleading over cheerleading at sporting events because it gives me a rush. I feel that competitive cheerleading has become a part of my life, while cheering at sporting events is a fun activity.

What do you feel are the key similarities between competition cheer and other school sports?

MB: Just like other school sports, we practice every day, and we compete against other teams. We are just as determined to win as any other sport.

AJ: We definitely work just as hard. We run, we condition, and we practice five days a week. In the end, we’re just like every other student-athlete.

LP: Key similarities between competitive cheer and other school sports would be the teamwork and dedication. All sports need their players to be dedicated to what they are doing, and they need teamwork in order to succeed.

HS: Being a part of a sports team in high school teaches you discipline and how to work with and communicate effectively with others.

Do you compete in any other sports outside of cheer?

MB: I do not compete in any other sport besides cheerleading.

AJ: In the past, I have played soccer, basketball, and softball. Prior to sixth grade, I was also involved in gymnastics, but the gym where I trained closed down when I was in fifth grade, and I’ve been involved in cheer ever since.

LP: I do not play any other sports besides cheerleading. Cheerleading has my heart.

HS: No. I have tried to play other sports such as softball, soccer, and basketball, but I was always so

much more committed to cheerleading.

What have been your fondest memories during your time as a member of Lee County’s Cheer program?

MB: The best memories I have from Lee County Cheer are getting to know new people who love the same sport I do. Being able to cheer on varsity my freshman year and placing fourth at state was an amazing experience. We have been Region Champs for the last three years, and I am hoping that another fond memory will be going out as a senior with four consecutive years as Region Champs and winning state.

AJ: I’ll always remember traveling to competitions and events, being on the bus, singing loudly and bonding with my friends. And it’s always a great feeling, when we win, to see the team get excited and celebrate together.

LP: My best memories of cheer would have to be winning Region Champions from 2013 to 2015 and getting called down to the floor at state and placing fourth in 2013. It is the best feeling in the world knowing that all of the hard work, tears, and sweat paid off.

HS: My best memories of Lee County Cheer are winning region for the past three years and being called to the floor at state while obtaining fourth place my ninth-grade year. I have also enjoyed the many practices with my teammates, good and bad, and cheering-on my school’s football team on Friday nights.

What are your plans after graduation? Do you plan to cheer in college?

MB: I haven’t decided if I want to cheer after high school, but I plan on attending GSW (Georgia Southwestern State University) for the first two years, and I will be transferring to FSU to major in teaching or something dealing with education.

My career goals are to find something that I enjoy doing that helps others. I have even considered becoming a gymnastics or cheer coach.

AJ: I am considering possibly cheering in college, but it all depends on where I go to school. I know that I would like to major in Early Childhood Education and teach in either Georgia or Alabama (where I was born).

LP: Unfortunately, I do not plan on cheering beyond high school. I plan to go to GSW for two years and then transfer to Kennesaw for nursing.

I want to get my B.S.N. and then go to medical school to become a Nurse Anesthetist.

HS: I would love to cheer in college, but fourteen years of cheerleading has put a beating on my body, and I feel it is time to move forward with my career plans. My time in cheerleading has prepared me to accomplish my life goals. I plan to attend Georgia Southwestern for my core classes and then transfer to Georgia Southern to major in Nursing.

Written by: Shane Thomas | Photography by: Micki Krzynski

To whom much is given, much is required—any student-athlete would agree. Lowndes Vikings offensive tackle Tucker Barnes truly embodies what it means to be a student-athlete.

The 6-foot-4, 285-pound Barnes is a three-time All-Academic award winner in addition to anchoring the Vikings’ offensive line. Taking AP classes can be daunting, but being a student has always come first for Barnes. Knowing his grades must be maintained to do his job on the field, Barnes believes time management is the key to success in the classroom.

“I really get most of my studying done on the weekends,” Barnes said. “When I’ve had all my hard AP classes, I study more on the weekends than I do during the football season. I still try to cram a little bit during the week after practice, but it’s a lot easier to get it done on the weekends.”

Barnes prides himself on being a starter at every level of football he has played. Having major responsibilities does not phase the 17-year-old. After spending most of his time with the Vikings playing the center position, Barnes has moved to left tackle as a senior.

“Center is a much more mental position than tackle is because you have to look at the defense a whole lot more,” Barnes said of the switch. “Playing tackle, you have one guy to block on every play. At center, you’re looking at everybody’s guy to block, and you want to make sure nobody is going to blitz and come through certain gaps. It’s a lot more difficult than any of the other positions. That’s something you have to work at a while to get to where you can call all of the defenses out.”

In addition to his 4.325 GPA, Barnes’ football acumen has garnered him scholarship offers from Division II West Georgia, Division I schools such as Davidson and Campbell, and Brown University from the Ivy League. Barnes also has reportedly received interest from Dartmouth and Yale.

Moving on to college is a thrilling and even scary step for a high school student. Playing for a traditional powerhouse like Lowndes allows Barnes to focus on the season ahead before choosing his next landing spot.

“The rest of the season, the goal is to try to win a state championship,” Barnes said. “Heading into college, I just really want to pick a really good academic institution where I can better myself academically and through football. That’s really what my main goal is.”

Barnes’ parents have raised him in a successful environment and taught him the value of hard work.

His mother, Bridgette, grew up in a small farming community before working her way up to becoming a doctor. Barnes’s father, Richard, got his start in Atlanta before becoming a successful lawyer.

“My mom and dad are pretty big role models in my life,” Barnes said. “They’ve worked very hard to get to the level they’re on and to provide for me, and that means a lot to me.”

Barnes enjoys duck hunting and fly fishing in his down time. When he gets a chance to watch football,| Barnes loves to watch Houston Texans super42 itgsportsnetwork.com

FUN FACT 1966 • Several county high schools were consolidated to form the current Lowndes High School.

This information is courtesy of www.valdostamuseum.com

Tucker Barnes is a Threetime AllAcademic award winner

star defensive end J.J. Watt and Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Michael Oher.

With the Vikings, Barnes’ academic success and on-field exploits have earned him a role as a leader in the locker room. According to Barnes, he has more ears tuning in now than ever before.

“Obviously, it really makes more people listen to you,” Barnes said. “They’re going to want to listen to somebody who’s a little bit more accomplished, somebody who has stepped up. They’ve done their work, and they’re ready to move on and lead at the next level, but can also lead at the level they’re on now.”

The next level awaits Barnes and his 1780 SAT score next Fall. Barnes’ immense stature could one day lead to career in the NFL, though Barnes admits he has not given it much thought.

“If (making the NFL happens), I’d love to,” Barnes said. “I want to get a really good education, and then if I have the opportunity to play in the NFL, I would love to.”

In athletics, players gauge their improvement on a year-to-year basis. Barnes reflects positively on how much he has grown from his freshman year to now.

“Since my freshman year, I’ve learned how to work a lot harder—to study more and work harder in the weight room in the off-season,” Barnes said. “This year and last year, I was working out three times a week in the off-season after all the workouts and the morning workouts we were doing.”

Barnes’ dogged work ethic off the field has yielded considerable results on the field manning the Vikings’ offensive front.

“Last year, my playing weight was 255,” Barnes revealed. “I’ve gotten up to 285 this year. I’ve seen a big difference with that. I can move people a whole lot better, and it’s a lot harder to knock me down or get around me.”

As his senior season unfolds, Barnes’ status as big man on campus reminds him constantly what it means to wear the maroon and silver as a Viking on Friday nights.

“Being a Viking is all I wanted to do since I was a little kid,” Barnes said. “There’s something special about being a part of something bigger than yourself. It’s really just the greatest feeling ever to walk out into Martin Stadium and run through the tunnel. It’s just amazing.”

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Percy L. Chastang Jr., BS,MPH Office of Adolescent Health 325 W. Savannah Ave Valdosta, Ga 31061 229.245.6442 Percy.Chastang@dph.ga.gov

Traci Q. Gosier

Office of Health Promotions 325 W. Savannah Ave Valdosta, Ga 31061 229.245.8758 Traci.Gosier@dph.ga.gov

www.southhealthdistrict.com www.facebook.com/southhealthdistrict www.twitter.com/southhealthdist

S

outh Health District strives to promote and protect the health and well being of anyone that lives, works or plays in Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Tift and Turner Counties. Through local health departments and various programs, they fulfill a need for preventive healthcare for children, teens, adults, and the overall community.

Percy L. Chastang Jr. serves as the Youth Development Coordinator and is responsible for developing and maintaining a coordinated system of service delivery among schools, churches, and civic organizations aimed at educating local youth regarding issues such as teen pregnancy, STD/HIV prevention, dating/relationship safety and leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (Albany State University) and a Master of Public Health (Emory University), and has worked in public health for nearly 18 years. Percy describes his personal and professional view as...” I believe that children are our greatest assets and each young person has a gift and a purpose.”

Traci Gosier serves as the Health Promotion Coordinator and specializes in developing population based programs and services across all ages aimed at reducing disease risks, promoting healthy youth development, targeting unhealthy behaviors, providing access to early detection and treatment services, and improving management of chronic diseases through self management education. Traci strives to educate the residents of South Georgia on prevention and management of chronic diseases through healthy lifestyle changes. She believes being healthy and fit is not a fad or trend, it’s a lifestyle. Traci holds a Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training and teacher certification in Health and Physical Education from Valdosta State University.

Those interested in learning more about the services and programs offered through your local public health organization, visit www.southhealthdistrict.com or call 229-333-5290.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/southhealthdistrict Twitter: www.twitter.com/southhealthdist

In The Game | 45

Football

#

DETERMINED AND RESILIENT

Cody Thompson

Written by: Shane Thomas Photography by: Marque Milla Reese

FIND YOUR GAME

LOCKED IN 46 | itgsportsnetwork.com

or every superstar player on a team, there are plenty of players working quietly far away from the limelight.

Over the course of a season, often the players less fawned over by casual fans are the proverbial glue that holds teams together.

The Tift County High School Blue Devils have their own glue guy in middle linebacker Cody Thompson.

Thompson, a senior, has made a name for himself by not being a “name.” The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Thompson has become one of head coach Ashley Anders’ most trusted players and valued leaders in the locker room.

“On and off the field, I always do what’s right,” Thompson said. “If I see someone playing around, I always tell them, ‘Don’t mess around. we’ve got a game today (or a practice). We need to stay focused.’ I’m always locked in.”

Staying locked in is essential for Thompson, whose talents stretch to the baseball diamond as a first basemen for the Blue Devils. According to Thompson, the challenges of playing both sports have made him more well-rounded as an athlete and person.

“In baseball there’s no contact, so it’s a lot different,” Thompson said. “Baseball is more mental, whereas football is more physical. In baseball, you have to be mentally tough. If you strike out, you have to be able get back up and be able to say, ‘I’m going to hit this ball.’ In football, I’m not going to let anyone run me over, so the mindset is more physical.”

The Blue Devils opened their season with blowout victories over South Effingham and Cook County. Following a 5-5 season in Anders’ first year on the sideline, a strong start is exactly what he wants to see in year two. Players like Thompson are the manifestation of Anders’ coaching philosophy and what he demands of his football team.

“The first thing - no matter whether it is offense, defense, or special teams - is you’ve got to have a tough, physical football team,” Anders said during the preseason. “You have to be tough physically.

You have to be tough mentally. You have to be physical at the point of attack on the offensive and defensive lines. Not everything is going to go the way that you want it. You’ve got to be strong enough mentally to come back from some adversity and be able to push through and do your job.”

On the football field, Thompson succeeds by being more cerebral rather than relying on physical tools. Thompson’s leadership and no-nonsense approach are tailor-made for the middle linebacker position he mans for the Blue Devils.

Middle linebackers are considered the quarterbacks of the defense. Like their offensive counterparts, a good middle linebacker must have a firm grasp of the playbook, know when to be aggressive, and know what audibles to make to confuse the opposition. Before this season began, Thompson identified what adjustments he needed to make to help the team.

“Going into my senior year, I’ve worked on my pass drops,” Thompson said. “The past years, I’d say my pass drops weren’t the best, so I’ve really worked on that and tried to make those better.”

When he is not barking out play calls and pointing wildly to get his teammates organized, Thompson loves to unwind outdoors by fishing, hunting, and shooting his crossbow. The rugged, outdoors lifestyle suits Thompson, whose mother works at a licensing office and father is a paramedic.

Thompson hopes to major in engineering in college.

“Both of my parents have been my biggest role models,” Thompson said. “They’ve always led me in the right direction and given me tips on how to be a better person. They’ve always taken me by the hand and led the way.”

Coaches typically view their players as second

sons, and players typically view their coaches as second fathers. In his second season under Anders, Thompson enjoys the relationship he has developed with his new mentor.

“Coach Anders is like a second dad to me,” Thompson said. “If you do wrong, he’s going to tell you, and he’s going to correct you. If you do right, he’s going to praise you for it. He’ll cut up with us, and we can mess around with him. He’ll get serious with us, and he helps us out all the time.”

Thompson lists his favorite athletes as current Chicago Bears linebacker and former Georgia Bulldogs standout Leonard Floyd and former Atlanta Braves second baseman Marcus Giles. In his final season with the Blue Devils, Thompson reflects on his journey thus far and what it means to be a Blue Devil.

“Going to Tift County, I have Blue Devil pride,” Thompson said. “I definitely wouldn’t want to go anywhere else. The teachers, everyone have been good to me. There’s no other place I’d want to be.

I wouldn’t trade it.”

With the bulk of the season ahead, Thompson insists he is more focused on helping his team win a championship. Following a winless region record last season, the task will be challenging, but Thompson knows the Blue Devils can only reach their goal a single game at a time.

“This season, we definitely want to win state,” Thompson said. “Before we do that, we have to win each game Friday by Friday. By doing that, that will hopefully make us region champions. Then, hopefully, we can host a playoff game.”

On a roster of 106 players, Thompson is an integral part of the Blue Devils’ team chemistry. Every great team has a pecking order beginning with the head coach, trickling down to the best players, and often settling with the role players. Every great team must have every player buy into what the coaching staff is selling. For every Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, there must be a Dennis Rodman, a Horace Grant - players that were not stars but made their mark by being savvy veterans and the hardest workers on the court.

When it comes to physical tools, some players are just born with “it.” While elite athleticism is commonly developed through intense training, some players are just genetically gifted to an extent where their training takes them to heights others simply cannot reach.

Cody Thompson is not going to wow you with blinding speed, brute strength, or freakish leaping ability. Thompson, much like a hunter in the dark of night, resides quietly far from the limelight.

Thompson is at peace with that, seeing his true value in the intangible.

“Basically, it’s just all heart,” Thompson said frankly. “I’m not the fastest. I’m not the strongest. But I’m determined and resilient. Being determined will take you a long way, and it makes up for all the stuff that I don’t have.”

In The Game | 47

IT’S THE L VE OF THE GAME. Saluting All Area Football Teams!

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Written by: Jacob Dennis

hich Offense Is The Most Effective: Option-Based or Pro Style?

Answering a broad question like “Which offense is better?” is a complicated task that often requires extensive research. Before we do any of that, it is important to note that any offense with exceptional athletes and the right coaching staff has a chance to succeed. At the high school level, option-based offenses are a dime a dozen. In college, a select few programs run the offense. In the NFL, the option is non-existent. So, which choice is best for teams at each level?

In high school, you don’t have to travel far from our South Georgia location to see examples of each type of offense.

Thomas County Central, led by head coach Bill Shaver, runs a split-back veer offense that at times has looked unstoppable. Shaver has had the luxury of having players like current Clemson running back Adam Choice in the offense, and with the right athletes, there aren’t many defenses that can keep the option-style offense quiet for four quarters. Having quick backs who can turn the corner but also cut block is important, and having a big, physical receiver who can make plays down the field is equally vital. But the quarterback of an option-style offense is by far the most important player in the system, as possessing the ability to properly read defenders and get the ball to the right players is often times the difference between busting a 75-yard run and being stuffed for no gain. The option-style offense has history on its side, as both high school and college teams aplenty used to run some version of the system back in the day. Locally, Thomas County Central dominated the 1990s with a similar offense.

The Pro-Style offense is the popular offense at both the high school and collegiate levels for one main reason: That’s what NFL teams run, so players aspiring to make it to the highest level want to run it as well. Locally, Colquitt County runs an offense that more-closely resembles that of a college or NFL team, despite the fact that the Packers almost always line up in the shotgun formation. Rush Propst and company employ a wide range of quick-hitting passes and draw players to lure a defense to sleep before taking a chance down the field, much the way they did at the end of the Mill Creek game in the Georgia Dome in high school football’s opening season. The Packers just recently reeled off 30 wins in a row, and I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that most coaches and players prefer an offense that more closely resembles a prostyle rather than an option offense.

Despite this fact, I still think the option-based offenses aren’t given enough consideration or enough credit. I wouldn’t label myself an “old-school” football fan by any stretch of the imagination, but I do believe the option offense is much more difficult to defend than an offense that airs the ball out frequently.

Consider this: While very few college football teams run the option, two schools, Georgia Tech and the Naval Academy, have each experienced success with the system.

50 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Navy just graduated one of the most prolific quarterbacks in college football history in quarterback Keenan Reynolds, whose sound decision making placed him among the alltime greats in total touchdowns scored. Georgia Tech, which also runs an option-style offense under head coach Paul Johnson and speedy QB Justin Thomas, won the 2014 Orange Bowl by gashing opposing defenses on the ground.

The Jackets went to Athens and defeated bitter rival UGA using a second-half performance that can only be described as dominant, as Tech’s smaller linemen and lesser-known recruits physically pummeled Georgia on the ground as the game wore on.

What that game showed me, and what I’m surprised it did not show more college football experts and fans, is that the option offense can work against larger and more physically-imposing opponents. Georgia Tech is not known for having highly-rated recruiting classes; instead, the Jackets compile classes of scrappy three-stars willing to battle in the trenches and get the job done.

This would, admittedly, never happen, but what if a school like Alabama ran the option? With the dominant running backs the Tide has had over the last few seasons, it isn’t a stretch to say that Nick Saban and company could win as much as they do now while emulating a GT-style attack.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, why wouldn’t a team that consistently struggles, like Vanderbilt in the SEC, try the option? The Commodores are a lock to lose multiple games per season in the daunting Southeastern Conference, so why not switch things up and run something different?

As physically-dominant as most SEC defenses are, I wonder whether or not the discipline to defend the option for four quarters is there. It is frustrating and exhausting, and schools like Vandy would be almost guaranteed to secure another win or two per season using the system. For proof, all you have to do is look back to the 2014 Georgia Tech team, who didn’t have many highly-ranked recruits but still outcoached and defeated several schools with NFL talent at nearly every position.

Running a pro-style attack is and will continue to be the most popular choice for football teams, but the option offense can be impossible to defend when the right athletes are put in the system. Thomas County Central has won multiple state championships with an offense similar to this, while Georgia Tech, Navy, and even up-and-coming Georgia Southern have had runs of success with the system. I don’t think there should be as much of a drop off from high school to college in terms of number of teams running the option.

Several high school teams employ the system, but almost no college teams do. While NCAA greats like Alabama would never consider switching (though I think they would still have success if they did), those who struggle should, in my opinion, consider the switch. I strongly believe that running the option is the most dangerous style of offense that can work on any and all levels of football, and that includes the NFL.

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Game | 51

Written by: Beth Welch | Photos by: Jerry Christenson

I

nside the Pacelli High School gym hangs a banner recognizing the school’s last competition cheer team to be Region Champs. The year was 2002, and the new Vikings head cheer coach has some definite thoughts about it.

“It’s time for another team to be on that list,” said Jenna Poole, who took over the competition cheer program this year.

Poole, a 2006 Pacelli graduate, has a unique perspective on the Pacelli cheer program. She was a member of the 2002 region winning team. Along with assistant head coach Katie Mann, also a cheerleader on the 2002 team, Poole is determined to return the Vikings’ competition cheer program to prominence.

With only 10 cheer athletes on her varsity squad and no seniors, it might seem a little ambitious for Poole to be setting her sights on a run for the GHSA Region A championship. But Poole has a lot of confidence in her young team, and most of the girls on the varsity have been with Poole since she began helping coach four years ago.

One of the benefits for this year’s team and for years to come has been the establishing of a middle school competition team. While the varsity program at Pacelli has a history of competition teams, which was discontinued for a few years and reinstated not long ago, there had not been a middle school program for competition teams.

“The concept is to start athletes off early in middle school learning the techniques and skills required for a competition program,” Poole said. “A middle school program brings the girls along, trains them up, and acts as a feeder program for the varsity team as the athletes move into high school so they are ready to compete.”

Pacelli has spirit teams for sports events like football and basketball in addition to the competition squads. Some of the athletes participate in both, but the competition teams require more technical skills and athletic endurance for participation in competitions. The Vikings’ competition team has four competitions scheduled this fall before region finals. The middle school competition team will travel with the varsity and compete at the events, too.

During those competitions, each squad performs a two-and-a-halfminute routine. For the Vikings, the varsity routine consists of basically five components: jump sequences, dance, cheers, tumbling, and stunts. It’s a fast-paced, nonstop flurry of activity, and each athlete, whether a base or a flyer, has to be completely engaged as a team in order to succeed.

While practices for competition officially began Aug. 1, the Pacelli cheer athletes spent the summer conditioning and participating in work out sessions. The team also attended a cheer camp at Columbus State University where one of their community coaches, Tricia Hall, an alumnus of Pacelli, is also a member of the CSU cheer program.

Poole undertakes the responsibility of developing the team’s competition routine. She then breaks the sequences down so that each part of the routine is worked on until it becomes almost like second nature to the athletes. While both Poole and Mann have cheerleading experience, they are quick to point out the sport has changed tremendously since their varsity days.

“It’s funny because we will think about adding something to the routine that we think is pretty difficult in terms of technical skill and the girls will look at us and say, “That’s not hard,’” said Mann, who graduated from Pacelli in 2004 and teaches kindergarten at St. Anne’s.

Poole smiles. As an art and drama teacher at St. Anne’s and Pacelli, respectively, she has a creative nature which is helpful in developing

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the competition routine. She added just a bit of old school to the performance, which she says was pretty much standard when she and Mann were competing.

Because Pacelli is a private Catholic school, there might be an assumption that the Vikings’ competition cheer program would be severely conservative in comparison to their peers. The uniforms worn by Pacelli’s cheer athletes are no different than other high school cheer uniforms, and their competition routine features a dance segment and contemporary music.

“We do have a standard, but it’s not hard to balance the school’s standard with other schools because the routines these days are so technically difficult that the emphasis is on skill and athletic ability,” Poole said.

Mann gives credit to the Georgia High School Athletic Association for raising the bar on what is acceptable for competition teams.

“The GHSA has done a good job of setting the standard,” Mann said.

“Nowadays, there are no midriffs showing, and uniforms can’t have cutouts in the back. Our moral ground may be a little more evident at Pacelli, but our competition teams have no trouble fitting in because of their skill.”

Going into the competition season, the Vikings will be facing some more experienced teams with established programs. Poole and her coaching staff are not intimidated and actually see this year as the beginning of the return to success.

“This is what we are calling the ‘Revamp,’” Poole said with a smile.

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In The Game | 53

JUNIOR OLYMPIC GAMES

Tri-City Striders Athletes Attend Junior Olympics Local athletes compete in junior Olympic games Written by: Beth Welch Photos courtesy of Spivey Green

The Olympic Games in Rio garnered a lot of attention this summer and with good reason.

Athletes of the highest caliber were on the world stage exhibiting talents, skills, and abilities that have helped them reach the pinnacle of their careers. Locally, about 40 young athletes traveled to Houston, Texas, in late summer to compete in another type of Olympics, the AAU Junior Olympics Track and Field Event, in hopes of bringing home some gold of their own.

Tri-City Striders, a local non-profit organization dedicated to helping young people, spent July 25 – Aug. 7 in Houston competing among 15,000 athletes in track and field events. The road to the Junior Olympics started with winners in Association/District Meets moving to the National Qualifying event. Athletes with the area track and field club ranged in age from 6 to 18 years old and were in pursuit of becoming the Top 8 in their respective age groups, which allows them to be designated as All Americans.

Jonathon Myrthil, 15 and a student at Northside High School in Columbus, won a gold medal in both the 800 meter and 1500m races.

Competing in the 15-16 age group for males, Myrthil posted times of 1:53 in the 800m and 4:04 in the 1500m. This is Myrthil’s first year with the Tri-City Striders and was his first time competing at this level.

“Jonathon came to us this year,” Spivey Green, Tri-City Striders coach, said. “He has really improved. He was 35 seconds slower when he first came to us.”

Other medal winners associated with the track and field club were Keldrick Lee, fourth place in race walk (12-year-olds); Deja Delaine, fifth place in race-walk (15-to-16-year-olds); and Ja-

zlyn Gosha, eighth place in turbo javelin (7-to-8year-olds). Karon Delince, a multi-sport athlete at Central High School, placed fifth in the 100m race and sixth in the 200m race for the 17-to-19year-old age group.

“Having this kind of talent in the bi-cities speaks volumes, especially when their ranking is out of 500 to 700 athletes in each category,” said Green, who has been with the non-profit club for 10 years.

Green said the club trains and competes year round, and he is assisted by five other coaches on his staff. Tri-City Striders is affiliated with USATF (USA Track and Field), AAU (Amateur Athletic Union), and TFCUSA (Track and Field Coalition of USA).

For more information, visit Tri-City Striders’ website at www.wedontneedwingstofly.com or contact Green at 706-905-8668 or spiveygreen@ yahoo.com.

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In The Game | 55

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FAST BREAK

Written by: Zack Pine

Photography by Marque Milla Reese

Only three things in life are certain: death, taxes, and South Georgia’s love of football.

Indeed, we love football more than we love some of our own family members. Okay, that last part may not be true for everyone, but let’s not act like we don’t all have that one annoying family member at Thanksgiving dinner that we try to drown out with the sound of the Cowboys or Lions losing their annual Turkey Day game. Whether it be your local high school, your college alma mater, or your favorite NFL team, chances are you plan your fall weekends around those events. We either pack the stands, sit in front of the TV, or (if you’re an unfortunate person that has prior obligations) you tune in on the radio or your mobile device. Simply stated, football is king down here.

However, something that is often overlooked is how dangerous the sport is. Football by far is the most dangerous sport in America, and what is most concerning is that high school players face the largest risk of receiving a concussion. In 2013, The National Institute of Medicine released a study that showed for every 10,000 games and practices, a high school player would receive 11.2 concussions. That estimate is conservative given the researchers only used reported concussions in the study. Something more alarming: A recent Harvard study found that only one in 27(!) head injuries are reported from football players. It’s to be expected, though; to football players, it seems like the right thing to do. You have to ignore the pain and play anyway so you don’t let your team down.

The effects of concussions on youth are unclear, but a study performed by Boston University showed that 76 of the 78 deceased NFL players they tested were positive for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.

For those of you who don’t know, CTE is a brain disease that causes degeneration of brain cells, which commonly leads to memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, impulse control problems, aggression, depression, and, eventually, progressive dementia.

The CTE Center at Boston University stated that this condition was originally discovered in the 1920s and was common among boxers then but now is more common among football players and other athletes who have repeated brain trauma.

Former NFL QB and 2016 Hall-of-Fame inductee Brett Favre has played 30-plus years of football in his lifetime. In 2013 he spoke with NBC’s Matt Lauer and opened up about his concussions’ effects. “I don’t remember my daughter playing soccer, one summer,” Favre said. “I don’t remember that. So that’s a little bit scary to me.” Favre does not have a son, but he expressed apprehension say-

ing that he would be “real leery” of letting a son play football if he had one. Favre’s concern is not without merit. The dangers of football are real, and the list of players dying from brain trauma grows every day.

Things are improving, though. In 2010 the NFHS approved new concussion protocols that require coaches to attend concussion symptom seminars and require diagnosed players to get a medical clearance from a trained medical professional before returning to the team. New helmet technology that lowers the risk for concussions, like the Riddell SpeedFlex, is significantly improving.

As concussion awareness grows, we see a growth in self-reported concussions and players being more concerned about their safety. Also, rule changes such as the targeting rule have significantly deterred big hits and forcible blows to the heads of players.

While it is a controversial rule, none can argue that it has not made the game safer for the players.

Ultimately, concussions are and always will be a part of the game of football. However, we must exhaust every effort to make the game safer for the players. Whether that be buying the safest equipment, changing rules, or funding more research, we must not be content with the status quo of player safety. I love this game as all of you do, but I want to see that our players are taken care of. They put in the time and effort on the practice field to give us a show on Friday night, so we must put in the effort to make sure they’re safe during practice and on Friday nights.

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How Well Do You Know The

Turn upside down for answers 1. What Native American language was Super Bowl XXX the first to be broadcast in?

RED DEVIL STANDOUT LOOKING TO JOIN CLUB OF CHAMPIONS Written by: Beth Welch | Photos by: George McDuffie

2. How many years must a player be retired to be eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

3. What was Miami quarterback Bob Griese the first NFL football player to wear in a game, in 1977?

carries

For

4. What record-setting quarterback was the NFL's 82nd draft pick in 1979?

5. What sportscaster posted an NFL coaching record of 103-22-7?

yards

6. What were NFL players required to wear in games for the first time in 1943?

7. What three NFL teams had lost four Super Bowls each, through 1996?

8. Who has scored the most points for the Broncos in all of their Super Bowls combined? (touchdowns, field goals and extra points) 1. Navajo 2. Five 3. Glasses 4. Joe Montana 5. John Madden 6. Helmets 7. Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings. 8. John Elway, with 24 points. He ran for touchdowns in Super Bowls XXI, XXIV, XXXII and XXXIII. This information is courtesy of www.sharpensbest.com

Jaxton Carson Central High School Phenix City, Alabama

J

axton Carson decided at the age of five that football was his sport. The 17-yearold Central High School senior recalls that from the first time he played Little League football, he loved three things about the game.

“Running the ball, scoring touchdowns, and everybody cheering for me,” Carson said about what appealed most to him back then.

All grown up now, the talented Red Devil running back is a two-star prospect according to some recruiting websites. He was the team’s leading rusher last season with 223 carries for 1023 yards. Carson was also Central’s leading scorer, tallying up 16 touchdowns in 2015.

To this day, Carson still loves playing the game. It is the only sport he participates in at Central, and he said his favorite things about playing football haven’t changed from those early days; running the ball, scoring touchdowns; and hearing the cheers of the fans in the stands. Now his fan base includes friends, relatives, a special someone, and his parents. When asked if he can distinguish his mother’s voice in the crowd, Carson breaks out a big grin and nods.

“Yes,” Carson said, adding, “but especially my dad. I really hear him.”

His dad, Jason, is someone Carson listens to on and off the field. And with good reason. The elder Carson played football at Central High School back in the day. He was a linebacker for the Red Devils and a member of the 1993 State Championship Team. Of course father and son often talk football. Carson said he values his dad’s advice on the game and other areas of his life, too.

Another person’s input he values is that of Red Devils’ head football coach, Jamey Dubose. Carson has played football all four years of his high school experience, the past three under the direction of Dubose. Carson feels that last season was his “breakout” year, and he attributes much of his growth from his sophomore year to his junior year to Dubose’s coaching.

“Last year I really improved,” Carson said. “I got smarter on the field. I had better vision on the field. I went from playing the game to knowing the game.”

Central is loaded with talent and has a reputation for producing outstanding football athletes. Those who follow high school football say Carson falls into the category of an outstanding football athlete. He has garnered a good bit of attention from college scouts because of his ability to make scoring plays happen. The 5-foot-8, 210-pound running back is also very quick on his feet. His best time in the 40-yard dash is 4.2 seconds. Colleges are paying more attention these days to the student part of student-athlete, and Carson is good there also, holding a 3.2 GPA. When Carson realized early on there might be someone in the crowd taking a recruiting look at him, he confessed he didn’t handle the pressure too well.

“My first games knowing scouts were there, I was so focused on the scouts, what I thought they were looking for,” Carson said. “Now, I don’t think about it so much and have learned that you have to play your own game.”

Going into the fall season, Carson

had not made a decision about where he will attend school next year. He has teammates who have already committed to schools, but he is still taking his time and weighing his options. Carson attended a football camp at The University of Alabama this past summer and was at the Nike Open in Atlanta. In addition to Alabama, he has taken visits to Auburn, UAB, Georgia State, and Georgia Tech. His plan was to have a Top 5 list going into the football season, but he said, with a smile, that list gets adjusted from time to time.

At this point, Carson is trying not to let recruiting be a distraction by focusing on playing his best game each week for the Red Devils and working on fundamentals.

Central has a tough schedule for 2016, which doesn’t intimidate Carson at all.

“I like competition,” Carson said. “Playing hard teams helps you play the next team. Our strengths this year are our ability to communicate well with each other because we have played together for a while and we have unity. I really think we can win the championship this time.”

If the Red Devils do win the state title, it means the Central senior will add another championship ring to the Carson household, which would be pretty special. It will be even more memorable because Carson got to do the three things he has loved for a very long time about playing football.

Running the ball. Scoring touchdowns.

And, hearing the cheers of the fans.

Carson’s goals for this season are to score at least 20 touchdowns and rush for 2000 yards.

In The Game | 59

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