ITG Next South Georgia August/September 2022 Magazine

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AUG/SEPT 2022

2022 South Georgia Football Preseason ITG Next | 1

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LOCATIONS Albany | Auburn | Columbus | Dothan | Dublin | LaGrange | Macon | Montgomery Moultrie | Phenix City | Thomaston | Thomasville | Tifton | Valdosta | Vidalia | Wetumpka 2 | itgnext.com6262 Veterans Parkway

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Contributors Publisher Mark Dykes Editor Anna Limoges Copy Editors Phil Jones Anna Limoges Allen Allnoch Graphic Design Mandy Rodriguez Player Profile Photography Brandon Pham Feature Writers Phil Jones Advertising/Marketing Mark Dykes mark@itgnext.com

GHSA AAAAAAA Camden Co. Wildcats 11 Colquitt Co. Packers 12 Lowndes Vikings 14 Valdosta Wildcats 17

AAAAAA Brunswick Pirates 22 Lee Co. Trojans 26 Thomas Co. Central Yellow Jackets 29

ITG Next is published bi-monthly. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher.

Dykes Media Group LLC makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2022 Dykes Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

Tift Co. Blue Devils 31

AAAAA Coffee Trojans 34

AAAA Bainbridge Bearcats 36 Cairo Syrupmakers 39

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AAA Crisp Co. Cougars 44 Thomasville Bulldogs 46

AA Berrien Co. Rebels 51 Brantley Co. Herrons 53 Cook Hornets 54 Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane 57 Sumter Co. Panthers 59 Worth Co. Rams 61

A-DI Brooks Co. Trojans 66 Irwin Co. Indians 69 Pelham Hornets 71

A-DII Clinch Co. Panthers 74

Mitchell Co. Eagles 76 Turner Co. Titans 78

GISA Deerfield-Windsor Knights 82 Tiftarea Panthers 85 Valwood Valiants 86 Westwood Wildcats 88

Player Profile Antwann Hill Jr. Houston County 9 Kameron Davis Dougherty 18 Jevell Fugerson Lee County 27 Ronnie Davis Lowndes 32 Adam Hopkins Thomas County Central 43

Gabriel Harris Valdosta 48 Ricardo Jones Northside (WR) 73 Camerin Marshall Perry 80

More 4 Key Games to Open the 2022 Georgia High School Football Season 6 Biggest 2022 Region Matchups in Georgia High School Football 20 Top 10 Quarterbacks Returning for 2022 Georgia High School Football Season 28 Brantley County Offensive Lineman Kasey Holliman Wears Blue Collar With Pride 62

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4 Key Games to Open the 2022 Georgia High School Football Season Written by: Dhruv Mohan

Mill Creek

VS

Both squads suffered painful defeats to Milton in the 7A playoffs last season. Mill Creek returns America’s best safety in Caleb Downs, while Walton has capitalized on transfers and returning quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski. These two playoff-bound programs meet in a Corky Kell showdown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with immense ramifications.

Warner Robins

American Heritage (FL)

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Lowndes

Lowndes, on the other hand, will have to rely on young talent like Jacarre Fleming, as the Vikings lost their leading passer, rusher, receivers, and tackler. However, Lowndes thrives at home, making this Week One heavyweight matchup a must-watch.

VS

This will be a classic offense versus defense matchup. The Seminoles’ defense was one of the state’s most impressive last season, but Rome touts the duo of Reece Fountain and Martel Hight, who combined for 1,069 yards and nine scores last season.

Lee County

Lee County, meanwhile, has its own rushing sensation, Ousmane Kromah. Paired with Christopher Martin at QB, Kromah gives Lee County a solid backfield duo for the next few years. Can the Trojans exploit a younger Demon defense for their first-ever win at Warner Robins?

VS

Last season, the Patriots managed only six wins, but featured a junior-heavy squad set to return in 2022. Among these players is Brandon Inniss, the nation’s 2nd-ranked receiver, and numerous other senior 3- and 4-star recruits.

Creekside

This will be the Raiders’ first time in three years with one main quarterback leading the offense, while the Hawks still need a reliable replacement for running back Donovan Journey. This game will answer a lot of lingering questions and potentially provide a playoff matchup preview.

VS

The pendulum has swung both ways in these teams’ last two meetings. The Demons have again graduated massive amounts of production on both sides of the ball, but running back Malcolm Brown returns to be the catalyst of th offense.

Walton

Rome

While other games on this list flaunt offensive firepower, these two teams will rely on key defensive stops in a likely low-scoring affair. There may not be as physical a game in the 2022 Georgia high school football season for the next several weeks.

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CAMDEN CO. REGION 1 - 7A HEAD COACH: JEFF HERRON Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Eric Vinson

19

26

AUG

AUG

Columbia

@ Brunswick

9

2

SEPT

Glynn Academy

SEPT

16

SEPT

Dade Somerset Christian (FL) Academy (FL)

23

SEPT

Atlantic Coast (FL)

7

OCT

14

@ Richmond Hill

21

OCT

@ Colquitt County

4

OCT

NOV

Valdosta

Lowndes

WHO’S BACK

KEY LOSSES

Returning for veteran head coach Jeff Herron’s Wildcats this season will be big-time offensive weapon Deonte Cole. Technically listed as a RB, the senior can get it done by running the ball on the ground and receiving it through the air. He finished last season with 565 rushing yards and 230 yards receiving. He had five rushing TDs and three receiving TDs. He is also a weapon on special teams, as he showed last season. In 2021, Cole returned 15 kickoffs for an average of right at 18 yards per return. He will no doubt be expected to fill Felix’s shoes in Herron’s run-heavy offense.

Look for him to have some company in the backfield with emerging RB Brayden Ritz expected to see plenty of action this season. In limited playing time last season, Ritz finished with 241 yards rushing on just 29 carries, a healthy 8.3 yards per carry. Ritz also averaged 14 yards per catch out of the backfield last season.

TE Ian Pederson also returns. The team’s QB on defense, safety Jake Lindsey will be back to provide rock solid ability and leadership for Camden County this season. He will be joined by fellow DBs Quan Floyd and Tyre Young.

The Wildcats will lose the heartbeat of their team in RB Jamie Felix, who was hampered by injury two seasons ago but came back last season to lead the Wildcats offense with 869 yards rushing and 13 TDs on the ground. He also ended up with a respectable 111 yards receiving with a TD. Felix showed his talent on special teams too, returning 11 kicks for 217 yards and a TD. That’s a total of 15 TDs for Felix. He even saw time on defense, making 15 tackles and causing a fumble. Felix starred on the Camden County baseball team too, so Georgia Tech offered the two-sport standout a chance to play both baseball and football collegiately.

Also graduated is QB Gray Loden, who ended his Camden County career with 905 yards passing and 10 TDs. He had just one INT in his entire career as the team’s starting signal caller. He did add one rushing TD while at Camden.

Offensive tackle Noah DeMeritt has graduated, along with reliable kicker Adonis Coyle. During his time as the Wildcats’ kicker, he converted on 13 of 21 FG attempts, including a career long of 46 yards on his final attempt as a high school kicker.

Coyle also converted an incredible 94 EXP out of 99 attempts.

He also handled the punting chores for Camden County, finishing his career with a 35.2 yards per punt average. This is outstanding for a high school punter.

2021 STATS

overall record

Wins

Points Scored

316

Points Allowed

307

Losses

WHAT TO EXPECT Last season was the worst for Herron in what has been a long and successful coaching career. To be fair, he took over a Camden County program that had switched from the wing-T offense he built there years ago.

That offense made Camden County (and Herron) a perennial winner, but trying

to reinstate that same system in one season was a tough task. Camden County fans knew it would take time, which could mean another year of teaching and learning.

“We had over 40 seniors last season, but this year, we have only 20,” said Herron.

“We are still in a rebuilding phase. We are young, but talented and improving rapidly

in the weight room and on the field.”

Will that improvement equal more wins this season? If you have followed Herron over his career, you know this much: The man knows how to coach young players and make them believe in what he wants to do. That said, don’t expect the Wildcats to be down for long. It’s just not in his DNA. ITG Next | 11

COLQUITT CO. REGION 1 - 7A HEAD COACH: SEAN CALHOUN Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Milla Reese

20

26

AUG

@ Deerfield Beach (FL)

AUG Stockbridge

9

2

SEPT

Tift County

SEPT

@ Lee County

23

SEPT

Cedar Grove

30

SEPT

Lincoln (FL)

14

OCT

Camden County

21

28

OCT

OCT

@ Valdosta

Lowndes

11

NOV

@ Richmond Hill

WHO’S BACK

KEY LOSSES

Probably the top returning Packer that has everyone excited isn’t even a player; it’s former Packers assistant coach Sean Calhoun, who is returning to lead the Packers as its new head football coach heading into 2022. Fans are excited to have a coach like Calhoun coming back to run the football program.

Calhoun was a major part of the process that built Colquitt County into a statewide power. He was an assistant under Rush Propst for just two seasons in 2014 and 2015, but Colquitt was unbeaten, and the offense was one of the most prolific offenses ever at Colquitt during his time.

Colquitt’s starting QB and top RB are both back, with Charlie Pace ready to run wild again and Neko Fann rolling right back into his familiar position under center. Both Fann and Pace will have a couple of big bodies returning along the O-line to provide blocking protection with Keshaun Palmore and Ja’Quavian “Turk” Daniels back this season.

TE Landen Thomas will be back to serve as a blocker and a pass catching target. WR Ny Carr is also back andwill serve as a primary weapon for Fann. Defensively, Kamal Bonner and Daveon Hunt are back at LB. Calhoun tells us that a couple of younger guys could make an impact this year. They are Kicker/punter Brett Fitzgerald and Khalil Collins, who can play on both offensive and defensive line.

The Packers’ biggest losses are on the offensive line and with their linebacker corps, while they also lose a key defensive back.

Offensive guard/tackle Isaiah Palmore and center Cam Strange will be missed for the body-moving skills they possessed in opening up the running game and in pass protection for the Packers last season. Palmore signed to play for Shaw University in North Carolina.

Safety Alex Florence graduated and is headed to Georgia Military College to play for the Bulldogs for the next two years. The entire starting group of linebackers has graduated, and this will be one of the hardest units to replace.

Pershaun Fann leaves Colquitt with an impressive resume of 131 tackles and 7.5 sacks during his Packer career. He signed with the University at Buffalo during last year’s early signing period. His LB mates Rickie Yates and Hayden Moore are also gone. Yates, who totaled 142 tackles and 3.5 sacks during his career at Colquitt, will attend and play football at Point University in West Point, Georgia.

2021 STATS

overall record

Points Scored Points Allowed Wins

403 272

Losses

WHAT TO EXPECT There are a lot of pieces for a great offensive mind like Calhoun to work with, and that should have Packer fans excited heading into this season. The new head coach is trying not to make things too complicated for his troops as he gets them ready.

“We will see if we can tackle and block better than our opponents,” Calhoun said.

He added that he is impressed with the 12 | itgnext.com

talent and the work ethic of his team with what he has seen so far.

“The team has been working hard to give themselves an opportunity to seize, but we have to continue to work hard off the field as we do on the field,” Calhoun said.

What are the main goals for Calhoun and his team heading into his first year?

“We have two football goals: Win the region and win state.”

Sounds pretty straightforward, right?

With so many skill position players returning for Colquitt, combined with one of the best offensive minds in high school football, the Packers may be poised for that magical season fans have been waiting for.

ITG Next | 13

LOWNDES REGION 1 - 7A HEAD COACH: ZACH GRAGE Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Milla Reese

20

AUG

American Heritage, FL)

26

AUG

16

2

Gadsden County (FL)

SEPT

North Miami Beach (FL)

SEPT

@ East Coweta

23

7

14

SEPT

OCT

OCT

Grayson

Valdosta

Dunbar (FL)

21

28

OCT

OCT

@ Colquitt County

Richmond Hill

4

NOV

@ Camden County

WHO’S BACK

KEY LOSSES

The Vikings are glad to have RB Jacarre “Smoke” Fleming returning this season. A hard-nosed runner, Fleming will be counted on to carry much of the load this year, especially with uncertainty at QB still a possibility. Fleming averages 6.4 yards per carry, and it’s that ball-control style that will be counted on this season. He will have returning OL DJ Jones to run behind this season.

CB and receiver Kevis Thomas will return this season, and his talents on both sides of the ball could come in handy this season to replace some of what graduation losses took. Thomas will be joined in the defensive backfield with returning mate CJ Tomlin back for another year.

The Lowndes defense will be as solid as anyone at the LB position, with OLB Mekhi Crawford joining fellow backers Elijah Colvin, Coleman Lewis, and Cooper Melvin back on defense this season. On special teams, punter Carson Page will be back, as well as the man who gets the ball to him, long snapper Weston Edwards.

The Vikings bid goodbye to former head coach Jamey DuBose after he led the Vikings for the past two seasons. The new head coach is Zach Grage, who comes from Thomasville. He will face the challenge of replacing several key starters, namely the Vikings’ two main offensive weapons in starting QB Jacurri Brown and his primary receiver and overall offensive spark plug, Chase Belcher.

Grage will have to somehow replace the 58 combined touchdowns and 4,200 total yards those two players accounted for in 2021 alone. WR Khris Thomas is another offensive weapon the Vikings will miss this season.

The defense loses some big-time players also, as All Region performers DB Josh Pickett, LB DeAunte Hunter and CB Tylar Belcher have all graduated. Belcher had six interceptions last season and was a big-time special teams returner as well. As much as these players will be missed for their production, the Vikings program will miss their locker room presence, leadership and spirit just as much.

overall record

2021 STATS Points Scored Points Allowed

Wins

451 367

Losses

WHAT TO EXPECT Grage is a great fit at Lowndes, and he will do well taking over the Vikings football program. For this season, he will need to find a few guys who are willing to step up and earn a spot on this team. Make no mistake: The losses are huge. Lowndes lost not only a lot of talent and experience, but a lot of leadership and pure spirit as well.

Who will be the person to take over for Brown at QB? There has been a 3-way bat-

14 | itgnext.com

tle for the signal caller job this offseason, with juniors Brooks Best and Tate Sirmans battling along with sophomore Marvis Parrish. However, Grage tells ITG Next not to expect a platoon situation at QB this fall for his Vikings squad. “We will name a starter before the start of the season, and we’ll go with just one guy” at QB. Speaking of the opening game, the Vikings will be tested right out of the gate

with the talented Patriots of American Heritage visiting the concrete palace to open the season. The always-powerful Grayson Rams will be a new addition to the schedule as they visit Lowndes on September 20 in week six. The region has changed and grown slightly, with Valdosta and Richmond Hill now region foes, and longtime rival Tift County now in a different classification.

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VALDOSTA REGION 1 - 7A HEAD COACH: SHELTON FELTON Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Eric Vinson

19

AUG

North Miami Sr. (FL)

26

9

2

AUG

SEPT

Cook

Banneker

SEPT

16

@ Warner Robins

SEPT

Coral Glades (FL)

23

SEPT McEachern

7

OCT

14

@ Lowndes

21

OCT

Richmond Hill

OCT

@ Camden County

28

OCT

Colquitt County

WHAT TO EXPECT

KEY LOSSES

The Wildcats return several playmakers, and they’ll need every one of them as they return to Region 1-7A to face former region foes Lowndes, Colquitt County, and Camden County. Valdosta isn’t alone as the new member of the new-look region 1-7A; Richmond Hill joins the Wildcats as the newest members of 1-AAAAAAA. Coach Shelton Felton was officially named as head coach in the offseason after spending last season as interim coach. It will be his team, and I think this is a great move for Valdosta. He relates to his players well, and this should put the Wildcats in the hunt for a strong run in region 1-7A in 2022.

Felton says he and his troops are ready to go: “We look forward to the challenge of playing in one of the toughest regions in the state.” Felton also acknowledged that the team has a different look than it did last season. “Our depth chart looks completely different than it did a year ago,” he said.

The Wildcats said good bye to 25 seniors, including a group of players that will see action on Saturdays this upcoming fall. They include RB/ATH Chris Wolfe, who takes his talents to Central Arkansas. He was a standout all-around player at Valdosta, ending up with 216 rushing yards, 463 receiving yards, 237 kickoff returns yards, and 98 punt return yards.

CB JaDarian Rhym signed with Auburn, and he leaves with 100 tackles during his career at Valdosta. The Cats will also enter the season without the services of OLB Jacquez McGowan, who is now at Tennessee Tech, and Head Coach Shelton Felton and his staff will need to replace 4-star OL Jacarrius Peak, who signed with North Carolina State University this offseason. Three-star safety Isaiah Holland has graduated and will suit up for the Panthers of Georgia State University this fall.

2021 STATS

overall record

Points Scored Points Allowed Wins

242 160

Losses

WHO’S BACK Yes, Valdosta lost some really talented players, but they’ve also got some really good ones coming back in 2022. Leading the Wildcats into the season will be the returning Region 1-AAAAAA Player of the Year, DE Eric Brantley. The standout defender had 75 tackles last season, and 17 of them were tackles for loss. Brantley also had 11 sacks in 2021.

He will be a force for opposing offensive lines to handle this year, but there’s

no relief on the opposite side as newcomer Gabe Harris will man the other end of the defensive line, giving Valdosta what is likely the best DE combination in the state. Both are being highly recruited by D-1 colleges, and they will be an absolute handful this year.

Another player who will attract attention from colleges is punter/TE Grayson Leavy.

Sophomore ATH Khalil Mollay will help the Wildcats in all areas this season, including

offense, defense, and special teams. Other returners include a couple of offensive linemen in Damauree “Smoke” Bennett and Ashton Harden, and NT TJ Morrison and ILB Amari Tomblin on defense.

The big question is QB, where it appears sophomore ATH/QB Todd Robinson will be counted on to lead the Valdosta offense into the season, according to Felton.

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Biggest 2022 Region Matchups in Georgia High School Football Written by: Dhruv Mohan

A-D1

St. Francis

This new Georgia high school football classification has enticing 2022 region matchups. St. Francis’s final-week matchup with Mount Vernon could decide the champion in Region 6. The Knights return nearly their entire lineup from last season, but Mount Vernon could prevent them from winning that elusive region title.

In Region 2, Bleckley County will travel to Swainsboro, which reached the state semifinals last season. This region could be inter-

A-D2

2A

Fitzgerald

There is no shortage of great 2022 region matchups in Georgia high school football Class 2A. Fitzgerald and Dodge County highlight an important slate of games that includes potential region championships in Appling County-Pierce County, Callaway-ELCA and Athens Academy-Fellowship Christian.

20 | itgnext.com

Mount Vernon esting with Dublin and Jefferson County as well, jumbling predictions for the top four seeds.

Likely the most important region matchup is Irwin County’s trip to Brooks County, a rematch of the past two state championships in A-Public that will almost certainly decide that region once again.

Lincoln County

Lincoln County vs. Washington-Wilkes might be an overlooked Region 8 battle with major playoff implications. The top seed in that region may draw an easier second-round matchup, critical in a wideopen A-D2 classification.

The 2022 Georgia high school football season is on the horizon. With major shifts in the offseason due to reclassification, several teams find themselves in easier (and tougher) region situations regarding playoff qualification. This year, more regions may be decided by one game between two strong frontrunners. Let’s take a look at some key region matchups within each classification.

Washington-Wilkes

Macon County hosting a young Schley County squad will certainly be important, as will Emanuel County Institute against McIntosh County Academy. Clinch County vs. Charlton County could bring about an exciting rematch after the Indians’ one-point, overtime win last season.

Dodge County Washington County’s trip to Thomson should draw some attention after the Bulldogs graduated star Tay Martin and the Golden Hawks acquired head coach Robert Edwards from Riverwood. Not many of these games are on the final week of play, so the entirety of region play will be under heavy surveillance.

3A

Oconee County

This classification is loaded with revenge region games. Oconee County and Monroe Area might square off for a region title again after the Purple Hurricanes robbed one from the Warriors last season.

The same can be said for Sandy Creek and Cedar Grove, as the Patriots defeated the eventual state champions Saints in 2021 (Cedar

4A

5A

7A

Cartersville Besides Calhoun-Cartersville, Jones County-Warner Robins is another of the must-watch 2022 region matchups in Georgia high school football Class 5A. The Demons lost several talented players in the offseason and have to travel to a younger Greyhound team seeking revenge after being bounced from the playoffs two years in a row.

Roswell

Roswell and Alpharetta played as region rivals the past two seasons in 7A and will continue to do so, this time in 6A. Hughes-Douglas County and Rome-Allatoona are two early region matchups that could end up deciding a champion, while Marist and St. Pius X could put on a defensive clinic later in the season.

Alpharetta Lee County vs. Northside-Warner Robins is likely the popular pick for the championship in Region 1, but watch for Thomas County Central to potentially challenge that status quo.

Colquitt County

The possibility for a single, title-defining game in every region is high. The Region 1 rivalry of Colquitt County-Lowndes returns in Moultrie, while Brookwood-Parkview’s age-old showdown could decide the second or first seed.

Walton hosting North Cobb again gives the Raiders a shot to erase last season’s disappointing result, and North Gwinnett and

Cairo

County all competing for only four playoff spots.

Lovett vs. Pace Academy returns once again, with the Lions losing the past two seasons despite being ranked higher both times. Perry seeks revenge on Spalding, as the Jaguars stunned the third-ranked Panthers for last year’s region crown.

Calhoun

Take your pick in Region 8: Jefferson, Clarke Central, Flowery Branch and Eastside all make excellent cases for that top seed.

Calhoun’s early region matchup with Cartersville will have more rippling effects than other 5A matchups, as both teams will still have to wait at least five more weeks until playoffs.

Ware County-Coffee and Decatur-Chamblee may be slightly overlooked this season with all teams graduating loads of talent, but these matchups might be close on the scoreboard.

6A

Grove claimed the region title on tiebreak).

Carver-Columbus, Thomasville, Crisp County and Dougherty create many critical Region 1 matchups, and Dawson County-Wesleyan provides a unique public vs. private showdown in Region 7.

Bainbridge

Bainbridge is one of the favorites this season in 4A, but they’ll need to get through Cairo in the last week of the regular season to claim a region title and the top seed.

The entirety of Region 4’s slate is a must-watch, with Fayette County, Riverdale, LaGrange, Trinity Christian, Whitewater and Troup

Monroe Area

Lowndes

Norcross renew their hatred with Region 7 on the line.

Regions 2, 6 and 8 all have three potential candidates for region champion, lining up nine extremely important 2022 region matchups that could alter the path of a hopeful Georgia high school football state champion.

ITG Next | 21

BRUNSWICK REGION 2 - 6A HEAD COACH: GARRETT GRADY Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Eric Vinson

19

AUG

Andrew Jackson (FL)

26

AUG

9

Camden County

SEPT Bolles (FL)

16

SEPT Islands

23

SEPT

Glynn Academy

30

SEPT

@ Grovetown

7

OCT

21

Lakeside, Evans

28

OCT

OCT

@ South Effingham

@ Evans

4

NOV

Effingham County

WHO’S BACK

KEY LOSSES

Leading the group of returners from last season is the reigning defensive player of the year, defensive lineman Ka’Shawn Thomas.

He ended the season with 56 total tackles and three sacks, but considering he was the target of many double teams from opponents’ offensive linemen, the numbers really don’t tell the whole story of just how impactful he was for the Pirates defense.

Thomas led a unit that allowed the fifth-lowest point total in Class 6A last season, giving up just under 14 points per game. His return is a huge lift for a Brunswick team hoping to at least repeat last season’s double-digit win total.

Returning to his position right behind Thomas on the Pirate “Black Flag” defensive unit is junior LB Devin Smith, an All Region selection last season. He had 61 tackles in 2021 and was a menace to opposing QBs with six sacks. He also caused three fumbles, recovering two of them, including one for a touchdown.

Returning on the offensive line will be University of Central Florida commit Jamal Meriweather. The 6-foot-6-inch OT gives Grady’s Pirates a major presence up front on offense and a big body to try to run behind this season.

The Pirates suffer losses in both player personnel and head coach. The latter, Sean Pender, left for North Hall High School, where assumes the same position. Former assistant coach Garrett Grady is taking over as head coach, and he’s faced with the challenge of replacing some very good talent that has graduated.

The departed include talented RB Chuckobee Hill, who rushed for 2,849 career yards as a Pirate. He was also a scoring machine, totaling 42 touchdowns during his time at Brunswick.

Linebacker Adam Mweemba joins Hill as part of the losses for Coach Grady, and his standout performance on defense will be missed. Mweemba registered 113 career tackles and three sacks while manning the middle of the defense for the Pirates. He also snagged two interceptions from his LB spot.

On the offensive line, Brunswick is sad to see offensive lineman Kanaya Charlton leave the port city. He now takes his blocking skills to Florida State University, where he is expected to make an immediate impact for the Seminoles. That’s three big losses and a lot of talent that Grady will have to replace heading into 2022.

2021 STATS

overall record

Points Scored Points Allowed Wins

443 164

Losses

WHAT TO EXPECT This will be Grady’s first head coaching position after serving as an assistant coach for the past five seasons under Pender, but he’s no stranger to knowing what it takes to be a championship-caliber team. He was a part of two national championships with Valdosta State University, first as a player then as an assistant coach. He will bring that pedigree and experience to the job as Pirates head coach.

22 | itgnext.com

“We have high expectations for this team this year,” Grady said. “We are looking forward to playing great competition and competing at a high level. Our schedule is geared towards playing great opponents that will prepare us for region games and playoffs.”

That schedule Grady is referring to includes two tough home games with Camden County and The Bolles School out of

Jacksonville. That game will be a part of the Border War showcase event, which will be played at Glynn County Stadium, and will pit Georgia teams against Florida programs. Pirate fans should be excited, just as Grady is, about the level of talent returning this season.

“We have a lot of experience returning for the Pirates on offense and defense,” said Grady.

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LEE CO. REGION 1 - 6A HEAD COACH: DEAN FABRIZIO Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Eric Vinson

19

26

AUG

@ Warner Robins

9

2

AUG

SEPT

Hapeville

Lithia Springs

SEPT

Colquitt County

16

SEPT

Lake Gibson (FL)

30

SEPT

Houston County

7

OCT

@ Veterans

21

OCT

Northside WR

28

OCT

Thomas Co. Central

4

NOV

@ Tift County

WHO’S BACK

KEY LOSSES

Leading the way among the returning playmakers for Lee County is sophomore RB Ousmane Kromah, who had a breakout 2021 season as a true freshman. He was named the AJC All Classification Georgia High School Football Freshman of the Year. He finished with over 1,700 yards rushing and 22 TDs. He is only going to get better as he matures both physically and mentally.

Another big-time offensive player returning is receiver Jevell Fugerson. He hauled in 58 receptions for 940 yards and nine TDs last season, and he figures to be the primary target for returning starting QB Chris Martin.

Junior Tion Garmon will return as a two-way player for the Trojans this year, seeing time at both CB and WR. Last season he collected three interceptions on defense and hauled in 11 receptions with two TDs as a receiver.

Defensively, look for DL Jaydon Cory to disrupt things on the interior of the defensive line. He had 47 tackles with sixsacks last season. This will be his third straight season as a starter. Lining up beside Cory on the DL this season will be returning starting lineman Omar White.

Lee County will lose perhaps the finest punter in the state in Wyatt Hurst. His ability to punt away from returners and turn the battle of field position was a major key to Lee County’s success the past couple of seasons.

Offensively, Lee County will miss TE Tyrus Washington, who signed with Arkansas. FB DeBo Roberts, a three-year starter, also graduated, as did center Jacob Brim and lineman Owen Greene on the offensive line.

On defense, the Trojans will certainly miss three-year starting LB Juwan Bailey, who signed with Savannah State. While at Lee, Bailey finished with over 200 tackles, including 37 TFL. He also had 17 sacks during his Lee County career. His LB mate Jaron Willis, another three-year starter, is also gone, while the team will say goodbye to FS Malcolm Jones, who will continue his football career as a Spartan. Jones signed with Michigan State University.

overall record

2021 STATS Points Scored Points Allowed

Wins

519 262

Losses

WHAT TO EXPECT With the success Lee County has enjoyed under Head Coach Dean Fabrizio, you can bet the expectations heading into the 2022 season are, as always, sky high.

The head coach kicks off his 14th season at Lee County, and the schedule this season is one of the tougher ones for the head coach and his team in recent seasons.

Lee County will play non-region powers Colquitt County and Warner Robins, as well 26 | itgnext.com

as Lake Gibson from Florida. The region will have a couple of new faces this season, with former 7A program Tift County and Thomas County Central both now a part of Lee’s region 1-AAAAAA. Fabrizio says he and his staff are looking forward to the challenges ahead.

“We lost some really good players, but that is the nature of high school football,” said Fabrizio.“We also have some good

ones returning this season, and I’m looking forward to some of our younger guys coming up from our JV and freshman teams.

Those guys are ready to make a name for themselves.”

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Top 10 Quarterbacks Returning for 2022 Georgia High School Football Season

From pure passers to scrambling playmakers, there is no shortage of excellent high school quarterbacks in Georgia for 2022. Here are the 10 best returning quarterbacks who will keep Georgia in the spotlight.

Written by: Dhruv Mohan

1. Malachi Singleton – North Cobb

6. Kasen Weisman – South Paulding

Malachi Singleton may be the most dynamic and impactful player in the state. The dual-threat quarterback passed for 21 touchdowns through the air at a 73% completion clip while adding 22 more scores on the ground last season.

Singleton totaled over 3,000 yards from scrimmage, but his impact looms much larger than any statistic could portray. The Warriors weren’t ever shut down offensively with Singleton starting last year, and they might not falter this season either.

There are not many quarterbacks as gifted as Kasen Weisman outside the pocket in Georgia. The three-star prospect excels under pressure, using his quick feet to evade pass rushers, often resulting in deep completions as coverages break down. Weisman’s scrambling skills extend beyond the line of scrimmage as well; he scored on the ground in all but two games last season.

Small improvements can be made, but Weisman has more than enough time to fix those imperfections.

2. Dylan Lonergan – Brookwood Dylan Lonergan is Georgia’s best passer. The rising senior tallied almost 3,400 yards passing with only three interceptions and 32 touchdowns. Lonergan has excellent decision-making skills, reflected in his ability to create plays even with stellar defensive coverage, either through the air or on his feet.

His experience as a top-notch pitcher in baseball complements his football ability well, setting the stage for a highly-anticipated commitment on July 5.

3. Jalen Woods – Woodward Academy Looking at Jalen Woods’s 2021 season statistics doesn’t do justice to his abilities as a quarterback. The 6’2” transfer from Marietta passed for only 13 scores last season, but attempted merely 137 passes. Woods is a consistent and reliable passer who avoids risk and comfortably throws checkdowns, something that several other quarterbacks lack the maturity for.

Woods was mostly overshadowed last year by running back Damari Alston, but may be thrust into the spotlight in 2022.

4. Prentiss “Air” Noland – Langston Hughes Despite being a sophomore, Prentiss “Air” Noland put on an aerial display with 34 passing touchdowns on 64% completion last season. After a slow start to the year, he caught fire quickly, passing for a career-high 368 yards and three touchdowns against Glynn Academy.

The future is bright for Noland, as he can rely on top target Jelani Thurman this season to maximize production.

5. RJ Johnson – Westlake Consistency has been the theme for RJ Johnson the past two seasons, as he’s compiled 53 passing touchdowns to only eight interceptions. There had been no shortage of talent at the receiving end of his passes in 2020, but that didn’t stop Johnson from spreading the ball this past season extremely well. He has grown both physically and mentally, so expect another solid campaign from the rising senior in a few months.

28 | itgnext.com

7. Dylan Wittke – Buford Dylan Wittke has not seen the field as much as any other quarterback on this list. Ashton Daniels mostly led the Wolves last season, relegating Wittke to action in certain situations only. Regardless, the Virginia Tech commit is talented, as exhibited at Orlando’s Elite 11 showcase, where he had the highest testing rating.

Wittke steps into a bigger role at Buford this season. Expect him to lead the team on a deep playoff run in Class 7A.

8. Colin Houck – Parkview Colin Houck’s stats aren’t mind-blowing, but his impact on the field is transcendent. This will be the rising senior’s third year starting, and Houck will have the benefit of a strong junior class at his disposal. In his senior year, Houck can increase his stock with better ball security, as he turned it over 21 times in the last two seasons.

The baseball third baseman has several offers for football, including Georgia Tech, Arkansas, Miami, and Virginia Tech.

9. Jake Merklinger – Calvary Day Sophomore play-caller Jake Merklinger had a breakout 2021 campaign that featured 36 total touchdowns and over 2,800 total yards. A four-star prospect, he has already garnered high praise from schools like Auburn, Arkansas, and Georgia Tech. Additionally, his leadership skills were on full display as he led Calvary Day to an undefeated regular season and a win over a dangerous Prince Avenue Christian squad.

10. Keegan Stover – Rabun County Keegan Stover has flown under the radar for quite some time. He totaled a solid 25 touchdowns to only three interceptions during a tumultuous last season at West Forsyth.

Now, he will have the opportunity to lead Rabun County and continue their legacy of a high-volume passing attack. The state’s leader in receiving also returns to the Wildcats (Jaden Gibson), so expect massive totals from Stover once again.

THOMAS CO. CENTRAL REGION 1 - 6A HEAD COACH: JUSTIN ROGERS Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

19

AUG Cairo

26

AUG

2

@ Thomasville

SEPT Bainbridge

16

23

SEPT

SEPT

Chiles (FL)

@ Godby (FL)

30

SEPT Veterans

7

OCT

@ Tift County

21

28

OCT

OCT

Houston County

@ Lee County

4

NOV

@ Northside WR

WHO’S BACK

KEY LOSSES

A lot of talent returns for Thomas County Central this season, plus a couple of key transfers who should provide quite the impact for the Yellow Jackets. Returners from last season include senior QB Samuel Brown, who threw for 873 yards last season with nine TD’s and just one interception.

Brown also rushed for 233 yards and five TDs on 53 carries.

He’ll have a couple of returning weapons at WR as Tyler Floyd and Adam Hopkins are back. Returning to provide blocking up front will be OL Brandon Sauls. Central will get a boost with the addition of transfer RB Ricky Fulton from crosstown rival Thomasville High.

The defense has some serious talent returning, including several younger players who are already attracting next-level attention. Javion Revels returns to the D-line, while Dezmond Jones is back at his familiar LB spot.

Quincy Clark returns at safety, and he’ll have company there with sophomore Kendarius Reddick emerging as a big-timetalent. The “super-soph” is already getting offers from several Power 5 schools, but he’s not the only one. Sophomore DB Clayton “Smoke” Hutto is receiving D-1 offers, as is junior LB/S Tywon Christopher.

The Yellow Jackets parted ways with Ashley Henderson and brought in Justin Rogers from Colquitt County. He will inherit a team that lost its leader on defense, All Region 1-AAAA selection LB Craig Crimley. He ends his Central career with 59 tackles and one sack.

The Jackets lose 2 standout DE’s with Marcus Christian graduating and Gabe Harris electing to transfer out of the program.

The other top losses for Central include 6-foot 5 DE Don’ya Golson, who signed with Northwest Mississippi College, and WR Tray Huewitt. The speedy wideout had 348 yards receiving with six TD receptions. He also showed his speed with a kickoff return for a TD last season.

The offense will also be without the services of RB Persean Taylor, who graduated after a stellar career with the Jackets that saw him rush for 789 yards with nine TDs. In limited time as the team’s QB, he completed 26 of 51 passes with a TD.

2021 STATS

overall record

Points Scored Points Allowed Wins

243 233

Losses

WHAT TO EXPECT To say that expectations are sky-high at Thomas County Central would be understating the obvious. With so much talent to work with, it’s impossible not to feel good about the Jackets’ chances this season.

There is the fact that Central is moving up two classifications from 4A to 6A this sea-

son, and it will be interesting to see how the program makes this transition into a region with the likes of Lee County, Tift and Northside-Warner Robins.

But a team with this much talent shouldn’t be worried about competing with anyone. Rogers says he and his staff

are sticking to the basics of what to expect from their players. “Our expectation for our program is to put our players in a position to be successful both on the field and in the classroom and community,” said the new Jackets head coach.

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TIFT CO. REGION 1 - 6A HEAD COACH: NOEL DEAN Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Eric Vinson

19

26

AUG

AUG

@ Dutchtown

Coffee

16

2

SEPT

@ Colquitt County

SEPT

@ Thomasville

23

SEPT

Gadsden County (FL)

30

SEPT

@ Northside WR

7

OCT

21

Thomas Co. Central

28

OCT

OCT

@ Houston County

Veterans

4

NOV

Lee County

WHO’S BACK

KEY LOSSES

Tift will have Tyler Parker returning to the team this year, and his ability to line up at several positions will be a big bonus for Tift County. Listed as a WR, Parker can, and has, played QB. Last season he rushed for six TDs and threw for another four. His ability to score will be needed more than ever this season.

Another offensive player returning this season is OT Quinnard Walker. The remaining top returners according to Head Coach Noel Dean include a couple of All-Region cornerbacks, Za’Morian Brown and Taylan Morrow. All-Region DL Jacoiley Nathan, who along with West and Ellis gave Tift County an iron-clad defensive front last season, will be returning in the middle of the D-line this season.

The Blue Devils suffered big losses in both quality and quantity.

Gone are several All-Region selections who were top performers on last season’s team. The biggest loss is five-star DL Tyre West.

An AJC Super 11 pick last season, West was a tour de force in the middle of the line for the Devils during his career at Tift, and his presence will certainly be felt. West signed with the University of Tennessee.

All-Region pick Bubba Ellis was another solid DL, and with West they helped to form an ironclad defensive front. Jackson Strickland, the Region 1-7A Utility Player of the Year, will be missed in a lot of ways, as he was able to master several positions, including QB in region play. All-Region defenders Bernard Tindall, Lucky Smith, Josh Singleton and DT Ethan Jackson all graduated. All-Region offensive linemen Ross Tanner, Liam Gray and Corey West also move on from the Blue Devil program via graduation.

2021 STATS

overall record

Points Scored Points Allowed Wins

191 189

Losses

WHAT TO EXPECT Tift will have to rely on several underclassmen to rise to the occasion this season, as Dean points out about the heavy losses to graduation.

“We will be young and trying to overcome the loss of a large senior class,” the Blue Devils second-year head coach said.

He addedd that “we are hopeful, and a hardworking group.”

Tift County will have the benefit of not having a young team facing another year of region 1-7A opponents, as the Devils move to Class 6A in 2022. Tift County will join Houston County, Lee County, Northside

Warner-Robins, Veterans and fellow region newcomer, Thomas County Central. Dean is a veteran coach with multiple state championships on his resume, so he has been a part of challenges like the one he will face this season.

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COFFEE REGION 1 - 5A HEAD COACH: MIKE COE Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Eric Vinson

19

26

AUG

AUG

@ Tift County

10

@ Bainbridge

SEPT

@ St. Augustine (FL)

16

SEPT Salem

23

SEPT

Richmond Hill

7

14

OCT

@ Bradwell Institute

21

OCT

OCT

Statesboro

@ Jenkins

28

OCT

@ Greenbrier

4

NOV

Ware County

WHAT TO EXPECT

KEY LOSSES

Coach Coe inherits a young team that lost some key pieces from a year ago. But, if there is a coach that you want in this situation, it’s Coe. He built and sustained a winning program at Madison County with the Cowboys, so he’s been in this situation before.

If Coffee fans are expecting any type of “break-in” period with Coe, forget it, says the new coach.

“I fully expect to play and compete at a high level from the start,” said Coe. “While we will be young and inexperienced, our ability to play with a high football IQ and maturity level will determine how fast we can get to the level we want to be at.”

An important part of the upcoming season will be the fact that Coffee is in a new-look region, without Warner Robins, who moved to 5A; Veterans, who moved to class 6A; and Wayne County, who moved down to 4A. Coffee’s new region mates are Bradwell Institute, Greenbrier, Jenkins, and Statesboro. Those are all fine teams, but let’s face it: Not having the defending two-time state champion Demons to deal with in your region any longer has got to make Coe and the Trojan fans rest a bit easier heading into the 2022 season.

Coffee said goodbye to Robby Pruitt after a 10-year run as head coach of the Trojans. He is returning to Florida to take over a struggling Williston program. Mike Coe, the former Madison County (Florida) coach, will be taking over for Pruitt. Among Coe’s first tasks as the new Coffee coach will be to find replacements for a group of talented multi-year starters who were a big part of Coffee’s success over the last few years.

Leading that group is Maurice Turner, who played every skill position player on offense during his career at Coffee, and excelled on special teams returning kicks and punts. He takes his talents to the University of Louisville.

Another athlete who will be missed is Brady Skipper, who was a potent RB on offense and DB on defense. He leaves Coffee with 109 tackles as a defender, and 929 yards rushing, averaging six yards per carry. DB Emarion Graham has graduated, also.

Kicker David Vaughn was one of the finest kickers in the entire state. He converted 12 of 18 FG attempts along with 28 of 30 PAT attempts. His long was a 55-yard field goal. The twin brother duo of Brandon and Cameron High have taken their abilities to Albany State, where Cameron will play DT and Brandon will play LB and stand-up DE.

2021 STATS

overall record

Points Scored Points Allowed Wins

276 136

Losses

WHO’S BACK While Coe must find a way to replace some good talent, he will have some good players coming back to work with in his first year at Coffee. That group includes the big guys up front such as offensive linemen Luke LaRiccia, Dane Rish, and Mason Roberts. On the defensive line, Jackson Banks 34 | itgnext.com

returns to give the Trojans a big man with explosiveness.

As far as the skill positions go, Coe and Coffee are in good shape with several experienced weapons returning like Anthony Paulk, who can line up at cornerback and on offense, when needed, and WR

Billy Simpson. Last year, as a sophomore, Paulk ended up with 24 tackles and three interceptions, and averaged 21.7 yards on kickoff returns. He’ll have Tyrique Edwards, and a trio of RBs in Fred Brown, Larry Daniel, and Antwain McDuffie all coming back, as well.

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BAINBRIDGE REGION 1 - 4A HEAD COACH: JEFF LITTLETON Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

19

AUG

Dade Christian (FL)

26

AUG Coffee

2

SEPT

9

SEPT

@ Thomas Co. Central Thomasville

16

SEPT

Brooks County

23

SEPT

@ Ware County

7

14

OCT

28

OCT

Westover

@ Shaw

OCT Hardaway

4

NOV @ Cairo

WHO’S BACK

KEY LOSSES

Returning to run the Bainbridge offense in 2022 will be senior Bo Smith, who enters the season with just over 2,200 career passing yards and 23 TDs. He also rushed for another five TDs, too.

Smith will have his main target and the team’s leading receiver in 2021 back in WR Antavious Murphy. He caught 31 passes for 508 yards and three TDs last season, and having that tandem back for another season is huge for the Bearcats.

Murphy’s significance to the team isn’t limited to just offense; as a DB, he intercepted four passes last year, with two of them returned for touchdowns. Murphy also did a solid job as a kick returner last season, averaging 17 yards per return.

Keenan Phillips, the team’s leading rusher last season, also will return this season, giving Littleton and his staff a nice trifecta of returning talent on offense to work with.

On defense, Bainbridge will welcome back its leading tackler from the past two seasons in LB Dontavious Broadnax. Fellow linebackers Tevon Moore and Amari Ross also return, as do defensive linemen Dariyon Smart and Devon Smart.

When talking about the key losses that Head Coach Jeff Littleton and Bainbridge will have to overcome, you’ve got to begin with Deyon “Smoke” Bouie. While he certainly had impressive career numbers as a Bearcat with 64 catches for 1,274 yards receiving and 17 touchdowns, his presence on the field altered the way teams went about their business.

He was a weapon in more ways than one, as his 2,181 all-purpose yards will attest. Bouie ended up with 11 interceptions while at Bainbridge.

He’s now taking his skills to Texas A&M and the Aggies.

His cousin Zion Bouie also will not return, and his departure leaves another big hole for the Bearcats to fill. Zion, like Smoke, played several roles for Bainbridge over his career, accounting for 1,470 career all-purpose yards in rushing, receiving and special teams return yards. He also had 142 career tackles, seven recovered fumbles and seven career interceptions.

WR/CB Zaccheaus “Zye” Chrispen is another big loss for Bainbridge.

He caught 30 passes for 539 yards and six TDs when playing offense, and recorded 43 tackles and snagged three interceptions on defense.

overall record

2021 STATS Points Scored Points Allowed

Wins

382 209

Losses

WHAT TO EXPECT According to Littleton, with so much talent returning, Bainbridge should have a lot to look forward to this year.

“We have high expectations for this team,” Littleton said. “Several of these returning players have been involved in

36 | itgnext.com

many playoff games over their careers, and they understand what it’s like to come up a little short of championship play and have worked hard in the offseason to get bigger, faster, and stronger.”

According to Littleton, the Bearcats are

ready to do what it takes. “These guys are focused and determined to prepare for the opportunities that are ahead of them and are committed to the Bearcat process,” he said.

Bearcat fans should be excited about the 2022 season.

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CAIRO REGION 1 - 4A HEAD COACH: DAVID COLEMAN Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Eric Vinson

19

AUG

@ Thomas Co. Central

26

2

AUG

SEPT

Monroe

Thomasville

9

16

SEPT

SEPT

Godby (FL)

@ Pelham

23

30

SEPT

SEPT

Salem

Shaw

WHAT TO EXPECT

21

@ Hardaway

4

OCT

NOV

Westover

Bainbridge

KEY LOSSES

Coleman says he is excited about his first head coaching job. “Cairo has always been a special place with a lot of tradition,” he said. “Cairo is where I graduated from, and I played high school football here, so to be able to now be the head coach of my alma mater is pretty exciting,” Coleman said.

Regarding any changes to the Cairo approach on offense and defense, Coleman said Syrup Maker fans can expect to see the same thing they’ve been used to seeing on Friday nights. “Cairo has had a long history of success, and I’m not looking to start changing things now,” he said.

The new head coach added that he really likes his starting 11 on both sides of the ball, as long as they can avoid injuries. “If we can stay healthy, I think we will be pretty good,” Coleman said. The coach also said he likes his schedule this year, and for good reason. The Syrup Makers open the season with five home games out of their first seven games, including a stretch of three straight at home against Monroe, Thomasville, and Godby.

They will also host games against key region opponents Bainbridge and Westover. With Cairo having so many key starters back this season, Syrup Maker fans have reason to be excited.

Cairo Syrup Maker fans and observers around the state were stunned when Steve Devoursney unexpectedly announced in early June that he would be stepping down from his post as the team’s head football coach.

Defensive coordinator David Coleman was promoted to take over as Cairo’s head coach. He inherits a team that heads into the 2022 season without some key playmakers from last year’s 7-4 squad.

That group includes the team’s leading tackler last season, Gary Davis, who is now ready to make an impact on Savannnah State’s team. He ends his Syrup Makers career with 88 tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions, one of which was a pick-6. Davis also showed his talent on offense, carrying the ball 26 times for 75 yards and eight TDs. Also gone is the team’s part-time quarterback from a year ago, ATH Kevin Speed, who split time with Braylon Robinson at QB but was used in multiple ways by Cairo. His career stats reflect that diversity, as his winds up with 626 yards rushing, 51 receiving yards, 611 passing yards, and 70 kickoff return yards. He also contributed on defense with 28 tackles and an interception.

Punter/tight End Mo Wilson, a team leader in the locker room during his time at Cairo, as well as a talented player on the field, is off to Reinhardt College to continue his football career. Offensive lineman Javien Jenkins, an OL, graduates, too.

2021 STATS

overall record

Points Scored Points Allowed Wins

7

OCT

253 202

Losses

WHO’S BACK Cairo will have some quality talent returning this season with senior QB Braylon Robinson back under center. He threw for 1,274 yards and 13 TDs last season. He can get it done with his legs too, as he rushed 68 times for 347 yards and a TD. Robinson will have one of his favorite targets back in Tyree Kelly. The speedy senior WR had 363 yards receiving last season along with

three TDs. He has 505 total receiving yards for his career at Cairo.

Another offensive weapon returning this season is senior RB Amarion Byrden, who rushed for 704 yards with six TDs and added a receiving TD also. Returning to block for Byrden and Robinson will be junior OL Cade Puckett. Coach Coleman points out a handful of players who

could make an impact on the defensive side of the ball, including junior DB Javeon Jones and senior DB Fabian Yarbrough, as well as a couple of linebackers in senior Jalon Davis and junior Jeremiah Williams. Finally, Coleman references a couple of younger players who could make an impact: TE/DE R.W. Jones and LB/RB Josh Jones, both sophomores.

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CRISP CO. REGION 2 - 3A HEAD COACH: LAWRENCE SMITH Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Eric Vinson

19

AUG

Dooly County

26

AUG

@ Westlake

2

SEPT Lovejoy

9

SEPT

Sumter County

23

SEPT

@ Northside WR

30

SEPT

@ Dougherty

7

14

OCT

21

OCT

OCT

@ Carver Col.

Monroe

Columbus

28

OCT

@ Thomasville

WHO’S BACK

KEY LOSSES

AJ Brown is one of the state’s top recruits, and his return will certainly give Crisp County a big lift in 2022. The Crisp coaches tell us he may end up playing QB this season. He is no stranger to the position, as he acted as the team’s Wildcat QB last season. He accounted for 17 total TDs and averaged seven yards per carry last season. According to Crisp Director of Football Operations Michael Martin, Brown is being offered by “practically every college around.” No surprise there.

The talented Trae Walker will return, and he gives opponents a lot to worry about. He has 682 total receiving yards on 44 carries with 6 TDs. He also has 253 kickoff return yards plus 156 career punt return yards as a special teams ace, too.

Providing a huge boost to the defense this season will be senior DL Amir Dwight, who really stood out last season with 65 tackles, including five sacks. He will see time on the offensive line in 2022 as well. The reigning 3A Defensive Player of the Year, LB Julian Fox is back for his senior season, and one look at his stats tells the story of why the Cougar senior is one of the best defenders around. He had 148 tackles with four sacks last season alone. You can bet he’s a handful during Crisp’s “Big Kat” drills.

A returning junior who has this year and yet another to impact the Cougars is Kevon “KJ” Merrell, a 4.0 GPA student athlete who will make his presence felt on both offense and defense in 2022.

Merrell will likely play LB and RB this season.

We have to count the departure of Coach Miguel Patrick as one of the biggest losses for the Cougars, as he is off to Ohio State University. But don’t worry, Cougar fans, as former offensive coordinator Lawrence Smith has been promoted to head coach, and he’ll keep things going in the right direction in Cordele.

Smith and his staff will have to deal with a few big losses, including QB Jack Carter, who threw for 1,600 yards and 16 TDs last season. A talented baseball player, Carter is still deciding which sport he will commit to in as he makes his college decision. Running back Marquise Palmer, a 4-year starter at Crisp, is off to Tuskegee Institute to continue his football career. The player Smith says was the Cougars’ best receiver has graduated and is off to Lenoir-Rhyne to play football. That would be Eric Ivory Jr, who also played cornerback for Crisp.

Also on defense, MLB Kanye Spivey will depart Cordele, leaving a big hole for Smith and staff to fill. He racked up 98 tackles last season and had five sacks during his career at Crisp. His teammate on that side of the ball, DE Ethan Pollock, also had five sacks during his time as a Big Cat, part of an 80-tackle effort while at Crisp. That is just some of a mighty talented group of graduating Cougars who will not return.

overall record

2021 STATS Points Scored Points Allowed

Wins

404 172

Losses

WHAT TO EXPECT It’s almost a wash, so to speak, for the Cougars heading into this season, with a lot of talent leaving, but a lot of talented players returning also. If anyone is looking at intangibles for a reason to find what could affect the Cougars this year, maybe it’s the fact that they have their third head coach in as many seasons. Does that really mean 44 | itgnext.com

any difference for the Cougars? So far, it hasn’t. They have finished 38-14 over the past four seasons with three region titles during that time span, and that has been with three different head coaches.

Smith points out, however, that the entire staff of assistant coaches is back, which is highly unusual when you have a head

coaching change. Smith also says what we’ve pointed out: “We have some holes to fill, but we have a lot coming back, too.

We only lost six kids that started or played meaningful minutes for us last year, plus we were really young.”

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THOMASVILLE REGION 1 - 3A HEAD COACH: JOE DELAY Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Eric Vinson

19

AUG

@ Brooks County

26

AUG

Thomas Co. Central

9

2

SEPT @ Cairo

SEPT

@ Bainbridge

16

30

SEPT

SEPT

Tift County

@ Monroe

7

OCT

Carver Col.

14

OCT Columbus

21

OCT

@ Dougherty

28

OCT

Crisp County

WHO’S BACK

WHAT TO EXPECT

All Region OL/DL Hakeem Myrick will return to give Thomasville and new head coach DeLay some much needed experience and size up front on both sides of the ball. Returning junior wideout Cole Shaw will likely become a favorite target of whomever wins the starting QB job this offseason. He has 343 yards receiving and six TD’s over the last two seasons as a freshman and sophomore, with the majority of his production coming last season. He will have fellow receiver DJ Thurman joining him as another receiving option, giving Thomasville a pretty good pass-catching duo this season. Thurman has 499 yards receiving with 49 catches and five TD’s in his 28-game career at Thomasville. Senior Safety Evan Wynn is back to give Thomasville experience and leadership in the defensive backfield, an area where they were hit hard by graduation. Wynn has 183 tackles with eight INT over his career so far with the Bulldogs. Returning at RB/OLB will be senior Jayden Alston, who has totaled 56 tackles including four sacks for his Thomasville team. He has snagged an interception and has caused two fumbles during his career with the red and gold.

With the recent round of realignment, Thomasville will be moving to AAA, and will now be in 1-AAA with the likes of Carver-Columbus, Crisp, and Dougherty. Coach DeLay says bring it on. “We are excited to compete in a new strong region and look forward to a successful season that hopefully ends joyfully in Atlanta,” said the new Bulldog coach. As far as the abundance of talent that graduated, DeLay says that’s an opportunity for those among the returning group to step up. “I’m really excited to see who will emerge as our leaders with all of the great young men that we had graduate from last year’s team.” Apparently, there’s already a few players making a name for themselves according to the first-year head coach. “I’ve already seen some of our players take on a new persona as these past few weeks have gone by,” said DeLay. There’s no question that the 2022 season will be a challenge for Thomasville, as fans will expect another run at a championship, just as the season they were treated to in 2021. The biggest question mark is at QB, where there remains no clear favorite emerging so far.

overall record

2021 STATS Points Scored Points Allowed

Wins

457 222

Losses

KEY LOSSES The Bulldogs will go into the 2022 season without several of the key pieces from last year’s 13-win team, as well as the head coach that led them there. Zach Grage accepted the head coaching job at Lowndes High School, but key assistant Joe DeLay has taken over, and will keep the Dogs on the winning path. But, he’ll have to get there with out players including QB Shannen White, who is off to Georgia Military College. RB Malik Harper will attend and play for LaGrange College. He ended his Bulldog career with 2274

46 | itgnext.com

yards rushing and 28 TD’s on 471 carries. Joining Harper at LaGarnge College is WR Jay Cody.

Big OL Jay Cody graduates, leaving Thomasville with a big hole to fill on the offensive line. He played in 42 games as a Bulldog. The defense loses some serious talent, as LB Ty Anderson leaves for Gardner Webb. He ended his career with an outstanding 493 tackles and 26 sacks.

Corner Joseph “Joe” Williams is at Kennesaw State, and he also had quite the career at Thomasville, racking up 158 tackles and seven INT.

Fellow DB Jimmy Bowdry signed with UT-Chattanooga, and he too had seven INT while roaming the defensive backfield as a Dawg. Tyrun’dai Hayes takes his talents to West Georgia, and his high school resume includes 231 tackles, with eight sacks, and 11 caused fumbles. He is credited with 34 tackles for loss. DT Marquis Alexander signed with Gordon State, and LB Luther Marable didn’t go too far, signing with Thomas University.

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BERRIEN REGION 1 - 2A HEAD COACH: TIM ALLIGOOD Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Brandon Pham

19

AUG

Clinch County

26

AUG

@ Atkinson County

9

2

SEPT

Bacon County

SEPT

@ Lanier County

23

SEPT

@ Worth County

30

SEPT Jeff Davis

7

OCT

14

@ Sumter County

28

OCT

OCT

@ Dodge County

Cook

4

NOV Fitzgerald

WHO’S BACK

KEY LOSSES

Returning this year will be a mix of juniors and seniors, highlighted by a couple of 11th- graders who will lead the offense and the defense. Strong safety/WR Josiah Davis is a returning junior who has shined in both positions, enough to gain attention from a couple of big-time collegiate programs. Davis has offers from the University of Tennessee and Georgia Southern. From his safety spot, he had 51 tackles with a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries last season.

His counterpart, junior Demar Riley, has been used almost exclusively as a RB for the Rebels the past two seasons, and has 1,246 rushing yards on 152 carries – that’s more than eight yards per carry, with 11 TDs. Aligood says the entire defensive front is returning in 2022, led by senior Jeremiah Tillman, who had 55 tackles, including eight TFL and a sack.

Returning at QB is senior Gavin Woods, who split duties at the position last season with Cribb. Woods passed for 341 yards and three TDs last year, and according to Alligood, will share the position this season with Davis. Punter Hayden Futch is back, and his return gives the Rebels one of the best special teams weapons in the region. He’ll certainly be punting on fall Saturdays somewhere in the coming years.

The Berrien Rebels will lose one-half of their two-quarterback system that coach Tim Alligood prefers to run his offense with.

Gone is Justin Cribb, who threw for 685 career yards with four TDs, and compiled 303 rushing yards and two TDs on the ground.

Also lost to graduation is RB/SS Artavious Williams, who rushed for 1498 yards with 10 TDs, and on defense had 49 tackles with 1 sack from his SS position. His safety partner, FS Elijah Denson, also will also not return, and his presence – or lack thereof – on defense will be felt. He ended his Rebels career with 139 tackles from his free safety spot.

Another two-way player Alligood says will be missed is LB/TE Derrien Powell. In his only season as a Rebel, he had 47 tackles with a sack and a forced fumble. From his TE position, Powell had only five receptions, but one went for a touchdown.

2021 STATS

overall record

Wins

Points Scored

207

Points Allowed

204

Losses

WHAT TO EXPECT Look for the Rebels to field one of their better teams under Alligood since he took control of the team as their head coach. He has practically the entire defensive line back, and they have been playing together as one starting unit for the past couple of seasons.

Speaking of the defense, Alligood feels that the starting front four of Tillman, Henry Range, Darius Calhoun, and Carlos Reliford could be one of the best defensive fronts in the state. A lot will depend on Alligood’s two-QB system and whether Josiah Davis can step in and compliment

the play of Gavin Woods this season. Futch will be his dependable self, allowing Berrien to win the battle of field position.

ITG Next | 51

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BRANTLEY CO. REGION 3 - 2A HEAD COACH: GEOFF CANNON Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Eric Vinson

19

AUG

Atkinson County

26

AUG

9

2

@ Groves

SEPT Beach

23

SEPT

SEPT

@ Johnson Sav.

@ Pierce County

30

SEPT

Toombs County

7

OCT

14

@ Windsor Forest

21

OCT

OCT

@ Vidalia

Tattnall County

4

NOV

Appling County

WHO’S BACK

KEY LOSSES

Leading the top returners from last year is ATH Kellon Middleton, who has been a major contributor to the Herons since he was a freshman. He will rarely come off the field and is always ready to make an impact wherever he can – and he usually does. Middleton has 137 carries for 565 rushing yards and six TDs over the last two seasons. He also has caught 66 passes for 696 yards and another six TDs. He has racked up 357 return yards on kickoffs with a TD, and on defense he has 73 tackles. He will continue to make an impact for the Herons in 2022.

QB Kirkland Cannon had a solid year last season, throwing for 1175 yards with 10 TDs. He also ran for four TDs. Returning on the offensive line will be OT Kasey Holliman. Defensively, safety Joel Willis and OLB Little Michael Connor will be back. They are tackling machines, with Willis tallying 84 tackles while Connor had 60 tackles, including 14 TFL and 4.5 sacks.

The good news for Brantley County is they lose just 10 seniors total from the 2021 team. The bad news is that the top five, according to Head Coach Geoff Cannon, include key playmakers from both sides of the ball.

Among those key losses are receivers Quinton Walker and Brian Hiott. Walker had 44 catches for 583 yards and three TDs during his time at Brantley. He also added 208 return yards as a kick returner. Walker will move on to play collegiately for St Mary’s University.

Hiott made an impact all over the field, finishing his career with 435 yards receiving, and three TDs. On defense, he had 62 tackles and two INT. He also served as the team’s punter and kicker, converting 10 of 15 PATs, and averaged 32 yards on 38 punt attempts.

The team will also miss LBs RJ Bryan and Ryan Ratliff, who are off to Webber International University to continue their football careers.

DE JoJo Steedley also will be missed, according to Cannon.

2021 STATS

overall record

Points Scored Points Allowed Wins

161 300

Losses

WHAT TO EXPECT With only 10 seniors lost to graduation, Coach Cannon and the Herons will have some experience and depth to work with this season. That, coupled with the fact that Brantley will drop to AA, could open the doors of opportunity for the team in 2022.

The return of Middleton, as well as Kirkland Cannon, the starting QB from last year, should provide not only plenty of talent on the field, but leadership in the locker room as well. The Herons are due for a breakout season, and with those key offensive piec-

es back, plus the combined 144 tackles of Willis and Conner giving the defense much-needed teeth, fans of the Herons may finally have a winning product on the field in 2022.

ITG Next | 53

COOK REGION 1 - 2A HEAD COACH: BYRON SLACK Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

19

AUG Pelham

26

AUG

@ Valdosta

2

SEPT

Brooks County

9

23

SEPT

SEPT

Clinch County

@ Jeff Davis

30

SEPT

Sumter County

14

OCT

@ Berrien

21

28

OCT

OCT

Dodge County

@ Fitzgerald

4

NOV

Worth County

WHO’S BACK

KEY LOSSES

Returning to run the offense under new offensive coordinator Jackson Dean will be QB Drew Folsom. The 6-foot-4 junior is a dual-threat QB, and he put up some eye-opening numbers in his first year as the Cook starter last season. Cook QB Coach Zach Folsom, who is the brother of Drew and is Cook’s all-time leader in passing yards, says Drew threw for 1605 yards and 19 TDs last season in his first season as the Hornets fulltime starter. He completed 88 of 167 passing attempts, and also rushed for 309 yards and three TDs. Another key returnee under new head coach Byron Slack, who most recently served as associate head coach and defensive line coach at Colquitt County, will be senior WR/DB Tyler Covington. From the defensive side, the Hornets will be led by senior OLBs Nick Goodwin and Jadarrius Smith.

On the offensive line, senior Bryson Wilson is back in 2022, and a couple of skill position players – junior WRs Marshall Waldon and Ny’Shaun Wallace – return to give Folsom some go-to pass catchers. Walden stands at 6-foot-4 and figures to make for a big target, while Wallace will likely be more of a scat receiver for the Hornets.

The Cook High Hornets will lose several talented members of last year’s team, with many of them actually having contributed over the last couple or even three years. One player in particular who fits that profile is RB Jamarion Walker. He was the latest in what has been a great group of RBs to come through Adel, and leaves with over 4,000 yards rushing.

Ironically, he broke the school career rushing yards record previously held by his father, Demarrow Byron.

According to Cook QB Coach Zach Folsom, Walker and another graduating Hornet, Eddie Watson, were both in the top 20 statewide in receiving/rushing yards over their career, including all classifications. That includes last season’s production from Watson, who pulled in 11 TDs and 820 receiving yards.

TE Jake Permenter, who was a huge presence on the offense for his pass catching and blocking ability, will not return, as he too is graduating.

Jake will be attending South Georgia State in Douglas, where he’ll play baseball. Other Hornets who have graduated include LBs Joe Pezent and Keshawn Horne.

2021 STATS

overall record

Points Scored Points Allowed Wins

288 333

Losses

WHAT TO EXPECT There is a lot of anticipation with the Hornets heading into the 2022 season. For one, fans, players, and really everyone with the program, were excited when the Hornets announced the hiring of Byron Slack as the Cook new head football coach. A number of high-profile candidates applied

for the job and were considered before Cook settled on Slack. He is considered one of the best defensive minds around.

Offensively the same can be said for new OC Dean, who comes from East Coweta. Experience seems to be the word of the day at Cook, where the 2022 team

will have experience on the coaching staff, offensive line and on defense. There also is experience at QB, which helps with Folsom having to learn a new offense and its verbiage and alignment.

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FITZGERALD REGION 1 - 2A HEAD COACH: TUCKER PRUITT Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

19

AUG

Irwin County

26

AUG

Turner County

10

2

SEPT

@ Northeast

SEPT

@ Madison County (FL)

23

7

SEPT

14

OCT

Dodge County

OCT

@ Worth County

Jeff Davis

21

28

OCT

OCT

@ Sumter County

Cook

4

NOV

@ Berrien

WHO’S BACK

KEY LOSSES

Returning in 2022 to try to get Fitzgerald back to another state title run will be QB Sultan Cooper. Although he probably won’t be counted on to throw the ball a whole lot in Head Coach Tucker Pruitt’s vaunted Wing-T offense, he still is the point man of the offense, and it’s his reads that determine if Fitzgerald keeps the chains moving or not. He finished last season with 20 completions in 40 attempts with two TDs. Senior TE/RB/LB Drew Moore will return this season. He, along with Paulk, is still remembered for being part of the duo in Fitzgerald’s trick play two-point conversion against rival Irwin County that sent the game to OT, eventually resulting in the ’Canes’ win.

Other key members of last season’s championship team who will be back in 2022 are Seniors LB Daniel James, OL/ DL Xavier Walker and FB/OLB Sylon Davis. Pruitt says sophomores Orian Bly and Dewayne Westbrook, who both play running back and linebacker, could make an impact with continued improvement this season.

The Purple Hurricanes will miss some great talent that was so important to them in finally capturing their first state championship in 73 years last season. The big names that will be missed include LB/RB EJ Lightsey, who will take his talents to UGA. Lightsey carried 11 times for 52 yards and a TD in the state title game, and added seven tackles on defense.

RB/DB DeNorris Goodwin, who had the other two TDs in the championship win, has also graduated. He finished the season with a total of 704 rushing yards for the season, with 175 of them coming in the title game.

OLB Jaden Stanley, who is now at the University of West Georgia, leaves Fitzgerald with a stellar season in which he finished with 75 tackles, including seven TFL, five sacks, three fumble recoveries, and an interception. Other key losses include RB Jakorrian Paulk and DL Don Hill.

overall record

2021 STATS Points Scored Points Allowed

Wins

363 171

Losses

WHAT TO EXPECT There is no reason to think Pruitt will not have his team right back in position to compete for another state championship run in 2022. Just like some of the great triple option teams in the history of high school football have proven, once you get

the Wing-T down pat, it’s hard to defend.

Of course, Fitzgerald has a pretty good defense, too, so they have a lot going right for them right now. Pruitt says his team’s mindset is set on the championships for this season.

“Our expectations at Fitzgerald are to compete for the state championship every season,” Pruitt said.

ITG Next | 57

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SUMTER CO. REGION 1 - 2A HEAD COACH: CLIFFORD FEDD Written by: Phil Jones

19

26

AUG

Houston County

15

9

AUG

SEPT

Westover

@ Crisp County

SEPT

@ Northside Col.

30

SEPT @ Cook

7

OCT Berrien

14

21

OCT

28

OCT

@ Dodge County

OCT

@ Worth County

Fitzgerald

4

NOV Jeff Davis

WHO’S BACK

KEY LOSSES

Returning to the Sumter County team and new head coach Clifford Fedd this season will be starting QB/FS Cameron Evans, a senior who has thrown for 1739 yards and 18 TDs so far as the Panthers signal caller the past two seasons. He has also been a threat with his running abilities, rushing for 301 yards and two TDs on 57 carries.

A couple of his favorite targets are back this season, including fellow senior Kadarrius King at DE/WR. Last year he hauled in 19 receptions for 294 yards and five TDs. The other target for Evans is returning junior Anthony Tyson, who caught 34 passes for 506 yards and two TDs. Tyson also saw time in relief of Evans last season at QB, completing 13/40 passes for 93 yards, while rushing 25 times for 44 yards and two TDs. The other returning starters and contributors from last season will be senior TE/DE Bryan Williams, junior Bryant Foster, and Kicker Jose Diaz.

The Sumter County Panthers don’t lose too many seniors from last year’s team; in fact, fewer than 10 graduated. That group includes WR/DB Trauntavious Robinson, who hauled in 17 catches during his time in a Panther uniform, good for 233 yards receiving and four TDs. From his DB spot, Robinson made 14 tackles with one sack and one forced fumble. As a special teamer, he returned three kicks for 20 yards each.

RB/ATH Jarod Lewis made several contributions as a Panther, rushing 100 times for 455 yards and two TDs. He also had 24 catches for 220 yards receiving and a couple of TDs, and he contributed as a kick returner, ending up with 115 kickoff return yards and 110 punt return yards. One of his punt returns was for a TD. Other senior contributors from last season who are not returning are 6-foot, 262-pound T/DE Kason Hodges, WR/DB Timothy Wooden, NG Jadeer Thompson, and DE/OT Michael Holt.

2021 STATS

overall record

Points Scored Points Allowed Wins

141 362

Losses

WHAT TO EXPECT Sumter County fans are hoping to see a once-proud program restored to respectability under new head coach Clifford Fedd. The former Dutchtown coach says he intends to indeed bring back that winning attitude to Sumter County, an attitude that made the Panther program a respected, championship-caliber team.

Fedd took Dutchtown to the playoffs each season during his five years there, and he has made it clear to anyone who will listen that he intends to have the Panthers in the postseason sooner rather than later.

To do that is going to require a change of attitude that has caused the program to go through four different head coaches

in the past four seasons. Fedd rebuilt the program at Duchtown, who had made the playoffs just once before his arrival in 2017.

Under his guidance, the Bulldogs went 4316 and made the postseason each season.

Can he do that same thing in Americus?

ITG Next | 59

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WORTH CO. REGION 1 - 2A HEAD COACH: JEFF HAMMOND Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Eric Vinson

19

AUG

@ Turner County

26

AUG

@ Mitchell County

2

SEPT Upson-Lee

9

23

SEPT

SEPT

Central Macon

Berrien

30

SEPT

@ Dodge County

7

21

OCT

OCT

Fitzgerald

@ Jeff Davis

28

OCT

Sumter County

4

NOV @ Cook

WHO’S BACK

KEY LOSSES

Leading the Ram returners this season is the reigning Region 1-AA Player of the Year and one of the top QBs in the state in Chip Cooper. The senior signal-caller has flown under the radar statewide, but not those who root for the Rams. They know what this exceptionally talented young man is capable of, such as 3,129 passing yards and 31 TDs. He’s also a threat running the football, as his 1,236 rushing yards and 11 TDs illustrate.

Cooper will look to WR Parker Weaver as a top target this season. Weaver was an All-Region selection last season in 1-AA, also.

He has six TD receptions to go along with his 319 receiving yards, and will be counted on again this year in special teams as a kick returner. He has 232 kick return yards as a Ram. Another top returning receiver this year will be Owen Hancock.

He too was an All-Region selection in 2021 and had 205 receiving yards with three TDs last year. Senior RB Hunter Barber is back, as is DL/TE Andrew Dixon. On defense, Hammond and staff will be counting on a couple of returning LBs who can get after the opposing QB pretty well. Jaylen Fluellen has 5.5 sacks and 125 tackles, while teammate Quentin Cole has 133 tackles and 2.5 sacks during their time at Worth.

Worth County will head into the season without mammoth DL/ TE Chris Manuel, a Region 1-AA First Team All Region performer who has signed with Georgia Military College. The Bulldogs are hoping the former Ram will produce like he did during his Worth County career. He had 70 tackles and 3.5 sacks from his spot on the Worth County defensive line, and as a TE, he hauled in three receptions for 84 yards and a TD. OL Hayden Booth was a 1-AA All Region selection last season, and his presence on the offensive line will be missed. Other graduating Rams who will be missed include DB JJ Jackson, who leaves with 38 tackles and an interception during his time at Worth. RB Tman Toomer will not return, and he ends his Worth career with 395 rushing yards and six total TDs. WR Ben Jackson graduates with 11 catches and 119 yards receiving during his time as a Ram.

2021 STATS

overall record

Points Scored Points Allowed Wins

270 274

Losses

WHAT TO EXPECT Jeff Hammond takes over the Worth County program and knows that it will take hard work and a little bit of luck this season if the Rams are going to challenge for a region title. “I fully expect the 2022 season to be a challenge,” says the veteran football coach. “Competing in Region 1-AA is a difficult thing to go through yearly. We will

compete and be physical.”

The first-year Rams coach says he is impressed with what he has seen so far. “We have a solid nucleus returning and our numbers are up, which should pay off in the long run,” Hammond said.

The Rams have one of the top quarterbacks in Georgia, so that should give them

an advantage all season long, especially in region play. Cooper is another year stronger, and experienced, which is so important in high school football. Hammond is one of the finest offensive minds around, and Cooper being able to work under him this season will be a plus.

ITG Next | 61

Brantley County Offensive Lineman Kasey Holliman Wears Blue Collar With Pride Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Brandon Pham

Kasey Holliman is a senior offensive lineman for Brantley County High School and will enter his second straight season as a starter for the Herons. Head coach Geoff Cannon said Holliman started all 11 games last season as the team’s center, but will be moved to left tackle for the 2022 season.

The truth is, Holliman could play anywhere on the line, wherever he is needed, because that’s the kind of player he is, according to his coach.

“Kasey is a program kid,” said Cannon. “He is a coach’s son who is completely dedicated to the game, to our program, and is as hard-nosed and hard-working a kid as you will find.”

Holliman is also a team leader for the Herons, and Cannon said that when the team begins to lose focus and tune out the coaches’ message, that’s when he calls on Holliman.

“If there is an issue in the locker room that I need to get corrected, I will call on Kasey to take care of it, and he always does,” said Cannon.

Holliman’s father is Brantley County offensive line coach AJ Hendrix, who said that as solid as Holliman has become now as a starting high school offensive lineman, he really had to work hard at it.

“Kasey was born in Florida and grew up as a chunky kid,” said Hendrix.

The family moved to Brantley County when Hendrix was offered a job there as the line coach. Holliman was in the fifth grade at that point, and that’s when Hendrix said his son began to change.

“When Kasey first started out playing football, he was a typical offensive lineman, short and stocky, but in the sixth grade, he started to thin out a little bit, and he moved to tight end,” said Hendrix.

Hendrix said that one day, Holliman asked him about the possibility of playing college football.

“I’ve never lied to my kids, so I told Kasey that he just didn’t work hard enough and run enough and that he would have to really change his approach and work harder,” Hendrix said.

Then, COVID-19 hit. That’s when the players had to take it upon themselves to do the work at home to stay in shape, and that’s when Holliman began to take a workman’s attitude to making himself better. According to Hendrix, Holliman dedicated himself to a steady weight lifting program at home and then took advantage of a training program from Cannon.

“Coach Cannon sent out these phenomenal workouts that all of our players without access to the standard weights could do with things around the home,” Hendrix said.

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He said that Holliman began to follow that program along with his own workout regimen. Holliman also started eating four times per day and getting what both Cannon and Hendrix called “championship sleep,” which was sleeping at least 10 hours per day. All these changes began to shape a whole new Holliman.

“It really opened my eyes how much he wanted it and how everything really mattered to him,” said Hendrix.

Now, the same player that went into COVID-19 as a 5-foot-7 tight end was now 50 pounds heavier, but as a leaner, stronger football player, and Cannon took notice.

“I saw a player who transformed himself through getting that 9.5 hours of sleep, following the workout program we sent him, as well as doing his own thing and taking his nutrition seriously,” said Cannon. “That’s because he knew that he had to work harder than the next guy to get to that point, and he wanted it.”

Now, Holliman is walking around at 240-250 pounds.

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“He went from being this chunky kid to now being the strongest player on our team, and he wears that like a badge of honor,” said Hendrix.

So, how is it being Holliman’s father as well as his O-line coach?

“Oh, I coach him hard, no doubt about it, but I know with his mentality he can take it,” said Hendrix.

Cannon agreed.

“He can take the hard coaching without getting offended, and that’s a trait of the really good football players,” Cannon said.

All of this hard work, tough love, and dedication has put Holliman into a sacred group: the Herons’ 1,000-pound club.

“Kasey lifts 300 pounds on the bench press, has a 475-pound squat, and a 265-pound power clean for a total of 1,030 pounds for the three lifts,” Cannon said.

Hendrix said Holliman has worked hard to reach this point.

“He has earned everything he has got,” Hendrix said.

What about that desire to play college football? Hendrix said he doesn’t know the answer to that right now, but does know one thing: “Some colleges will be very fortunate to have him because he is not afraid to be coached hard and to do whatever it takes to be successful.”

I think we can see Kasey Holliman has proven that already.

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15th Annual ITG Next South Georgia High School Football Banquet HONORING SOUTH GEORGIA’S TOP ATHLETES DECEMBER 2022

Main Awards Colony Bank Offensive Player of the Year Valdosta Toyota Defensive Player of the Year Special Teams Player of the Year Wolfson Children’s Hospital Middle School Player of the Year Scholar Athlete of the Year Hughston Clinic Coach of the Year Farah & Farah Forward Progress Award Preferred Rental Community Involvement Award 12th Man Award

Top Offensive and Defensive Players From Over 40 South Georgia Teams Presented by:

Cook High School

Presented by:

Clinch County High School Lowndes High School

Presented by:

Crisp Academy Crisp County High School Doooly County High School

Presented by:

Valdosta High School

Presented by:

Coffee High School Irwin County High School

Presented by:

Brooks County High School Colquitt County High School Mitchell County High School Pelham High School

Presented by:

Cairo High School

Presented by:

Brantley County High School Brunswick High School Camden County High School Frederica Academy Glynn Academy McIntosh County Academy

BROOKS CO. REGION 1 - 1A-DI HEAD COACH: MAURICE FREEMAN Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Eric Vinson

19

AUG Thomasville

26

AUG

Wayne County

9

2

SEPT @ Cook

SEPT

@ Mitchell County

16

SEPT

@ Bainbridge

30

SEPT Pike (AL)

14

21

OCT

OCT

@ Early County

Irwin County

28

OCT

@ Bacon County

4

NOV Pelham

WHO’S BACK

KEY LOSSES

Returning in 2022 to help Brooks County defend its state championship will be dual-threat QB Jamal Sanders. His return to the Trojan offense will help lessen the blow of losing Arnold. Sanders enters his final season with 2,491 yards passing and 30 TDs. He’s just as much of a threat running with the football, as his 1,256 rushing yards and 25 TDs attest.

Senior RB/LB Kamari Blankumsee will be back to offer help in the running game, as well as on the defense once again. Blankumsee has 182 career total tackles, including three sacks and a forced fumble. His defensive mate at LB, Jeremiah Henderson, will be back, and the senior LB/REC seeks to add to his already impressive stat line of 139 tackles, including four sacks, four forced fumbles, and three interceptions, including one that was returned for a TD. Head coach Maurice Freeman said he is expecting sophomore RB Chris Cole Jr. to mature into his role in the Trojan offense and hopefully fill at least part of the major void left behind with the departure of Arnold.

Brooks County will say goodbye to one of the all-time greats to ever suit up for the Trojans, as running back Omari Arnold has graduated. He had an amazing 6,558 yards rushing during his time at Brooks, averaging almost a first down (9.7 yds) per carry. He had 115 rushing touchdowns, and caught nine passes for scores as well. Arnold also was effective on Trojans special teams, ending his career with 438 punt return yards and 480 kickoff return yards.

Wide receiver Willie Brown is another big-time player who leaves behind impressive numbers, with 31 TDs on 2,383 receiving yards and 126 catches. While he didn’t put up the same kind of numbers when running the football, he still rushed for one TD on 24 carries. Brown played in 46 games during his career at Brooks.

The Trojans will enter the season without stud LB Christian Edgerton, who ended up with seven sacks for his career at Brooks County. Those were a part of Edgerton’s 158 total tackles while a Trojan. Wide receiver /strong safety Tramaine Demps also had himself quite a career at Brooks County – the graduated senior finished his time as a Trojan with 62 catches for 23 TDs and 1,124 yards.

overall record

2021 STATS Points Scored Points Allowed

Wins

678 266

Losses

WHAT TO EXPECT Three consecutive trips to the state championship game finally paid off last season with a dominating performance and victory in the Class A Public title match, a win over rival Irwin County. Freeman has spent the offseason proudly introducing fans of the Trojans to the GHSA State Championship trophy. He said he wanted fans to feel closer to what a championship feels like, so he toured Georgia with the hard-earned hardware.

Now, it’s time to focus on the 2022 season,

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and the question on everyone’s mind is this: Can Brooks County do it again? Freeman said a lot will depend on the Trojan defense’s ability to play a stingy brand of football, keeping opposing offenses in check long enough for the offense to gel.

“We must rely on defense early in the season, while our offensive weapons grow up,” he said.

Speaking of the offense, Freeman said it will likely take more than one player to fill the void left behind with the loss of Arnold.

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“Jamal Sanders and Kamari Sanders, along with Chris Cole Jr., will have to take up the slack,” he said.

The coach is putting players through a tryout of sorts, looking for someone with ball-catching skills to step up.

“We need that big receiver, and hopefully we’ll find ’em,” said Freeman. “Our goals to begin with are simple. Make the playoffs and bring that hammer.”

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IRWIN CO. REGION 1 - 1A-DI HEAD COACH: CASEY SOLIDAY Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Madison Tucker

19

AUG

@ Fitzgerald

26

AUG

16

9

Dooly County

SEPT

@ Turner County

SEPT

@ Rockmart

23

30

14

SEPT

SEPT

OCT

Metter

Swainsboro

Pelham

21

OCT

@ Brooks County

28

OCT

Early County

4

NOV

Bacon County

WHO’S BACK

WHAT TO EXPECT

Returning to lead the Indians in 2022 will be several big-time playmakers who have been instrumental in Irwin’s success not just last season, but during their careers in Ocilla. Leading the way back is QB Cody Soliday, who has thrown for 3,712 yards over the last couple of seasons as the Indians’ starter. He has also tossed an incredible 49 TDs with only 11 interceptions over that time. The senior has contributed 231 rushing yards and 12 TDs on the ground as well.

Speaking of the ground game, RBs Damarkas Lundy and Shane Marshall return to give Irwin stability in the run game in 2022. Lundy has carried the ball 211 times for 1,720 rushing yards and 21 TDs for the Indians during his career. Two receivers who will return to provide Soliday targets are Mason Snyder and Malachi Hadden. Snyder has 14 catches for 271 yards receiving and three TDs, while Hadden caught 17 passes for 364 yards and three TDs. Bo Payne has 321 combined rushing and receiving yards with three TDs so far at Irwin, and he’ll also be a playmaker in the defensive secondary for Irwin this season. TE/LB Bryce Clements returns with seven career TDs, and he will also serve as the Indians’ lone experienced ILB.

The biggest question on everyone’s mind will be can Irwin make it back to yet another state title game? They have appeared in six of the last seven, including last season’s loss to champion Brooks County. They may return just have enough key talent to do it.

According to Soliday, a few areas will determine his team’s success this season, and one of those is how fast his team’s offensive line can develop. “We will be bigger and stronger than last year’s line, but experience will be lacking,” the Indians head coach said.

“This summer and the first half of the schedule will be important to them.”

Another important piece of the 2022 puzzle for Irwin is with their linebackers, specifically the inside backers. “We have three inside linebackers returning, but Bryce Clements is the only one with multiple game experience,” Soliday said.

Finally, Soliday points to the one element so important to every team: senior leadership. “We have a great group of seniors, academically and athletically, and if they will lead us, we have a great group of younger players who will follow and fight for them,” he said.

overall record

2021 STATS Points Scored

PROOF Points Allowed

Wins

584 258

Losses

KEY LOSSES

Among the losses for Head Coach Casey Soliday and the Indians headed into 2022 are RB/ILB Nehemiah McCoy and RB Matthew Payne. McCoy was a force from his linebacker spot and came up big in several contests last season, including the Indians’ win over Wilkinson County, blocking two punts in the game.

Other highlights during McCoy’s career included a game-clinching interception returned for a TD against Tift County in the 2020 season. McCoy was the ITG Next-Georgia Irwin County Defensive Player of the Year last season. Payne, used primarily on offense, rushed for 404 yards and a couple of TDs, and TE Eli Roberts, a favorite target

during his time at Irwin, hauled in 23 passes for 440 yards, averaging 19.1 yards per catch. Roberts also reeled in six TDs while at Irwin County. The Indians also will miss the services of graduating two-way standouts in Noah Brown and Toby Brown.

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PELHAM REGION 1 - 1A-DI HEAD COACH: LEONARD GUYTON Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Milla Reese

19

AUG @ Cook

26

AUG

@ Chattahoochee County

2

SEPT

Mitchell County

9

SEPT

Wilcox County

16

SEPT Cairo

23

SEPT

Bleckley County

30

SEPT

@ Lanier County

14

21

OCT

OCT

@ Irwin County

Bacon County

4

NOV

@ Brooks County

WHO’S BACK

KEY LOSSES

Returning this season will be OL/DL Justin Wesley, along with WR/DB Treavon Clayton. As a defensive ball hawk, Clayton already has snatched five interceptions to go along with his 21 tackles. On offense, he has nine catches for 126 yards and a TD. Another WR/DB who will be back this year is Cam Daniels. He has primarily been effective on offense, hauling in 31 receptions for 465 yards and four TDs. Daniels also handled the team’s kicking chores last season, converting 11-15 PATs, and he was successful on his lone FG attempt, hitting from 28 yards.

Jeremiah Battle, a returning RB/LB, gives the Hornets yet another defender with a nose for the football. Like his teammate Clayton, Jeremiah seems to be everywhere the ball is, with 41 tackles, including seven tackles for loss. He also has two sacks, a forced fumble with a fumble recovery and one INT. Returning to fill the shoes of departing Touchton at QB will be Den Johnson, who played sparingly last year as a receiver, as well as returning kicks and punts. However, this year, he will be asked to run the new-look split-back veer offense being installed

by Guyton.

The Hornets lose quarterback Zane Touchton, who played one season last year after transferring over to Pelham from Colquitt County. In that one season, Touchton threw for over 2,000 yards (2,098) and 12 TDs. He also rushed for 124 yards with a TD. Serving as the team’s punter, Touchton finished the season with a 28.7 yds per punt avg.

He is headed off to play collegiately for the Braves at UNC-Pembroke.

Another departing Hornet who will be missed is the reigning region defensive player of the year, All-State LB/RB Jayden Parker.

He had 107 tackles during his career at Pelham, which included six sacks and 24 TFL. With a nose for the football, Parker recovered four fumbles, had two INT, and blocked a FG attempt. He is not finished with his football days, as he is attending Clark Atlanta to continue his career.

RB/LB Jermaine Johnson will leave a big void with his departure.

Johnson made an impact in all areas for the Hornets, including defense, where he ended up with 96 tackles, three sacks, two INT, and two forced fumbles, including one that he returned for a TD. From his RB position, Jermaine carried the ball 168 times for 764 yards and eight TDs. He also caught 41 passes for 486 yards receiving and four TDs. On special teams, he returned 19 kicks for 347 yards.

Another Hornet who will be missed by the new coaching staff is WR/DB Lavoris Hines, who accounted for 962 all-purpose yards with nine TDs during his career at Pelham.

2021 STATS

overall record

Points Scored Points Allowed Wins

194 215

Losses

WHAT TO EXPECT With Leonard Guyton taking over as head coach at Pelham and installing a new offense, it will be interesting to see this Hornets team evolve in 2022. Guyton was the previous offensive coordinator under Bill Shaver at Thomas County Central, but has been in administration since leaving the sidelines.

Guyton said he is excited to see what his Hornets can do in 2022. “With our new offense, we expect to be able to run behind a young, but talented offensive line, with several returning skill position players able to contribute when called on,” he said.

He certainly has some exciting talent coming back this season, with players

who have thrived on both sides of the ball.

The key will be how well they do now with Brooks and Irwin in the same region as the Hornets this year.

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CLINCH CO. REGION 2 - 1A-DII HEAD COACH: DON TISON Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

19

26

AUG

AUG

@ Berrien

Macon County

2

SEPT

Miller County

9

16

SEPT

SEPT

@ Cook

Bacon County

23

SEPT

@ Frederica Academy

7

OCT

Lanier County

14

21

OCT

OCT

@ Turner County

Atkinson County

28

OCT

@ Charlton County

WHO’S BACK

KEY LOSSES

Returning this season will be Keegan Clayton, who will take over QB duties from the departed Jenkins. He will also play defensive back, where he was selected as a Second Team All-Region performer last season. He will be joined by a couple of defensive mates who also were All-Region selections for their play in 2021.

The group includes senior Demonte Massey, a DT who was also recognized for his work in the trenches by being named to the All-Region Second Team.

Along with Clayton in the defensive backfield is CB Demetrius Magby, a junior who made the All Region First team. Having a good kicker and long snapper are far more important to the success of any team, especially in the lower classifications, where many teams simply elect to go for two in lieu of an extra point kick, or try for the first down conversion on a fourth down, where a FG attempt would have a better shot at points. Clinch is in good shape in that category, with LS Caleb Howell and PK Joshua Zuniga both returning this year, after each were selected as a First Team specialist for their work last season. Returning along the offensive line is OT Elijah Cobb, and at edge rusher will be senior Danny Fountain.

The Panthers thankfully did not lose too many players from last season’s squad, but while the losses may not have been too large in quantity, the quality of talent they lost is significant.

According to Coach Don Tison, RB/LB Amazi Williams and RB Elijah Tiller are probably his two biggest losses. Williams came up big in several big games for Clinch County, including a tough, hard-fought 35-34 loss against rival Charlton County. In that Week 6 shootout game, Williams scored four times and rushed for 218 yards. He was a First Team All-Region selection for his rushing performance in 2021, but he was also recognized for his punting prowess for the Panthers, being selected as a First Team All Region Specialist.

His backfield partner was RB Elijah Tiller, who was named a 2nd Team All-Region selection. Both Williams and Tiller are speedsters, with Tison having posted their 40 times at 4.55 for Tiller and 4.6 for Williams. Both players will head off to play collegiately at Mesabi Range Community College in Minnesota. QB Kahlil Jenkins was an Honorable Mention All-Region selection.

2021 STATS

overall record

Points Scored Points Allowed Wins

228 296

Losses

WHAT TO EXPECT Tison and his Panthers are coming off a very uncharacteristic season that saw Clinch win just three games. But every team is due to have a season like that, and

74 | itgnext.com

2021 just happened to be that season.

Don’t expect the Panthers to stay down for long, though. It’s a football house on a solid foundation that Tison helped build, and

with several key starters returning and not too many key members graduating, look for Clinch County to get back to its championship-contending ways in 2022.

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MITCHELL CO. REGION 1 - 1A-DII HEAD COACH: DONDRIAL PINKINS Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

19

26

AUG

AUG

@ Monroe

Worth County

2

SEPT

@ Pelham

9

23

SEPT

SEPT

Brooks County

Early County

30

SEPT

@ Terrell County

8

OCT

21

@ Seminole County

28

OCT

OCT

Miller County

@ Randolph-Clay

4

NOV Baconton

WHO’S BACK

KEY LOSSES

Returning to lead the offense this season will be junior QB Jeremiah Jackson. As a sophomore, he threw for 968 yards and 10 TDs, and added 215 yards rushing with four TDs. He was perfect on 2-point attempts, converting his only two tries. Jackson was efficient on defense as well, picking off one pass and returning it for a TD. RB/DB Tony Burkes is back for his senior season. In 2021, he ran for 450 yards, averaging 7.4 yards per carry with five TDs. He also caught two TD passes with 154 receiving yards. Senior Antwan Gilbert will be back at receiver and defensive back this season, and the Eagles are hoping to see a repeat of his performance from 2021, when he had 34 tackles and four interceptions.

Three seniors will be back this season on defense, including Al Childs, who returns to his DE spot. Last season he had 43 tackles with four sacks, and forced a fumble. He also had one blocked FG. Isaiah Mango was solid as a junior LB last season, averaging 8.7 tackles per game with a sack. Donterraus Dunlap will be back for his senior season, and will line up again at RB and CB. An up-andcomer to keep an eye out for is sophomore WR David Campbell, who saw limited playing time last year, including a brief time at QB.

The Eagles will be without the services of a few receivers who were a big part of the Mitchell County offense last season, as well as a key member of the defense. According to head coach Dondrial Pinkins, his Eagles will miss JaMyez Thompson, a wide receive who averaged 20 yards per catch with 27 receptions, good for 539 yards and 6 TDs. He also contributed on defense. JaMyez will play collegiately at Fort Valley State University.

Another WR/DB whose production will be missed in the offense is Rod Fowler. He hauled in three TD passes for 309 yards.

He too isn’t finished with football, as he is headed to play at Columbus State University. Joining him will be DT Tyrone Robinson, who has been solid along the defensive line for the Eagles. He had 22 tackles last season, and is also headed to play for the Cougars.

Desmeyan Daniels and his production on the offensive, defensive and special teams units will be missed. The 6-foot-4 WR/DB had 21 receptions for 237 yards, with five of those going for touchdowns. He also added 26 tackles, including a sack, and had two blocked FGs on special teams.

2021 STATS

overall record

Points Scored Points Allowed Wins

186 215

Losses

WHAT TO EXPECT The Eagles are coming off a solid sixwin season that saw them finish 4-1 in the region, good enough for the #2 seed in the state playoffs. However, a first-round loss was disappointing, and Pinkins says he wants his Eagles to go further this year.

“Our expectation this season is to claim the region title, and compete for the ultimate goal of winning the state title in 2022,” he said.

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Mitchell County should know a lot about themselves fairly quickly into the season as a tough non-region schedule awaits them before they open the region schedule against Early County. Out-of-region opponents include Pelham, Worth County, Brooks County and Monroe to start the season.

In their spring contest, the Eagles played Berrien County, and Pinkins says

he was pleased with the 10 days of spring workouts. He looks forward to his team getting in more work over the summer. “We will make the necessary changes as we enter the summer phase of our workouts,” the Mitchell County head coach said. With returning QB Jeremiah Jackson having had a season to grow and learn the ropes last year, he should be more mature and well-prepared heading into the season.

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TURNER CO. REGION 2 - 1A-DII HEAD COACH: KEVIOUS JOHNSON Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

19

AUG

Worth County

26

AUG

2

@ Fitzgerald

SEPT

@ Randolph-Clay

9

SEPT

Irwin County

16

SEPT Westover

23

SEPT

@ Dooly County

7

OCT

14

@ Charlton County

21

OCT

OCT

Clinch County

@ Lanier County

4

NOV

Atkinson County

WHO’S BACK

KEY LOSSES

Returning to greet new head coach Ben Simmons are two key elements that any coach would be glad to have. QB Amarion Blanks will enter his third straight season as the Turner County QB, and Simmons said he really likes having Blanks’ talent as well as his experience at the position. The senior signal-caller has 3,417 passing yards over the last two seasons, with 35 TDs. His completion percentage is 63%, which is outstanding for a QB yet to begin his final season. Blanks can tuck it down and run it if he needs to, as his 300 rushing yards attest. He has three rushing TDs as he enters his senior season.

Simmons pointed out that most of his returning offensive line is back, which is a plus. They are Cameron Parker, a 6-foot-3, 290-pound LT; senior guard Corey Jordan, a starter from last season; and Mitchell Parker, who Simmons says will continue to play both OG and DE. A returning outside receiver that Simmons says “is the spark to our offense” is Kaleb Joiner. He will also be counted on at CB. Two LBs who return are seniors Ace Rushin and Zavaad Bynum.

Rushin has been a force on both sides of the ball, racking up 132 tackles from his LB post, while catching 20 passes for 263 receiving yards. Bynum has 46 tackles with a fumble recovery. DB Shawn Nelson returns to the defensive backfield, as does sophomore Cedric Hilmon, who will also see time at QB.

Former head coach Kentavious Johnson is no longer at the helm of Turner County, and his key assistant and defensive coordinator, Demario Jones, is also gone. As for the player personnel Turner County loses, it starts with RB Elijah Stephens, who was one of Turner’s County go-to guys on offense. Stephens carried the ball a staggering 445 times for 2,810 yards and 30 TDs. He also caught 53 passes for 623 yards receiving and five TDs. Stephens added 90 yards on kickoff returns, giving him 3,523 purpose yards for his career. Stephens will be headed to Savannah State to continue his football career.

The other key piece in terms of all-around production for the Titans was ATH/RB/QB Azari Smith, who did a little bit of everything last season, throwing for 137 yards with a TD as the team’s part-time QB, and rushing 26 times last season, averaging 7.4 yards per carry with two TDs. His primary responsibility was at receiver, where he caught 24 passes for 547 yards and eight TDs. He even served as the team’s punter, averaging 25.8 yards per punt, with a long punt of 53 yards. As the team’s kicker, Smith was 9/14 on PATs, but on field goal attempts he was a perfect 4/4. Smith is headed off to Etowah Community College to further his education and football career.

WR/CB Montarious Norris and his contributions will be missed as well. He had 40 catches for 469 yards receiving and three TDs. Norris was effective defensively with 73 tackles, four fumble recoveries, and three forced fumbles.

overall record

2021 STATS Points Scored Points Allowed

Wins

367 435

Losses

WHAT TO EXPECT Look for Turner County to continue the momentum created last year with a seven-win season that took the Titans deep into the playoffs, including two road playoff wins. The Titans lost just 10 seniors from

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last year, and have a lot of talent and contributors from last season coming back.

Ben Simmons brought this Turner program a lot of success in a short period of time when he was here in 2015 and 2016,

and he actually comes into a better situation this time than he did then. Simmons has also brought in some veteran assistants, including Tully Payne and Kareem Hess. This is a team to watch in 2022.

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DEERFIELD-WINDSOR GISA - 3A HEAD COACH: JAKE MCCRAE Written by: Phil Jones

WHO’S BACK

KEY LOSSES

Leading the returning starters from last year will actually be a starter from the last two seasons in QB Thomas Ray. The 5-foot-8 Ray will kick off his senior season and third straight year as the Knights’ starting signal caller. Some of Ray’s favorite targets at receiver are also returning, including senior WR Chance Bacon, who will also see time at safety.

Speedy RB/DE Ethan Johnson is back, and McCrae says he has all the tools to be a great player. “He weighs about 205 pounds and had the fastest time at a recent South Georgia football camp that had a lot of really good players. He ran a 4.6 40,” said the Knights head coach.

Others returning to help the Knights in their return to GISA in 2022 will be ATH Thomas “Chewy” Willis. A couple of players returning to help out in the area of special teams will be junior kicker Waylon Marbury, who kicked a 47-yard FG against Mt De Sales last season. ATH and kick returner Boles Middleton will be back to handle punt returns as well as kickoff returns for Deerfield Windsor this season. John Allen “JA” Rigsby also will be a welcomed returner this year.

Several key members of the Knights will not return, and according to third-year head coach Jake McCrae, the team will miss every graduating senior. “They are all gonna be missed, that’s for sure,” said the coach.

One of the team leaders on and off the field is OLB Carter Deriso, who was like a coach on the field for the Knights, said McCrae.

Wright Strickland, who played both sides of the ball on the OL and DL, has graduated, as has Connor Smith, who played LB and OL. Garrett Watson, a 5-foot-9 sparkplug who played WR/CB and punted for Deerfield, will not return this year. WR/CB Bo Bennett, OLB Will Custer, TE/DE Will Gray, LS Cason Roberts, DT Karl Wiggins, and DE Will Wiles round out the seniors who have moved on from the Knights.

2021 STATS

overall record

Points Scored Points Allowed Wins

135 307

Losses

WHAT TO EXPECT The Knights will return to GISA play after playing in GHSA as a member of the now-dissolved Class 1A private. The twoyear “experiment” by Deerfield-Windsor did not go very smoothly – the team experienced its first losing season in 21 seasons, finishing 2-8 in 2020, then last season the Knights came in at 3-7 before deciding to

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return to the Georgia Independent School Association, where they had always called home before 2018.

The Knights will enter 2022 with a lot of seniors (18), but a lot of freshman as well, according to McCrae. “We are heavy on experience, and heavy on inexperience, says the head coach. “We are a little low in the

middle with about seven sophomores and seven juniors.” The key is the quarterback, three-year starter Thomas Ray, who is solid, and it is always a good thing to have a dependable signal-caller to lead the team.

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TIFTAREA ACADEMY GISA 3A HEAD COACH: ERIC SOLIDAY Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

WHO’S BACK

KEY LOSSES

A host of seniors will lead the group of returning starters and major contributors from last year’s 6-6 Panther team. Among them are WR/LB Matthew Malone, who has 213 yards receiving and three TDs on offense, and 109 tackles with two sacks from his LB spot over his last two seasons. Head Coach Erik Soliday says he expects Malone to take over the kicking and punting chores this season.

RB/CB Kameron Brown is a returning senior who will continue to serve as one of the team’s punt returners, in addition to his rushing and receiving duties on offense. Possibly moving into the QB spot this season will be Cubby Carlson, who will also see time at safety.

The fourth key senior returning in 2022 is CB/WR Justin Moore.

He has been solid as a receiver, hauling in 20 receptions with 338 yards and three TDs. Soliday says in addition to the seniors, he is glad to welcome back returning junior Jake Henderson, who will man the offensive and defensive line.

The Panthers will somehow have to find a replacement for fouryear player Dylan Harbort, who has graduated and is a preferred walk-on at Georgia Southern. The former Panther QB/OLB/WR/ DB/K did a little bit of everything as part of the TA varsity squad, and did it well. From his QB position, he threw for 2,548 yards and 27 TDs, and he also ran for 2,961 yards with 40 TDs. As a receiver, he caught 19 passes for 305 yards and two TD’s.

Over on the defensive side, Harbort finished his career with 219 tackles with three sacks. He forced four fumbles and recovered three of them. As a kicker on extra point attempts, Harbort nailed 15 of 17 attempts. He even returned a punt for a TD. While he was certainly the focal point for the Panthers, Harbort isn’t the only key member not returning in 2022. Others who will be missed include TE/LB Mason Tyler, WR/LB Cason Peavey, RB/S John Austin Lee, and OL/DL Wesley Malone, who finished his Tiftarea career with 98 tackles, including three sacks. He will continue his football career at the next level as he heads off to Millsaps College to play for the D-III Majors.

2021 STATS

overall record

Points Scored Points Allowed Wins

249 292

Losses

WHAT TO EXPECT Soliday says his team is young, but that doesn’t mean they lack in talent, especially in certain areas of the team. “We have a chance to be really good, especially with our skill positions,” the Panthers head coach said. “We have some guys there that can catch the ball.”

Soliday also had a lot of praise for his returning linemen, both offensive and de-

fensive. “Those big guys will be pretty decent this year,” he said. If there is one area to keep an eye on, it’s the linebacker spot.

Soliday said the coaching staff will make that a priority in the offseason. “Right now, our linebacker corps are young, and that’s a tough position to have a lot of inexperience,” Soliday acknowledged.

Of course, that’s what the summer is

for: To get bigger, faster, and stronger. After all, there is still a long way to go for the Panthers, and the veteran coach said as the season gets going, he expects his team to get better. “We will likely be better in week 8, 9, and 10 than we will be in week 1, 2 and 3.”

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VALWOOD GISA 3A HEAD COACH: JUSTIN HENDERSON Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Eric Vinson

WHO’S BACK

KEY LOSSES

Valwood has several key members coming back in 2022, which will be a big boon for Henderson and the Valiants. Leading the charge is returning junior lineman Connor Hutto, a GISA All-State selection last year as a sophomore offensive lineman. The 6-foot-2, 270-pound OL/DL will be the anchor for the Valwood line on both sides of the ball this season, and the head coach says he expects Hutto to keep growing.

Senior Worth Kimbro, a DE/TE will be counted on for his play not only on the field, but in the locker room as well. “Worth is a team captain and a leader for us,” said Henderson. Kimbro has eight catches for 82 yards as a TE, and defensively, he has come up with 73 tackles, including 10 TFL and two sacks.

Another returning two-way senior is Eli Pay, who will play receiver and defensive back in 2022. So far, he has nine catches for 87 yards with 42 tackles defensively. Other returners include QB Kyle Beath, MLB Scott Giddens and OLB/K Ean Henry.

According to Coach Justin Henderson, the Valiants did not graduate a lot of players from last season, and that’s a good thing for a team still recovering from some depth issues over the last two seasons. “Our numbers declined coming out of the pandemic, and it has taken us a few months to get some players back out,” Henderson acknowledged.

That depth will help offset a few key players Valwood did lose to graduation, including running back Noah Pettigrew. An All-State wrestler who will attend the University of North Carolina on a wrestling scholarship, Pettigrew decided to come out and play football in his final season, and the brawny senior did not disappoint.

He rushed for 1,250 yards with 14 TDs, and Henderson says Pettigrew’s physical style of play will be missed.

Receiver Tajh Sanders, who had transferred to Valwood before last football season, faced double teams most of the year, but is still being rewarded for his abilities with a scholarship to Western Illinois. A three-year starter who led the Valiants in tackles during his career at Valwood is also graduating, and will be missed. That would be OLB Demetris Rosier, who Henderson says worked his way back from a torn ACL incurred midway thru his sophomore year to finish with 153 tackles.

2021 STATS

overall record

Points Scored Points Allowed Wins

229 403

Losses

WHAT TO EXPECT Henderson says he expects to see major improvement from his team this season. “I really believe we have the team that can win seven or eight games this season,” he said.

The head coach said his team had a great spring, and for the first time in a couple of seasons, had enough players to field two separate units to go against each other in practice. “We had got down to 19 play-

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ers two seasons ago, and that’s a tough way to make it through a football season,” Henderson said. This spring he had over 50 players out, and he hopes to possibly add to that number this summer with a move in or two.

Henderson stressed one thing Valwood must do a better job of in 2022. “Our kicking game must get better,” he said. Last

season, the Valiants found themselves too often going for two on the point-after attempt, so Henderson made it a priority to become more sound in that area. Finally, he says he wants his team to be much more physical this season, especially with the increased roster size.

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WESTWOOD GISA 2A 8-MAN HEAD COACH: EARL FORD Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Brandon Pham

WHO’S BACK

KEY LOSSES

The Wildcats will have several key players with experience returning in 2022, starting with four-year starter Ben Shirah, who will move from receiver to play QB this season to replace the departed Palmer.

“Moving Ben to QB will give us the best chance to win,” said Ford.

The coach mentioned that Shirah has attended several QB camps this offseason, and that shows the qualities the coach is looking for.

“He is a leader for us, and even though Palmer’s are big shoes to fill, I like our chances with Ben,” said Ford.

Three-year starter Bo Holton will return at WR/DB and will handle punting for Westwood this season.

The team welcomes back Ty Griner, who left at the beginning of last season to attend Crisp Academy, where he played last year. Ford said the Wildcat team welcomed Griner back with open arms.

“We are thrilled that Ty has rejoined our team,” Ford said, adding that Griner will start at RB,and that he is a really good receiver coming out of the backfield.

Other key returners include a couple of three-year starters in senior Grayson Stanaland and junior Weston Fears.

The Westwood School Wildcats and coach Earl Ford will miss last season’s starting QB DJ Palmer, an All-Region and All-State selection last year.

But, as Ford says, it’s about more than just the athletic abilities that Westwood will miss with Palmer’s departure.

“We will really miss DJ’s personality as much as anything,” said Ford.

As the Westwood starter the last two seasons, Palmer had just over 3,000 yards passing with 39 TDs. Palmer can hurt opponents with his rushing abilities also, as was evident in his over 2,000 yards rushing and 24 TDs in his two-year career. In his first season as the Wildcat QB, Palmer led his team to the state championship. He isn’t through, though, as he will be attending Midway University in Kentucky, where he will continue his football career.

Palmer’s favorite target over the past two seasons was Caden Godwin, who has also graduated.

“Caden was our number one receiver, plus our shutdown corner,” said Ford.

Along the line of scrimmage, Westwood will miss Trace Lamberth, who held down the NG position on defense and played both right and left guard along the O-line.

2021 STATS

overall record

Points Scored Points Allowed Wins

361 220

Losses

WHAT TO EXPECT Losing a dual-threat QB who accounted for 63 TDs and 5,000 yards of offense is tough for any team. However, the Wildcats have several returning starters with multiple years of experience, which will help to soften the blow of losing Palmer. The returners are all talented with experience

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The team will play a seven-game regular season, but hope there are a few more games to go in the playoffs. Last season, the Wildcats advanced to the semifinals.

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