Wednesday, August 22, 2012 — The Newnan Times-Herald — 7C
REgion 4B-AAAAA Our Predicted Order of Finish in Region 4B-AAAA (2011 record in parenthesis)
Northgate (11-1): With three future ACC/SEC players returning on defense, the Vikings have a chance to build off the best record in school history. Whitewater (7-3): After missing out on state playoffs despite a solid 7-3 record, the Wildcats may be more hungry than ever Creekside: (5-5): Young new head coach should benefit from Berry brothers, stable of returning athletic talent available Starr’s Mill (5-5): Panthers trying to get back into playoffs after year absence, but will have to do it without RB John Smith, who it out for the season with a broken leg. McIntosh (1-10): The Chiefs have put together a handful of big wins over the past few years, but have struggled to become a consistant winner.
Northgate in good company in 4B-AAAAA By DOUG GORMAN dgorman@newnan.com Northgate football coach Tommy Walburn is trying to convince his team to put last year’s undefeated regular season and region title in its rear view mirror and with good reason. The Vikings have more pressing matters to deal with as they move into a newly formed Region 3B-AAAAA. Northgate’s five-team’s in the subregion includes Creekside (5-5) Starr’s Mill (5-5), McIntosh (1-9) and Whitewater (7-3). Perhaps the best way to describe this half of the subregion is one with lots of tradition. Except for McIntosh, the subregion is made up of programs that have made the postseason over the last few years. Although Northgate was the only team from the subregion to make the playoffs last year, Walburn knows there’s plenty of football tradition in the league and it could be a fight to grab one of the playoff spots in 2012. “We know we can’t look past anybody,”Walburn said. “The good thing about this subregion is the schools are close together and there should be some really good rivalries. One thing is for sure, there are some good football teams in this league.” Perhaps Northgate’s biggest competition will come from rival Whitewater who like the Vikings, was a member of Region 4-AAAA last year. The Wildcats 27-24 loss to the Vikings in 2012 helped keep Whitewater out of the playoffs despite a 7-3 record. Whitewater comes into the year still trying to find a quarterback to replace Jon Mark Rhodes, but there are some skill players returning to the line up, especially at receiver where Jake Carlson and Trevor Morgan return. The Wildcats edged East Coweta 20-13 in their scrimmage last week Whitewater could have an edge in the kicking game against most opponents as Austin Bernard returns to punt an handle the kicking duties. Bernard booted a 50-yard with room to spare against the Indians. “After missing last year’s state playoffs by one game, we are optimistic about this year’s team,” head coach Amos McCreary said. McCreary has been the school’s head coach since it opened in 2004 and has lead the Wildcats to the playoffs four times. For Whitewater it could just come down to his younger players growing up. “The Wildcats’ success will be determined by how quick the young players can adapt to the intensity and speed of the varsity game. “Defensively, I think we should be pretty strong due to the number of returning starters. If the defense can carry us early, it will open up opportunities for the young offense to get that necessary game experience to carry us into the playoffs later on in the season,” McCreary said Creekside comes into the league after a 5-5 record in 2011. But if history repeats itself, Creekside should be one of teams to beat. Despite missing out on the playoffs last year, that is a rarity for the Seminoles, who have been to the playoffs five of the last eight years. Aaron Whitington takes over as the team’s head coach, but like the rest of the league, there is plenty of tradition. The biggest question mark heading into the 2012 season is how quickly Creekside
players will get on board with what the new coaching staff is trying to put in place. Twin brothers Evan and Elliott are continuing the Berry family tradition as they enter their sophomore year at Creekside. Both are siblings of Kansas City cornerback Eric Berry. Evan is expected to handle the quarterback duties as the new regime takes over at the Fairburn School. Chad Phillips is trying to get Starr’s Mill back into the playoffs after a 5-5 record last season. The Panthers suffered a set back during the preseason when running back John Smith broke his leg. Smith was the offensive catalyst for the squad as a sophomore in 2011 after running for 1,200 yards and 22 TDs. “We must play better on defense, and a tough schedule is a reason for concern. “ Phillips said. McIntosh comes into the league trying to get past the last year’s disappointing 1-9 record. The Chiefs have very little football tradition over the years, but second-year head coach Lee Belknap is trying to change that. The Chiefs’ last winning record came in 1997 by with six returning players coming back on offense and five on defense, Belknap is convinced the pieces are in place for break the drought. It starts at quarterback as Andrew Johnson returns to the position. Brian White could be his favorite target. “We expect to compete in every game and play hard,” Belknap said. “We believe this kind of effort will help us make it to the postseason. The other half of the region includes Forest Park, Mt. Zion (2-8), Mundy’s Mill (4-6) , Union Grove (5-5), Ola (2-8) and Drew (7-4).
Creekside Seminoles Colors: Burgundy and Gold Head Coach: Aaron Whittington (First Year) 2011 Record: 5-5 Recent History: 2010—8-3, 2009— 6-4, 2008—7-4, 2007—7-4 Key players: QB Evan Berry (Jr, 5-11, 193), RB Elliott Berry ( Jr, 5-11, 195), S Trevonious Britt (Jr, 5-9, 165), OL Jako Williams (Jr, 5-11, 275 pounds) and WR Michael Leverett (5-9, 180) Strengths: Plenty of experience coming back at skill postions. Area of Concern: Trying to replace Josh Holsey’s 24 career interceptions will be one of the Seminoles’ biggest test in 2012. 2011 results (5-5) Morrow W68-0 Banneker L 21-6 Tri-Cities L35-12 Mt. Zion-Jonesboro W 21-7 Jonesboro L 19-13 Forest Park W45-7 Riverdale W 33-12 Mundy’s Mill W 35-20 Lovejoy L 24-0 North Clayton L14-8 2012 Schedule Aug. 31 at Langston Hughes Sept. 7 Westlake Sept. 14 Tri-Cities Sept. 21 at Forest Park Sept. 28 Mt. Zion-Jonesboro Oct. 5 At Starr’s Mill* Oct. 12 Northgate* Oct. 19 At Whitewater * Oct. 26 McIntosh* Nov. 9 Region-play in * Region 4B-AAAAA Game Outlook: Creekside is trying to get back into the playoffs after a year away. Whittington makes his debut with the Seminoles and takes over a program with a lot of tradition. He played his college football at UCLA. The Seminoles most famous graduate is Eric Berry a former All-American at Tennessee who now plays for the Kansas City Chiefs. Replacing Josh Holsey in the secondary might be one of the new coaching staff’s biggest challenges. Holsey signed with Auburn after finishing with 24 career interceptions.
CAN’T STOP TAKING “Pain Pills” ? Call for a FREE confidential assessment today!
We Can Help.
McIntosh Chiefs Colors: Black, White and Green Head Coach: Lee Belknap (Second year, 1-9) Starters returning: Offense: 6; Defense: 5 Offensive formation: Spread Option Defensive formation: 4-2-5 2011 Record: 1-9 Recent History: 2010 —2-8, 2009 — 4-6, 2008—2-8 Key Returners: QB Andrew Johnson (5-11, 180), WR Brian White (5-5, 140), OT Drew Saunders (6-1, 245), OT Jay Wilson (6-0, 220), DT Joe Kelley (6-0, 215), Ian Timmins (5-7, 150), LB Jake Carney (5-8, 170). C ollege Prospe c t s: OL Drew Saunders (SR, 6-1, 230) Strengths: Quarterback, receivers. Area of Improvement: Kicking game due to graduation. Outlook: “We expect to play in and play hard every game, we believe this kind of effort will give us a chance to make the playoffs,” said second year coach Lee Belknap. 2011 Results: Pike County L 35-14 Dutchtown L22-17 Jones County W 29-28 Northgate L 30-14 Harris County L 32-10 Starr’s Mill L35-0 Whitewater L 38-3 Fayette County L 35-7 Upson Lee 13-7 Ola L 22-21 2012 Scheule Aug. 31 at North Springs Sept. 7 Alexander Sept. 14 Ola Sept. 21 at Drew Sept. 28 Mundy’s Mill Oct. 12 at Whitewater* Oct. 19 Starr’s Mill* Oct. 26 at Creekside* Nov. 2 at Northgate* Nov. 9 Region Play in Game * Region 4B-AAAA Game
Starr’s Mill Panthers Colors: Blue, Black and White Coach: Chad Phillips (third year, 19-6) Starters returning: Offense: 4; Defense 4 Offense: Multiple Defense: Base 50 2011 record: 5-5 Key Returners: OLB. H-back Hayden Beyer (6-2, 190), DL Kery Ostrowski (6-1, 200), OL: Garrison Elliott (6-0, 270) Evan Krug (6-1, 250), OL Nick Petry (6-2, 245), P Grant Aasen (6-1, 195). College Prospects: OL Hayden Frye (SR, 6-3, 240); OL Garrison Elliott (SR, 6-2, 260); OL Nic Petry (SR, 6-3, 230); DL Evan Krug (SR, 6-1, 260); DL Ryan Nace (SR, 6-2, 250); ATH Timothy Roberts (SR, 6-1, 180); ATH Joshua Roberts (SR, 6-2, 180). Strengths: Wide receivers/Specialists Areas of Concern: Team’s top running back, 1,000-yard rusher John Smith, broke his leg and is out for the season. Outlook: Smith scored 22 touchdowns as a sophomore last year so someone else will have to emerge as the Panthers’ top ball carrier 2011 Results: Coosa W 23-21 Woodland (Henry) W 9-7 Alcovy L 47-31 Upson-Lee L 17-7 Whitewater L 31-9 Fayette County W 27-14 McIntosh W 35-0 Northgate L 41-21 Harris County L 28-21 Dutchtown W 27-26 2012 Schedule Aug. 31 North Cobb Sept. 7 at Fayette County Sept. 14 at West Forsyth Sept. 21 at Mt. Zion Sept. 28 Drew Oct. 5 Creekside * Oct. 19 At McIntosh* Oct. 26 Northgate* Nov. 2 Whitewater* Nov. 9 Region Play-in
Whitewater Wildcats Coach: Amos McCreary (50-22, 8 seasons) Starters returning: Offense 3; Defense: 6 Offense: Multiple I Defense 3-5 Key Returners: S/ WR Jake Carlson , OL/DL Patrick Dalton , OL Levi Kerlin, P/K Austin Bernard, CB/WR Malcom Graham, DE/G Dylan Davis, LB/RB Colten Clemens, SS/ RB Kendall Conley, LB/RB Christian Wafford, DE/FB Russell Welch, WR/SN Trevor Morgan College Prospects: WR Jake Carlson (SR, 6-1, 180); OL Pat Dalton (SR, 6-7, 350); OL Levi Kerlin (SR, 6-2, 280); RB Kendall Conley (SR, 5-11, 180); LB Colton Clemmons (JR, 6-0,200); CB Malcholm Graham (SR, 6-1, 180); DE Dylan Davis (SR, 6-2, 220) Strengths: Kicking Game and Defense Areas of Concern:: Quarterback Outlook: Whitewater plans on using its strong special teams and its defense to keep the team in games as its offense works on replacing players lost to graduation. 2011 Results Sandy Creek L 43-20 Ola W 23-7 Union Grove W13-10 Harris County W 14-12 Starr’s Mil W 31-9 Upson-Lee W 14-7 Fayette County W 23-6 McIntosh W 38-3 Northgate L 27-24 Griffin L 23-22 2012 Schedule Aug. 24 Coffee Sept. 7 At Mundy’s Mill Sept. 14 At Fayette County Sept. 21 At Union Grove Sept. 28 Forest Park Oct. 5 Northgate* Oct. 12 McIntosh* Oct. 19 Creekside* Nov. 2 At Starr’s Mill* Nov. 9 Region Play-In Game * Region 4B-AAAA Game
Providing
Electricity Natural Gas Home & Business Security
Treatment Center of Newnan
770-502-7055
Treatment Center of Fayette
770-719-9119
NO INTAKE FEES NO ADDITIONAL FEES
www.tcaclinics.com
770-502-0226 www.utility.org