Football2013

Football 2013

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

It’s all about

Mark Harris, Newnan High

1B

Jake Humphries, Northgate High

Team Dalton Trammell, The Heritage School

The Heart AND Hustle of Coweta County Football

Brock Meeker, East Coweta High

Photos by Jeffrey Leo

Aaron Johnson, Trinity Christian School East Coweta Indians

Page 2B Newnan Cougars Page 4B

INSIDE

Trinity christian Lions

Northgate Vikings Page 6B

The Heritage School Hawks

Page 3C

Page 5C

H

Heritage Christian crusaders

Page 6C

TEAM PREVIEWS, ROSTERS AND SCHEDULES for the 2013 season

AUstin stover, Heritage Christian

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Profiles of some of Coweta County’s current and former college football PageS 1C, 2C players and their continued success

Region Previews for 3-AAAAAA, 4B-AAAAA and GISA 2-AAA

2B — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 21, 2013

FOOTBALL 2013/EAST COWETA

EAST COWETA INDIANS

2013 SCHEDULE Aug. 30 Henry County Sept. 6 At Archer Sept. 13 Sandy Creek Sept. 20 At Lovejoy@ Sept. 27 Central-Phenix

City, Ala. Oct. 11 Westlake* Oct. 18 At Tri-Cities* Oct. 25 Langston Hughes*^ Nov. 1 Douglas County* Nov. 8 At Newnan* * Region 3-AAAAAA Game ^ HOMECOMING @Twelve Oaks Stadium

Region 3-AAAAAA Head coach Clint Wade

2013 Roster

No. Name Yr. 1 Michael Singleton Jr. 2 Bryce Gemmel Sr. 3 Satchel Horton Jr. 4 Markell Boston Sr. 5 Weylin Orr Sr. 6 Devontay Parker Sr. 7 Will Morris So. 8 Jonathon Craig So. 9 Hamp Morris Sr. 10 Nick Clarke So. 11 Tyler Poythress Jr. 12 Jacob Bergstrom Jr. 13 Chris Franklin 14 Chris Norcross Jr. 15 Will LaGuardia Fr. 16 Davion Jackson 17 McKenzie Martin Jr. 18 Carson Potter Jr. 19 Brett Anander Jr. 20 Jay McKnight Sr. 21 Malik Robinson Sr. 22 Gameliel Bridges 23 Reagan Thomas Jr. 24 Alex Branch Jr. 25 Carlos Ford Fr. 26 Kevin Lashley Jr. 27 Malcom King So. 28 Cole Antley Jr. 29 Rickey Metcalf 30 Micah Flournoy Jr. 31 Andre Taylor 32 Matthew Shellnut 33 Jeremiah Gemmel Fr. 34 Dexter Boyd Jr. 36 Nick Fraser Sr. 37 Tyler Bunn So. 38 Matthew Regan So. 39 Greg Williams Jr. 40 Alex Heard Jr. 41 Jayson Fletcher 42 Josh Searcy So. 43 Aaron Edens 44 Blake Crow 45 Sontiago Spencer So. 46 Jaquez Williams So. 47 Elishua Orr So. 48 Brock Meeker Sr. 49 Randall Hinkson* So. 49 Darius Sloan 50 Austin Vaughn 51 Antonio Lopez So. 52 Devon Looney* Jr. 53 Johnathan Gardiner So. 54 Jeremy Tooley So. 55 Alec Jimerson So. 56 Kyler Albanez So. 57 Collin Morgenroth 58 Tristan Davenport 59 Chris Burton Sr. 60 Micah Stuman So. 61 Chad Adams 62 Michael Robinson 63 Andrew Bolen 64 Charles Bush Sr. 65 Zeyad Allbban Jr. 66 Anthony Griggs Jr. 67 Matthew Shumake 68/79 Sam McCarty So. 69 Lejoy Allen So. 70 Adrian Lewis 71 Dawson Ellis 72 Qua Fuller Sr. 73 Liam Brightwell So. 74 Malik Jackson Jr. 75 James Leist 76 Tray Hart So. 77 Anthony Parks Sr. 78 Sean Simmons Jr. 80 Tyler Combs So. 81 E.J. Ransom Jr. 82 Kennedy Dunn 83 Jaelen Brown So. 84 Noah Rutherford Jr. 85 Sanoj Allen Sr. 86 Chaz Cherry 87 Christian Scanlon 88 Austin Russell So. 89 Nick Bridges Jr. 90 Cameron Barnhill So.

Photo by Jeffrey Leo

East Coweta is coming off its first losing season since 1987 in a year that was as much a product of an influx of youth, playing in the GHSA’s highest classification and a demanding non-region schedule. The Indians, however, kept a string of 16 consecutive playoff appearances alive and have the talent to keep that streak going.

‘In this thing together’ Despite bumpy road in 2012, Indians out to keep state playoff streak alive

By CHRIS GOLTERMANN cgoltermann@newnan.com

H

igh above the mirrored walls of East Coweta’s cavernous weight room facilities are framed 11-by-14 photos of some of the most talented players to have played football at the high school.

The long rows of images, stacked one on top of the other, is as much a symbol of a program that rarely has missed the target when it comes to state playoff appearances such as a run of 16 consecutive years the Indians take into this fall.

“We’d like to have some more of them up there after this year,” admitted Indians head coach Clint Wade.

None of the ones from the past, however, are going to be stepping back on the field at Garland Shoemake Stadium anytime soon.

A 5-7 season in 2012 didn’t exactly feel like another of those successes, however.

There were challenges, a few conquered, others too difficult to overcome.

An influx of youth and inexperience added to playing in the GHSA’s highest classification and then multiplied by five non-region games that for the majority were against playoff-caliber opponents, left little room for error.

This year’s East Coweta lineup are as much survivors, though. It’s a message that wasn’t lost on Wade after last Thursday’s scrimmage against Whitewater, one that was equally up-and-down with a sour first half and as much a success in the third quarter.

“Look at me guys,” Wade said in the huddle, afterwards. “We’re all in this thing together.”

2013 EAST COWETA INDIANS AT A GLANCE Head Coach: Clint Wade (Sixth season, 33-23 overall) Coaching Staff: Tom Gochenour (Offensive coordinator, running backs), Jamie Glover (Offensive Line), Andy Washington (Receivers), J.R Revere (Quarterbacks), Ahmand Tinker (Defensive Coordinator), Darron Edwards (Defensive Backs), Roc Coleman (Linebackers), Trace Overton (Defensive Line), Drew Pritchard (Outside Linebackers), Todd Beldon (Ninth Grade head coach), Chris Luppens, Ryan Post, Matt Wilson.

2012 record: 5-7 Recent History: 2011 (7-4), 2010 (7-4), 2009 (7-4) Offensive Formation: Multiple-I Defensive Formation: Multiple 8-man front Colors: Purple and Gold Stadium: Garland Shoemake Strengths: Quarterback Bryce Gemmel and the offense remain - for the most part intact minus star runner Dee Godfrey and wide receiver/kick returner Nigel Gay. The receiving corps has a chance to be solid and there’s equal depth at running back and offensive line. The linebacking corps may be the strength of the defense along with an interior group of linemen including senior Chris Burton.

Area(s) of Concern: A new defensive scheme brought in by first-year coordinator Ahmand Tinker may take some time to work in, especially with players learning new terminology. Out is the traditional ‘hawk’ and ‘rover’ positions used under Wade in the past and in are ‘ponies’ used for outside linebackers. The unit is just as raw experience-wise with more than half made up with new starters. The defensive line and secondary both need to be revamped.

East Coweta will also have to find playmakers minus star Dee Godfrey, now at Georgia Southern. Cole Antley is tasked with replacing kicker/punter Spencer Smith, who had a stellar final varsity season last fall en route to earning a chance to play at the University of Memphis.

Outlook: The road doesn’t get any easier with many of the elements that produced a 5-7 season still in place. They include a smaller senior class, an arduous schedule and a large group of newcomers in the starting lineup. This year’s juniors - who experienced those elements a year ago - hold the key. If they can continue to develop, the Indians’ streak of stateplayoff appearances will remain intact.

The Indians will have to be in order to survive what expects to be another grindout campaign. The schedule doesn’t change other than locations, a string of five nonregion games including backto-back Fridays against Sandy Creek and Lovejoy, two potential state championship rosters before five consecutive weeks of region play through October and early November.

While East Coweta benefits from key returners — with the weight heavier on offense — there’s still issues at hand.

Besides a small, but talented group of 13 seniors, there are changes defensively both among staff and personnel.

To try and combat the bulk of spread offense teams now in Georgia, the Indians have gone to a multiple look resembling more of an 8-man front with hopes of slowing opponents down after allowing just under 24 points a game in 2012.

“Nowadays there’s no way you can get around not being multiple with the spread and what it’s doing people try and put you out in space,”

said Wade, who had been the Indians’ longtime defensive coordinator before being promoted prior to the 2008 season. “It’s getting people in the right position, it’s utilization of personnel and getting them to understand what their roles are, and their checks. It’s going to provide us a chance to be successful. Whereas before, with me, it caught up to us.”

Catching up will start with relying on five returning players who saw more than their share of time last year. But the defensive line and secondary

• Banners

thinned out due to graduation and a season-ending injury to standout junior Tristan Mann up front. Mann had made the greatest impact among a large sophomore class in 2012 by finishing third on the team with 92 tackles.

First-year defensive coordinator Ahmand Tinker has been preaching a physical style with consequences to those that don’t wish to buy in.

“We have five guys who played last year, but none of them played for me. So right now, we have zero starters back,” he said. “We will come to play Friday night. We will hit you when you hit the field.

And if you don’t, I’m going to walk out of that [coaches] box.”

Without Mann, the team will start fresh at defensive end, with newcomer Jeremiah Gemmel and junior Noah Rutherford now expected to step into potential starters.

Senior Sanoj Allen had been expected to start the season up front, but has been hampered with a hand injury that’s left him in a cast.

Senior Brock Meeker, the Indians’ starting tight end, will also have to make contributions on the defensive line.

Senior Chris Burton, who had 36 tackles last season, is a key returner to the defensive interior as a starter while joined by junior Alex Heard (21 tackles), who played a lot of linebacker last year. Tinker also expects 6-foot-6, 350pound senior Anthony Parks to be on the field at the defensive tackle spot, especially in short yardage situations.

“You will see him on the field. I like those big guys,” he said at this year’s preseason

See INDIANS, Page 3B

Team AND Business

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Wednesday, August 21, 2013 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 3B

FOOTBALL 2013

2012 RESULTS STATISTICS 2012 Results Overall 5-7; Region 3-2 (3rd) Record: 5-7, 3-2 in Region 3-AAAAAA (3rd) Points Scored/Avg. 254/21.0 Points Allowed/Avg. 286 23.8 Aug. 31 Henry County W35-7 Sept. 7 Archer L27-6 Sept. 13 At Sandy Creek L31-7 Sept. 21 Lovejoy L30-7 Sept. 28 At Central, Ala. L33-31 Oct. 12 Westlake* W24-7 Oct. 19 Tri-Cities* W44-15 Oct. 26 At Langston Hughes* L28-14 Nov. 2 At Douglas County* W38-33 Nov. 9 Newnan* L21-7 Class AAAAAA State Playoffs Nov. 16 At Newton W25-20 Nov. 23 At Camden County L34-14 *Region 3-AAAAAA Game 2012 STATISTICS OFFENSE Rushing No. Name Att. Yds. Avg. TD 3 Demarcus Godfrey 164 1,180 7.2 18 2 Bryce Gemmel 92 523 5.7 4 5 Weylin Orr 101 448 4.4 3 34 Dexter Boyd 14 51 3.6 0 21 Malik Robinson 6 25 4.2 0 4 Nigel Gay 2 23 11.5 0 36 Nick Fraser 2 12 6.0 0 9 Hamp Morris 3 11 3.7 0 26 Kevin Lashley 3 10 3.3 0 Totals 387 2,283 5.9 25 Passing No. Name Comp. Att. Yards TD 2 Bryce Gemmel 114 212 1,543 8 9 Hamp Morris 1 4 10 0 4 Nigel Gay 1 1 3 0 Totals 116 216 1,553 8 Receiving No. Name Rec. Yards Avg. TDs 15 Markell Boston 29 440 15.2 3 4 Nigel Gay 24 415 17.3 1 1 Wyatt Potter 14 243 17.4 2 3 Demarcus Godfrey 23 216 9.4 0 12 Jacob Bergstrom 9 88 9.8 0 21 Malik Robinson 5 72 14.4 0

Alex Portress 4 26 6.5 1 11 Devontay Parker 4 21 5.2 1 80 Clifton Strong 1 15 15.0 0 48 Brock Meeker 1 12 12.0 0 32 Michael Dayton 1 5 5.0 0 2 Bryce Gemmel 1 3 3.0 0 SPECIAL TEAMS Kicking PAT FG No. Name Att.Conv. Att Conv.

31 Spencer Smith 32 32 6 12 Punting No. Name Punts Avg. 31 Spencer Smith 44 36.6 SCORING No. Name TD FG PAT 2ptTotal 3 Demarcus Godfrey 18 0 0 0 108 31 Spencer Smith 0 6 32 0 50 2 Bryce Gemmel 4 0 0 0 24 5 Weylin Orr 3 0 0 0 18 15 Markell Boston 3 0 0 0 18 1 Wyatt Potter 2 0 0 0 12 4 Nigel Gay 1 0 0 0 6 Alex Portress 1 0 0 0 6 11 Devontay Parker 1 0 0 0 6 Team 0 0 0 3 6 Totals 33 6 32 3 254 DEFENSE Tackles No. Name Solo Asst. Total 10 Jemarcus Godfrey 70 85 155 38 Tyler Brown 71 50 121 54 Tristan Mann 40 52 92 20 Jay McKnight 41 50 91 4 Nigel Gay 54 22 76 80 Clifton Strong 41 32 73 15 Markell Boston 43 27 70 22 Quan Whatley 29 21 50 3 Demarcus Godfrey 26 10 36 59 Chris Burton 16 20 36 36 Nick Fraser 18 12 30 32 Michael Dayton 12 17 29 74 Anfernee Burks 10 19 29 58 Jamarcus Wilson 12 12 24 40 Alex Heard 10 11 21 33 Stephan Cruver 10 9 19 79 Ron Henderson 9 10 19 72 Qua Fuller 7 8 15 45 Tyler Poythress 10 5 15 11 Devontay Parker 8 6 14 77 Anthony Parks 9 0 9 85 Sanoj Allen 8 1 9 6 Randale House 1 3 4 9 Hamp Morris 3 1 4 8 Casey Webb 2 0 2 48 Brock Meeker 2 0 2 84 Noah Rutherford 1 0 1 1 Wyatt Potter 1 0 1 64 Charles Bush 1 0 1 5 Weylin Orr 1 0 1 88 Gameliel Bridges 1 0 1 Sacks No. Name Total 80 Clifton Strong 3 10 Jemarcus Godfrey 2 59 Chris Burton 2 74 Anfernee Burks 2 77 Anthony Parks 1 Total 10 Pass Breakups No. Name Total 4 Nigel Gay 6 3 Dee Godfrey 5 38 Tyler Brown 3 15 Markell Boston 3 32 Michael Dayton 1 20 Jay McKnight 1 33 Stephan Cruver 1 Total 20 Forced Fumbles No. Name Total 54 Tristan Mann 2 4 Nigel Gay 2 10 Jemarcus Godfrey 1 38 Tyler Brown 1 22 Quan Whatley 1 74 Anfernee Burks 1 77 Anthony Parks 1 8 Casey Webb 1 Total 9

Fumble Recoveries No. Name Total 20 Jay McKnight 2 10 Jemarcus Godfrey 1 54 Tristan Mann 1 80 Clifton Strong 1 59 Chris Burton 1 32 Michael Dayton 1 6 Randale House 1 Total 8 Interceptions No. Name Total 3 Dee Godfrey 3 38 Tyler Brown 3 20 Jay McKnight 2 4 Nigel Gay 2 10 Jemarcus Godfrey 1 80 Clifton Strong 1 22 Quan Whatley 1 Total 13

The 2013 East Coweta Indians ALL ABOUT ‘TEAM’ Brock Meeker, Tight End/Defensive End, Sr.

“Whatever you ask him, he’ll do it with every ounce of ability and energy he has and possesses in his body. He’s a joy to coach.”

East Coweta head coach Clint Wade on Brock Meeker

Senior Brock Meeker, a 4.0 student, expects to contribute heavily this season for East Coweta at both tight end and defensive end.

Indians senior tight end ‘good as gold’

By CHRIS GOLTERMANN cgoltermann@newnan.com

Brock Meeker may be a coach’s dream, even though heading into his senior season, he’s yet to score a touchdown at East Coweta.

What the senior tight end has lacked in statistics after making one catch , he may have more than made up for in categories that Indians head coach Clint Wade and his staff cherish in the folks that wear purple and gold under the lights at Garland Shoemake Stadium this fall.

“The thing I like the most is that the contact,” said the 6-3, 220 pound end. “I just like the feel of going out and hitting people.”

The aspect of the game has been a constant since Meeker began playing youth football around the age of 9. What adds to the hulking senior’s abilities according to his head coach, however, is a sharp mind to go with his abilities.

While benching over 250 pounds, Meeker also has a 4.0 GPA and is ranked in the top 3-percent of his class.

“Brock's an overachiever and a hard worker,” Wade said. “He's a smart person athletically and academically. On the field he has an intelligence level to go with his size. He likes the physically of it and he's improved in a lot of areas.”

A small group of 13 seniors on the roster will be tasked with leading East Coweta back to the postseason with hopes of adding to a string of 16 consecutive state-playoff appearances while also getting the

program back on a winning track after going through a 5-7 season, the Indians’ first under .500 since 1987.

“I think we know we have to play with confidence,” he said. “We all get along well and I feel good about our offseason workouts.”

Meeker’s skill set could give him the intangibles that added a dimension to East Coweta’s offense two years ago when current Georgia Bulldog Cole Trolinger caught 10 passes. The Indians’ current starting tight end, however, admitted that if he had the choice of carrying the ball or creating a hole for a teammate, he’d probably choose the latter.

“I’m starting to get used to it,” said Meeker, who is interested in continuing his playing career into college. “Blocking is really my thing.”

With losses at defensive end both in graduation and injury, Meeker will also see an increase of snaps on the other side of the ball.

“We’re going to need him to put his hand in the dirt and go on defense,” said Wade. “He's as good as gold.

Whatever you ask him, he'll do it with every ounce of ability and energy he has and possesses in his body.

He's a joy to coach.”

Wade, who has stressed nutrition and hydration as a key element to avoiding potential injuries has yet to experience any setbacks from Meeker, who hasn’t missed a game the past two seasons.

“He's doing all the right things,” Wade said, “and he's got a lot to be proud of.”

INDIANS Continued from page 2B

Region 2-AAAAAA coaches meeting. “We want to get off the field ASAP, 911. If we don’t get off the field, we will pay for it on Monday. I’m very confident and I believe in our kids. I don’t know who we beat last year, but we’ve got to improve. This region is very competitive.”

The linebacking corps are made up of veteran players including starter Jay McKnight, who returns to the inside among a group of four starters as the program’s top returning tackler behind man with 91 hits last year to go with two interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Seniors Hamp Morris and Devonte Parker (14 tackles in 2012) will play the “ponies” on the outside while senior Nick Fraser, who had 30 tackles last season, joins McKnight inside.

Tyler Poythress (15 tackles last year) will also see plenty of opportunities at linebacker.

Senior Markell Boston, now wearing former teammate Nigel Gay’s old No. 4, will have to step into a safety position full time after losing Gay, Tyler Brown and Dee Godfrey in the secondary. The trio all earned spots on last year’s All-Region team.

Boston had 70 tackles last fall and three breakups.

The two openings at corner-

back are in competition between Martin McKenzie and juniors Michael Singleton, Satchel Horton, and Kevin Lashley, all of whom saw ample time on the field in last week’s scrimmage.

Nick Bridges and Davion Jackson could also join that mix in the defensive secondary.

For now, there are fewer question marks surrounding an offense that returns seven starters. The one gaping hole in the lineup is left by Godfrey, last year’s Times-Herald and Region 3-AAAAAA Offensive Player of the Year, at tailback.

Godfrey capped off his career with 1,180 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns.

A group including returning backs Weylin Orr (448 yards, 3 TDs), Dexter Boyd (51 yards) and Malik Robinson (25 yards) got the first crack at solidifying the tailback opening last week.

Junior Alex Branch could also share time with Robinson at the fullback spot.

East Coweta’s biggest offensive gains, however, came from senior quarterback Bryce Gemmel, who looked even more comfortable after completing his first year as a starter.

Gemmel threw for 1,543 yards and eight touchdowns while connecting on 54 percent of his attempts. He also rushed for 523 yards and four touchdowns while averaging nearly six yards per carry.

Those numbers may blossom

further with three veteran offensive linemen returning, including senior guards Charles Bush (6-1, 275) and Qua Fuller (6-3, 225). Dawson Ellis (6-4, 250) bulked up during the offseason after starting at center and has been moved to tackle.

In Ellis’ place, both Devin Looney and Sean Simmons have been competing for the opening at center. Anthony Griggs is among the frontrunners to grab the other opening at tackle.

“We’ve got a nucleus of guys who have through the grind,” Wade said.

On the outside, Markell Boston enters his third year as the team’s top receiver after finishing with 29 receptions for 440 yards and three touchdowns in 2012. Jacob Bergstrom, who caught nine passes for 88 yards is also back.

E.J. Ransom and Reagan Thomas are also showcasing potential to step in after both had receptions in last week’s scrimmage.

Among special teams, East Coweta will have to replace AllCounty kicker/punter Spencer Smith, who was perfect on PAT’s last season, also added three field goals and a punt average of 36.6 yards.

Returning junior Cole Antley, though, seems ready to get the call in both positions while handling punting and kicking duties last week.

4B — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 21, 2013

FOOTBALL 2013/NEWNAN

NEWNAN COUGARS

Region 3-AAAAAA Head coach Mike McDonald

2013 SCHEDULE Friday Marietta Oct. 25 At Douglas County* Aug. 30 At LaGrange@ Nov. 1 Westlake* Sept. 6 At Sandy Creek Nov. 8 East Coweta* Sept. 13 Troup @Callaway Stadium Sept. 27 Hardaway^ *Region 3-AAAAAA game Oct. 11 Tri-Cities* ^ Homecoming Oct. 18 At Langston Hughes*

2013 Roster

Photo by Jeffrey Leo

Newnan should be poised to make a run at this year’s Region 3-AAAAAA title after reaching the second round of the 2012 state playoffs.

Push comes to shove

Close as could be in 2012, Cougars ready to claw to the top

By DOUG GORMAN dgorman@newnan.com

N

o disrespect to Tray Matthews, Rodney Tennie or any other of the standout grou of seniors that helped the Newnan Cougars rebound from a six-win season in 2011 en route to reaching the second round of last year’s Class AAAAAA state playoffs.

Gone from last year are close to 2,000 yards in total offense and 19 touchdowns, not to mention three-quarters of one of the best secondary units in the state last year.

But this year’s lineup has all the potential to surpass the nine victories from a year ago.

"It was a good summer, and our guys really worked hard," McDonald said.

Newnan heads into its 2013 season on the heels of a 9-3 record and a trip to the second round of the playoffs.

The school's football team has made it the playoffs seven years in a row and 10 out of the last 11 seasons.

During the 2012 season, the Cougars knocked off Alcovy to open the postseason, and then fell to Colquitt in the second-round to end the season.

Newnan and Marietta get a jump start on most of the team's in the GHSA, starting a week early for the second straight year.

"It rushes us a little bit, but we get two open dates in the middle of the season," McDonald said.

It doesn't get any easier for the Cougars after the season opener as they plays a tough non-region schedule for the second-year in a row.

Newnan follows up the game with the Blue Devils in contests with at LaGrange (Aug. 30) and Sandy Creek (Sept. 9).

A year ago, the Cougars beat LaGrange, but fell to Sandy Creek en route to the Patriots 2012 Class AAAA state title.

It was Sandy Creek's third state crown since 2009.

Newnan also has non-region games against Troup and Hardaway before moving into its five-game region schedule.

"We know the non-region schedule is going to be challenging," McDonald said. "It give us some pretty tough test before we move into the region schedule."

Once Newnan moves into region competition, the Cougars will play in Region 3-AAAAAA for the second straight year.

Last season, the squad finished second in league, losing its only region contest to eventual region champion Langs-

2013 Newnan COUGARS at a glance Head Coach: Mike McDonald (Fourth season, 22-14, 54-30 overall) Coaching Staff: Jeff Bryant (defensive co-coordinator), LaVarrett Pearson (defensive co-coordinator), Chris Ramsey (defensive line), Dustin Alley, Hap Hines, Adam Daigler, Chad Blevins, Dustin Alley, Jason Earwood, Bob Sandlin, Burt Horton, James “Radar” Brantley (head trainer), Scott Zachry (Assistant trainer), Dwayne Meacham (Assistant trainer) 2012 record: 9-3 Recent History: 2011 (6-6); 2010 (7-5); 2009 (13-1) Offensive Formation: Multiple Defensive Formation: 3-5-3 Colors: Navy, White and Gold Stadium: Drake Key losses: WR/DB Tray Matthews, DB Rodney Tennie, WR Traon Moss, OL Jamal Carlisle, K/P Tyler Mulvenna. WR/DB Darrell Morrow. RB Quinton Dix, LB Cameron Walker, LB Willie Boston.

Strengths: Despite losing a standout senior class, Newnan still has centerpieces to build on among offense and defense in junior quarterback Bailey Bryant and senior middle linebacker Tonarius Portress. Running back J.K. Britt could also be in for a breakout junior season.

The core of linebackers is athletic and Mark Harris and Anferney Turner could provide a dominating 1-2 punch up front on the defensive line. Turner is also one of a solid nucleus of offensive linemen returning in front of Bryant. Despite losing three players in the secondary, a group of new faces has the potential to Area of Concerns: While talented, an influx of sophomores didn’t have the opportunity to get a live scrimmage in prior to their varsity debuts, which could be a concern heading into Friday’s season opener.

OUTLOOK: While picked second in the region, Newnan’s depth may be the best among the six competing schools. It could be the difference maker, especially in a year where Newnan will ask for more contributions than usual from its sophomore class.

ton Hughes.

At this year’s preseason meeting of Region 3-AAAAAA coaches, Newnan was picked to again finish second, this time behind defending champion Langston Hughes, who surprised foes in 2012, but will no longer be flying under the radar.

"There are going to be some really good challenges for us," McDonald said."There are some really good teams in these region."

This is the first time in three years, Newnan hasn't had to open with a different starting quarterback.

Bailey Bryant is back after getting the starting nod for the Cougars last year behind center.

"It not easy playing a sophomore, but he really did a good

job for us," McDonald said.

"He has really worked on getting better this year."

The 6-5, 210-pounder completed 121 of 182 passes for 1,786 yards, 16 touchdowns and 6 interceptions in his first season as a varsity starter."

"He is really getting better.

He soaks it all in. He really wants to learn. He has gone to some camps this summer and is really a student of the game," McDonald said.

Bryant gained valuable experience two years ago playing on the junior varsity and was ready to step in under center last year.

His maturation process was helped along by last year’s talented senior class, which included statistical leaders Tray Matthews, Traon Moss

and Quinton Dix. "He is bigger and has his arm strength has really improved," McDonald said.

"He really wants to learn. He has gone to the some camps this summer."

Joe Ballard and Chancellor Johnson will serve as backups.

With their graduation, others will have to step up on offense, including junior J.K. Britt. Britt was the second leading rusher for the Cougars a year ago with 551 yards rushing on 6.6 yards a carry.

Britt also adds another dimension to the Cougars' offense with his ability to catch the football out of the backfield.

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See COUGARS, Page 5B

25 Greenville Street

Name Pos. 1 Randell Arnold OLB 2 Emanuel Bridges LB 3 Chrishawn Dix WR 4 Joe Ballard QB/WR 5 D’Shon Rosser WR/DB 6 Mark Harris DE 7 Hosea Connally WR 8 Tim Hardaway WR/DB 9 Chancellor Johnson QB 10 Bailey Bryant QB 11 Donterrious Snelling WR/DB 12 Mitchell Burk WR/DB 13 Jevontae Gates LB 14 Zack Bowles WR 15 Chris Porter DE 16 Spencer Perry WR/DB 17 Immanuel Griggs WR 18 Dezmon Stegall WR/DB 19 Terrell Newson DB 20 Terence Geter OLB 21 Damion Key RB/OLB 23 Kamarezion Mathis LB 24 Tonarius Portress OLB 25 Joshua Hunter DB 26 Darryel Hines WR 27 Jameek Callaway DB 28 Kelvin Khayyam RB 29 Francois Williams DB 30 Dionis Felix DB 31 Josh Hill OLB 32 Corey Bryant RB 33 Zhackery Smith LB 34 Tristan Bridges DB 35 Conner Cox K 36 J.T. Grier DE 37 Kavuntae Mathis LB 38 Stephon Brownlee DB 39 J.K Britt RB/DB 40 Marquez Brown DB 41 Danquez Sinkfield DE 42 Dalton Byrom OLB 43 Jermandez Parks WR/DB 44 Urian Wood RB 45 William Wimbley WR 46 Ian Alce DB 47 Jason Moore LB 48 Chris Grier RB 49 Kadarius Satterwhite WR/DB 51 Stefan Holt DE 52 William Langley DL 53 Josh Moreno OL 54 Jaelin Hunter DE 55 Brian Harris OL 57 Dahlton Cash OL 58 Demarcus Tinley OL/DL 59 Tristan Gonzalez OL 60 Terrance Herndon OL 62 James Merritt OL 64 David Quesinberry OL 65 Christian Shellabarger OL 66 Jermiah Russell OL 67 Terence McCain DE 68 Dalton Youngblood OL 69 Trevor Houston OL 70 Rudy Hernandez OL 71 James Godfrey OL 72 Cameron Beaver OL 73 Ronald Grooms OL 74 Tyler Stephens DL 75 Anfeney Turner OL 76 Marquis Whitfield DT 77 Josh Coffman OL 78 Jamal Hill OL 79 Rufus Neely OL/DL 80 Cortavius Heard RB/DB 81 Walker Sandlin TE 85 Mike Buckhanna WR/DB 86 Erik Bounasis WR 88 Malik Ball WR 89 Dezmand Pleasant DE 99 Hunter Bless P

Ht. 5-9 6-1 6-1 5-8 6-2 6-0 5-11 5-10 6-4 6-5 5-10 5-9 5-10 5-10 6-3 6-3 6-8 5-8 5-7 5-6 5-10 5-8 5-11 6-0 5-8 5-10 5-11 5-9 5-6 5-11 5-6 5-8 5-11 6-0 6-2 5-10 5-8 6-1 5-10 6-2 6-1 5-6 6-0 5-6 5-5 5-5 5-5 5-7 5-10 5-10 5-6 5-10 6-0 5-11 6-3 5-11 5-8 5-9 6-0 6-1 6-0 6-0 6-1 6-4 6-2 5-10 5-10 6-2 6-0 6-4 5-11 6-3 5-10 6-5 5-8 5-11 5-7 5-7 6-0 6-2 6-2

Wt. Yr. 173 So. 200 So. 197 Sr. 138 So. 207 So. 225 Sr. 149 Sr. 180 Sr. 197 So. 192 Jr. 152 Sr. 161 Jr. 180 Jr 170 Jr. 209 Sr. 193 So. 193 Sr. 160 So. 163 So. 159 Sr. 186 Jr. 139 Sr. 226 Sr. 159 So. 155 So. 163 So. 189 Jr. 144 Jr. 136 Jr. 173 Sr. 202 Jr. 217 So. 155 Sr. 148 Sr. 209 Jr. 232 So. 177 Sr. 177 Jr. 127 So. 191 Jr. 170 So. 136 So. 208 Sr. 148 Jr. 139 So. 154 So. 140 So. 161 Fr. 216 Jr. 195 Sr. 214 Jr. 156 Jr. 263 So. 210 So. 270 So. 252 So. 236 So. 211 Sr. 189 Jr. 223 Jr. 218 So. 194 Jr. 296 Jr. 306 So. 228 Sr. 251 Jr. 225 So. 392 Sr. 283 So. 272 Sr. 275 Jr. 285 Jr. 275 Jr. 340 So. 150 So. 202 Sr. 156 Sr. 156 Jr. 158 190 So. 181 So.

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Wednesday, August 21, 2013 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 5B

FOOTBALL 2013/NEWNAN

2012 RESULTS STATISTICS 2012 Results Record: 9-3, 4-1 in Region 3-AAAAAA (2nd) Points Scored/Avg. 303/25.3 Points Allowed/Avg. 206/17.1 Aug. 24 At Marietta W38-29 Aug. 31 LaGrange W24-21 Sept. 7 Sandy Creek L38-7 Sept. 14 At Troup W21-14 Sept. 28 Hardaway W38-7 Oct. 12 At Tri-Cities* W34-16 Oct. 19 Langston Hughes* L34-14 Oct. 26 Douglas County* W21-13 Nov. 2 At Westlake* W24-0 Nov. 9 At East Coweta* W21-7 Class AAAAAA State Playoffs Nov. 16 Alcovy W38-0 Nov. 23 Colquitt County L26-23 * Region 3-AAAAAA game 2012 STATISTICS OFFENSE Rushing No. Name Att. Yds. Avg. TDs 27 Quinton Dix 184 891 4.8 8 39 J.K. Britt 83 551 6.6 4 17 Kelvin Khayyam 16 126 7.8 4 30 O’Koye Robinson 20 88 4.4 0 10 Bailey Bryant 36 57 1.5 0 28 Tray Matthews 15 42 2.8 2 21 Chaz Ferdinand 14 34 2.4 0 12 Traon Moss 5 11 2.2 0 3 Diamond Jones 7 -10 -1.4 0 16 Darrell Morrow 2 -2 -1.0 0 Totals 382 1,788 4.7 14 Passing No. Name Comp. Att. Yds. TD INT 10 Bailey Bryant 121 182 1,786 16 6 3 Diamond Jones 2 3 20 0 0 Totals 122 185 1,806 17 6 Receiving No. Name 12 Traon Moss 28 Tray Matthews 39 J.K. Britt 2 Drew Morris 16 Darrell Morrow 3 Diamond Jones 27 Quinton Dix Totals Scoring No. Name 28 Tray Matthews 27 Quinton Dix 12 Traon Moss 39 J.K. Britt 11 Tyler Mulvenna 35 Connor Cox

Rec. Yds. Avg. TD 37 691 18.6 7 37 629 17.0 7 29 288 9.9 3 13 135 10.3 0 4 37 9.3 0 1 13 13.0 0 1 -1 -1.0 0 122 1,806 14.8 17 TD 9 8 7 7 0 0

FG 0 0 0 0 28 0

PAT 2pt Total 0 0 54 0 0 48 0 0 42 0 0 42 6 0 37 1 0 3

SPECIAL TEAMS Punting No. Name Punts Avg. 11 Tyler Mulvenna 28 35.2 DEFENSE

Tackles No. Name Solo Asst. Total 24 Tonarius Portress 82 42 124 28 Tray Matthews 61 19 80 49 Maurice White 42 27 67 16 Darrell Morrow 45 12 57 32 Cameron Walker 33 20 53 40 Terrell Boston 31 20 51 1 Rodney Tennie 35 5 40 33 Darius Martin 22 12 34 39 J.K. Britt 26 5 31 54 Ricky Kirkland 11 18 29 82 Mark Harris 14 7 21 31 Josh Hill 12 9 21 20 Terrence Geter 13 4 17 15 Sanchez Woods 10 7 17 59 Xavier Phillips 3 13 16 72 Jamal Carlisle 6 8 14 9 Brandon Tennie 6 3 9 75 Anfenney Turner 2 2 4 93 Rufus Neely 2 2 4 45 Darius Johnson 3 0 3 52 William Langley 2 1 3 48 Jervonte Gates 1 0 1 26 Emmanuel Bridges 1 0 1 Total 432 236 692 Sacks No. Name 40 Terrell Boston 32 Cameron Walker 82 Mark Harris 24 Tonarius Portress 49 Maurice White 20 Terrence Geter 75 Anfenney Turner 54 Ricky Kirkland 59 Xavier Phillips Team Hurries No. Name 59 Ricky Kirkcland 40 Terrell Boston 49 Maurice White 82 Mark Harris 24 Tonarius Portress 32 Cameron Walker 59 Xavier Phillips 72 Jamal Carlisle 75 Anfenney Turner 33 Darius Martin 31 Josh Hill 20 Terrence Geter 67 Darius Render Team Forced Fumbles No. Name 28 Tray Matthews 24 Tonarius Portress 16 Darrell Morrow 59 Xavier Phillips 33 Darius Martin 52 William Langley Team Fumble Recoveries No. Name 16 Darrell Morrow 24 Tonarius Portress 59 Xavier Phillips 49 Maurice White 20 Terrence Geter 54 Ricky Kirkland Team Interceptions No. Name 1 Rodney Tennie 24 Tonarius Portress 20 Terrence Geter 28 Tray Matthews Team Pass Breakups No. Name 1 Rodney Tennie 16 Darrell Morrow 39 J.K. Britt 28 Tray Matthews 24 Tonarius Portress 82 Mark Harris 72 Jamal Carlisle

Total 7 1/2 4 4 3 2 1 1 1 1 24 1/2 Total 20 18 14 12 8 8 4 4 3 3 3 1 1 99 Total 3 2 2 1 1 1 10 Total 3 2 2 2 1 1 11 Total 8 2 1 1 12 Total 13 5 3 3 2 1 1

The 2013 NEWNAN COUGARS

COUGARS Continued from page 4B

A year ago, Britt was the team's third-leading wide receiver with 29 catches and three touchdowns.

Kelvin Khayyam and Damion Key will also get caries this year.

"We feel good about our running game," McDonald said. "We have guys who we feel can really play out there."

Despite losing it's top two wide receivers to graduation, McDonald is not worried about the team's wide receivers.

Immanuel Griggs, a starter on the basketball team, has come out for the football team for his senior year.

McDonald thinks Griggs' athletic ability is going to translate from the basketball court to the football field.

Griggs stands about 6-7 and should be a threat to haul in most of the passes thrown his way.

"He has done a nice job for us this summer," McDonald said. "With his size, he offers something different. We think he can really go up and get things thrown his way."

Senior Chrishawn Dix (6-1, 197) is also expected to step in as one of the primary targets.

Spencer Perry (6-3, 193) could also make an immediate impact after arriving from The Heritage School, where he played on both sides of the ball as a freshman on a Hawks team that earned a trip to the GISA Class AAA state championship game.

Perry was already friends with many of the players on the Cougars roster after playing with them in middle school.

"We are excited to see what he can do," McDonald said.

"He has come here and fit in right away."

Seniors Walker Sandlin (5-11, 202) Mark Harris (6-0, 225) and Chris Porter (6-3, 209) will also get into the act when the squad throws to its tight ends.

"We feel pretty good about who we can put out there when we go with a traditional tight end package."

Upfront, the Cougars' offensive line should be a mix of experience and inexperience.

Senior Anfenney Turner (6-4, 272) is the anchor of the unit and juniors David Quesinberry (6-0, 189) and Christian Shellabarger (6-1, 223), saw plenty of time last year.

Rufus Neely, Jamie Godfrey, Ryan Harris and Marquis Whitfield are also in the offensive line mix for the Cougars.

Like the Cougars’ offense, the defensive unit will be a mix of experienced players and personnel looking to get playing time for the first time.

Up front on the defensive line, one of the biggest losses comes with the graduation of Jamal Carlisle who pushed the scale to over 280 pounds.

They will also have to replace Willie Boston's 3 1/2 sacks and Xavier Phillips.

It will be up to Harris, who had 21 tackles last year to lead the group. Sophomore Tyler Stephens (6-0, 283) and Porter are being counted on to step into the lineup.

Senior William Langley (5-10, 195) has moved over from linebacker and will play at the nose guard position for the Cougars this year.

One of biggest surprises last year on the defense was big the 6-5, 300-pound Neely, who played as a freshman and had six tackles.

"We have really high hopes for the guys up front," he said.

They are all pretty athletic.

Good mix of size and athleticism. They are not as big as we have been at some points, but we they are athletic."

The Cougars' defensive unit centers around the return of

ALL ABOUT ‘TEAM’ Mark Harris, Defensive end, Sr.

Harris hoping to make senior year with Cougars count

BY DOUG GORMAN dgorman@newnan.com

Harris began his high school football career as a linebacker, but the move to the line of scrimmage has paid dividends.

Newnan senior defensive end Mark Harris “They put me in the right spot when I is one of those players who keeps going until moved to defensive end,” Harris said. “When the whistle blows.

I first starting playing football, I was a lineIt’s why he has turned into one of the Coubacker, and I didn’t need to be there.” gars’ biggest leaders on and off the field.

Harris has played on many football teams “He plays hard every snap,” over the years, starting with recNewnan head coach Mike reation and youth leagues, but McDonald said. “He had a great he says nothing compares to the year last year for us.” closeness and team unity his finds The Cougars realized just playing for the Cougars. how much Harris meant to the “This is by far one of the closest program when he was sidelined teams I have ever been a part of,” by a shoulder injury against he said. “Everyone gets along so LaGrange in early September, well. We come to practice and hit forcing him to miss three nonhard everyday.” region contests.

Harris is hoping a big senior year When he returned to the will open the eyes’ of college Cougars’ lineup in time of the recruiters.

Region 3-AAAAAA opener “I would love to play in college,” against Tri-Cities, he didn’t he said.”If that doesn’t workout, Newnan head miss a beat, making five tackles I will still go to college, anyway, coach Mike recording two sacks and helpand get my degree.”

McDonald on ing the team to a 34-16 win to Harris’ goal, with or without Mark Harris set the tone for the season. football, is to major in the archi“When I missed those tecture, with an emphasis on games,” he said, “It made me building construction. hungry to come back even stronger. I just kept He knows it’s up to him to impress college working and realizing I would eventually get scouts. back out there if I kept working.”

“I have to work harder than I ever have The Cougar senior has a knack for getting before,” he said. “The key is also making sure to the quarterback or running back.

I keep my grades up.

Last year, despite his limited playing time Harris can’t wait to kick the season off Fribecause of injuries, Harris finished the season day night at home against Marietta. with 21 tackles and four sacks.

“We went on the road last year against Many times, Harris flies under the radar. them and pulled the upset,” he said “It will be “He is not a flashy guy,” McDonald said. good to be home this time. We are looking for “He just gets it done.” another win.”

“He plays hard every snap ... He is not a flashy guy. He just gets it done.”

senior linebacker Tonarius Portress (5-11, 226).

Portress dominated in several defensive categories for the Cougars, including tackles where he finished with 101.

Tray Matthews was second with 65.

He also forced two fumbles, including one he returned for a touchdown.

This year’s corps of linebackers remains as deep as it has over the past four seasons.

Senior Josh Hill (5-11, 173) played quite a bit last year at the will linebacker and finished with 17 tackles.

Sophomore Emmanuel Bridges (6-1, 200) also saw plenty of action last year at linebacker in his varsity debut.

"He played up last year, and he has come on a done some really good things, McDonald said.

Junior Tray Gates (5-10, 180) might be the most versatile of the Cougars' linebackers with his ability to play all three linebacker spots.

"We feel like we have a pretty good linebacker rotation," McDonald said.

Senior Terrence Geter (5-6, 159) is back at one of the outside linebacker spots after making 24 tackles last year.

"He is probably the fastest guys on the team," McDonald said. “He really came on toward the end of last year."

Britt also can play on both sides of the ball, moving over from the running back side to play in the defensive secondary.

McDonald looks for junior Frankie Williams (5-9, 144) to also step in and play in the secondary.

Like Britt, Perry will also see time on the defensive side of the ball.

Senior Tim Hardaway (5-10, 180) is also expected to bolster the Cougars' secondary. Seniors Tristin Bridges (5-11, 155) and Stephon Brownlee (5-8, 177) are also expected to play in the team's secondary.

Sophomore Hunter Bliss will handle the Cougars punting duties, while senior Connor Cox punts.

They replace Tyler Mulvenna who handled both jobs, averaging 35.2 yards per punt.

Mulvenna also added five field goals to go along with his 31 extra points.

Newnan comes into the season picked to finish second behind Langston Hughes in Region 3-AAAAAA according to a preseason-poll by league coaches and media.

After opening with Marietta, the Cougars take to the road for a game against at LaGrange, before meeting Sandy Creek —which has won back-to-back Class AAAA state championships —the following week.

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6B — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 21, 2013

FOOTBALL 2013/NORTHGATE

NORTHGATE VIKINGS

Region 4-AAAAA Head coach Tommy Walburn

A call for all hands on deck Vikings healthy again after rougher seas in 2012 season

2013 Northgate Vikings at a glance Head Coach: Tommy Walburn (Fourth season, 20-12; Overall: 83-52) Coaching Staff: Bubba Jeter (defensive coordinator), Kesley Dalrymple (offensive coordinator, running backs), Adrian Anderson (defensive backs), Lee Golden (linebackers), Justin Crews (quarterbacks, special teams), Marcellous Johnson (linebackers), Derek Rials (receivers, tight ends).

2012 Record: 5-6 Recent History: 2011 (11-1); 2010 (5-5); 2009 (3-7) Offensive Formation: Wing-T Defensive Formation: 8-man Colors: Crimson, White and Black Stadium: Henry Seldon Field Strengths: Skill positions both among returners and new faces. There’s a battle for the starting quarterback position between Valdosta transfer Bo Zachary and Tyler Rowland, last season’s backup. Both should benefit from the return of T.J. Womack and Benton Washington in a backfield that should be well stocked. Torres Johnson and Ryan Fagerstrom are returners that should help anchor the defense. Special teams should also get a boost from the return of kicker Jamie Skalski. What the team may lack in size on the line, the Vikings have in depth.

Area of Concerns: It will be tough to replace two key cogs on the defensive line. End Sean Spencer was a four-year contributor and tackle DeAndre “Moose” Johnson are now both at Division I schools. A corps of defensive backs ahs also been depleted between the loss of Brandon Facyson, Andrew Brady and Aaron Stargell.

OUTLOOK: Last year’s senior class was one of the most talented in the program’s history while seeing four players move on to Division I schools. The first-five games include trips to Griffin and Region 4A-AAAAA favorite Union Grove before opening up the subregion schedule at home against Whitewater. Playoff hopes may depend on what kind of shape the Vikings are in physically by the time they reach their bye week on Oct. 18.

Should they be at .500 or better, a chance to return to the state playoffs could be in sight as the schedule wraps up with Starr’s Mill and rival McIntosh.

By DOUG GORMAN dgorman@newnan.com

N

orthgate head coach Tommy Walburn has been around highschool football long enough to know you can't do too much about injuries. Last year’s 5-6 season was as much a product of Murphy’s Law as an 11-1 campaign in 2011 that included a Region 4-AAAAA title had been at the blessing of the football gods without much outside of a bump or bruise the majority of the way.

Which is why last year’s 5-6 record wasn’t nearly as disappointing as it looked on paper despite coming off a Region 4-AAAA championship and an 11-1 season in 2011.

"This time last year, we were missing six key football players to start the season," Walburn said. "You have to figure, the law of averages say we won't go through that again."

Even if the Vikings stay healthy, they still have to replace four Division I signees, including two huge lineman.

De'Andre Johnson, who signed with the University of Georgia, and Sean Spencer, who is headed to Navy were the bread and butter for the Vikings’ defense upfront, using their size to intimidate opposing teams.

"You don't replace their size," Walburn said. "We still have some guys who have really done a good job stepping in.

We've got more depth than we have had since I have been here on our lines.”

Brandon Facyson was the Vikings' leading wide receiver with 25 catches and three touchdowns, but was also a force on the defensive side of the ball with 24 tackles chasing down opponents from the secondary.

He is expected to get playing time as a true freshman after signing to play at Virginia Tech.

Northgate also comes into the season looking to start its third different quarterback in as many seasons after Josh Harrison graduated after starting one season for the Vikings.

Harrison is now at Troy after earning an offer to walk

2013 Roster

No. Name 1 Malik Wade 2 Bo Zachary 3 Marquis Jennings 4.

Matt Smith 5 Isreal Bolton 6 Patrick Orman 7 Armond Upshaw 8 Wendell Watson 9 Torres Johnson 11 Christian Gaston 12 Bryce Bates 13 Bryce Walburn 14 Tyler Rowland 15 T.J. Womack 16 Jaelin Ware 17 Michael Matthews 18 Christian Campbell 19 Logan Baird 20 Rashad Menefee 21 Kevin Teasley 22 Jie Smith 23 Clayton Francisco

Photo by Jeffrey Leo

Northgate hopes to avoid some ofthe injuries that plagued the team at the start of the 2012 season this fall. The Vikings will also have to replace four seniors that moved on to Division I programs .

on with the program.

Harrison's graduation has forced a quarterback battle between juniors Bo Zachary and Tyler Rowland.

Zachary transferred into Northgate from Valdosta in time to go through spring drills.

Among the offensive linemen, Aaron Carr is back for his senior year.

Sophomore Michael Blankenship is also looking for playing time.

Blankenship broke his leg during a football conditioning drill in the offseason, but is getting back close to being healthy.

Walburn has also been impressed with senior offensive lineman Jake Humphries, who has been part of the Vikings' program since his

Pos. Yr. RB Jr. QB Jr. TE Sr. DB Sr. WR Sr. DB Jr. DB Sr OLB Jr. DB Sr. WR Sr. QB So. WR Jr. QB Jr. RB Sr. WR Sr. DB Jr. OLB Jr. DB So. DE Sr. RB Jr. WR So. OLB So.

sophomore year.

Current sophomore Sean McCool is expected to play center.

"We are not opposed to playing a lot of kids. We just haven't had any depth on the line since I have been here,” Walburn said.

Walburn expects Dylan Huffman to get back into the game as one of the offensive linemen after suffering a brief illness that forced him to lose weight.

Malyk Hibbert is back after starting a couple of games on the line last year.

Dakota Wolfe is back at strongside tackle with Drew Latham, Dominic Henry also expected to play.

The tight end spot is a major component to the Vikings'

No. Name 24 Chase Dees 25 Brody Lloyd 26 Austin Burgess 27 Carson Storey 28 Percy Green 29 Matthew Lewis 30 Ton Evans 31 Kamari Ray 32 David Noe 33 Hunter Lambert 34 Brennan Wilcox 35 Walker Peace 36 Camron Walker 37 Jon Sapia 38 Anthony Dickerson 39 Cody Carlock 40 Kyle Feldbauer 41 Benton Washington 42 Hunter Eskew 44 Cody Kellogg 45 Ryan Fagerstrom 46 Chase West

Pos. RB DB DB QB WR DB RB DB K DB LB DE DE DB DE OLB TE RB OLB DL TE OLB

Yr. So. Jr. Sr. So. So. Sph Fr. So. Jr. So. So. So. So. Jr. So. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr.

Wing-T, with Kyler Feldbauer leading the way.

"He reminds us a lot of[former Viking] Mitch Bemister. He is sort of cut out of that mold," Walburn said Ryan Fagerstrom, and Trent Brown can also catch the ball from the tight end spot.

Because the team was hit hard by injuries last year, T.J. Womack shifted from playing on the offensive line to fullback by week two against Griffin. It turned out to be a good fit for the Vikings as he rushed for 825 yards and four touchdowns.

"He was a converted guard last season, but he has really had a great offseason. He has really grown and matured. He is really fun to coach,” Walburn said. “He has done a fantastic job.”

No. Name 47 James Skalski 49 Colt Dooley 50 Drew Latham 51 Jackson Dorman 52 Caleb Blankenship 53 John Proctor 54 Alex Norton 55 Dominic Henry 56 Dylan Huffman 57 Brett Ellis 58 Jake Humphries 59 Dylan Johnson 60 Jasjit Gandhi 61 Jared Monk 62 Jacob Wolf 63 Malyk Hibbert 64 Aaron Carr 65 Austin Smith 66 Nick Moen 67 Colin Clayton 68 Austin Black

2013 SCHEDULE Aug. 30 HeritageConyers Sept. 6 At Griffin Sept. 13 North Clayton Sept. 20 Ola^ Sept. 27 At Union Grove Oct. 4 At Whitewater* Oct. 11 At Creekside* Oct. 25 Starr’s Mill* Nov. 1 At McIntosh* Nov. 8 Region Play-In Game *Region 4B-AAAAA Game ^ Homecoming Marquis Jennings can also play fullback. A year ago, he rushed for 73 yards.

Halfback Benton Washington made the most of a shortened season, rushing for 525 yards and six touchdowns in the final five games after suffering a broken arm. With Washington healthy heading into his senior year, he is again expected to be one of the

Pos. LB RB OL LB OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL DL OL OL OL OL OL

Yr. So. So. So. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. So. So. Jr.

Vikings' go-to-guys.

"He came back in a big way," Walburn said.

Walburn isn't a big believer in playing freshmen, but Ton Evans might play his way into the Vikings' lineup at running back and special teams.

Evans enjoyed a standout career at the middle school level for Madras and is making the transition this year.

Wingback Kevin Teasley also battled injuries last year, but started some in the backfield for the Vikings including the game against Griffin.

"He has done a great job in the weight room and gotten bigger and stronger," Walburn said.

Austin Burgess and Torres Johnson are also in the mix in the Vikings' backfield.

Walburn admits there is healthy competition between Zachary and Rowland at quarterback.

Zachary played in a different offensive system at Valdosta but is doing a good job adjusting to the Vikings playbook.

See VIKINGS, Page 9B

No. Name 69 Nick Abbadangelo 71 Evan Morrison 72 Dakota Wolfe 73 Justin King 74 Josh Blume 75 Nick Heavner 76 Sean McCool 77 Zach Lyle 78 Jakob Asala 79 Mason Wolfe 80 Eddie McElwaney 82 Trent Brown 83 Ian Milewski 84 Justin Laycox 85 Jordan Gunn 86 Destin Holmes 90 Nebiyou Maddox 93 Victor Taggart 94 Chris Age 97 Jaylen Buckhanna

Pos. DL OL DL OL DL DL DL DL OL OL DL DL WR WR WR WR DL DE DE DL

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Yr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. So. So. So. Jr. Sr. So. So. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. So.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 7B

REGION 3-AAAAAA PREVIEW

Region 3-AAAAAA —Our Predicted Order of FiniSh 1. Newnan

What we think: The Cougars could be younger than in recent years, at least in the starting lineup. But that’s not always a bad thing. If the line of scrimmage holds and depth develops, Newnan will be contending for a crown. Senior linebacker Tonarius Portress remains the heart of the defense and as talented a player in the region while ready to take on even more of a leadership role.

3. EAST COWETA

What we think: There are big holes to fill, but we feel the Indians are capable of still scoring points in a big way despite the loss of their MVP - Times-Herald Offensive Player of the Year Dee Godfrey. The transition of a new scheme and a wealth of new faces on the defensive side - be it amidst a tough schedule - is the question mark … for now. If the unit can stay the course, challenging for a top-two finish shouldn’t be an issue.

5. Douglas COunty

What we think: The Tigers didn’t catch any breaks last fall, from transitioning to a new staff, to losing its top-two running backs prior to the start of the Region 3-AAAAAA schedule. But they’re in a better position to succeed with 14 starters back in the second year of head coach Jason Respert’s system.

Hughes hoping to stay on top

By CHRIS GOLTERMANN cgoltermann@newnan.com

front, a potential area of weakness on a roster that currently only has one player over 275 pounds.

So much for preseason polls, Defensively, however, quickat least in how the Region ness may overrule size when it 3-AAAAAA football standings comes to the Panthers. wrapped up last season. So take With a 6-4, 210-pound frame, this year’s with a grain of salt defensive end DeAndre Walker heading into this fall. thrived as the region’s top lineThe team picked to finish first man while earning All-Region (Tri-Cities) fell flat while barely Defensive Player of the Year making the postseason. honors following a season that The team that ended up winincluded 21 sacks and 106 tackles. ning the title (Langston Hughes) Walker is among eight returnwas picked to miss the playoffs ing starters and has posted a only to surprise, surprise, sur40-yard dash of 4.4 seconds prise like Gomer Pyle coming while already amassing more through the door. than a dozen scholarship offers The odds are again in the heading into his junior season. favor of one of this season’s The defensive line is among the paper champions stumbling and team’s deepest positions with another Cinderella emerging Deontae Jackson (5-10, 230), from the shadows.

Connor Johnson (5-8, 240) and But for now - at least when lookJeremiah Culbreth (6-3, 232) all ing at returning talent - Langston returning for junior seasons.

Hughes has earned the right to The Panthers dominated first stake claim to potentially keepteam All-Region defensive honing its region crown in 2013 after ors last fall with four selections, finally growing into its football three who were underclassmen. britches in its fourth season of Standout linebackers Montavious existence.

Atkinson (6-1, 205, Jr.) and Kalil Led by quarterback Kenny Gray (6-0, 220, Sr.) are both back.

Moxie and Keion Davis - two Atkinson had 129 tackles as First Team All-Region selecjust a sophomore, including 12 for tions - on offense to go with losses, a year ago. Gray suffered 3-AAAAAA Defensive Player of a season-ending injury, but not the Year DeAndre Walker and before racking up 97 tackles of his 21 sacks shutting the door on his own, including 71 solo hits. opponents, Hughes made its first Senior Shawn Yancy-Hardplayoff berth a memorable one. wick (5-8, 175) anchors the All three are back among 12 secondary at cornerback, with starters this year, eight of which defensive coordinator Ben return to a defense that allowed Arnold calling him “our little under 10 points a game during Brent Grimes. He has so much the regular season in 2012. potential.” Another senior, Jaylin “The first-tier guys are going Boyd (6-0, 155), will get first crack to be able to do things for us at the other corner position. on both sides of the ball,” said Senior Robert Saunders (5-9, Panthers offensive coordinator 175) will move to a safety position Travis Smith, who added that the after starting at cornerback. program graduated more than 20 “Defensively we still look to seniors. “But depth is going to be be pretty solid,” said Arnold. our issue.”

“Our weakness is our depth The roster has thinned consid- (But) we have very, very high erably in Fairburn, so much that expectations.” fourth-year head coach Willie WESTLAKE Cannon and staff opted not to The expectations at Westlake play a spring game. But what the on the other hand, aren’t nearly team loses in depth, they return on the same level, especially after in skill and size. suffering its first winless season Moxie (5-11, 145), who will in its 25 previous campaigns. enter his fourth year as a starter, First-year head coach Bryan continued his progress as a Love takes on much the same junior, frustrating region oppochallenge as predecessors Stannents with his arm and speed ley Pritchett and Greg Minnis, while throwing for 1,245 yards each of whom lasted only one and 11 touchdowns and running season. His goals are nearly idenfor 345 and three scores. Pushtical, word for word. ing him, however, is junior Kinan “The biggest two things is Humphrey (5-9, 180), with both we’re trying to change the players capable of leading the mindset and change the culoffense or contributing elsewhere ture of the program,” Love said. among skill positions.

“I’ve been fortunate to work at Davis (6-0, 185), a Marshall some places that have has some commitment, proved just as success, but this is a different explosive, rushing for 1,176 yards animal.” and 12 touchdowns and accountLove, who has worked at Shiing for seven of Moxie’s 11 in the loh as well as Class AAAAAA air. powerhouse Camden COunty , “He’s probably the best athlete brought in former Dacula head we have on the team,” Smith said. coach Jared Zito as offensive Anchoring the line is senior coordinator. Over 100 athletes tackle Jahlil Mathis-Ellis (6-2, showed up in the spring, “and 315), who only allowed one sack there’s always strength in numlast fall and graded out at 89-per- bers,” Love said cent en route to All-Region honEight starters are back on ors of his own. offense with quarterback Receiver could be the biggest among the positions needed to concern after boasting a mounbe filled. The Lions, however, tain of depth a year ago. have three potential starters to “We played about seven kids at go with a deep receiving corps receiver last year and we lost four that the Lions coach called one of them,” said Smith. of the strengths of the offense.

Back, however, is senior ‘Bingo’ Following the graduaMorton (6-1, 190),. The group also tion of Renard Battle, senior includes junior Kenyon Houston Demetrius Beverly (6-1, 180) (5-10, 160), while running back and juniors Julian Jones (6-3, Emile Sexton (5-8, 175, Jr.) and 215) and Dakota Rocker are Humphrey are capable of lining all vying for the starting job out wide.

Mathis is the team’s only See REGION, Page 8B returning starter on the offensive

2. Langston Hughes

What we think: A young Panthers program reached the top of the mountain in just their fourth year and has the talent to repeat. But they’ll have to handle wearing the bullseye for the first time. Depth is a major concern and could be the ultimate deciding point. They may be outnumbered 2-to-1 when Newnan comes to town on Oct. 18, looking for revenge.

4. Westlake

What we think: The Lions are going through their third coaching change in the last three seasons while coming off a winless record, so what gives? Call it a hunch, but between the talent returning (more than a dozen starters), a new coaching staff that has experienced its share of winning elsewhere and a program that won’t have much expectations, is a potential recipe to surprise.

6. Tri-Cities

What we think: Only four starters are back from a lineup that greatly underachieved in 2012 after boasting size and skill. The coaching staff, which includes the arrival of former Georgia Bulldog Jonas Jennings as defensive coordinator, has also been revamped. It may all add up to be a learning year for these Bulldogs, though head coach Kenneth Miller embraces flying under the radar.

A Look at 3-AAAAAA Opponents Langston Hughes Panthers

City: Fairburn Stadium: Panther Pit Colors: Forest Green/Vegas Gold/Black Head coach: Willie Cannon (5th season, 17-24 overall) 2012 record (region finish): 10-2, 5-0 in region (1st) Points scored/Avg.: 295/26.8 Points allowed/Avg.:137/12.4 Recent History: 2011 (3-7), 2010 (2-8), 2009 (2-7 - 1st year of varsity football) Preseason Poll: 1st (47 points; 5 first place votes) Starters returning — Offense: 4; Defense: 8 Offensive formation: Multiple Spread Defensive formation: 4-3 Key returners: Offense — QB Kenny Moxie, Sr. (5-11, 145; 2nd Team, All-Region), RB Keion Davis, Sr. (6-0, 185, 1st Team, All-Region), OT Jahlil Mathis-Ellis, Sr. (6-2, 315; 1st Team, All-Region), WR Bingo Morton (6-1, 190, Sr.), RB Emile Sexton (5-8, 175, Sr.), QB Kinan Humphrey (5-9, 180, Jr.), WR Kenyan Houston (5-10, 160, Jr.), OL Jeremiah Culbreth (6-3, 232, Jr.), WR Jocques Ross (5-9, 165, Sr.), OL Jakervin Ray (5-10, 220, Jr.) Defense — DE DeAndre Walker (6-4, 210, Jr.; 3-AAAAAA Defensive Player of the Year), LB Montavious Atkinson (6-1, 205, Jr.; 1st Team, All-Region), LB Kalil Gray (6-0, 220, Sr.; 1st Team, All-Region), DL Connor Johnson (5-8, 248, Jr.), DL Jeremiah Culbreth (6-3, 232, Jr.), Deontae Jackson (5-10, 230, Jr.), CB Shawn Yancy-Hardwick (5-8, 175, Sr.), CB Jaylin Boyd (6-0, 155, Sr.), S Robert Saunders (5-9, 175, Sr.) Strengths: A ton of talent returning from defense that held opponents to 17 points or fewer in every game during regular season including five kept within single digits on scoreboard. Moxie and Davis, who has verbally committed to Marshall, expect to be among the region’s top 1-2 punches in regards to skill position players on offense.

Weaknesses: Depth, especially at receiver and offensive line, will be much thinner than a year ago and the program didn’t have numbers to host a spring game.

It’s also the first time the program has dealt with having a target on its back after playing the role of ‘sleeper’ in 2012.

Best Athlete: Walker is the region’s version of Jadeveon Clowney and among the best defensive linemen in 3-AAAAAA. Quick off the edge and equally strong enough to fight off initial blocks to get to the ball carrier — whether a running back or a quarterback — Walker finished with 21 sacks (yes that’s right), as well as 105 tackles to go with two forced fumbles last year. Compare that to Newnan, which had 24 ½ as a team in 2012 and East Coweta’s defense, which had 10 as a unit.

Difference Maker: Davis.

With two potential standouts at quarterback, one of which could ultimately end up at wide receiver, the key for the Panthers remaining a versatile offense is in Davis’ hands after rushing for 1,176 yards and 12 touchdowns.

He also reached the end zone five more times on pass plays and was a potential threat on returns.

“He’s probably the best athlete we have on the team,” said offensive coordinator Travis Smith.

Outlook: Lost in the shuffle of last year’s success was the graduation of Hughes’ first senior class, and it could have an impact on whether the Panthers can hang on to their preseason ranking.

2013 Schedule Aug. 30 At Creekside Sept. 6 Luella Sept. 13 At Wheeler Sept. 20 Rockdale County Sept. 27 Newton Oct. 11 At Douglas County* Oct. 18 Newnan* Oct. 25 At East Coweta* Nov. 1 Tri-Cities* Nov. 8 At Westlake* * Region 3-AAAAAA game

2012 Results Overall: 10-2; Region 5-0 (1st) Aug. 31 Creekside W26-14 Sept. 7 At Luella W27-7 Sept. 14 Wheeler L17-12 Sept. 21 At Rockdale Co. W28-0 Sept. 27 at Newnan* W10-0 Oct. 12 Douglas County* W34-7 Oct. 19 At Newnan* W34-14 Oct. 26 East Coweta* W28-14 Nov. 2 At Tri-Cities* W17-13 Nov. 9 Westlake* W28-6 State Playoffs Nov. 16 Rockdale County W37-3 Nov. 23 North Cobb L42-14 *Region 3-AAAAAA game

Tri-Cities Bulldogs

City: East Point Head coach: Kenneth Miller (6th season, 30-25 overall) Colors: Red/Black/Silver Stadium: Dog House 2012 record (region finish): 4-7, 2-3 in region (4th) Recent History: 2011 (10-3); 2010 (7-4), 2009 (5-5) Points scored/avg: 218/19.2 Points allowed/avg:285/25.9 Preseason Poll: 4th (27 points, 1 first-place vote) Returning starters — Offense 2; Defense 2 Key Returners — Offense: QB Karim Wallace (6-2, 205, Sr.), OL Joseph Alexander (6-4, 300, Sr.), WR Tariqu Hightower, WR Rae Quan Morgan (5-9, 150, Sr.), RB Charles Middlebrooks (5-10, 185, Sr.), C/G Claud Innis (6-1, 280, So.), RB Antonio Wilcoxson (5-10, 200, Jr.) Defense: DL Sam Van Pelt (6-4, 240, Sr.), DL Joseph Alexander (6-4, 300, Sr.), CB Devin Price (5-10, 175, Sr.), S Reginald Kilgore Jr. (5-11, 163, Jr.), S Kirby Choates (6-1, 185, Jr.), Strengths — Senior class looks to be more focused than previous year’s that boasted four Division I prospects on the line. Wallace should have solid group of skill players to distribute ball led by receivers Tariq Hightower and Rae Quan Morgan.

Weaknesses — A ton of new faces, as well as youth in addition to a revamped coaching staff that includes first-year defensive coordinator Jonas Jennings (UGA).

Best Athlete: Wallace. A year after losing a senior class with a lot of bulk and coming off a disappointing season, teammates will most likely look to their quarterback to get them back on track.

He is one of only two seniors back on offense on a young roster.

Difference Maker: Alexander.

In a year where so many of his fellow offensive and defensive linemen were earning Division I scholarship offers, Alexander may have been Tri-Cities most valuable player up front last fall. It’ll again be up to the 300-pounder to create holes for Wallace if Tri-Cities is going to improve on last year’s offensive numbers. It won’t be easy while expected to contribute on both sides of the ball.

Outlook: No doubt last year was a disappointment while possessing a talented roster. The Bulldogs, however, get a chance to start fresh with new faces as well as a revamped staff. It may be a good recipe to catch opponents offguard in 2013 after wearing the bullseye to start the schedule one season earlier.

2013 Schedule Aug. 30 Stockbridge Sept. 6 Banneker Sept. 13 Creekside Sept. 19 At Carver-Columbus Sept. 27 Carver-Mont., Ala. Oct. 11 At Newnan* Oct. 18 East Coweta* Oct. 25 Westlake* Nov. 1 At Langston Hughes* Nov. 8 At Douglas County* * Region 3-AAAAAA game 2012 Results Overall: 4-7; Region: 2-3 (4th) Sept. 1 Washington L12-7 Sept. 7 At Banneker W48-18 Sept. 14 At Creekside W16-12 Sept. 21 Carver-Col. L32-20 Sept. 28 Carver-Mont. L51-14 Oct. 12 Newnan* L34-16 Oct. 19 At East Coweta* L44-15 Oct. 26 At Westlake* W21-14 Nov. 2 Hughes* L17-13 Nov. 9 Douglas Co.* W35-0 State Playoffs Nov. 16 At Lovejoy L51-13 * Region 3-AAAAAA game

Douglas County Tigers

City: Douglasville Colors: Navy Blue/Vegas Gold Stadium: Johnson Head coach: Jason Respert (2nd season, 2-8 overall) 2012 record (region finish): 2-8, 1-4 in region (5th) Recent History: 2011 (2-8), 2010 (5-5), 2009 (5-5) Preseason Poll: 5th (19 points) Returning starters — Offense 8; Defense: 6 Key Returners: Offense — QB Jared Askew (5-8, 160, Sr.), RB Juanya Smith (5-7, 180, Sr).; LT Quinzavious Sands (6-1, 265, Sr.; 2nd Team, AllRegion), C Christian Bruno (6-0, 255, Sr.), FB Travis Beaird (5-7, 175, Sr.).; WR Ishmail Lewis (6-3, 165, Sr.), WR D’Ondre Glenn (6-4, 190, Jr.), RT DeAndre Drennen (5-10, 205, Sr.), TE Nicholas Benton (6-0, 185, Jr.) Defense — DE Michael Parris (6-2, 280, Sr.), DL Malik Hampton (6-0, 215), LB Jeffrey McMichael (6-1, 200, Sr.), LB Shayne Carey (6-1, 195, Sr.), DE Jonathan Cline (6-0, 170, Sr.), S Solomon Green (5-5, 155, Sr.), CB Robert Payne (5-9, 150, Sr.), DL Desmond Wareham (6-2, 215, Sr.), DL Jonathan Cline (6-0, 170, Jr.), LB Drake Battle (5-9, 190, Jr.), CB Donovan Richardson, Jr. Strengths — The Tigers are a year into Respert’s system and off the learning curve the team battled through last year, playing both Newnan and East Coweta tough late in the 2012 schedule.

Two-platooning players last fall gave plenty of underclassmen ample experience that could pay bigger dividends. The wide receiver position could be among the team’s deepest and the team gets back both of last year’s top runners - Juanya Smith and Travis Beaird from season-ending injuries suffered early last year.

Weaknesses — A lack of depth and size up front could be an issue despite the return of Sands, a three-year starter. The Tigers are also breaking in a new quarterback in Askew, who attempted six passes last year as a backup and had two completions, one of which was a touchdown.

Best Athlete: McMichael. His toughness and versatility will allow Douglas County coaches the ability to move players around in the defensive lineup.

The senior played in all 11 games a year ago while finishing with a team-high 49 tackles to go with a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.

Difference Maker: Sands. A quarterback is only as good as his top tackle, and Sands, a third-year starter, should make first-year signal caller Jared Askew’s life a whole lot easier with his protection. Sands is also the team’s biggest returning starter on the offensive front after earning Second Team All-Region honors in 2012 with nine pancake blocks.

Outlook: Things are looking up for the Tigers after going through a coaching transition a year ago.

How much progress may depend on if they can overcome a lack of size and depth on both sides of the line of scrimmage in the state’s highest classification.

2013 Schedule Aug. 30 Chapel Hill Sept. 6 At South Cobb Sept. 13 At Chattahoochee Sept. 20 At Warner Robins Sept. 27 Harris County Oct. 11 Langston Hughes* Oct. 18 At Westlake* Oct. 25 Newnan* Nov. 1 East Coweta* Nov. 8 Tri-Cities* *Region 3-AAAAAA game 2012 Results Overall: 2-8; Region 1-4 (5th) Aug. 31 At Chapel Hill W46-7 Sept. 7 South Cobb L35-19 Sept. 14 Chattahoochee L24-0 Sept. 21 At Warner RobinsL52-14 Sept. 28 At Harris Co L37-31 3OT Oct. 12 At Hughes* L34-7 Oct. 19 Westlake* W21-6 Oct. 26 At Newnan* L21-13 Nov. 2 East Coweta* L38-33 Nov. 9 At Tri-Cities* L35-0 * Region 3-AAAAAA game

Westlake Lions

City: Atlanta Stadium: Westlake Stadium Colors: Royal Blue, Grey and White Head coach: Bryan Love (1st season) 2012 record (region finish) 0-10 (6th) Recent History: 2011 (4-6), 2010 (3-7), 2009 (7-4) Preseason Poll 6th (14 points) Starters Returning — Offense 8; Defense 7 Offensive Formation: Multiple Defensive Formation: Multiple 3-4 Key Returners: Offense — QB Demetrius Beverly (6-1, 180, Sr.), QB Julian Jones (6-3, 215, Jr.), RB Jorden Thomas (5-10, 170, Jr.), RB Jamari Carter (5-11, 132, Sr.), RB Joshua Poole (5-10, 158, Jr.), C Tedrick Cofield (6-4, 285, Sr.), G/C Cameron Allen (5-10, 215, So.), OL Jordan Shaw (6-2, 280, Sr.), WR Eric Hines (6-3, 180, Sr.), WR Quran Hasan (6-2, 185, Sr.), WR Daylan Rollins (5-11, 185, Sr.), WR Jamauri Elliott (5-9, 155, So.) Defense — LB Tyrone Pope (6-2, 207, Sr. 1st Team, All-Region as DL), DL DaQuan Hawkins (6-4, 253, Sr.), DL/LB Jamal Angrish (5-11, 210, Sr.), LB Daylan Rollins (5-11, 185, Sr.), CB Orlando McKinley (5-8, 160, Sr.), LB Jarrod Jones (6-0, 210, So.), DL Wesley Solomon (6-0, 230, So.), SS Demetrius Beverly, LB Terrence Montgomery (5-7, 155, Sr.) Strengths: The wide receiver position is stacked led by Hines and Elliott, who caught 21 and 19 passes last season, respectively.

There should be ample size on the line of scrimmage and the defensive front eight led Thomas and Pope will make it tough for opponents to gain ground, especially up the middle. The staff has playoff experience elsewhere between Love’s stints at Camden County and offensive coordinator Jared Zito, who led Dacula to a state-playoff win over Newnan in 2011 as Falcons head coach.

Weaknesses — Instability. Program is going through its third coaching transition in the last three years and once again the Lions are learning new systems and methods from a new staff. The quarterback spot is also up for grabs heading into the new year.

Best Athlete: Pope. The senior is a two-way standout at linebacker and tight end, where he caught five passes for 81 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He added 41 tackles, second most among returning players, and a team-high seven sacks in 2012.

Difference Maker: Hawkins.

Among the first players Love encountered walking the halls at Westlake was his new noseguard, who at 6-4, 265 made quite the impression immediately. “We’re looking for good things out of him,” said the Lions coach.

Outlook: There’s only one way for Westlake to go after experiencing the program’s first winless season in history. The talent - as well as numbers - is still prevalent, as well as ample size to compete in the region. While going through their third coaching change in as many years, the program isn’t that far removed from a 2009 campaign where it challenged Newnan for a region championship. Like Langston Hughes last year, the Lions could be this season’s sleeper, especially if opponents are looking ahead on the schedule.

2013 SCHEDULE Friday At Hillgrove Aug. 30 South Cobb Sept. 6 Creekside Sept. 13 At Banneker Sept. 20 Bainbridge Oct. 11 At East Coweta* Oct. 18 Douglas County* Oct. 25 At Tri-Cities* Nov. 1 At Newnan* Nov. 8 Langston Hughes* * Region 3-AAAAAA game 2012 Results Overall: 0-10; Region: 0-5 (6th) Aug. 24 Hillgrove L31-15 Aug. 31 At South Cobb L29-22 Sept. 7 At Creekside L18-7 Sept. 14 Banneker L20-18 Sept. 21 At Bainbridge L38-14 Oct. 12 East Coweta* L24-7 Oct. 19 At Douglas Co.* L21-6 Oct. 26 Tri-Cities* L21-14 Nov. 2 Newnan* L24-0 Nov. 9 At Hughes* L28-6 * Region 3-AAAAAA game

8B — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 21, 2013

REGION PREVIEWS

Region 4B-AAAAA —Our Predicted Order of FiniSh 1. WHITEWATER

2. CREEKSIDE

What we think: The Wildcats will be challenged just to get into the postseason in what should be a competitive subregion. But as last week’s scrimmage win over East Coweta showed, there’s more than enough talent returning to repeat as subregion champions. If the offensive line can be restocked, a talented lineup led by seniors Colton Clemons and Trey Wofford could run wild.

What we think: If the Seminoles didn’t have enough motivation to open the 2013 season, the tragic death of teammate and junior free safety DeAntre Turman will dedicate their efforts this fall even further. The nucleus of athletic talent is again led by the Berry brothers —Evan and Elliott. But a group of at least 13 seniors also includes size on the line of scrimmage. That’s a dangerous combination.

4. STARR’S MILL

3. NORTHGATE

What we think: The Lions are going through their third coaching change in the last three seasons while coming off a winless record, so what gives? Call it a hunch, but between the talent returning (more than a dozen starters), a new coaching staff that has experienced its share of winning elsewhere and a program that won’t have much expectations, is a potential recipe to surprise.

What we think: The Vikings have put their injury woes behind them from 2012 and should be able to rebound following a 5-6 season. The skill positions remain talented and Ryan Fagerstrom and Torres Johnson anchor the defense. Whether the Vikings can make a challenge for the state playoffs may rely on the leadership behind center and how well the lines of scrimmage hold up.

5. McIntosh

What we think: This is not the same McIntosh program that went through years of struggle. The Chiefs have one of the subregion’s longest tenured starting quarterbacks in Andrew Johnson and that’s a good place to build on last year’s 5-5 finish. Repeating won’t be easy,

To ‘B’ continued? Subregion hopes to again have last laugh

By CHRIS GOLTERMANN cgoltermann@newnan.com

(6-2, 170) defensive end Grayson Fuller (6-3, 240) and offensive lineman Lane Henderson (6-2, The members of Region 250), the margin for error on the 4-AAAAA’s ‘minority’ had the B-side expects to be thin. last laugh during the 2012 season.

“It’s going to be pretty tight,” Their goal will be to do the same McCreary said. “Northgate’s this fall. going to be good and they’ve With 13 members, a vote of got themselves a good running region coaches whether to subback. Creekside is loaded with divide weighed heavily with the the Berry [brothers] and other seven schools that comprise the kids who can play.” current ‘A’ subregion. OutnumThe Seminoles will be even bered, the likes of Northgate, more emotionally invested Whitewater, Starr’s Mill and in getting back to the Class McIntosh had to settle for a final AAAAA state playoffs followweek that currently includes a ing last Friday’s tragic death of crossover game between subjunior defensive back Deantre regions to determine the four Turner following a freak injury teams that advance to the Class in the team’s scrimmage game AAAAA state playoffs. at Banneker. Turner died after “It’s one of them deals where suffering a broken neck while we should have played a region making a tackle. schedule and didn’t,” said longThe Creekside roster again time Whitewater head coach is loaded by brother Evan and Amos McCreary after the team’s Elliott Berry, both of whom head scrimmage win last Friday over into senior seasons while playEast Coweta. “They voted us ing skill positions on offense down on the other side and had and in the secondary. us outvoted 7-6.”

Both Starr’s Mill and McInThe B-subregion, however, tosh look to build off respective showcased its talent by grabbing 2012 seasons that left them out three of the four state-playoff of the playoff hunt following berths, with Whitewater leading losses to Northgate. the way en route to a 12-2 season The Chiefs are coming off and a trip to the Class AAAAA a five-win season — the prostate semifinals. gram’s best since the mid 1990s.

High expectations remain Senior quarterback Andrew for the Wildcats, who enter as Johnson (6-0, 190) returns for this year’s subregion frontrunhis third year as a starter. Top ners. Led by senior linebacklinemen Travis Bertke (6-2, 255) ers and running backs Colten and Jack Steinwedel (6-4, 275) Clemmons and Christian Wafare also back to protect Johnson, ford, the key toward repeating but the defensive line of scrimas Region 4-AAAAA champimage needs retooling. ons may rest with how well the Starr’s Mill, meanwhile, will offensive line holds up. have four new starters on its “There’s some expectations offensive line, though the team that we’ll have a good football returns senior quarterback Kyle team,” McCreary said. “We’ve Moseley (6-4, 175) while also got to get a whole lot better in getting standout running back the offensive line. If we do and John Smith (6-1, 195) back from a those kids come on I think we season-ending injury. can be a contender.”

Panthers head coach Chad While Union Grove enters Phillips expects as many as this fall as a clear-cut favorseven sophomores to see large ite in the A-subregion with a amounts of playing time. senior class led by Caleb Ham

REGION Continued from page 7B

behind center in what expects to be a two-back offensive set.

Jorden Thomas (5-10, 170, Jr.) and Jamari Carter expect to lead a backfield that will be “a running back by committee,” according to the Lions head coach.

The defensive front is centered by noseguard DaQuan Hawkins (6-4, 265), who “has had a great summer.”

Love equally likes the effort he’s seen from senior linebacker Terrance Montgomery, who also played corner-

A Look at 4B-AAAAA Opponents CREEKSIDE SEMINOLES

Colors: Burgundy and Gold Stadium: Arrowhead (The Swamp) Head Coach: Olten Downs (1st year 0-0; 11-10 overall) 2012 Record: 7-4 Recent History: 2011 (5-5); 2010 (8-3); 2009 (6-4); 2008 (7-4) Offense: Spread Defense: Multiple Key Players: QB/SS Evan Berry (5-11, 193, Sr.), RB Elliott Berry (6-0, 200, Sr.), CB Cam Jackson (5-11, 165, Sr.), RB Dexter Knox (5-8, 190, Sr.), SS Joshua Moon (5-10, 170, Jr.), CB Quatrez Sparkman (5-10, 160, Sr.), FS Devonte Wilson (5-8, 145, Sr.), G Robert Kimbell (6-3, 275, Sr.), T Marquel Harrell (6-4, 279, Jr.), T Ronald Bell (6-5, 310, Sr.), C Robbie Stephenson (6-4, 253, Sr.), RB Bricen Terry (5-8, 195, Jr.), NG Lawrence Curtis (5-7, 204, Sr.), OLB Rahfek McGill (5-10, 181, Sr.) Strengths: QB, RB, OL, DL, DB Areas of Concern: Depth, LB, K/P Outlook: Reeling after the death of junior standout defensive back Deantre Turner, the team’s free safety, as the result of an injury suffered in last Friday’s scrimmage, the Seminoles will be even more emotionally invested than before. That fuel could help Creekside ascend to the top.

One concern is only three home games including what should be an emotional season opener.

2013 Schedule Aug. 30 Langston Hughes Sept. 6 At Westlake Sept. 13 At Tri-Cities Sept. 20 Forest Park Sept. 26 At MZ-Jonesboro (Tara) Oct. 4 At Starr’s Mill* Oct. 11 At Northgate* Oct. 18 At Whitewater* Oct. 25 McIntosh* Nov. 8 Region Play-In Game * Region 4B-AAAAA Game 2012 Results Overall: 7-4; Subregion: 3-1 (3rd in region) Aug. 31 At HughesL26-14 Sept. 7 Westlake W18-7 Sept. 14 Tri-Cities L16-12 Sept. 21 At Forest Park W40-0 Sept. 28 Mt. Zion-Jones. W50-0 Oct. 5 At Starr’s Mill* W21-3 Oct. 12 Northgate* W20-16 Oct. 19 At Whitewater* L17-7 Oct. 26 McIntosh* W21-3 Nov. 9 Drew W42-0 State Playoffs Nov. 16 At Thomas CC L27-24 2OT * Region 4B-AAAAA game

back last season. “I expect him to be the leader of our defense,” said Love.

DOUGLAS COUNTY Douglas County second-year head coach Jason Respert understands Love’s plight, having gone through his own transition in 2012. The result was a 2-8 season that included sparks of the program’s potential in close losses to locals Newnan and East Coweta, but not enough to make headway toward a playoff run.

Respert admitted last year was as much a learning process for everyone involved, with strength training - particularly in the weight room - as much the goal in year one.

McINTOSH CHIEFS

Colors: Black, Kelly Green and White Stadium: McIntosh Head Coach: Lee Belknap (3rd year 6-14 overall) 2012 Record: 5-5 Recent History: 2011 (1-9); 2010 (2-8); 2009 (4-6); 2008 (2-8) Starters Returning: Offense 6, Defense 4 Offense: Spread Option Defense: 4-2-5 Key Players: QB Andrew Johnson (6-0, 190, Sr.), OL Travis Bertke (6-2, 255, Sr.), OL Jack Steinwedel (6-4, 275, Sr.), WR Trey Walters (5-8, 175, Sr.), LB Jake Carney (5-8, 185, Sr.), DB Darius Stokes (5-7, 145, Sr.), CB Jabari Ajao (6-0, 190, Sr.), TE Sean Ingram (6-0, 190, Sr.), WR Duke Kinnamon (5-10, 160, Jr.) Strengths: Quarterback, Offensive Line Areas of Concern: Defensive Line Outlook: McIntosh is riding into the fall off the program’s best season since 1995, but the continued pursuit for the Chiefs’ first winning season in that span won’t be easy. Johnson is a thirdyear starter and will have ample protection on the line. But stopping foes, especially at the line of scrimmage on defense is a question mark heading into the fall.

2013 SCHEDULE Aug. 30 North Springs Sept. 6 At Alexander Sept. 1 At Ola Sept. 20 Drew Sept. 27 At Mundy’s Mill ^ Oct. 11 Whitewater* Oct. 18 At Starr’s Mill* Oct. 25 At Creekside* Nov. 1 Northgate* Nov. 8 Region Play-In Game *Region 4B-AAAAA ^Twelve Oaks 2012 Results Overall: 5-5; Subregion 1-3 (4th) Aug. 31 At North Springs W51-6 Sept. 7 Alexander W21-6 Sept. 14 Ola W14-6 Sept. 21 At Drew L28-3 Oct. 12 At Whitewater* L48-13 Oct. 19 Starr’s Mill* W30-13 Oct. 26 At Creekside* L21-13 Nov. 2 At Northgate* L34-13 Nov. 9 At Union Grove L35-14 *Region 4B-AAAA game

“Regardless of what classification last year, they were all freshmen to us,” Respert said. “We have a lot of guys who played last year because we two-platooned everybody. We went from a group that was allergic to lifting weights to now buying into it. Hopefully with that physical change, there will be a mentality change as well.”

While healthy again after overcoming a slew of injuries that claimed the Tigers’ top-two running backs in the first-five games of 2012, depth will remain a concern in several areas, especially up front.

“Our weakness will be up front.

We’re extremely thin on the offensive

STARR’S MILL PANTHERS

Colors: Columbia Blue, Black and Silver Stadium: Panther Head Coach: Chad Phillips (4th season, 22-13 overall) 2012 Record: 3-7 Recent History: 2011 (5-5); 2010 (14-1); 2009 (6-5); 2008 (3-7) Starters Returning: Offense 4, Defense 5 Offense: Spread Wing-T Defense: 3-5 Key Players: FB/FS John Smith (6-1, 195, Sr.), ATH/DB Dion Munerlyn (6-1, 185, So.), QB Kyle Moseley (6-4, 175, Sr.), OL/DL Jason Akins (6-3, 280, Sr.), OLB Gerron Smith (5-10, 175, Sr.), K Elijah Bragg (5-7, 180, Sr.), DL Alex Ashley (6-2, 265, Sr.), C Jack Peurifoy (6-0, 210, Sr.), ATH Mitchell Ray (5-6, 170, Sr.), TE Terence Harper (6-8, 220, Jr.), WR Ryan Peurifoy, ATH Dion Munerlyn (6-1, 180, So.), DT Jacory Brooks (6-3, 280, So.), G Sam Joines (6-3, 220, Sr.), ILB Garrett Houston (6-0, 220, So.), LB Luke Schoolcraft (6-0, 180, Jr.), TE Seth White (5-10, 200, Sr.), DB Satchel Goodrich (5-11, 160, So.) Strengths: Running back and skill positions Areas of Concern: Offensive line, secondary, untested kicker/ punter Outlook: The return of Smith highlights what should be the start of a climb back toward the top of the subregion for the Panthers, who have gone 8-12 since reaching the Class AAAA state championship game in 2010. The line of scrimmage, especially on offense is thin behind senior center Jack Peurifoy.

2013 Schedule Aug. 30 At North Cobb Sept. 6 Fayette County Sept. 13 West Forsyth Sept. 20 Mt. Zion-Jonesboro Sept. 27 At Drew Oct. 4 Creekside* Oct. 18 McIntosh* Oct. 25 At Northgate* Nov. 1 At Whitewater* Nov. 8 Region Play-In Game *Region 4B-AAAAA game 2012 Results Aug. 31 North Cobb L42-3 Sept. 7 Fayette County W17-6 Sept. 14 At West Forsyth L63-14 Sept. 21 At Mt. Zion W46-0 Sept. 28 Drew L14-6 Oct. 5 Creekside* L21-2 Oct. 19 At McIntosh* L30-13 Oct. 26 Northgate* L27-10 Nov. 2 Whitewater* L42-0 Nov. 9 At Mt. Zion W34-7 * Region 4B-AAAAA Game

and defensive line. So for the first time in my career we’ll have to play guys on both sides of the ball. “ Six starters, however, are back on defense including senior defensive end Michael Parris (6-2, 280), who had 27 tackles last season. Malik Hampton (6-0, 215) joins him on the opposite end.

Also up front, sophomore Elijah Bransford finished with 12 tackles over the final three games of the season including a sack against Newnan after playing as a ninth-grader late.

Senior Desmond Wareham (6-3, 215) and junior Jonathan Cline (6-0, 170) are among the mix as well.

WHITEWATER WILDCATS

Colors: Cardinal, Black and Silver Stadium: Wildcat Head coach: Amos McCreary (10th season, 71-27; 19th season, 145-65 overall) 2012 Record: 12-2 Recent History: 2011 (7-3); 2010 (9-3); 2009 (5-5); 2008 (7-4) Starters Returning: Offense 4, Defense 6 Offense: Multiple I Defense: 3-5 Key Players: QB Jay Ashley (6-0, 185), FB Kyle Brown (5-10, 185), OG Coey Gates (6-0, 255), OT Dylan Crozier (6-0, 305), DE/ TE Matt Ogle (6-4, 215), LB Colten Clemons (6-1, 225), RB/LB Christian Wafford (6-1, 190), LB Russell Welch (5-11, 250), SS Josh Alexander (5-8, 175), NG Caleb Martinez (6-2, 290), WR Jonathan Wommack (6-2, 170, Jr.), CB Kyle Dugger (6-0, 170, Sr.) Strengths: Linebacker, Quarterback, Running Back Areas of Concern: Secondary, Offensive Line, Receiver, Kicker Outlook: Wafford and Clemons are as solid a 1-2 punch of speed and physical presence as any team in the subregion and it should help provide major dividends. Still, McCreary has concerns heading into the season about his offensive line, which did its job during the first half of last week’s scrimmage against East Coweta.

2013 Schedule Friday At Coffee Sept. 6 Mundy’s Mill Sept. 13 Fayette County Sept. 20 Union Grove Sept. 26 At Forest Park@ Oct. 4 At Northgate* Oct. 11 At McIntosh* Oct. 18 Creekside* Nov. 1 Starr’s Mill* Nov. 8 Region Play-In Game * Region 4B-AAAAA game @ Southern Crescent Stadium 2012 Results Overall: 12-2; Subregion: 4-0 (1st; also 1st in region) Aug. 24 Coffee L41-3 Sept. 7 Mundy’s Mill W30-18 Sept. 1 At Fayette Co. W41-14 Sept. 21 At Union Grove W39-0 Sept. 2 Forest Park W48-7 Oct. 5 Northgate* W33-26 Oct. 12 McIntosh* W48-13 Oct. 19 Creekside* W17-7 Nov. 2 At Starr’s Mill* W42-0 Nov. 9 Ola W42-14 State Playoffs Nov. 16 Lee County W49-7 Nov. 23 Glynn Academy W34-27 Nov. 30 Allatoona W24-3 Dec. 7 Gainesville L28-14 * Region 4B-AAAAA game

TRI CITIES Tri-Cities went the opposite direction safter being voted as last year’s preseason favorites. A roster that included four Division I talents on both sides of the line, struggled to stop opponents while giving up nearly 26 points per game. The defense gave up five or more touchdowns four times while scoring more than 30 points just twice.

“We were kind of like a senior-freshmen team. We didn’t do a good job of getting those guys ready,” said Bulldogs head coach Kenneth Miller. “We are a young team, so it feels good to be off the radar a little bit.”

Stephanie Fagerstrom 28 Hospital Road Newnan, GA 30263

770-683-3676 stephanie@insurewithstephanie.com Proud to be a Viking mom!

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Wednesday, August 21, 2013 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 9B

FOOTBALL 2013/NORTHGATE

2012 RESULTS STATISTICS 2012 Results Overall: 5-6; Subregion 2-2 (3rd; 4th in region) Points Scored/Avg. 211/19.5 Points Allowed/Avg. 200/18.2 Aug. 31 At Heritage (Conyers) L9-7 Sept. 7 Griffin L35-6 Sept. 14 North Clayton W29-8 Sept. 21 At Ola W37-15 Sept. 28 Union Grove L23-0 Oct. 5 At Whitewater* L33-26 Oct. 12 At Creekside* L20-16 Oct. 26 At Starr’s Mill* W27-10 Nov. 2 McIntosh* W34-13 Nov. 10 At Mundy’s Mill W15-3 State Playoffs Nov. 16 At Harris County L31-14 *Region 4B-AAAAA game 2012 STATISTICS OFFENSE Rushing No. Name Att. Yds. Avg. TDs 15 T.J. Womack 181 868 4.8 4 41 Benton Washington 77 615 8.0 7 4 Michael Willis 111 515 4.6 2 20 Cole Carter 25 127 5.1 1 9 Torres Johnson 12 79 6.6 3 3 Marquis Jennings 18 73 4.1 0 18 Josh Harrison 44 36 0.8 1 2 Brandon Facyson 3 19 6.3 0 21 Kevin Teasley 3 6 2.0 0 10 Jay Madison 1 5 5.0 0 1 Malik Wade 2 1 0.5 0 Totals 477 2,344 4.9 18 Passing No. Comp.

18 Josh Harrison 15 T.J. Womack Totals

Att. Yds 65 96 2 2 67 98

Receiving No. Name 2 Brandon Facyson 4 Michael Willis 15 T.J. Womack 9 Torres Johnson 7 Armond Upshaw 8 Andrew Brady 21 Kevin Teasley 20 Cole Carter Totals Punting No. Name 8 Andrew Brady

The 2013 NORTHGATE VIKINGS ALL ABOUT ‘TEAM’ Jake Humprhies, Offensive tackle, Sr.

BY DOUG GORMAN dgorman@newnan.com

TDs INT 778 5 3 62 2 0 840 7 3

Avg. 31.0

Scoring No. Name TD FG PAT 2pt Tot 41 Benton Washington 7 0 0 0 42 15 T.J. Womack 6 0 0 0 36 2 Brandon Facyson 4 0 0 0 24 9 Torres Johnson 3 0 0 0 18 4 Michael Willis 3 0 0 0 18 20 Cole Carter 1 0 0 0 6 18 Josh Harrison 1 0 0 0 6 No. 23 9 34 8 45 76 13 99 11 2 55 5 66 19 84 20 95 1 3 54 6 7 42 51

DEFENSE Name Solo Asst Connor Usher 76 41 Torres Johnson 51 30 Dalton Lane 33 34 Andrew Brady 36 26 Ryan Fagerstrom 39 21 Sean Spencer 34 18 Aaron Stargell 36 15 De’Andre Johnson 15 18 Christian Gaston 18 12 Brandon Facyson 25 2 Blake McCollum 16 8 Sylvester Johnson 13 10 Nebiyou Maddox 9 12 Adrian Tolbert 16 4 Zach Burrell 5 4 Cole Carter 9 0 Rashad Menefee 3 1 Malik Wade 3 0 Marquis Jennings 0 2 Justin Carlock 2 0 Matt Smith 0 1 Armond Upshaw 1 0 Hunter Eskew 1 0 Jackson Dorman 1 0

Sacks No. Name 23 Connor Usher 34 Dalton Lane 76 Sean Spencer 55 Blake McCollum 45 Ryan Fagerstrom 19 Adrian Tolbert 51 Jackson Dorman 5 Sylvester Johnson Hurries No. Name 34 Dalton Lane 55 Blake McCollum 5 Sylvester Johnson 23 Connor Usher 19 Adrian Tolbert 76 Sean Spencer 99 De’Andre Johnson 84 Zach Burrell 45 Ryan Fagerstrom 95 Rashad Menefee Caused Fumbles No. Name 9 Torres Johnson 23 Connor Usher 45 Ryan Fagerstrom 2 Brandon Facyson 55 Blake McCollum Fumble Recoveries No. Name 76 Sean Spencer 23 Connor Usher 9 Torres Johnson 34 Dalton Lane 8 Andrew Brady 13 Aaron Stargell 99 De’Andre Johnson 5 Sylvester Johnson Interceptions No. Name 9 Torres Johnson 13 Aaron Stargell 8 Andrew Brady Pass Breakups No. Name 13 Aaron Stargell 2 Brandon Facyson 9 Torres Johnson 8 Andrew Brady 20 Cole Carter 66 Nebiyou Maddox 99 De’Andre Johnson 11 Christian Gaston 34 Dalton Lane

Sacks 4 3 1/2 3 1 1/2 1 1 1 1/2 Total 8 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 1 1 Total 5 2 1 1 1 Total 5 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 Total 3 2 1 Total 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 1 1

Total 117 81 67 62 52 52 51 33 30 27 24 23 21 20 9 9 4 3 0 2 1 1 1 1

he said.

Humphries is going into his third season as a member of the Vikings after enrolling in the school in 10th If Northgate football coach Tommy Walburn could grade. bottle up the energy and enthusiasm of just one player, Until then, Humphries had been homeschooled. it might be offensive tackle Jake Humphries.

"It was an adjustment at first, but I made a The senior represents what the lot of friends, and it has been good.”

Vikings' head coach is looking for in a Humphries knows things didn't go as well high school football player. for the Vikings last year because of injuries, "He is the epitome of what a high resulting in the squad's 5-6 record. school football player should be," But he feels the team can bounce back.

Walburn said. “He works hard and "We have a lot of team spirit, and everyleaves it all on the field.” body is working hard,’ he said. ‘We have all Walburn's accolades for his senior gotten bigger and stronger." offensive lineman aren't because Humphries and his teammates are seeking Humphries is a blue chip recruit with to get back to the playoffs this season for the a ton of college offers. third year in a row.

His work ethic is what impresses Northgate head Two years ago, the Vikings won the Northgate’s head coach the most. coach Tommy Region 3-AAAA title with an undefeated "He goes non-stop in practice," Walburn on regular season.

Walburn said. “You don’t always see senior offenThe campaign ended with a 11-1 records a people who work that hard.” sive tackle Jake and a 27-21 loss to East Paulding.

Humphries may not play another Humprhies A year ago, Humphries and his teammates down of football after this season, but ended the year plagued by injuries and a 5-6 he isn’t out for the glory anyway, and record. he certainly wants to make this year count.

The squad made the playoffs with a victory over “I just want to have a good senior year,” he said.

He only took up the game five-years ago, first play- Mundy’s Mill in a Region 4-AAAAA play-in game, but ing wide receiver and cornerback, before a growth fell to Harris County in the first round.

“We have been working hard,” Humphries said. “It spurt moved him to the offensive line.

"I like all the positions I have been able to play, but I was a good summer, and we are just hoping to make really like the contact that comes with playing guard," another run.”

“He is the epitome of what a high school player should be.”

Rec. Yds. Avg. TDs 31 439 14.2 4 8 120 15.0 1 11 111 10.1 2 8 73 9.1 0 2 20 10.0 0 1 8 8.0 0 1 8 8.0 0 1 4 4.0 0 67 840 12.6 7 Punts 45

Viking senior lineman hoping to make most of final varsity season

Photo by Jeffrey Leo

VIKINGS Continued from page 6B

Rowland has been in the system for three years.

"We have had an open competition," Walburn said. "One day one of them will look good, and then one day the other one will look good."It's a good problem, but it is also a bad problem."

Whomever doesn't get the job has the capability to playing other positions.

Walburn says the quarterback competition is good because it pushes people to get better.

"Sometimes the kids don't see it, but if you have another guy pushing you at your position, it make you practice better. It makes it hard on the coaches, because we have to sit down everyday and evaluate the kids, but that is the fun of high school football."

Trying to replace Facyson at wide receiver won't be easy. However, there is plenty of depth, including senior Armond Upshaw.

Others in the wide receiver rotation include, Malik Wade, Brody Lloyd, Christian Gaston and Isreal Bolton .

"We have plenty of depth there, but several off our guys are going to play on defense too,” said Walburn.

On the defensive side of the ball, junior Marquis Jennings, will play at one of the end spot. Nebiyou Maddox also plays at the position.

Rashad Menefee brings plenty of strength to the defensive line.

"He has worked his way into being a good ball player," Walburn said. "He has had a good camp..

Jackson Dorman is slated to play at in the linebacker spot after a growth spurt.

Cody Kellogg and Nick Heavner are also slated to play on the defensive line.

While Fagerstrom will see time on offense at tight end, it’s on defense where he may make the biggest impact this year.

The linebacker returns for his senior year after making 58 tackles last year. In addition to his duties at running back, Womack will also pay

linebacker.

Sophomore James Skalski will play at one of the other inside linebacker spots.

Washington will also play at one of the other inside linebacker spots.

After playing safety and corner last year, Walburn has moved Gaston up closer to the ball as a free safety.

"We have changed things around, to catch up with some of the offenses,” said the Vikings coach.

Hunter Eskew and Johnson can play both the rover and safety.

Wade and Upshaw will be among the Vikings players who play on both sides of the ball, lining up in the secondary on defense.

Wendell Watson will also play cornerback. Watson is a two-sport athlete, who didn't play football last year to concentrate on basketball.

"We are just glad to have him back," Walburn said. "He was one of our best players on our freshman team. We were glad he wanted to play football again.”

Among special teams, Torres Johnson is back as the team’s leading kick returner.

Last year, he returned 12 for a 24.8 yard average. Skalski and David Noe are slated to handle kicking and punting duties.

Northgate opens the season at home against HeritageConyers in the first nonregion game on Aug. 30.

They also travel to Griffin the following week.

From there, the team moves into the Region 4-AAAAA schedule, including region crossover games against Union Grove and Ola within the first five weeks of the season.

The most dangerous stretch of the schedule comes midyear when Northgate will face Union Grove — this year’s A-subregion frontrunner — then turn around and face arguably the top-two lineups in the B-subregion in Whitewater and Creekside.

Whitewater finished 12-2 last year, making it to the Class AAAA semifinals before a 28-14 loss ended their season against Gainesville, and Union Grove went 10-2 before a 20-13 loss to Ware ended its season.

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10B — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 21, 2013

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Football 2013 WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

1C Wednesday, August 21, 2013

A look at some of Coweta County’s current and former college football players and their continued success

Brandon Facyson and Tray Matthew s

Fresh starts

Matthews, Facyson expect to pay immediate dividends at UGA, Va. Tech

BY DOUG GORMAN dgorman@newnan.com

The college football pipeline already has deep roots from Coweta County to campuses across the country.

Seldom, however, have two true freshmen generated as much excitement as former Newnan standout Tray Matthews, and Northgate’s Brandon Facyson.

Matthews signed his letter of intent to the University of Georgia, while Facyson earned his scholarship with Virginia Tech. Both were on respective campuses by January.

Ray Beno /Georgia Tech

Beno has eye on ACC’s top prize in final year with Yellow Jackets

Just over six months later, the duo are already generating excitement among their college fan bases.

Both players are expected to start in their team’s season openers next week in front of a national television audience as the 2013 college football season begins.

Facyson gets his college career started back in Georgia as he comes home to play in the Georgia Dome as part of the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic against defending national champion Alabama.

Matthews’ first college game will also most likely come in a starting role, rare for a Bulldogs

defender under current coordinator Todd Grantham.

The former Cougar safety expects to be on the field when Georgia opens its season at Clemson in a battle of top-10 ranked teams.

Matthews and Facyson each enrolled at their schools in January in time to go through spring practice.

See FRESH, Page 9C

Adam Strakose, ZacK Fore West georgia

Zach peterson and Greg Spencer

By Doug Gorman dgorman@newnan.com

Strakose

Fore

Time is now for West Georgia defenders

When Ray Beno plays his last down of football for Georgia Tech later this year, he hopes all roads lead to the NFL much like several of his former Newnan Cougar teammates.

However, the 6-2, 295-pound senior offensive lineman is no doubt ready for life beyond the football field.

Beno recently earned a degree in Business Administration, and has started on a second major in economics in graduate school.

In five years as a member of the Yellow Jackets, the fifth-year senior has turned into one of the most heralded offensive lineman in the ACC. Beno Beno also comes back as one of the most experienced men up front for Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson's roster, which also includes freshman lineman Zach Harness of rival East Coweta.

A year ago, Beno started all 14 games for Tech, en route to the team's 7-7 record, including a 21-7 victory of USC in the Sun Bowl.

By CHRIS GOLTERMANN Special Photos

Zach Peterson, left, and Greg Spencer, right, are both First Lieutenants in Afghanistan. The two were

America’s Team

football teammates first at Northgate and then at West Point with Army’s program.

Former Northgate, Army football teammates Spencer, Peterson still blocking the opposition while serving country in Afghanistan

See BENO, Page 8C

has an explosive device buried on the other side of the 50-yard line. he uniform may have Peterson, who as a senior changed, but when starter at center was part Greg Spencer and of an Army lineup in 2010 Zach Peterson enter that snapped a 14-year bowl the field, they still absence, reached the 6-month strap on their helmets just as anniversary of his deploytight. ment in Afghanistan last The surroundings have week and hopes to be home to drastically changed, however, visit around Thanksgiving. for the former Northgate Spencer, who graduated football teammates, who also from the academy in 2009, is went on to standout college Zach Peterson, 1LT on his second tour and third careers with Army.

Bravo/3-15 IN trip to the country and could Their home turf, once be home by February accordas teammates on opposite green and lush like the finest carpet under bright sunshine, sides of the ball, Spencer as a ing to his father, Mark.

Military service has been defensive tackle, Peterson as is nothing more than a backa family tradition with the drop in drab shades of brown an offensive center with the Spencers for at least three Black Knights. from dirt and sand that now generations. Greg’s younger Foremost, it’s to again push engulfs them when the temsister Kelly, a graduate of forward at the line of scrimperatures soar in August. the Air Force Academy and mage.

In this case, it’s one The uniform is now camouflage; the team colors, red, that distinguishes where free- former volleyball standout, dom begins and terror ends in recently returned from a sixwhite and blue. a foreign land far from home. month stint in Afghanistan While currently on sepaworking in intelligence while This is no game, though, rate missions in Afghanibased in South Dakota. stan, their goals are much the especially when ‘teammates’ same as previous on the field can be prone to change alleSee SOLDIERS, Page 8C giances or when the opponent

By CHRIS GOLTERMANN cgoltermann@newnan.com

T

Photo courtesy Georgia Tech

In addition to playing every position on the line

“The lessons I learned playing football for Northgate and then West Point have developed me into the leader that I am today. The commitment and grind of a football season is something that you can draw parallels to a deployment”

during his career at Georgia Tech, Newnan lineman Ray Beno has a pair of pass receptions.

cgoltermann@newnan.com

Adam Strakose can only hope his final year of college football is as successful as his last one at Newnan High four years ago.

And it has little to do with individual achievements.

Strakose once helped lead a Cougars defensive unit that allowed an average of eight points a game on their way to the GHSA Class AAAAA semifinals in 2009. And the former AllCounty standout would like nothing better than to help lead West Georgia back into NCAA Division II playoffs for the first time in a dozen seasons this fall.

Playing 10 games over each of his first three seasons since arriving at Carrollton as a true freshman, Strakose finished the 2012 campaign as the Wolves’ second-leading tackler with 58, a dozen of which came against Shorter in the best single-game effort of any West Georgia defender.

Neither mattered much, however, in a disappointing 3-7 season that included four-point losses to Gulf South Conference schools West Alabama as well as newcomer Shorter. In four others, the Wolves gave up 35 points or more.

In the end, the statistic that stood out most was measured in wins and losses. Since Strakose arrived, it’s been a roller-coaster of highs and lows at West Georgia, starting with a similar 3-7 mark in 2010, followed by a rebound 6-5 campaign, only to see the program take another step back last fall.

“To be honest, I never really looked at my stats after the season,” said the 5-10, 231-pound senior linebacker. “I just want to win. Last year was very tough.

Coming from a place like Newnan and winning games like we did, it hasn’t been easy.”

See UWG, Page 8C

Jamal Ransby, Wil Lutz/Georgia State

A new State of mind

Ransby, Lutz hoping to take advantage of opportunities at Georgia State

Senior cornerback Jamal Ransby Photo by Kyle Hess/ Special

Photo by Paul Abell/Georgia State Athletics

Former Northgate kicker Wil Lutz won a starting job midway through the 2012 season.

See STATE, Page 8C

2C — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 21, 2013

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?/LOCALS IN COLLEGE

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

The following is a partial list of Coweta County athletes who will be appearing at college football programs this fall.

The Newnan Times-Herald will be posting updates periodically during the season. If you know someone who has been inadvertently left off this list, please e-mail Sports Editor Chris Goltermann at sports@newnan.com

Arnold

C. Beno

R. Beno

Brady

Godfrey

Harness

Harrison

McQuillen

Miller

Primm

Ransby

Raschen

Robinson

Rivera

AIR FORCE Drew Gibson - Trinity Christian (FB 6-1, 237, Fr.) Gibson, who graduated in December, will enter his first year at the academy after earning All-State honors. He finished with 82 tackles to go with 12 sacks and two fumble recoveries while also forcing three safeties.

At fullback he averaged 8.1 yards per carry and posted a four-touchdown game during a victory against Dominion Christian on Sept. 14.

ARMY Jake Peterson - Northgate (OL 6-2, 235, So.) Peterson, who played tackle on the USMAPS team as a freshman, is ready to compete for a starting job this fall while entering his third year in the program.

BERRY Edwin Rivera - Trinity Christian (LB 5-10, 200, Fr.): Rivera will play on Berry’s first football team starting this fall.

He was Trinity Christian’s leading tackler last year. Played two seasons at East Coweta before transferring to head coach Chris Hanson’s team.

Andrew Brady - Northgate (DB 5-10, 185, Fr.): Slated to play in the defensive backfield for Berry. Last season at Northgate, he was the Vikings’ fifth leading tackler, finishing with 55 tackles. He also had a fumble recover for the Vikings.

Roper

Sheldon Roper (Northgate)was named a team captain heading into his final season at Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

DeAndre Johnson - Northgate (DL 6-3, 311, Fr.) With plenty of height and size, Johnson was one of the leaders for the Vikings defensive line during his high school career.

Finished with 31 tackles a year ago.

Cole Trolinger - East Coweta (TE 6-5, 229, R-Fr) A preferred walk-on, Trolinger played on the Bulldogs scout teams last season.

Eddie McQuillen - Trinity Christian (OT 6-8, 300, R-So): McQuillen, who helped Trinity capture an 8-man football championship in 2010, played on scout teams last season and will get a chance to add to Georgia’s depth on the line of scrimmage this fall.

Chris Robinson - Newnan (RB, 5-8, 185, Jr.) The former All-County star running back increased his touches during his second year in the offense.

A year after gaining just under 100 yards on 18 touches as a freshman, Robinson doubled his carries for 233 yards rushing and three touchdowns, averaging 6.7 yards a carry while appearing in 10 of the Bears’ 12 games.

Jake Slagle - Northgate (OL, 6-1, 240, So.) Slagle enters his second year in the program after being redshirted last fall.

LINCOLN (Mo.) COLLEGE James Primm - Newnan (DT 5-10, 247, So. ) Playing in all 11 games as a freshman, BIRMINGHAM -SOUTHERN including nine starts, Primm Chaz Ferdinand - Newnan GEORGIA STATE finished with 22 tackles last (RB, 5-8, 200, Fr.): FerdiWil Lutz-Northgate (K/P fall, 13 of which were solo hits. nand enters his first season 6-0, 190, So.): Was one of six at the Division III school. The true freshman to see action at The 2011 Times-Herald CoDefensive Player of the Year Panthers finished with a 7-3 Georgia State last year. Began also had a sack and a fumble record last fall. He had 14 carhis career with the Panthers as recovery in his first season at ries for 34 yards as a senior at walk-on, but earned the startthe Division II school. Seven Newnan. ing place kick duties by the end of his solo tackles came over of the year, hitting all 18 of his the last five games of the 2012 CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY extra points. He was also 4-7 season.

Jimmie Reid - Newnan (OL, field goals. (See related story) 5-11, 315, So.) Reid enters his Alberry Melson - Newnan MacMURRAY COLLEGE second season at the Division (DL, 6-1, 235, Jr.): Melson enters Allen Maraman - East III school in Washington D.C. his second year in Georgia Coweta (QB, So) Maraman The Cardinals finished with a State’s program after transfer- enters his second year with 3-7 record last season. ring from Virginia Union. the Highlanders, who went 2-8 Jamal Ransby - Newnan last season for the Division III DORDT COLLEGE (CB, 5-8, 175, Sr.): The former program in Jacksonville, Ill. Michael Dayton - East Newnan Cougar is a three-year Coweta (LS, LB 5-8, 150, Fr.) letter winner for the Panthers.

MASSACHUSETTS MARIDayton signed with the NAIA He made 19 tackles last seaTIME ACADEMY school in March after helping son, but missed five games Sheldon Roper - Northgate lead the Indians on defense due to an injury. (See related (DB 6-2, 205, Sr.) The senior and special teams as a senior. story) cadet was rewarded for his The long snapper had 29 tackhard work through his first les and a fumble recovery in GEORGIA SOUTHERN three seasons at the acadhis final varsity season at East Dee Godfrey - East Coweta emy by being named one of Coweta.

(RB 5-9, 174, Fr.): The former the team’s four co-captains by Indians’ running back led East ninth-year head coach Jeremy FURMAN Coweta in rushing three years Cameron.

Ryan Storms-East Coweta including last season, rolling “This group has demon(OL 6-2, 270, Sr.):The East up 930 yards. strated effective leadership Coweta graduate enters his by example and commitfinal season with the Palament both on and off the field GEORGIA TECH dins while returning to start at throughout their careers at Ray Beno Newnan (OL right guard.. the Academy, and that leader6-2, 295, R-Sr.) Beno is enterThe 6-2, 270-pound redshirt ship will be a key component ing his last year with the Yellow senior has posted 21 starts in once again during the upcomJackets after starting every 25 career games. Storms has ing season,” said Cameron. game as a junior, including a improved with each season “They have gained the utmost victory over USC. Beno was at along the Furman offensive respect from their teamthe right place at the right time mates by instilling confidence line, and he heads into the season with a chance to garner last year, catching a tipped and camaraderie, and they ball against Duke for 9-yards All-SoCon accolades. will continue to represent the and a first down. Beno has Storms has been a starter program with great pride and since his redshirt freshman already graduated a degree in integrity.” season, Last year, he started business administration, and As a junior, Roper finished nine of 10 games before being is working on a degree in ecofourth among tacklers with sidelined for the season finale nomics. (See related story) 43, including 37 solo hits while against The Citadel. He earned also leading the defense with Zack Harness - East eight of his nine starts at right Coweta (OL 6-3, 315, Fr): Har- three interceptions. The Bucguard and one start (67 plays) ness is in his first year with the caneers will move into a new conference this fall as well, as at center against Presbyterian Yellow Jackets after a stellar after nearly four decades as (31-21 win). He also came off high school career with the a member of the New Engthe bench against Elon (31-17 Indians. win) to log 38 snaps.

“We’re real excited about it,” land Football Conference, Cameron’s crew will play a Storms graded out a season said Indians head coach Clint 10-game schedule in the newly high 92 percent on 63 plays Wade of Harness. formed nine-team MassachuHarness earned Newnan versus Coastal Carolina. setts State Collegiate Athletic Times Herald All-County and Conference.

All-Region 3-AAAAAA honors GEORGIA in 2012 Tray Matthews - Newnan MEMPHIS (S 6-0, 196, Fr.): Matthews folSpencer Smith - East HIRAM COLLEGE lows a pipeline from Newnan Coweta (K, Fr.) Smith earned Jacob Randig - Newnan (DB an opportunity after an High School straight to the 5-10, 178, Fr.) Randig is enterUniversity of Georgia after a impressive senior season in ing his first season at the Divi- Sharpsburg capped off by stellar career with the Cougars. Matthews played on both sion III school in Ohio. sharing MVP honors at the sides of the ball at Newnan Coalition Bowl for the CenLAGRANGE where he was a standout tral All-Stars in a 10-0 vicAdam Rabern - Northgate wide receiver and cornerback. tory. Smith was 32 of 32 on (OL 6-0, 260, Jr.): Saw action in PATs and 6 of 12 on field-goal Matthews, who committed two games for LaGrange last to Georgia before his junior attempts during his final year season, could start in the year. for the Indians while also averBulldogs’ secondary as a true aging over 36-yards per punt. freshman.

MERCER LENOIR-RHYNE

Hutcheson

Slagle

Ingram

Johnson

Smith

Storms

Lendell Arnold - Newnan (DB 5-9, 196, So.) Arnold arrives following a season at the Air Force’s Prep School Team. He signed with LenoirRhyne University out of high school following two seasons as a starting quarterback with the Cougars while earning AllCounty honors.

Alex Lakes - Northgate (RB, So.) Lakes, who initially signed with Air Force and played one season with the prep team as a freshmen, went through spring practice as a defender at West Georgia before transferring to Mercer.

David Raschen - Newnan (OL 6-4, 290, Fr.) Raschen is reunited with Arnold, his former offensive teammate from high school, after signing with Mercer in February. He earned All-County and All-Region honors as a senior with the Cougars.

Payton Usher - Northgate (RB 5-7, 162, So.) Usher got plenty of reps in the spring after signing with Mercer out of high school in February of 2012, and the former Viking standout now expects to be reunited with his backfield teammate, Alex Lakes. The two will now be competing for snaps in Bobby Lamb’s program, which will be non-scholarship in 2013 before being able to award them for the fall of 2014, when the Bears begin play in the Southern Conference.

MILLSAPS Ben Dudley - The Heritage School (P 5-10, 190, Fr.) Dudley begins his first year in the program after averaging 42.5 yards on punts during his senior year with the Hawks.

Dudley was also 49 of 55 on PATs and 3 of 4 on field-goal tries on special teams. He also was a dominating force on defense while helping Heritage reach last year’s Class AAA state championship game with 82 tackles and two sacks, two fumble recoveries and an interception.

NORTH GREENVILLE Nigel Gay - East Coweta (CB 5-9, 160, Fr.) The former Indian, who earned All-County and All-Region honors following his final varsity season begins his college career this fall for first year head coach Jeff Farrington, a former defensive coordinator at West Georgia and assistant at Furman who most recently coached at East Carolina.

POINT Brandon Ganey - Trinity Christian (OL, 6-5, 315, Fr.): Ganey begins his first year of college football after playing for Chris Hanson at Trinity.

REINHARDT COLLEGE Jamal Carlisle-Newnan (OL 6-1, 277 Fr.) Carlisle was part of Eagles head coach Danny Cronic’s second signing class in anticipation of beginning the program’s first season this fall.

The former Cougar earned AllRegion and All-County honors in his final varsity season.

Lakes

Lutz

Matthews

Trolinger

Tay Willis

M. Willis

Zach Hutcheson - East Coweta (QB 6-4, So.) Hutcheson makes his way back to Georgia from the West Coast following a season at Yuba Community College in Marysville, Calif. After redshirting at Delta State, Hutcheson connected on 100 of 109 attempts in his only season at Yuba, finishing with 1,099 yards passing and 10 touchdowns. He had just four interceptions over 10 games.

SCOTTSDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Isaiah Riddle - Northgate (LB 6-2, 230, So.) Riddle, who graduated Northgate in 2011, has become a sought-after JUCO recruit after transferring from Victory Valley College in California after posting 30 tackles in six games last season. ESPN.com’s Kipp Adams recently reported that Riddle has offers from Arizona, Hawaii and Wyoming heading into this fall.

SHORTER Austin Ingram - East Coweta (CB 6-2, 180 Sr.) Ingram, who played cornerback and was also a starting quarterback at East Coweta, enters his final year in Shorter’s young program, which will play a full Gulf South Conference schedule this fall following a 6-5 season. He began last year among a deep group of defensive backs that lost a pair of seniors to graduation.

Chris Beno - Newnan (OL 6-0, 270, So.) Beno enters his third season in the program while looking to increase his role on the offensive line. Off the field in June, Beno was part of the fifth group of 21 Shorter University studentathletes who took part in a week-long retreat to Montana along with six members of the athletic department and faculty. The group visited Two Moose Camp Gainey Ranch, a 6,000-plus acre facility created

by Georgia native and philanthropist Harvey Gainey and his wife Annie in Glen, Montana, located in the extreme southwestern corner of the state and nestled along the Big Hole River the shadow of 11,000foot Tweedy Mountain.

"It was amazing. I could definitely see God's work firsthand," “This was the greatest trip in my life. We only had a week with each other but by the end of it we came to love each other like a family."

Shorter assistant football coach and East Coweta football alum Paul Pitts has made all five outings to Montana and serves as the group coordinator.

"It really doesn't get old," said Pitts. "There's a lot of work to prepare to go, but once you get there and see the beauty of that area it's all worthwhile. The relationship with each other and with Christ – that's probably one of the biggest things you take away from the trip."

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS Tay Willis - East Coweta (RB 5-8, 165, Jr.); Michael Willis Northgate (RB 5-10, 197, Fr.) For the fourth consecutive year, SAMFORD Coweta County will a set of sibZach Barnett - Landlings as teammates on a college mark Christian (WR 5-10, roster. This time it’ll be a pair of 171, R-So.) Carson Barnett Landmark Christian (QB 6-1, former standout running backs in Tay and Michael Willis.

187 R-So.) The brothers from Tay, who did not play in 2012, Sharpsburg enter respective is coming off two seasons at redshirt-sophomore camHighland Community College paigns this fall with the Bulldogs while also joined this year in Kansas, where he rushed for in the program by a recent War 906 yards and six touchdowns Eagle in lineman Greg Pulliam. in two seasons while earning All-Jayhawk Conference honorable mention in 2010 and 2011.

SAVANNAH STATE He has been an All-Region Jovante Miller - East and All-State performer at Coweta (CB 6-0, 185, Sr.) East Coweta, rushing for 3,361 Miller, better known as J.J. in yards and 39 touchdowns in high school with the Indians, his last two varsity seasons. enters his final college season Michael arrives as a freshafter finishing with 11 tackles man after finishing his high in six games as a junior durschool career at Northgate. ing a schedule that included games against Oklahoma State He had 515 yards on 111 carries with two touchdowns and Florida State to open the as a senior before playing in 2012 schedule, finishing 1-10. the National Underclassmen The program enters the fall under new head coach Earnest Combine All-Star Game in Wilson, who was hired in June. December.

TROY Josh Harrison - Northgate (QB 6-1, 210, Fr.) Harrison earned an offer from the Trojans after throwing for 778 yards and five touchdowns last season at Northgate while connecting on 65 of 95 attempts.

A player from Coweta has been on the Troy roster for the last five seasons, as Harrison follows offensive lineman Kyle Wilborn (Heritage School), who played in the inaugural Raycom All-Star Classic in January before signing a free-agent tender with the Washington Redskins. Wilborn was cut in May. TUSKEGEE Courtez Glenn - Northgate (LB 6-0, 238, So) Glenn appeared in three games as a freshman during his first year with the Golden Tigers while recording a tackle. Tuskegee is coming off an impressive 10-2 season in 2012.

VIRGINIA TECH Brandon Facyson - Northgate (DB 6-2, 183, Fr.) After arriving in January following early graduation, Facyson has made an immediate impact on the depth chart and could see immediate playing time in his first year in Blacksburg. (see related story) WEST GEORGIA Adam Strakose - Newnan (LB 5-10, 231, Sr.) Strakose has been a key contributor since arriving at the Gulf South Conference school in Carrollton starting as a true freshmen and becoming a starting linebacker by the time he was a sophomore. As a junior, the former All-County standout came on strong in the Wolves’ final five games to finish second on the defense with 58 tackles, including 21 solo hits.

It included a season-high of 13 against Shorter among the team’s top individual effort. A whopping 44 of the 58 tackles came in the final five games of the season. Strakose has 92 career tackles, second among active players in the program heading into this fall.

Zack Fore - East Coweta (DL 6-1, 235, Jr.) The former Indians standout linebacker has made a successful move up front at West Georgia and saw action in all 10 of the Wolves games while finishing last year with 22 tackles. They included a season-high four against GSC rival Delta State.

Freshad Riles - Northgate (WR 6-1, 180, Jr.) Riles enters his first fall at West Georgia after transferring from Chattahoochee Tech.

David Singleton - East Coweta (CB 5-9, 160, R-Fr) The former All-County cornerback gets his first chance to earn playing time after being redshirted last season.

WEST GEORGIA TECH Quinton Dix-Newnan (RB 5-9, 235 Fr.); Darrell MorrowNewnan (DB 5-10, 180 Fr.); Traon Moss-Newnan (WR 5-11, 185 Fr.): Maurice White (ILB 5-8, 224, Fr.) The former Cougars will all continue careers with West Georgia Tech’s new program under head coach Walter Dunson.

The Golden Knights will begin play in 2014 as a NJCAA Division I program, the second in Georgia. Home games will be played at Heard County High.

YALE Candler Rich - Heritage School (WR 5-11, 190 Fr.): Rich was one the most versatile football players for the Heritage School Hawks. He leading the team to the GISA Class AAA state title game as senior and finished his career with 5,887 yards during his career.

He also finished his career with 102 touchdowns, scoring on both sides of the ball and on special teams during his high school career.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 3C

FOOTBALL 2013/HERITAGE SCHOOL

HERITAGE SCHOOL HAWKS

GISA Region 2-AAA Head coach KEvin Prisant

The 2013 HERITAGE SCHOOL HAWKS

8 reasons to push on

A year after soaring to new heights, Hawks rededicate themselves following tragic loss of teammate

By DOUG GORMAN dgorman@newnan.com

I

t will be difficult — and in some cases near impossible — for The Heritage School’s football to duplicate what they accomplished last season.

Just don’t tell that to Hawks players, who remain invested in goals that have remained the same since the end of the 2012 season.

Short of a championship trophy, last fall truly provided every hope and dream envisioned when deciding to begin a football program more than seven years ago.

Heritage jumped out on an eight-game unbeaten streak, earned their first playoff victory and then another Tyler Henson for good measure during an 11-2 record and a berth in the Georgia Independent Schools Association Class AAA state title game.

Already in his third year as head coach while still pushing 30 years of age, Kevin Prisant, has led the Hawks to 19 victories over two seasons. But his program has yet to face the kind of disadvantages they’ll be up against this fall.

The offseason, however, has been a somber reminder of a need to push forward past a series of setbacks starting with the final loss, continuing through a large graduating class and centered around saying goodbye to a fallen teammate.

The tragic death of rising senior Tyler Henson last May in a car accident still weighs heavily this year, from the No. 8 stitched on the sleeve of coaches’ polo shirts along with the words “Be Somebody,” to Henson’s jersey prominent in front-row center for this year’s team photo.

An All-State player on offense and defense at end, Henson’s presence is felt throughout the program. It’s been as much a rallying point for a roster that went from double-digit numbers among senior to less than a handful.

"We are doing a lot of things to keep his memory alive,” Prisant said.

A trip to preseason camp at Georgia Southwestern in Americus was as much a bonding exercise, as well as a chance to evaluate the returning roster, which includes only four seniors after losing a group that included 11 starters.

“This year, we just had to do a lot more teaching at camp than in past years,” he said.

“We had to find guys who can step up and play. We saw what guys in seven on seven could do, but at camp we got to see them in pads. We really had some leaders emerge.”

Adapting, however, is something the Hawks excelled at last season, partly due to the play of junior Brad Macke.

Macke led Heritage to its

2013 Roster

No. Name 1 Chaz Bankston 2 Hamp Smith 3 Harrison Holland 4 Jake Henderson 5 Haydon Stanley 10 Brad Macke 11 David Bready 12 Peyton Henson 14 David Barber 15 Carlisle Taylor 17 Tristan Stoffle 21 Matthew Burns 23 Chase Evans 27 Trevor Sawyers 28 Matt Henson 32 Dalton Trammell 33 Jake Trammell 34 Will Haugen 35 Davis McChondichie 44 Trevor Henson 47 Jay Macke 50 Hamp Carter 54 Caleb Woodruff 56 Patrick Pitzer 63 James Teirnan 66 Ryan Blackstone 74 Thomas Gruber 81 Kirby Arnall 82 Cole Jones 90 Harrison Schoolar

Pos. WR/LB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB RB/LB RB/LB QB/DB WR/DB/PK K/P WR/DB RB/DB RB/LB RB/LB WR/LB OL/DL OL/DL RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE/LB TE/LB OL/DL

Yr. Jr. Fr. Jr. So. So. Jr. Sr. So. So. Fr. Jr. So. Fr. Jr. So. Sr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Fr. So. Fr.

Photo by Jeffrey Leo

With a roster now dominated by younger players and only four

seniors, newcomers and underclassmen will be counted on to fill vacancies throughout the starting lineup.

2013 SCHEDULE Aug. 30 At Flint River Sept. 6 At Dominion Christian Sept. 13 At Community Christian Sept. 20 Dawson Street Sept. 27 Southland Academy Oct. 11 Mount de Sales* Oct. 18 At Stratford Academy* Oct. 25 Westminster * Nov. 1 Tattnall Square* Nov. 8 Trinity Christian* * Region 2-AAA Game

imagine the possibilities

Staff: Kevin Prisant (Head Coach, 3rd season), D.J. Clay, (Defensive Coordinator, defensive backs), Jeb Moody (defensive line), Murray Parks (assistant line) , Drew Henderson (running backs), Bart Henson (linebackers), Dean Henson (offensive personnel/ packages), Nathan Watts (offensive line).

undefeated start with senior quarterback Joe Bonner nursing a shoulder injury. He finished with 356 yards passing and six touchdowns while hitting just under 58-percent of his throws, a hair better than Bonner’s accuracy.

“He has really stepped up into a leadership role,” said Prisant. “He has sort of taken control. He might run the ball or pass the ball 20 times game.

I know that is a lot of snaps, but we are trying to play a little faster this year as far as getting the play calls in. We aren’t speeding things up, we are just trying to get out there and get the play off.”

Heritage will also get leadership from its four seniors, two of which start at linebacker for the Hawks — David Bready and Dalton Trammell.

“They have great work ethic,” Prisant said.

Starting anew, though, begins with understanding that a talented senior class led

by Candler Rich, now at Yale, won’t be walking back on the field, and that it may take two or three faces at running back to replace the 5,000 all-purpose yards and 100 touchdowns he racked up over the last five years of football at Heritage.

“You don’t replace Candler,” Prisant said. “We have guys, who are going to be playing 100 snaps a game, and then getting on the special teams.”

Bready will be one many who will seldom leave the field for the Hawks this year, expected to pick up his share of carries again on offense while also returning to his starting linebacker position.

He finished as Heritage’s second-leading rusher with

459 yards with four touchdowns. He also had another score among his eight pass receptions.

Bready may see his snaps at receiver increase with a group of young backs that excelled at the JV and feeder program level ready to add depth.

Sophomore Matt Burns is one of the players slated to take over in the backfield for Rich.

He is getting a lot of carries,” Prisant said. “We are confident in his ability.”

Of his 15 varsity carries last season, Burns averaged just under seven yards an attempt.

He has great vision,” Prisant said. “He cuts with purpose.

He isn’t just a speed guy, he is a true running back. He is going to be one of the guys, who carries the load.”

Freshman Chase Evans is working his way in at fullback during his varsity debut.

While the backfield won’t be able to duplicate the type of breakaway speed that Rich possessed, Prisant still feels his flex-option offense can be successful with sustained drives that both chew up the clock and keep opposing defenses on the field.

“We are going to have to be a drive team this year,” Prisant said. “We are giving Brad some freedom to do some stuff, but we have to keep the football.”

Waiting in the wings at quarterback behind Macke is sophomore Peyton Henson, a talented baseball player in the spring.

The line of scrimmage is one area of concern, with the bulk of last year’s starters to be replaced.

See HAWKS, Page 4C

Just as students are encouraged to challenge themselves academically, they

are also given the opportunity to reach their highest potential in athletics. In the school’s 12-sport athletic program, any student who wants to participate in competitive sports may do so, and his or her skills are strengthened in the process. The Heritage School offers three competitive football programs, at the Lower School, Middle School, and Varsity levels.

Come See What We’re About 2013 Heritage Hawks Varsity Football Schedule *All games at 7:30 unless otherwise noted Date Date

Opponent Opponent

Location Location

August 16

Frederica

Away - Sparta (8:00pm)

August 30

Flint River

Away

September 6

Dominion

Away

September 13

Community Christian

Home

September 20

Dawson Street

Home

September 27

Southland

Home

October 4

Mount de Sales

Homecoming

October 18

Stratford

Away

October 25

Westminster

Home

November 1

Tattnall

Away Home

November 8

Trinity

November 15

Playoffs

November 22

Playoffs

November 29

State Championship

The Heritage School is an independent, college preparatory school serving students ages 4 through twelfth grade. We are dually accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS).

2903 HIGHWAY 29 N • NEWNAN, GA 30263 770-253-9898 • www.heritagehawks.org

4C — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 21, 2013

FOOTBALL 2013/GISA SCHOOLS

ALL ABOUT ‘TEAM’ Dalton Trammell, Linebacker, Sr.

ALL ABOUT ‘TEAM’ Aaron Johnson, Tight end/Defensive end, Jr.

“Dalton does not care if he has any kind of glory.

He just wants what is best for the team.”

Heritage School head coach Kevin Prisant on Dalton Trammell

Photo by Chris Goltermann

A former fullback and top rusher for the Hawks, Dalton Trammell has accepted his new role as a fulltime defensive player at linebacker, where he was one of Heritage’s top tacklers in 2012.

Heritage School linebacker brings leadership to young Hawks lineup

By DOUG GORMAN dgorman@newnan.com

What defines a team leader?

Well, the adjectives Heritage School head football coach Kevin Prisant frequently uses in front of senior linebacker Dalton Trammell’s name are unselfish, hard-working and hard-nosed.

All fit the question above.

"Dalton does not care if he has any kind of glory," Prisant said. "He just wants what is best for the team."

Three years ago when Prisant arrived at the GISA school, Trammell was a talented fullback, who had rushed for 800 yards and 10 touchdowns the previous season while destined to be one of the Hawks' ball carriers heading into 2011.

A back injury changed his football fortunes and has since limited Trammell to defensive duties.

It hasn't stopped Trammell from being one of the school's hardest working and most productive football players.

"He has emerged as one our team leaders," Prisant said. "He is going to work hard everyday. He is that blue-collar guy. He just wants to line up and put a helmet on somebody. I would love to have him back at fullback, but he just can't do that anymore."

A year ago, Trammell was the team's fifthleading tackler in a year that ended in the GISA Class AAA state championship game against Deerfield-Windsor.

He began playing football as a 4-year-old, and has never stopped having passion the game.

"I love the camaraderie that comes with playing football," Trammell said. It's really like a brotherhood out there."

Trammell needed to look no further to last

HAWKS

spring as an example, when the Hawks rallied around each other for emotional support following the tragic death of friend and teammate Tyler Henson, who was also a member of Trammell’s graduating class.

"We are blessing him up, and doing whatever it takes to keep his memory alive," Trammell said. “It hasn’t been easy.”

Prisant hopes Trammell's desire and determination rubs off on the other members of the squad, especially, the younger players.

"It's a mentality, you can't just teach it into them," Prisant said. “You hope they realize by watching him what a little hard work can do.”

Trammell knows recapturing last year's success won't be easy, especially with such a young team.

“Team chemistry is going to be very important," he said. "We are really going to have to come together. We won't be the biggest or the fastest, but I think the team chemistry is going to keep us going."

When looking for guidance out of a smaller senior class and an influx of youth and new faces, The Heritage School coach has confidence in Trammell to bring the younger players along.

"Usually, you see quarterbacks and running backs who are your team leader, but there is no doubt that he is going to be our team leader all year," Prisant said.

For Trammell, it’s equally been a maturation process according to his coach.

"I think he saw that senior class last year and realized we had that big senior class, and he didn't have to be a leader, Prisant said. "He realizes now that he is part of a small senior class, and he is going to have to step up and lead. He took it upon himself, to put us on his shoulders and be the leader. You can’t ask for more than that.”

times on offense, and then was in on 50 plays on defense, including close to 13 tackles.

Continued from page 3C The Heritage secondary, meanwhile, returns junior Harrison Holland to lead Junior Thomas Gruber a younger crop of defenreturns and is expected to see sive backs. Holland had four playing time on the offeninterceptions a year ago, secsive and defensive lines, while Trevor Henson is also back on ond behind only Rich. Junior the offensive front after starting Tristan Stoffle, a Hawks cross-country runner is also as a sophomore.

“He is getting even stronger,” working with the unit with Sophomores Jake Henderson, Prisant said.

Haydon Stanley and PeyThe depth hopes to come from seniors Caleb Woodruff ton Henson, as well as freshmen Hamp Smith and Will and first-year player James Teirnan, junior transfer Davis Haugen.

Prisant isn’t going to let the McChondichie, and freshmen youth and inexperience be an Ryan Blackstone and Hamp excuse for not playing well.

Carter.

“These guys know the expecThe strength of the defense tations,” he said. “We are not could come at linebacker, a going to accept getting beat position led by veteran talent. because we got out worked.

Along with Bready, TramThat’s not going to happen. If mell was among team leaders with 71 tackles while being used we win, it is because we outworked them, and if we lose, we predominantly on defense and are going to go down swinging.” special teams, where he had Sophomore David Barber a blocked punt that was also and freshmen Carlisle Taylor returned for a touchdown.

Trevor Sawyers is also back are slated to handle kicking and punting duties this year. Former for his junior year at the posisenior lineman and linebacker tion after posting 85 tackles Ben Dudley, who averaged over and a team-high four fumble 40-yards a punt last season recoveries. He also caused two is now a freshman at Millturnovers. saps after being recruited as a “He is a real student of the specialist. game,” Prisant said. “He plays Also from the special teams with a lot of heart. He underside, Matthew Burns, Bready stand the concepts of football.” and Bankston will share kick Sophomore Cole Jones, who return duties. is going to play a major role at Prisant also expects Region tight end, will also see time at 2-AAA to again be tough with the linebacker spot.

Tattnall Square the bringing “He is making great strides,” back the most experienced Prisant said. “He is a hard players. worker.”

Stratford Academy brought Another linebacker, junior back former head coach Mark Chaz Bankston, has been one Farriba, who had been at Prince of the most improved players Avenue, and should also in the over the offseason. A year ago, mix with 15 starters returning.

Bankston was used primarily as Meanwhile, Prisant feels a kick-returner, but now will be Mount de Sales could be the used in several different areas, most athletic team the Hawks including receiver and wingcould face this year. The Cavaback on offense, and as one of liers are coming off a 2-9 seathe linebackers on defense. son, but the Macon power has “He is going to have to be one 12 starters returning. of our iron men,” Prisant said.

The Hawks close out the During a camp scrimmage, year at home against crosstown Bankston touched the ball 24 rival Trinity Christian. Last

year’s game determined the Region 2-AAA champion, won

by Heritage in a second-half comeback.

“That’s our senior night, and that could be for a playoff spot, so the game will be huge” Prisant said.

Johnson becomes ‘hit’ with Trinity staff as love of game grows

By CHRIS GOLTERMANN

“wasn’t sure about playing.”

“I had always been big for my age, so hitting never was an issue,” Aaron said. “By the time I Teammates are known for picking each other got to ninth grade, everybody came up to me [in up. For 6-foot-2 junior defensive end Aaron height].”

Johnson, it took one to knock him down prior He stuck with the Lions through spring, to his sophomore year in 2012 — three times though, and into a trip to preseason camp before in succession — to make a full commitment to former teammate Tim Bryant literally knocked Trinity Christian’s football program. some sense in him.

After breaking through as a sophomore “I didn’t really like getting hit that much defensive end last fall, Johnson is as valuable as before,” he said. “We were at football camp and any returning player for the I got hit three times in a row Lions, especially in the eyes really hard. I got right back of third-year head coach Chris up and that’s when I decided Hanson.

I really wanted to play foot“When we got him his first ball. At that point, I knew.” year, he was raw. But he has Committing himself to really bought into what we the program was the first want as a coaching staff, really step, finding a position in the bought into this team,” Hanfield was another. Defenson said. “He's a leader by sive coaches tried him in the example. [He’s] Very humble. secondary and outside lineGreat family, great kid, great backer with limited success values, good attitude.” early on.

Since arriving at Trinity “We had about a week to in 2011, Hanson and his staff go before the season and we have advocated the imporjust couldn't find a place for tance of unselfishness as well him so I said let's put him as an intensity toward practice at defensive end and see and preparation. On the field, Trinity Christian head what he does,” said Trinity the key word has been “attack coach Chris Hanson on coordinator J.P. Weaver. “He in all three phases,” said the Aaron Johnson had a great, great year there.

Lions head coach.

He was a huge part of our Johnson has been one of the defense.” team’s biggest believers.

The success seems to only “He understands his role. He understands have enhanced Johnson’s passion for the sport. what coaches ask. He's very fundamentally “He came to me this year and he wants to play sound,” Hanson said. “He’s just a silent leader, college football. So it’s been just a total shift in one of those lead by example kind of guys.” attitude,” Hanson said.

It took some reassurance, however, for JohnNow it’s just a matter for Johnson of waiting son to make the full commitment. just a little longer to make that first hit on an Taking up football hadn’t been as much a opponent since last November. Without a scrimchoice but a succession while following the lead mage in the spring or preseason, Lions defendof his older brother Emery in youth leagues. The ers have anxiously been awaiting that chance elder Johnson went on to help the Lions capfollowing a summer dominated by workouts. ture an 8-man football title in the Independent “The summer for us is tough, not fun at all,” Christian Schools of Georgia and Alabama in his he said. “Our coaches are saying all the time that hard work pays off. We definitely want to build senior year. on what we did last year in the playoffs. I think

By Aaron’s second year in high school last that first game against John Milledge, we’re year, though, he was close to giving up, and approached Hanson about it, telling him that he going to show we’re ready to play.” cgoltermann@newnan.com

“He understands his role. He understands what coaches ask. He’s very fundamentally sound. He’s just a silent leader, one of those lead by example kind of guys.”

Photo by Jeffrey Leo

Unsure about continuing his football career heading into last season, junior Aaron Johnson

recommitted himself after a trip to preseason camp in 2012 and has been a silent leader the past two years.

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Wednesday, August 21, 2013 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 5C

FOOTBALL 2013/TRINITY CHRISTIAN

TRINITY CHRISTIAN LIONS

GISA Region 2-AAA Head coach Chris Hanson

Photo by Jeffrey Leo

Trinity Christian tripled its win total from its first season of 11-man football in 2012 while earning the program’s first trip to the GISA state playoffs. But according to head coach Chris Hanson, there’s no looking back.

Taking success ‘one bite at a time’

By CHRIS GOLTERMANN cgoltermann@newnan.com

W

hat does eating an elephant and winning football games have in common? Apparently a lot at Trinity Christian. We’ll get to that later.

Right now, the Lions have been too busy focusing on the 2013 season. As good as last fall was at Trinity, which won six games (triple the previous year’s output ) along with a first-ever trip to the GISA state playoffs, there hasn’t been the slightest thump of a chest in the preseason.

“Until we go undefeated for four consecutive years, there's always room for improvement,” third-year head coach Chris Hanson said. “This year's no different. We lost some great players last year and we lost some good staff. But the biggest thing is we don't look back,” Defensively, the Lions allowed just under 16 points a game — a remarkable turnaround. They also earned respect by defeating two traditional GISA powers out of Macon in Tattnall Square and Mount de Sales before ending the season with a tough 10-7 loss to Westfield on the road in the first round of the postseason.

“To be a good leader and a team that moves forward, you have to look at what's going on and I think our guys are starting to understand that. This is a new year. We can't rely on a 6-4 year and first round of the state playoffs. We need to step our game up.”

The element of surprise is no longer an asset. Both Hanson and his assistants earned their share of kudos from opponents that had seen Trinity allow 28 points or more in every game in 2011 while scoring over 13 three times.

“Is the bullseye on our back a little bit more? Sure, because we had some success,” Hanson said. “People are going to expect a little more from us.

But that just makes it fun.”

Despite the loss of a large class of 13 seniors from the 2012 roster, the philosophy at Trinity hasn’t changed.

“From when we took over that first day to today, our philosophy is intact,” Hanson added. “The kids know what we're looking for from an offensive, defense and special teams philosophy. We want you to attack in all three phases.

We don't want you to be the attacked. And the aggressive solid play.”

The slate is again wiped clean and the focus remains on taking one practice, one game and one week at a time in order to take a step further this fall. ‘’What's so cool about football is that it gives you a broad perspective about life after football, because no year is going to be the same. You're going to go through seasons of life where some are tough as all get out. Some seasons you feel like you breeze through it,” Hanson said. “It's how you improvise and adapt to those changes and how you get everybody on the same page.

The quicker you can get everybody on the same page, and

2013 Roster

No. 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 22 23 24 28 35 38 42 43 44 45 46 50 51 52 55 56 63 65 66 68 71 72 74 75 79 80 85 88 90

Name Grant Hurston Jared Farlow Jordan Flagg Devin Colburn Jeremiah Pape Daniel Jones Daniel Shoates Rodney Neely Jr. Christopher Brownlee Christian Downs Joe Hogan Joss Hess David Ito Ben Kritko Gavin Smith J.D. Farlow Will Townsend Joshua Wren Conner Owen Aaron Johnson Robby Blanchard Diego Henriquez Bryan Railey Tanner Johnson Wyatt Martinez Zach Byrom Christian Stearley Noah Barrow Knox Panter Tyler Hood Bobby Marcum Jacob Downs Ty Templeton Clark Lord Christian Salvanera Jeremiah Panter Glen Whisby Michael Troyer Justyn Robinson Kyle Head

how you can get everybody to buy into 'team' over 'self' the more chance you have to be successful.”

Pos. QB/FB/DL/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB QB/WR/S RB/WR/DB OL/TE/DL WR/DB QB/TE/DE WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB FB/LB RB/DL WR/DB OL/LB/DB FB/DE OL/DE WR/DB TE/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/TE WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB OL/DL

Yr. So. So. Fr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Sr. So. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Fr. Sr. Fr. So. So. Fr. Fr. So. Sr. Sr. Fr. Sr. So. Fr. So.

Middle School the past four seasons, the team will christen a new on-campus stadium on Sept. 20 against Flint River following three consecutive road trips to start the year. From there, the Lions stay close to home, with six of the last seven games on the schedule inside Coweta County.

“We can start defending our home field. You always want to win at your home turf,” Hanson said, giving credit to Trinity’s booster club and school board.

“They have done a phenomenal job with facilities and getting stuff ready for this year.

They have worked tirelessly for three straight years to get it where we're at and they're still working.”

Along with excitement, expectations have a good rea-

2013 SCHEDULE Aug. 30 At John Milledge Sept. 6 At CrossPointe Sept. 13 At Dominion Christian Sept. 20 Flint River Academy Sept. 27 Piedmont Academy Oct. 11 Stratford

Academy* Oct. 18 Tattnall Square* Oct. 25 At Mount de Sales* Nov. 1 Westminster Nov. 8 At The Heritage School* * Region 2-AAA Game

son to be raised. While losing a senior class that included All-State and All-Region standouts at running back, fullback, defensive end and linebacker, the combination of returning contributors, new faces and an influx of talent from Trinity’s feeder program have varsity numbers at an all-time high.

Finding players to fill vacancies has also has become less of a burden. While the team lost three major pieces to the defense, including current college freshmen Drew Gibson (Air Force) and Edwin Rivera (Berry), there were more than 20 players on the unit that were involved in last year’s turnaround.

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6C — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 21, 2013

FOOTBALL 2013/HERITAGE CHRISTIAN

H

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN CRUSADERS

ISCGA 8-MAN South Region Head coach Paul Frantz

All for one, one for all Remaining coach, players from run to state title appearance refusing to quit

By CHRIS GOLTERMANN cgoltermann@newnan.com

2013 SCHEDULE Aug. 30 Harvester Christian Sept. 6 At Lafayette Christian Sept. 13 At Praise Academy Sept. 20 CrossPointe Christian Sept. 27 Ezekiel Academy Oct. 4 At Holy Ground Oct. 11 North Georgia Oct. 18 At ECS Oct. 25 Ballard (Ala.) Christian

O

ne step from the mountaintop, Heritage Christian’s football team nearly fell off the cliff and into a chasm among extinct high school programs.

Paul Frantz wouldn’t let that happen.

Frantz is the last football staff member left standing this summer with the school’s 8-man team just months after the Crusaders won more games and went deeper in the Independant Christian Schools of Georgia and Alabama playoffs than in the seven previous seasons.

With last year’s head coach Al Williams unable to return among a departure of staff members and even a few players from last year’s 9-2 lineup, which won nine consecutive games in between its first and final losses, left Frantz — a volunteer and parent of a former Heritage Christian player working for free - holding the ball.

“I just love doing it,” said Frantz, who works full-time, some weeks as much as 60 hours. “I feel like life is a lot like football. It’s not perfect.

It’s full of adversity and challenges. It forces commitment, dedication and hard work. I guess you could say this is my mission work. If I don’t do it, those kids here would have nowhere to play.”

But there was a point less than a month ago where even Frantz wondered if the school would ever play another football game following a loss to rival Ballard (Ala.) Christian in the 2012 ICSGA championship game.

“We got together on a Saturday to do some things like speed and agility drills. At that point we had maybe six or seven [players] and I put it out there,” Frantz said, “I told them I’m here as long as we have a

team.”

That’s when the team got together and was led in prayer by sophomore Brent Schultz, with the message that “if this is your will, make it happen.”

“Every week from there, the numbers have gone up,” said Frantz, whose team opens the season on Aug. 30 at home against Harvester Christian.

The Crusader roster has now capped off at 16, the maximum for schools in the ISCGA that use home-school students.

Despite the loss of four seniors there’s 11 returning players from the 2012 roster with the potential to repeat the successes from last fall.

The motivation has been obvious. At an earlier practice scheduled last Friday, Frantz was running behind and arrived later than hoped.

By the time he stepped on the field, players had already fin-

ished their stretching and running, had set up a defense of 8 garbage cans and were running offensive plays out of the huddle.

“That’s normal for this group,” Frantz said. “They know the drills as well as I do.”

This year, the ICGSA 8-man league is split between two four-team divisions, with Heritage and Ballard placed together in the South.

Heritage Christian put together copious amounts of yards even for the high-scoring games 8-man football can produce. The Crusaders averaged 54 points a game and scored as many as 94 in a single contest. Of their 55 touchdowns, 49 came on the ground, a ratio that doesn’t expect to change under Frantz, last year’s defensive coordinator.

While led last season by fullback J.D. Farlow, who has

transferred to nearby Trinity this fall, another reason for the team’s 4,000-plus yards of rushing remains intact. Heritage Christian should maintain a size advantage with a surplus of linemen.

“For me, it’s always about controlling the line of scrimmage,” Frantz said. “We have our starting offensive and defensive lines back. I don’t see any reason why we can’t compete for a championship.”

The Parkerson brothers, Christian, a 6-0, 210-pound senior and Jesse, a 5-10, 210pound junior are again among the big boys up front and have been a part of the program since their eighth-grade years while watching older brother Noah graduate in 2011.

Also back is senior Jerald Dewveal (6-1, 290) who expects to rotate around the ball at center and nose guard.

ALL ABOUT ‘TEAM’ Austin Stover, Running back/Safety, Jr.

Junior remains committed to Crusaders

By CHRIS GOLTERMANN cgoltermann@newnan.com

Austin Stover gave football a shot again last season at Heritage Christian, and unfortunately the sport gave him two right back - to the head.

A pair of concussions early in the season kept the 5-8, 175pound sophomore running back and safety was sidelined for the rest of the Crusaders run to last year’s Independent Christian Schools of Georgia and Alabama 8-man championship game. But he couldn’t keep himself away from the game.

Even while suffering from headaches early on, Stover wanted to help his teammates any way he could. So he kept showing up to practice to fill any need possible.

Cleared medically, he was still unsure of returning to football this spring. But Stover kept coming to workouts into the

Photo by Jeffrey Leo

When he was injured last season and unable to play, Austin

Stover continued to attend practices to help before choosing to come back on the field this year.

summer.

“He wasn’t sure about playing and he still had a deep attachment to the team,” Frantz said.

“He still came to practice and he still was setting up drills. He was still out running every day with the team.”

With numbers starting to

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dwindle and the Heritage Christian staff eventually reduced to just coach Paul Frantz, Stover still wanted to be a part of the program.

“He had asked me if it was OK with me to help out,” said Frantz. “I told him no matter what that he was always wel-

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come on any team that I coach.

He’s a great kid.”

Something changed, though, in his mindset recently at a time when his teammates needed him most.

“Football still meant a lot to me,” Stover said. “The seniors and I talked about it and I decided I wanted to come back and play.”

The Crusaders were more than happy to welcome him with open arms, though Frantz continues to keep an eye out.

So far, he’s passed his first tests of major contact without any problems.

“Two or three weeks in, he decided to be part of it,” Frantz said. “He took a pretty good shot the other day in practice and I glanced over his way to see. He didn’t seem to phase him a bit.

It’s good to have him out there again.”

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that worked for us last year.

Our roster is loaded at tackle, so let’s use our big offensive line to our advantage.”

The other senior along with Christian Parkerson, Winkley and Dewveall is newcomer Jonathan Howard, who at 6-foot-3 is one of the team’s fastest players and likely to fit in at both safety and wide receiver.

Juniors Conner Haydon, Photo by Jeffrey Leo McKinley Reece and Dakota With Dewveal and Jesse Park- Rainey are also back. erson both on the line, senior The newcomers include Jeremiah Winkley (6-0, 190) sophomore James Reese and will most likely shift from end freshman John Evans. to linebacker alongside ChrisTodd and Allen, both of tian Parkerson. whom did not play quarterback “He’s not happy about moving off the line,” joked Frantz of last year, are working at the position while vying for the Winkley. “We need him there. starting job. The other, regardBut I promised I’d give him a less, should be in the mix at taste of [defensive] line.”

Schultz, at 5-10, 200, will also running back with Stover and play defensive end.

Winkley.

The secondary includes “I expect big things from juniors Bailey Todd, Rodney Rodney and Bailey this year,” Allen and Austin Stover (see he said of his quarterback related story). contenders.

“The biggest thing is learnFrantz might be able to say ing the offense,” Frantz said. the same of this year’s Heri“I’m a defensive guy and I’m tage Christian Crusaders. not about to change the things

Wednesday, August 21, 2013 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 7C

FOOTBALL 2013/2-AAA/LANDMARK CHRISTIAN

HERITAGE SCHOOL HAWKS Head coach: Kevin Prisant (Third season, 19-5 overall) Coaching Staff: D.J. Clay, (Defensive Coordinator, defensive backs), Jeb Moody (defensive line), Murray Parks (line) , Drew Henderson (running backs), Bart Henson (linebackers), Dean Henson (offensive personnel/packages), Nathan Watts (offensive line).

2012 Record: 11-2 Points Scored/Avg. 486/40.5 Points Allowed/Avg. 214/17.8 Recent History: 2011 (8-3), 2010 (4-6), 2009 (6-5) Colors: Royal Blue, White and Red Stadium: Hawk Field Key Players: ILB Dalton Trammell (5-9, 180, Sr.), RB/LB David Bready (5-11, 170, Sr.), OL Trevor Henson (6-0, 200), LB Trevor Sawyers (5-8, 160, Jr.), TE/DE/LB Cole Jones (6-3, 160, So.) QB Brad Macke (5-10, 160, Jr.), DT Caleb Woodruff (6-2, 220, Sr.), RB Matt Burns (5-9, 160, So.), Strengths: Linebacker position should be stout with the return of Trammell, Sawyers and Bready.

Areas of Concern: Before the Hawks can turn their attention to replacing the production of star Candler Rich, the line of scrimmage needs to be rebuilt on both sides after suffering losses during the offseason.

Outlook: An emotional offseason should have the Hawks focused on honoring fallen teammate Tyler Henson. But with just four seniors on the roster and the majority of 2-AAA programs on the rise, this fall presents an even bigger challenge after setting high expectations in 2012.

2013 Schedule Aug. 30 At Flint River Sept. 6 At Dominion Christian Sept. 13 At Community Christian Sept. 20 Dawson Street Sept. 27 Southland Academy Oct. 11 Mount de Sales* Oct. 18 At Stratford Academy* Oct. 25 Westminster (Aug)* Nov. 1 Tattnall Square* Nov. 8 Trinity Christian* * Region 2-AAA game 2012 Results Overall: 11-2, Region 4-1 (1st) Aug. 31 Flint River W48-13 Sept. 7 Dominion Chr. W59-22 Sept. 14 Arlington Chr. W-Forfeit Sept. 21 At Dawson St. W44-6 Sept. 28 At Southland W48-21 Oct. 12 At Mt. de Sales* W36-22 Oct. 19 Stratford Aca.*W 35-0 Oct. 26 At Westminster* W49-13 Nov. 2 Tattnall Square* L38-35 Nov. 9 At Trinity Chr.* W29-14 * Region 2-AAA Game State Playoffs Nov. 16 Pinewood Chr. W42-27 Nov. 23 Westfield School W42-10 Nov. 30 At Deerfield-Win. L27-19

TRINITY CHRISTIAN LIONS

LIONS Continued from page 5C

“If you're a defensive lineman, you're going to be able to play tackle and play end. we have that understanding,” said Trinity defensive coordinator J.P. Weaver, who has coached with Hanson the past four years while previously together at The Heritage School. “Our defensive line, I'm excited about the setup because we've got people who can play defensive line and also linebacker.”

On offense, the team loses starting quarterback Conner Adams, but has three capable replacements for Weaver’s dad, Jeff, to choose from as the Lions first-year offensive coordinator.

Senior Daniel Shoates has seen snaps each of the last two seasons and is joined by Joe Hogan, who has been in Trinity’s program since its days of 8-man football in the ICSGA. Grant Hurston is also in the mix at quarterback.

“Who’s going to play that first game, we don’t know yet. All three can play,” Hanson said.

“I’m excited about having Jeff as a coordinator. Are we there yet?

No. We've got good athletes in position. The thing I like about our offense this year is that if we want to go hurry-up, we can go hurry-up. If we want to go slow, we can control the game.

Our job is to put the best 11 on the field. Those guys will be the guys that will contribute.”

Trinity also goes to work on replacing last year’s senior backfield of Warner and Gibson, a one-two punch of speed and power.

The Lions, though, may be able to duplicate it again this fall. Senior running back J.D. Farlow transfers in from nearby Heritage Christian along with younger brother Jared after rushing for 2,462 yards and 34 touchdowns in the ICSGA’s 8-man league en route to its league championship game.

With him is converted tight end Conner Owen at fullback, providing a powerful front blocker behind an already sizeable front line.

“We've got some talented guys in talented positions and they understand we're going to put them at the position we need them, not where they think they should be playing.

GISA REGION 2-AAA AT A GLANCE

Head Coach: Chris Hanson (Third season, 8-13) Coaching Staff: J.P. Weaver (Defensive Coordinator), Jeff Weaver (Offensive Coordinator), Kelby Holt (Secondary/Receivers), Mark Bryan (Defensive Line), Andrew Coggins (Offensive Line), Tyler Dunn 2012 Record: 6-5, 3-2 in 2-AAA (3rd) Points Scored/Avg: 241/24.1 Points Allowed/Avg: 156/15.6 Recent History (GISA): 2011 (2-8) Colors: Purple and White Stadium: TBD (on campus) Key Players: QB Joe Hogan, Sr.; QB/S Daniel Shoates, Sr.; WR/S Glen Whisby, Sr.; RB/DL J.D. Farlow, Sr.; FB/LB Conner Owen, Sr.; OL/DE Aaron Johnson, OL/DL Christian Stearley, OL/DL Chris Brownlee, Sr., OL Clark Lord, Sr., OL/DL Christian Salvanera, Sr., LB Gavin Smith, Jr., LB Diego Henriquez, Jr., CB Rodney Neely, Sr. Strengths: Another large senior class should help the Lions deal with the loss of last year’s 13 players to graduation. Size is also in the Lions favor with a large group of returners on the line. New starters at running back/fullback are capable of putting up big numbers much like last year. Talent at wide receiver should be deep as well.

Areas of Concern: The secondary lost three key members.

The team also is looking for a new kicker and punter after losing both of its top specialists last year.

Outlook: While all three of the region’s Macon-area schools have reloaded, Trinity has plenty of reason to feel optimistic about a return to the Class AAA playoffs. The schedule is in the Lions favor so long as Trinity can handle three-straight road games to start the year. They’ll then officially open a new on-campus stadium and stay close to home the rest of the way “Five weeks in a row we're home.

It's giving our fans a reward for those three years. Here's what your hard work has paid off for,” said head coach Chris Hanson.

“We can start defending our home field. You always want to win at your home turf.”

2013 Schedule Aug. 30 At John Milledge Sept. 6 At CrossPointe Academy Sept. 13 At Dominion Christian Sept. 20 Flint River Academy Sept. 27 Piedmont Academy Oct. 11 Stratford Academy* Oct. 18 Tattnall Square* Oct. 25 At Mount de Sales* Nov. 1 Westminster* Nov. 8 At The Heritage School* * Region 2-AAA Game 2012 Results Overall: 6-5; Region 3-2 (3rd) Aug. 31 John Milledge L14-6 Sept. 7 Arlington Chr. W-Forfeit Sept. 14 Dominion Chr. W42-0 Sept. 21 At Flint River L20-9

Sept. 28 At Piedmont Aca. W37-19 Oct. 12 At Stratford Aca.* L22-16 Oct. 19 At Tattnall Square*W47-21 Oct. 27 Mount de Sales*W33-14 Nov. 2 At Westminster* W30-7 Nov. 9 Heritage School* L29-14 State Playoffs Nov. 16 Westfield School L10-7 * Region 2-AAA Game

Both units hope to feed off each other as they did in 2012.

One of the biggest needs for an improvement on both sides of the ball, however, is how Trinity reacts after halftime, having squandered leads in league play, including one against Heritage School in the regular-season finale that cost the Lions a shot at the Region 2-AAA crown.

“That was a constant problem for us last year. That’s something we've got to address this year,” Hanson said. “What are we going to do differently when we come out of halftime and we're ahead and keep the pedal to the metal. Those are the things we had to adapt to as a team.”

The line of scrimmage should be a strength in Trinity’s hopes of keeping its footing in games.

Several players have elevated themselves including Clark Lord, who “is stepping up this year and has been a big surprise coming out of camp,” said Hanson.

Lord, Christian Stearley, Christian Salvanera and Bryan Railey give the team four seniors up front among Trinity’s group of 11 this season.

Juniors Aaron Johnson and Wyatt Martinez, sophomore Tyler Hood as well as a group of freshmen including Noah Barrow expect to provide choices for new line coach Andy Coggins, who joins the staff with Tyler Dunn to give Trinity four East Coweta football alumni with Hanson and J.P. Weaver.

Along with Coggins, receivers coach Kelby Holt arrives from Heritage Christian’s program and should have a deep group to work with led by 6-foot-4 senior Glen Whisby, who emerged as a go-to threat last season.

Juniors David Ito, Robby Blanchard and Christian Downs also return to go with a large group of younger players. They include sophomores Ty Templeton and Michael Troyer and freshmen Justin Robinson, Joss Hess, Ben Kritco and Zach Byrom. The program also welcomes newcomers Daniel Jones, a senior new to football, and junior Will Townsend.

The depth at tight end equally made it easy for Trinity to move Owen to fullback. Senior Chris Brownlee and junior Diego Henriquez are both capable of playing snaps while rotating in and out on defense.

Much of the defensive improvement according to Weaver was due to an improvement in technique and tackling.

After struggling in his first year to get players to adjust from the move from 8-man football, last year’s unit kept the team in games all year long despite losing Henriquez and fellow starting linebackers Gavin Smith and Landon Comeans to injuries along the way.

“We've come a long way in a little time and that's exciting,” Weaver said. “We have the same mentality, we want to attack and be physical. We hope to tackle well. One thing that was encouraging last year is we had a lot of coaches tell us after a game or say something to us that we were one of the best tackling teams they'd seen all year. That speaks volumes.”

With the loss of Rivera at middle linebacker, Weaver hopes to plug in Owen to go with Smith and Henriquez, both of whom earned starting jobs after sharing one to begin 2012. Stearley can also rotate between the defensive front and linebacker depending where he’s needed.

The line of scrimmage is loaded with four players — J.D. Farlow, Brownlee, Hurston and Aaron Johnson — all able to rotate at tight end. The tackles are led by Salvenera, with Martinez, Lord and Tanner Johnson also able to play the position.

The secondary loses three players, but will be centered by Shoates, an outstanding safety.

“I've been really impressed with him,” Weaver said. “He's become a leader back there.”

The other opening at the position looks to be filled by Jared Farlow, who led Heritage Christian with 10 interceptions last year.

Whisby’s size should be an advantage at corner, with Blanchard and Rodney Neely Jr. — track standouts during the spring — able to keep up with opposing receivers. The nucleus of Trinity’s wideouts is also working in the defensive backfield to provide depth.

Meanwhile, finding a kicker and punter on special teams has been a work in progress, but one that fits with Hanson’s philosophy of making progress one day at a time in practice.

“Something I ask the kids all the time is how do you eat an elephant?,” said Hanson.

“One bite at a time.”

Mount de Sales Cavaliers Head coach: Robert Slocum (129-124-2, 22 seasons at Mount de Sales, overall).

2012 record: 2-9, 1-4 in 2-AAA (5th) Points Scored/Avg.: 250/22.7 Points Allowed/Avg.356/32.4 Recent History: 2011 (7-4), 2010 (10-2), 2009 (5-7) Colors: Athletic Gold and White Stadium: Garvin Returning starters: Offense — 5, Defense — 7 Key players: RB/LB Alex Sands (6-0, 195, Sr.); QB Reed Ely (5-9, 170, Sr.); DE Zach Eisner (6-4, 235, Sr.); WR/OLB Carson Leatherwood (6-2, 180, Sr.), RB Voris Bryant (6-2, 190, Sr.), WR Carson Leatherwood (6-2, 190, Jr.), RB Keith Farris (6-1, 200, Jr.), DT Nick Hannon (6-1, 220 Jr.), ILB Dylan Moore (5-11, 230, Jr.), ILB Dallas Francis (6-0, 210, Jr.), RB Aubrey Evins (5-7, 160, Sr.), DT Trent Talton (6-1, 220, Jr.) Outlook: Heritage School head coach Kevin Prisant feels the Cavaliers have as much returning talent as any team in the region.

Sands is a good place to start having rushed for 1,100 yards last season. Leatherwood added 30 catches for 534 yards and 7 touchdowns. Also look for plenty of improvement from a defense that returns seven starters despite the team allowing more than 30 points per game a year ago.

2013 Schedule Aug. 30 Westwood School Sept. 6 Pinewood Christian Sept. 13 Deerfield-Windsor Sept. 27 At Westfield School Oct. 4 At Edmund Burke Oct. 11 At Trinity Christian* Oct. 18 The Heritage School* Oct. 25 At Tattnall Square* Nov. 1 Mount de Sales* Nov. 8 At Westminster (Aug)* *Region 2-AAA Game 2012 Results Aug. 31 Westwood School W17-0 Sept. 7 At Pinewood Chr.W20-12 Sept. 14 At Deerfield-WindL45-27 Sept. 28 Westfield School L17-13 Oct. 5 At Edmund BurkeW42-14 Oct. 12 Trinity Christian* W22-16 Oct. 19 At Heritage Sch.* L35-0 Oct. 26 Tattnall Square* W16-14 Nov. 2 At Mt. de Sales* W21-7 Nov. 9 Westminster* W45-7 * Region 2-AAA Game State Playoffs Nov. 16 Bulloch Aca. W24-7 Nov. 23 At Deerfield-Windsor L24-17 Stratford Academy Eagles Head coach: Mark Farriba (27-

20; 147-93-3, 22 seasons overall).

2012 record: 8-4, 4-1 in 2-AAA (2nd).

Points Scored/Avg.: 264/22.0 Points Allowed/Avg.: 198/16.5 Recent History: 2011 (11-2); 2010 (7-4), 2009 (5-7) Colors: Navy and Silver Returning starters: Offense — 7, Defense — 8 Key players: WB/S Conner Corbitt (5-11, 165, Jr,); FB/LB Thomas Williams (5-11, 175, Sr,); TE/DE Douglas Bradley (6-4, 210, Sr,); G/ LB Cole Thomason G (6-2, 175, Jr.); QB/CB John Mitchell (6-0, 160, Sr,); T/NT Austin Oren (6-0, 190, Sr,)., PK William Ham (6-2, 170, Sr.), Outlook: Farriba arrives for his second stint as head coach at Stratford after leading GHSA private school Prince Avenue Christian in Athens to the final four in back-to-back seasons. He takes over a GISA program that is also coming off a trip to the state semifinals and a slim 7-point loss to Deerfield-Windsor. The team’s four losses came against opponents with a combined record of 47-6.

2013 Schedule Aug. 30 Westwood School Sept. 6 Pinewood Christian Sept. 13 Deerfield-Windsor Sept. 27 At Westfield School Oct. 4 At Edmund Burke Oct. 11 At Trinity Christian* Oct. 18 The Heritage School* Oct. 25 At Tattnall Square* Nov. 1 Mount de Sales* Nov. 8 At Westminster (Aug)* *Region 2-AAA Game Tattnall Square Trojans Head coach: Clint Morgan (first season, Overall: 86-47-1, 12 seasons).

2012 record: 4-8, 3-2 in 2-AAA (4th) Points Scored: 283/23.5 Points Allowed: 281/23.4 Recent History: 2011 (11-2), 2010 (10-2), 2009 (10-3) Colors: Blue, Gold and White Returning starters: Offense — 7; Defense — 7 Key players: T/DT Scott McClendon (6-4, 260, Sr.); QB Lane Watson (6-2, 180, Sr.); G/LB Dakota Long (6-1, 210, Sr.); LB Jonathan Ward (6-0, 190, Jr.), LB Dakota Long (6-0, 210, Sr.), ATH Blake Simmons (5-1,1, 170, So.), DE Bradley Earles (6-1, 170, Jr.), DE Colby Easterwood (6-2, 180, Sr.), DB Cole Gaylord (5-10, 160, Jr.), DT Jacob Binner (6-0, 230, Jr.), ATH Aubren Kemp (5-11, 180, So.), PK Tevyn Rogers (5-8, 140, Sr.), C Jordan Laskey (5-10, 230, Sr.) Outlook: The biggest change is on the sidelines, where a Tattnall team will be led by someone other than 322 game winner Barney Hester for the first time since 1982. The roster is stacked however, led by Watson and McClendon, for a lineup that went

through a string of close losses in 2012.

2013 Schedule Friday Southland Academy Aug. 30 Westfield School Sept. 6 At John Milledge Sept. 13 Bethesda Academy Sept. 20 At Deerfield-Windsor Oct. 4 Westminster (Aug)* Oct. 18 At Trinity Christian* Oct. 25 Stratford Academy* Nov. 1 Heritage School* Nov. 8 At Mount de Sales* *Region 2-AAA Game 2012 Results Overall: 4-8; Region: 3-2 (4th) Aug. 24 At Southland L23-22, OT Aug. 31 At Westfield School L 3-2 Sept. 7 John Milledge Aca. L10-0 Sept. 14 At Bethesda Day L44-36 Sept. 21 Deerfield-Windsor L20-19 Sept. 28 Arlington Chris.W-Forfeit Oct. 5 At Westminster*W49-20 Oct. 19 Trinity Christian*L47-21 Oct. 26 At Stratford Aca.*L16-14 Nov. 2 At Heritage Sch.* W38-35 Nov. 9 Mount de Sales* W51-21 State Playoffs Nov. 16 at Deerfield-Win W42-21 Westminster-Augusta Wildcats Head Coach: Andrew Bryan (3rd season, 10-11 overall) 2012 Record: 6-5 Points Scored/Avg.: 305/27.8 Points Against: Avg.: 274/24.9 Recent History: 2011 (4-6), 2010 (1-9) Colors: Royal Blue, Silver and Black Key Players: QB R.J. Strauss, Sr., OL/LB Will Newton, Sr., OL/DL Josiah Smith, Sr., OL/DL Matt Kuhn, Sr., OL/DL Christian Bailey, Sr., OL/ DL Chandler Holgate, Sr., WR/DL David Bakalemwa, Sr., Outlook: After losing starting quarterback Tim Nabholz among a group of 10 seniors lost to graduation, the region schedule doesn’t get any easier.

2013 Schedule Friday At Curtis Baptist Aug. 30 At Creekside Christian Sept. 6 At Briarwood Academy Sept. 13 Bethlehem Christian Sept. 20 John Hancock Academy Sept. 27 Augusta Prep Oct. 4 At Tattnall Square* Oct. 18 Mount de Sales* Oct. 25 At The Heritage School* Nov. 1 At Trinity Christian* Nov. 8 Stratford Academy* *Region 2-AAA Game 2012 Results Overall 6-5, Region 2-AAA 0-5 (6th) Aug. 24 Curtis Baptist W21-6 Aug. 31 Creekside Chr. W41-6 Sept. 7 Briarwood Acad.W35-30 Sept. 14 At Bethlehem Chr.W44-6 Sept. 21 At John Hancock W68-6 Sept. 28 At Augusta Prep W34-7 Oct. 5 Tattnall Square* L49-20 Oct. 19 Mount de Sales* L40-14 Oct. 26 Heritage School* L49-14 Nov. 2 Trinity Christian* L30-7 Nov. 9 Stratford Aca.* L45-7 * Region 2-AAA Game

Landmark ready to make push again after another trip to semifinals Landmark Christian and the state playoffs just seem to go together.

The War Eagles have been there 11 of the past 12 seasons.

Two years ago, the squad advanced all the way to the Georgia Dome and the Class A Finals before losing to Savannah Christian.

Last season, Landmark came up just short, ending its season against Prince Avenue 32-22 in the semifinals.

It ended head coach Wayne Brantley’s first season as head coach as the War Eagles finished 9-4.

Brantley took over for longtime head coach Kenny Dallas who stepped down after the team’s Class A runner up finish two years ago after spending 11 seasons at the school in Fairburn with an 88-41 record.

Dallas left the school to enter the ministry at Grace Christian Academy.

The War Hawks enter the 2013 season with a blend of upperclassman and freshman.

Leading the way on defense, is senior linebacker William Higbie, who has led the team in tackles the past three yeas.

Higbie has quickly turned into a Division I recruit, with schools such as Oregon and Texas A&M showing interest.

Quarterback Stockton McGuire started the 2013 season as a freshman, leading the team to the playoffs.

Darius Smith will set the tone from the running back spot heading into his senior year and senior Michael Johnson will play center.

Senior Nolan Bryant anchors the secondary.

2013 Schedule Aug 23 At Calvary Day Aug. 30 At Athens Christian Sept. 6 Wilkinson County Sept. 13 Mount Paran Sept. 27 At Mount Vernon Oct. 4 Our Lady of Mercy* Oct. 11 At Strong Rock* Oct. 18 Pace Academy* Nov. 1 At Holy Innocents* Nov. 8 Eagle’s Landing

Christian* * Region 5-A game

8C — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 21, 2013

WHERE ARE THEY NOW Georgia Tech and former

BENO

Newnan High lineman Ray Beno is hoping to close out his career with a final bowl game appearance before possibly taking his chances at a pro career. Beno is already working on his second degree after graduating in May.

Continued from page 1C

"That was a really big win for us," said Beno. "It sort of got the Bowl-loss monkey off our back. Everybody has been working really hard to keep the momentum going."

Beno says its been exciting being part of Johnson's triple option.

"It's a complicated offense," he said. "It took me a couple of years to really grasp it."

Beno and his fellow linemen helped the Yellow Jackets lead the ACC in rushing offense and the unit was fourth among Division I programs.

Since his third season at Tech, Beno has remained a starter in the majority of the games the last two years, starting 12 of 13 games as a sophomore. He’s also been equally versatile, starting at center, guard and tackle during his career.

Although offensive lineman, aren't known for their good hands, Beno even has two pass receptions.

The first catch was a bit of a fluke, when he happened to be in the right place at the right time against Duke. The second against Georgia was more of a designed play.

His catch against the Blue Devils, came on a deflected pass, and picked up 9-yards and a first down. Tech went on to win the game 42-24.

"Some people say I saved the Duke game," he said.

The catch against the Bulldogs in the 42-10 loss was a designed play, but one he will remember despite the loss.

Both catches are among his fondest

Photo courtesy

memories during his time with the Yellow Jackets.

“Those are two big highlights for me,” he said.

One of Beno favorite moments also came two years ago, when Tech upset fifth-ranked Clemson.

“That was just a really big win for us,” he said. “Clemson was ranked high that year.”

It's taken plenty of discipline for Beno to balance this tough academic load that comes with being an athlete and a student at Tech.

He says his time under former Newnan head football coach Robert Herring paved the way for his success at Georgia Tech.

“It really prepare me to play college football," he said. “We really worked hard at Newnan.”

The Cougars’ lineup during Beno’s final varsity year included a future Divi-

STATE Despite spending a week in the hospital this summer battling flu-like symptoms, the former Cougar was feeling invigorated heading into preseason camp. An influx of changes, led by the arrival of first-year head coach Trent Miles, is at the forefront of a new attitude within the program.

“My junior year was pretty tough,” said Ransby, who has three career interceptions. “But we’re starting to realize what coaches really want from us.”

Not all that came out of 2012 was bad, though, especially for Lutz. The one-time Viking, who thrived as a high-school senior with booming kickoffs (70-percent touchbacks) and three field goals of 38-yards or longer, was headed for a red-

shirt year after walking on late at Georgia State when he found himself on a plane headed to play William & Mary and was told he was going to kick that Saturday.

“Our starting kicker missed the plane and that’s when they told me I’d be doing field goals,” said Lutz, who originally signed with Faulkner.

“I was expecting to get redshirted.”

Lutz kicked a 37 yarder for Georgia State’s only points to open the scoring against William & Mary and wound up staying as the starter through the team’s final six games,finishing second among Panthers’ scorers with 30 points while 4 of 7 on field-goal attempts and a perfect 18 of 18 on PATs. All three of Lutz’s misses came from 40 yards or better while connecting on his first four attempts of his college career.

Peterson wrote. ‘It can all be challenging when you have to take all of those things into consideration.”

According to a recent story in the Economist, over the next year, the United States is expected to remove as many as 28,000 vehicles and 40,000 shipping containers of equipment, a bulk of which through Highway 1, a military term known to soldiers as “the retrograde.” Reports have stated the process was expected to reach its peak by this summer.

The combination of assisting the retrograde and missions in the battlefield has been as much a challenge to Peterson.

“The pressure situations and stress I have experienced playing football is something that I draw back to when over here and faced with very high stake decisions,” he wrote. “ I think the football I have played has helped develop the mental toughness that I have now and has ultimately allowed me to have success in Afghanistan when operating in a high stress

environment.”

Spencer is equally in harm’s way while also a First Lieutenant assigned to 7-Special Forces, a unit that works with Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and constantly on the move between bases.

“Every once and awhile we’ll get an e-mail from him to let us know how he’s doing,” said Mark of contact with his son.

Both Spencer and Peterson, who had three fellow soldiers in his company killed in an IED explosion in late July, will be too busy to keep an eye on most college games this fall. But the aspect of the game Peterson said he misses most is being part of a big game in front of thousands of fans.

“The thing I miss most about football is all the preparation and detail that you put into a gameplan and then you go out in the field on Friday or Saturday and execute,” wrote Peterson, who still has hopes of becoming a coach someday.

“There is no better feeling.”

Continued from page 1C

Photo by Paul Abell/GSU

Georgia State senior Jamal Ransby hopes a standout senior year will get him some potential looks from the NFL.

SOLDIERS Continued from page 1C

Youngest sibling, Sean, enters his freshman year at the Naval Academy this fall as a football recruit after also graduating from Northgate in May. Years of football, however, have made their impact on the two former Army football teammates after teaching lifelessons regarding teamwork and leadership while facing long, grueling days that aren’t as clearly defined as wins and losses.

“The senior leadership of our company has been working 16-17 hour days since we got here, and that can become a drain. You have to continue to challenge yourself to remain positive and not get frustrated or complacent,” Peterson recently told the Times-Herald in an online chat. “I would absolutely tie football into what I am doing now. The lessons I learned playing football for Northgate and then West Point have developed me into the leader that I am today. The commitment and grind of a football season is something that you can draw parallels to a deployment” Now a First Lieutenant for Bravo 3-15, the goal, much like an offensive lineman, is to keep a clear and safe path on Highway 1. It’s a winding, dusty stretch of paved asphalt and potholes between Kabul in the east and Kandahar in the south that acts as a lifeline for soldiers and civilians for getting troops and supplies in and out of territories once controlled by the Taliban.

It’s also prime real estate for insurgents, who unlike a football opponent, cower in shadows waiting for sneak attacks to interrupt the progress or retrofitting a war-torn nation. Others who have initially pledged their allegiances to allies as part of the Afghan National Army, have turned, in attacks known to American soldiers as “green on blue.

“It is frustrating, and that factor just requires you to be all the more alert and aware when operating with them,”

sion I basketball player in Russell Powell, two future NFL rookies this fall (Alec Ogletree and Alan Bonner) and two other defenders in their final season of college football (Adam Strakose and Jamal Ransby).

Beno has enjoyed his time at Georgia Tech and learned some valuable lessons about time management.

"They say there are three things at Georgia Tech if you are an athlete, football, academics, and sleep, and one of them you can do after you graduate," Beno said.

With one degree already under his belt, Beno is hoping to close out his college career with an eye on the NFL. "I am going to work hard and try to impress the scouts," he said. "Hopefully, I will get to play in the Senior Bowl or some other all-star game and then have a pro day."

AUTO PAINTING ANY CAR • ANY COLOR

From

Photo courtesy of UWG Sports Information Department

Senior linebacker Adam Strakose feels West Georgia’s program

is ready to take a step toward to the Division II playoffs.

UWG Continued from page 1C

During the spring, Lutz connected from 35 and 40 yards during Georgia State’s final scrimmage while equally setting individual goals for this fall of maintaining 100-percent accuracy on PATs and connecting on 85 percent of his fieldgoal attempts.

“I’d like to be perfect from 45 yards and in,” he said. “(But) I want to see how camp goes.”

Meanwhile, Lutz agrees with Ransby that the new staff and an influx of energy has invigorated the program heading into Georgia State’s season opener next Friday night against Samford at the Georgia Dome.

“It’s a whole different atmosphere,” he said. “Everything’s new and exciting.”

Consider Strakose in the majority of Wolves players.

They include 6-1, 235-pound junior Zack Fore, whose individual contributions on defense have been just as important after arriving as a walk-on following a standout career at East Coweta as a linebacker.

Since being redshirted as a freshman, Fore has played in all 20 games the past two seasons, recording 22 tackles over the span.

Both players feel taking a step back in the right direction includes a change that starts internally with holding each other accountable according to Fore.

“That's a big thing. We're trying to incorporate that in everything and coming together as a team," Fore recently told the Carrollton Times-Georgian.

As part of this year’s senior class, Strakose feels he can be part of the solution. He

took matters in his own hands by adding 10 pounds in the offseason.

“It’s been different. I think we’ve got a little bit more continuity and leadership than in the past. I think we’re more focused now and know what to do.”

Strakose, who was named to last year’s All-GSC Academic squad and had a 3.75 GPA during the summer semester, has experienced his share of benchmark wins with the Wolves including wins over rivals Valdosta State and Delta State in 2011. But he feels it will take a bigger step toward making progress on the road to respectability. This year’s roster also includes local players David Singleton (East Coweta) and Freshad Riles (Northgate).

“My second year we won six games and beat Valdosta State and Delta State. No disrespect to either of those programs, but it didn’t make that much of a difference last year,” he said. “Making the playoffs might be a bigger step.”

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Wednesday, August 21, 2013 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 9C

FOOTBALL 2013/SCHEDULES

Plan your Football Weekends THIS FALL

TODAY Middle School 6:00 p.m. Covenant at Trinity Christian Friday, Aug. 23 High School 7:30 p.m. Marietta at Newnan 7:30 p.m. Veterans at Northgate (Scrimmage) 7:30 p.m. Wiregrass vs. Heritage Christian Thursday, Aug. 29 Middle School 7:00 p.m. Loganville at Trinity Christian ACC/SEC 6:00 p.m. North Carolina at South Carolina 9:15 p.m. Ole Miss at Vanderbilt Friday, Aug. 30 High School 7:30 p.m. Newnan at LaGrange 7:30 p.m. Henry County at East Coweta 7:30 p.m. Heritage-Conyers at Northgate 7:30 p.m. Heritage School at Flint River 7:30 p.m. Trinity Christian at John Milledge 7:30 p.m. Harvester Chr.vs. Heritage Christian State Colleges 7:00 p.m. Samford vs. Georgia State (Ga Dome) Saturday, Aug. 31 ACC/SEC 12:00 p.m. Elon at Georgia Tech 12:00 p.m. Villanova vs. Boston College 12:21 p.m. Toledo at Florida, PEACHTREE-TV 12:30 p.m. FIU vs. Maryland 12:30 p.m. Louisiana Tech vs. N.C. State 1:00 p.m. Rice at Texas A&M, ESPN 3:30 p.m. Mississippi State at Oklahoma State, 3:30 p.m. BYU at Virginia 3:30 p.m. Penn State vs. Syracuse 4:00 p.m. N.C. Central at Duke 4:00 p.m. Louisiana-Lafayette at Arkansas, 5:30 p.m. Alabama vs. Virginia Tech at

Georgia Dome, ESPN 6:00 p.m. Florida Atlantic at Miami 6:00 p.m. Austin Peay at Tennessee 7:00 p.m. Washington State at Auburn, ESPNU 7:00 p.m. Western Kentucky at Kentucky 8:00 p.m. Georgia at Clemson, ABC 9:00 p.m. LSU at TCU, ESPN TBA Murray State at Missouri State Colleges 12:00 p.m. Bluefield College at Point 6:00 p.m. Savannah State at Georgia Southern 6:00 p.m Reinhardt at Mercer Monday, Sept. 3 ACC 8:00 p.m. Florida State at Pittsburgh Thursday, Sept. 5 Junior Varsity 5:30 p.m. Newnan at Northgate 5:30 p.m. East Coweta at Fayette County Freshmen 5:30 p.m. Northgate at Newnan 5:30 p.m. Starr’s Mill at East Coweta Friday, Sept. 6 High School 7:30 p.m. Newnan at Sandy Creek 7:30 p.m. East Coweta at Archer 7:30 p.m. Northgate at Griffin 7:30 p.m. Heritage School at Dominion 7:30 p.m. Trinity Christian at CrossPointe 7:30 p.m. Heritage Chr. at Lafayette Christian ACC 8:00 p.m. Wake Forest at Boston College Saturday, Sept. 7 Middle School 11:30 a.m. Community Chr. Trinity Christian ACC/SEC 12:00 p.m. Florida at Miami, ESPN 12:00 p.m. South Carolina State at Clemson 12:00 p.m. Miami (Ohio) at Kentucky, 12:21 p.m. Western Kentucky at Tennessee, 12:30 p.m. Middle Tennessee at North Carolina 1:30 p.m. Western Carolina at Virginia Tech 3:30 p.m. Oregon at Virginia 3:30 p.m. Alcorn State at Mississppi State, CSS 3:30 p.m. Toledo at Missouri, ESPNU 4:00 p.m. Old Dominion at Maryland 4:30 p.m. South Carolina at Georgia, ESPN 4:30 p.m. Duke at Memphis 6:00 p.m. Richmond at N.C. State 6:00 p.m. Syracuse at Northwestern 7:00 p.m. Sam Houston State at Texas A&M 7:00 p.m. SE Missouri State at Ole Miss 7:30 p.m. Arkansas St. at Auburn, 7:30 p.m. Austin Peay at Vanderbilt, CSS State Colleges 11:00 a.m. Shorter at Charleston Southern 12:00 p.m. Edward Waters at Point 12:00 p.m. Lindsey Wilson at Reinhardt 1:00 p.m. West Georgia at Mars Hill 2:00 p.m. Valdosta State at Fort Valley State 2:00 p.m. Chattanooga vs. Ga. State (Ga. Dome) 6:00 p.m. St. Francis (Penn.) at Ga. Southern 6:00 p.m. Birmingham Southern at LaGrange 7:00 p.m. Albany State at North Greenville 7:00 p.m. Maryville at Berry (Barron Stadium) Sunday, Sept. 8 NFL 1:00 p.m. Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans (FOX) Thursday, Sept. 12 Middle School 5:00 p.m. Trinity Christian at Creekside Chr. Junior Varsity 5:30 p.m. Northgate at McIntosh 5:30 p.m. Fayette County at Newnan Freshmen 5:30 p.m. McIntosh at Northgate 5:30 p.m. Newnan at Starr’s Mill

5:30 p.m. East Coweta at Sandy Creek State Colleges 7:30 p.m. Mars Hill at Shorter Friday, Sept. 13 High School 7:30 p.m. Troup at Newnan 7:30 p.m. Sandy Creek at East Coweta 7:30 p.m. North Clayton at Northgate 7:30 p.m. Community Chr. at Heritage School 7:30 p.m. Trinity Christian at Dominion Chr. 7:30 p.m. Heritage Christian at Praise Academy Saturday, Sept. 14 ACC/SEC TBA Boston College at Southern Cal 12:00 p.m. Virginia Tech at East Carolina 12:00 p.m. Louisville at Kentucky, ESPN 12:21 p.m. Arkansas at Southern Miss, PEACHTREE-TV 12:30 p.m. Louisiana-Monroe at Wake Forest 12:30 p.m. New Mexico at Pittsburgh 3:30 p.m. Georgia Tech at Duke 3:30 p.m. Texas A&M at Alabama, CBS 3:30 p.m. Tennessee at Oregon, ABC/ESPN/

ESPN2 3:30 p.m. Nevada at Florida State 4:00 p.m. Wagner at Syracuse 7:00 p.m. Vanderbilt at South Carolina, ESPN/

ESPN2 7:00 p.m. Kent State at LSU, ESPN/ESPN2 7:30 p.m. Maryland at UConn 8:00 p.m. Ole Miss at Texas State Colleges 12:00 p.m. Georgia State at West Virginia 1:30 p.m. Reinhardt at Kentucky Christian 2:00 p.m. LaGrange at Millsaps 6:00 p.m. Fort Valley State at Savannah State 6:00 p.m. Warner at Mercer 7:00 p.m. Georgia Southern at Wofford 7:00 p.m. Miles at West Georgia 7:00 p.m. Tuskegee at Albany State Sunday, Sept. 15 NFL 1:00 p.m. St. Louis Rams at Atlanta Falcons (FOX) Thursday, Sept. 19 Junior Varsity 5:30 p.m. Newnan at Sandy Creek 5:30 p.m. Northgate at Whitewater 5:30 p.m. McIntosh at East Coweta Freshmen 5:30 p.m. Sandy Creek at Newnan 5:30 p.m. East Coweta at McIntosh 5:30 p.m. Whitewater at Northgate Middle School 6:00 p.m. Trinity Christian at Griffin Christian ACC 7:30 p.m. Clemson at N.C. State Friday, Sept. 20 High School 7:30 p.m. Ola at Northgate (Homecoming) 7:30 p.m. East Coweta vs. Lovejoy, Twelve Oaks 7:30 p.m. Dawson Street at Heritage School 7:30 p.m. Flint River at Trinity Christian 7:30 p.m. CrossPointe Chr. at Heritage Christian Saturday, Sept. 21 ACC/SEC TBA Bethune-Cookman at Florida State TBA Marshall at Virginia Tech TBA North Carolina at Georgia Tech TBA Pittsburgh at Duke TBA Savannah State at Miami TBA Tulane at Syracuse TBA VMI at Virginia TBA West Virginia at Maryland TBA Wake Forest at Army TBA Missouri at Indiana TBA SMU at Texas A&M TBA Colorado State at Alabama TBA Arkansas at Rutgers TBA Auburn at LSU TBA Tennessee at Florida TBA Vanderbilt at UMass TBA North Texas at Georgia TBA Troy at Mississippi State State Colleges 2:00 p.m. Jacksonville State vs. Ga. State(Dome) 2:00 p.m. Point at Millsaps 3:00 p.m. Fort Valley St. vs. Clark Atlanta, Griffin 6:00 p.m. Reinhardt at Faulkner 6:00 p.m. Berry at Mercer 7:00 p.m. Midwestern State at West Georgia 7:00 p.m. Shorter at Valdosta State 7:00 p.m. Elizabeth City State at Albany State Sunday, Sept. 22 NFL 4:05 p.m. Atlanta Falcons at Miami (FOX) Thursday, Sept. 26 Junior Varsity 5:30 p.m. Fayette County at Northgate 5:30 p.m. East Coweta at Starr’s Mill Freshmen 5:30 p.m. Northgate at Starr’s Mill 5:30 p.m. Fayette County at East Coweta Middle School 7:00 p.m. Trinity Christian at Heritage School Friday, Sept. 27 High School 7:30 p.m. Hardaway at Newnan (Homecoming) 7:30 p.m. Central (Ala.) at East Coweta 7:30 p.m. Northgate at Union Grove 7:30 p.m. Southland at Heritage School 7:30 p.m. Piedmont Aca. at Trinity Christian 7:30 p.m. Ezekiel Academy at Heritage Christian Saturday, Sept. 28 ACC/SEC TBA Central Michigan at N.C. State

TBA East Carolina at North Carolina TBA Florida State at Boston College TBA Miami at South Florida TBA Troy at Duke TBA Virginia at Pitt TBA Wake Forest at Clemson TBA Texas A&M at Arkansas TBA UAB at Vanderbilt TBA Florida at Kentucky TBA LSU at Georgia TBA Ole Miss at Alabama TBA South Carolina at Central Florida TBA Arkansas State at Missorui TBA South Alabama at Tennessee State Colleges 12:00 p.m. Bethel (Tenn.) at Reinhardt 1:00 p.m. Drake at Mercer 1:00 p.m. Greensboro at LaGrange 1:30 p.m. West Georgia at Shorter 2:00 p.m. Fort Valley State at Benedict 2:00 p.m. Berry at Rhodes 6:00 p.m. Chattanooga at Georgia Southern 6:00 p.m. Point at Gardner-Webb 6:00 p.m. Albany State at Miles 7:00 p.m. Angelo State at Valdosta State Sunday, Sept. 29 NFL 8:30 p.m. New England at Atlanta (NBC) Thursday, Oct. 3 Junior Varsity 5:30 p.m Newnan at Starr’s Mill 5:30 p.m. Northgate at East Coweta Freshmen 5:30 p.m. Fayette County at Newnan 5:30 p.m. East Coweta at Northgate Friday, Oct. 4 High School 7:30 p.m. Whitewater at Northgate 7:30 p.m. Mount de Sales at Heritage School 7:30 p.m. Heritage Christian at Holy Ground Saturday, Oct. 5 ACC/SEC TBA Army at Boston College TBA Ball State at Virginia TBA Clemson at Syracuse TBA Georgia Tech at Miami TBA Maryland at Florida State TBA N.C. State at Wake Forest TBA North Carolina at Virginia Tech TBA Missouri at Vanderbilt TBA Arkansas at Florida TBA Georgia at Tennessee TBA Kentucky at South Carolina TBA LSU at Mississippi State TBA Ole Miss at Auburn TBA Georgia State at Alabama State Colleges 1:00 p.m. LaGrange at N.C. Wesleyan 1:30 p.m. North Alabama at Shorter 1:30 p.m. Reinhardt at Union College 2:00 p.m. Point at West Georgia 2:00 p.m. Berry at Washington (Mo.) 3:00 p.m. Florida Tech at Valdosta State 3:00 p.m. Georgia Southern at Samford 6:00 p.m. Tuskegee at Fort Valley State TBA Mercer at San Diego TBA Georgia State at Alabama Sunday, Oct. 7 NFL 8:40 p.m. New York Jets at Atlanta Falcons (ESPN) Thursday, Oct. 10 Junior Varsity 5:30 p.m. Sandy Creek at Northgate 5:30 p.m. East Coweta at Newnan Freshmen 5:30 p.m. Newnan at East Coweta 5:30 p.m. Northgate at Sandy Creek Middle School 6:00 p.m. Flint River at Trinity Christian State Colleges 7:00 p.m. Valdosta State at West Alabama Friday, Oct. 11 High School 7:30 p.m. Westlake at East Coweta 7:30 p.m. Tri-Cities at Newnan 7:30 p.m. Northgate at Creekside 7:30 p.m. Stratford Academy at Trinity Christian 7:30 p.m. North Georgia Chr. at Heritage Chr. Saturday, Oct. 12 ACC/SEC TBA Boston College at Clemson TBA Georgia Tech at BYU TBA Navy at Duke TBA Pittsburgh at Virginia Tech TBA Syracuse at N.C. State TBA Virginia at Maryland TBA Missouri at Georgia TBA Texas A&M at Ole Miss TBA Alabama at Kentucky TBA Florida at LSU TBA South Carolina at Arkansas TBA Bowling Green at Mississippi State TBA South Carolina at Auburn State Colleges 12:00 p.m. Alderson-Broaddus at Point 12:00 p.m. Valparaiso at Mercer 1:00 p.m. Centre (Ky.) at Berry (Darlington) 1:00 p.m. Maryville (Tenn.) at LaGrange 1:30 p.m. Carson-Newman at Shorter 1:30 p.m. Fort Valley State at Kentucky State 2:00 p.m. Albany State at Lane College 3:30 p.m. Georgia Southern at Appalachian St. 3:30 p.m. Troy vs. Georgia State ( Dome) 7:00 p.m. West Georgia at North Alabama Thursday, Oct. 17 Junior Varsity 5:30 p.m. East Coweta at Whitewater 5:30 p.m. McIntosh at Newnan

5:30 p.m. Starr’s Mill at Northgate Freshmen 5:30 p.m. Whitewater at East Coweta 5:30 p.m. Newnan at McIntosh 5:30 p.m. Northgate at Fayette County ACC 7:30 p.m. Miami at North Carolina State Colleges 6:00 p.m. Fort Valley State at Washburn (Kan.) Friday, Oct. 18 High School 7:30 p.m. East Coweta at Tri-Cities 7:30 p.m. Newnan at Langston Hughes 7:30 p.m. Heritage School at Stratford Academy 7:30 p.m. Tattnall Square at Trinity Christian Saturday, Oct. 19 Middle School 1:30 p.m. Young Americans at Trinity Christian ACC/SEC TBA Duke at Virginia TBA Florida State at Clemson TBA Maryland at Wake Forest TBA Old Dominion at Pittsburgh TBA Syracuse at Georgia Tech TBA Arkansas at Alabama TBA Auburn at Texas A&M TBA Florida at Missouri TBA Georgia at Vanderbilt TBA LSU at Ole Miss TBA South Carolina at Tennessee State Colleges 12:00 p.m. Belhaven at Reinhardt 1:00 p.m. Carnegie Mellon at Mercer 1:00 p.m. Point at Webber International 2:00 p.m. Valdosta State at West Georgia 2:00 p.m. Shorter at Florida Tech 2:00 p.m. Morehouse at Albany State 2:00 p.m. Berry at Hendrix (Ark.) 6:00 p.m. Huntingdon at LaGrange 7:00 p.m. Georgia State at Texas State Sunday, Oct. 20 NFL 1:00 p.m. Tampa Bay at Atlanta Falcons (FOX) Thursday, Oct. 24 SEC 7:30 p.m. Kentucky at Mississippi State, ESPN State Colleges 7:00 p.m. Delta State at Shorter College Friday, Oct. 25 High School 7:30 p.m. Starr’s Mill at Northgate 7:30 p.m. Langston Hughes at East Coweta 7:30 p.m. Newnan at Douglas County 7:30 p.m. Westminster-Aug. at Heritage School 7:30 p.m. Trinity Christian at Mount de Sales 7:30 p.m. Ballard (Ala.) vs. Heritage Christian Saturday, Oct. 26 ACC/SEC TBA Boston College at North Carolina TBA Clemson at Maryland TBA Duke at Virginia Tech TBA Georgia Tech at Virginia TBA N.C. State at Florida State TBA Wake Forest at Miami 1:00 p.m. Pittsburgh at Navy TBA South Carolina at Missouri TBA Tennessee at Alabama TBA Vanderbilt at Texas A&M TBA Florida Atlantic at Auburn TBA Idaho at Ole Miss TBA Furman at LSU State Colleges 12:00 p.m. U of the Cumberlands at Reinhardt 1:00 p.m. Birmingham-Sou. at Berry (Darlington) 1:00 p.m. LaGrange at Methodist (N.C.) 2:00 p.m. Point at Presbyterian 2:00 p.m. North Alabama at Valdosta State 2:00 p.m. Albany State at Clark Atlanta 2:00 p.m. Concordia-Selma at Fort Valley 4:00 p.m. Mercer at Campbell (N.C.) 7:00 p.m. West Georgia at West Alabama 7:00 p.m. Georgia State at Louisiana-Monroe Sunday, Oct. 27 NFL 4:25 p.m. Atlanta Falcons at Arizona (FOX) Friday, Nov. 1 High School 7:30 p.m. Douglas County at East Coweta 7:30 p.m. Westlake at Newnan 7:30 p.m. Northgate at McIntosh 7:30 p.m. Heritage School at Tattnall Square 7:30 p.m. Westminster-Aug. at Trinity Christian TBA ICSGA Quarterfinals Saturday, Nov. 2 ACC/SEC TBA Clemson at Virginia TBA Miami at Florida State TBA North Carolina at N.C. State TBA Pittsburgh at Georgia Tech TBA Virginia Tech at Boston College TBA Wake Forest at Syracuse 3:30 p.m. Florida vs. Georgia, CBS TBA UTEP at Texas A&M TBA Auburn at Arkansas TBA Mississippi State at South Carolina TBA Tennessee at Missouri TBA Alabama State at Kentucky State Colleges 1:00 p.m. W. Kentucky vs. Georgia St. (Dome) 2:00 p.m. Florida Tech at West Georgia 2:00 p.m. Furman at Georgia Southern 2:00 p.m. Benedict College at Albany State 2:00 p.m. Berry at Millsaps 5:00 p.m. Valdosta State at Delta State 6:00 p.m. Shorter at Clark Atlanta 6:00 p.m. Morehouse at Fort Valley State 6:00 p.m. Chris. Newport at LaGrange TBA Mercer at Davidson

Sunday, Nov. 3 NFL 1:00 p.m. Atlanta Falcons at Carolina (FOX) Friday, Nov. 8 High School 7:30 p.m. East Coweta at Newnan 7:30 p.m. Northgate vs. TBA (Region Play-In ) 7:30 p.m. Trinity Christian at Heritage School TBA ICGSA Semifinals Saturday, Nov. 9 ACC/SEC TBA Boston College at New Mexico State TBA Florida State at Wake Forest TBA N.C. State at Duke TBA Notre Dame at Pittsburgh TBA Syracuse at Maryland TBA Virginia at North Carolina TBA Virginia Tech at Miami TBA Missouri at Kentucky TBA Arkansas at Ole Miss TBA Auburn at Tennessee TBA LSU at Alabama TBA Mississippi State at Texas A&M TBA Vanderbilt at Florida TBA Appalachian State at Georgia State Colleges 12:00 p.m. Ave Maria at Point 12:00 p.m. Cumberland at Reinhardt 1:00 p.m. LaGrange at Ferrum (Va.) 2:00 p.m. Western Carolina at Ga. Southern 2:00 p.m. UNC-Pembroke at Valdosta State 2:00 p.m. Fort Valley St. vs. Albany St., Columbus 2:00 p.m. Sewanee (Tenn.) at Berry (Barron) 7:00 p.m. West Georgia at West Texas A&M 8:00 p.m. Shorter at West Alabama TBA Jacksonville at Mercer Sunday, Nov. 10 NFL 1:00 p.m. Seattle Seahawks at Atlanta Falcons (FOX) Thursday, Nov. 14 ACC 6:30 p.m. Georgia Tech at Clemson State Colleges 7:00 p.m Point vs. Shorter at Callaway Stadium Friday, Nov. 15 High Schools TBA GHSA First Round State Playoffs TBA GISA First Round State Playoffs Saturday, Nov. 16 High Schools TBA ICSGA Championship ACC/SEC TBA Maryland at Virginia Tech TBA Miami at Duke TBA N.C. State at Boston College TBA North Carolina at Pittsburgh TBA Syracuse at Florida State TBA Alabama at Mississippi State TBA Florida at South Carolian TBA Georgia at Auburn TBA Kentucky at Vanderbilt TBA Troy at Ole Miss State Colleges 1:00 p.m. LaGrange at Averett (Va.) 1:30 p.m. Reinhardt at Campbellsville 2:00 p.m. Delta State at West Georgia 2:00 p.m. La.-Lafayette vs. Ga. State (Dome) 3:00 p.m. Georgia Southern at Elon 8:00 p.m. Valdosta State at Texas A&M-Kingsville TBA Mercer at Marist (N.Y.) Sunday, Nov. 17 NFL 1:00 p.m. Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay (FOX) Thursday, Nov. 21 NFL 8:25 p.m. New Orleans at Atlanta (NFL NET) Friday, Nov. 22 High Schools TBA GHSA Second Round State Playoffs TBA GISA Class AAA Semifinals Saturday, Nov. 23 ACC/SEC TBA Alabama A&M at Georgia Tech TBA Boston College at Maryland TBA Duke at Wake Forest TBA East Carolina at N.C. State TBA Idaho at Florida State TBA Old Dominion at North Carolina TBA The Citadel at Clemson TBA Virginia at Miami TBA Pittsburgh at Syracuse TBA Missouri at Ole Miss TBA Texas A&M at LSU TBA Kentucky at Georgia TBA Mississippi State at Arkansas TBA Vanderbilt at Tennessee TBA Chattanooga at Alabama TBA Coastal Carolina at South Carolina TBA Georgia Southern at Florida State Colleges 4:00 p.m. Stetson at Mercer TBA Georgia State at Arkansas State TBA Georgia Southern at Florida Thursday, Nov. 28 SEC 7:30 p.m. Ole Miss at Mississippi State, ESPN Friday, Nov. 29 High Schools TBA GHSA State Quarterfinals TBA GISA Class AAA Championship SEC 2:30 p.m. Arkansas at LSU, CBS Saturday, Nov. 30 ACC/SEC TBA Clemson at South Carolina TBA Duke at North Carolina TBA Florida State at Florida TBA Georgia at Georgia Tech

FRESH Continued from page 1C

They have been impressing their college coaches ever since stepping on campus.

With his arrival in Athens, Matthews continued a Newnan tradition of players heading from Drake Stadium to Sanford Stadium on the Georgia campus.

Former Newnan and Georgia standout Alec Ogletree is getting ready to start his rookie season with the St. Louis Rams after getting selected in the first round in this year’s NFL draft.

Ogletree broke into the Bulldogs lineup midway through his freshman season.

Matthews committed to the Bulldogs after attending a camp at Georgia in the summer between his sophomore and junior years.

Even after accepting an offer from the Bulldogs, other schools tried to lure Matthews, including SEC rivals Auburn, Alabama, Arkansas and Florida,, but Matthews never wavered in his decision to wear the Red and Black.

Matthews told the Newnan Times Herald back in February when he returned to Newnan to sign his letter of intent that he was optimistic about getting playing time right away, especially since he was able to go through spring practice.

“It will be very beneficial to me” he said back then. “I am getting the playbook early, so I have a good chance to play.”

Facyson was also hot on recruiters’ wish list. The former Northgate star received offers from at least 13 schools, including Georgia Tech, where he would have been a teammate with former Newnan Cougar and current red-shirt senior Ray Beno.

He was also offered a scholarship from ACC newcomers Louisville, Syracuse and Pittsburgh.

Mississippi, and Mississippi State were among the teams that offered Facyson a scholarship from the SEC. He was solid on Virginia Tech from his first recruiting visit to Blacksburg.

“Virginia Tech made me my first offer in the spring of my 11th grade year. Coach (Torrian) Gray came down, and he picked

it up in the recruiting process more than anyone else. I had 22 offers, and he was coming down there multiple times a year. So he really inf luenced me, and then I came for my official visit and loved everything about Virginia Tech. I loved the campus.

I loved the coaches, and they made me feel like I was important. Coach (Frank) Beamer said that even if I got hurt, I’d still have my scholarship.”

Facyson played on both sides of the ball last year for the Vikings, turning into a surehanded wide receiver and leading his team with 25 receptions.

It is on the defensive side of the ball where he is expected to play for the Hokies.

A year ago, opposing teams did everything they could to throw away from Facyson.

D e spite opp onent s b e st efforts, Facyson was still in on 25 tackles and had five pass break up.

Matthews has battled shoulders and hamstring injuries the past couple of weeks, but he is expected to be fine when the season begins a week from Saturday at 8 p.m.

Reports out of Athens have him practicing at close to 75 percent.

The Newnan graduate was a standout on both sides of the ball for the Cougars last year, finishing with 29 catches from his wide receiver spot and adding 65 tackles.

Before reporting to Georgia in time to start the winter semester last January, Matthews played in the U.S. Army All-Star game.

Facyson enters his freshman year with more on his mind than racking up ACC accolades.

The true-student athletes comes from a family that puts just as much emphasis on grades as interceptions.

His mother is a Florida A&M graduate, dad a Florida graduate, and stepdad a graduate of Xavier University.

Facyson won’t be done with school after his eligibility is up at Virginia Tech.

The Northgate graduate sees medical school in his future with hopes of being a heart surgeon.

“I want to help people,” he told Roanoke Times blogger Aaron McFarling. “I have always been a person to help others, even if it means putting others ahead of me.”

10C — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 21, 2013

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