Football Preview 2011http://issuu.com/unionrecorder/docs/september2011

By STEVEN CARY stevencary@unionrecorder.com

In only his second year as head coach of the Baldwin High School football team, Dexter Copeland is looking to improve upon the 10-2 mark that the Braves set last season.

Copeland and his staff have spent long hours trying to get the team to become more of a unit in the off-season.

“Basically, we’re trying to get better as a football team. Last year we were a divided football team,” he said. “I think last year, at the end of the year, we became one whole team; at the beginning of the year, when I first got here, we were the most divided football team. We’re just trying to get better at becoming a team.”

He attributes the closeness of this year’s team to the strong senior leadership that has captured the team in the locker room.

“This year we’ve got a tremendous senior class, and we’ve got tremendous leaders in that senior class and they want to win,” Copeland said. “They’ve been to the playoffs every

year, but they haven’t kicked the door down. This is their senior year, and they’ve got some big lofty goals that they want to achieve, and they have been working hard all summer, all during the off-season trying to get to where they are now.”

While Copeland has kept changes in the team’s schemes to a minimum, he has implemented a few minor changes in positions.

“Something different this year, some guys are going to play both ways, not all the time, but we’ve got to put some of our playmakers on defense; we’ve got to let them play some offense,” Copeland said. “We got two or three seniors that are going to have to play both ways, and that’s going to be the biggest difference, but we’ve just got to get better at what we’re doing.”

With momentum carrying over from last season, the Braves hope to mature throughout the season, as there are several highly touted teams in the Georgia High School Association Region 2-AAA. The first big test will come against Burke County High School

in the season opener.

“They are a top-5 ranked football team; they made it to the semifinals last year,” Copeland said.

“They’re returning like 16 starters back from last year’s football team. And also, every game in our region is tough. We got perennial favorites Peach County at the end of the year; Westside is going to be a good football team, and Mary Persons is bringing back 21 seniors this year.”

Copeland’s Braves face the exact opposite of what the team had last year with many upperclassmen.

“Last year we were the older team; this year we’re

the younger team, everybody else is bringing their players back,” he said. “So we have to grow up and grow up in a hurry.”

In order to make up for the lack of upperclassmen, Copeland believes that it is the position meetings and attention to detail that will help his team rise to the occasion in the 2011 season.

“Taking care of the little things will help you win football games,” he said.

HAVE A GREAT SEASON

Senior QB

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s a senior for the Baldwin High Braves in 2011, DeAndre Thomas, quarterback, has high expectations for the upcoming season.

Thomas has had a decorated career at BHS, going 9-3 his first year as a starter, then following up his junior year by carrying the team to a 10-2 record, taking the team to the second round of the playoffs both seasons.

“It’s been pretty good, but it would be better to come out with a state championship,” Thomas said. “I want to take the team further.”

Thomas and his teammates will play against some of the best teams in the state in region competitions, but he admits his desire to beat those teams is personal.

“I want to beat Westside, Peach County and Burke County,” Thomas said. “We got

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high expectations. We got complacent last year, but we can’t do that this year.”

Individually, Thomas begins the 2011 season with lofty goals for himself.

“During the spring, coach and I came up with three and one,” he said. “It’s 3,000 passing yards, 1,000 rushing yards, 31 touchdowns and 10 rushing on the ground.”

With Thomas’ mobility, and ability to make a play, he believes that, “teams don’t want to get me out of the pocket.”

Thomas will lead the Braves this season, with hopes of continuing his education next year and playing for a college or university.

“I’m planning on getting a D-1 scholarship and keep going,” Thomas said.

He will be one of the key elements to the Brave’s offense this season.

Baldwin Braves Head Coach: Dexter Copeland Classification: GHSA Region 2-AAA Last Season’s Record: 10-2 (8-1)

BHS BRAVES 2011 ROSTER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 23 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 62 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 73 75 76 78 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89

Raheem Waller Chris Sealy Jaques Daughtry DeAndre Thomas Senario Davis Jaquavious Tennyson Roashaun Milline Donta Beckham Will Ruark Jose Solomon Jamar Johnson Antonio Havior Jerrel Simmons Michael Scott Lamarcus Tuft Zach Clarke Tajhea Chambers Marcus English Montagus Haddock Jeremey Pinkston Tyree Solomon Khaliyq Sousa Delquavious Shinholster Quincy Price Torey Hudson Quavez Hill Johnny Havior Patrick Glover Tyler Edwards Sharron Havior Floyd Canty T.J. Foston Jatavius Wright Kentavious Thomas Quantavious Lee Courvoisious Scott Quondarius Holsey Jaycarus Harper Kentarious Cooper Damekius Harper Jaitavious Jackson Quinton Barfield Willie Culver Patrick Culver Marquiet James Demetrius Davis Joseph Macklin Shermonz Pounds John Whidby Shatavious Scott Wydeldric Denson Carl Hartry Brandon McClain Tayron Greene Gary Dupree Keith Dudley Isaac Childs Derrick Washington Melieck Paschal Garrison Hogan Sterling Steele Carlos Cummings Keyford Lumpkin Rhett Hudson Brandon Beard Xavier Dent Tony Horton Erique Rozier Shamar Lattimore Quan Gaines Danqune Havior Jaylan Miller Brandon Goodman Jaquarius Marshall Cody Melon Nick Jones D’Kemon Gaines Jordan Moore Shelton Grave Tyler Sparks Dorian Havior Chris Harris O Crutchfield Kilen Mitchell Jeffrey Whittey Kentavious Scott LaKeith Thomas Devin Bloodworth Wesley Tanner

WR/DB WR DB QB RB WR WR/DB WR/DB K LB WR QB/WR QB WR DB K QB/WR WR DB DB DB DB RB RB RB WR DL DB LB DB RB DB DB RB DB DL DB DL LB LB LB LB DB DB WR DL OL DL OL DB DL DL OL/DL OL/DL LB OL OL OL DL OL OL DL DB OL OL OL DL DL DL WR WR WR WR DB WR WR WR TE LB K FS RB DB WR WR OL/DL TE LB WR

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

Good Luck & Have a Great Season!

BHS BRAVES 2011 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

HOME/AWAY

AUG. 26

BURKE COUNTY

AWAY

SEPT. 2

CENTRAL-MACON BIBB CO. SPORTS COMPLEX

AWAY

SEPT. 9

WESTSIDE-MACON

HOME

SEPT. 16

WEST LAURENS

AWAY

SEPT. 23

MARY PERSONS

HOME

PERRY

AWAY

OCT. 14

HOWARD

HOME

OCT. 21

VETERANS

HOME

OCT. 28

RUTLAND BIBB CO. SPORTS COMPLEX

AWAY

NOV. 4

PEACH COUNTY

HOME

OCT. 7

Back in the Game

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Senior QB/DB

By STEVEN CARY stevencary@unionrecorder.com

The John Milledge Academy Trojans made giant steps forward in 2010, winning four football games and beating their biggest rival, Gatewood, after a devastating season in 2009.

Coming back with one of the largest teams ever fielded in JMA history, J.T. Wall, head coach, believes that his team is ready to make it to the next level.

“We have the most players that I know of ever, and we’ve got good senior leadership,” Wall said. “A lot of those are returning guys that have been here a while, and know how we like things done. We’ve had nothing but positive things over these seniors who have really stepped up and had a good off-season and preseason.”

The Trojans will run the same offense and defense as in the past, but the fact that the team returns experienced players on both sides of the ball will be key to JMA’s success.

“We’re basically going to be the same, we’re going to be in the I, a pro-style offense starting out in the I. We’ll get in the shotgun a little bit, just to get in some different looks, and we’re going to run a base 50 on defense,” Wall said. “We’ve got six returning starters on offense and six or seven on defense, and a bunch of those guys are seniors.”

Seniors like Ryan Blizzard, quarterback and free safety, are highly motivated going into the upcoming season, as many were on the team during the 2009 season where the team did not win a game.

“Most of these seniors were around two years ago when they didn’t win a ball game, and they got a taste of what it feels like to win a game or two last year,” Wall said. “I really feel like we’re ready to turn the corner, and the future looks bright with these guys leading the way and kind of setting the tone for teams to come.”

The Trojans open up their season tonight at home against their biggest rival, Gatewood at 7:30 p.m.

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wo of the most important positions on the football field would include the quarterback and the safety. These players have the best view on the field, they manage the team in between plays and they make the spare of the moment calls before the ball is snapped.

For John Milledge Academy, Ryan Blizzard, senior, has earned these duties through leadership and dedication over the last three years as a starter.

“Everything we do runs through him, and he’ll have a lot more freedom this year to kind of put us in the right spot and make things happen,” J.T. Wall, head coach, said. “He led the team in rushing yards last year and led the team obviously in passing yards. He’s really stepped up to be that leader we’re looking for, and he’s a great example for these young guys to see how he works and how he makes things happen.”

Blizzard not only works hard for his coaches and teammates, but it is his passion for the game that drives him most.

“I’ve loved football ever since I was little. I get it from my dad. He loves the game just like I do, and I get it from him,” Blizzard said. “What gets me out there is just wanting to excel and do what I want to do best. There is nothing like Friday night lights; just the intensity is there, you see your friends out there on the sideline watching you, so you’ve just got to stay turned up and play your best and do your best on and off the field.”

Beginning in 2009, Blizzard has manned the team on the field, and has experienced drastic

8 improvements with each season.

“We stuck him in there as a sophomore, and it was a bit of a learning curve for him, but it’s really working out in our favor now that he got all of those reps,” Wall said. “He really took control of the offense and really took things into his own hands and started making better reads. We gave him a little freedom last year and we’re trying to give him a little more this year.”

Garnering All-Region honors for the first time last season, Blizzard hopes to take it a step further in 2011.

“My main goal this year is to get All-Region, All-State and to play in the all-star game, and sign with some college, that’s my biggest goal,” he said.

Entering his last season with the Trojans, Blizzard plans to give it one last shot to play for the region crown.

“I’m really looking forward to having a big season, wanting to play for a region championship, and winning a region championship,” he said.

‘We feel like we have turned the corner and have bright days in our future.’ ~ JMA head football coach J.T. Wall

JMA Trojans Head Coach: J.T. Wall Classification: GISA Region 1-AAA Last Season’s Record: 4-5-1 (2-5)

JMA TROJANS 2011 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

HOME/AWAY

AUG. 25

GATEWOOD SCHOOL

HOME

SEPT. 2

WINDSOR ACADEMY

AWAY

SEPT. 9

BRENTWOOD SCHOOL

HOME

SEPT. 16

GRIFFIN CHRISTIAN

AWAY

SEPT. 23

MT. VERNON PRESBYTERIAN

AWAY

OCT. 7

DOMINION CHRISTIAN

AWAY

OCT. 15

HOLY SPIRIT PREP

HOME

OCT. 21

TATTNALL SQUARE

HOME

OCT. 28

MOUNT

HOME

NOV. 4

DE

SALES

STRATFORD ACADEMY

AWAY

JMA TROJANS 2011 ROSTER 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 20 21 22 23 24 25 31 32 40 42 44 49 50 51 55 57 62 66 68 70 71 75 77 78 79 81 82 83 86 87 88 89 95 99

Aaron Schielie Trent Thiel Nick Bentley Cooper Morgan Keaton Drinkwater Damian Bacon Ryan Blizzard Rhett Blizzard Trae Beck Joseph Beasley Michael Lewis Colby McCommon Logan Brookins Joe Castillo Heath Roberts Justin Parham Zach Meeks Zak Cooper Jon Thrower Tommy Pittman Tyler King Tyler Arthur Cole Veal Jon Qualls Ben Bracewell Jesse Deariso Brandon Bush Andrew Hayes Ross Swicord Jordan Bush Jack Cox Chase Owen Nick Stanaford Nick Reeves Blake Harrington Granger Harpe Ben Bentley Filip Velimirovich Ryan Breese Christian Johnson Will Lovins Chase Register Wynn Owen Joseph Young Heath McDonald B.T. Walters

WR/DB QB/DB RB/DE RB/DE RB/DB WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB TE/DE RB/DB WR/DE QB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/DE WR/DE RB/DE RB/LB RB/DB OL/DL TE/LB OL/DL RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE/DE TE/DE WR/DB WR/DE WR/DB OL/DL TE/DE OL/DE OL/DL

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

Senior WR/DB

By STEVEN CARY stevencary@unionrecorder.com

With more depth and confidence, the GMC Prep Bulldogs plan to show up big this year on Friday nights.

Brad Owens, head coach, believes that the team is set up to have its first winning season since 2001.

“I feel that we’re setting up to have a winning season. We haven’t had a winning season here in a decade,” Owens said.

“We were 3-7 my first year and 5-5 this year, and I feel like we’re starting to turn the corner and becoming more competitive. We’ve developed some players and had some players move in that, together have helped us get a lot better with a lot of hard work.”

The Bulldogs improved drastically from 2009 to 2010, something in which Owens attributes to having a larger pool of kids to pull from than before.

“We’ve got a lot more depth than we’ve had in the past. I feel like in the past we only had 14 or 15 kids that we could throw out the field on a Friday night that could be competitive, and with the rest there would be a pretty big drop off,” Owens said. “I don’t feel like that’s the case at all this year. I feel like we’ve got 20 to 25 kids that are capable of playing significant time on Fridays, and when you have that it creates competition in practice, and competition for spots.”

Not only does Owens’ team want to win ballgames, but they also want to perform better at home.

“We certainly want to get a win, and we want to do that at home,” Owens said. “We’ve won more on the road lately, than we’ve won at home, so that’s something I want to try and fix.

That’s something that should be a high priority for us to win our home football games.”

Owens and his staff have not made many changes going into the 2011 season, only minor adjustments to help solidify what the Bulldogs already have.

“From the defensive side of the ball, we’ve changed from a 3-5 to a 3-4 scheme, which is not a huge paradigm shift or anything, but it certainly required some adjustments, and we’re running primarily a cover two on top of it with two safety’s as opposed to having a single safety,” Owens said. “There are just small things, and for the most part our terminology and premise has not changed a whole lot.”

Going into the new season, the Bulldogs plan to improve on their performances from last season and set the tone for future GMC Prep teams.

“If you look at our last 14 games we’re 8-6, prior to that in the previous 14 games we were 2-12,” Owen said, “so things are definitely getting better.”

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he GMC Prep football team opens up under the lights at home against Strong Rock Christian School on Friday, Aug. 26, and the Bulldogs will look to Andreus Warthen, senior, as their key player throughout the night.

As the second leading tackler, rusher and receiver for GMC in 2010, Warthen looks to improve on his mark from last year.

“I want to receive like at least 1,000 yards this year, and want at least 80 tackles,” he said.

Because of his speed and ability to make plays, Warthen will most likely be the player most teams key on throughout the season, hopefully opening up other opportunities for the Bulldogs.

“He brings a lot to the table, and he’s our fastest player,” Brad Owens, head coach, said. “He’s a guy that’s going to give you trouble, and is going to have to be accounted for, and as people focus on him it’s going to open up some doors for other people.”

This year Warthen will be line up on defense at the cornerback position, slightly different than the former free safety position that he played last season.

Warthen admits he is excited about the change, as it will allow him to make plays.

“I like to be up in the mix, instead of sitting back watching,” Warthen said.

While Warthen looks to do well individually, he especially wants the team to get even with Prince Avenue in 2011.

“I’m gunning for Prince Avenue,” Warthen said. “I want some revenge. They beat us pretty bad last year, but we got a better squad this year so we’re going to improve.”

As the opening game rapidly approaches, Warthen continues to focus on the one main goal for the season—to win.

“Hopefully we will win all of our games,” he said.

“We worked too hard this summer to not win. I hope we’re able to run the ball first, and then pass the ball.”

GOOD LUCK & Have A GREAT SEASON!

Wilkinson Title Pawn

GMC Prep Bulldogs Head Coach: Brad Owens Classification: GHSA Region 7-A Last Season’s Record: 5-5

GMC BULLDOGS 2011 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

HOME/AWAY

AUG. 26

STRONG ROCK CHRISTIAN

HOME

SEPT. 2

PRINCE AVENUE CHRISTIAN

AWAY

SEPT. 16

BACONTON CHARTER

HOME

SEPT. 23

TOWNS COUNTY

AWAY

SEPT. 30

JEFF DAVIS

HOME

OCT. 7

HEBRON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

AWAY

OCT. 14

GLASCOCK COUNTY

AWAY

OCT. 21

LAKEVIEW ACADEMY

AWAY

HOME

NOV. 4

3-A WEST CROSSOVER

HOME

NIGHT FOOTBALL BACK!

S

NORTH COBB CHRISTIAN

FRIDAY

Football season is HSIDE TI OUT

RE

OCT. 28

Don’t mess mess with with Don’t Baldwin County County Baldwin Football!

Football!

AN

D B RAKE

The Union-Recorder is your number one source for all of this years football coverage.

Because the game and the ride there can both be great!

Find results, stats and game wrap-ups in the print edition, online or even on facebook and twitter!

(478) 453-7215 GMC BULLDOGS 2011 ROSTER 1

Markel Jones

2

Wayne Griffin

3

Rekarche Griffin

5

Andreus Warthen

7

Ray Mosley

8

J. Adams

9

Ryan Parham

10

Manquez Warthen

11

Dylan Efird

12

Billy Whitlock

14

Dalvin Grable

17

Delarrion Milner

24

Taylor Payne

25

Drew Reece

28

Colby Lawrence

30

Terez Hall

32

Malik Bradley

33

Jamarcus Jarrett

34

Nick Contino

36

Spencer Williams

40

Quan Wright

42

Ian Bailey

44

Daniel Lane

51

Taylor Bedingfield

52

Nathan Weldon

54

Daniel Amerson

55

Hunter Harding

57

Wesley Zant

58

Parker Williams

60

DJ Clayton

61

Conner Dean

62

John Grant

63

John Bethea

64

Jacob Russell

66

Conner Smith

67

Nathan Thompson

68

Devonta Walker

72

Daulton Rogers

74

TJ Clark

76

Rocquez Worthen

78

Sinjon Sowell

80

Zach Whittle

81

Elliot Fairbrass

82

Liam Fairbrass

83

Jered Knowles

85

Roy Wood

99

Dudley Shannon

Good Luck to All Area Teams!

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By STEVEN CARY stevencary@unionrecorder.com

Opening up against the defending NJCAA National Champions, Navarro College, on Saturday, Sep. 3, Georgia Military College plans to match up well at home.

Like most teams, the Bulldogs hope to come out on top this season, but understand that the first two games are going to be two of the biggest matchups all season.

“I expect to get going every game now, or have a chance to win it one. We match up very well with everyone we have on our schedule,” Bert Williams, head coach, said.

“Certainly, we’re going to have some great challenges in the opening game of the year against defending National Champions Navarro College, but it’s nice to be able to play that here in town, but follow that up with a flight out to Utah to play Snow College, then we have several others throughout the year that will be a challenge, but we have two huge ones to start it off.

I expect us to be able to go out there and battle it out and again, get the job done each and every week.”

With a solid mixture of returning players and signees, the Bulldogs expect to have one of the most explosive teams in recent years.

“Everything’s gone pretty good, the guys are pretty much where we expected them to be in all honesty,” Williams said. “In certain positions, we had some

young guys that we’re looking to move ahead and do some things, so we feel like we have an opportunity to be very explosive on offense with the signees that we brought in plus the guys that we returned. We’re excited about that, with some of the guys, the main guys returning.”

GMC has several returning players that will be key on offense this season, with R. J. Robinson, Jarrett Neely and JaVontae Edwards in the backfield.

“Offensive skill-wise, we feel like we’re deeper and stronger than we’ve ever been frankly, so we’re excited about that,” Williams said.

Williams also expects great things from North Carolina native, Anthony Riggin, freshman, at the quarterback position.

“Anthony Riggin has had moments of being really, really good,” Williams said.

“He can be an electrifying player back there. He just really needs to get comfortable with what we are doing, and as soon as he does he is going to be hard to keep off the field.”

On the defensive side of the ball, the Bulldogs return Jalen Fields, Fre’Shad Hunter and Daniel McCullers up front, three guys that will be crucial in the defensive success this season, as GMC lacks experience at the linebacker positions.

“The defense has been a little bit of a challenge,” Williams said. “We returned some experience up front, which is always good, and we returned some experience in

the secondary, but we really didn’t return a whole lot of experience in the middle at linebackers and dogs. That was an area that we really wanted to address through our signing class, and then we moved some different positions around a little bit.”

Williams hopes that the changes made on defense will allow the Bulldogs to put more pressure on their opponents, something he admits they have gotten away from in recent years.

“We feel very strong about where we are on defense as well. Defensively we’ve rededicated ourselves to being a pressure-oriented defense,” Williams said.

“The last couple of years we’ve kind of gotten away from that a little bit, and it is something we felt like we needed to get back to if we wanted to be as good as we wanted be.”

Sophomore RB

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local star and graduate from Baldwin High School, JaVontae Edwards, sophomore, is looking to do big things this season for the GMC Bulldogs.

Edwards struggled his freshman year learning the role of tailback at the collegiate level, but admits the spring and summer have proved to be a step in the right direction.

“The spring went pretty good, and the summer went pretty good,” Edwards said.

“I’ve been working harder, trying to get in the rotation so I can play more. I’m learning the plays more.”

One of the biggest adjustments that Edwards has had to make is the pace of play at the collegiate level.

“The game speed and the differences in

9

players are different,” he said. “They are bigger, stronger and faster. I had to study playbooks and learn more about football.”

While the level of play has increased to a higher level, Edwards still enjoys the same support he received in high school, as family and friends are able to watch him play on a regular basis.

“I know I have a lot of support,” Edwards said. “My family gets to see me play normally, so that’s really cool.”

Going into his second season with the team, Edwards has lofty expectations.

“We’re just trying to compete for a National Championship and go undefeated for the next season,” he said. “I’m trying to play more and contribute in any way that I can.”

GMC Junior College Bulldogs Head Coach: Bert Williams Classification: NJCAA Last Season’s Record: 6-3

GMC BULLDOGS 2011 SCHEDULE DATE SEPT. 3

OPPONENT

HOME/AWAY

NAVARRO COLLEGE

HOME - 1:00 P.M.

SEPT. 10

SNOW COLLEGE

AWAY - 1:00 P.M.

SEPT. 17

HARGRAVE MILITARY ACADEMY

AWAY - 1:00 P.M.

SEPT. 24

ARKANSAS BAPTIST COLLEGE

HOME - 1:00 P.M.

SEPT. 29

VALDOSTA STATE JV

Good luck to all the teams!

AWAY - 7:00 P.M.

PICKS Follow local coaches & community members as they pick their way to the best record of football season!

OCT. 8

GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

HOME - 1:00 P.M.

OCT. 22

GREEN RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE

HOME - 2:00 P.M.

OCT. 27

NORTH CAROLINA TECH

PIGSKIN

HOME - 6:00 P.M.

NOV. 5

CHATTAHOOCHEE TECH

HOME - 1:00 P.M.

NOV. 12

LACKAWANNA COLLEGE

AWAY - 1:00 P.M.

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GMC BULLDOGS 2011 ROSTER 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 32 33 34 36 38 40 41 42 44 46 47 48 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 58 60 62 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 88 89 90 91 92 93 95 96 97 98 99

Brant Sally Jarrett Neely Ronnie Martin Mario Alford Adrian Wigfall Nico Ranieri Martinez Gallman JaVontae Edwards Neville Hewitt Tiquention Coleman Dylan Shaddix Shannon Brown Anthony Riggin Jaylon Myers Willie Carmichael Terome Grant D.J. Rozier Quanta Barfield Troy Nunes R.J. Robinson Antonio Marshall Raynard Reid Chris Owens Demetrius Washington Chris Rivers Darrius Edwards Damian Dixon Rashad Dalton Marquis Lovett J.T. Stevens Ryan Womack Anthony Criswell David Watson Brandon Golson Tyler Mickens James Bryant Caleb Clayton-Molby Reggie Brown Timothy Few Jamichael Beckford Jamaal Edmonds Nate Holton Caleb Freeman Blake Bonifas Rashard Brown Glenn Mack Jr. Tabrian Resby Thomas Condon Tre Carter James Barnes DeAndre Shell Lekevius Lyons Jermarquis Perry X’Zayvious Lewis Justin Jones Trenton Brown Sterling Jenkins Daniel McCullers Kevin Gary Connor Redd Lonnie Outlaw Corey Washington Cory Sonnega D.J. Foston David Nix Anthony Smith Kris Hurley Octavius Brown Josh Hall Jonathan Williams Devon Johnson Chris Kennedy Trae Hemphill Jalen Fields Fre’Shad Hunter Keon Stowers

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Greensboro

Gray

1001 Village Park Drive Suite 105 (Located in Village Shoppes at the Green, next to the Port Armor Entrance)

222 West Clinton Street Suite 3 Gray, GA 31032 (next to Advance Auto)

(478)986-5400

(478)986-5400

Milledgeville 571 Hammock Rd. Suite 106 Located in Columbia Center (Old McGaw Building)

(478)452-6252

We’re proud to support all the local teams and wish them all a great season

Preparation “It’s not the will to win, but the will to prepare to win that makes the difference.”

Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant

Gatewood Gators Head Coach: Gene Harper Classification: GISA 1-AA Last Season’s Record: 5-5 (3-3)

By STEVEN CARY stevencary@unionrecorder.com

After a 5-5 season in 2010, Gatewood School looks to make its mark on the upcoming football season.

Gene Harper, head football coach, believes that the senior leadership might be what makes the difference for the Gators in 2011.

“I think we’re going to have good chemistry, but you really don’t know what you got until you get out there and the rubber hits the

road,” Harper said. “I’m real positive about the team this year. I think our senior leadership is going to be the key.”

The team returns several seniors on an already stout roster, some of whom will play key roles on both sides of the ball.

“We return Ross Coleman, senior all-state running back, and we’re excited about that,” Harper said. “What sets this team apart is probably having an all-state running back, and having other

players that can help him like Cody Copeland, a senior, who will be playing linebacker on defense and guard or tackle on offense.”

Another key to the Gator’s success will lay in the hands of starting quarterback Cal Taylor, sophomore, who will take on the starting role for the first time in 2011, as well as the defense schemes of Jeff

back in the backfield and some senior leadership on defense, Harper and the Gators hope to do well this season.

The Gatewood School opens up on the road against John Milledge Academy Aug. 25.

GATEWOOD 2011 SCHEDULE 2011 ROSTER DATE

OPPONENT

LOCATION

AUG. 25

JOHN MILLEDGE

AWAY

SEPT. 2

JOHN HANCOCK

HOME

SEPT. 9

STRATFORD ACADEMY

HOME

SEPT. 16

NATHANAEL GREENE

HOME

SEPT. 23

ROBERT TOOMBS CHURCH ACADEMY

AWAY

SEPT. 30

WESTMINSTER, AUG

HOME

BRENTWOOD

HOME

OCT. 14

CENTRAL FELLOWSHIP

AWAY

OCT. 28

EDMUND BURKE ACADEMY

HOME

NOV. 4

PIEDMONT ACADEMY

OCT. 7

101 Lake Oconee Parkway Eatonton, GA • 706-485-2711

Ratliff, defensive coordinator, who will run the defense for the first time this fall.

“There’s been a lot of enthusiasm and the kids have been working hard this summer,” Harper said. “We’ve also got Jeff Ratliff, who has been at Tattnall, and he’s going to be the new defensive coordinator.”

With an all-star running

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Gatewood

Go Gators!

1010 Town Creek Blvd.

Greensboro, GA (706) 453-2454 www.greensborotire.net

Call Heather

Darden

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for your Real Estate Needs Call today

478-804-1519 Milledgeville Office 185 Roberson Mill Rd Old Capitol Realty

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

Putnam County High School War Eagles Head Coach: Ben Reaves Classification: GHSA Region 4-AA Last Season’s Record: 9-3 (7-1)

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By STEVEN CARY stevencary@unionrecorder.com

As defending region champions, the Putnam County High School War Eagles plan to continue their winning ways in 2011.

Finishing with a 9-3 record in 2010, the War Eagles are not satisfied.

“Our expectations are to win; to win every game we play,” Ben Reaves, head coach, said. “Last year’s team set the mark high by winning the region, but this year’s group plans on continuing the tradition. Our goal every year is to play 11 games, and to take it a step further we want to do whatever we can to play 13

games this season.”

The season bodes well for PCHS, as they return many experienced players at crucial positions.

“We have a really good senior class,” Reaves said. “We have Nick Burke (senior) our quarterback is four-year starter, and we have a three-year starter for us at tailback, Martez Waller (senior), which was the all-classification leading rusher for the state of Georgia last year.”

Reaves returns other seniors like Charleston Reid, Carl Buckner, Brandon Cole and Devin Nelson at receiver, and Robert Adams, senior, at tight end. Other possible key players for the War Eagles are juniors

‘Expect great things and attempt great things is the motto.’

- Head Coach Ben Reaves

La’Darien Reeves, linebacker, and Gary Waller, running back and outside linebacker.

“We’ve got a lot of kids playing both ways, but we have a lot of experience and we have to handle the conditions playing both ways like that,” Reaves said.

The War Eagles are anxious to get going according to Reaves, but plan to do the best they can each game.

“Our kids love the game of football and were really excited about the season,” Reaves said.

“Anything can happen on any Friday night. ‘Expect great things and attempt great things is the motto.’”

WAR EAGLES 2011 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

AUG. 26

HANCOCK CENTRAL

SEPT. 2

DUBLIN

SEPT. 9

SEPT. 16

SOUTHWEST - MACON

LAMAR COUNTY

SEPT. 30

GREENE COUNTY

OCT. 7

MORGAN COUNTY

OCT. 14

MONTICELLO

OCT. 21

HOME

AWAY

CRAWFORD COUNTY

SEPT. 23

OCT. 28

HOME/AWAY

PIKE COUNTY

NORTHEAST - MACON

AWAY

HOME

AWAY

HOME

AWAY

HOME

AWAY

HOME

PIGSKIN

WAR EAGLES 2011 ROSTER 1

Martez Waller

TB/DB

Sr.

2

Casey Farley

QB/DB

Fr.

4

Charleston Reid

WR/DB

Sr.

6

Kevin Dorsey

TE/DE

Jr.

9

Peyton Johnson

WR/DB

Fr.

10

Nick Burke

QB/DB

Sr.

12

Dontrez Smith

WR/DB

Sr.

14

Damien Brannon

WR/DB

Jr.

15

Devin Nelson

WR/DB

Sr.

16

Carl Buckner

WR/DB

Sr.

18

Brandon Cole

WR/DB

Sr.

19

Jonatan Coronado

R/P

Sr.

21

Darius McMullen

QB/DB

So.

22

Tristan Fuller

RB/DB

Fr.

24

Quintavious Waller

TE/DE

So.

25

Daryl Smith

WR/DB

So.

27

Mike Evans

RB/LB

Fr.

28

Michael Webb

TRN/MGR

Jr.

32

La’Darien Reeves

RB/LB

Jr.

33

Gary Waller

RB/LB

Jr.

34

K.T. Waller

RB/LB

So.

40

Nolando White

RB/LB

Fr.

50

Damoio’n Wright

OL/LB

Jr.

51

Miguel Romero

OL/DL

Sr.

52

Dettrick Solomon

OL/DL

Fr.

54

Brian Scarborough

OL/LB

So.

55

Tyree Clemons

OL/DE

Sr.

56

Calvin Jordan

OL/DL

Jr.

60

Demario Bullard

OL/DE

So.

62

Jon Hall

OL/LB

So.

72

Trey White

OL/DE

Sr.

75

Aaron Pineo

OL/DE

Sr.

76

Tom Reid

OL/DL

Fr.

77

Jekwan Cobb

OL/DL

So.

78

Darrell Farley

OL/DL

Sr.

85

Robert Adams

TE/DE

Sr.

87

Scott Sharp

OL/DE

Fr.

88

Jeffery Finney

TE/LB

Jr.

Let’s Go War Eagles!

PICKS Follow local coaches & community members as they pick their way to the best record of football season!

PUTNAM CO. HIGH SCHOOL 101 Lake Oconee Parkway Eatonton, GA • 706-485-2711

www.putnamgeneral.com

1010 Town Creek Blvd.

Greensboro, GA (706) 453-2454 www.greensborotire.net

Morgan County Bulldogs Head Coach: Bill Malone Classification: GHSA Region 4-AA Last Season’s Record: 8-3 (6-2)

BULLDOGS 2011 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

LOCATION

AUG. 26

WALNUT GROVE

HOME

SEPT. 2

CLARKTON

HOME

SEPT. 9

MONTICELLO

AWAY

SEPT. 16

LAMAR COUNTY

HOME

SEPT. 23

NORTHEAST-MACON

HOME

OCT. 7

PUTNAM COUNTY

HOME

OCT. 14

PIKE COUNTY

AWAY

OCT. 21

CRAWFORD COUNTY

HOME

OCT. 28

SOUTHWEST-MACON

AWAY

NOV. 4

GREEN COUNTY

By STEVEN CARY stevencary@unionrecorder.com

In 2009 the Morgan County High School football team lost to Vidalia in the first round of the state playoffs, finishing the season with an impressive 8-3 overall record.

Going into the upcoming season, the Bulldogs will have high standards, as they will be looking to duplicate their success from last year.

Opening up at home against Walnut Grove High School, Bill Malone, head coach, and his players look to get off on a positive note with a win in front of the home crowd.

There will be high expectations for Morgan County in 2011, but the Bulldogs hope to continue play well into November.

AWAY

Nathaneal Greene Patriots Head Coach: Bill Byce Classification: GISA Region 1-A Last Season’s Record: 2-8 (1-6)

PATRIOTS 2011 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

LOCATION

AUG. 26

PIEDMONT ACADEMY

AWAY

SEPT. 2

CRISP ACADEMY

HOME

SEPT. 16

GATEWOOD

AWAY

SEPT. 23

BRIARWOOD ACADEMY

HOME

SEPT. 30

MEMORIAL DAY SCHOOL

AWAY

OCT. 7

DAVID EMMANUEL ACADEMY

HOME

OCT. 14

THOMAS JEFFERSON

HOME

By STEVEN CARY stevencary@unionrecorder.com

Finishing off the 2010 season with only two wins, one coming inside the region, the Nathanael Greene Patriots look to bounce back this fall after a disappointing season last year.

Bill Byce, head coach, will lead the team into battle on Friday, Aug. 26 on the road against Piedmont Academy.

Byce and the Patriots have their work cut out for them as three of the teams on their schedule are picked as top-5 teams in the Georgia Independent Schools Association Coaches Poll, one of those being Piedmont Academy.

OCT. 21

AWAY CURTIS BAPTIST

OCT. 28

COVENANT ACADEMY

NOV. 4

JOHN HANCOCK ACADEMY

AWAY HOME

Nathanael Greene Academy

Good Luck Patriots!

1010 Town Creek Blvd.

Greensboro, GA (706) 453-2454 www.greensborotire.net

Wilkinson County Warriors Head Coach: James Hagins Classification: GHSA Region 7-A Last Season’s Record: 11-3 (5-0)

WARRIORS 2011 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

LOCATION

AUG. 26

JOHNSON COUNTY

AWAY

SEPT. 2

SOUTHWEST - MACON

HOME

SEPT. 9

WHITEFIELD ACADEMY

HOME

SEPT. 16

DOUGHERTY

HOME

SEPT. 23

AQUINAS

AWAY

SEPT. 30

WASHINGTON-WILKES

AWAY

OCT. 14

TWIGGS COUNTY

AWAY

OCT. 21

HANCOCK CENTRAL

HOME

OCT. 28

WARREN COUNTY

HOME

NOV. 4

LINCOLN COUNTY

By STEVEN CARY stevencary@unionrecorder.com

Last year the Wilkinson County Warriors finished off the season with an 11-3 record overall, and playing deep in the Georgia High School Association class A playoffs.

This year James Hagins, head coach, and his staff bring back many returning athletes both on offense and defense.

“We have a whole offensive line, except one returning.

We have six returning on offense, so we expect a lot on offense,” Hagins said. “We have several returning on defense. Our defense is the key to the team.”

While the team relies a lot on its defense, Hagins admits that the offense should be strong as well this season.

“We are going to run the spread offense,” he said. “We also have a good quarterback that passed for a little over 3,000 yards last year and he’s coming back.”

Hagins expects to not only do well at the regional level again, but also fight for a state championship in 2011.

“Overall we are 80 percent and we should be back in the playoffs and challenge Lincoln for the title,” he said.

The Warriors will field a very experienced team this fall, with many players off of last years team return.

“We got 38 off of last year’s squad, which is why I think we’ll have a pretty good year.

Most of them are juniors too,” Hagins said.

“We’re going to be pretty good overall.”

HOME

Greene County Tigers Head Coach: Charles Winslette Classification: 4-AA Last Season’s Record: 6-4 (4-4)

2011 ROSTER

By STEVEN CARY stevencary@unionrecorder.com

The Greene County Tigers will battle several obstacles in the 2011 season, as they face both a young team and a small coaching staff.

With the recent economic struggles across the country, Charles Winslette, head football coach, has had to cut his staff to less than half compared to recent years.

“Right now, we’re short on assistant coaches,” Winslette said. “Last year I had seven assistants and right now I have three, because of all the cutbacks in education it has greatly affected our projected coaching staff.”

The Tigers will also battle a young team, with only two returning starters on both sides of the ball.

“We’re sort of young,” Winslette said. “There are a lot of guys who will be playing for us that don’t have a lot of playing experience at the high school level, but they’ve been watching other guys do it, now it’s their turn.”

Even with a predominately young team, Winslette remains optimistic about the Tigers’ season.

“The expectations are always high when the season starts,” Winslette said. “Though we realize that you don’t get most state champions or region champions with new starters, so while you like to be optimistic you have to be realistic also.”

One key element for the Tigers will be returning running back, T.J. Brown, senior, as he will be expected by many to score big for the team in 2011.

“We’ve got a running back, T.J. Brown, who played fullback last year and rushed for over 1,000 yards,” Winslette said. “He’s done really well, and we’ve been really pleased with what we’ve seen.”

Winslette expects the season to be a learning curve for most of the team, but hopes to have strong showing early in the season against Hancock Central.

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FRIDAY

NIGHT FOOTBALL The Union-Recorder is your number one source for all of this years football coverage.

Find results, stats and game wrap-ups in the print edition, online or even on facebook and twitter!

No matter your preference we’ve got you covered!

WR/DB RB/LB WR/LB QB/DB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB TE/DE TE/LB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB PK WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL

TIGERS 2011 SCHEDULE Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. So. Jr. Jr. So. So. Sr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Fr. Fr. So. So. Jr. Sr. Fr. Jr. So. Jr. Fr. Fr.

DATE

OPPONENT

LOCATION

AUG. 19

HANCOCK CENTRAL

AWAY

AUG. 26

HEPHZIBAH

AWAY

SEPT. 9

PIKE COUNTY

HOME

SEPT. 16

NORTHEAST - MACON

AWAY

SEPT. 23

SOUTHWEST - MACON

AWAY

SEPT. 30

PUTNAM COUNTY

AWAY

OCT. 14

CRAWFORD COUNTY

AWAY

OCT. 21

MONTICELLO

AWAY

OCT. 28

LAMAR COUNTY

HOME

NOV. 4

MOGAN COUNTY

HOME

Greene Co. High School

GOOD LUCK TIGERS! 1010 Town Creek Blvd.

Greensboro, GA (706) 453-2454 www.greensborotire.net

John Hancock Academy Rebels Head Coach: Scott Blizzard Classification: GISA Region 1-A Last Season’s Record: 3-7 (1-6)

REBELS 2011 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

LOCATION

AUG. 26

FULLINGTON ACADEMY

HOME

SEPT. 2

GATEWOOD ACADEMY

AWAY

SEPT. 9

CRISP ACADEMY

HOME

SEPT. 16

COVENANT ACADEMY

AWAY

SEPT. 30

BRIARWOOD ACADEMY

AWAY

CURTIS BAPTIST

AWAY

OCT. 14

DAVID EMANUEL ACADEMY

HOME

OCT. 21

MEMORIAL DAY SCHOOL

AWAY

By STEVEN CARY stevencary@unionrecorder.com

Beginning a new season, with a new head coach, the John Hancock Academy Rebel football team plans to get back to “old school” strategies in 2011.

After a season where the team struggled to win only three ball games last year with one coming in region competition, Scott Blizzard, head football coach, and his staff want to get back to the basics this fall.

“This is my first year as head football coach, and I plan on being here a while,” Blizzard said. “We’re going to get back to old style and not being fancy. We’re going to run the ball at you, and I’m excited to see how that will work out.”

The JHA football team will field a well-balanced team this season, with three to four players from each class and two eighth-grade athletes stepping up to the plate as well.

Being a new coach and bringing new strategies to the table, Blizzard is positive that 2011 will be an improvement from recent years, but also admits this fall will be a large stepping block for future seasons.

“I’m looking to win five football games, and if we don’t that will be expected, but I’ve got a feeling we’re going to win at least five ball games,” Blizzard said. “This is definitely a rebuilding year for us.”

Blizzard and the Rebels would like nothing more than to start the season off with a win in their own backyard, as JHA opens up with Fullington Academy at home Aug. 26.

OCT. 7

THOMAS JEFFERSON OCT. 28

HOME

NOV. 4

{

NATHANAEL GREENE

AWAY

“We’re going to get back to old style and not being fancy.

We’re going to run the ball at you, and I’m excited to see how that will work out.”

- Head Coach Scott Blizzard

Hancock Central Bulldogs Head Coach: Zackery Harris Classification: GHSA Region 7-A Last Season’s Record: 2-8 (0-6)

BULLDOGS 2011 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

AUG. 19

GREENE COUNTY

AUG. 26

Starting the season off with a win against one of their biggest rivals, the Hancock Central Bulldogs are firing on all cylinders as they blazed past Greene County 34-21 in their season opener.

Zackery Harris, head coach, hopes that the win against Tigers will spark his team to play at a higher level this season.

“Greene County has been a long time rival, but it hasn’t been much of a rival in the last couple of years,” Harris said. “We have been under achieving the last couple of years, so I hope that we can live up to our potential this year.”

After snagging one of the biggest wins in recent years, Hancock Central looks to derail some of the other teams in the region this season.

“We want to definitely win some of our region games,” Harris said.

With many returning players, some key athletes, the Bulldogs show positive signs of a potential winning season in 2011.

“We are looking forward for Deonte Franklin, junior,” Harris said. “He’s really doing a great job. He’s tearing it up.”

The goal for the Bulldogs this season is to be in the hunt in every game they play.

“We want to be competitive in every game and be in position to win every game we play in,” Harris said.

As the 2011 high school football season gets started, the Bulldogs look to be one of the key teams to watch out for on Friday nights.

“Were anticipating being really competitive this year,” Harris said. “Everybody is competitive.”

HOME

PUTNAM COUNTY

AWAY

SOCIAL CIRCLE

AWAY

SEPT. 16

AQUINAS

HOME

SEPT. 23

TWIGGS COUNTY

HOME

SEPT. 30

LINCOLN COUNTY

HOME

By STEVEN CARY stevencary@unionrecorder.com

LOCATION

SEPT. 2

OCT. 7

WASHINGTON-WILKES

AWAY

OCT. 14

WARREN COUNTY

HOME

OCT. 21

WILKINSON COUNTY

AWAY

OCT. 28

GLASCOCK COUNTY

AWAY

{

“We want to be competitive in every game and be in position to win every game we play in,” - Head Coach Zackery Harris

University of Georgia Head Coach: Mark Richt Classification: SEC East Last Season’s Record: 6-7 (3-5)

Keith Barlow/The Union-Recorder The University of Georgia team firmly belongs to sophomore quarterback Aaron Murray, who is coming off a stellar season that showed both his potential and his toughness.

The Associated Press ATHENS - All around, the Georgia Bulldogs are surrounded by rivals basking in championship glory.

Florida won a national title, followed by LSU. The Gators took another turn at No. 1.

Alabama was next in line. And, finally, it was Auburn hoisting the biggest trophy of all last season.

Even South Carolina, long a Southeastern Conference patsy, rose to prominence under coach Steve Spurrier. He led the Gamecocks to the SEC East crown a year ago, and they’re favored to win it again this season.

As for Georgia, it’s been a slow, steady slide to irrelevance.

If that doesn’t change — probably as soon as this season — the Bulldogs could be looking for a new coach. Mark Richt is feeling the heat, and his players know it, too. How could they not? All they have to do is watch TV, flip on the radio or check out the Internet.

“It’s extreme motivation to hear people saying coach Richt might be on the hot seat,” defensive end Abry Jones said.

Richt was the toast of the redand-black world when he led Georgia — which had not won an SEC title since 1982 — to a pair of conference championships in his first five years on the job.

The program still appeared on the right track as late as 2007. A strong finish and Sugar Bowl romp left the Bulldogs at No. 2 in the final rankings, setting up nicely for a run at the top spot with a team led by future first-round draft picks Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno.

Instead, Georgia has gone the wrong way.

Richt’s teams are barely above .500 in the SEC (13-11) over the last three seasons, and this group is trying to bounce back from a 67 debacle — the school’s first losing year since 1996.

While a highly rated recruiting class eased some of the pressure on Richt, his future will come down to how many games he wins. The players are rallying around him, trying to use the criticism as motivation.

“I love my coach. I love this team. I love this university,” receiver Tavarres King said. “Any time someone is criticizing them, I feel like they’re criticizing me. I take things personal. So, definitely, it’s in my ear. I wanna go get it.”

With Auburn losing Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton and Florida breaking in a new coach, there’s certainly an opening for a team such as Georgia to claw its way into the championship mix.

Richt shrugs off any speculation about his future and insists that he’s optimistic about turning things around.

“Everything is geared toward this season, the excitement of it and the fact that we have a chance to have a great year,” he said. “I’m really as optimistic as any year since I’ve been at Georgia.”

The Bulldogs should get a pretty good indication of their chances in the first two weeks of the season.

They open against Boise State in the Chick-fil-A kickoff game at Atlanta, only about an hour from campus and essentially a home game. Then, in the actual home opener, Georgia hosts South Carolina to establish an early balance of power in the SEC East.

“If we win that, we’re in the driver’s seat,” senior center Ben Jones said. “If we lose, we’re at the

bottom.”

Georgia will have to carry on without its best player. A.J. Green left a year early for the NFL, leaving a huge hole in the offense.

The Bulldogs don’t have one receiver to fill the void, but they’re counting on a group effort with King, Marlon Brown and a host of others.

“What’s his name again?” King quipped, when asked about Green.

With No. 8 now playing in the NFL, this team firmly belongs to sophomore quarterback Aaron Murray, who is coming off a stellar season that showed both his potential and his toughness.

Hardly looking like a redshirt freshman, he completed more than 61 percent of his passes for 3,049 yards, with 24 touchdowns and just eight interceptions.

Murray also impressed teammates with his willingness to take off running when no one was open — and plow into a larger defender if he could pick up an extra yard or two.

Richt would prefer that Murray be a little more cautious with his body, but there’s nothing else to quibble about with this natural-born leader.

“His performance was always on a point,” cornerback Brandon Boykin said. “You saw guys hitting him in the face and he’s bleeding from the chin, which showed how tough he is. He was always working hard in the weight room, right there with us running sprints. That’s the type of person you want leading your team.”

Richt expects Murray to be even better this season, even though he won’t have Green on the receiving end of his throws.

“I think he’ll recognize things quicker, which will mean throwing more routes on time, on

UGA 2011 SCHEDULE Sep. 3 Sep. 10 Sep. 17 Sep. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 29 Nov. 5 Nov. 12 Nov. 19 Nov. 26

vs. Boise State vs. South Carolina * vs. Coastal Carolina at Ole Miss * vs. Mississippi State * at Tennessee * at Vanderbilt * vs. Florida * vs. New Mexico State vs. Auburn * vs. Kentucky * at Georgia Tech

rhythm,” the coach said. “I think his accuracy will improve because of his comfort level in what we’re doing. He’s already improved in that everybody really believes in the guy. They wanted to believe in him last year. Now, there’s no question he’s a leader of the team.”

There could be some bumps along the way, however. In addition to losing Green, Murray will be handing the ball to a new lead runner after Washaun Ealey and Caleb King both left the program.

Isaiah Crowell, the team’s most prized recruit, would wind up

Atlanta, Ga. Athens, Ga. Athens, Ga. Oxford, Miss.

Athens, Ga. Knoxville, Tenn.

Nashville, Tenn.

Jksnville, Fla. Athens, Ga. Athens, Ga. Athens, Ga. Atlanta, Ga.

8 p.m. ET 4:30 p.m. ET TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA 3:30 p.m. ET TBA TBA TBA TBA

starting in his very first game.

With all the newcomers on offense, Georgia will count on its defense to carry more of the load than it did a year ago. The players are certainly more comfortable with coordinator Todd Grantham’s 3-4 scheme, and they appear to have landed the prototype nose guard in 340-pound junior college signee Jonathan Jenkins.

“You can tell there’s a real major difference,” Jones said.

“Everyone is on the same page all the way through.”

Georgia State Head Coach: Bill Curry Last Season’s Record: 6-5

The Associated Press ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia State coach Bill Curry had just one player in his new football program two years ago.

This season, after the Panthers debuted with a 6-5 record, he has a new challenge: Curry has struggled to keep his quarterbacks out of trouble.

Drew Little, who was last year's starter, violated a team rule in March and was suspended the first four games this season. In June, Curry had to suspend Kelton Hill, who was considered next in line to start, for an on-campus burglary arrest.

When the Panthers' season begins on Sept. 2 against Clark Atlanta, Bo

Schlechter likely will start at quarterback. Ben McLane will be No. 2.

Hill was reinstated to school last week and is practicing with the scout team. According to a deal struck with the Fulton County District Attorney's office, Hill, a redshirt freshman last season, will not be prosecuted if he earns a college degree in four years.

Curry said the situation the team's faced with developed in the offseason.

"That's life. Sometimes it happens. You would rather that it didn't, but we will manage," he said. "We would love to redshirt Ben McLane. If it is the right thing to hold somebody out, then we would like to do that. If we can, we will.

If we have to play him, we will prepare him to play."

Curry is pleased that Malcolm Smith, who played mostly on special teams last year, is challenging Rosevelt Watson, Travis Evans and Parris Lee for carries. Watson, Evans and Lee combined for 713 yards rushing and seven touchdowns, but Smith has added a spark this summer to a ground game that struggled last year.

"It's going to be hard to keep him off the field, but it's going to be hard to keep several of (the others) off the field," said Curry.

"That's a good problem to have."

Defensively, Georgia State needs to improve against the run. Opponents hammered the Panthers for nearly 188 yards per game.

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Opponent CLARK ATLANTA OLD DOMINION at Jacksonville State

Location Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Ga. Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Ga. Paul Snow Memorial Stadium, Jacksonville, Ala. at Houston Robertson Stadium, Houston, Texas MURRAY STATE Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Ga. at South Carolina St. Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, Orangeburg, S.C. SOUTH ALABAMA Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Ga. (Homecoming) at UTSA Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas LAMBUTH Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Ga. at West Alabama Tiger Stadium, Livingston, Ala. CAMPBELL Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Ga.

University of Georgia Head Coach: Paul Johnson Classification: ACC Atlantic Last Season’s Record: 6-7 (4-4)

The Associated Press ATLANTA (AP) — Al Groh wasn’t surprised his Georgia Tech defense needed a year to learn his 3-4 scheme.

That was Groh’s prediction last summer when, entering his first season as Georgia Tech’s defensive coordinator he said, “Every time we have done this installation, we do a lot better the second year than the first.”

Last season, the defense struggled at times as Georgia Tech finished 6-7.

Now, as he’s preparing for his second season, Groh says he is encouraged that returning players are more comfortable in the scheme.

Another plus: He says he has more depth and versatility as he looks for improvement in 2011.

Each of Groh’s three starting defensive linemen are back: ends Izaan Cross and Jason Peters and tackle Logan Walls. There is more experience at linebacker, where senior Steven Sylvester and hardhitting junior Julian Burnett are returning starters.

Finally, Groh’s players are more comfortable in his 3-4.

“We do see signs of this being the second time through,” he said.

“It’s a process to really be able to execute at a player’s position.

The first part of that process is just to be comfortable with what

that job is. Once they learn their assignments, then the next stage is to learn how to really do their job.

Last year, so many players were just trying to figure out what their job was.”

Groh said returning players “have a much better handle on how to do their job.”

Coach Paul Johnson fired defensive coordinator Dave Wommack after the 2009 ACC championship season because Johnson wasn’t satisfied with the 24.8 points allowed by the team.

The average was slightly worse under Groh. Georgia Tech ranked 57th in the nation with its average of 25.23 points allowed.

Georgia Tech struggled to make key stops and was weak at times against the run, ranking only 70th in the nation with its average of 170 yards allowed per game on the ground.

Johnson has been clear that he expects the downward trend on defense to end this season.

“Hopefully they’ll be better,” Johnson said. “I think they will. I have every reason to think they’ll be better than a year ago and if we’re going to be better, they’ll have to be. We need them to play better than they played a year ago.”

Johnson said the defense has fared well against the offense in some practices, but not on Tuesday.

“It wasn’t very good,” Johnson said. “The offense knocked the fool out of the defense at the end today.”

Burnett said it will be easier to play faster when the players have a more complete understanding of their roles.

“The fact that we know what we’re doing now, it just gives us a lot of confidence,” Burnett said.

“One of the big things at linebacker, you don’t want to do too much thinking. It has to be a natural thing.”

The defense did not deserve all the blame for Georgia Tech’s poor finish last year, but Burnett said the program’s first losing season since 1996 provided ample motivation for the offseason.

“We do have something to prove,” Burnett said. “Last year’s record wasn’t as good as we hoped. That’s something that’s going to motivate us this year.”

The 67-year-old Groh was 5953 in nine years as Virginia’s coach and was fired after a 3-9 record in 2009. He was 26-40 as Wake Forest’s coach in the 1980s and was 9-7 as the New York Jets’ coach in 2000.

Groh also was an NFL assistant under Bill Parcells with the New York Giants and New England Patriots.

Groh’s first college job was as a plebe assistant at Army in 1968.

Now, 43 years later, he said he

GT 2011 SCHEDULE Sep. 1 Sep. 10 Sep. 17 Sep. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 29 Nov. 10 Nov. 19 Nov. 26

vs. Western Carolina at Middle Tenn. State vs. Kansas vs. North Carolina at North Carolina St. vs. Maryland at Virginia at Miami vs. Clemson vs. Virginia Tech at Duke vs. Georgia

Atlanta, Ga. Murfreesboro, Tenn Atlanta, Ga. Atlanta, Ga. Raleigh, N.C. Atlanta, Ga. Charlottesville, Va. Miami, Fla. Atlanta, Ga. Atlanta, Ga. Durham, N.C. Atlanta, Ga.

still enjoys the challenge of teaching.

“Oh, for sure. It’s most definitely fun to work with the players on a daily basis and to see their advancement and improvement,” he said.

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“I understand every phase of it.

It’s teaching, it’s progress, it’s competition. There’s competition every day. The competition, that’s what puts the energy in the game and that’s what puts the spark in it for all of us.”

Georgia Southern Eagles Head Coach: Jeff Monken Classification: Southern Conference Last Season’s Record: 10-5

GSU eager to build on success The Associated Press STATESBORO — Georgia Southern exceeded expectations last season by advancing to the FCS semifinals under first-year coach Jeff Monken.

Now the Eagles are considered favorites to challenge for a Southern Conference title, but Monken isn’t impressed.

“We didn’t win a championship,” Monken said. “We have no championship rings from our conference. We were fortunate to make playoffs, we did, won a cou-

ple of games, so there’s still a lot of us left to accomplish.”

The nucleus of Georgia Southern’s 10-5 season returns, and Monken doesn’t fret for a lack of dangerous skill position players in his option offense and 4-3 defense.

Fullback Robert Brown and quarterback Jaybo Shaw, who combined to rush for 23 touchdowns and 1,518 yards last year, lead a backfield that includes slotbacks J.J. Wilcox and Johnathan Bryant.

Wilcox had 484 yards rushing and a team-high 551 yards receiving.

Bryant earned the starting slotback last year before he broke his leg in the season opener against Savannah State.

Brett Moore, a former backup long snapper, emerged last year as a team leader and is an all-conference tackle.

The defense is led by all-conference selections Laron Scott, a cornerback and return specialist, and tackle Brent Russell. Scott had six interceptions and 1,161 kickoff return yards last year. Russell finished with eight sacks.

GSU 2011 SCHEDULE Sep. 3 Sep. 10 Sep. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 29 Nov. 5 Nov. 12 Nov. 19

at Samford at Birmingham, Ala. at 7 p.m. vs. Tusculum at Paulson Stadium 6 p.m. vs. Western Carolina at Paulson Stadium at 6 p.m. at Elon at Elon, N.C. at 1:30 PM vs. Chattanooga at Paulson Stadium at 3 p.m. vs. Furman at Paulson Stadium at 3 p.m. vs. Presbyterian at Paulson Stadium at 2 p.m. at Appalachian State at Boone, N.C. at 3 p.m. vs. The Citadel HOMECOMING at Paulson Stadium at 2 p.m. vs. Wofford at Spartanburg, S.C. at 1:30 p.m. at Alabama at Tuscaloosa, Ala. at 2 p.m.