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Volume 5
August 2025
WGW Sports: Fall Football Preview
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For the third season in a row, the Bowdon High School Red Devils brought home a state championship alongside an impressive record of 13-2 for the season. After an outstanding 2024 season, one question remains on the minds of anyone familiar with Bowdon football: "Can they do it again?"
This fall, Head Coach Richard Fendley and the Red Devils have a season lineup nearly identical to last year, with hopes of bringing home a 1A Division 2 Region 7 championship. Last season, Bowdon placed runner-up in region play to the Manchester High School Blue Devils. Red Devil seniors have only ever known state championships, and they are not ready to stop now. Getting to the top was arduous, staying there is nearly impossible, and yet, Bowdon football shows no signs of falling anytime soon.
As he enters his senior year, Bowdon’s five-star tight end Kaiden Prothro stands ready to dominate the competition. The widely recruited player gained his share of media attention throughout his high school career. Prothro caught 56 passes for over 1,000 yards, and he scored 22 touchdowns – in just his junior year.
Earlier this summer, the Atlanta JournalConstitution named him one of its 2025 Super 11 players, that recognizes the best 11 players in the state of Georgia. Prothro announced his commitment to the University of Georgia this summer after considering offers from the University of Alabama, the University of Texas at Austin, Auburn University and the University of Florida.
“Kaiden has been a great player, a role model and a leader his entire high school career. In his senior year, we hope to see him become more vocal in his leadership,” says Coach Fendley.
With his recruitment settled, Prothro remains laser-focused on helping the Red Devils bring home one more state championship before heading off to play between the hedges on Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga.
Bowdon’s roster boasts players who pack a punch in every position on the field, with team leaders throughout. Fendley and the Red Devils pride themselves on being a player-led team, a dynamic where older players take more responsibility than they would on a coach-led team.
“Coach-led teams can be good, but player-led teams can be great,” Fendley explains. “We put a lot on our seniors. Each senior gives a speech
about what football has meant to him to all the underclassmen in the program. We have our team select permanent captains. These players are chosen to be the leaders of our program. We also have a leadership council to discuss things that need to improve within the program.”
Fendley focuses on building the team from within, using players who serve as role models to implement the already established team dynamics. Two of this year’s team captains are senior Stewart Powell, a hard-nosed offensive/defensive lineman, and senior tight end Jonah Wilson. Wilson committed to Samford University with other offers from Georgia Southern University, the Citadel, the United States Air Force Academy and more.
This season, a new face joins the Red Devils at quarterback. Joshua Hopkins, a senior transfer from Johns Creek High School, steps in the shoes of Bowdon’s 2024 main event quarterback Charles Maxell III. Maxell graduated in May and plays for Washington University in St. Louis this fall. Hopkins is a dual-threat signal caller with a great eye for improvisation, and he is primed and ready to represent the Red Devils this year.
Although the Red Devils experienced an abundance of success on the field the last several years, Fendley is in the business of turning boys into responsible and driven young men. “We
Bowdon Red Devils Roster
No. 0 Mike Patterson
No. 1 Kaiden Prothro
No. 2 Josh Hopkins
No. 3 Jett Abrams
No. 4 Jonah Wilson
No. 5 Berkley Perkins
No. 6 Marcus Harper
No. 7 Sawyer Smith
No. 8 Keilan Prothro
No. 9 K.K. Patterson
No. 10 Josh Chandler
No. 11 Madden Jones
No. 12 Connor Daniel
No. 15 Grayson Bryant
No. 16 Jack South
No. 17 Brayden Yates
No. 18 Lucki Bailey
No. 19 Levi Parker
No. 22 Jaxson Jones
No. 24 Paul Wilson
No. 25 Keontay Rowe
No. 26 Kayden Nunn
No. 27 Makhail Boykin
No. 28 Brantley Bell
No. 30 Brice Warren
No. 32 Kyron Rowe
No. 35 Eli Harris
No. 36 Reeve Yates
No. 37 Colton Dooley
No. 40 Gavin Parmer
No. 41 Eli Robinson
No. 42 Perrin Gore No. 43 Nate Ayers No. 44 Owen Clark No. 45 Stefyn Coates No. 49 Trevor Parlier No. 52 Jayse Turner No. 54 Chase Windom No. 55 Garrison Edwards No. 56 Izayah Wiggley No. 57 Davion Houston No. 58 Stewart Powell No. 60 Gabe Helms No. 61 Luis Gonzalez No. 62 Coby Wiggins No. 63 Phisher Perkins No. 65 Hunter Kendrick No. 66 Joel Roque No. 67 Ke’Von Chandler No. 68 Jose Villareal No. 70 Bentley Whitiker No. 71 Mason Richie No. 73 Parker Smith No. 74 J.D. Cooley No. 75 Trysten Wilson No. 76 William Ramirez No. 77 John Harden No. 79 Gage Pope
have won a lot of games the past five to six years, but football is a short period of a person's life,” He relates. “There is a lot of life to be lived after football ends. We measure success by what kind of husbands, fathers, employees and people our players turn out to be. A true measure of success is how our kids turn out in their adult life.”
Red Devil culture runs deep in Bowdon, and players get trained from the beginning to be winners on the field and off. Bowdon’s Dwight Hochstetler stadium will be buzzing with excitement throughout the season, as die-hard Red Devil fans expect to see this winning tradition upheld.
The Bowdon High School Red Devils travel to Roswell to face Fellowship Christian School for their first game on Aug. 15. WGW
BLUE DEVILS BUILDING EXCITEMENT
date Opponent
OPEN vs. Jordan at Bowdon vs. McNair vs. Rabun County at Model* vs. Temple* vs. Pepperell*
OPEN vs. Heard County* at Haralson County* at Darlington* *Indicates Region 6-A Division I contest
In the second game of Bremen’s football season last fall, 2024 quarterback Carson Kimball took a disastrous hit that left him with a severe spinal injury. Kimball, a senior captain, was an invaluable Blue Devil on the field and off. During a 2024 preseason interview with WGW, Coach Davis Russell described Carson as "the best human being on the planet.”
As Kimball approaches the one-year mark since his devastating injury, he continues to fight daily through rehabilitation and medical procedures with hopes to, one day, walk again.
Kimball spoke at his class of 2024 graduation in May and addressed his teammates, coaches, classmates, family and the Bremen community. “Every day I wake up, I’ve been told what I’m striving to do is impossible by doctors, nurses, family members and people that I love,” he said of
his road to recovery. “I don’t regret anything in my life. I don’t regret the people I’ve met or the people I’ve talked to. I don’t regret putting on my pads the night of Aug 30. I do regret taking for granted the small things I have in my life and not appreciating the small moments I had with people.
“f I could do it over again, I would spend more time with the people I love. I would probably hug a little tighter. You don’t understand how lucky each and every one of you is to get up out of your own bed, to put on your own shoes, to stand up and hug your mom on Mother’s Day ... I don’t know when I will walk, but I’m not giving up, and I expect none of you to give up either.”
Kimball shared on the stage that his faith in God has been his guiding light through this healing journey, and this is just one trial he has been tasked with overcoming.
Coach Russell and his team were, and still are, deeply affected by the tragedy that struck one of their own, and the shockwaves continue to roll through the entire Bremen community. The team sees “Carson Strong” posters, t-shirts and bumper stickers throughout the West Georgia area.
A GoFundMe raised more than $72,000 to help offset the impact of Carson’s medical bills on the Kimball family, with people wishing Carson quick healing and offering prayers for his recovery.
Kimball’s injury changed the culture of Bremen Football permanently, as Coach Russell explains. “When you go through something like that as a team, it gives you a greater appreciation for everything you do.” Russell and The Blue Devils intend to have a standout season in 2025, and there is no doubt Carson Kimball’s tenacity will be in the hearts of every player on the field.
In 2024, the Blue Devils were left shaken by the circumstances of the season, which impacted the team's record. Bremen ended 2024 with a 6-5 overall record and a 4-2 region record. This season, with the team rooted in and players fully confident, Bremen has week after week of tough play lined up.
In non-region play, the Blue Devils face Jordan, Bowdon, McNair and Rabun County to get battletested for the region. In region play, the Blue Devils have their sights set on the region title held by the Heard County Braves and look forward to a rematch against the Temple Tigers, a game they lost last year in the middle of the season. Things are looking up for Bremen football, and this is the perfect year to
come back with a vengeance.
Bremen has a talented bunch this year, led by signal caller Eli Brock. Junior Brock stepped into the role of QB #1 last season as a sophomore and continues to lead the campaign this season. Brock, who began his high school football career as a receiver and quickly turned to quarterback, gained valuable reps last year as he navigated varsity play and the pressure of a community on his shoulders. This season, Brock is more settled and ready for his first full season as starting quarterback.
Senior Justin Faulkner is a wide receiver/cornerback/safety committed to Northern Illinois University. In a preseason scrimmage game against Rockmart, Faulkner tallied three touchdowns and over 160 yards receiving. He's a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the ball, but his offensive numbers are hard to beat.
Junior Carter Allen is a lethal punter/kicker, who worked diligently in the offseason to hit
personal records as he prepared for his junior year. Bryson Jenkins continues to grow as a junior offensive lineman who is poised to find some real traction with college offers this season. Senior defensive back/safety Jaishaun Jones, a three-sport athlete, hopes to get more attention for his athletic abilities.
Russell shares confidence in all of his players this season and sees the team as a true family. As he begins his 10th year as head coach of the Bremen Blue Devils, Russell coined the team’s 2025 motto as “Do Right.”
“We are trying to do that in everything that we do. Our team is a great group of young men who enjoy playing for each other, and they are a selfless group,” he says.
Russell urges fans to keep a lookout for what the Blue Devils produce this season.
“The 2025 team should be an exciting one to watch,” he says.
The Bremen High School Blue Devils host Jordan High School to open the season on Aug 22. WGW
date Opponent vs. Woodward Academy vs. Columbia at Rome vs. Lithia Springs at Gainesville vs. Parker OPEN at Westlake* vs. Chapel Hill* vs. East Coweta* OPEN vs. Douglas County* *Indicates Region 2-AAAAAA contest
Photos
Carrollton High School sported an almost perfect season in 2024 with a record of 14-1 – winning the 6A Region 2 championship and the first 14 games of the season. The 2024 season ended with the Trojans fall against Grayson High School in the Class 6A state championship game – a game that was hardfought at Mercedes-Benz stadium in Atlanta and ended with a 14-point loss for the Trojans.
As Coach Joey King enters his fifth season as head coach of the Trojans, he expects to bring a state championship back to Carrollton in 2025.
Although Carrollton’s star quarterback Julian Lewis graduated and prepares to play his first season at Colorado State University this fall, the Trojans have no shortage of talent at the quarterback position. The team welcomed the arrival of transfer student
Mason Holtzclaw, a quarterback coming from Christ School in Asheville, N.C. Holtzclaw reclassified from 2027 to 2026, and he settled in nicely to the Trojan family. “Mason is doing a great job. He is a hard worker and a good leader,” Coach King says, “He is learning the system well and meshing with the guys well. Both he and CJ are dangerous at quarterback, and we’re thankful to have them both.”
Freshman quarterback CJ Cypher received scholarship offers from D1 schools before he stepped foot into high school this year, and he will be a heavily recruited quarterback for the 2029 class. The talent doesn’t stop with the quarterbacks, though. Carrollton’s roster oozes with talent in every position and across classes.
Offensive lineman Zykie Helton and wide receiver
Ryan Mosely are both seniors committed to the University of Georgia, and the Trojans expect the pair to be lethal in their senior seasons. Senior linebacker CJ Gamble committed to play at Georgia Tech upon graduation, and senior fourstar cornerback Dorian Barney committed to University of Michigan earlier this summer.
Sophomore offensive lineman Kweli Fielder gained attention from several Division 1 universities, and Max Preps named him a Freshman All-American. Just this summer, Fielder received offers from Louisiana State University, the University of Alabama and Ohio State University. During his freshman year, he received offers from Duke University, the University of South Carolina, the University of Georgia, Pennsylvania State University, Auburn University and several other Division 1 names across the country.
Carrollton football is no stranger to success, but what King and the Trojans consider success transcends wins and losses. “Success to me, ultimately, as a high school coach, is about pouring into your young men to help them become good men,” says King. “If it’s just about X’s and O’s, we’re missing the point. Sometimes success comes years later, when you get a text or phone call from a former player who got married, had a child or
earned a big promotion at work.”
Part of the player development King and his coaching staff focus on is through fostering a player-led team. Player-led teams create more opportunities for players to take charge and learn how to navigate the leadership of their peers. “We have a player leadership committee, and those guys are part of many decisions we make as a program,” he relates. “Ultimately, I’m the head coach, but I listen to our guys and value their input – especially from the ones who pay the price and do things the right way.”
The Trojans are notorious for being a tough team in just about every sense of the word, and that grit and fortitude is part of what makes Carrollton football so special.
Carrollton Trojans Roster
No. 0 Cam Wood
No. 1 Peyton Zachary
No. 2 Jay Hagan
No. 3 Shem McMillan
No. 4 Ryan Mosley
No. 5 Aidan Rosemond
No. 6 Tyler Boyd
No. 7 Jeremiah Arnoux
No. 7 CJ Cypher
No. 8 Dorian Barney
No. 9 CJ Gamble
No. 10 Darrell McFadden
No. 11 Caleb Hudson
No. 12 Mason Holtzclaw
No. 12 Ayden Lockette
No. 13 Keaires Miller
No. 14 Kam McDaniel
No. 15 Rontre Welch
No. 16 Keontay Kidd
No. 17 TJ Clinton
No. 18 Jermichael Simmons
No. 19 Dash Myton
No. 20 Jayden Johnston
No. 22 Julian Satterwhite
No. 23 Landon Walker
No. 24 Zhaiylon Harris No. 25 Terry Glenn No. 29 Omavi Smith
No. 48 Harry Riggins No. 49 Elijah Wiley No. 50 Demetrius Carter No. 52 Zykie Helton No. 53 Beau Ball No. 54 Kweli Fielder No. 55 Chastan Sheffield No. 56 Mike Thomas No. 57 Jayden Moses No. 58 Mateo Wells No. 59 Asher Phillips No. 60 Blake Thomason No. 61 Jaiden Collins No. 62 Andreas McCullough No. 63 Tony Akra No. 64 Kaleb Sims No. 66 Tyrell Thomas No. 67 Braydon Russell No. 68 Douglas Caballero No. 69 Jeremiah Glover No. 71 Mason Scoville No. 72 Talon Edge No. 73 Trey Norman No. 74 Anthony Villanueva No. 75 BJ Rawlings No. 77 Marc Mitchell No. 78 Rayden Avery No. 79 Cam Henderson No. 80 Chase Fortner No. 81 Oscar Aguilar No. 82 Jonathan Miller No. 84 Julian Vargas No. 85 Kamai Umiamaka No. 87 Kolton Messer No. 88 Landon Blankinship No. 89 Jayden Davis No. 90 Manny Zachery No. 91 Jovonnie Benson No. 92 Cash Huggins No. 93 Elliot Parham No. 94 Olandrius Dumas No. 95 Mason McClendon No. 96 Wayne Hilbert No. 97 DA Logan
This season, King and the Trojans share some specific goals for the team’s improvement, and they plan to take the season day by day. “We’ve got to make sure we focus on playing Trojan football –blocking, tackling, taking care of the ball and taking the ball away – and playing with extreme effort.” King explains, “Those are the things we’re trying to improve on daily. We’re inexperienced at some positions, so we’re working to get those guys as many reps and looks as possible.”
With incredible talent, experienced staff and a clear roadmap to success, Coach King has all the tools needed to make this another fantastic year of Trojan football. The Trojans host Woodward Academy on Aug. 15 for their first game of the 2025 season. WGW
Lions Looking to the Next Play
The Central High School Lions stay laser-focused on greatness for the 2025 season. 2024 brought great success to the Lions, but Coach Umbrah Brown and his players are hungry for more.
The Lions won the 4A Region 3 title with a region record of 4-1, with their only region loss against Starr’s Mill High School in Fayetteville. In the state tournament, Central fell in the second round of the playoffs against the Cambridge High School Bears with a score of 41-22.
The 2025 season is Brown’s third year as head coach of the Central Lions, and the team has leapt forward since Brown arrived in Carrollton. In his last two seasons, Brown tallied 21 wins and just four losses. Just as a seasoned sports fan would expect, Brown is ready to leave the wins and woes of 2024 in the past and look toward the trials his Lions have in front of them.
This season, Central crosses the state line into Alabama for a rematch of last year’s game against
Oxford High School. Oxford was the first of only two losses for the entire 2024 season, when the Lions fell to the Yellow Jackets by just 10 points. The Lions seek to conquer Oxford in a tough battle during their second game of the season.
The Lions face another rematch this season in region regular Starr's Mill High School. Starr's Mill was Central’s only region loss in 2024, but the Lions’ focus is keeping their region title this year with zero losses in the final tally.
Senior running back Jonaz Walton has been lightning in a bottle his entire career as a Lion, gaining college and media attention early on. This summer, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution named Walton one of their Super 11, an honor given to the best 11 players in the state. Walton enters into his senior year with the stakes higher than ever to bring
Coach Brown hopes to see more freedom on the
field and off for Walton after his commitment to the University of Notre Dame. “[I’m] hoping to see him continue to lead and have fun. With his recruitment settled, he should be able to not stress over any of that and just focus on being a great teammate and leader, while having fun with his peers,” the coach says.
Another player with the season quite literally at his fingertips is JR Harris, the Lion’s dual-threat quarterback. He has a plethora of experience – he's led the team as starting quarterback each year of his high school career. Harris enters into his junior year uncommitted with offers from several schools, with more expected as the season progresses. Although on the smaller side of quarterbacks, what Harris lacks in size he makes up for in grit and pure athleticism.
No. 67 Hollis Entrekin No. 68 Heath White No. 69 Isaac Smith No. 70 Jose Baccerra No. 71 Damon Finley No. 72 Jacob Fountain
No. 74 JJ Harvey No. 75 Sam Walker No. 76 Paul Hoying
No. 78 Garrett Bilbo
No. 80 Braylon Horton
No. 81 James Lowery
No. 82 Easton Williams
No. 84 Kayden Turner
No. 85 Kam Ryans
No. 87 Evan Templeton
No. 89 Prince Hill
No. 94 Rydge Burchfield
No. 96 Willie Burke
No. 97 William Burke
No. 99 Jaden Jones
Coach Brown expects several other Lions to light this season up. Junior left guard Tae Crowder, senior wide receiver Avery Tanner, junior wide receiver/ defensive back Jake Ivester and junior strong safeties Tyson and Tyler Rochester proved to be solid players who sometimes fly under the radar. These players are integral to Brown’s well-oiled machine, and each and every player on the team impacts its success.
For the Lions, hard work is key – in the classroom, the weight room or on the gridiron. Another key to growth for the Lions is buying into a “next play mentality.” This means that no matter how the previous play went – good or bad – the goal is to move on immediately to the next play. This keeps players in a positive mindset that propels them forward as opposed to letting doubt or pride take over.
Integrating new players into the Lion’s den is a nearly seamless process that begins before the players even step onto the field or put on their pads. “It all starts in the weight room with us, teaching them how we work and how we hold each other accountable,” says Brown. “Then it’s a matter of finding out what they do well on the field and putting them in situations to showcase their skills. The leaders on this team must embrace them and lead by example as well. That usually is the process we take on getting new guys entrenched into what we are doing.”
This Lion pride is on the younger side, so the growing Central football program relies on a smooth transition to bring new players into the fold. WGW
Haralson County HOPEFUL
HARD WORK PAYS OFF
Haralson County Rebel Football’s 2024 season was one of learning and growth in some painful ways. The season ended at 1-9 overall and 0-6 in region play. Although the record doesn’t reflect it, the Rebels played flashes of great football last season in a few close games that the team just couldn’t seem to take, such as a 21-20 loss against Pike County High School, the 21-16 region loss against Darlington and a 14-6 region loss against Model High School.
Last season taunted the Rebels with wins that ended up being just out of reach, and second-year Head Coach Randy Crutchfield is determined to make some adjustments this year. He's more than happy to move on from 2024 as he settles further into his role at the helm of Rebel territory.
Before this 2025 campaign began, Crutchfield met with his team to set clear goals. "To begin the off-season, we wrote goals as a team that we wanted to accomplish,” he explains. “Our goals are to have a winning season and to make the playoffs. Additionally, it is a goal for our senior class to leave a legacy of being the group
Photos by Andrew Agresta
that helped turn the tide and get our program back in the conversation for region championships in the years to come.”
This class of 17 seniors fought through a coaching change and drastic changes to region play. In the 2021 season, Haralson County went 10-2 and had a perfect 6-0 region tally. The following season, their overall record dropped to 3-7 with a region record of 2-4. This group of senior Rebels wants to be the one to bring the wins back home.
One senior leading the way is quarterback Paxton Ray, a calm and collected signal caller who leads the team through action. Senior Caleb Hughes returns his final year prepared to play on both sides of the ball and lead where he’s needed. Senior lineman Jacob Kilgore is another true leader on the field and in the weight room for the Rebels. Khemp Boyd, a junior wide receiver, was named first team all-region for his sophomore season and is set to make his junior season count.
Coach Crutchfield made big changes with the coaching staff: He brought in Coach Chad Cochran to serve as defensive coordinator for the Rebels. Cochran is the former defensive coordinator for the Oxford High School Yellow Jackets in Alabama, a team that won the 2019 6A State Championship.
No. 33 Gavin Robinson No. 40 Emilio Patino No. 43 Jonathan Pitts No. 44 Carsyn Simpson No. 49 Hayden Gallimore No. 50 Hunter Mixon No. 51 John Costley No. 52 Braxus Wilson No. 53 Cole Holcombe No. 54 Joseph Jeffery No. 55 Landin Singletary No. 56 Samuel Johnson No. 57 Curtis Clayton No. 58 Cohen Walker No. 59 Matthew Craig No. 62 Jake Gray No. 63 Walker Ward No. 65 Tyler Pennington No. 66 Kade Whaley No. 67 Eli Thompson No. 68 Weston Baker No. 70 Boston Benefield No. 71 Cylus Pettway No. 75 Blaze Fisher No. 77 Jacob Kilgore No. 78 Jonathan Chain
Another big change is Coach Triston Cash’s move to offensive coordinator, taking the pressure of playcalling out of Crutchfield’s hands. Both of these coaching adjustments should shake things up for the better on both sides of the ball.
This season, Haralson County has nothing to lose and everything to gain, and Crutchfield says they are willing to sacrifice individual glory for the good of the team. “We have a team full of guys who are selfless and willing to do whatever they need to do to help their team win on a Friday night. The most important thing is that our team as a whole is successful, not individual accolades. Our guys understand this, as we put our ‘Standards over our Feelings’ daily, and work to ‘Out-physical and Outlast’ our opponents each Friday night."
Haralson County prepares to do whatever it takes to bring some wins back to Tallapoosa. Crutchfield’s overarching theme of hard work over everything has
been one of many positive steps for the Rebels. The Haralson County High School Rebels travel to Mount Pisgah Christian School for their first game on Aug. 15. WGW
Heard County Headed for Greatness
Last season, Coach Shane Lasseter was armed with a roster of eager young players who benefitted from the growth and development of 2024. The Braves’ 2024 season ended after a close game turned into a heartbreaker in the second round of the playoffs versus Elbert County, where the Braves fell to the Blue Devils with a score of 24-26.
Although the season didn’t end with the team holding a state championship trophy, the Braves went undefeated in region play as they swept through the A Division 1 Region 6 championship, beating each team they faced comfortably. The Braves stand ready for a repeat in 2025 with hopes of going further in the playoffs.
Heard County Braves Roster
No. 0 Andrew Tinker
No. 1 Darience Coleman
No. 2
No. 36 James Thompson No. 37 Daniel Alston No. 38 Jackson Harmon No. 41 Hunter Huey No. 42 Brayden Dutton
No. 43 Eli Alston No. 44 CJ Bonner No. 45 Zeke Barnes No. 49 Henry Huber
No. 50 David Hannah No. 52 Kaden Wood No. 53 Kaleb Satcher No. 54 Tatum White No. 55 Jaxon White
No. 56 Logan Parmer No. 57 Isaiah Heard No. 58 Bentley Boogher No. 59 Drew Betts No. 60 Joshua Janney No. 61 Joseph Huber No. 62 Charles Mixon No. 64 DJ Cook No. 65 Luke Meacham No. 66 Matthew Phelps No. 67 Grayson Mansfield No. 68 Owen Camp No. 69 River White No. 70 Bryson Hannah No. 73 Mike Johnson
No. 77 Ben Pike
every minute of every game they have played since they were 5 years old. Having a son as a senior has made this group very special to me, as I have seen them all grow up on and off the field. I want the best for this group not only because we want that every year, but for personal reasons. I want them to experience a season and bonding experience they will never forget on their last ride together.”
Junior Ethan Tisdale shoots into his third year at starting quarterback after he gained more highpressure experience last season. Tisdale is an agile dual-threat quarterback who is only getting bigger and stronger as he progresses through his high school career.
This group of seniors is especially important to Coach Lasseter, and not just because his own son Max is part of the 22-man senior class. The Braves class of 2026 experienced wins and losses, both on the field and off, and stand steadfast in their Heard County Pride since childhood.
“This group has been through the stages of having to play early, then they tasted the playoff run that ended suddenly, and now it's time for them to leave it better than they found it," says Coach Lasseter. "This group is also super special to me as I have seen basically
Lasseter and the Braves’ coaching staff takes pride in developing athletes into well-rounded players, and Tisdale is on that same road to greatness, “[Ethan] has worked very hard on becoming a better version of himself. His leadership is improving, as you are forced into being a leader in that position, and he was thrown into it at a very early age," explains Coach Lasseter. "I think he is on his way to being a more polished overall player now, instead of just an athlete playing the position.”
A story of redemption this year comes with senior River White as he returns to the field after a shoulder injury took his junior season off the table. White is eager to help lead the Braves’ offensive line alongside fellow senior Ben Pike.
Andrew Tinker, the Braves’ deadly senior defensive back, received offers to continue his academic and athletic career from Tuskegee University, Ball State University, Sacramento State University, the United States Military Academy and others.
Seniors Max Lasseter and Jaxon White also picked up offers and expect to gain more as the season plays out. In a tale all too familiar in high school sports, some of Lasseter’s players are gaining
traction in their college recruitment while others aren’t getting much attention from college coaches.
“We have several kids that I believe can be college football players that are either going under the radar or not getting any attention," Coach Lasseter says. "We tell them all the time that it’s a constant thing to continue to push, and control what you can control, and that is playing your best right now. The portal at the college level is good for many things, but it has drastically impacted high school recruiting. We have a senior class that has a few kids with some offers, but we have some really good football players that will land somewhere if they stay the course.”
Heard County’s 2025 season is identical to 2024,
facing each team they faced last year in the same order. While last season’s Braves broke through their first two games against Clarkston and South Atlanta with ease, their third and fourth games versus Murphy and Bowdon were the only two losses in the regular season. This year, Heard County is focused on leaving a mark on school history, using the mantra, “Team 53,” for the 53rd year of Heard County Football.
“The numbers mean this team is unique and will never be the same," Coach Lasseter explains. "You can draw on the expectations of what it means to be a Brave and traditions, but no game won by Team 20, Team 40, Team 52 is going to win a game for Team 53. It’s unique, and it’s up to us to make it the best version of ourselves.”
At the heart of Heard County Football is consistency and program growth, and Lasseter takes a day-by-day approach to building the Braves. “Our goal is to provide a super consistent program that focuses on getting better each and every day," he relates. "We are chasing the best version of ourselves on and off the field each and every day. If you do that over the course of a few years, then it tends to stack up into something pretty decent over time.” The Braves demonstrated this philosophy over the last five years under Lasseter’s lead, and there really is something special growing in Heard County.
As for where this season will take the Braves, Lasseter is clear about his hopes for this group specifically. “My expectations this season are the same as every year, and that is to get us to the best version of ourselves so we can see how far that can take us. But I would be lying if I said I didn’t want it a little more for them than ever before. They are just special to this school, community, coaches, our family and me, personally,” he says.
Heard County kicks off the season hosting the Clarkston High School Angoras Aug. 15 at Staples Stadium. WGW
Stallions Shooting for State
Hearts Academy*
*Indicates GAPPS Region 1-A (9 Man) contest
Following a season of injuries and player departures, Coach Bart Gillespie and the Holy Ground Baptist Academy Stallions are shooting for state this year no matter what obstacles may arise.
Holy Ground doesn’t have a roster of 60 players like some of its neighbors in West Georgia. The Stallions don’t play classic 11-man football, either. This team plays 9-man football, a necessity for small schools without the student body depth of average schools. Gillespie boasts 21 players on his roster this year, which is seven more than last year. With only 21 players, each athlete must feel comfortable playing multiple positions on the field, with most of them playing on both offense and defense.
What some might see as a burden or a hindrance in growth in specific roles, Gillespie’s players see it as an opportunity to learn more about the game of football. Junior lineman Parker Phillips explains the perks of playing multiple positions. “It helps for offensive linemen and defensive linemen. I play both, so when I’m on offense, I know what the defense is trying to do. When I’m on defense, I know what the offense is trying to do, so it helps me.”
Holy Ground’s 2024 season started strong with three wins that turned into a six-game losing
streak at the end of the season. Coach Gillespie chalks up last season’s slump to the many injuries that plagued the team. “Injuries last year hurt us, but this year, we’re hoping we have enough to overcome injuries,” he says.
Although the Stallion’s record from last season shows a struggle, the team’s biggest loss was only by a 22-point margin in their fight against Lafayette Christian out of LaGrange.
Senior tight end/defensive end Malachi Darby takes pride in the 2024 team’s ability to work through adversity. “I feel like our team came together, and we really showed our work ethic through the games. With whatever happened in the game, whoever got hurt, we stepped in and filled the position, worked hard and did our task.”
Gillespie has several young Stallions galloping onto the team this year, giving the program a fresh focus to the 2025 season. With so many new faces, Gillespie is trying to place all the pieces of the puzzle that make up the Stallions’ roster. “At this point, we’re still finding our strengths because we’ve got a lot of new young men playing with us that I’ve never coached before," he explains. “We’re learning what their strengths are and finding the best spot for them, and the team.”
Photos by Andrew Agresta
While a few of Holy Ground’s key players graduated, Gillespie looks to his younger players to fill some gaps left by last year’s seniors. Junior Andrew Runels steps into the starting quarterback role and is getting his reps in after spending time on reserve. Runels hasn’t had much game experience since his middle school days, but Gillespie expects him to excel this season and lead the team from the signal caller position.
Gillespie looks forward to the size of his linemen, a struggle the Stallions grappled with in the past, “I think our offensive line will be one of our strengths this year. We’ve got a lot of size. We’ve got some bigger kids this year,” he explains.
The team is fired up for this season after the trials
of last year, as the Stallions come off one of the best off-seasons so far. Nine-man football requires a fit roster, with two fewer players on either side of the ball, all while taking place on a regulation-size field. The Stallions have worked on their strength and cardio all summer with intense sessions in the weight room, agility training and field play.
With five games on the road and four at home, Holy Ground’s players stand more prepared than ever to go all the way to the state tournament.
Holy Ground hosts their home opener versus Covington Academy Aug. 22. WGW
Holy Ground Roster
No. 1 Casen Akin
No. 2 Braxton Davis
No. 3 Cooper Farmer
No. 5 Noah Brown
No. 7 Neil Brown
No. 10 Chase Lepard No. 11 Israel Marks
No. 14 Gavin Daniel
No. 15 Andrew Runels
No. 17 Chris Ward
No. 22 Malachi Darby
No. 25 Noah Neathawk No. 42 Joshua Caldwell
No. 44 Pierce Bender
No. 45 Jace Jones
No. 54 Braylon Smith
No. 64 Braden Bush
No. 65 Parker Phillips
No. 72 Isaiah Caldwell
No. 81 Caden Hurston No. 99 Van Smith
eagles Ready for Redemption
date Opponent at Chattahoochee County vs. Ranburne vs. Bethlehem Christian vs. Chattooga vs. Baconton Charter vs. Pike County vs. Greenville vs. Trion* at Bowdon OPEN at Manchester OPEN
10/24 10/31
*Indicates Region 7-A Division II contest
Coming off a less-than-stellar 2024 season, Mount Zion Eagles Coach Brad Gordon knows just what to do to make some changes and improvements for 2025. This year, Gordon enters his ninth year as head coach, and his experience comes in handy for this season of new beginnings.
The Eagles went 0-4 in region play and 3-7 overall in the 2024 season. Mount Zion shares 1A D2 Region 7 with Manchester High School, Bowdon High School, Trion High School and Greenville High School. The Eagles’ lost their closest scoring region match by only two points against the Greenville Patriots, and they have a chance at redemption as they host Greenville in September.
It’s no secret the Eagles seek a more productive 2025 season in terms of wins. Coach Gordon gets the ebbs and flows of high school football, and he urges his team to keep sight of the big picture.
Brandon Neal is set to man the strong side defensive end and right tackle for the Eagles, while senior Caleb Sims is a wide receiver who holds an offer from South Georgia Institute. Senior wide receiver and linebacker Xavier Buckner boasts offers from the University of West Georgia, Samford University, Wofford University, Tennessee State University and more. Senior linebacker and H-back Jayden Ackey led the Eagles in tackles the last two years, and he 08/15
“Football teaches us about the game of life. When it gets tough, we don’t give up. We keep pushing forward and never lose the picture of the
big goal,” he says. This mindset can absolutely change the trajectory of a season, and Gordon expects just that.
Despite Mount Zion’s smaller roster size, Gordon possesses talent, and some of his players operate in multiple positions. Junior Knox Israel, starting quarterback on the Mount Zion squad since his freshman year, is a veteran player in terms of the number of downs he has played in just two seasons. The Eagles welcome his experience as he leads the offensive charge. In addition to playing on the offensive side, his coaches look to see his skills on the opposite side of the ball at inside linebacker.
expects to build up his take-downs. Sophomore center Abram Morrow gains momentum with his size and abilities behind the line of scrimmage.
Senior Brady Denney, the Eagles' offensive/defensive lineman, returns to the field this year after an ACL tear. Denney labored through the long rehab process to ensure his readiness for this fall.
Mount Zion Eagles Roster
No. 0 Jayden Ackey
No. 1 Khaziya Ackey
No. 2 Rashad Montgomery
No. 3 Brody Hindsman
No. 4 Damian Sanders
No. 5 Jaydin Cheeks
No. 6 Trent Harris
No. 7 Caleb Sims
No. 8 Caleb Houston
No. 10 Jordan Smith
No. 11 Alan Esquivel Agustin
No. 12 Knox Israel
No. 13 Brycen Denbow
No. 14 Omarion Dallas
No. 15 Kameron Rolling
No. 25 Kameron Reid
No. 26 Jay’len Brown
No. 28 Ke’onue Glenn
No. 30 Payton Drew
No. 38 Peyton Bollen
No. 42 Brycen Patterson
No. 47 Brady Denney
No. 50 Kam Germany
No. 51 Daniel Mendoza
No. 52 Mau’li Brown
No. 54 Cooper Traylor
No. 55 Brandon Neal
No. 56 Michael Nesby
No. 57 Abram Morrow
No. 58 Kody Lanning
who will return next year. Leadership is not about age, but accountability, and these young men have it.” He expects this season to test each athlete on Mount Zion’s roster, but especially those in leadership roles –spoken or unspoken.
No. 16 Graylan Reese
No. 17 Lucas Winter
In Coach Gordon’s eyes, Israel, Ackey and Neal aren’t just players who clock in and clock out; they're leaders on and off the field for the Eagles. “Being a leader just doesn’t happen overnight,” he says. “You have to gain trust by always doing and being in the right place. These young men have been the face of our program for years. And thankfully, we have some of them
No. 18 Dayson Rolling
No. 19 Nolan Trueblood
No. 20 Bryceton Alphabet
No. 21 Kevontay Cousin
No. 22 Tysson Madden
No. 23 Justice Rhone
No. 24 Amari Brown
No. 59 Alex Avila
No. 60 Avery Weldon
No. 61 Cullen Brown
No. 62 Canyon Thompson
No. 63 Riley Smith
No. 64 Wesley Bearden
No. 68 Issac Meza
No. 70 Ja’Quez Winzy
No. 72 Jaylen Davidson
Gordon’s goals for the 2025 season and beyond are simple enough. “[Our] short-term goals are a winning season and hosting a home playoff game. [Our] long-term goal is to be in the talk each season come post season.”
The Eagles have their work cut out for them and plan to do everything they can to make this year's team one for the Mount Zion football record books. The Eagles travel to face Chattahoochee County High School for their first game on Aug. 15. WGW
Temple Tigers MOURN Coach
Kenny Walker
Opponent
at Round Rock vs. Reagan at Austin vs. Shoemaker* OPEN at Midway* vs. Killeen* at Bryan* vs. Copperas Cove* at Harker Heights* *Indicates Region 6-A Division I contest
Temple football recorded the greatest season in school history last season with an impressive 9-3 record overall with a 5-1 region record. Several West Georgia schools compete with Temple in 1A D1 Region 6: Bremen, Haralson County and Heard County all call the region home. In 2024, Heard County won the region title, leaving Temple in second place.
Coach Cory Nix and his Tigers gear up for seven home games this season, and they intend to bring home a region title and a state championship. Nix has big goals for 2025, and he is well-equipped to reach them with this ambush of Tigers.
Coach Nix celebrates the complexity of several Tiger leaders and what they bring to the collective. “Dom Nicolosi brings relentless energy and focus every single day, keeping the team locked in and pushing everyone to give their best effort, no matter the circumstances. Hudson Nix leads through his strong example, showing that discipline, preparation and doing the little things right make a big difference on game day.”
Coach Nix continues, “Jaiden McDaniel uses his voice and presence to unite the team, holding his teammates accountable while encouraging them to rise to their potential. Nehemiah Dorsey demonstrates quiet confidence and humility,
Photos by Andrew Agresta
letting his actions speak for him and earning the respect of coaches and teammates alike. Jackson Gribben embodies consistency and grit, balancing intensity on the field with a positive, supportive presence off the field.”
These young men do more than inspire their peers through leadership; they are some of the most lethal players on the field.
Senior Dominic Nicolosi, a strong offensive tackle/defensive tackle for the Tigers, boasts several Division 1 offers, including the University of New Hampshire, Mercyhurst University and Long Island University. Junior linebacker/running back Hudson Nix (Coach Nix’s son) tallied 135 tackles his sophomore season, and he received offers from Sacramento State University, Long Island University, Sacred Heart University and more. Senior Jaiden McDaniel, an all-around athlete who excels in highpressure situations, gained offers from Reinhardt University, Long Island University and Mercyhurst University.
Senior Nehemiah Dorsey plays middle linebacker and running back for the football team, and varsity baseball for the Tigers. When the Tigers’ senior quarterback Jackson Gribben isn’t on the gridiron, he is on the Tigers' baseball diamond, where he
plays shortstop, centerfield and is a right-handed pitcher.
Coach Nix sees the value in a diverse group of players who serve as role models for his team. “What makes these players truly stand out is that their leadership doesn’t stop when practice ends or the game clock hits zero,” he relates. “They also excel in the classroom, earning strong grades and showing younger players what it means to be a complete student-athlete. They are proof that leadership is not just about wearing a jersey – it’s about commitment, character and the example you set every single day.”
This season, the Tigers mourn the loss of Coach Kenny Walker, former assistant football coach and a significant leader who poured countless hours into the Temple football program. Coach Walker's July passing
Temple Tigers Roster
No. 0 Nehemiah Dorsey
No. 1 Evan Harrison
No. 3 Brian Bowman
No. 4 Dylan Bailey
No. 5 D’Antwon Patterson
No. 6 TJ Armstrong
No. 7 Jackson Gribben
No. 8 Jaiden McDaniel
No. 9 Jack Jordan
No. 10 Brady Rogers
No. 11 Mason Johnson
No. 12 Brody Dempsey
No. 13 Jordan Jones
No. 14 Demetris Carter
No. 15 Hudson Nix
No. 16 Gabriel Laney
No. 17 Paul Augustine
No. 18 Preston Griffin
No. 19 Dallas Garrett
No. 20 JoJo Jones
No. 21 John Hart
No. 22 Devin Tanner
No. 23 Kelvin Miller
No. 24 Courey Rogers
No. 25 James Blackstock
No. 26 Brady Loew
No. 29 Beckham Tull
No. 30 Issac Moreno
No. 31 Tristan Edmonson
No. 32 James Riles
No. 33 Deshaun Rogers
No. 34 Mathew Stroman
No. 35 Isiah Tench
No. 36 John Florence
No. 37 Dre Beasley
No. 38 Kaden Baker
No. 39 Chance Jenkins
No. 40 DJ Bookout
No. 41 Landon Garrett
No. 42 Tommy Muratore
No. 43 Ben Nolan
No. 44 Patrick Nawl
No. 45 Adam Bickford
No. 50 Sederio Ferguson
No. 51 Junior Pressley
No. 52 Corde Patterson No. 53 Marco Chandler No. 54 Landon Lee No. 55 CJ Walker
No. 56 Cooper Xayabouth-Jones No. 57 Liam Morlett No. 58 Dom Nicolosi No. 59 Latavian Alexander No. 60 Brayden Pace No. 61 DJ Walker No. 62 Jayden Chaney No. 63 Isaac Shipman No. 64 Dawson Driskell No. 65 Skylar Daniel No. 66 Omar Toscano No. 67 TJ Young No. 68 Le’Jaden Sims No. 70 Austin Hicks No. 71 Brackston Hefty No. 72 Braelin Bolton-Louis No. 73 Justin Ward No. 74 Ryan Self No. 75 Johntrez Johnson
devastated Nix and his team. “Coach Walker was more than a colleague. He was family to all of us,” Nix explains. “His impact on this program and on the lives of our players can’t be measured. Losing him has been incredibly hard, but one thing Coach Walker always preached was perseverance and giving your best no matter the circumstances. As a team, we’ve leaned on each other, shared memories, and found strength in honoring his legacy. Individually, I’m carrying his lessons with me every day, and as a leader, I want to make sure our players know it’s okay to grieve, but it’s also important to keep moving forward with purpose.”
The Temple Tigers plan to do just that: grieve the loss of one of their own and honor Coach Walker by being the best they can be this season.
The Tigers won’t have to look far for their “why” this season, because honoring Coach Walker is the Temple family’s main goal. “This season, every snap, every rep, every game will be dedicated to him," says Coach Nix. "The baseball and basketball programs will definitely miss him, and so will this community and the entire West Georgia area. We want to make him proud, because once you’re a Tiger, you’re always a Tiger – and Coach Walker will always be a Tiger.”
Temple High School host the McNair Mustangs in Rogers Stadium Aug. 15. WGW
Coach Kenny Walker
As coach Austin Barron enters his third season as head coach of the Villa Rica Wildcats, he's given the team a firm foundation with coaching stability – something the Wildcats struggled with in the past. When Barron jumped in the driver’s seat of Villa Rica football, he was the sixth coach in eight years to take the job. Fastforward to year three, and Barron has made strides in player relationships, trust and team culture while striving to build Villa Rica football into a program rooted in success.
In 2024, the Wildcats went 4-3 region and 5-6 overall, an improvement from Barron’s debut year, but there's still room to continue into greatness. Villa Rica finished in the middle of the pack for 5A Region 5 football. The losses the Wildcats experienced in region play were close matchups, with the greatest point differential being the 15-point loss against the Rome High School Wolves.
No. 0 Camari Humes
No. 1 Myles George
No. 2 Tyjay Martin
No. 3 Emmanuel Ajayi
No. 4 Randy Hall
No. 5 Judah Walker No. 6 Ta’shawn Thorton
No. 7 Donte Carlisle
No. 8 Luke Hale
No. 9 Malachi Dunson
No. 11 Omar Holland
No. 13 Max Garfield
No. 14 KJ Jackson
No. 15 Matthew Eubanks
No. 16 Tim Lawson No. 17 Darrion McCray
No. 18 Josiah Walker
No. 19 Blaine Brown
No. 20 Levi Walden
No. 21 Ivelino Herard
No. 22 Ashton Reese No. 24 Miles White
No. 25 Rha-Qwon Flippen
No. 26 Javione McDuffy
No. 27 De’angelo Patillo No. 28 Shaffer Hudson No. 29 Jordan Kendrix No. 30 Andrew Jones
The Wildcats play in a tough region where each game counts, so they work though necessary testing of the team with tough matches up front. Villa Rica fights it out with Troup County High School, Northgate High School and fellow Carroll County school Central High School for their non-region matches.
This season, the Wildcats arm themselves with a killer defense ready to fight it out each Friday night, but Barron knows a team is only as good as the effort they put forth. “They have delivered up to this point," he says. "There’s a lot of hype around these guys, and it is easy to get complacent. We want to keep these guys hungry.”
Senior linebacker Luke Hale, a hard-hitting senior starting at inside linebacker, runs through anyone or anything without hesitation. Senior Randolph Hall, a talented defensive end, proves effective in breaking up plays.
No. 44 Jayd’en Jackson No. 45 Lorenzo Lowe No. 46 Ty’Shawn Martin No. 47 Kendall Gathers No. 48 Ryan Flack No. 50 AJ Crosby No. 51 Joshua Pugh No. 52 Tyson Whitlock No. 53 Alex Headlee No. 54 Phillip Locklear No. 55 Jameri Butterfield No. 56 Gavin Phillips No. 60 Mikey Whitlock No. 61 Bryson Allen No. 63 Gabriel Ponczek No. 64 Ethan Price No. 65 Alex Dowell No. 66 Aiden Daunt No. 67 Savion Zachery No. 68 Jonathan Plummer No. 71 Tristian Conerly No. 72 Xavier Dobbs
No. 73 Cash Thornton No. 74 Gunner Farmer
No. 77 Jarius Shiver No. 80 Aayson Reese No. 81 Maddex George No. 82 Jason Hart
No. 83 Kyeth Howard No. 84 Aiden Kent No. 85 TaeShaun Macon
No. 91 Daniel Exum
No. 92 Jesse Northbird
No. 94 Leo Senior No. 96 Derick Oliva
The offense looks fresh this season as well. With the graduation of longtime starting quarterback Will Wallace, who readies for his first season with the University of West Georgia, the Wildcats may look to Matthew Eubanks. Eubanks is a junior who looks ready for his time in the pressure spot of starting quarterback. The 6’2”, 200-pound signal caller boasts a strong arm and a 3.7 GPA.
Another junior, running back Emmanuel Ajayi, expects to showcase a productive season. He carries a 4.1 GPA and stands ready to compete after an off-season full of camps and intense sessions in the weight room. The weight room is where much of the magic happens for Villa Rica, according to Barron.
“We have a great culture in the weight room that shows up on Friday nights,” Barron says.
Quite a few Wildcats intend to take their athletic and academic talents to the next level and already have offers flowing in. Junior Myles George boasts offers from Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, East Tennessee State University and Florida International University.
Senior defensive end/edge Camari Humes enters his junior year with an offer from Reinhardt University and Shorter University. Senior tight end/defensive lineman Malachi Dunson has an offer from Shorter University. Jarius Shivers, senior lineman, received offers from University of Nevada – Las Vegas, Florida International University and Sussex County Community College.
This season is one that will continue to open doors for the future of several Wildcats. Villa Rica travels to LaGrange to face Troup County High School in their first game of the season on Aug 15. WGW
Villa Rica Wildcats Roster
Wolves on the hunt for Wins
date Opponent at Samford, 7:30 p.m. at Nicholls, 7 p.m. vs. East Tennessee State, 6 p.m. vs. Eastern Kentucky*, 6 p.m. at Southern Utah*, 8:30 p.m. at Austin Peay*, 4 p.m. vs. Abilene Christian*, 2 p.m. (HOF) at Tarleton State*, 7 p.m. vs. Central Arkansas*, 2 p.m. (HC) OPEN at North Alabama*, 4 p.m. vs. Utah Tech*, 2 p.m. (Senior Day) *Indicates United Athletic Conference contest
Coach Joel Taylor eagerly settles in as he begins his second year as head coach of the University of West Georgia Wolves. The 2024 season brought a new coach and new Division 1 opponents, both of which contributed to a whirlwind of a season.
“We had a lot of moving parts last year, and most of it was the first time for everyone," he explains. "I thought we handled everything well, but we can always improve. Any time you start something, there will be a learning curve, and things move at a faster rate. I think we are at a point where things are slowing down, and we can now do our job efficiently – but also be aware of our surroundings.”
West Georgia finished the 2024 season with a record of 4-7 overall and 1-7 in conference play, a result that reflects all the changes that were afoot in the Wolves’ den.
This season brings familiar opponents, providing a firm foundation for the Wolves to advance in the United Athletic Conference. UWG is ranked last in preseason rankings for the UAC, a stat that lights a fire in the belly of this young team.
This season, the Wolves face off with two teams unfamiliar to this group: Nicholls State University out of Thibodaux, La. and East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tenn. Of the Wolves’ 11 games, six leave them on the road and five have them hosting at University Stadium.
For Taylor and the 2025 Wolves, preparation is the key to success. Taylor consciously works to get new players on track before the official preseason kicks off.
players here in January rather than the traditional June report date. This gives us time to get them acclimated and prepared faster for the season," he relates. "If a player comes in June, he will miss the Foundation Phase, but our older guys can catch him up. We just don't want to have too many showing up in June.”
Taylor looks at the year in four phases: foundation, construction, showcase and championship. “January to May is the foundation phase. During this phase, we try to empower our young men with the culture. We also install base fundamentals/techniques to be successful on the field.” he says. “June and July are the construction phase. During this phase, we are coming together as a team on and off the field. We are also lifting, running and practicing two times a week.”
“The first thing we want to do is get the new
The showcase phase lasts from August to October, and just as the name suggests, it serves as a time for the public to see what the Wolves are made of. The final championship phase is meant for playoff runs and championship hunts, and the Wolf pack loves a good hunt. Taylor brought in some great talent since his arrival to Carrollton just last year. The Wolves are led by quarterback Davin Wydner, a 6’5” junior who played in all 11 games of the 2024 season. Wydner’s 62% pass completion with only one interception shows his passing ability, but he also led the United Athletic Conference in rushing touchdowns by a quarterback with seven for the 2024 season, ringing true to his label as a dual-threat signal caller. Wydner spent two seasons at Ole Miss (University of Mississippi) before joining the pack last year.
West Georgia Wolves Roster
No. 1 Jalen Burton
No. 1 Latrelle Murrell
No. 2 Festus Davies
No. 2 Davin Wydner
No. 3 Joenel Figueroa
No. 3 T.J. Lockley
No. 4 DeAndre Buchannon
No. 4 Kyeaure Magloire
No. 5 Stephan French
No. 6 Cam Marshall
No. 7 Owen Dupree
No. 7 Carson Yancy No. 8 Mason Huntley
No. 8 Isaiah Nathaniel
No. 9 Robert Johnson
No. 10 Jonathan Cajigal
No. 10 Bryce Dickerson
No. 11 Colton Fitzgerald
No. 11 Kourtney Kelly
No. 12 Chancellor Bryant
No. 12 Will Wallace
No. 13 Shawn Cummings
No. 14 TreShawn Moore
No. 15 Brady Hughes
No. 15 Joshua Saddler
No. 16 Dorian Gibson
No. 17 DK Daniel
No. 17 Isaac Nyenabo
No. 18 Ravon Grant
No. 18 Jamie Speight
No. 19 John Cineas
No. 20 Myti Johnson
No. 21 TJ Lester
No. 22 Jovanni McGee
No. 23 Brandon Gunn
No. 24 Jordan Clark
No. 25 Jaleel Chambliss
No. 26 Naeem Odeniyi
No. 27 Bryce Hicks
No. 28 McKaden Smith
No. 29 Jordan England
No. 29 Darien Harden
No. 30 Trevagne McCluskley
No. 31 Tibou Barry
No. 32 Sean Ferguson
No. 33 Jyarius Carter
No. 34 David Hoage
No. 35 Jacob Joseph
No. 36 Aalim Brown
No. 37 Micah Thurman
No. 40 Marquis Williams
No. 41 CJ Favors
No. 42 Christian Hanson
No. 43 Dylan Gill
No. 45 Cameron Moore
No. 46 Jay Carter
No. 47 Tyler Robison
No. 48 Kenichi Oluku
No. 49 Hezekiah Strickland
No. 49 Jaxson Wagner
No. 50 Cedric Richardson
No. 51 Jake Atha
No. 52 Michael Johnson
No. 53 Jeremiah Thomas
No. 54 Misiolo Maluia
No. 55 Alofaletauia Maluia
No. 56 Elijah Ruiz
No. 57 Cedrick Nicely
No. 58 Jack Hunt
No. 59 Andon Riley
No. 64 Orville Duffus-Beckford No. 65 Luis Pruneda
No. 68 Jayden Benjamin
No. 70 Sam Regina No. 71 Bryson Wilson
No. 72 Troy Beverly No. 74 David Evbomenya
No. 75 Tomas Hernandez
No. 76 Marlon Corey
No. 77 Brody Balliew
No. 79 Jacob King
No. 80 Jacob Ritchie
No. 81 Jamarcus Prince
No. 82 Colby Dixon
No. 83 Tommy Holden
No. 83 Jabari Staples
No. 84 Reilly Mason
No. 85 Rickey Dorn
No. 86 Jordan Dees No. 87 Kaden Hanson
No. 88 Devion Newson
No. 89 Aidan Sefa
No. 90 Joseph Polite
No. 91 Tyler Simpson
No. 92 Brayden Ellison
No. 94 Nolan Harris
No. 95 Geoffrey Speight
No. 96 Leslie Black
No. 98 Zion Brown
No. 99 Edward Kubeyinje
Ty Brewer
Baylinn Carr
Asher Christopher
Holton Harris
Derek Henderson
Kaseam Liferidge
Kyeandre Magloire
Darrell McDowell
Daniel Meunier
Lucas Naquin
Randarius Ogletree
Mykel Randall
Aaron Roberts
George Sabb
Marcus Sims
Justin Wilson
Lionel Wilson
Simon Zeidan
Coach Taylor expects junior wide receiver DeAndre Buchannon, a transfer from Georgia Southern University, to be productive after his impressive two-year run in Statesboro. Latrelle Murrell, a redshirt sophomore, gears up for his second season on the field with the Wolves after a strong showing in 2024 with 33 carries in 10 games.
On the offensive line, Brody Balleiw and Sam Regina bring the brawn. Balleiw, a sophomore Furman transfer, works alongside senior Regina in the trenches.
This season excites Taylor, the Wolves and the whole West Georgia community because this football team has the power to propel the University to new heights. “I think we as a university, have untapped potential, and football could be the gateway to unlock it,” Taylor says. “We have worked hard to be very intentional about how we are growing as a team on and off the field. I would like to think if we are growing every day, then winning will take care of itself.”
The Wolves are set to travel to Samford for their first game of the season Aug. 28. WGW
