2017 High School Football Season Preview

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2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

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Pictured: Johns Creek quarterback Zach Gibson will lead the Gladiators’ offense under the direction of a new head coach.

Photo courtesy Keith Major/Sports Shooters

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2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

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NORTH FULTON/FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Introducing new head coaches in North Fulton and Forsyth County is not a rarity. In fact, at least one head coach has made their debut for a team in the area since 2002 when there were 10 fewer schools. But this year’s arrival of seven new head coaches is unprecedented, mirroring the changes all around the state which will see 97 new head coaches this year.

Five North Fulton public schools have new leaders at the helm this season, as well as West Forsyth and Pinecrest Academy in Forsyth.

Two of those coaches have come from within the North Fulton/Forsyth County area – Matt Kemper and Adam Clack.

After two seasons at Johns Creek, where he led the Gladiators to their first region title in 2016, Matt Kemper will make his debut at Roswell. Kemper is the first Roswell head coach to be hired outside the program since the 1950s.

Kemper will lead what is almost an entirely new coaching staff for the Hornets with 10 of 12 coaches entering their first season with Roswell.

The Hornet’s rivals, Milton, will also be under new direction on the sidelines when Adam Clack enters his first season for the Eagles.

Clack led West Forsyth, Milton’s Region 5-AAAAAAA opponent, for three seasons. West made two playoff appearances and went 20-12 under Clack.

When Roswell and Milton face off Sept. 29, it will be the first time two first-year head coaches made their debuts in the rivalry since 1970.

Three other first-year head coaches in North Fulton will make their debuts this season, two with head coaching experience in Florida.

Matt Helmerich takes over defending Region 7-AAAAAA champions Johns Creek after spending one season as head coach of Florida’s Fort Pierce Central. Helmerich was the defensive coordinator at Florida powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas from 2010-16.

Also a former head coach in Florida, Northview’s James Thomson became the state’s youngest head coach in 2010. He spent the 2016 season with UCLA as an offensive analysist and running backs coach.

Centennial has called on Michael Perry to replace Lenny Gregory, who left

Head coache tenures for 2017 season • Jeff Arnette, South Forsyth: 8th season • Tim McFarlin, Blessed Trinity: 7th season • Craig Bennett, Cambridge: 6th season • Al Morrell, Fellowship Christian: 5th season • Mike Forrester, Mount Pisgah: 5th season • Jacob Nichols, Alpharetta: 4th season • Vince Strine, Chattahoochee: 4th season • Louis Daniel, Lambert: 4th season • Jimmy Chupp, King’s Ridge: 2nd season • Tim Mathis, St. Francis: 2nd season • Frank Hepler, Forsyth Central: 2nd season • Robert Craft, North Forsyth: 2nd season • Terence Mathis, Pinecrest Academy: 1st season • Michael Perry, Centennial: 1st season • Matt Helmerich, Johns Creek: 1st season • James Thomson, Northview: 1st season • Adam Clack, Milton: 1st season • Matt Kemper, Roswell: 1st season • Shawn Cahill, West Forsyth: 1st season the Knights to take over the Collins Hill program. A former offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Gainesville and Coffee County, Perry will make his head coaching debut this season.

Joining Perry in their inaugural season as a head coach is Terence Mathis of Pinecrest Academy and Shawn Cahill of West Forsyth.

Mathis replaces Todd Winter, now at Holy Innocents’, who amassed a 35-19 record and three playoff appearances in five seasons with the Paladins.

Mathis spent 13 seasons in the NFL, including eight with the Atlanta Falcons, as a receiver. He brings his knowledge of NFL experience to the Paladins, as well as assistant coaching experience with Savannah State University.

West Forsyth’s Cahill will make his head coaching debut when the Wolverines play Woodstock Aug. 18. He has 15 years of coaching experience, most recently spending three years as the offensive coordinator at Lanier.

2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

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Chattahoochee strives to ‘be elite’ in 2017 Cougars look to improve on 5-5 season

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The mantra for Chattahoochee head coach Vince Strine and his team this season is “be elite,” challenging the Cougars to reach for the pinnacle in all they do.

To lead a team aiming for greatness will be an elite coaching staff, the best Strine has been a part of, he said.

“We have a lot of guys who have a lot of years’ experience coaching, and we have a lot of young guys who are very energized and knowledgeable,” Strine said. “We have two former head coaches and some former players, so these guys coach with a greater purpose. Hooch matters to them.”

The Cougars’ coaching staff will lead a team hungry for success after narrowly missing out on a playoff berth last year after three straight losing seasons.

Running Hooch’s spread offense will be quarterback Jack Corrigan, in to replace graduated standout Chase Owens.

A state champion as a goalkeeper in soccer, Corrigan is a fierce competitor, Strine said.

“That’s what I really like about him,” Strine said. “He demands excellence from the players around him.”

Corrigan saw some playing time last year with an injury to Owens, compiling 429 yards with three touchdowns.

Strine said the senior has improved his throwing mechanics and is a physical runner.

Last year’s leading runner Joseph Daniels transferred to Roswell, opening the running back position for Max Webb and Marcus Stephen. Webb brings speed, while Stephen is a powerful runner, Strine said.

A weakness is year’s past has been Hooch’s offensive line, but Strine said this year’s squad is bigger and stronger and he expects “big things” from his starting five.

Hooch will have five or six receivers who will rotate, including safety Joseph Sayles and receiver Hunter Patterson.

Strine said the offense will play to its strengths, but the biggest difference

in this year’s team is its ability to get the ball in the hands of a variety of players.

For the Cougars’ defense, Strine said a focus for this season will be to play with more comfort.

“The past few years the kids have been afraid to mess up and are robotic,” Strine said. “We want to be confident in what we’re doing.”

Leading a strong secondary will be Sayles and corner T Lee, who has garnered interest from multiple Division 1 schools after his sophomore season.

Brenden Huet, Danny Gladwell, Bobby Spradlin will lead the linebacker core with Anway Jackson heading the defensive line.

Getting Hooch to elite status is in the development stages, Strine said, with a focus on improving each day.

“The buzzword is ‘process’ around the college and NFL ranks, and I believe in that,” he said. “Our guys are grinders, hard-workers and fun to be around. They’re developing into a brotherhood and playing for each other.

When you play for each other you play better. This team is learning to do that and we are watching them develop in a positive way.”

Keith Major/Sports Shooters

Senior quarterback Jack Corrigan will step into a starting role this season to lead the Cougars’ offense.

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2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

Milton hungry for success under new leadership Adam Clack begins new era for the Eagles

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. — Milton enters its 68th year of football in 2017, making it one of the longest running programs in North Georgia. But history doesn’t always equal success.

In its nearly seven decades of football, Milton has endured long stretches mired in mediocrity, including a 37game losing streak in the mid-1980s and just three winning seasons from 1997-2010.

Things looked brighter in the first few seasons under Howie DeCristofaro, when the Eagles put together three straight winning seasons, won the program’s second region title and earned a quarterfinals appearance in the state playoffs in 2014. But that success didn’t carry over, and the Eagles went 9-11 the past two seasons.

With so many yesteryears ended in frustration, the Eagles are perhaps hungrier than ever for a region title and a deep playoff run. And they think they’ve found the right man for the job of leading the Eagles to greatness – Adam Clack.

Clack takes over the Eagles program after a successful stint with Milton’s region rivals West Forsyth, where he went 20-12 in three seasons.

With a sophomore quarterback, and youth throughout its ranks, the Eagles went 5-6 last season but return much of the same talent, now with an added year of experience.

Under Clack, the offense will run a spread-style scheme, but the new coach said the focus is on maximizing the potential of the personnel.

Leading the charge will be dual-threat quarterback Jordan Yates, who threw for 917 yards and rushed for 433 yards with 14 total touchdowns. “[Yates] has very special leadership qualities and a tremendous work ethic,” Clack said. “He knows our offense well and I feel like he can have a big season.”

Also in the backfield will be running backs Solomon Vanhorse and DJ Albright, Clack calling the duo “a great one-two punch.”

Creating gaps for those backs will be an experienced offensive line, which returns four starters.

“You can’t overstate the value on in-game experience, and those guys are tested,” Clack said. “They’re going to be

Dash Hairston returns for his senior season after leading the Eagles in receiving yards, touchdowns and receptions in 2016.

Photo by Jennifer Smith/miltoneaglesfootball.com

Solomon Vanhorse will lead the rushing attack for Milton this season. Vanhorse rushed for 497 yards with two touchdowns while sharing rushing duties. the centerpiece of our offense, and how they go, we go.”

Standout receiver Dash Hairston will likely again be Yates’ go-to target.

Hairston led the team in receiving yards and touchdowns in 2016. He will be joined by Kevin Murphy, Holdon Shaw and Dylan Leonard, all of whom are playing well, Clack said.

Milton’s defense will run a 3-5 this season, and like the offense, Clack said the lineman will lead the charge.

“We have a lot of senior leadership on the defensive line, and we are really going to lean on them to create pressure,” Clack said. Justin Blanks, London Best and Juan Uribe, all seniors, will make up the first line of defense for the Eagles.

Linebackers George Coyle and Price Towns with corners Lucas Moore and DJ Albright return with experience.

A far more seasoned team than the youthful 2016 roster, Clack is confident this year could propel the Eagles out of their .500 ways.

“The art of building a team is setting those goals and aspirations and to have the belief you can have that long run do something that’s unprecedented,” Clack said. “But what we must do is dial that back and focus on getting better each day.”

“Nothing is more important than lining up against Alpharetta in that first game, and then you move on. While we definitely have the belief this could be the team to do special things, we also

We believe if we can keep those priorities in line, there shouldn’t be a team that we line up against that we don’t believe we can beat.”

Adam Clack Milton head coach have the humility and perspective to know that nothing is more important than the next game,” Clack said.

If the Eagles can stay focused, Clack said, he knows they can win.

“We believe if we can keep those priorities in line, there shouldn’t be a team that we line up against that we don’t believe we can beat.”

2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

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2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

Central enters 2017 with a chip on shoulder Bulldogs out to make amends for 3-6 season

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. — Second-year Forsyth Central head coach Frank Hepler said just a day after the Bulldogs’ 59-0 loss to Lambert on Nov. 3 last year, his team set out to prepare for this season and ‘make amends’ for a season that saw the Bulldogs go 0-5 in its first season in Region 5-AAAAAAA. “We got to play games and learn a lot about the region, but we were not in the mix,” Hepler said.

“Lambert, West, South and North, those are all great programs and each one of them kicked our tails,” he said.

“That’s been the chip on our shoulder all off-season.”

His team was outscored 194-22 in region games in their first year in Class 7A, up from 5A in 2015. But Hepler said last season was a necessary step in making the monumental jump in classification.

“It was a great learning experience for us and we had to take that step,” he said. “We found out 7A football is very good and our county football is very good.”

Now that the Bulldogs’ have seen the talent of teams in 7A, they will look to implement an updated offense.

“The offense we put in last year was a new-program offense, teaching the basics of what we wanted to bring into our program,” Hepler said. “We’ve stepped it up with the improvements we’ve seen.”

Leading the offense is senior quarterback Brad Thiltgen, who said he has improved on his defensive recognition and is “more crisp” in his reads.

Alpharetta-transfer Mike Miller will lead the Bulldogs’ rushing attack behind multiple returners on the offensive line.

Junior Dalton Edmunds and Spencer Pagley will likely be the go-to receivers for Thiltgen.

Changes were in store for the Bulldogs’ defense when their top-four tacklers for last season were lost to graduation. Hepler said the team has built speed at the outside linebacker position by moving safeties Jackson Leak and Hunter Cagle to that spot.

Hepler said the defense will have more depth because his program has gone from 105 players to 165 this year.

forsythcentralathletics.com

Forsyth Central’s offense returns junior running back Patrick Leathers (27) who should share carries with Alpharetta transfer Mike Miller.

“That’s going to help us in the longrun,” he said.

Since his initial stint as a coach in Forsyth County, opening the program at West in 2007, Hepler said the level of football played in the area has improved immensely.

And it stands to reason he hopes his team’s first taste of 7A football, and their county rivals, from the 2016 season will set his team up for a more successful run this year.

“We’re still a young team,” he said, “but we are a lot better.”

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2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

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2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

Alpharetta has talent, experience in 2017 squad

Raiders seek to recapture region title

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta head coach Jacob Nichols says the goal for his 2017 team is to get the Raiders back to wearing the crown of region champions. He also understands how difficult that may be in Region 7-AAAAAA, where his team placed third last year after losing to two region opponents by a single score.

In fact, all four of the Raiders’ losses in 2016 came by a single score. So Nichols is well-aware that getting his team back to region champion status will require focus on finishing games.

“In all of those situations we had the opportunity to win the game,” Nichols said. “Whether it was a matter of experience, youth or lack of execution, unfortunately the ball never really fell on our side in those situations.”

Those demoralizing losses will be used as motivation this year.

“We know how close we were a year ago and how much further we can go just by fixing those little things and

making sure we don’t leave anything out there on the field,” Nichols said.

Much of the same core of last year’s squad will take that experience and motivation to move forward in 2017, with Alpharetta returning 16 starters and boasting a 28-man senior class.

“Look across our depth chart and it’s two-deep with seniors,” Nichols said. “It always helps to have that many players come back with experience and we are definitely blessed with numbers.”

Leading the Raiders’ spread offense will be three-year starters in quarterback Matthew Downing and running back Nolan Edmonds, the keys to Alpharetta’s offensive success, Nichols said.

Downing threw for over 2,200 yards with 24 touchdowns last year, while Edmonds led the Raiders in rushing yards while sharing duties.

“I think we are definitely clicking on all cylinders,” Downing said. “We’ve added a new dynamic to our offense and hopefully we can put our defense in better situations [than last year].”

The offensive line returns three starters, and Nichols said a core of seven-players should see time in the trenches this year.

The Raiders lost their most sizeable receiver in Carlos Carriere, but Nichols said while this year’s receiving core will

keith major/SPORTSSHOOTERS

Senior quarterback Matthew Downing will lead an experienced Raiders team which returns 16 starters from last year. won’t have size advantages, they will have speed.

“We don’t have those big, red-zone

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bodies, but we have six to eight guys who can take a 2-yard catch and turn it into a big play with their speed,” Nichols said.

Defensively, the Raiders’ return all of the 2016 secondary and five of their front seven, in what Nichols said will be one of the top defenses in the state in their class.

Included in that mix is three-year starter Reid Schultz at linebacker, who was second on the team in tackles last season, and defensive lineman Nick Markus who had 14.5 sacks and 57 total tackles.

Joining Markus on the defensive line is Jack Stanton, who missed nine games last season with a broken arm, but made 5.5 sacks in just two games.

“I feel we don’t really have any holes on defense,” Schultz said. “We feel prepared and strong.”

And preparation will be key for the Raiders seeking a third region title in five years.

“We have a very tough schedule and a very tough region,” Nichols said. “We are a few years removed from our last region championship, and that’s what we want to fight to get back to.”

“We have high expectations and those expectations are to compete for championships.”

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Standout wide receiver Blane Mason returns for his senior season in 2017.

Mason compiled 836 yards receiving with four touchdowns last year.

Perry looks to put Knights ‘on the map’ First-year head coach sets sights high

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ROSWELL, Ga. — Centennial head coach Michael Perry won’t be happy with a mediocre “transition” year as he takes over the Knights in his first season as a head coach. He wants a region championship and to put Centennial “on the map.”

Perry certainly has a history of putting programs and players in the spotlight.

An offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach with Gainesville from 2011-15, Perry led Gainesville to its only state championship in 2012 and coached perhaps the biggest name in college football in 2016 –Clemson’s Deshaun Watson.

In his sole season at Coffee last year, Perry’s offense led the team to a quarterfinals appearance in the state

playoffs, just the third in the program’s 48 seasons.

With a history of getting teams and players recognition statewide, Perry said to put the Knights on the map, the region title must be the focus.

In Centennial’s 20-year program history, the Knights have never won an outright region championship. They shared a title with Cherokee in 2002, the school’s winningest season.

And though he is new to the region, Perry fully understands the challenge of capturing the region title in the dogfight that is Region 7-AAAAAA. “After our first two non-region games, we immediately have to face Alpharetta and Johns Creek, two really good football teams,” Perry said. “Once we get into region games, we have no time to get better. We have to be playing our best football from the beginning of the season.”

Just two non-region games also gives Perry’s offense and defense

See KNIGHTS, Page 13

2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

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Knights: Continued from Page 12 little game experience in Perry’s new schemes.

Perry has implemented an air-raid offense for the Knights, perhaps no surprise given his quarterback-based offensive background. He said the offense will go high-tempo and no-huddle.

With a pass-heavy offense, the quarterback is key. For 2017, the Knights will feature a new starter in junior Max Brosmer.

Brosmer steps up to replace graduate Casen Conway who threw for over 2,200 yards and 16 touchdowns last season.

“Brosmer is a heady, intelligent kid who is accurate with a strong arm,” Perry said. “With any new quarterback there are going to be some growing pains, but Brosmer doesn’t make the same mistake twice.”

Brosmer will have a standout target in receiver Blane Mason, who returns for his senior season after leading the Knights in receptions and yards last year.

Perry said Mason has the uncanny ability to get to the ball and is “something to watch.”

But the Knights won’t be a passonly team, Perry said, and leading the rushing attack will be Emeka Nwanze, a transfer from Northview who rushed for over 1,500 yards his sophomore season.

Leading the offense in the trenches will be 6-foot-2 junior center Will Edwards.

The Knights’ defense can also look to a new scheme as Perry has implemented a 3-5-3. He said the goal of the scheme will be to ensure stopping the run while pressuring the opposition’s quarterback.

“You’re going to see guys flying all around the ball,” Perry said.

After a standout year as a freshman in 2016 where he led the team in tackles, sophomore linebacker Max Able returns to lead the Knights defensively.

Able will be joined by fellow linebackers David Gaffney and Drew Sherman and corners Malcom Gallagher, Freddy Fairley and Mason.

One of the state’s best lacrosse players will strap up for football this season when Nicky Solomon will handle kicking duties for the Knights.

With the team transitioning to new schemes, Perry has a transition of his own – being a head coach.

“The biggest challenge for me is having to worry about the whole program and find that balance,” Perry said. “But I’m working on it and getting better every day.”

And he will need to if the Knights are going to capture their first region title.

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2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

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Backup quarterback Walt Warren (12) has been moved to receiver for his senior season. Transfer Cordel Littlejohn will start at quarterback for the Hornets.

Roswell looking for new talent to emerge in 2017 First-year head coach looking to continue Hornets’ successful run

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — The expectations at Roswell are higher than ever as it nears its seventh decade of competition. The Hornets are coming off two straight 14-1 seasons, have not lost a regular season game since Halloween of 2014, and have sent over a dozen players to Division 1 programs, including two Under Armour All-Americans.

Even with an almost entirely new coaching staff and just two returning starters, first-year head coach Matt Kemper knows his team is still expected to win, no matter its inexperience.

“This is Roswell. Our kids and our community expect us to be good and win games,” Kemper said. “It’s part of the beauty and the pressure of a job like this.”

With 22 new starters expected to carry the torch, Kemper is looking for his new leaders to emerge.

“The only way you can help that is working very hard and letting the team find each other,” Kemper said. “We certainly hope that has happened and is happening.”

Roswell’s success of late has been due in part to its stout defense which allowed an average of 10.5 points per game over its last 30 games. Since his hiring in January, Kemper has implemented a three-man front to contrast with the four-man front of the past.

Kemper said to keep legs fresh and pressure on opposing offenses, six players will rotate on the defensive line, including senior Oscar Garcia and sophomore Caden Bondurant.

Just one starter returns defensively, safety Jesse Bridgeman, who compiled 53 total tackles last year.

“He’s an incredibly smart football player and a great leader,” Kemper said.

“He’s played in all the big games and doesn’t get rattled.”

Bridgeman will be joined by free safety Sam Antona and cornerbacks Jaiden Harris and Joshua Reid to make up the Hornets’ secondary.

Roswell’s linebacker core, which Kemper called the strength of the team, includes Cole Anderson and transfers Tyrone Hopper and Jamal Littlejohn, who Kemper said are talented and athletic.

Kemper will continue to run Roswell in a spread offense, and for the thirdstraight year, the Hornets will have a senior transfer at quarterback.

At 6-foot-4, Cordel Littlejohn already has Division 1 scholarship offers, and will lead the Hornets’ offense.

“[Cordel] brings a lot to the table,” Kemper said. “He has a good arm, runs when he has to and is a great competitor.”

Coming from an air-raid offense at his previous school, Kemper said Cordel has been working on his running prowess in the offseason.

Three rushers will share carries for Roswell, led by 5-foot-10, 210 pound junior Kamonty Jett. Jamal Littlejohn, who Kemper called “big and powerful” will share time with senior Joseph Daniels who will likely earn receiving yards out of the backfield.

The Hornets receiving core will be led by Walt Warren, who has moved to receiver after serving as backup quarterback the past two seasons.

Joining Warren will be athletic Caleb Guidry and Ryan Pike, “a crisp route runner,” Kemper said.

The Hornets’ offensive line will be all new for 2017.

Kent Donalson and Carson Barrett will step up as guards, with Hudson Chuck and Trey Zimmerman at tackle.

Junior Alek Nikolich will start at center.

Graduated kicker Turner Barckhoff has left a gap in kicking duties. Kemper said the team is still seeking a replacement.

Roswell will have five non-region games to see where its inexperienced squad stands, but Kemper said his team will still be out to win.

This is Roswell.

Our kids and our community expect us to be good and win games. It’s part of the beauty and the pressure of a job like this.”

Matt Kemper Roswell head coach “It’s a pretty high bar, but it’s the last five that count,” he said.

The Hornets’ will seek to capture a third straight region title, something the program has not accomplished in its 68-year history.

But with a more experienced Woodstock team, a talented Lassiter team and Cherokee, who nearly beat Roswell for the region championship last season, Kemper knows there are tests throughout the region schedule.

“There are no gimmies,” he said.

2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | August, 2017 | 15

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By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — North Forsyth head coach Robert Craft said last year established the Raiders’ under their new coaching staff. Now that the foundation has been set, North is looking to that next-step – the playoffs.

“I would expect nothing else from our seniors,” Craft said. “I’m proud of their work [in the offseason] and they have done everything they’ve had to do to have a successful year.”

North went 4-6 in Craft’s first season, which set the initial groundwork for a playoff berth this year, Craft said.

“Last year we were a new staff coming in, and I felt in a lot of ways we took positive steps forward,” he said. “It set the foundation for the future, and we are going to continue to dig those roots deep.”

The Raiders offense will continue to run a shotgun, spread offense with tempo, led by returning starting quarterback Ben Bales. Bales compiled 2,005 yards with 15 touchdowns last season.

“Ben is a great leader and is very coachable,” Craft said. “He has put himself in a position to be a top player in North Georgia. Anytime you return a starting QB it makes the coaches and the team feel more comfortable.”

Craft is expecting a breakout year for junior running back Bryson Trigg, whom he expects will also make receptions out of the backfield.

Others looking to make receptions will have to step up to replace Simon Holcomb, who set multiple school receiving records last year.

Craft said he is excited about junior Charlie Aiken to be the go-to receiver this year. Aiken will be joined by Nicky Dalmolin, who caught 15 receptions as a freshman last year.

But Craft said North’s passing game won’t rely solely on one or two receivers.

“Last year a lot of our offense funneled through [Holcomb]. This year we will be more balanced and spread the ball out,” he said.

The offensive line returns two starters in guard Daniel Espinoza and highly recruited tackle Jeremy James.

North’s defense will lack experience entering the season, though Craft said the unit is filled with seniors.

“Some played in backup roles or

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Returning starting quarterback Ben Bales compiled 2,005 yards with 15 touchdowns last season.

significantly on special teams, but they lack game-night snaps,” he said.

Linebacker Robert Faulkner does bring experience to the defensive side and will be joined by defensive line starters Cade Jensen and Will Chavarria.

Safety Honus Wagner also returns after a breakout sophomore season in which he led the Raiders in total tackles, fumble recoveries and sacks.

Craft said North’s goal for this year is to take the “next step,” in earning a playoff berth, a feat North has accomplished just once in the last six years.

“We did some really good things last year and got a lot of things established,” he said. “But that next step is the playoffs.”

“We have come ready to play, and if we can stay healthy and avoid some things that hurt us last year like turnovers, we should be right back in a position to compete for a playoff spot,” Craft said.

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2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

Talented offense, experienced defense to lead War Eagles South Forsyth seeks playoff run in 2017 campaign

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. — South Forsyth head coach Jeff Arnette said the War Eagles’ 2016 run of 7-4 was “good,” but it’s not where the team wanted to be.

“Last year, we had higher expectations than what we achieved,” he said. “It was a good season, but it wasn’t what we were shooting for, and that has fueled our coaches and players through the offseason.”

South’s defense will certainly be using last season as motivation as the group returns nine starters.

Ryan LaFlamme, who led the team in sacks last season at defensive end, returns for his senior season along with fellow lineman Ian Hunt. Linebackers Jack Perhson and Jess Lucas join safety Landon Sims and corner Myles Ellis in South’s seasoned defense.

On offense, 2016 saw multiple injuries to the quarterback position when starter Davis Shanley and backup Cal Morris both went down with injuries, thrusting Cal’s sophomore brother Drew into a starting role for the final three games of the season.

Though Drew excelled in his three games, Cal will be the starter this year.

“We like to have a vocal quarterback who can run and throw it,” Arnette said. “We know what Drew is capable of, but Cal will be starting. He had a great offseason and has done a tremendous job.”

Paul Ward/Atlanta, GA

Expect to see Cal Morris (11) at quarterback for the War Eagles this season.

South will also be looking to get more production out of returning back Jared Honey this season. “[Honey] is a physical runner who can block, run and catch out of the backfield. We have to find ways to get

him the ball even more this year,” Arnette said.

Tyler Bowman, who rushed for 314 yards and four touchdowns last season, will add to South’s rushing attack.

Top receiver Ryan Pontrelli also returns after a high-production junior year and will be joined by what Arnette called a “great string of receivers we’re excited about.”

And though South only returns one offensive lineman in Jordan Nelson, Arnette said this year’s line has the potential to be the best South has ever seen despite the lack of experience South has the opportunity to make some noise as soon as the season starts in being selected to play Roswell in the Corky Kell Classic at Georgia State Stadium, formerly Turner Field. The War Eagles also face Centennial, Pinecrest Academy, South Gwinnett and Lassiter before starting their challenging Region 5-AAAAAAA schedule.

“It is an extremely tough schedule against some of the top teams in the state,” Arnette said. “But playing that kind of competition prepares us for the stiff competition in our region.”

South will need to start playing well out of the gate, Arnette said, and that includes when region play starts against Lambert. South will seek a second region title in three years.

“Last year we finished second [in region] and we weren’t happy about it,” he said. “We start with Lambert, which is not only a tough team, but a rival. It’s anybody’s region but we’re going to be physical out there to compete all season long.”

2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

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2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

Titans unified under new head coach James Thompson enthusiastic about first year

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JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — According to first-year Northview head coach James Thompson, unity is the only way to win games.

His focus in the offseason has been changing the culture for the Titans, creating a family atmosphere and putting an emphasis on having fun.

His players have taken notice.

“It’s a whole different aspect when you like your coach,” said starting quarterback Colton McDaniel. “It’s more personal to play for someone you care for.”

Defensive lineman Kadeem Shabazz said, “Last year we got down on each other and played the blame game, but now we’re in this together.”

Thompson said the unity of the Titans’ and their reception to him in his first year has been amazing.

With a decade of coaching experience at the high school and collegiate level, Thompson said, “I’m having more fun coaching now than I think I ever have.”

Northview certainly didn’t have much fun last year, struggling to a 1-9 season after two consecutive playoffs berths. But now, among the players and coaching staff is a palpable excitement for the 2017 season.

A major factor in the spike in enthusiasm is the Titans’ newly implemented, pro-style offense.

Leading the new look will be returning starting quarterback McDaniel, who Thompson describes as a mobile, efficient competitor.

McDaniel is ready to lead the new scheme.

“It’s more dangerous,” he said. “We have a lot more ways we can move the ball and be successful. And it’s very adjustable.”

Last season’s leading rusher Emeke Nwanze has transferred to Centennial, opening the role for Farid Nana-Yeboah and Will Caylor.

Providing gaps for its rusher and protection for McDaniel will be a young offensive line, but it’s one that Thompson said has been working well as a unit.

McDaniel will have go-to receivers in Mac Bolton, Colin Ferguson, Christian Watson and Kane Siebold.

“We are able to do more offensively with how intelligent these kids are,” Thompson said. “I have more offense

TOUCHDOWNTITANS.COM

Colton McDaniel returns to lead Northview’s offense in James Thompson’s first year as head coach.

than I have in years past and haven’t even played game one.”

Defensively, the Titans will operate out the 3-4 but have multiple looks.

The Titans will look to Shabazz on the defensive line and linebackers Connor Hint and Zach Billings to lead the defensive front.

Kicker Mike Owen, who Thompson called “fantastic,” returns.

Thompson isn’t one to make predictions, but he expects his unified team to compete well this season.

“What I’m concerned with is our team,” he said. “How we stack up is unknown, so we are going to take everything play by play. I feel confident we have turned a corner, now it’s just about execution.”

2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | August, 2017 | 19

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Senior running back Gerard Hurst (5) will lead the rushing attack for the Gladiators in 2017.

Johns Creek young but talented for 2017 under new head coach Gladiators forced to replace 37 seniors from region title team

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A year after winning the program’s first region title, Johns Creek will have a new look in 2017. The Gladiators will be under new leadership in head coach Matt Helmerich and will have a slew of young players making their starting debuts.

The Gladiator’s offense only returns a few starters, but that’s still far more than the defense, which returns none.

But in his short time at the helm, Helmerich says though his team lacks starting experience, the Gladiators’ talent runs deep.

“We have a lot of young talent that is enthusiastic and wants to work,” Helmerich said. “We still have talent up and down the roster, we’re just young in certain areas.”

Much of that talent resides in the offense’s few returners, all at skilled positions.

Quarterback Zach Gibson returns after his standout sophomore season to lead the Gladiator’s spread offense. He will have a go-to and highly-touted receiver in Zach Williams, who has gathered interest from 22 college programs.

“I don’t think teams will be able to limit Williams as much as they think they can,” Helmerich said.

The Gladiators also have a number of talented slot receivers, including Tommy Tremble.

Where the offense lacks experience is on the line, which will see just one returning starter and no seniors.

“They are undersized, but they are

the hardest working group on the field each day,” Helmerich said. He hopes the line will be “clicking” when Johns Creek begins region play.

That line will be creating gaps for running back Nate Hope.

It’ll be all new on the defensive side, and the Gladiators have been filling the entire starting roster.

Helmerich will use a 3-3 stack and multiple coverages in what he calls an undersized, but fast and aggressive defense.

Johns Creek will also be inexperienced in its kicker after consistent and powerful Jake Friant graduated. The Gladiators will call on a soccer player and first-year football player, for its kicking duties.

“As a young team, our goal is to get better each week, but there’s enough talent on this team to win quite a few games this year,” Helmerich said.

Johns Creek’s inexperienced team will have little time to come together – the Gladiators open their season against two 7A opponents in Lassiter and North Forsyth.

“On paper, Lassiter might be the most talented team we face all year, and they’re week one,” Helmerich said.

“Follow that with North Forsyth right out of the gate and its certainly going to be an early test.”

The challenging opening games of the season will expose any weaknesses and show the team what they need to work on, Helmerich said.

The Gladiators will then have a bye week to make those adjustments before starting Region 7-AAAAAA play, where they will look to defend their region title.

“It’s a pretty balanced region,” Helmerich said. “I think we can beat any team, and any team can beat us.

We’ve got to bring our ‘A’ game every week.”

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2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

West Forsyth enters first year of ‘Cahill era’ Team talented offensively, inexperienced defensively

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — This season will mark West Forsyth’s first under head coach Shawn Cahill, a former offensive coordinator at Lanier and Harvey High in North Dakota.

Joining Cahill is new offensive coordinator Chad Davenport, who led Northview as head coach from 201016. Cahill and Davenport had coached together previously at Peachtree Ridge.

Cahill, who employed a run-based offense at Lanier, said he was impressed with Northview’s passing game, and wanted to implement Davenport’s scheme with his own.

“I told [Davenport] we want to keep the running game from Lanier, but I liked what you did with the passing and getting the ball out quick at Northview,” Cahill said. “Because he and I have such a good relationship, we’re both just trying to get our kids in the best position to be successful.”

In addition to a new offensive scheme, Cahill brings a “play both ways” mindset to West, which senior Cade Vela has appreciated.

“With coach Cahill, he really overlooks all sides of the ball,” Vela said.

“In adapting us to playing both ways, it allows us to develop as players.”

Vela has made the move from safety to cornerback, just one of two returning starters on what will be an inexperienced West defense.

Junior Abraham Camara will step into the starting role at safety with Malachi Claiborne joining Vela at cornerback.

Ryan Wnek, 6-foot-3, 190-pounds, will start at outside linebacker with Jacob Weldy starting as inside linebacker.

West’s offense returns more starters, but it will be led by a new quarterback in senior Bryce Jones.

Jones takes over for Kiernan Hamilton who passed for nearly 2,500 yards and 26 touchdowns last season.

Jones went 11-22 for 119 yards with a touchdown.

Jones said West’s new offense will highlight the offensive squad’s strengths.

“We think [the new offense] is going to fit our personnel well,” he said.

“They’ve really made an offense that fits who we are and what we have.”

Jones will have a go-to target in

www.westforsythfootball.net

West Forsyth enters its first season under new head coach Shawn Cahill after two straight playoff appearances. returning receiver/tight end Ben Bresnahan, West’s leading receiver in 2016. Senior receiver Zach Burns, who caught 47 passes for 633 yards last

year, also returns.

Clay Crocker will likely lead the rushing attack for West behind an inexperienced offensive line.

2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | August, 2017 | 21

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22 | August, 2017 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com

2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

Cambridge program built upon unity, grit Bears family attitude has bred success

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. — Sixth-year Cambridge head coach Craig Bennett talks about his team as one often speaks of beloved family members. He uses terms like “joy” and “pleasure” to describe his time with players. He speaks of their fortitude and perseverance like a proud parent and never fails to mention the most important aspect of his job is not winning games, but building relationships.

And he’s seen that as the reason for Cambridge’s success on the field.

“Over the years as our program developed, the kids responded well to all they went through,” he said. “Our kids have a lot of grit, and in the daily grind of a high school season in Georgia, seeing how these kids respond and the relationships you build, that’s the joy in coaching.”

For Bennett’s seniors and juniors, the grit Bennett speaks of came through the adversity of going 7-3 two straight years and still being locked out the playoffs due to playing in a Class 5A sub-region.

“Going 7-3 and not making the playoffs was a hard thing to swallow,” Bennett said.

Senior kicker Victor Valentine returns to the Bears after scoring 54 points last season.

Our kids have a lot of grit, and in the daily grind of a high school season in Georgia, seeing how these kids respond and the relationships you build, that’s the joy in coaching.”

Craig Bennett Cambridge head coach But after a move to Class 6A last season, the Bears finally overcame the playoff hump, earning their first trip to the postseason.

And Bennett said now that Cambridge has made that step, they refuse to move backward.

Besides grit and a family-atmosphere, the cornerstones of the Cambridge program has been physical play, and this year will be no different.

“We are typically undersized, but we play tough,” Bennett said.

The offense will continue to establish the run this season and will do so with a new running back and two new starting lineman.

Standout running back Kaelin Byrd, who rushed for over 1,400 yards last season and 23 touchdowns, has graduated. In to fill that role will be senior Matthew McCree. “[McCree] has done a really great job this summer and credits Byrd with mentoring him last year on what it means to be the go-to guy,” Bennett said.

McCree racked up 311 yards rushing on just 32 carries last season.

Cambridge will also look to a new starter at quarterback in Hogan Dykes.

Though Dykes is inexperienced, Bennett said he has done a phenomenal job of taking over the starting role this summer.

“We’re excited about him,” he said.

“He is a smart kid who studies the game, is big at 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds and has an accurate arm with the ability to run. He brings a lot of tools to our backfield.”

Dykes will find multiple targets at receiver, a position where Cambridge has nine players who can go in at any

photos by Studio 7 Photography

Matt McCree will take over rushing duties for Cambridge’s offense this season.

He averaged 9.7 yards per carry on 32 rushes in 2016. time, and each has a unique skill set, Bennett said.

The offensive line returns three of five from last year, including four-year starter Kasra Bojnordi.

Seven returners, including three at linebacker and all of Cambridge’s secondary, will line up more seasoned.

The Bears started five freshman in their playoff game against Mays last season.

In returning multiple starters on both sides of the ball, Bennett said experience should pay dividends for the Bears this season.

“The kids knowing what we’re doing and the experience they have brings confidence,” he said.

Bennett’s team is also more sea-

soned in their region after moving in last year.

“You have to be prepared week-in and week-out,” he said. “To be competitive, we have to be the best we can be.

And we don’t talk about where we want to be at the end of the season or how many games we want to win. We talk about getting better each day.”

And though they face a daunting task in their region schedule, Bennett knows his “family” should have success.

“We’ve been competitive with those teams even when the talent-pool is stacked against us,” he said. “If they work hard they’ll have a chance. And it’s special to coach kids like that.”

2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | August, 2017 | 23

24 | August, 2017 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com

2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

Expectations raised for Longhorns Lambert confident for 2017 season

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com SUWANEE, Ga. — Lambert head coach Louis Daniel called the Longhorns’ 2016 season “special.” And for good reason.

Lambert completed its seventh winning season in eight years, captured the program’s first region title and won its first playoff game with a 44-14 drubbing over Central Gwinnett in the first round.

Last year’s season has set the bar higher for the Longhorns.

“Going into this year you keep the same goals,” Daniel said, “but now it’s an expectation.”

With Lambert looking to build on last year’s success, he is confident in his 2017 squad.

“I feel very optimistic. We have a good senior class and some D-1 talent in there, and on that front, we’re the best we’ve ever been. But scholarships don’t win football games. We are going to play hard and continue a good tradi-

tion,” Daniel said.

The Longhorns will open the season with five non-region games, including the talented teams of Mountain View, Cherokee and Lanier, a schedule that should prepare the Longhorns to defend their Region 5-AAAAAAA title.

“We really focused on improving in those first five games last year,” Daniel said. “In those games, you may make choices that are not advantageous to your record, which happened to us last year, but it sets you up for those last five games.”

The Longhorns’ offense will aim to improve in the non-region games under new leadership in senior quarterback Bobby Gabriel. “[Gabriel] opens a lot more options on offense,” Daniel said. “He is more of a dual-threat guy.”

Joining Gabriel in the backfield will be returning senior tailback Justin Bruno, who led the Longhorns with 968 yards rushing last season. Fellow seniors Marcus Chatelain and Will Kohlins will also add to Lambert’s rush attack.

Gone is 2016 leading receiver Tyler Gillis, who transferred to Buford, but Lambert will have multiple targets for

Gabriel, including tight end Alex Snyder and receivers Michael Wilkins and Jacob Grieser.

Three of five offensive lineman return to the Longhorn’s front.

Daniel said Lambert’s focus has always been on its defense, which will look to continue the same game-plan as previous years.

“When you grow up playing the same scheme, it becomes a traditional learning situation,” he said. “We have a tradition and the boys have confidence in it.”

Lambert returns half its starters, but lost its top four tacklers from last season to graduation. Daniel said he expects big seasons from defensive lineman Bryce Chason, David Standeven and Snyder, cornerback Kenneth Dicks III, linebacker Chris Taylor and safety Will Chatelain.

Coming off their first region title, Daniel said he is assured in his team, but that it’s anyone’s championship this year.

“We have quality opponents up and down the schedule,” he said. “You lose the wrong game and you’re bound for second right away,” he said.

The Longhorns will focus on stay-

Kevin O’Brien/Split Second Images

Senior Justin Bruno returns after leading the Longhorns in rushing yards and touchdowns last year. ing healthy and maintaining stability, Daniel said, in order to defend their title.

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2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

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Senior Brooks Binkley (25) said he has been pleased with Pinecrest’s transition to its new offense.

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CUMMING, Ga. — Terence Mathis spent 13 years in the NFL, including seven with the Atlanta Falcons, where he played over 200 games and racked up nearly 9,000 yards receiving. He was a Pro-Bowl selection in 1994 and was integral in leading the Falcons to the 1998 Super Bowl.

Needless to say, Mathis has serious NFL experience. He has taken that time and experience at the professional level and implemented an all-new look for the Pinecrest Paladins in 2017.

Gone is the triple-option offense, to be replaced by a pro-style offense which will feature multiple looks. The defense will also run a new scheme, replacing last year’s 3-5 with a 3-4.

Mathis said his team is loving the new systems.

At the helm since mid-May, Mathis hasn’t had much time to implement his new schemes, but said he has already seen significant progress.

“Coming from what they were used to, I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how far they’ve come,” he said.

Senior Brooks Binkley said he is on board with the transition.

“On the first day I felt the energy,” Binkley said. “It was easy to transition.”

Leading the new offense will be senior quarterback Micky Mangan.

Mathis said junior Ryan Difazio is also getting equal reps.

Sharing the rushing attack will be Brinkley, Michael Birozes and Hogan Palmer, who Mathis said provides breakaway speed. All will likely see receptions out of the backfield.

The most difficult transition to the new offense has been with the offensive line, Mathis said.

“They’ve been taught power blocking, and now they are being asked to zone block, be more athletic and provide pass protection. If there’s one area that’s a work in progress, it’s the line,” he said.

Mathis will look to junior defensive end Stone Brown to cause confusion for the opposition’s front-five and for inside linebacker Nolan Stafford to stop the run and lead the Paladins’ new defense.

Pinecrest’s new schemes will face a baptism by fire when the team opens the season against two 7A opponents, South Forsyth and Discovery, before the gauntlet that is Region 6-A. With the schedule in place before his hiring, Mathis said the Paladins won’t use the two non-region games to pad their playoff seed-deciding power rankings — Pinecrest is still out to win.

“I know a lot of high schools play non-region games to get ready for region games and don’t put a lot of emphasis on them,” Mathis said. “Our philosophy is this – if you’re on the schedule, we’re going to look to beat you.”

“We’re planning to go to South Forsyth and win. It’s not a measuring stick for us,” he said.

2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | August, 2017 | 27

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2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

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Mount Pisgah returns offensive firepower in 2017 Patriots seeking sixth-straight playoff appearance

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Since its program was founded 15 years ago, Mount Pisgah has enjoyed its most successful stint under head coach Mike Forester, who has compiled a 32-15 record and has made the playoffs all four years since he came on board, what Forester called the goal for each season.

The team will seek to continue its playoff streak this season, as well as capture the program’s second region championship, with a seasoned offensive and inexperienced but promising defense.

Standout senior quarterback Jacob Cendoya returns to lead the Patriots’ offense. He not only led the team in passing yards and touchdowns, he was also the Patriots’ leading rusher, compiling 2,468 yards passing with 22 touchdowns and added 1,169 yards on the ground with 10 touchdowns in 2016.

“Cendoya is an incredible talent,” Forester said. “He loves playing and gives us a spark and enthusiasm.”

Cendoya will get the ball into the hands of senior receiver Kai Williams, who had 843 yards receiving with 11 touchdowns, including four 100-plus yard games, last year.

Joining Williams in the receiving core will be Jacob Wooten and David Woodward.

The Patriots’ also bring size and experience to the offensive line with

6-foot-3 tackle Chad Peden and 6-foot5 Connor Getchell leading the line.

Trey Murphy will likely lead the rushing attack for the Patriots who averaged 34 points per game last year.

“We’re hoping our offense is going to be what drives us,” Forester said.

“We’re counting on them to win us quite a few ballgames.”

Mount Pisgah will need to fill more gaps on what Forester called a “young defense,” but he said he has been pleased with his “promising” new starters. Defensive end Connor Pursell, linebackers Charlie Smith, Jackson Grant and Jonathan Giglia return for the Patriots’ defense.

The Patriots’ allowed an average of 29 points per game in 2016 with one shutout.

Mount Pisgah will face the same nine teams as last year before the Region 6-A play-in game Nov. 4 and will try to avoid a last-season skid against the region’s top teams.

The Patriots opened the season 4-0, including a no-contest against Rabun County, before falling in four of their final six games to Pinecrest Academy, Fellowship Christian, Mount Paran and Trion.

“All of our opponents are tough, but some of the really tough teams are at the end of the season,” Forester said.

“If we can stay injury-free, we can stay successful.”

The Patriots are 20-7 against their first nine opponents under Forester.

M

2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | August, 2017 | 29

St. Francis still young but more seasoned for 2017 Knights look to bounce back from 2-8 season

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. — The label “young” is often assigned to high school football teams, but perhaps no team in the state was as young as St. Francis last season.

Of the Knights’ entire 2016 roster, only 11 were upperclassmen. That youth and inexperience was revealed when St. Francis struggled to a 2-8 finish in Tim Mathis’ first year as head coach.

Given the team’s youth, many of the Knight’s starters on Fridays had also played in JV games the night before.

But those players earning six quarters of game-time a week should pay dividends this season, Mathis said.

“Last year we were so young, and as a new coach, I was trying to learn my team and they were trying to learn

saintfrancisschools.com

Sophomore Sam Hines will play on both sides of the ball for St. Francis as quarterback and safety. me,” Mathis said. “But now we are familiar with each other, we learned what worked and what didn’t and we’ve gotten better.”

Mathis’ team will still be young with just four seniors on the roster.

The Knights return all skilled positions on offense and four of five linemen, including Jonathan Pittman who was named All-Region as a freshman last season. Defensively, a majority of starters will be back and more experienced.

St. Francis’ rushing attack will be led by the junior duo of Robert Jones and Sean Paradise. Isiah Wadsworth, the Knights’ top receiver last year, joins sophomore TJ Tampa, football newcomer Jai Smith and senior Caleb Schneider to make up the receiving core.

Finding those receivers will be a new quarterback with the departure of Matt Davis, one of just eight seniors on the 2016 team. Mathis said the Knights’ two scrimmages will determine who gets the starting job between sophomore Sam Hines and junior Nick Kreitner.

Pittman leads an offensive line that Mathis called bigger, faster and stronger than last season.

“After that first year, everyone knows the system, and we definitely

have potential on offense and should be very explosive,” Mathis said.

Defensive end Paradise, linebacker Aaron Strozier and safeties Hines and Josh Harps-Zhu will lead the Knights’ defense again this year.

Those returning players not only benefitted from the experience gained in 2016, they are also using last year as motivation.

“We’re still 2-8 until we prove different,” Mathis said. “The kids weren’t satisfied with last season and they are anxious and ready to improve.”

It didn’t help the Knights’ chances last year that seven of the 10 teams they played earned playoff berths.

“In our region you can be beat by anyone,” he said. “It’s such a tough region, but if you can do well, it gives you a great chance to make a run in the playoffs.”

And making the playoffs is the goal for the more mature Knights this season.

“I think we’ll take a step in the right direction if we can make the playoffs, and I think we have that ability,” Mathis said.

Fellowship Christian faces high expectations after historic 2016 Paladins return after best year in program history

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Everyone loves a good underdog story. Playing the part of underdog in 2016 was Fellowship Christian.

The Paladins entered the 2016 season having not put together a winning season in nearly a decade. They had gone 14-34 in region games in the same span, hadn’t been in the running for a region title, and they were 21-24 all-time against opponents on their schedule.

But in the span of 13 games, Fellowship Christian became one of the most talked-about teams in the state – the underdogs reeling in an unprecedented 13-0 run, which would win them a bid to play for the ultimate prize of a state title.

The Paladins ultimately fell to defending state champs ECLA in a double overtime heartbreaker, but the effects of that improbable season carry into the 2017 season – the Paladins are

aiming higher than ever.

“Last year set an expectation,” head coach Al Morrell said. “It was a special year and definitely gave us something to build on.”

With his program thrust into the spotlight after a single season, Morrell said he can’t say if this team will be able to match, or perhaps better, the 2016 squad’s state runner up title, but he’s looking forward to the upcoming season.

“You always set goals high, but a lot of it has to do with your competition and what they have coming back,” he said. “If we can get the same chemistry and confidence we had rolling last year, I don’t know how far we can go, but we are optimistic.”

Though some of last year’s Cinderella squad has graduated, including quarterback and Class-A Player of the Year Jack Hardin, the Paladins return a large core of the 2016 team.

The offense returns three standout offensive lineman, which Morrell calls the key to his Wing-T offense. Guard Tad Aycock and tackles Mason Russell and Davis Shaw all return, and will be joined by Matt Morton at center and tackle Mason Russell.

“In our scheme, our guards do a lot of pulling and trapping,” Morrell said.

“We have two big, strong kids who also have the ability to run well.”

That offensive line will be tasked with protecting a new starter at quarterback, and Morrell said there is competition between senior Hunter McMickle and junior Brooks Bryant.

Morell said the nod will likely go to the senior, but either way, the Paladins will lack experience under center. McMickle missed opportunities to gain playing experience last year after breaking his hand.

If he’s passed over for the starting QB job, Bryant will still contribute to the offense as a receiver, where the Paladins also lack experience. Casey Barham, who perhaps caught the football bug after seeing Fellowship’s run last season, will be strapping on a helmet for the first time this season. In his first season of football, Morrell said Barham has shown promise.

Though the “Andrew duo” of Andrew Johnson and Andrew Minkert were lost to graduation, plenty of capable rushers return. Merrick Haigler, making the move from wingback to fullback, will

join Cameron Gill at running back and share most of the rushing duties.

Where the offense had many gaps to fill this offseason, the Paladin’s 4-4 defense will return eight starters.

Russell, Shaw and Aycock will man the interior defensive line while Reed Bott and Billy McCurry – who led the team in tackles, sacks and tackles for loss last season – return at defensive end.

“Our defensive front is solid,” Morell said. “McCurry is probably one of the top players in the region.”

But the keys to the defense will be inside linebackers Matthew Curry and Matt Morton, Morell said. The duo combined for 136 total tackles last year.

Safety Cameron Gill and cornerbacks Merrick Haigler, James Milhollin return to the secondary.

Though he can’t say if his 2017 team can repeat last year’s magic, Morell is still confident.

“If each game we can stay healthy and play mistake-free, I know we have a chance to win each game.”

30 | August, 2017 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com

2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

King’s Ridge implements triple-option offense Team continues to ‘turn the bus around’

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com

CHUCK PITTS/CHUCKSMUGSHOTS.COM

Quarterback Hayden Milling (25) will lead the new look Tigers offense in 2017.

King’s Ridge will feature multiple new starters.

Last year’s leading passer, rusher and receiver have graduated, leaving openings in skilled positions, but Chupp said this year’s squad looks promising.

Hayden Milling finished out last

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season as the starting quarterback over Gresham Shepard, and will likely lead the Tigers’ offense.

Milling should be suited for the new offense. Chupp said Milling is better suited to running than passing.

Though Milling will likely lead the Tigers, Chupp said it will still be

DELICIO

MILTON, Ga. — A first-year head coach in 2016, the Tigers’ Jimmy Chupp aimed to “turn the bus around” at the King’s Ridge which had gone 1-9 in 2014 and 2015. After a 4-6 season last year, Chupp said that redirection has begun, and will hopefully continue with the Tigers’ newly implemented offense – the triple-option.

While most teams are beginning to move away from the offensive scheme, including region rivals Pinecrest Academy, the Tigers are looking forward to playing with their new look, Chupp said.

“We’re excited about changing the [offensive] plan,” he said. “The kids are working hard on that transition, and the retuning kids have been successful with the change.”

Chupp said the offense’s success will be determined by how much the Tigers’ grow as a unit, with team play crucial to the triple-option.

In addition to the new offense,

quarterback by committee with Casey Flanagan and Braxton Chadwick also in for snaps.

The backfield will include a trio of Smith brothers, Christian, Thomas and Nick, who will lead the rushing attack along with Kevin Howard, Robby DeFelice and Joshua Stallworth.

Led by 6-foot-1, 240 pound center Parker Lefton, the offensive line has transitioned well to the new blocking schemes, Chupp said.

Leading the receiving core will be Jackson Rich and Evan Dyers.

Six starters will return on defense, including linebackers Kaleb Harris and Nick Smith, who combined for 94 tackles last season. Stallworth and Milling will secure the secondary with seniors Phillip Trainor and Sean Barden returning to lead the defensive line.

Joseph Patti will handle kicking duties this season.

Since the Tigers’ program began in 2008, King’s Ridge has failed to make the playoffs, but Chupp said his emphasis will be on building up his players, and that wins should fall in place.

“We’re looking forward to a great season of building young men,” he said.

“Last year we had a great start to that, and we are looking to build on it.”

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2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | August, 2017 | 31

Blessed Trinity looks to continue winning tradition with new defense Titans seek fifth straight region title

Three defensive starters – Jake Rudolph, JR Bivens and Mickey Skole – will share time at fullback.

After leading the Titans in receptions, yards and receiving touchdowns

By JOE PARKER in his sophomore season, Ryan Davis joe@appenmediagroup.com will once again be a go-to target for Smith. McFarlin said the offseason ROSWELL, Ga. — Under Tim McFarhas also seen the emergence of senior lin, Blessed Trinity has gone 61-17-1, Will Carlton, who brings size and runs has captured four consecutive region exceptionally well. championships and has made a playoff Junior Ethan Chauvin will step appearance in all his seven years with up to replace consistent and powerthe program. But BT’s defense, a key to the Titans’ success under McFarlin, will ful kicker Brooks Hosea, now at West Point. have a new look this year under new “Ethan has had a really good sumdefensive coordinator John Thompson. mer and we think he will do well in that After retiring from coaching at the role,” McFarlin said. collegiate level where he was on the With his retuning players and new staff of 10 Division 1 programs, Thompstarters, McFarlin said he hopes to son has decided to get back in the fray continue the tradition of “hard-nosed” of football and lead the Titans’ newly football at Blessed implemented scheme.

Trinity.

“We were very “When all is said fortunate to pick and done, I don’t up coach Thompthink much about son,” McFarlin said. what our record will “He spent his whole be,” he said. “We career at the college are going to focus level and he welcomed on the ceiling of our the opportunity to players. However far come coach in high that takes us, I don’t school.” know, but we want Out of a 4-3 base, to look back and say the Titans will use we went as far as we multiple looks. could go.”

Most of last year’s The Titans will see defense – which gave where they stand in up an average of the early going of the 19 points per game season with another despite a challengschedule featuring a ing schedule – will demanding non-rereturn, including the gion schedule. entire secondary.

BT will take on Linebackers Jake Tim McFarlin Blessed Trinity head coach rivals Westminster, Rudolph and JD who defeated BT in Bertrand, some of overtime in the 2015 BT’s top tacklers last Class 3A state chamseason, also return. pionship game, as well as St. Pius X BT’s defensive front four will feature to open the season. They then take on some new faces due to graduations. two teams in a higher classification in Raleigh Barden, who missed much of Marietta and Creekview before ending last season due to an injury, may miss non-region play against Tennessee the Titans’ first two games, but he powerhouse McCallie School. should be cleared to play by the end of “We will absolutely know where we the month.

The offense returns key skilled play- stand after our non-region games,” McFarlin said. “It will get us battle tested.” ers, but will have a new front-five with BT will then turn its attention to three standout lineman from the 2016 capturing a second straight Region roster lost to graduation.

7-AAAA title.

Quarterback Jake Smith returns “You have to go through Marist, after a successful sophomore season which is a great program, West Hall is where he compiled 1,569 yards with always good and White County has a 16 touchdowns. He will be joined in new coach,” McFarlin said. “We know the backfield by running back Steele we’ll have our work cut out for us but Chambers who rushed for just under we’re looking forward to it.”

1,500 yards with 21 touchdowns.

We were very fortunate to pick up coach [John] Thompson. He spent his whole career at the college level and he welcomed the opportunity to come coach in high school.”

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9/22 @ Kennesaw Mountain 10/6 North Forsyth* 10/13 @West Forsyth* 10/20 Milton* 10/27 @South Forsyth* 11/3 Lambert*

9/29 Milton 10/06 @Lassiter* 10/13 Walton* 10/20 Etowah* 10/27 @Woodstock* 11/3 @Cherokee*

8/18 Roswell (Corky Kell) 8/25 Pinecrest Academy 9/1 Centennial 9/8 @South Gwinnett 9/22 Lassiter 10/6 Lambert* 10/13 @Milton* 10/20 @North Forsyth* 10/27 Forsyth Central* 11/3 @West Forsyth

8/25 Johns Creek

9/1 Loganville

9/15 @Pickens

9/22 Woodstock

10/6 @Forsyth Central*

10/13 @Lambert*

10/20 South Forsyth*

10/27 West Forsyth*

11/3 @Milton*

11/3 South Forsyth

10/27 @North Forsyth*

10/20 @Lambert*

10/13 Forsyth Central*

10/6 @Milton*

9/22 @Newnan

9/15 Dacula

9/8 @Hillgrove

8/25 @Pace Academy

8/18 Woodstock

(Reg. 5-AAAAAAA)

9/15 Duluth

9/22 Archer

WEST FORSYTH

9/08 @Meadowcreek

9/08 @Colquitt County

(Reg. 5-AAAAAAA)

9/01 @River Ridge

9/01 @Central Gwinnett

SOUTH FORSYTH

8/25 Dawson Co.

(Reg. 5-AAAAAAA)

FORSYTH CENTRAL

8/18 South Forsyth (Corky Kell)

(Reg. 4-AAAAAAA)

ROSWELL

8/18 @Sequoyah

(Reg. 5-AAAAAAA)

NORTH FORSYTH

LOCAL TEAMS BY REGION • Reg. 4-AAAAAAA: Roswell • Reg. 7-AAAAAA: Alpharetta, Cambridge, Centennial, Chattahoochee, Johns Creek and Northview • Reg. 5-AAAAAAA: Forsyth Central, Lambert, Milton, North Forsyth, South Forsyth and West Forsyth • Reg. 7-AAAA: Blessed Trinity • Reg. 6-A Subregion B: Fellowship Christian, King’s Ridge, Mt. Pisgah, Pinecrest and St. Francis

*on schedules denotes region game

2017 team schedules

9/29 @Roswell 10/6 West Forsyth* 10/13 South Forsyth* 10/20 @Forsyth Central* 10/27 @Lambert* 11/3 North Forsyth*

9/22 @Wheeler 10/6 @South Forsyth 10/13 North Forsyth 10/20 West Forsyth 10/27 Milton 11/3 @Forsyth Central

11/3 @Chattahoochee*

10/27 Dunwoody*

10/20 @Cambridge*

10/13 Johns Creek*

10/6 @Pope*

9/29 North Atlanta*

9/15 Northview*

9/8 @Centennial*

8/25 Gainesville

8/18 @Milton

11/3 @North Atlanta*

10/20 Alpharetta*

10/13 @Northview*

10/6 Dunwoody*

9/29 @Johns Creek*

9/22 Centennial*

9/15 Pope*

9/8 @Chattahoochee*

9/1 Milton

8/25 @Creekview

(Reg. 7-AAAAAA)

9/15 Etowah

9/15 Lanier

CAMBRIDGE

9/1 @Cambridge

9/8 @Cherokee

(Reg. 7-AAAAAA)

8/25 North Gwinnett

9/1 @Collins Hill

ALPHARETTA

8/18 Alpharetta

(Reg. 5-AAAAAAA)

MILTON

8/25 Mountain View

(Reg. 5-AAAAAAA)

LAMBERT

32 | August, 2017 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com

2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

9/8 Alpharetta* 9/15 @Johns Creek* 9/22 @Cambridge* 9/29 Chattahoochee* 10/6 @Northview* 10/13 North Atlanta* 10/20 Dunwoody* 10/27 @Pope*

9/8 Cambridge*

9/15 @North Atlanta*

9/22 Dunwoody*

9/29 @Centennial*

10/6 @Johns Creek*

10/20 Pope*

10/27 @Northview*

11/3 Alpharetta*

8/18 Glascock Co. 9/1 @Strong Rock Christian 9/8 @Whitefield Academy* 9/15 Mt. Paran Christian* 9/29 @Mt. Pisgah Christian* 10/6 Pinecrest Academy* 10/13 St. Francis* 10/20 @Walker* 10/27 @Fellowship Christian 11/3 TBD (Reg. 6-A Play-In)

8/25 Mt. Paran Christian

9/8 @Our Lady of Mercy

9/15 @St. Francis*

9/29 Walker*

10/6 @Whitefield Academy*

10/13 @Pinecrest Academy*

10/20 Mt. Pisgah Christian*

10/27 King’s Ridge Christian*

11/3 TBD (Reg. 6-A Play-In)

(Reg. 6-A Subregion B)

11/3 TBD (Reg. 6-A Play-In)

10/27 @Mt. Paran Christian*

10/20 @Fellowship Christian*

10/6 @St. Francis*

9/29 King’s Ridge Christian*

9/22 @Pinecrest Academy*

9/8 Walker*

9/1 Whitefield Academy*

8/25 @Rabun Co.

8/18 Holy Innocents’

(Reg. 6-A Subregion B)

Mt. Pisgah Christian

11/3 @Dunwoody

10/27 North Atlanta*

10/13 @Alpharetta*

10/6 Chattahoochee*

9/29 Cambridge*

9/22 @Northview*

9/15 Centennial*

9/8 @Pope*

8/25 @North Forsyth

8/18 Lassiter

(Reg. 7-AAAAAA)

JOHNS CREEK

11/3 TBD (Reg. 6-A Play-In)

10/27 St. Francis*

10/20 @Whitefield Academy*

10/13 Fellowship Christian*

10/6 @King’s Ridge Christian*

9/29 @Mt. Paran Christian*

9/22 Mt. Pisgah Christian*

9/15 Walker*

9/1 @Discovery

8/25 @South Forsyth

(Reg. 6-A Subregion B)

Pinecrest Academy

11/3 @Pope*

10/27 Chattahoochee*

10/20 @North Atlanta*

10/13 Cambridge*

10/6 Centennial*

9/29 @Dunwoody*

9/22 Johns Creek*

9/15 @Alpharetta*

9/1 @Winder-Barrow

8/18 Lanier

(Reg. 7-AAAAAA)

NORTHVIEW

11/3 TBD (Reg. 6-A Play-In)

10/27 @Pincerest Academy*

10/20 Mt. Paran Christian*

10/13 @King’s Ridge Christian*

10/6 Mt. Pisgah Christian*

9/29 Whitefield Academy*

9/22 @Walker*

9/15 Fellowship Christian*

9/1 @North Cobb Christian

8/25 @Holy Innocents’

(Reg. 6-A Subregion B)

St. Francis

11/3 @West Hall*

10/20 Marist*

10/13 @Chestatee*

10/6 White Co.*

9/22 McCallie (TN)

9/15 @Hart Co.

9/8 Creekview

9/1 @Marietta

8/25 St. Pius X

8/18 @Westminster

(Reg. 7-AAAA)

BLESSED TRINITY

2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

8/18 @Atkinson Co.

(Reg. 6-A Subregion B)

KING’S RIDGE

9/1 @South Forsyth

8/25 @Rockdale Co.

FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN

8/25 Wheeler

(Reg. 7-AAAAAA)

CENTENNIAL

8/18 Pickens

(Reg. 7-AAAAAA)

CHATTAHOOCHEE

NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | August, 2017 | 33

34 | August, 2017 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com

2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

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4471 May Apple Drive, Alpharetta

Offered at $550,000

• Four sides hard coat stucco with 5500+ finished sq ft., 6 beds / 5.5 baths • Fully remodeled kitchen with Kraftmaid solid wood cabinets, extended island, silestone counter, high-end stainless appliances including built-in beverage refrigerator • So many upgrades including custom built-ins, plantation shutters and gleaming hardwoods throughout most of this home • Expansive master suite offering sitting area, custom built-ins, luxurious granite and natural stone bath plus two closets • Wonderful level lot, new driveway, professionally upgraded landscaping and lovely stone walk and entryway • Award-winning Alpharetta HS and active swim/tennis community located minutes from Avalon, downtown Alpharetta, 400 and 141.

The

Ash- Jones Team

Over $30 million closed sales in 2015-2016 Award-winning Relocation Specialists

ashjonesteam.harrynorman.com

SOLD

700 Vinca Court

SOLD

4105 Hopewell Springs Drive

SOLD

Listings

4481 May Apple Drive

Patty Ash 678-557-2877 cell patty@pattyash.com

Eve Jones 770-365-1406 cell eve.jones@harrynorman.com

SOLD

SOLD

3110 Rocky Brook Drive

955 Gunter Court

NORTH FULTON OFFICE | 678-461-8700 | 7855 North Point Parkway, Suite 100 | Alpharetta, GA 30022 | www.harrynorman.com